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 OT: Solar project		  New Topic  Reply to Topic
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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5333 Posts
Initially Posted - 02/02/2025 :  10:39:25  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
This might not be a boaty project, but it has relevance to most boaters I’ve spoken with.
I’m building a test solar project in my shed. It’s scoped right now to generate 1000 watts, store up to 500 WH for overnight and cloudy days, and deliver bursts of 2kW to power my lights, power tools, TV, and ventilation.

It’s an experimental setup to learn how to take it up a notch to power my home without getting in bed with the solar companies who do indeed help you save $$$ on your power bills, but who, in turn, hold a 20-year lien on your home. I’d prefer to DIY it, or at least know enough to hire the right contractor to install a professional system for my home.

I have had good luck with a very simple Renogy system: one panel, a 10A Wanderer solar controller and a lead acid group 27 battery to which I added a 400W cheapie auto parts store inverter. I added this to my shed and it powers two 4 ft LED “fluorescents” and a few spotlights for the workbench and the tool storage unit. All the lights are wired in using standard electrical romex and outlets. A pigtail plugs the system into my inverter so there are no killer cords. I can charge drill batteries from the system and it proves a nightlight circuit for exterior doorway lights and a small inside nightlight.

My new system will begin with a permit. Our town requires multi-panel, multi-battery systems be inspected.

I went with Renogy panels 1000 W for the shed roof. I have a 16’x8’ area so I can attach aluminum angle irons to the eaves via hold-downs, with the frame resting on the roof. No fasteners through the shingles. The cables will be fused and come into a combiner box with a main breaker and indicator lights. The output feeds a Renogy 80A MPPT battery controller.

I’m starting with four lead-acid group 29 marine batteries that will feed a Renogy 2000W pure sine-wave inverter. I don’t plan to use 2kW at first, but it’s there for scaling up in the future.

Each battery is fused with 40A fuses or circuit breakers. This will provide me with bursts of 2kW if I need it, but the panels will only provide a sustained 800-900W due to inefficiencies.
Still, this is better than running a 200ft extension cord.

The benefits will probably not pay off the investment of ~$2500 but it will provide me with copious, real hands-on experience. Should I start “yet another guy who installs a solar system in his garage” YouTube channel? Might be fun.
Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain — Milford, CT
Edited by - Voyager on 02/02/2025 10:47:30

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9068 Posts
Response Posted - 02/04/2025 :  22:28:46  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
The lien on your house should only be if you lease rather than buy the system. My lady chose to lease--I agreed based on a few other considerations. I presume you know the issues of solar in combination with the grid--I think you need to be licensed to install that. The home solar system has to shut down automatically in the event of a power outage on the grid--unless you add a battery $y$tem (not from Walmart).

Some day batteries will change everything!
Dave Bristle
Association "Port Captain" for Mystic/Stonington CT
PO of 1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032 Passage, USCG "sixpack" (expired),
Now on Eastern 27 $+!nkp*+ Sarge
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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5333 Posts
Response Posted - 02/05/2025 :  07:03:10  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Dave, I agree with your clarifications. My son’s friend is a licensed electrician, and we’ve been talking about this for awhile, hence the permitting. My older brother leased a system, and he’s saving money now, however, the structure of the deal makes his payments increase over time. That’s weird.
Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain — Milford, CT
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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9068 Posts
Response Posted - 02/05/2025 :  09:34:32  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
The only lease deal I'm familiar with has one increase after the first year--constant thereafter. It's probably so they could advertise the lower number (and leave the rest to the fine print). We knew...
Dave Bristle
Association "Port Captain" for Mystic/Stonington CT
PO of 1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032 Passage, USCG "sixpack" (expired),
Now on Eastern 27 $+!nkp*+ Sarge
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
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