Looking at converting a 20ft shipping container into external office. No power unless run extension cord. So wondering if I can get away with a cheap 1KW solar system and bypass the whole battery side because the office will only be used between 9am-4pm. Only lights, bar fridge and desktop computer. Does such a setup exist and how cheap can I get it / set it up?
1KW off Grid Solar without Batteries?
figarow on 26/08/2015 - 18:37
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You might want air con which is power hungry.
Also, if your bar fridge has perishables in it they will probably go off since it will have no power overnight.
What will you do in raining season? No Sun, No Power
I think the temp comment was to do with heat inside the container, its going to be a hotbox - you may need power for air con
Extreme heat and humidity also reduces the efficiency of the solar panels
Can't be done without batteries. You can get cheap second hand batteries that used to be in telephone exchanges as they replace them every 5 years. You don't need super efficient brand new ones.
Please tell me where! Been trying to find some!
You're going to have to find someone local - the guy i got mine from at sumner park in brisbane doesn't ship them because of the weight.
Ugh it's always Brisbane/Melbourne that have these batteries. The only ones I can find the Sydney area are way too much for 4-5year old used batteries
No off-grid system will be reliable without a battery as a redundancy…You are basically screwed if it rains mid day…
"Honey, who turned off the lights?"…
You don't need much power or batteries to run what you are contemplating.
A 200w panel(s) and a 100ah battery will do. You will need a small inverter to plug in a 240v power board.
On an average day you will produce 1kWh which will charge the battery. The fridge will consume around 60w, a laptop about 20 watts, led lights, about 10w.
The fridge might need a bit more capacity, as it will run best turned on 24 hours.
All the same, you should get there under $500 on eBay.
Is it hot in gympie?