Solar, lighting and more.

[Almost There]

Just found this:
http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/pts/5693250558.html

Might be worth checking out. Where's SternWake at?

Well, they are Interstate which means they are manufactured by 'who knows'! And they are refurbished.

If you're looking for cheap entry batteries that if you ruin them while you learn, you're not out a whole lot of money then they may be the way to go. The web page you linked to didn't show what the amphour rating was for them. Greenvolt's website was no help either as they don't do anything but link you to a local retailer - one in Abbotsford and one in Kelowna as I presume you're somewhere in the GVA??

 

[Vanada]

Well, they are Interstate which means they are manufactured by 'who knows'! And they are refurbished.

If you're looking for cheap entry batteries that if you ruin them while you learn, you're not out a whole lot of money then they may be the way to go. The web page you linked to didn't show what the amphour rating was for them. Greenvolt's website was no help either as they don't do anything but link you to a local retailer - one in Abbotsford and one in Kelowna as I presume you're somewhere in the GVA??

It says their 6V batteries are Trojan T-105's so that's what I'd be after explicitly. I am in Vancouver though

 

[Almost There]

It says their 6V batteries are Trojan T-105's so that's what I'd be after explicitly. I am in Vancouver though

The 6 volt batteries that they show a price for are probably the refurbished Interstates.

Here's what their ad says about the Trojans - "When available we carry 6 volt Trojan T105 batteries."

If you're interested in the refurbished make sure they have a decent warranty and double and triple check what the Amphour (at 20 hrs) are.

 

[Vanada]

Just heard back from them, $190 CAD for two T-105's including GST and PST with a 1 year warranty. I think I'll try to get a couple!

 

[Van Lady]

Are the T-105's AGM or ones that need to be vented? I like what is being state about them but need AGM's (they will be inside my van).


Van_Lady

 

[Vanada]

Are the T-105's AGM or ones that need to be vented? I like what is being state about them but need AGM's (they will be inside my van).


Van_Lady

My understanding is that even AGM's should technically be boxed and vented properly. Mine will be inside too but I'm just planning to do a proper job of containing and venting the lead acid batteries.

 

[Van Lady]

It sounds like T- 105's are the kind you need to put the distilled water in and vent ....... correct?
Do 6 volt come in AGM too?


Van_Lady

 

[jimindenver]

yes you have to keep them topped of and vet them.

I have seen AGM 6 volt but the ones I've seen I can't say if they share the properties of what we think of as 6 volt just like not all AGM's share the properties of a Lifeline.

 

[highdesertranger]

my buddy has 6v AGM's in his Tiger motor home. I don't know what brand. he has had them for 3 years, so far so good. in theory AGM's should also be vented. in practice not so much. highdesertranger

 

[Van Lady]

I guess I need to ask the question then if it is possible to get 2 - 6 volt AGM golf cart type batteries and place them in series for around the 225 ah like is discussed with the T-105's and see what is know from fellow travelers on this site because I do not understand batteries enough myself to know.
Thank you all in advance for your help.


Van_Lady

 

[jimindenver]

Yes

 

[highdesertranger]

jim is right. another point even if you are using AGM batteries it's a good idea to keep them in an enclosed box. I was just studying for my HAM license and they recommend keeping your batteries covered. this is for the possibility of something conductive touching the terminals. very good advice. highdesertranger

 

[Vanada]

I'm just about ready to order my solar kit and want to do one big US border run. Using some of what Patd4u2 suggested earlier in the thread and some other bits and pieces this is what I'm looking at:

3 x https://www.amazon.com/Monocrystall...3291763&sr=8-12&keywords=100+watt+solar+panel

https://www.amazon.com/Signstek-Bra..._UL160_SR160,160_&refRID=0N23DSGYREQ27YTHPT1H

https://www.amazon.com/Signstek-Dou..._UL160_SR160,160_&refRID=1WF4PM31V6TNC8Q4QXTP

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013HC9YLS?psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Sun-YOBA-Cha...=UTF8&qid=1473292486&sr=8-4&keywords=30a+mppt

http://www.bestconverter.com/PD5000-30-Amp-ACDC-Power-Control-Panel_p_27.html#.V9CqMY7EwtO

http://www.amazon.com/PAC-PAC-200-2...2882&sr=8-2&keywords=200+amp+battery+isolator

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...er-20&linkId=17986a73bb29d39fd1e53f45d1d1382f

All look okay? Anything I'm missing?

Cheers,
Tom

 

[akrvbob]

I don't have time to click on 8 different links. Can you help us, help you, by telling us what your're getting?

 

[Vanada]

I don't have time to click on 8 different links. Can you help us, help you, by telling us what your're getting?

Yup.

3 x 100W Monocrystalline panel from Eco-Worthy ($124 each)
Signstek Y Branch MC4 Solar Panel Adaptor Cable Connector ($15)
Signstek 25ft AWG 10 Double Layer MC4 PV Solar Cable Extension ($18)
Pair of 16". Adapter Kit Solar Cable AWG 10 Connecting Solar Panel to Charge Controller ($23)
Sun YOBA Solar Charge Controller MPPT Solar Controller Tracer3210A 12V 24V ($125)
30 Amp AC/DC Power Control Panel / distributor ($65)
PAC-200 200-Amp Relay Battery Isolator ($44)
Xantrex 806-1206 PROwatt 600 SW Inverter ($153)

It's the connector / cables part I'm a bit flaky on. I'm burning out a bit on the research front right now so I'm kinda' just following what y'all are saying and hoping it makes sense later .

 

[GotSmart]

Are you going to have a power distribution point? (Fuse box)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001P6FTHC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Also you need safety fuses in the system.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KIR8M0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

What about the wires in the battery system?  

I had to make my own custom fit wires, and a power distribution panel.

 

[Vanada]

Are you going to have a power distribution point? (Fuse box)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001P6FTHC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Also you need safety fuses in the system.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KIR8M0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

What about the wires in the battery system?  

I had to make my own custom fit wires, and a power distribution panel.

The AC/DC Power Control Panel is a fuse box for either branch unless I'm mistaken. Same one that was used in this build:
http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/Vehicles/PMRV/Electrical/Electrical.htm

I was looking at breakers last night, I might add those to the order or just get them later on from somewhere in Canada.

For wires someone here said to get them from a big box store. I'm not sure if there's anything I should be ordering that I can't get locally.

Brackets for the panels just occurred to me. Are the specialty brackets I've been seeing just a gimmick? They're not exactly complex.

Cheers!

 

[Almost There]

The AC/DC Power Control Panel is a fuse box for either branch unless I'm mistaken. Same one that was used in this build:
http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/Vehicles/PMRV/Electrical/Electrical.htm

I was looking at breakers last night, I might add those to the order or just get them later on from somewhere in Canada.

For wires someone here said to get them from a big box store. I'm not sure if there's anything I should be ordering that I can't get locally.



Cheers!

Buy everything you can on your US order....the prices for electrical wiring in Canada is nothing short of obscene.


I'm waiting to finish what electrical didn't get done last year until I'm back in the US because of the pricing!

 

[Vanada]

Buy everything you can on your US order....the prices for electrical wiring in Canada is nothing short of obscene.


I'm waiting to finish what electrical didn't get done last year until I'm back in the US because of the pricing!

The problem right now is that I still have things to learn. All the solar stuff is getting a bit overwhelming trying to learn lots of new things quickly and in theory. I'll get as much as I can into this order but the sooner I can place it the better.

How obscene is obscene in this instance? Does it really outweigh the gas + shipping + kinek fees + duties? I'm starting to feel like there's no winning here.

 

[GotSmart]

The AC/DC Power Control Panel is a fuse box for either branch unless I'm mistaken. Same one that was used in this build:
http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/Vehicles/PMRV/Electrical/Electrical.htm

I was looking at breakers last night, I might add those to the order or just get them later on from somewhere in Canada.

For wires someone here said to get them from a big box store. I'm not sure if there's anything I should be ordering that I can't get locally.

Brackets for the panels just occurred to me. Are the specialty brackets I've been seeing just a gimmick? They're not exactly complex.

Cheers!

I did not notice that~~~

The unit seems to have breakers.