Mnfish,
Forgive me if you posted it already but:
1. Does your stand alone system run 24/7?
2. Are you using a 12 volt compressor or an AC model?
In my reading of the book it appears if I want to run my 60 watt AC linear air pump for my aquaponics system the capital investment isn't cheap with solar panels and batteries. If I use a 12 volt compressor it's still a lot cheaper over the short run to use an AC compressor and power it off the grid.
Now 12 volt and only running when the solar power is available is another story. However that is not an option with my aquaponics system.
Another option that would simplify things for me close to the house would be a grid fallback system not to be confused with a grid tie system. I would use power produced via solar and stored in batteries, and when that is almost used up the circuit picks up the slack from the grid. Then when there is sufficient juice from the solar array to power the compresser again it automatically switches back. Still not convinced of the cost effectiveness vs. straight grid.
Sorry I missed these questions Cecil! I just put together a very long PM and went to send it and poooffff gone. I am a moroooon
I do not want to break any of the forum rules with regards to unpaid advertising. And sometimes answering questions with my experiences will come off as me endorsing or not endorsing a particular product. I don't want that to happen. Furthermore, most of the time I'm using products in my designs that are outside or farrrr outside of there intended use. Over the edge...it's where I love to be
And quite frankly, I'm not qualified to say much other than posting my experiences. So, if you need anything for contacts, or names of vendors that I use, please feel free to PM me any time. It goes, without stating, that offer is open to any one on here. After 15 years of doing it, maybe I can help. It's the least I can do to repay for all the Pond Boss forum has given me!!!
Ok...the questions:
I am using a 12V Gast DC pump with a linear current booster (LCB). For the application that I am trying to develop, batteries most likely won't be an option. It is stand alone but does not run 24/7. (nor do I believe it needs to, but that is a whole other thread
)
For your application, IMHO, batteries will almost certainly be required. And like almost all solar systems, maximizing your power generated and stored while minimizing your losses will be paramount for a cost effective system.
Do you have a budget or go/no go number in your head on what your system can cost? Are you looking into 24V?
