beckles
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Post by beckles on Jan 3, 2015 17:10:51 GMT 10
well I guess the girls too, but we all know boys love their power tools
So I have a standard 2 car shed (6m x 6m) that was ex-hubby's man cave. He hadn't gotten around to getting permanent power to it - currently runs an electrical lead from the garage to the shed. Ideally, looking at future=proofing the place and also possible resale down the track, I'd like a more permanent solution. I have a 6m x 6m entertainment area nearby that also has no power to it - would like to have lighting and outdoor powerpoint there too.
So question is, do I go with mains power or solar power? if I went with solar power, to power the big boys toys like the compressor, drop saw etc, would it be enough?? Looking for some expert male advice here...
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krull68
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Post by krull68 on Jan 3, 2015 17:21:15 GMT 10
If you are doing it in stages, due to budget and what not, I would suggest: go with mains connected solar.
Reason for this is, you can upgrade later as you can afford to full stand alone solar, hooked to the mains, which switches over to battery backup in the event of a power outage. plus it can put more power back into the grid than you take out, thus making you a little bit of extra money along the way.
Hope this helps.
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Post by Fractus on Jan 3, 2015 19:50:41 GMT 10
Plain old mains is cheap but they may have to dig a trench. This costs. If your 18 yo and you dug them you may save money.
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Post by graynomad on Jan 4, 2015 9:46:32 GMT 10
Most things can be run on a small solar system, however large tools might be a problem. Of the things you mentioned the compressor will be the worst offender, they take a lot of power to start up and a large one may not be practical off an inverter unless you get a really big one. I have a small compressor (can't remember the size off hand, probably 1hp or so) and a 3300w inverter, it works but struggles.
Re mains-connected solar, is it possible to get an inverter that will switch to off-grid mode? If not you are up for a new inverter if you decide to swap over.
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Morgo
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Post by Morgo on Jan 4, 2015 10:10:35 GMT 10
I'd go mains for starters. In a shed for future owners having a simple solar setup is like having no power since its not going to run the big toys. You would likely have to dig a trench as mentioned and if you can do it or have someone to help you it could save quite a bit. I'd get an electrical company out for a free quote and see what they say, ask about the trench and where it should go and how deep. I think its 600mm. You would want 4mm cable or thicker to the shed, 3 phase would be nice
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krull68
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Post by krull68 on Jan 4, 2015 17:08:34 GMT 10
Most things can be run on a small solar system, however large tools might be a problem. Of the things you mentioned the compressor will be the worst offender, they take a lot of power to start up and a large one may not be practical off an inverter unless you get a really big one. I have a small compressor (can't remember the size off hand, probably 1hp or so) and a 3300w inverter, it works but struggles. Re mains-connected solar, is it possible to get an inverter that will switch to off-grid mode? If not you are up for a new inverter if you decide to swap over. I have friends in my Church who have a solar business, so yes you can get an inverter that switches from mains to battery and back again. You can also do it manually from what I understand, but you need a sparky to set you up right.
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Post by Paul on Jan 4, 2015 18:01:27 GMT 10
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 5, 2015 9:04:30 GMT 10
As Gray said: You would need a large Solar system to run a decent compressor. Main power is the way to go for now...But if you are looking at WTSHTF as well....
It will cost you around $2000.00 for a sparky to set up power, a solar system will cost around $17-25,000. So I would surges a 9kva diesel generator from Able Generators, for around $4700.00 for peace of mind, and will run anything. Mine ran for 20hrs solid for less than 15lt of diesel.
For WTSHTF, solar is the way to run the house but you still need the generator for back up! Petrol gen's are ok but are not built to run 24/7-365. and they get expensive in fuel and the fuel will go stale over time. For the diesel gen you can store fuel for years if you move it regularly and add some conditioner to kill the bacteria. Also you can store kerosene indefinitely and buy adding some engine oil....wallah.. you have diesel...LOL
Hope this helps.
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beckles
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Post by beckles on Jan 6, 2015 19:56:40 GMT 10
Thanks everyone :-) will get some quotes from local sparkles but think I will get mains first then look at a solar system as backup
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