Anybody have a portable solar generator?

[Terrierman]

14 minutes ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

When I go to estate sales a gas powered generator is on my list....

Get a transfer switch and a generator plug in installed at the meter.  Safest approach for you and for linemen.

Mine is about ten years old Harbor Freight 5KW.  It will run the well, HVAC (ground source doesn't take much power), keep us in lights and allow cycling of two refrigerator/freezers and the deep freeze.

I wish it was electric start but it's not.  Never had to use it but it's nice peace of mind.  Lives in the shop but I still run it every year or two with some load on it to keep the windings dry.

[snagged in outlet 3]

6 hours ago, Johnsfolly said:

Thanks @snagged in outlet 3! NOW I am seeing portable generator ads and we bought one this summer that uses gas and propane.🙄 

Just tried to buy another propane tank.   Shortage of tanks.  Couldn’t get one.  

[MrGiggles]

Seems like it would work but only being 50ah would be sapped pretty quickly if you tried to do much with it other than charge cell phones. A $100 Everstart 29DC, some cheap panels, and a good inverter would give you twice the capacity for half the price if weight and packaging is not a big deal. 

You can buy used Lipo medical batteries on eBay under the Valence brand name. They're pretty cheap compared to other lithium options. 

 

[snagged in outlet 3]

20 minutes ago, MrGiggles said:

Seems like it would work but only being 50ah would be sapped pretty quickly if you tried to do much with it other than charge cell phones. A $100 Everstart 29DC, some cheap panels, and a good inverter would give you twice the capacity for half the price if weight and packaging is not a big deal. 

You can buy used Lipo medical batteries on eBay under the Valence brand name. They're pretty cheap compared to other lithium options. 

 

Can you link an inverter that would do that.   I know enough to kill myself😆

[David Unnerstall]

If you don't absolutely need AC don't go that route..  Inverters vary in quality and only true sine wave inverters are worth the effort and they are expensive.  But there still is loss in going from DC to AC.  I have two solar panels, a charge controller and a trolling motor battery in the teardrop.  I have USB and 12 volt outlets mounted in convenient locations.  All of the lights are 12 volt LED's and the sound system is a car system with speakers inside and out.  Everything I could ever need is 12 volt.

[grizwilson]

I have a Jackery 300 I use in canoe on overnights, much much lighter than the group 27 agm I was carrying not sure how long it will last but can tell you it will run my cpap and charge phone for 3 nights and still shows about 33% do not have the solar panel for it but would be a great addition for Colorado boondocking. 

[snagged in outlet 3]

44 minutes ago, grizwilson said:

I have a Jackery 300 I use in canoe on overnights, much much lighter than the group 27 agm I was carrying not sure how long it will last but can tell you it will run my cpap and charge phone for 3 nights and still shows about 33% do not have the solar panel for it but would be a great addition for Colorado boondocking. 

I’m going to test mine.   Not sure what to use for the test.  I wanted to try a small heater but wife took it to her office.  

[MrGiggles]

4 hours ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

Can you link an inverter that would do that.   I know enough to kill myself😆

https://www.renogy.com/2000w-12v-pure-sine-wave-inverter/

That's about equal to what a standard outlet in your house would provide before the breaker popped.

[snagged in outlet 3]

11 minutes ago, MrGiggles said:

https://www.renogy.com/2000w-12v-pure-sine-wave-inverter/

That's about equal to what a standard outlet in your house would provide before the breaker popped.

I watched a few videos on systems like that.   Some of those guys are really into it.   

[MrGiggles]

2 minutes ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

I watched a few videos on systems like that.   Some of those guys are really into it.   

I think it's cool and all, but at the end of the day the most expensive power is the kind that you make yourself.

I don't know why people spend all kinds of money just to say they're "off grid." Doesn't seem like it would ever pencil out to me.