Operating a genverter based power is not difficult, and really isn’t technical. In our home, our kids knew how to read the meter, and start the generator since they were about 11 years old. The real key to operating the system correctly, is to have and understand the metering between the batteries and the charging system.
When the system starts off with fully charged batteries, you have Read more…
Why consider a true sine wave inverter for your off grid power project? There are several reasons to consider. First are the advantages they provide in running any appliance with electric motors. Second, are the advantages for your home electronics and stereo. The third reason to consider them is the fact that many manufacturers are producing these inverters at a lower cost so the price difference Read more…
I ran across a fascinating small 1000W generator and thought this might be of great interest for those looking at off grid power options.
Every once and a while you run across a unique product that addresses a need so well that you know others will benefit from the tip. I don’t own one, but I came across a small generator that solves a big part of the Read more…
In the third part of our deep cycle battery series, you will learn which batteries were selected for a new smaller set of batteries to be restored if possible. Initial performance of the new setup is discussed and a video of the process is presented. You may want to see the previous article, deep cycle batteries [2] retirement data, to see how bad the initial battery bank was.
To recap, I’m on a mission to save money, and try to add some new life to my worn out, off grid battery bank. The initial array had 12 batteries, and 5 had to be removed. Here is a video of the process, and a few tips: Read more…
In this series, we conclude with a handy on-line power budget calculator. . Part 4 we covered Power Budgets [4] data you can use. In this installment we present more details for your power budget and details on how to use the free on-line power budget calculator presented below. Read more…
In this series, I’ll cover several important topics surrounding a power or energy budget. What they are, the benefits of having one (especially off grid), and how to create one. We’ll cover calculated power vs measuring it, make some common power measurements to start our online power database, In the last installment we will offer an online calculator to help do your power budget and save energy! . Part 3 described power measurement. In this installment we present some real data that is helpful in creating your own budget, and selecting your off grid appliances.
If you create a power budget based on the information you can get from appliance and device labels, you may be disappointed in the size or limitations of the power system you need to run them. Its very empowering to have a power monitor Read more…
In this series, I’ll cover several important topics surrounding a power or energy budget. What they are, the benefits of having one (especially off grid), and how to create one. We’ll cover calculated power vs measuring it, make some common power measurements to start our online power database, In the last installment we will offer an online calculator to help do your power budget and save energy! In part 1 we started with power budget benefits. Part 2 ran through quick calculations. In this section we’ll go over power measurement.
Earlier in the series I approached the topic of power measurement. The simplest way to get a quick number for the power of an appliance is found on its label. Sometimes the label will list the power in Watts, other times it may provide the AC voltage and current, other times Read more…
Being self sufficient in your lifestyle is very helpful when you live off grid in a remote area, When I speak of self sufficiency, I refer to physical needs and not emotional, since we all need to be part of a community of others (peers, family or believers). Anyway, one of the key elements of self sufficiency is the understanding that everything you plan may NOT work as expected and you may need a backup plan.
I find the word “backup” kind of interesting because it implies redundancy. When you have ‘it’ you are back – up and running in whatever didn’t work out, or failed. When you choose to become your own power company, Read more…
In this series, I’ll cover several important topics surrounding a power or energy budget. What they are, the benefits of having one (especially off grid), and how to create one. Finally the series will conclude with real measurements and an online form for you to get some ideas for yours budget and save energy! In part 1 we started with power budget benefits. In this section we’ll go over the calculations and assumptions in your power budget.
What a loaded question. Political? Personal? No, really we’re concerned with what {en:electrical power} is as it applies to your remote home. To simplify our use of the term, we will limit the discussion to DC. Read more…
When looking a building your remote power system, the selection of your DC to AC inverter is very important. There are two styles of inverter. The difference between the two is how closley they reproduce the standard mains power. The diagram below illustrates the situation:
Read more…
Welcome to Real Off Grid Living!
-- Marshall & Jackie
