Solar Powered Grow

Native Humboldt

Well-Known Member
I just wanted to know if anyone else out there is using solar power to run there indoor grow? About 4 years ago I installed a 32 panel system that generates enough power to supply 2 1000 watt lights with accessory's. The panels output at the peek sun of the day is over 6000 watts per hour. The panels produce peek power from 4 to 6 hours daily and less power the rest of the time the sun is out. In the summer I can produce 30000 to 40000 watts per day. At the end of the day I feel better when I can put back most of what I use to grow my favorite weed!!!!
 

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jimmer6577

Well-Known Member
Man I live in the northeast and am going to school for solar thermal tech. and hvac. I just built an outside shed and moved my grow out there with full intent to make it 100% self efficient by next summer. If you have a journal or something pm I'd love to follow. I even just rebuilt my house my self after a fire burnt it and now have no mortgage. Me and my GF plan to make our whole house solar 100% in 5 years. I could ramble all day about this. Peace keep up the good work.
 

DeeTee

Well-Known Member
Sounds like a great idea, I've once thought of the same thing but alas at my age it's a little late for me, good for you my friend.
 

ck867

New Member
How big is a panel? I'm trying to imagine what 32 panels would look like on a roof. I been intrigue with this idea for quite some time. Does your system run off the grid or does your local utility company still know your power usage?
 

Native Humboldt

Well-Known Member
My panels are 30" x 60" and they output 200 watts each. I think the new panels are a bit smaller and more efficient around 230 watts each. Solar has come along way in the last few years. The panels work best on a sunny 58 deg f day as the panel material is more active at that temp. The panels also need to be facing due south sitting at about a 30 deg angle. Anything other than that configuration and they will produce less power. My system is also grid tied not battery. The batteries are expensive, dirty, and need to be replaced every 8 years. The solar panels last much longer and I would have to replace the batteries 4 or 5 times before the panels are expired.
 

Native Humboldt

Well-Known Member
Around 40,000$ if you build and install yourself. At the time I purchased my system the state and fed rebates were really high about 60% the total cost in a rebate check. I think all said and done It cost me out of pocket 12,000$. At the time my utility bill was around 250 per month and now its around 30 about a 4 to 5 year year pay back then free power state sponsored! I think there are still rebates available in some states for solar installs.
 

viodox

Member
Wow my friend , I' am impressed. I pondered this for some time but this just takes the cake for everything. As a canadian, and cold winters, this probably wouldn't work best?
Also you said now your electric bill is only 30 bones?
Very very very impressed.

Good job sir.

Cory
 

Native Humboldt

Well-Known Member
Does the sun ever come out in Canada? The few times I've been there its been dark and gloomy. I have friends that moved to the Saskatchewan area. The photos that I have seen were really beautiful. I would like to visit them in that area sometime.
 

SnapsProvolone

Well-Known Member
Nice. We install these from time to time. Done some pretty large arrays on commercial structures. I do the disconnect and inverters personally, another crew sets the pv arrays. May I ask what brand panel you went with? 24 volt I assume? What model inverter/s do you run?
 

Native Humboldt

Well-Known Member
Mitsubishi 190 watt panels I think there 24 volt can't remember. I'm looking at wind mills now I would like add one I the spring. I live in the mountains and the wind always blows a little. I have been researching them for a while. I have enough property too install the turbine in an area out of sight.
 
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