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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.

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pdavis

Help designing a tiny solar system (self.solardiy)

submitted 10 months ago by MossyHabitat to c/solardiy

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For several years I've used a Raspberry Pi Zero for sensors, camera & door motor control which opens & closes a chicken coop door. The Rpi & controller is 5v, the motor is 12v. This has been powered by around 50' of extension cord, but the elements are beginning to weather the cord & we also need to move the chickens further away from our mains. I think it is time to implement solar. I aspire to assemble a PV, battery, & converter system which:

Uses an off-the-shelf 12v PV panel (30w or so)
Uses LiFePO cells for heat resiliency & stability
Provides both 12v & 5v power
Isn't proprietary; uses standard, easily-sourced components... unless it meets specs perfectly & isn't terribly expensive.
Minimal power draw; at most 2 amps @ 12v for 10 seconds twice daily.

Does anyone have suggestions regarding this configuration, know of a post, blog, or video which does something similar, or is willing to ID components you'd recommend for this project?

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago)

Not OP but this is really neat. Thanks.

Over the past few days my system has been severely under performing in relation to these calculations. For January it says 290 Wh per day, but I'm only seeing 50. I do have a lot of trees, so probably some shading... maybe even a lot of shading.

Jan	290.3
Feb	392.9
Mar	387.1
Apr	400.0
May	387.1
Jun	400.0
Jul	419.4
Aug	387.1
Sep	400.0
Oct	322.6
Nov	300.0
Dec	290.3