We can source and supply what you need for DIY solar installations
Buy Solar Panels, Batteries, Chargers, Inverters, Cabling and more..
Whether you are looking for new or second hand solar panels to create your own solar system, chargers, inverters, batteries or tools for off grids solar we can help. Give us a call on 04562 535 002 so we can help you work out what you need.
Solar Panels
We can supply brand new state of the art solar panels however we also have access to second hand used solar panels most of which are in perfect condition and virtually. You can save money on your solar system by using second hand solar panels. We can help you calculate how many watts and panels you need and the voltage they will supply to your charger and batteries.
Solar Chargers
Once we know the capacity of your batteries and solar panels we can help you choose the right solar charger. The supply of amps to your charger is critical so selecting a suitable charger is important - you don't want to under supply to your batteries but you also do not want to overload your charger. The capacity of the charger determines the time it takes to recharge the batteries. The wattage supplied by your solar panels is converted to amps by the charger which feeds this to your batteries. Its counterproductive to have lots of panels supplying plenty of power that is limited by an inadequate charger.
Let us know what you require to keep your batteries charged. We can help you work through this.
Solar Batteries
Choosing the right batteries may involve considering a few questions;
Storage
The capacity of the batteries is important. If you are not sure what you need ask us. Consider how much storage will suit your needs including the ability for your batteries to store reserve power when there is very little sun on your panels for few days. The addition of a generator to your system may be necessary.
Cost
Lithium Iron (LiFe) batteries are now considered safe but they are still quite expensive. They will withstand many cycles (up to 10,000 in some cases) and can recharge from completely flat. LiFe batteries have a finite life and will need to be replaced every 7 years or so. The cost of this needs to be considered.
Gel, carbon and other types of AGM deep cycle batteries are considerably cheaper that LiFe and although they also will need replacement can actually last many years providing they are now allowed to flatten. These batteries
Space
LiFe batteries are lighter and more compact that AGM batteries so will take up less space. LiFe batteries that include a BMS (Battery Management System) also need more shelter and weather protection than AGMs so you need consider where they will be placed. We can source and sell LiFe batteries that are weatherproof (IP64). If you have space in a suitable spot we recommend AGMs.
Environment
Either way AGM and LiFe batteries will need to disposed of at the end of their cycle so think about the best way to do this ahead of time otherwise you will end up with decommissioned batteries lying around your property
Social
The production of some types of Lithium Iron batteries requires cobalt much of which is obtained through mining in Africa and the use of child and slave labour. Just saying...
An alternative - Nickel Iron batteries
Nickel Iron (NiFe), sometimes called Edison battery technology was suppressed for many years because of the extremely long battery life and robustness - they can be overcharged and flattened over many multiple cycles
NiFe battery technology is actually very old and has made a comeback in recent years. NiFe batteries are quite heavy and bulky like AGM/Lead acid/etc type batteries and do need topping up with distilled water from time to time, however they last much, much longer than any other battery. There are original Edison batteries still in use today after almost 100 years!
In the late 1800's Swedish inventor Waldemar Jungner invented the Nickel Iron battery (also know as Nickel-Alkaline battery). Thomas Edison continued development in the early 1900's.
Henry Ford and Edison came together to create a low price electric car with the intention of going into business together. It fairly certain that the oil cartels offered Ford incentives to put petrol motors in his car thus eliminating the competition.
Edison's Nickel Iron batteries were used in S.R. Bailey's Electric Car in the first 1000 mile (1600kms) record breaking endurance distance trial in September 1910. Bear in mind that at the time of writing (2023) most EV batteries only get you 450 miles.
NiFe batteries were employed from the 1900's for mining, railways, forklifts, electric vehicles, switch-gear tripping, marine (including submarine), aircraft and miliatry applications and supplied governments across the world with his Nickel Iron batteries.
The Australian Defence Force used NiFe batteries from the mid 1940's to the mid 1970's. Most Australian Government owned utilities such as telecommunications and railways also used Nickel Iron Batteries as standard in their operations.
Inverters
Your choice of inverter is critical to a system that works well and supplies your power needs. Inverters can be quite cheap however you need to check the actual capacity they can deliver. Often a cheaper inverter of say 2000W will trip out at 1800 watts peak. You will need to do an accurate and honest calculation of your power consumption before selecting a suitable inverter - use our Off Grid Solar Calculator for this. Some inverters also incorporate the charger. Ask us..
Cable and Connectors
We can supply 4mm and 6mm solar cable. Generally 4mm is suitable for small systems in caravans, trailers and vans. 6mm cable is suited to bigger systems in tiny home, houses, sheds, commercial installations etc. MC4 connectors are the standard for solar connection as they are secure and waterproof
Tools
Installing or servicing off grid solar systems requires some standard tools and few specialised tools. We can help you put together your off grid solar tool kit.