Hoosierdoc's foray into a solar-powered system

[hoosierdoc]

I am wanting to get my aquaponics system going in the next month or so, and it's in an area I don't have power. It's on a different lot and I probably can't run power there anyway. I'm going to get a solar panel, probably two deep-cycle 12v batteries, and a charge controller. I should be able to run a 110v fountain pump all season on that. It takes 40W to run. I'll also use it to power my lighting around the fire pit.

i'll update thread as I select products and have wiring and planning questions

i'm hoping to do a 250W Panel or so. I'll also wire in some cell chargers around the place in dry boxes

 

[D-Ric902]

Good luck
let us know how it goes

 

[Kirk Freeman]

You are doing this in a house with a labordoodle?

Your hydroponics tanks will be closed, right? With the hydroponics grow operation, do we now have to address you are "Doctor Dude"?

 

[hoosierdoc]

You are doing this in a house with a labordoodle?

Your hydroponics tanks will be closed, right? With the hydroponics grow operation, do we now have to address you are "Doctor Dude"?

Shhhh.....!!!!

actually going to do aquaponics. This season will just test it and probably do some late season crops. Next year hopefully I'll do trout and a full garden

this year I'll probably steal some bluegill from somewhere.

 

[17 squirrel]

Hey Doc, how about you use a 12 volt marine water pump and that will keep you from getting a 120 volt inverter.

 

[IndyGunworks]

no inverter will help keep you from losing 20 percent on the conversion to AC as well.

 

[Kirk Freeman]

Are trout heart healthy?

Maybe some salmon? Have to call you Ian Anderson.

INGO name=>Steel Monkey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjygHyVM28g

 

[patience0830]

You are doing this in a house with a labordoodle?

Your hydroponics tanks will be closed, right? With the hydroponics grow operation, do we now have to address you are "Doctor Dude"?

Wouldn't that be Hoosier Dude?

 

[bradmedic04]

Wouldn't that be Hoosier Dude?

The Hoosier Dude abides.

 

[17 squirrel]

Doctor Doobie.

 

[hoosierdoc]

Hey Doc, how about you use a 12 volt marine water pump and that will keep you from getting a 120 volt inverter.

These pumps run constantly forever. Rumor has it you need a fountain pump or they burn out.

 

[17 squirrel]

These pumps run constantly forever. Rumor has it you need a fountain pump or they burn out.

Better wording from me would be 12 V DC pump.. Pond/ fountain or marine.
Sorry.

 

[hoosierdoc]

Better wording from me would be 12 V DC pump.. Pond/ fountain or marine.
Sorry.

I'm still learning, but from what I've read is the 12v pumps burn out quickly when used continuously. Rumor is you can spend hundreds of dollars to get one that doesn't but that is a bit pricey. I think I want around 90gph at 4'.

http://flagshipmarine.com/marinepumps.html

this page has a line of continuous drive brushless DC motors that could work. At $170 it's still a bit pricey but if 12W allows me to save a battery and buy a smaller array that may be worth it.

 

[hoosierdoc]

So, I've been charging the battery for about 18 months now, hoping to hook a load up soon!

 

[Lumpy76]

It's almost ready!!

 

[Arm America]

Interesting idea for those with available space.

 

[hoosierdoc]

I killed a wasp nest in it this summer. Still no load.

think the battery is toast?

 

[DeadeyeChrista'sdad]

Fire up le Bomba and find out.

 

[indyjohn]

We need to talk.