solar panel

[SteveMack]

Hi All, I need your help as regards electric power loss when we have storms or rain, it gets very hot when this happens, so i,m thinking of getting some kind of power system whether it be generator or small solar panel, ( i,d prefer solar, quieter at night and less maintenance  ) my family live 30 klms south of Nong Bua Lam Phu, small village, I go twice a year. Ideally I.d like enough power for tv, fridge and 1 or 2  12 inch fans, ( At the moment, we use  2  10 inch battery fans and 2 battery lamps , so would like something last longer and stronger, )  Is there any companies who sell and install enough solar panels around here, I hope you can help me, thanks a lot, Steve Mack.

[inThailand]

Years ago electric outages were common here and could last a while. Now more temporary power drops and rarely a prolonged outage. Is such a system worth the initial cost and ongoing maintenance?

[sirineou]

At this point I would recommend a small generator,

Have a plug where you can plug it in your electric utility box with a switch that will activate the plug while disconnecting the Utility box from outside power.  You don't want  both the generator and outside power when it comes back on ,to feed into your electric system .

It should run your whole house if the generator is big enough or your house is small enough.

 Unless you have invertor AC  it will not run your ac units as older units drow a lot of juice at start up,  also hot water heaters and electric stoves might be a problem. so turn those Circuit brakes off.

 

[Lamkyong]

i have a small solar system   also i have had generators    my first choice would be a decent size gen set    4000 watt plus   also do not  cheap out,  start with a genuine electric start  Honda imo the best  quiet and reliable , solar can be expensive  to set up with your requirements  as for ongoing maintenance  not really a major concern

With the Honda gen sets you can always  couple 2/3/4 together   so start small if needed buy another to double output   etc etc

[Crossy]

The issue with solar (or for that matter an inverter/charger) is that you need batteries. Maybe lots of batteries.

 

Let's say you want 12hrs power.

 

TV (100W), 2 fans (75W each), fridge (150W) and a 5 lights (low energy 20W each).

 

About 500W so you need 6000 Watt hours of energy, allowing 50% discharge that's 12000 Watt hours of battery. At 12V that's 1000Ahr!!

 

12V 100Ahr deep-discharge batteries come in at around 4,300 Baht, you need 10 plus an inverter and charger (mains or solar) that can re-charge them in a reasonable time (say 24 hours).

 

For 43 k Baht (and if you don't mind a bit of DIY) you can get a half decent, silent, diesel generator and a simple controller and auto transfer switch.

 

Maintenance? Our petrol generator gets the battery charged and a 1 hour run (on load) once a month and an oil change as a Christmas present.

 

Of course there's fuel to buy, I must admit I don't monitor how much we use, I just top up the tank when I charge the battery (after the test run) or if we've had a really long power cut.

 

Our power is much better than it was even 5 years ago when we moved in, but the genset still runs maybe once a month. Keeps Wifey happy with internet and TV, and her fish happy with water circulation and air.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Crossy]

Have a read of this thread, read it to the end.

 

 

[SteveMack]

3 hours ago, Crossy said:

The issue with solar (or for that matter an inverter/charger) is that you need batteries. Maybe lots of batteries.

 

Let's say you want 12hrs power.

 

TV (100W), 2 fans (75W each), fridge (150W) and a 5 lights (low energy 20W each).

 

About 500W so you need 6000 Watt hours of energy, allowing 50% discharge that's 12000 Watt hours of battery. At 12V that's 1000Ahr!!

 

12V 100Ahr deep-discharge batteries come in at around 4,300 Baht, you need 10 plus an inverter and charger (mains or solar) that can re-charge them in a reasonable time (say 24 hours).

 

For 43 k Baht (and if you don't mind a bit of DIY) you can get a half decent, silent, diesel generator and a simple controller and auto transfer switch.

 

Maintenance? Our petrol generator gets the battery charged and a 1 hour run (on load) once a month and an oil change as a Christmas present.

 

Of course there's fuel to buy, I must admit I don't monitor how much we use, I just top up the tank when I charge the battery (after the test run) or if we've had a really long power cut.

 

Our power is much better than it was even 5 years ago when we moved in, but the genset still runs maybe once a month. Keeps Wifey happy with internet and TV, and her fish happy with water circulation and air.

 

 

 

 

 

 

thanks everybody,

 

[SteveMack]

15 hours ago, sirineou said:

At this point I would recommend a small generator,

Have a plug where you can plug it in your electric utility box with a switch that will activate the plug while disconnecting the Utility box from outside power.  You don't want  both the generator and outside power when it comes back on ,to feed into your electric system .

It should run your whole house if the generator is big enough or your house is small enough.

 Unless you have invertor AC  it will not run your ac units as older units drow a lot of juice at start up,  also hot water heaters and electric stoves might be a problem. so turn those Circuit brakes off.

 

what name and strength generator would you recommend for  a separate supply for 2 x 12 inch fans, 1 fridge and tv, ( have good battery lights already  ) thanks

[sirineou]

8 minutes ago, SteveMack said:

what name and strength generator would you recommend for  a separate supply for 2 x 12 inch fans, 1 fridge and tv, ( have good battery lights already  ) thanks

Most of my experience in these systems are in the US  where I use a 6500 watt gen in the fasion I described.

Crossy , the moderator of this forum and a retired electrician I think, Is infinitely better equipped to answer that question  , I defer to his expertise, if he does not see this post. drop him a PM. 

 

[sirineou]

 ^^^^^^

again IMO the generator is the best way to go.

I own a home in FLorida USA, every year about this time we get tropical storms and hurricanes, and we lose power, sometimes for several days'

For less than 30,000 baht the gen is in stand by in the garage, I use fuel stabilizer, and every once in awhile I pull it out and crank it up.

When the power goes out, I pull it out plug it in, crank it up and I am good to go. I lights up the whole house. except the central AC.

I also drop the Circuit braked for the hot water heater, I dont want it coming on while I have all the lights on , the TV, and the refrigerator is running

I will turn it on only to make hot water when we need to take a shower, and I make sure I drop the refrigerator CB and turn off some light while it is on

Same for when we are using the electric stove. but u dont need to drop the stove CB because the stove  does not come ON, on its own.   My hot water tank comes ON on its own when the water in it gets too cold.

I addition you have portable power for all those projects to far from the house. for an extension cord..

Get one with wheels, or make a cart for it, great for dragging all over the place. also a plywood leaning over it  but not on it, supported by a couple of sticks will keep it dry if it rains, and will muffle the sound.

[SteveMack]

On 9/16/2017 at 1:00 PM, sirineou said:

Most of my experience in these systems are in the US  where I use a 6500 watt gen in the fasion I described.

Crossy , the moderator of this forum and a retired electrician I think, Is infinitely better equipped to answer that question  , I defer to his expertise, if he does not see this post. drop him a PM. 

 

thanks, how do I get in contact with moderator please, I,m not good on computers?

 

[sirineou]

5 minutes ago, SteveMack said:

thanks, how do I get in contact with moderator please, I,m not good on computers?

 

Crossy is also a posting member and from the interactions I had with him in this forum he seems like a very nice guy and very knowledgeable in this subject.

You can see one of his reply in this thread, it is the fourth reply. click on his avatar and it will take you to his profile to send a PM

I think this is a link to his profile: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/profile/14979-crossy/ 

Good luck

[SteveMack]

55 minutes ago, sirineou said:

Crossy is also a posting member and from the interactions I had with him in this forum he seems like a very nice guy and very knowledgeable in this subject.

You can see one of his reply in this thread, it is the fourth reply. click on his avatar and it will take you to his profile to send a PM

I think this is a link to his profile: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/profile/14979-crossy/ 

Good luck

thanks, you are a star.

[SteveMack]

1 hour ago, sirineou said:

Crossy is also a posting member and from the interactions I had with him in this forum he seems like a very nice guy and very knowledgeable in this subject.

You can see one of his reply in this thread, it is the fourth reply. click on his avatar and it will take you to his profile to send a PM

I think this is a link to his profile: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/profile/14979-crossy/ 

Good luck

thanks, I sent him a message, steve

[Crossy]

On the subject of generators.

 

There are many (relatively) cheap, mostly Chinese, generators on the market. However, at the low price end they (both petrol and diesel) suffer from the same drawback, they are not quiet, in fact they are damned NOISY!!

 

For our OP to run his minimal load (I would run a couple of lights too, save the batteries for re-fuelling the generator) something around the 3.5kVA mark would do the trick (we don't want to be running at full load all the time and it needs a bit extra to start the freezer and water pump motors). Jupiter seem to get a good review, low(ish) cost and equipped with "silent" enclosures. Try a forum search, there are several threads.

 

 

Have a look in your local big-box store, but it's worth looking in specialist places if you have them locally, if you post your location I'm sure someone local will help.

 

Also, if your cuts are at all regular, the manual moving of plugs etc. will wear thin very quickly. If you can re-wire your distribution box so that a few outlets and lights can be rapidly (or even automatically) flipped to the generator, life will be so much more fulfilling

 

Do have a read of the transfer switch thread I linked to earlier.

 

This one:

 

 

A number of members who are on a budget have bought one of these

 

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/125-amp-changeover-switch-240V-mains-to-generator-transfer-single-phase-Din-rail-/272258677525?epid=1661900551&hash=item3f63e1bb15:g:ouoAAOSwxKtX~6d5

 

EDIT I also found this http://www.gencontrol.co.uk/auto-start-for-hyundai-genset.html

 

 

Which will link directly to the key switch of many key-start/stop gensets, all the fun of the fair without the salad dressing 

 

[kamalabob2]

I'll agree with many postings on this thread. Lamkyong has pointed out the benefits of genuine Honda power generators in Thailand. Crossy has detailed the challenges and expense of batteries with a POV solar power system currently in Thailand. Today I noted the actual selling prices of genuine Honda petrol power generators and Honda inverter emergency backup power generators in Buriram. The prices might be similar in other Thailand provinces for Honda power generators. 

 

[kamalabob2]

Solar panels in various sizes and inverters are available in every province in Thailand. The larger  Isaan solar power dealers import a 40 foot container at a time in my observation. Takes a bit more work to figure and install than a Honda back up generator in my experience in Buriram. The solar panels mounted on my next parking structure are on my house plans. 

[SteveMack]

On 9/20/2017 at 6:01 AM, kamalabob2 said:

I'll agree with many postings on this thread. Lamkyong has pointed out the benefits of genuine Honda power generators in Thailand. Crossy has detailed the challenges and expense of batteries with a POV solar power system currently in Thailand. Today I noted the actual selling prices of genuine Honda petrol power generators and Honda inverter emergency backup power generators in Buriram. The prices might be similar in other Thailand provinces for Honda power generators. 

 

Thanks Kamala Bob, this one , 14999 baht,  ( just up my street for power for a few hours, for 2 fans, and maybe tv, ) I I couldnt read the writing on gen, how many watts can I use with this one. thanks again, steve 

 

 

 

[kamalabob2]

I can check next Wednesday when I am in Buriram. I believe the Honda web site lists information and I will post a link next week. 

[SteveMack]

6 hours ago, kamalabob2 said:

I can check next Wednesday when I am in Buriram. I believe the Honda web site lists information and I will post a link next week. 

thanks so much bob, i,m not very good with computers, i usually stay 30klms south of nong bua lam phu, any info is appreciated, steve

 

[Crossy]

13 hours ago, SteveMack said:

Thanks Kamala Bob, this one , 14999 baht,  ( just up my street for power for a few hours, for 2 fans, and maybe tv, ) I I couldnt read the writing on gen, how many watts can I use with this one. thanks again, steve 

Looks like an ER2500CX in which case it's 2kVA, should be ideal for your application.

 

http://hondapowerproducts.ph/products/generator/er2500cx/

 

It's recoil start so no automatic transfer but you could make it auto-stop for when the power returns. See my earlier link 

 

 

[MaeJoMTB]

Here's one already on wheels for 8,500bht CoD. 3KW.

https://www.lazada.co.th/mitsuromar-tu3800-17425546.html

Edited October 1, 2017 by MaeJoMTB

[Naam]

On 9/16/2017 at 2:59 AM, sirineou said:

It should run your whole house if the generator is big enough or your house is small enough.

 Unless you have invertor AC  it will not run your ac units as older units drow a lot of juice at start up,  also hot water heaters and electric stoves might be a problem. so turn those Circuit brakes off.

33 years ago in Nigeria we were living for nearly two years solely on generator power with 7 airconditioners, hot water heaters, fridges and freezers without any problems. size (of generator) does matter! 

[SteveMack]

11 hours ago, Crossy said:

Looks like an ER2500CX in which case it's 2kVA, should be ideal for your application.

 

http://hondapowerproducts.ph/products/generator/er2500cx/

 

It's recoil start so no automatic transfer but you could make it auto-stop for when the power returns. See my earlier link 

 

 

thanks bob, and crossy, sorry to be a pain,  but would it be much more expensive for an electric start generator as it would make it easier and simpler  (and quieter too for neighbours )for my g/f and her young son when i,m not there. 

Edited October 1, 2017 by SteveMack
more info

[SteveMack]

8 hours ago, MaeJoMTB said:

Here's one already on wheels for 8,500bht CoD. 3KW.

https://www.lazada.co.th/mitsuromar-tu3800-17425546.html

thanks Mae, can i get something like this with  electric start as it would make things simpler and easier for my g/f and 9 year old son, thanks

[SteveMack]

11 hours ago, Crossy said:

Looks like an ER2500CX in which case it's 2kVA, should be ideal for your application.

 

http://hondapowerproducts.ph/products/generator/er2500cx/

 

It's recoil start so no automatic transfer but you could make it auto-stop for when the power returns. See my earlier link 

 

 

Hi crossy, thanks for imput, would it be possible to get one like this one with an electric start and reasonably quietish one to make it easier and simpler for my g/f and 9 year old son to use and not too  noisy for the neighbours, thanks again steve

[kamalabob2]

SteveMack: I looked this morning at the Honda back up emergency generators on display in Buriram Thailand. I took a photo of the key start genuine 6.5 KVA 13hp Honda EG6500CXS backup quiet generator. It includes an automatic voltage regulator. It is priced higher than no name Chinese brands sold in Thailand. It is priced higher than the 14,999 baht genuine Honda 5.5hp ER2500CX  2KVA generator with pull start. There certainly are other models including Honda inverter generators available in Thailand. I own a Honda petrol water pump and a Honda four stroke brush cutter and have found the repair service and spare parts for Honda power products in Isaan to be easy and affordable. 

[Naam]

51 minutes ago, CindyOu said:

20KW to 50KW is enough for home use.

[bankruatsteve]

53 minutes ago, CindyOu said:

Hello, dear, have you solved your problems? Considering your situation, you should prepare for a diesel generator or gasoline generator for home use or when there is no electricity. Generator is very important where the places are out of power. For home use generator, I suggest you to use silent generator rather then open type generator. Less noise. 20KW to 50KW is enough for home use. If you don't know which brand of generator you should choose, this website is useful. Anyway, hope it is helpful.

50KW is enough to take care of a small village!

[Naam]

53 minutes ago, CindyOu said:

20KW to 50KW is enough for home use.

and if 50kW does not suffice just look at a unit capable to deliver 100kW.