SolarDIY

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SolarDIY is a vibrant community dedicated to embracing the power of solar energy. Here, we encourage you to showcase your ingenious ideas, innovative projects, and inspiring stories, while also seeking valuable advice, fresh ideas, and fostering meaningful connections.

Our passion lies in witnessing the remarkable achievements of individuals who have harnessed the potential of solar energy. Whether you have successfully wired your entire house with solar panels, created a portable solar-powered generator, or crafted an efficient solar pool heater, we are eager to learn from your experiences and celebrate your accomplishments.

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Testing actual solar gain in a location (lemmy.ml)

submitted 1 month ago by [email protected] to c/solardiy

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Im considering installing a small - Maybe 1Kw set of panels into a location but I would like to get an idea of what their actual performance would be like before I do the installation. Its a strange location with some over hanging trees and some shading by neighbours fromntine to time but it could help provide some redundancy. Understanding of it could produce enough or whether a mains powered UPS is required would help before I pick and buy a solution.

Im wondering what is a cheap way to test out what Im actually going to be able to capture?

I was thinking of putting a small panel in place for a year and seeing how it performs. But I realised I might need a controller amd logger as well as and something to dunp the energy captured.

What would be the simplest / cheapest way to do this?

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago

My alternative is to have a small UPS plugging in to the mains supply. Im not looking to riun a house off solar but a few devices, routers and other bits. Because im not sure what kind of Watt Hours I would get and what performance would be like I am hesitant to 'invest'.

I am happy to accept that 'actual results may differ' but an idea of potential would be useful. I was thinking a small 30watt panel with a usb logger plugged into a usb fan or cup warmer or something as a test.