Woodland Harvest Wiki - User contributions [en]

Final Report

2021-05-14T01:58:06Z

Obenitez: Created page with "Final Report"

Final Report

Robotics in Rural Living ISRG

2021-05-14T01:57:48Z

Obenitez:

_This page is for notes for an independent robotics study by Odalys Benitez and Leon Santen. Our final project is to build a pan-tilt mechanism for a solar panel array on Woodland Harvest Mountain Farm._

##Foundation Research

[[LoRa research]]
This page is a collection of research insights around LoRa and useful communication tips.

[[Pan-tilt mechanism research]]
This page is a gathering of potential components and calculations around the solar panel pan-tilt mechanism.

[[Sensor Data Acquisition]]
This page is a combination of different resources for learning how to obtain solar radiation data from an Apogee Pyranometer and how to make this data inform actuator position

##Project Documentation

[[Pan-Tilt System for Solar Array]]
This page is documentation of our work on the pan-tilt mechanism. It provides tips and info for future students and visitors.

[[Electrical Control Unit]]
This page documents the wireless communication system that monitors the electrical system. It includes the GitHub repository, and tips around coding and using sensors.

##Project Report

[[Final Report]]
This page documents our final report for the semester. We talk about our design and building process, hardware assembly process, and software. We also mention their relation to sense-think-act.
## To Do

3/25/2021

- speck out encoder
- calculate angle for solar panels, pan and tilt, simulation
- find bolts for rectangular center post

Pan-tilt mechanism research

2021-03-23T01:56:45Z

Obenitez:

The individual solar panels have an aspect ratio of 1:2 (62.2 x 31.8 x 1.4 inches).

There is a large variety of solar panel pan-tilt mechanisms. Here you can find a [general overview of various solar panel tracker ideas](https://www.solarreviews.com/blog/are-solar-axis-trackers-worth-the-additional-investment). [SunWize](https://www.sunwize.com/application-item/solar-panel-mounts/) has a large number of solar panel connectors and brackets. [Solar Electric](https://www.solar-electric.com/residential/panel-mounts-trackers/pole-mounts.html) has pole mounts.

## Linear actuation - potential design one

Taking inspiration from [ECO-worthy linear actuator controller](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JYAIS9W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_PGWD9GZZN7953B59Y202?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1)

This design does not have a rotational mechanism, but two linear actuators and three hinges. The hinges permit it to tilt in different directions, simulating a rotation.

[[File:ECO-worthy_mechanism_breakdown.png|500px]]

[[File:Linear_actuator_motion.png|500px]]

[[File:Actuatordesign_materials.png|500px]]

Pros:

- Linear actuators can resist change in motion i.e. when you power them to a certain position, they will stay there and not consume extra power.
- Linear actuators are somewhat cheap
- All materials for this design can be bought locally, like Lowe's
- Existing template for this design exists. Maximum load with their actuator and trigonometry is 330 lbs, which is more than enough to carry five solar panels. (We don't have to calculate torque)

Cons:

- Linear actuators don't have encoders, so we would need to attach a position sensor or accelerometer to the motor.

Same linear actuators can be found on Banggood [Linear actuators](https://usa.banggood.com/1500N-12V-4681012-inch-Linear-Actuator-Adjustable-Actuator-Tor-Opener-Linear-Actuator-Motor-p-1115476.html?cur_warehouse=CN&ID=566086&rmmds=search)

## Rotational actuation - Potential Design Two

Taking inspiration from [Simplified Solar Panel Pan-Tilt](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:53321)

This design is cute and can be completed as a benchtop experiment. We would calculate the torque to rotate our mass, and then we would program servo rotation with an Arduino. We would need someone to 3-D print the gears and send them to us.

To tilt the solar panels during the day, we could mount them to a rod and rotate the rod, similar to [this mount](https://www.ecodirect.com/Tamarack-Solar-UNI-PGRM-5P1-Top-of-Pole-Mount-p/tamarack-uni-pgrm-5p1.htm?gclid=Cj0KCQjw8fr7BRDSARIsAK0Qqr4xHvMvIqFGFAXQsrLIevLGQ5ZELeIHdAVhUrD0vjdXkz8LiQ_oPp0aAuqpEALw_wcB).

[[File:Simplified_Pan-Tilt.png|500px]]

Pros and possibly also cons:

- We can play around with gear ratios and design to have a super precise movement
- We have to find motors
- It would be a massive mechanical display
- We can use encoders, which would make programming easier in the long run.

Cons:

- It might require sourcing someone for CNC or lathe use
- We don't know what issues we might run into scaling up such a design

## Wind drag on solar panel plate

The calculation below considers the strongest hurricane wind conditions of around 18 m/s (~40 mph) in North Carolina. We calculated a maximum force of 7835 N (1761.378 lb) on the five solar panels.

[[File:Dragforceonsolarpanels_1.jpg|border|thumb|drag force on five solar panels at varying angles approximated]]

F = 1/2 * p * v^2 * A * 2pi * sin(alpha); (p - density of air, v - wind speed, 2pi sin(a) - drag coefficient); density of 10 celsius air - 1.246 kg/m^3; 
solar panel dimension - 62.2 x 31.8 x 1.4 inches - 1.58m x 0.8m x 0.0355; area = 1.264 m^2 
__Lift on all five panels__: F = 0.5 * 1.246 kg/m^3 * (17.8 m/s)^2 * 1.264 m^2 * 5 * 2pi * sin(a) <= __7835 N__

## Encoding a Linear Actuator

There are a couple of ways to attach an encoder to the mount to track actuator position.

Sensor Data Acquisition

2021-03-23T01:27:22Z

Obenitez: Created page with "The apogee pyranometer(https://www.apogeeinstruments.com/sp-110-ss-self-powered-pyranometer/#product-tab-information) measures solar radiation flux density and outputs vol..."

The [[apogee pyranometer]](https://www.apogeeinstruments.com/sp-110-ss-self-powered-pyranometer/#product-tab-information) measures solar radiation flux density and outputs voltages. We can use these voltage values to make an algorithm that changes the position of the actuators to point the pole mount towards the sun

##Arduino Documentation

Robotics in Rural Living ISRG

2021-03-23T01:13:52Z

Obenitez:

_This page is for notes for an independent robotics study by Odalys Benitez and Leon Santen. Our final project is to build a pan-tilt mechanism for a solar panel array on Woodland Harvest Mountain Farm._

##Foundation Research

[[LoRa research]]
This page is a collection of research insights around LoRa and useful communication tips.

[[Pan-tilt mechanism research]]
This page is a gathering of potential components and calculations around the solar panel pan-tilt mechanism.

[[Sensor Data Acquisition]]
This page is a combination of different resources for learning how to obtain solar radiation data from an Apogee Pyranometer and how to make this data inform actuator position

##Project Documentation

[[Pan-Tilt System for Solar Array]]
This page is documentation of our work on the pan-tilt mechanism. It provides tips and info for future students and visitors.

[[Electrical Control Unit]]
This page documents the wireless communication system that monitors the electrical system. It includes the GitHub repository, and tips around coding and using sensors.

## Helpful tools

The [falstad online circuit simulator](https://www.falstad.com/circuit/circuitjs.html) is great to quickly test a circuit, check its output voltage or behavior.

File:Simplified Pan-Tilt.png

2021-03-18T01:31:40Z

Obenitez:

Pan-tilt mechanism research

2021-03-18T01:31:29Z

Obenitez:

## Potential Design One

Taking inspiration from [ECO-worthy linear actuator controller](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JYAIS9W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_PGWD9GZZN7953B59Y202?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1)

This design does not have a rotational mechanism, but two linear actuators and three hinges. The hinges permit it to tilt in different directions, simulating a rotation.

[[File:ECO-worthy_mechanism_breakdown.png|500px]]

[[File:Linear_actuator_motion.png|500px]]

[[File:Actuatordesign_materials.png|500px]]

Pros:

- Linear actuators can resist change in motion i.e. when you power them to a certain position, they will stay there and not consume extra power.
- Linear actuators are somewhat cheap
- All materials for this design can be bought locally, like Lowe's
- Existing template for this design exists. Maximum load with their actuator and trigonometry is 330 lbs, which is more than enough to carry five solar panels. (We don't have to calculate torque)

Cons:

- Linear actuators don't have encoders, so we would need to attach a position sensor or accelerometer to the motor.

Same linear actuators can be found on Banggood [Linear actuators](https://usa.banggood.com/1500N-12V-4681012-inch-Linear-Actuator-Adjustable-Actuator-Tor-Opener-Linear-Actuator-Motor-p-1115476.html?cur_warehouse=CN&ID=566086&rmmds=search)

## Potential Design Two

Taking inspiration from [Simplified Solar Panel Pan-Tilt](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:53321)

This design is cute and can be completed as a bench top experiment. We would calculate the torque to rotate our mass, and then we would program servo rotation with an Arduino. We would need someone to 3-D print the gears and send them to us.

[[File:Simplified_Pan-Tilt.png|500px]]

Pros and possibly also cons:

- We can play around with gear ratios and design to have a super precise movement
- We have to find motors
- It would be a massive mechanical display
- We can use encoders, which would make programming easier in the long run.

Cons:

- It might require sourcing someone for CNC or lathe use
- We don't know what issues we might run into scaling up such a design

File:Actuatordesign materials.png

2021-03-18T01:10:41Z

Obenitez:

File:Linear actuator motion.png

2021-03-18T01:10:16Z

Obenitez:

File:ECO-worthy mechanism breakdown.png

2021-03-18T01:09:44Z

Obenitez:

Pan-tilt mechanism research

2021-03-18T01:09:02Z

Obenitez: Created page with "## Potential Design One Taking inspiration from [ECO-worthy linear actuator controller](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JYAIS9W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_PGWD9GZZN7953B59Y202?_enc..."

LoRa research

2021-02-27T20:13:47Z

Obenitez:

LoRa technology was developed by a company called Semtech and it is a new wireless protocol designed specifically for long-range, low-power communications. LoRa stands for Long Range Radio and is mainly targeted for M2M and IoT networks. This technology will enable public or multi-tenant networks to connect a number of applications running on the same network [^digikey-lora].

For different types of arduino, we can use a long range transciever LoRa shield called the [^dragino-lora].

### References
[^digikey-lora]: https://www.digikey.com/en/maker/blogs/introduction-to-lora-technology

[^dragino-lora]: https://wiki.dragino.com/index.php?title=Lora_Shield#What_is_the_Dragino_LoRa_Shield

Robotics in Rural Living ISRG

2021-02-27T19:51:02Z

Obenitez:

_This page is for notes for an independent robotics study by Odalys and Leon. Our final project is to build a pan-tilt mechanism for a solar panel array on Woodland Harvest Mountain Farm._

##Foundation Research

[[LoRa research]]

[[Pan-tilt mechanism research]]

##Project Documentation

[[Pan-Tilt System for Solar Array]]

[[Electrical Control Unit]]

Robotics in Rural Living ISRG

2021-02-27T19:42:34Z

Obenitez: Created page with "_This page is for notes for an independent robotics study by Odalys and Leon._ LoRa research Pan-tilt mechanism research"

_This page is for notes for an independent robotics study by Odalys and Leon._

[[LoRa research]]

[[Pan-tilt mechanism research]]

Timeline of Accomplishments during Fall 2020

2020-11-18T18:20:54Z

Obenitez:

__Students__: ANYA JENSEN, BLAKE BLANCETT, CARLOS GODINEZ, DREW CHASSE, DYLAN MERZENICH, JASMINE KAMDAR, JEREMY SKOLER, KATIE GOLDSTEIN, LEON SANTEN, MIA SKAGGS, NICOLA VAN MOON, ODALYS BENITEZ, RILEY ZITO, SEBASTIAN CALVO, WHITNEY XU

### Independent Studies

- Accessible Housing in Nature with Sara Hendren - Odalys Benitez and Mia Skaggs
- Dynamic Complexities with Linda Vanasupa - Odalys Benitez and Leon Santen
- A Practical Application of Sustainable Community Living with Jon Stolk - Sebastian Calvo
- Off-grid Wind Turbine - Leon Santen - [[Notes - Wind Turbine ISR-G]]

### August

__16__ - Drew, Whitney, and Leon arrived at the farm

__17__

__18__ - Sebastian, Mia, and Jeremy arrived

__19__

__20__

__21__

__22__

__23__

__24__

__25__ - Jasmine and Carlos arrived

__26__ - Dylan, Riley, and Katie arrived

__27__ - Blake arrived

__28__

__29__ - Odalys, Anya, and Nicola arrived

__30__

__31__

### September

__1__ - Micro-hydro is connected outputting around 70W.

__2__

__3__ - Kayaking and tubing trip

__4__ - Jasmine’s birthday, three solar panels connected (rated for 600W, outputting around 230W)

__5__ - first game night

__6__ — met to work on planning end design for buildings

__7__ - [first newsletter](https://olinatwoodlandharvest.com/files/pdfs/newsletter-1.pdf), group visioning and commitments for the semester

__8__ - first day of classes for Olin students. A little bit of a rocky start with the WiFi connection. We also cleared the space for the octagon by cutting poplars and sassafras. Evened out the ground for the crones cottage and extended the dam for the pond.

__9__ - officially broke ground all together. Finished digging and planting 4 posts for the crones cottage. Accidentally put one of the posts in the wrong spot by 11 inches so we redug and replanted. Ate such yummy dumplings for dinner.

__10__ - dug 9 holes for the octagon and planted 2 posts.

__11__ - connected MPPT solar charge controller with the three solar panels outputting more than 300W during peak hours.

__12__ - took a rest day for the rain and played games, read, baked, and cleaned the main house. Took bunkbeds and flooring out of the bus.

__13__ -

__14__ - started underpinning of crown's cottage

__15__ - sent out second newsletter. Had so much power coming into our batteries that we plugged in The fridge for the first time

__16__ - Riley and Dylan moved into Bus

__17__ - rainy day. Played games and made bread.

__18__ - finished the octagon joists and moved new lumber.

__19__ - Cob oven workshop. Learned how to mix clay and sand to make cob and then put a lotus on the cob oven.

__20__ - Had our weekly Sunday meeting and brunch. Are crepes :). Took a photo with the octagon joists.

__21__ - Learned how to put down sub-flooring. Finishing joists on crones cottage.

__22__ - cut octagon sub-flooring and filled in crones sub-flooring. Had a celebration for the equinox.

__23__ - Put up 3 walls of the octogenarian and cut crones sub-flooring. Fixed the micro hydro turbine- current was running backwards. Started wall frames for the octagon.

__24__ - planned out sub flooring for tree house and measured boards to cut.

__25__ -

__26__

__27__ - finished fourth wall of octagon.

__28__

__29__

__30__ - first crones wall frame went up.

## Oct

__01__ - giant branch fell on the art studio.

__02__ - 6 walls up for octagon.

__03__ decided to move into the sun with tiny cabin.

__04__ - decided to go without chore chart besides cooking and AM animals; cleared out new place for tiny cabin, cut down trees.

__05__ - wall frames on octagon finished.

__06__

__07__

__08__ - started light stray clay on the octagon just in time for the hurricane.

__09__

__10__

__11__

__12__ - broke second ground on tiny house and finished six post holes. Three crones wall frames are up

__13__ - cut posts for the tiny house and octagon bump out. Dug post holes for octagon and art studio bump outs.

__14__ - cut 60 bottles for walls. Light straw clayed until 10:30 pm to finish a big wall.

__15__ - started electrical wiring on the octagon.

__16__ - fourth crones wall went up.

__17__

__18__

__19__ - put up beams on the octagon. tamped the octagon bump out posts. took down a giant dead tree that was going to come down on the art studio.

__20__ - light straw clayed another wall and a bit more on the octagon. cleaned off solar panels which tripled our output.

__21__ - dug and planted posts for the tiny house.

__22__

__23__

__24__

__25__

__26__

__27__ - put rafters up on the octagon.

__28__ - put up roof boards on the octagon.

__29__

__30__

__31__ - Had a ritual for Halloween / Samhein. Collected herbs to make a salve and a tincture.

## November

__01__

__02__ -

__03__ - Aiden got his first deer while hunting with Carlos, who left a few hours later. Put up floor frame for tiny house.

__04__ - Installed sub-flooring on the tiny house with Mike. Made a prototype for the wind turbine.

__05__ - Worked on filling in missing sections between walls & roof on Octagon.

__06__ - Started light straw clay insulation for crones. Almost completed the north wall.

__07__ - cut octagon roof boards with a chain saw.

__08__ -

__09__ - Planted garlic for next year. Cut all boards for tiny house walls. Bozena left.

__10__ - Put up crones rafters, put in first window on the octagon and started putting on roofing paper.

__11__ - cleaning and baking day. Cleaned up main house and baked 4 different sweet breads :)

__12__ - processed deer meat into sausages and dry canned some. CADed parts for the wind turbine prototype so we could send them to be 3D printed. Started assembling first tiny house wall.

__13__

__14__

__15__

__16__

__17__

__18__

__19__

__21__

__22__

__23__

__24__

__25__

__26__

__27__

__28__

__29__

__30__

Project opportunities for Spring 2021

2020-11-18T18:15:41Z

Obenitez:

_All of these projects are learning opportunities for the Spring 2021 semester. While some of the projects were started in the Fall 2020 semester, there are plenty of options to advance and improve the current systems._

## Be part of an experiment
- This experiment is new to all of us. What do you think this experience should look like?
- Sense emerging future opportunities for change, and decide what you want to contribute to and do it.

## Community building
- What does it take to live in an intimate community of ten or more people?
- Intentional community engagement - how to address conflicts, balance community needs, develop relationships
- Ceremonies, intentional group meetings,
- Being immersed in a supportive off-grid farm community

## Activism and direct action
- Be part of an experiment - this is something new for everyone. What opportunities do you see?
- How to leverage our collective network to co-create lasting change
- Humanitarian outreach and design for people who need your help as an artist, engineer, and thinker
- Learn how to take a stance and become an activist: make stickers, raise money, read about systemic injustice
- Engage in or create an activist community. What does it mean to be an activist and engineer/designer?

## Art, sewing, crafting, cooking
- Make your own earrings out of clay
- Thread bracelets,
- Screen printing
- Use the 30 acres on the farm to install your art installations

## Inclusive design and accessibilty
- Inclusive cabin design for the elderly

## Electrical/technical work
- Wireless Arduino-based control system to regulate power consumption from the fridge. Measure input from the solar panels, wind turbine and determine if we have enough electricity to run the fridge.
- Deep-cycle battery maintenance and protection
- Wind turbine power electronics - see [[Wind turbine system]]
- Weather station to data log and measure wind speed, temperature, air pressure
- Internet optimization with LTE antennas, Wifi extenders
- Micro-hydro brushless generator maintenance
- Backup self-starting generator electricity supply

## Carpentry and wood working
- Furniture
- Mechanical prototyping
- Interior architecture
- Small tool cabin building

## Mechanical (and electrical) building/design
- Solar panel panning mechanism to track sun; integration of sunlight sensor to self-calibrate
- 3 kW wind turbine blade design and iteration on current design
- Solar hot water system

## Tree house
- Build safely up in the trees in a harness

## Logistics and project/group management
- How do you organize a semester experience for 12 people?
- Project planning and group communication
- Food budgeting for a large group
- Reaching out to sponsors, fundraising, leveraging our communal power
- Sliding-scale monetary contribution, ethical group economics

Main House Electricity System

2020-09-25T15:26:03Z

Obenitez:

The electricity system consists of a set of four deep cycle batteries, an inverter, the [[Main 1000 W Solar System]], one 250 W solar panel, an MPPT charge controllers for the five solar panels, a micro-hydro, and a diversion controller.

[[File:Power_system_layout.png|center|visual schematic of power system]]

## Solar Panels and MPPT Charge Controller

There are five [SUNGOLDPOWER 24V Monocrystalline 200W Solar Panels](https://sungoldpower.com/collections/monocrystalline-solar-panel/products/200-watt-monocrystalline-solar-panel#specification_1)(62.2 x 31.8 x 1.4 inches) that are connected in parallel, which keeps their voltage at 24 V and adds up their amperage. On a sunny day, they output up to 500 W to the [SolarEpic 4125BN MPPT Solar Charge Controller](https://solarepic.com/products/solarepic-mppt-40a-solar-charge-controller-150v-pv-input-tracer-4215bn?variant=12497866457137). The charge controller is rated for 40 A.

The additional, older 250 W panel is connected to a small PWM charge controller. Note that PWM charge controllers are less efficient than MPPT controllers.

For more information on the solar panel upgrade that was done, please refer to [[Additional Solar Panels Research]].

### Wires and Connectors

We are using around 100 feet of 2 AWG copper cable for each positive and negative connection. The cables are NOT fully water-resistant. Ideally, we should bury them in PVC pipes underground. The SUNDGOLDPOWER panels used to have standard MC4 connectors that we cut off.

### Mounts and Brackets
[SunWize](https://www.sunwize.com/application-item/solar-panel-mounts/) has a large number of solar panel connectors and brackets. [Solar Electric](https://www.solar-electric.com/residential/panel-mounts-trackers/pole-mounts.html) has pole mounts.

__Angles for mounting__:
- February 5th – Set to same angle as your latitude.
- May 5th – Set at the same angle as your latitude minus 15 degrees. At noon the panel will be almost horizontal to the ground.
- August 5th – Set at the same angle as your latitude.
- November 5th – Set at the angle of latitude plus 15 degrees. This tilts your panels towards the sun as it travels low in the southern sky during the winter.

_Our latitude is 36.4037°_.

## Micro-Hydro and Diversion Controller

The micro-hydro system outputs around 60 W all day long. We currently don't have any accurate information on its original efficiency, head, or other characteristics. Please update this section and the micro-hydro page if you know more.

As the micro-hydro system charges the batteries 24/7, it is important to prevent overcharging with a diversion controller that redirects the energy to a heating element. The heating element dumps the electricity and converts it into heat. The diversion controller is the C-35 by Schneider ([Manual](http://solar.schneider-electric.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/c-series-manual-975-0004-01-02-rev-d_eng.pdf)).

## Inverter

The current inverter's maximum continuous battery charger input is 3600VA. It's maximum alternating current (AC) output overcurrent protection is 35 A at 110 V.

## Deep-Cycle Batteries

[[File:12-FS-210 Rolls Battery.JPG|thumb|Deep-cycle battery 12 FS 210 by Rolls Battery]]
The main house has a 24 Volt [V] deep-cycle battery system with a capacity of 420 Ampere-hours [Ah].
The battery system consists of four deep cycle batteries of the type 12 FS 210 by Rolls Battery ([data sheet](https://rollsbattery.com/wp-content/uploads/batteries/12FS210.pdf)). Each individual battery has an output voltage of 12 V and a capacity of 210 Ah at a discharging rate of 20 hours (please check datasheets for lower discharging rates). The four batteries are parallel- and series-connected, which doubles the system’s voltage and capacity.

[[File:Batteriesinseriesandparallel.JPG|border|thumb|Four 12V batteries in series and parallel]]

As with all deep cycle batteries, they shouldn’t be drained to less than 20% of their capacity, which results in a usable capacity of 336 Ah with 24 V (~8,000 Watt-hours [Wh]) after purchase. Please note that these numbers will be lower after long-term usage. Based on experience, the batteries are severely damaged resulting in a capacity of approx. 40% (3,200 Wh).

### Upgrading the Batteries

One should refrain from adding new batteries to an already used set as it wears down the old batteries faster. This will result in deep discharged old batteries. Therefore, we could consider moving the current/old set to our future octagonal cabins. As depicted in the illustration above, we could run two independent 12 V systems in different locations. Rolls Battery released a new version of our current batteries, the S12 185 ([data sheet](https://www.rollsbattery.com/battery/s12-185/?pdf=8512)). Here is a [summary of the model updates](https://rollsbattery.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Model-Updates.pdf).

## Software and Hardware

The Main House Electricity System is connected to an Arduino-based [[Electrical Control Unit]]. Please refer to the aforementioned page for the GitHub repository.

File:Power system layout.png

2020-09-25T15:19:09Z

Obenitez:

Additional Solar Panels Research

2020-09-08T14:28:36Z

Obenitez:

The current solar panel is a 250W, 24V panel. To upgrade the system correctly, we need one or more 24V panels. Around 750 additional Watts would be ideal. The current inverter's maximum continuous battery charger input is 3600VA.
Monocrystalline solar cells are made from a single silicon crystal which makes them up to 20% efficient.

Here are things to consider when connecting panels [in series or parallel](https://solarpanelsvenue.com/mixing-solar-panels/). However, it seems wise to [use two charge controller](https://www.cedgreentech.com/question/can-i-connect-two-charge-controllers-same-battery-bank).

__We ordered five of these panels__
- $ 259 - 62.2 x 31.8 x 1.4 inches - [SUNGOLDPOWER Solar Panel 200W 24V Monocrystalline Solar Panel 200 Watt Solar Module Grade A Solar Cell](https://www.amazon.com/SUNGOLDPOWER-Solar-Panel-Monocrystalline-Module/dp/B07N6CX9MC/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=24v+solar+panels&qid=1598213514&sr=8-4) [Panels on Sungoldpower website](https://sungoldpower.com/collections/monocrystalline-solar-panel/products/200-watt-monocrystalline-solar-panel#specification_1))

__Another option: Monocrystalline Solar Panels__
- $ 192 - [NEWPOWA 200W 24V MONOCRYSTALLINE HIGH EFFICIENCY SOLAR PANEL](https://www.newpowa.com/products/newpowa-200w-24v-monocrystalline-high-efficiency-solar-panel?variant=31891763396682&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_campaign=gs-2020-04-10&utm_source=google&utm_medium=smart_campaign)

__Another option: Polycrystalline Solar Panels__
- $ 285 - [Renogy 270 Watt 24 Volt Polycrystalline Solar Panel](https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Renogy-270-Watt-24-Volt-Polycrystalline-Solar-Panel/26521591/product.html?option=44606635)

## Charge Controller and Diversion Controller

- __POTENTIAL PURCHASE__: [Schneider C-60](https://www.solarflexion.com/product-p/c60.htm?gclid=CjwKCAjwkdL6BRAREiwA-kiczEukfCixIMcoghe-eUk7crbVxUWEfZmWXz50Qy7D-q5YD3yHzt9aAhoCQy4QAvD_BwE) for the 1000W solar system
- The TriStar TS-45 is __broken__ ([manual](https://2n1s7w3qw84d2ysnx3ia2bct-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/TS.IOM_.Operators_Manual.04.EN_1.pdf)) by Morningstar.
- We’re currently using the Schneider C-35 ([Manual](http://solar.schneider-electric.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/c-series-manual-975-0004-01-02-rev-d_eng.pdf)) as a diversion controller with a heating element attached.
- __POTENTIAL PURCHASE__: [MPPT Solar Charge Controller](https://www.amazon.com/SolarEpic-Charge-Controller-Temperature-Communication/dp/B07429RK43/ref=asc_df_B07429RK43/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198064505516&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16807528780714719740&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010298&hvtargid=pla-352412316426&psc=1)

## Wires and Connectors

Our 1000W and 24V solar system (5x 200W Sungoldpower panels) will have a peak current of 40A. As the average current will be around 30A or lower, however, a [2 AWG cable](https://www.rapidtables.com/calc/wire/2-gauge.html) for the distance of 10m (30 feet) will be appropriate.
[[File:WireSize.JPG|border|thumb|Wire AWG size recommendations for a 12V solar system from the TS-45 manual]]

Sunpowergold panels have [MC4 connectors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MC4_connector). We probably need a [5 to 1 T-branch connector](https://www.amazon.com/Solar-Branch-Connectors-Coupler-Combiner/dp/B0833Y99Q1/ref=asc_df_B0833Y99Q1/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=416960572979&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9974211773035361050&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9008236&hvtargid=pla-898513968645&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=97671768687&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=416960572979&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9974211773035361050&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9008236&hvtargid=pla-898513968645) and an additional adapter from the 12 AWG cable to a 2 AWG cable that runs back to the charge controller.

## Tax Refund

We can try to claim solar rebates, a tax refund, to lower our costs. North Carolina's [solar incentives](https://www.energysage.com/local-data/solar-rebates-incentives/nc/) reach from property tax exemption to refunds per watt. Duke Energy offers a $0.60/Watt rebate for systems up to 10 kilowatts.

On [solarize-nc.org](http://solarize-nc.org/taxes/#:~:text=From%20now%20through%202019%2C%20it,to%2010%25%20for%20commercial%20installations.), they mention the following about tax credits and deductions in North Carolina:

<blockquote>Unfortunately, the North Carolina solar tax credit (which paid back 35% of the installed cost of your system), expired on December 31, 2015, so it is too late to take advantage of that tax credit. (For those whose solar was installed before Dec. 31, 2015, your state credit can be used over five years, but can only account for 50% of your tax bill in any one year.)

The Federal solar tax credit, which was scheduled to expire December 31, 2016, has now been extended through 2021 as part of the spending bill passed on Dec. 18, 2015. From now through 2019, it pays back 30% of the installed cost of your system (assuming you pay enough tax to use it up). The credit drops to 26% in 2020 and 22% in 2021. After Dec. 31, 2021, the Federal tax credit expires for residential customers and drops to 10% for commercial installations.</blockquote>