alt Hacker NewsI'm off grid, no mains power, and have 8x48v lithium Fogstar batteries in an external rack, since my cabin is small.
On December 21, due to trees, my panels get around 2 hours of full sun, if the universe smiles on me.
I use around 5-6kwh per day, if I use my computer, which I need for work.
This will be the first year with the fogstar batteries, previously had 1x48v generic lithium battery, but last year I used the generator most days from around end of november until March e.g. December consumption was 153kwh, solar generated 62kWh, and generator made up the rest.
This year, thanks to having more storage, we'll be better able to take advantage of sunny days and capture more power. I also have a freezer and washing machine this year :-) Ask me in March how it went.
All of my panels are easy to access, none on a roof, so the effort is minimal and has non-zero power benefits in my experience.
I should add that I am surrounded by trees and the panels accumulate a green tinge quite quickly, plus bird shit.
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I can see how small efficiencies would matter a lot in that sitation.
When I had 6 100W panels and was trying to keep my laptop (and lights) running off that, then I did a lot more trying to keep them clean. If I was having to burn fuel for electricity, I'd certainly be trying a lot harder to squeeze what I can out the array.
Anyhow, good luck.
I likely am in a similar position. My hope is to get a cistern buried this year so I can have more than 40L of liquid water on hand at any given time... and then maybe even a shower :D Washing myself with a bucket is starting to lose its charm.
> I also have a freezer and washing machine this year
You need a heat pipe between your freezer/fridge and outside. Then it will “function” when it’s colder outside than in your fridge and otherwise sit idle(ish). Sure you’re bringing “cold” into your big warm box (home), you have wood to overcome that. All theory, but it makes sense in my mind!
(Though in most places, it rarely gets colder outside than in your freezer)