This virus thing has got me thinking

solarman216 · 16-03-2020, 21:41

Seems to me that with the advent of near instant global communication that enables scare stuff like this virus issue, is not going to be a one off thing, and I am getting older and therefore less able, so need to look to see what I can do to make my life less problematic as time goes on.

So solar (PV) seems a good investment for me, it is fit and forget re maintenance, but I am at my limit now for my existing battery bank, so another 2 sets of panels plus charge controller, plus another 1000 Ah of traction batteries total cost approx £4000 Mmmm lot of money but life of this lot will be beyond my life.

However I would only estimate that all of that would only reduce my fuel cost by around half for a year so should see my money back in about 8 years, will I still be here in that time?

Hard decision to make, lots of other variables to take into consideration.

So at the mo undecided, Rick

terranosaurusdoug · 16-03-2020, 22:24

You need to come up with some ideas or schemes to reduce the cost of fitting more panels and batteries Rick.

macabethiel · 16-03-2020, 22:43

If you have access to grid mains how about using it off peak only to charge your batteries and provide power at peak times such as winter months only?

solarman216 · 17-03-2020, 00:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by terranosaurusdoug

You need to come up with some ideas or schemes to reduce the cost of fitting more panels and batteries Rick.

Panels and batteries cost what they cost, my labor is for nothing, Rick

solarman216 · 17-03-2020, 00:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by macabethiel

If you have access to grid mains how about using it off peak only to charge your batteries and provide power at peak times such as winter months only?

I am off grid that is the whole point, Rick

panelbeater · 17-03-2020, 09:19

i seem to remember that you have your own water,is it fast enough to put a modern mini hydro in stream as every little helps even if it 1000w.

solarman216 · 17-03-2020, 12:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by panelbeater

i seem to remember that you have your own water,is it fast enough to put a modern mini hydro in stream as every little helps even if it 1000w.

Made a 10ft water wheel some years ago worked well when it rained produced abut 5 amps @24v but last 3 years or so it has done nothing, water has dried up, Rick

16-03-2020, 21:41	#1
solarman216 Off road maniac Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Bexhill on Sea Vehicle: Y60 Patrol Me, 3 ltr Mrs Posts: 17,429	This virus thing has got me thinking Seems to me that with the advent of near instant global communication that enables scare stuff like this virus issue, is not going to be a one off thing, and I am getting older and therefore less able, so need to look to see what I can do to make my life less problematic as time goes on. So solar (PV) seems a good investment for me, it is fit and forget re maintenance, but I am at my limit now for my existing battery bank, so another 2 sets of panels plus charge controller, plus another 1000 Ah of traction batteries total cost approx £4000 Mmmm lot of money but life of this lot will be beyond my life. However I would only estimate that all of that would only reduce my fuel cost by around half for a year so should see my money back in about 8 years, will I still be here in that time? Hard decision to make, lots of other variables to take into consideration. So at the mo undecided, Rick __________________ Ex banger racer now off road maniac Lokka on the front with manual hubs Diff lock on rear 3 inch SS straight through exhaust Manly winch bumper with 13000 lb winch 10 spike ground anchor, with multiple straps and blocks Super strong body cills capped with scaffold pole 20% stronger springs all round aggressive off road tyres on wheels so just swap. Aim to get stuck and be completely self sufficient in extraction, love getting muddy, 2ft deep is good but rare.

16-03-2020, 22:43	#3
macabethiel Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Derby Vehicle: Freelander & Jeep GC 3.0 Posts: 4,416	Do you have access to Mains Electric at all ? If you have access to grid mains how about using it off peak only to charge your batteries and provide power at peak times such as winter months only?

16-03-2020, 22:24	#2
terranosaurusdoug Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Yorkshire, J33 M62 Vehicle: 2000 Terrano lwb 2.7TDI Posts: 5,500	You need to come up with some ideas or schemes to reduce the cost of fitting more panels and batteries Rick.

17-03-2020, 09:19	#6
panelbeater Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: clacton on sea essex Vehicle: nissan terrano 2 2.7 tdi Posts: 1,637	i seem to remember that you have your own water,is it fast enough to put a modern mini hydro in stream as every little helps even if it 1000w.