[CaptJohn]

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

John the cost hasn't come down that much but the controller is $$ and design issue my friend is working on.

He thinks it can be done <$1,000 but needs more time on the project to finalize it.



What R U using solar for on your home pool or hotwater?

I intend to install a hotwater system when I move there.

I still think it can be done for much less. I did some checking on ebay and 48 volt units are not listed but several good 24 volt ones are. Of course, that means it takes 2 if you need 48V. It shouldn't take much of a controller for that little power setup.

I'm using solar on the house itself, about 1000 watts so far. Long story. I started out 6 years ago to produce a backup system for power outages (after some hurricanes it's been as long as 2 weeks). Then rewired part of the house in a dual system for a natural gas generator, which as it turns out can be anything that produces electricity, ie, solar. I just got carried away some. I'm still experimenting. Sometimes I use it to power the refrigerator (which was my main original goal) and then a window ac. Lights and other electronic stuff is easy. My biggest problem is not enough sunlight. I have too many large oak trees blocking it as well as lots of cloudy days. Would work much better in Florida. I also need to upgrade my batteries.

I'm also getting ready to experiment with solar hotwater. Like you, I'm a DIYer.