Solar powered shop?

[Sasquatch912]

Is anyone running their shop off solar panels?

How many solar panels would you need to run 100 amp service? Welder, plasma cutter, air compressor, lights, etc. Not all at one time though.

 

[reader2580]

A lot of panels if you plan to run 100 amps at 240 volt all at once. That is about 23,000 watts and a solar panel puts out about 300 watts each.

 

[Sasquatch912]

So even like just welding and then shutting it off..will need that much?

 

[doorfx]

It takes a lot ! I don't even run my compressor off my solar even though I could. It is also pretty expensive to set up. Here is mine with two 300w panels and 1224 amp hour battery bank. 3000w xantrax inverter and a backup charger for those cloudy winter days. Remember a 300 watt panel only puts out 98% efficiency in perfect conditions. I use mine to run all my lights 32't-8 fluorescent. Garage door opener and radiant tube heater. Along with occasional power tool use , table saw, miter saw etc.

 

[Sasquatch912]

It takes a lot ! I don't even run my compressor off my solar even though I could. It is also pretty expensive to set up. Here is mine with two 300w panels and 1224 amp hour battery bank. 3000w xantrax inverter and a backup charger for those cloudy winter days. Remember a 300 watt panel only puts out 98% efficiency in perfect conditions. I use mine to run all my lights 32't-8 fluorescent. Garage door opener and radiant tube heater. Along with occasional power tool use , table saw, miter saw etc.

So you think for example I could use the welder to weld and have lights on and be ok?

How much did that cost you? Was it worth it in the end?

 

[doorfx]

There are lots of online solar calculators that will tell you exactly what you need to run what you have. Here is one
http://www.builditsolar.com/
This is an ohms law calculator that will really help with converting from amps to watts and vice versa.
http://www.ohmslawcalculator.com/ohms-law-calculator
I got most of my system for pennies off kijiji and put it all together myself. Even at that I'm into it for $2000. It will take a long three years to break even , if I save $50 a month on power. Batteries also only have a life expectancy of five years and new price will shock you If I had to pay full retail for everything I would not have done it. Now that I have the system I love it. Being able to run my garage off the sun is an awesome feeling. I also have utility power and a transfer switch to switch back when needed. I can also run the compressor on utility while the rest is on solar.

This is more realistic pricing for a system that will do what you want it too
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-home-indoor-...tent=app_ios&utm_medium=social&utm_source=sms

 

[doorfx]

A lot of panels if you plan to run 100 amps at 240 volt all at once. That is about 23,000 watts and a solar panel puts out about 300 watts each.

This.

 

[KiltLifter]

It's more about the batteries than the panels. Like doorfx has, those 1224 amp hours of batteries are doing most of the work with heavy loads. You do need enough solar to put the energy back in the batteries though. For example a 15amp 120v welder will draw 1800 watts while in use. If your panels are putting out 1000 watts the other 800 watts comes from the batteries. Keep in mind that converting from DC to AC isn't 100% effecient as well - it's just a broad example above.

 

[Chief919]

Do you plan to weld a whole lot?

The most economical answer for welding off-grid is either a large enough generator to power your welders if you already have them or a gas/diesel powered welder if you are buying now.

The other alternative is a welder designed to run straight from batteries like a ready welder, bug you want to power it from a separate pair of batteries and not the ones used for everything else.

 

[jbwilkins]

Is anyone running their shop off solar panels?

How many solar panels would you need to run 100 amp service? Welder, plasma cutter, air compressor, lights, etc. Not all at one time though.

My first question is 'why'??? Are you totally off grid or thinking solar would be cheaper than running an electrical service.....

I think you'll most likely find running a service cheaper and in your part of the world (Ga) I expect you're electric per Kw are reasonable so the solar will take even longer to pay off....

 

[sberry]

This isn't for you.

 

[Sasquatch912]

I guess Im just thinking what if something happens to this country I guess. Or like if something happens to our power grid.

But i guess the shop wouldnt be important then anyways.

 

[Sasquatch912]

I wonder though, would powering the lights and the regular plug outlets off solar would be better? Sounds more logical I suppose compared to powering 220v.

 

[sberry]

Find something else to worry about.

 

[Sasquatch912]

Find something else to worry about.

Thats true..like how am I going to afford all this expensive tools.