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Old 05-24-2019, 11:04 PM   #1
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Best resources and write ups for solar?

Hello,
I used the search feature and found a pinned post for AC and DC wiring but it didnt seem to have much information that was formatted very well. Are there any good tutorial write ups or youtube videos on setting up a solar setup from start to finish? I plan to run a fridge and computer/laptop setup for now, and nothing else really. Maybe the occasional electric stove. As i add more electronics i plan to upgrade over time.

I am not scared of wiring and am willing to do more work to save money rather than purchasing a complete kit. My bus is already wired with a few AC plugs so i would need a converter and everything that goes with it in the tutorial as well.

I really appreciate the help!
Thank you

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Old 05-24-2019, 11:50 PM   #2
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For me, this has been the best Solar and electric for dummies that you can get. Lots of good explanations on the whole start to finish.


https://www.explorist.life/solarwiringdiagrams/
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Old 05-25-2019, 12:17 PM   #3
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Here are a few of the free resources I've used to both learn electrical / electronic concepts in general, as well as those specific to solar. This is not the 'easy' way by any means. But it can provide a depth of knowledge one book alone may not provide:

1) The Navy Electricity and Electronics Series (NEETS) Navy Electricity and Electronics Training Series, A free self-study electronics course

2) The national electric code: https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=70https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=7

3) Inverter documentation (Just one here, for example purposes, but it's amazing just how much good info is provided by quality inverter manufacturers. Sadly most people don't bother to read their own product manuals, much less research others): http://www.samlexamerica.com/documen...24-0515-R1.pdf

4) Here's an excellent worksheet that you can really use as written to design a workable system. Just research the 'whys' of the stuff you don't understand (note: it assumes parallel panels even where series or parallel series combos may be better. Same with battery banks. So it's not perfect or iron-clad, but it's pretty darned close).
http://www.dnr.louisiana.gov/assets/...zing_Guide.pdf

5) A couple forums specific to solar which provide excellent info (Note: The second link is a subsection specific to RV/mobile. I suggest you read the stickies. Good stuff there.

https://forum.solar-electric.com/categories

https://www.solarpaneltalk.com/forum...or-camping-etc

6) Great resource on battery options and chemistry in general:

https://batteryuniversity.com/


7) Any manual for any of the main components of a solar system. Those main components being: panels, solar charge controllers, inverters, batteries.

I could go on, but that's a good start. But again, it's not the fast track.
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Old 05-25-2019, 12:57 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TheHubbardBus View Post
Here are a few of the free resources I've used to both learn electrical / electronic concepts in general, as well as those specific to solar. This is not the 'easy' way by any means. But it can provide a depth of knowledge one book alone may not provide:

1) The Navy Electricity and Electronics Series (NEETS) Navy Electricity and Electronics Training Series, A free self-study electronics course

2) The national electric code: https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=70https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=7

3) Inverter documentation (Just one here, for example purposes, but it's amazing just how much good info is provided by quality inverter manufacturers. Sadly most people don't bother to read their own product manuals, much less research others): http://www.samlexamerica.com/documen...24-0515-R1.pdf

4) Here's an excellent worksheet that you can really use as written to design a workable system. Just research the 'whys' of the stuff you don't understand (note: it assumes parallel panels even where series or parallel series combos may be better. Same with battery banks. So it's not perfect or iron-clad, but it's pretty darned close).
http://www.dnr.louisiana.gov/assets/...zing_Guide.pdf

5) A couple forums specific to solar which provide excellent info (Note: The second link is a subsection specific to RV/mobile. I suggest you read the stickies. Good stuff there.

https://forum.solar-electric.com/categories

https://www.solarpaneltalk.com/forum...or-camping-etc

6) Great resource on battery options and chemistry in general:

https://batteryuniversity.com/


7) Any manual for any of the main components of a solar system. Those main components being: panels, solar charge controllers, inverters, batteries.

I could go on, but that's a good start. But again, it's not the fast track.
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