TalkBaja.com » Baja Mexico Forums » Off-Grid / Solar, Wind or Generator?

We are upgrading our solar from 4 to 14 panels along with all the other components that are needed to increase our output. When we installed our current system I knew we were going to add more, so I planned accordingly. Unfortunately, at the time, what I didn't plan for is improvements in technology that makes the components I have now so bulky and outdated it's better to replace much of it.

While shopping around for prices, I discovered a company called Midnight Solar that has some great pre-wired components that save a lot of wiring, space and time. I've decided to abandon my current upgrade plan and use their components instead. Their website is MidNite Solar, Inc. I plan to use the "E-panels". When pricing out buying the individual components, vs. the E-panels, the E-panels are a bit more expensive, but more than make up for it with much less planning and installation time.

For planning I've also found that Google Sketchup is very handy. I was able to make a replica of each component in our utility room to determine how all the parts will fit together so I can anticipate what I need to buy. I was also able to measure how long of battery and inverter cables I need, along with how much conduit I'll need to buy. Since I'm 800 miles away from out house, I can't just walk out and measure. Nothing worse than having to travel back to the U.S. for a 50 cent component that's not available in Mexico, or a cable that's 2 inches too short.

Here's a couple of sketchup views of our utility room. Note: I'm able to put the batteries in the room without an enclosure or venting as their AGM's :

Wooo, I know NOTHING about solar....but I DO have extensive knowledge of water inside during storms. The first thought that popped into my head when I saw your drawing is if you've got all that shelf space, why not start the batteries up one shelf above floor level just to error on the safe side? Again, I have no actual knowledge of how well-sealed that type of battery is....simply food for thought. Here's where you tell me you already thought of that & what you know that I don't know! Please be kind!

I was going to refrain from mentioning the company name does not instill confidence....as in "Dark as midnight!", but I just couldn't let the opportunity slide by me!

Ahhhh....I'm a few steps ahead of you. I have a couple of drain holes that would hopefully prevent water from getting that high, it would have to be nearly 2' deep before it hit the top of the batteries. That's one heck of a leak. I'm also mounting the hardware 4 inches away from the wall in case water seeps down the walls...and I have what looks like a little mini patio cover over everything to shed water in case the roof ever leaks.....and I used all water tight conduit. If all those defenses are breeched I think batteries will be the least of my concerns


Ohhh, and that shelf space. Drawings lie. They are full of stuff we've been bringing down for when we start building again!

That drawing program must not have any little floor drain icons, huh? If I'd have seen not one but two floor drains in the drawing, I'd NEVER have brought your exceptional Boy Scout preparedness skills into question!

As to empty shelf space, we ALL know that's an oxymoron! I actually did scroll back up to double check to make sure you had really left all the space empty in the drawing!

Come on WORK WITH ME HERE....I keep trying to find some little nugget of wisdom that you & Ola might have missed in your research, but you two are so well-researched, that you're discouraging me!

Just commenting on the company name.......does it imply the products are so good they work on the reflected light of the sun from the moon at midnight?

Ya never know!! Who'd a thunk you could cook a stew in a box with tinfoil?!?

Originally Posted by BajaNuts1

Just commenting on the company name.......does it imply the products are so good they work on the reflected light of the sun from the moon at midnight?

Ya never know!! Who'd a thunk you could cook a stew in a box with tinfoil?!?

The company name sounds kinds "shady" ...but if you're into solar, the guy that started Midnight Solar used to be the president of Outback. Outback produced some pretty innovative products and midnight solar seems to be coming up with even better equipment for less $$$.

I wish they worked at night!

Originally Posted by longlegsinlapaz

That drawing program must not have any little floor drain icons, huh? If I'd have seen not one but two floor drains in the drawing, I'd NEVER have brought your exceptional Boy Scout preparedness skills into question!

As to empty shelf space, we ALL know that's an oxymoron! I actually did scroll back up to double check to make sure you had really left all the space empty in the drawing!

Come on WORK WITH ME HERE....I keep trying to find some little nugget of wisdom that you & Ola might have missed in your research, but you two are so well-researched, that you're discouraging me!

Being so prepared actually bit me in the @zz. When we installed the solar I bought a bunch of components to expand later on. Now 5 years later those components are so outdated I can't use them with the new stuff. Expensive mistake. I think I should be able to find someone who wants to buy them though.

What are the advantages of the new technology over what you previously installed? Does it lower the net cost per watt?

Looks like they only make panels for wiring the various components. They do look well laid out and will make any installation easier for the DIY. Their "new" charge controller looks very similar in outward appearance to the Outback controller. Their web site has a lot of good information, looks like a good company.

Originally Posted by BajaGringo

What are the advantages of the new technology over what you previously installed? Does it lower the net cost per watt?

The advantage is the pre-wired panels. I never considered using outback's pre-wired systems as they were VERY expensive. Midnight's pre-wired components (12v and 120v wiring, charge controller input/output, circuit breakers, generator bypass, inverter wiring etc.) cost only slightly more than buying and installing the individual components yourself. Makes the install easier and it takes up much less space. Doesn't really lower the cost per watt though.

That does sound like a big advantage though as I know many folks get overwhelmed trying to figure out how to put the whole thing together...

I have purchased some Midnight Solar stuff through THE SOLAR BiZ - Solar Power Systems for a Sustainable Future .
They have good prices and Tom is a wealth of information.

Originally Posted by BigWooo

The advantage is the pre-wired panels. I never considered using outback's pre-wired systems as they were VERY expensive. Midnight's pre-wired components (12v and 120v wiring, charge controller input/output, circuit breakers, generator bypass, inverter wiring etc.) cost only slightly more than buying and installing the individual components yourself. Makes the install easier and it takes up much less space. Doesn't really lower the cost per watt though.

I just finished wiring my Outback Flexware 500 AC and DC panels as opposed to buying either Midnigh Solar or Ourtback pre-wired panels. Saved a lot of money and now I am intimately familiar with my system so if something does go worng, I'll know where/what to look for. It was also kinda fun. I have two 3048 inverters and two FM 60 charge controllers with both 120 VAC and 240 VAC outputs.

Originally Posted by ncampion

I just finished wiring my Outback Flexware 500 AC and DC panels as opposed to buying either Midnigh Solar or Ourtback pre-wired panels. Saved a lot of money and now I am intimately familiar with my system so if something does go worng, I'll know where/what to look for. It was also kinda fun. I have two 3048 inverters and two FM 60 charge controllers with both 120 VAC and 240 VAC outputs.

You're way ahead of me. I've spent the last couple of days hard wiring my generator so I can keep the batteries charged while I have the solar off-line for the upgrade. Haven't even touched the solar yet.

The generator is propane...and of course the regulator I bought is in a box buried somewhere in the trailer we're using for storage. I know exactly where everything's packed away...except the stuff I need.

Well, that'll learn ya to pack alphabetically next time!

Thanks to all.. have always wanted the solar "thing".. was looking to do it in the States.. but, price has been holding me back..

Originally Posted by wessongroup

Thanks to all.. have always wanted the solar "thing".. was looking to do it in the States.. but, price has been holding me back..

If you decide to go with the entire system all at once, it can translate into some major cash outlay. One of the things I love about solar/wind/off-grid systems is that they really allow you a lot of options to "grow" into them.

I have a neighbor down here that I am helping out. He had been living 100% on a generator up until now but as he is on a fixed income budget he didn't think he had many options. We started out by buying just one 150 watt solar panel and a small wind turbine. With the hybrid diversion controller, combiner box, wire and four 6 volt batteries his total cash outlay was $1700.

We have been monitoring his system for several days now and in spite of several partially cloudy days he is still averaging around 1.5KW power production per day. He is on a small hilltop facing the ocean and gets good, constant wind. He is thrilled that he only runs his generator now for a few hours at night to top off his batteries and figures he is saving a minimum of 5 gallons of gas a day.

Now he is saving up to buy more panels and more batteries. I just love seeing how happy it made him to realize he could go off-grid without having to run a generator all day. Everybody has different power needs but you can cut yourself off from the grid in smaller, more economical steps.

And did I mention that he is running the diversion power feed to an electric water heater?