Cable length query for solar charging

[threedogs]

Not as silly as it sounds and its only 30-35mtrs.
Just make an easy plug n play set up, save on a shite load of cable laying on the ground.

[Winnie]

I would build a Rubber Wheeled Trolley to hold the Batteries and also the Fridge and set it up close to the Panels during sunlight.
Then wheel it back to the Shack for Night Lighting
You would probably need enclose the Batteries and Fridge on the Trolley

Yeah there's one big problem there though, Kris passes out before dark so it will never get wheeled back in!

[lucus30]

If it was me I'd be spending the money and putting in a permanent set up. If it means spending $500 on cables then so be it. Mucking round with moveable trollies/panels would be a pita. Might be worth even setting up an adruino sun tracker

[Bazhemps]

My 2 cents, when I installed 200W panel to our van I went on line and purchased one cable cut it in half and used it for connecting the panel pos - neg to the reg. Can't remember what was the longest cable you could get!

[the evil twin]

Mate, it is all about balance. There is no point in having a wacking great Solar Array with a small battery bank or vice versa

I totally agree with Lucas tho and would make it "permanent" seeing as it is for the Cabin.

I assume from an earlier post you anticipate an average useage of 15 Amp hours and a max daily useage of 50 Amp Hours.
I would also assume you will only hit 50 A/H on "rainy days" IE lights, DVD player and fridge all on together.
On rainy days you won't have any Solar to offset the battery drain anyway so a big panel capacity/heavy cable won't help.
When you aren't there (Winter or Summer) a big panel capacity won't help as the battery bank will be float charging.
In summer you will have good solar days so a big panel capacity is not required to run/replenish 50 Amp Hours per day which you probably won't hit as no DVD and minimal lighting req'd.
That size battery bank will easily handle 3 days or so then happily replenish while you are away therefore you only need to consider longer stays during poor Solar days

That leaves Winter/Rainy days so IMHO you may need to look at a small wind generator or take a dinky genset for maybe 2 hours for when you are at the Cabin long term.

I do advocate "future proof" the setup IE if you bury the conduit but make it large enough for another cable and leave a draw wire in there

[threedogs]

You might be able to source an old southern cross pump tower and fit your panels to that.
I'd be spending to have the system permanent, I think but don't know your future plans eh.

[Sir Roofy]

winnie is right so forget the solar and get a pure sin generator
for kris,s needs ,will charge batterys during the day or night and dose,nt
need to be moved or follow the sun so when he sleeps in front of the fire
alls good lol

do lots of research kris theres that many different set ups the mind
boggles but you,l know wich one when you see it just like the block
you've got

[lucus30]

Also the higher your voltage the lower your losses are so I'd be going as high as possible. 24VDC is easy enough to get appliances for but have you thought about running an AC set up? You could use step-up and step-down transformers then your cable run could be as long as you'd like pretty much.

[Maxhead]

Thanks for everyones input, this forum is a great resource !!!

I have a few options to chew over for now.... This setup cost me peanuts so that's why I have it. I also have a 3.5kva genny so I can recharge batteries if needed.

Once I put my BIG MAN SHED/living quarters out there I will set up a proper 24v or 48v system and run 240ac but I still want a decent setup for the shack for now and for guests later on.

[the evil twin]

Thanks for everyones input, this forum is a great resource !!!

I have a few options to chew over for now.... This setup cost me peanuts so that's why I have it. I also have a 3.5kva genny so I can recharge batteries if needed.

Once I put my BIG MAN SHED/living quarters out there I will set up a proper 24v or 48v system and run 240ac but I still want a decent setup for the shack for now and for guests later on.

Thats the go... with a genny as "emergency" I'd bring the 12 volt panels as close in as possible and take whatever you can get.
Even at 50% they will handle what you have mentioned so far

When it is time for Big Mans Shed remember the higher the voltage the skinnier the wire so I'd def go domestic panels with a small off the grid inverter and battery bank not 12 or 24 Volt.