I would like to hear from others on their locations they chose for their battery banks. Many of us live in a cold weather climate so it is important to choose a warm location to locate the batteries. This may involve building a battery room in your home and if so it then involves proper safety features to exhaust gases ( over all safety ) I believe I am one of the many who are involved in green energy and especially enjoying the Windy Nation products BUT I must confess I still do not have a solid plan on how to best use the energy I am producing to its maximum. If you have a battery bank ( all weather location ) that you are pleased with or a web site that you can share with us on how to build, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, Murray
Hi I think if you can find a cheap shipping container smaller the better or insulated packing crate this mite work for you battery storage and controls.I built mine into the side of the hill with rail road ties and plywood inside. The vents are six inch 1/80 degree hooked to keep out rain with screens to keep out bugs and other critters.Above it is my tower.Make sure all your wire run are as short as possiable to prevent loss and save money on wire costs.
Murray, Konnon is right. A shipping container would work great for you, especially in your area. Here's a picture of the ones the military uses. This would also be a great platform for that solar project you told me you were planning. BeachBum
For all you guys using "servicable" (not sealed) batteries. This product is a must! My son works at the marina, and all the pros are using this in the larger vessels and sailboats that have battery banks. I have no connection with this company, just passing on info for something that really works. Also, it's very inexpensive. Check out the link, BeachBum http://www.inoxlube.com/inox-products/i ... nditioner/
Beachbum, thanks for the info.. I think the container is a great idea... However when you are suggesting an outside location this means I am back to having a battery bank in - 45 C winter weather. I wanted an indoor solution so went with an AGM (glass matt) battery bank in my basement. 1030 amp bank. The container set up for battery and solar would also have to fit the environment / location of the land where it could collect and feed power and still be in a postion to collect solar. Just doesn't fit our location. BUT still agree, the container ideas is great and will pass it on to others.
Murray, I've seen some folks use styrafoam sheeting or "spray on" insulation inside these containers. Another concept is to create an earth mound over the container for insulation. Some gun ranges will use these shipping containers for lockable storage of targets, target racks, and other equipment. The containers are placed in such a way that they divide the range into different shooting bays. Then they cover the containers to create "berms" between shooting areas. The interior of the containers stay well insulated by the earthberms, that cover them. I guess you could incorporate a solar array and/or battery storage with this. Just passing on some ideas. BeachBum
Murray and Beachbum, We will have two axis solar trackers for sale in 6 months or less. The first model will be able to hold up to 400 Watts of panel. If you are not familiar with solar trackers, check out Wattsun: http://www.wattsun.com/ John, is already "flying" three prototypes. We are working our arses off down here! I will take some pictures of them the next time John has them up for testing. We could hopefully have one for you buy Spring but you know how reliable I am with hitting delivery dates with products .... the turbine was supposed to be finished 3-4 months ago .
I'm not sure I can have a tracker because of the salt. I lost a Warren winch on my Jeep in a few short months due the environment here. I'm considering a stationary ground rack for my solar project. What is the area of the PV panel mount? You may be able to get more than 400 Watts depending on the panels you use. What is the price of this unit, just in case other might want to purchase it? Got any pictures of the specific unit you are offering? You know how much I like pictures! BeachBum
