sunset_over_ypsi1.jpg (389444 bytes) Northern Michigan Solar Cabin

 

Photos of my system

Visit our new photography site! 

 

PICT0704.JPG (331000 bytes)

Above is the finished battery bank box. Ventilation is with a 12 volt computer fan that runs when the panels supply charging power.

PICT0259.JPG (2138737 bytes)

This is the original plastic Fed-Ex box that I kept the batteries in when we first started messing with alternative energy in 2005. Originally, we had all six batteries in two strings installed. Now the strings are broken up with one installed on-site and the other designed as a portable supply.

img54.jpg (19275 bytes)

Here's a photo of the solar panels during my test in January of 2006. I just plopped them on the picnic table.

c12a.jpg (66792 bytes)

This our Xantrex C-12 charge controller.

PICT0438.JPG (1747147 bytes)

This is our Schumacher "SmartCharger", 6/10/20 amp output.

PICT0440.JPG (2292545 bytes)

This generator (2.2 kw - a fancy way of saying 2,200 watts) has a Chinese knockoff of a Honda 5.5 hp gasoline engine. The generator currently has 400+ hours on it with minimal maintenance. Video of the generator is in the generator episode of "This Old Shack".

4-20-06

PICT0310.JPG (2445714 bytes)

Detail shot of the assembly.

PICT0309.JPG (2181994 bytes)

The posts are 6 feet long and sunk in concrete for 40 pounds of solar panels. Oh, well.

PICT0304.JPG (2498386 bytes)

A look into the secret world behind the bank. Yes, yes I didn't use the upper part of the mounting frames for the Harbor Freight panels. See, I need them at 45 degrees. This is perfect.

PICT0307.JPG (74090 bytes)

Here's the grounding for the panels. The ground is hooked from the chassis on the charge controller, the neg. of the panels and the panel frames. Did the proper tests, all is good.

4-20-06

PICT0330.JPG (2142886 bytes)

Here's what the final installation looks like.

 PICT0306.JPG (2886797 bytes)

Another shot of the install. The mounts are wobbly until you get the panels mounted and bolt the things down.

PICT0305.JPG (3016053 bytes)

You can see in this photo that I've mounted the 2 sets of panels at a 3 degree offset to capture the sun as it passes by on it's merry way across the sky.

PICT0322.JPG (3153301 bytes)

Oh, the newsgroup mavens will love this one. This is my reflector experiment. This reflects the light in the mid-afternoon when the sun isn't directly on the panels. See my diary for more.

 

 

 

 

 

 


Email Me