5000 Watt Inverters x 2

[Rick Clark]

5000 Watt Inverters x 2 One each for the East side, and the West side of the house.

These two set up's are the same and yes I know I over built it, but it is better to go big.
Solar and wind go big as you can afford even if you have to save to buy it.
There is a lot left out for wasted space.

Starting on the roof, 2/230 watt panels for topping the battery banks off.
And the start of a larger system.

Solar World Sunmodule SW230 230W Monocrystalline Solar Panels.

http://www.altestore.com/store/Solar...r-Panel/p8051/

This is just to give you a place to check out the info on them, you can shop for the best prices on the net. I do not sell any supplies.

Now we get started

Wire coming in, is #6 AWG 20ft. times 4. I went large so I can expand.

Charge controller

This has been removed by Rick

Dump load is 2/1000 watt dummy loads. And a 3rd one if needed.

There are many different battery wiring diagrams to choose from, but I used this one here.

http://www.smartgauge.co.uk/batt_con.html

#4 in the figure.

Next #000 cable AGW to the inverters.

http://www.theinverterstore.com/the-...l=pwri500012s#

I made up 2 sets of each to lighten the amp. Load.

This is cheaper than buying the super large wire and fittings. I have a lot of cable lying around so I use it.

I used 2” conduit into the house and down to the appropriate size where needed.

My GFI

http://stores.mavericksolar.com/-str...-PV/Detail.bok

Now I need batteries where to go?
For me it was an easy choice to do.

http://www.lifelinebatteries.com/rvflyer.php?id=16

Wired in series’ laid out as 12volt and then wired up for the system. I’ve used (6
volt 400ah each) x 8 for each bank.

Battery charger and power supply as one. IOTA 55amp

http://www.batterystuff.com/battery-...A-DLS1255.html

Next year I will start my wind farm, I think it will be a blast to build. I know that it will never pay for itself, but a good investment for when the wind blows at night.

Thanks for reading and leave your comments please. Rick

[mike95490]

for solar, you do not need a dump load. you could use a water heater element, and get some free hot water.

Is this grid tie ? off grid ?

what voltage is your battery bank ? 12V ? uggghhh. Really consider 48V for a large install, and avoid parallel batteries.

[dwh]

If that controller starts dumping at 13.5v then how does the battery ever get to 14.4v (full charge)?

[Rick Clark]

If that controller starts dumping at 13.5v then how does the battery ever get to 14.4v (full charge)?

I have the controller for when I'm not at home so it will not over load the batteries, I have it hooked up to the battery charger to top them off.
This is an off grid set up
I built this as a back up system I don't use it every day as I was told that the batteries would last much longer.
But your right the thing would work better if I went to a different controller.
Well I guess I'll have to spend more money and change that one out.
Like it say's it is for beginners and here I am.
Thanks Rick

[Rick Clark]

for solar, you do not need a dump load. you could use a water heater element, and get some free hot water.

Is this grid tie ? off grid ?

what voltage is your battery bank ? 12V ? uggghhh. Really consider 48V for a large install, and avoid parallel batteries.

I get free hot water from another source.
Off grid
Always like 12 volts did not want to change up everything else that was already done in 12 volts. Lighting, alarm system that I built and all my radio needs.
Rick

[Cariboocoot]

5kW off 12VDC is a bad idea: nearly 420 Amps of current. This can not be safely managed. Even 0000 wire can't handle it.

Is there really any one load that needs this massive amount of power? Perhaps you could divide the loads up into several smaller, safer inverters. 12 VDC shouldn't be used for more than 2kW inverters, in my opinion.

[AntronX]

Those panels are $ 3.27 per Watt! You can buy decent multi-crystalline panels for off-grid use in $ 1.50 - $1.85 / W range. Or if you are really good at soldering and have steady hands, you can assemble your own panels using solar cells and supplies sourced from ebay. There is one seller there that has 6x6 inch cells for $0.40 - $0.70 per Watt depending on quantity. Although with cheap panels in buck and a half range, it is not really worth doing it yourself unless you really know what you are doing, and have access to cheap or free glass.

Rethink your inverter and system voltage idea. You will need 48V and quality inverter in $2K range. Don't spend the money twice. 12V is really inappropriate for 10 KW inverter. Losses in wiring from the turbines will be too high.

[arkieoscar]

I'm thinking Ole Rick is pulling some legs or jerking some chains.

[Cariboocoot]

I'm thinking Ole Rick is pulling some legs or jerking some chains.

What leads you to that conclusion?

There are such things as 5kW 12VDC inverters. They're crap, but they do exist.

[Rick Clark]

Well I still have a lot to learn!

Don't buy off of Ebay to save a little money.
The charge controller I bought came from there used $75.00 and now I see why.

I have been looking and see that the OutBack FLEXmax 60 should do everything I need or maybe the 80. You people in the know of these things please tell me if that is the way to go.

If there are better ones, post them as to what you think, no harm in that.

I am going to cover the panels today with tarps and shut the hole thing down until I have decided which voltage to go to and other things that have to be changed .

I was thinking tho that if I keep my inverters and I only put no more then 2000 watts into them that will keep the amps down. If not WHY?

Is AIMS bad? If so what is next best thing?

I will take the other controller off my post as to not lead some one else astray.

If you have other ideas please let me here of them.
Thanks for the input so far.
Rick