• About
  • Archive
  • Contact
The Greening of Gavin
  • Home
  • Our Green Shop
    • Little Green Workshops
  • Green Workshops
    • Cheese Making
    • Soap Making
    • Soy Candle Making
  • eBooks
    • Clay Oven eBook
    • Keep Calm and Make Cheese eBook
  • Podcast
    • TGOG Podcast
    • TGoG Podcast Archive
    • Little Green Cheese
  • Vlog
  • Cheese
  • Green Living
    • Chickens
    • Gardening
    • Soap Making
    • Recipes
    • Climate Change
    • Peak Oil
    • Solar Power
  • Resources

Energy Independence 3 – Inverter

April 13, 2012 @ 19:13 By Gavin Webber 7 Comments

In the mail today, I received my 1000 watt Inverter and 12 volt water pump.  This post will be about the inverter, and once I build a pump box I will document how I go about installing the water pump into my irrigation system.

So when you have a 12 volts system that gets recharged by solar PV, I have read that it is the most efficient if you use 12 volt appliances or electrical devices, because there is no loss of current due to conversion of voltage.  However, that is all well and good if you are starting from scratch, so what happens when you have all of these 240 volt electrical appliances (or 110v in USA and Can) that you want to use.  Well what you do is an inverter to add to the extra low voltage system.

This type of technology has been around for years, and is mainly used for caravans, camper-vans, or recreational vehicles when they are away from the grid.

Here is the inverter straight out of the box.  It comes with some heavy duty DC cables, which help to minimise current loss (the thicker the cable the less current lost).

It is very light, and only weighs about 1 kg (2.2lbs).  It can produce 240v AC with 1000 watt continuous, and a surge for a few seconds of up to 2000 watts.  This is so you can run things like electric motors that need more current on initial startup.

The rear has the DC lugs and cooling fan,

with the front having the general purpose outlet, an on/off switch and indicator LEDs.  Not much too it really.

The instruction booklet recommends that it should be well ventilated and states specifically that it should NOT be installed in the same box as lead acid batteries that produce hydrogen when charging (boom!!!).  Even though my battery is a sealed Absorbed Glass Matt (AGM), I am still concerned about explosion of this flammable gas, but I may be a bit over cautious as I have even seen pictures of these types of batteries installed on their sides, so venting does probably not occur.

All that being said, it was easier to mount it on the outside of the box, which makes it simpler to plug appliances directly into the inverter.

Red lead to positive and black lead to negative.  I also noticed that one I turned it on, the solar charge controller still gives you an indication of battery health and capacity which is nice.  The reason I have not connected the inverter via the charge controller is because this device will draw more amperage than the charge controller could handle which is rated at 30 amps.  Working at full capacity of 1000 watts the inverter will draw 83 amps, and with the battery I have what ever appliance was drawing this current would only run for an hour before it needed charging again.

With it now installed, I have a reliable and free energy source for charging the battery on my electric bicycle, and many hundreds of other appliances in the home.  If the grid did fail, I could run our kitchen fridge/freezer (rated at 170 watts) for nearly six hours without charging.  It would last a bit longer during daylight hours, because the solar panels are continuously charging the battery via the charge controller.

I also tried a FM radio, as I had heard that most inverters cause a bit of interference.  This one is no exception, but I had no problems with strong local radio stations.  Time will tell, and I am sure I will have a thousand uses for this free source of household electricity!

Additionally, I wanted to tidy up the battery box a little bit, so I labelled all of the switches and outlets.

This is so I don’t forget what load each item can take further down the track and how to isolate each component.  Labelling is a good idea, because it would be easy to connect something above the recommended rating, and watch the cable heat up and melt the insulation with lots of smoke!  Not a good idea, so best to label.

Anyway, I am sure you are probably well over my ramblings about my standalone solar PV system by now, so without much more to say about the project, I am happy to say that it is complete.  It was easy to construct and install after a bit of research and a refresh from what I learnt at high school, and you certainly do not have to be an electrician or electrical engineer to install a system like this.

If you have the inclination and the time, this is a worthwhile, low carbon footprint solution.

So what do you think?  Is this project and outcome worth the time and effort I put into it?  Would you install a stand alone system as a preventative measure in case of grid loss?  Let me know your thoughts.

-37.6777778144.5686375

Will this article help someone you know? If so help them out by sharing now!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)

Related

Filed Under: Solar Power

← Energy Independence 2 Olive Trees →

About Gavin Webber

Gavin Webber's daily goal is to live a more sustainable lifestyle, in an effort to reduce his family's environmental footprint so we can all make a difference for our children & future generations to come.

Learn more about him here and connect with him on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

Comments

  1. Steve says

    April 13, 2012 at 20:36

    Your point about the ampage rating of the solar controller is well made. I tried to connect a 300W inverter to the dc consumer load connection on our small pv system controller and fell foul of the same problem. The controller is rated at a maximum of 10 amps and the inverter was drawing 16 amps. Fortunately the controller protection system kicked in, gave me an error code and shut down the consumer load supply. Not wanting to damage the controller I abandoned the idea. I did consider connecting the inverter directly to the same battery as the controller and running them together but wasn’t sure if this would be OK. Seems like it was OK in your case but can I check I have understood you correctly? Are both the inverter and controller connected directly to the battery terminals and running simultaneously?

    Reply
    • Gavin Webber says

      April 14, 2012 at 11:13

      Hi Steve. That is correct. The charge controller and the inverter are directly connected to the battery terminals. They seem to run fine together.

      Gav

      Reply
  2. Michael says

    April 15, 2012 at 16:36

    Good to see the system up and running Gav. You won’t have any problems running the system this way. Many systems use exactly this type of connection.

    The only drawback is that the controller can’t tell directly how much energy the inverter is taking from the battery. That means it won’t be able to give you an accurate measure of the amount taken from the battery (ie how many Ah out). However, it will still charge the battery without any problems and show the relative charge on the battery just like it is supposed to.

    When you connect your battery charger it can be connected directly to the battery as well (either through the 30A fuse or preferably via a separate fuse or circuit breaker) in exactly the same way as the controller. They will not interfere with each other. Just make sure that the battery charger is a reasonably good quality one because some of the really cheap/older ones for car batteries put out poor quality DC.

    Finally, fridges run, on average about 30% of the time so even if the fridge is rated at 170W it will last longer than you might initially think because the compressor is not running continuously. However, you cannot empty a battery completely without damaging the battery. Both the inverter and the controller have protection to automatically switch off the loads if the battery gets too low. In practice the most you can get out of the battery is about 80% and you should aim for less than this 50% to 70% to keep the battery in good condition. That still means 12hour to 18 hours which is pretty awesome :).

    Cheers
    MOC

    Reply
    • Gavin Webber says

      April 17, 2012 at 22:55

      Thanks Michael. It it working like a dream. I used it to run the power tools I needed to make the pump box, and charged the bike battery as well. The pump drains the battery slightly, but I suppose that is exactly what I made this system for.

      Gav

      Reply
  3. Venus Mendrez says

    September 21, 2012 at 21:13

    Hello Sir Gavin! I’m a college student doing a research about solar inverters like sunteams solar inverters. I’m sorry if I would sound stupid here asking you this, hmmm… are all inverters the same? For solar panels installation, can we use the inverter above? Hope you will respond. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Gavin Webber says

      September 21, 2012 at 21:22

      It depends on what type of system you want to install. Is it grid connect or standalone. The type of inverter at the link is only for a grid connect system.

      Reply
  4. Venus Mendrez says

    September 24, 2012 at 14:13

    Oh gosh I can’t believe you replied. I really appreciate it Sir. I think it would be better to read your articles about it and ask you few questions later on. How about that? Is there any way I can subscribe?

    Reply

Comments build lively communities. Let me know your thoughts, but keep it clean and green! Spam is removed instantly. Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Search This Blog

Follow my work

About Gavin Webber

About Gavin Webber

An Ordinary Australian Man Who Has A Green Epiphany Whilst Watching A Documentary, Gets a Hybrid Car, Plants A Large Organic Vegetable Garden, Goes Totally Solar, Lowers Consumption, Feeds Composts Bins and Worms, Harvests Rainwater, Raises Chickens, Makes Cheese and Soap, and Eats Locally. All In The Effort To Reduce Our Family's Carbon Footprint So We Can Start Making A Difference For Our Children & Future Generations To Come.

Delve Into the Archives

Visit Our Online Simple Living Shop

Little Green Workshops

Latest Podcast Episode

Subscribe on iTunes

Top Posts & Pages

The Seven Stages Of Change
How To Remove Scaly Leg Mites
Curing Black Olives
Building a Wicking Bed on Concrete
Growing Queensland Blue Pumpkins (Winter Squash)
Curing Olives
Repeat After Me. I Will Never Plant Potatoes With Pumpkins Again
Selling Your Own Soap in Australia
Black Aphids On Garlic
About

Recent Awards

Recent Awards

Local Green Hero

Categories

Favourite Daily Reads

Debt Free, Cashed Up, and Laughing

The Off-Grid Solar House

Greener Me

The Rogue Ginger

Little Eco Footprints

Down To Earth

Surviving the Suburbs

Little Green Cheese

Eight Acres

The Witches Kitchen

TGOG Readers On-line

Podcast Reviews

  • Always inspiring and entertaining!
    August 4, 2016 by floriographer from Australia

    I've crowed about Gavin's podcast before but I just have to recommend it once again - I love that he shares his learning as well as his successes - it helps the rest of us try try try again! Thanks Gavin!

  • ms
    July 22, 2016 by Ketaea12 from New Zealand

    I really enjoy listening to Gavin, he has a kind lovely voice. He covers some great relevant topics for the everyday greenie. With lots of tips or how to or what not to do. Thanks Gavin, love it!!

  • Well worth your time to tune in
    October 23, 2015 by A Vision Splendid from Australia

    I can highly recommend Gavin’s podcast ! I have followed Gavin’s blog since the very beginning and have loved to see his journey unfold. Gavin has a lovely speaking voice so this podcast is always very easy to listen to. Gavin has a very authentic approach to his green living lifestyle. He shares the ups and downs but always provides motivation and practical steps that we can all implement.

  • very good
    June 28, 2015 by Scared pax from United Kingdom

    This is a great podcast if you want to improve your life in so many aspects and become a more sustainable person. I love the soothing voice, the good pace, and it contains lots of useful information. Recommended!

  • opened my eyes
    May 25, 2015 by Gorn4lyfe from Australia

    A wonderful show!

  • Inspiring
    April 30, 2015 by Alan Whelan from Ireland

    This is a great podcast if you're looking for practical info on saving money by living more sustainably from someone who's made that journey over the last few years. Told in a nice, easy conversational style

  • Green Living, inspiring and practical
    January 8, 2015 by EliseMac from Australia

    Thanks Gav for sharing what has (and hasn't) worked along your journey for living a greener lifestyle. Inspiring and achievable for anyone, I look forward to this podcast weekly.

  • Local food equals less waste
    December 27, 2014 by allotmentadventureswithjean from Australia

    Another brilliant podcast from Gavin Webber encouraging us, and showing us how, to cut down on food miles, growing our own food, and cutting down on food waste. Gavin is a really interesting speaker, showing us how to eat better, growing our own food and how to live more sustainably.

  • Honestly australian
    December 15, 2014 by HodgepodgeOz from Australia

    Fantastic podcast, with a wide variety of well thought and researched topics. Gavin is a honest, forthright pod aster with a genuine interest in helping others get green. Like a day alongside is a day wasted, so too is a week without listening to Gavin. Highly recommended for people starting out, or those in the midst of their new lifestyle. Keep it up Gavin, wish there were more great reviews! Kimberley

  • Morning motivation
    December 8, 2014 by Bunnyworm from Australia

    Gavin has a great passion for living this greener lifestyle that motivates others to do the same. The podcasts are always interesting and informative. :)

  • Passionate Advocate
    October 18, 2014 by BoomOpGirl from Australia

    Gavin's enthusiasm and passion for creating a more sustainable world is nothing short of contagious. Thanks Gav, you are my weekly source of motivation for living a sustainable life! :)

  • Gavin speaks from the heart
    October 13, 2014 by Green gavin from Australia

    Gavin's podcasts are required listening for anyone planning to live a more sustainable life. He doesn't preach, but tells you his story from the heart. You'll laugh, smile, share in his concerns and along the way you'll pick up some great tips on living a simple life.

  • Green thoughts, so well iterated
    October 9, 2014 by Kwasikwami from Australia

    This is a wonderful podcast. Not only does Gavin talk knowledgeably on a range of sustainability topics from gardening tips all the way to the issues facing humanity as a whole, but he does so in such a wonderful voice, it's like listening to my Dad, love it!!

  • Easy listening inspiration on being green
    September 24, 2014 by Broomedy from Australia

    Gav knows how to share his journey to a more sustainable life in a manner that shows just how easy it really is. Not to mention healthier, economically beneficial and generally rewarding. The podcasts are an easy way to absorb Gav's great lifestyle. I recommend to anyone.

  • Thanks Gavin!
    August 31, 2014 by Honeywoodmilk from Australia

    Great practical advice for a greener lifestyle. This podcast is for anybody interested in growing their own food in suburbia, saving electricity, brewing beer, making cheese, all that wonderful business and most of all, saving money! Thanks Gavin, love the podcast mate!

  • Enjoyed those ideas for staying warm
    August 15, 2014 by enduringdragon from United States

    Like you we are having winter here in Chile—brrr! Every bit we can save on heating we will.

  • Green Podcasts
    July 26, 2014 by Carneu from Australia

    Excellent podcasts, which are full of information to help get started on a sustainable lifestyle.

  • Practical ideas and inspiration
    July 19, 2014 by HeathrowHeath from Australia

    I highly recommend Gavin's podcast and blog. Down to earth, entertaining and inspirational. Thank you.

  • Interesting & easy to listen to
    April 27, 2014 by Velocity3 from New Zealand

    Gavin & his guests make this green journey lots of fun.

  • Great green listen
    April 18, 2014 by Obscurenickname from Australia

    Gavin is a great down to earth, tell it like it is aussie with a passion for sustainability and growing food and making cheese

Carbon Offset website

Copyright - Gavin Webber © 2023