You need to work out the following:
- How much power you use at any one time
- How much power you use per day (average)
- How long you want the setup to run without sun / wind
- How much sun per day on average
- How much wind per day on average
Notes on how to do the above:
- Add up all the power consumptions of all items you will use at any one time - ie fridge (600watts), 6 x lights (6x20w=120watts), washing machine etc = TOTAL WATTS
- Write how many hours each of the items you use will be used each day. Times the watts by hours to get totals (ie 1000watts for 1 hour = 1 KWH) = TOTAL KWH
- In the event of no wind / sun how long do you want the system to be able to run everything to avoid a black out?
- Take into account any trees / building that will block the solar panels.
- This will be seasonal in most areas.
These figures will make it possible to know:
- What size inverter you need (rated power in Watts)
- How many Solar Panels you need (power needed each day from the amount of sun you have)
- What size of Wind Turbine you need (power needed from the available wind)
- What size regulator you need (to handle the amps from the solar panels)
- What size batteries you need (to keep the setup running at night & in the event of no sun / wind)
Once you have these details feel free to email us & we can recommend what items to use in your setup. If doing this yourself please be aware that:
- ALL components waste energy.
- Cheaper components waste a lot more - and break down often
- There are losses through the power lines, regulator, inverter and batteries
- Nothing is 100% efficient so you need to over-state what you need.
- There are always items that use power that you might forget!