My First PV Solar System 4 Years Later

And not one problem with this system! Only once in 4 years did I add very little water to the battery!

As a prepared person or family you need to have “your own” reliable source of electric power for things like lighting, communications, refrigeration and basic living needs.

In my opinion the most reliable electrical power source for the homesteader, survivalist or self-reliant person and family is Solar PV (Photo Voltaic) generated. Once the system is installed and the sun shines you have reliable electric power for years with almost no maintenance or additional cost!

For my first system it took me much longer than I wanted to acquire, but during January of 2007 my system was finally up and has been working better than I ever expected. Why did it take me so long to invest in Solar PV? I guess it was the priorities of other survival items like survival food and survival knowledge. I felt because I had oil lamps, propane and firewood for cooking plus a generator I could survive for quite a while. But now with the Solar Panels I have electricity for lighting, simple appliances and communications, free for years to come!

My system has been up and running continuously for four (4) years and I have had not one single issue with it. It’s a system that’s as close to bullet proof as you can get. If you are on the fence about getting started in Solar PV Power, go for it, you will never regret it!

Originally I mounted the panels on the side of my garage but after a few years I converted the system to a free standing portable system just in case I had to leave for an extended period of time due to hurricanes, etc. that would force me to bug out.

What makes up my system?
I bought the 45 watt Solar Kit from Harbor Freight (often on sale $180)
http://www.harborfreight.com/45-watt-solar-panel-kit-90599.html

I did upgrade the Harbor Freight controller with a 22 amp one with digital display from Back Woods Solar (they now sell a 25 amp controller)
http://www.backwoodssolar.com/catalog/charge_controls.htm#SCI%20MARK%2022

The battery is a single, RV/Marine 12v.

The 150 watt inverter was purchased at a truck stop for $39.

That’s all that’s too it ………… simple huh!

What do I power with this system?
A radio in the garage almost every day.
A 13 inch LCD Flat Panel TV in the kitchen every morning.
Occasionally;
a 13 watt CFL, HAM or CB radios and my ‘AA’ NiCad battery charger.

The panels originally mounted on the side of the house.

Controller

RV/Marine 12 volt battery

150 watt inverter

Currently the panels are portable

Currently portable battery, controller and inverter