Took the solar dive, DIY install options?

[Glenn]

We only get one life to live so I bit the bullet! My solar system parts are ordered and I am awaiting delivery. After tons of reading and great eye opening advice here I ended up getting random parts. It seemed that all the "kits" had something I wanted to upgrade OR they were just ridiculously priced. I also wanted to leave my options open for expansion should my plans work out for our couple year tour of the entire continental US.

I digress, lol...
All I need to do now is install it in my 13' JKUR. I do not want a permanent installation , but I will of course need something that can handle the rugged roads less traveled "securely". Im thinking of maybe a dual battery box that I can somehow attach a panel to that will hold the controller and inverter. One unit but 2 pieces?

How do you guys mount your systems?

If you have photos of your setup I would love to see some for ideas !!

 

[9Mike2]

I too am very interested in seeing how this works out.. Thanks Glenn for being my beta test!!!

 

[Glenn]

I too am very interested in seeing how this works out.. Thanks Glenn for being my beta test!!!

Im excited about this and nervous at the same time. This should be a big learning experience...lol

 

[9Mike2]

I agree, off the grid or without a generator is new to me too

 

[Glenn]

Here are the parts that I am using...

100w Windy Nation Flex Monocrystalline Panel
100ah Windy Nation AGM Battery (x2)
Epever 20A MPPT Controller
AIMS 600W Pure Sine Inverter
30' Panel Cable Extensions
Cllena 12V Socket Charger/V Meter

 

[9Mike2]

Whats funny I worked for Southern Cal Edison, for 35 years. All our trucks had 1000 watt to 6500 watt generator or a gen set to use in the field. or if needed a full on trailer gen set that could power a housing tract...........

 

[9Mike2]

That's funny some of the Genset/Genarac were Krieger...

 

[pl626]

I think those parts would fit nicely inside a Pelican 1440, which gives you the ability to move it around.
http://www.pelican.com/us/en/pro/product/watertight-protector-hard-cases/medium-case/top-loader-case/1440/#image40

 

[Glenn]

I never did anything solar but love the quiet of solar. Generators are loud on the job, I surely don't want to hear one in the wilderness.
I am trying to keep the cost down. Right now I am at $700 and am ordering one more battery I think.

 

[9Mike2]

I never did anything solar but love the quiet of solar. Generators are a nuisance on the job, I surely don't want to hear one in the wild...lol.

Kreiger is one of the better names I have been reading about and out of the better reviews I have read this one had more bang for the buck. I am trying to keep the cost down. Right now I am at $700 and am ordering one more battery I think.

You got that right, about the noise!!! That is one reason I am looking too. And I am done with having to fuel them too.........

 

[Glenn]

I think those parts would fit nicely inside a Pelican 1440, which gives you the ability to move it around.
http://www.pelican.com/us/en/pro/product/watertight-protector-hard-cases/medium-case/top-loader-case/1440/#image40

Love that idea but $200...yikes ! Thinking of building something cheaper.

 

[9Mike2]

Home Depot or a Hunting and Fishing store.....

 

[pl626]

Love that idea but $200...yikes ! Thinking of building something cheaper.

You can find the 1440s for under 150. Anther case manufacturer that's decent and less expensive is Plano. If you're thinking two batteries, have you seen this build? He uses a large Plano storage w/ 2 55AH, but I think it may fit two 100 AH.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Glenn]

You can find the 1440s for under 150. Anther case manufacturer that's decent and less expensive is Plano. If you're thinking two batteries, have you seen this build? He uses a large Plano storage w/ 2 55AH, but I think it may fit two 100 AH.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

THAT is an awesome setup! Maybe I need to rethink the storage box again. A quality box like the pelican would definitely be the way to go. Planos are nice but it would need to be a heavy duty box. I do like the way that is done though. Thanks for that video

 

[pl626]

He did a great job w/ the fit and finish. Looks like a real finished product, in some ways, nicer than the LFPs.
Another option to consider is use a cheap marine battery case, but add Anderson ports so they would be gangable. Marine battery cases are abundant in the sub $20 range...

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Glenn]

I agree with his quality. Cannot believe that is a Plano. Just looks heavier than that but his design? He had a great plan with placement.

 

[Toyotadirtdevil]

Here are the parts that are on the way...

View attachment 13080 View attachment 13081 View attachment 13082 View attachment 13083 View attachment 13084

What brand solar panel are you going to be using?

OB 1643

 

[kennedyma]

Going to be following this thread. Looks like a great setup you have there.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[cosmoblu]

I am like many of the others. I don't have any valuable advice, but I expect to learn a lot. Thanks for taking the time to post.


Sent from my iPhone using OB Talk

 

[pl626]

Glenn-here are some more wheeled case options
http://m.homedepot.com/s/wheeled%20tool%20box?searchtype=suggest&NCNI-5


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk