ArizonaRanch

 Over the past year or so, our batteries for the solar power system have been deteriorating.  This winter, I replaced just one of the eight 6 volt lead-acid batteries, in the hopes that it would improve operation until I could apply a fix in the spring. It worked for a while, but then other batteries in the string began losing their capacity to the point of the system going down nearly every day for a few hours before the sun rises each morning. I decided to bite the bullet and install a whole new string of batteries. On researching, it appeared that it would make sense to replace the old lead-acid battery technology with newer Lithium Iron Phosphate technology.  Not only are the new batteries considerably more compact and lightweight for a given capacity, they should also last much longer and require little maintenance. I decided the replace the eight batteries comprising the 48 volt, 200 amp hour lead acid string with two Lithium Iron battery packs of 100 amp hours each...

  Labor Day Celebration 2004 by admin on Sep.05, 2004, under Seasons The Goal… September 3rd, 2004. Afternoon. Wayne (HW) and Tara talk about the right way to do things… This is Bruce & Lydia’s home about a mile from us. Totally off-grid solar, with all the trimmings.   Bruce & Lydia's place Labor Day BBQ September 3rd, 2004. Afternoon. Bruce and Wayne K. grill some outstanding Alaskan King Salmon while Tara observes. The other Wayne caught the fish on his fishing trip to Alaska. It was the best salmon I had ever eaten.   Grilling Labor Day BBQ, too. September 3rd, 2004. Afternoon. Here is the Wayne that caught the fish.   Murphy at the Cookout Solar Setup September 3rd, 2004. Afternoon. Here is Bruce & Lydia’s Solar System. An array of 16 55 watt panels is supplemented by a couple of 120 watt panels to supply all of their electrical needs. They use washer/dryer, microwave, etc.   Solar Setup Water Storage September 3r...