Isn't it time for a "Definitive Guide to Long Term Solar Setup" sticky thread?

[lostworldexpedition]

Isn't it time for a "Definitive Guide to Long Term Solar Setup" sticky thread?

Here is why I think it may me time for a stickie...

Tons of threads are started by forum members trying to decide how much wattage a solar set up may need, what charge controller to use, is a dual battery set-up "needed," panel sources, etc.

IMHO it is time to have a detailed educational sticky in the Power Systems section describing what many have posted as replies many times... I may be wrong, but it seems like it would be quite helpful and a starting point for someone researching the subject. I have been e-mailed by a couple of people planning a drive to Argentina asking for advice and it would be nice to just send them a link to ExPo. I know it would have been very useful for me when I did my research (plus the search feature is just not great).

Sadly, I am most definitely not qualified to write said post, all I could provide is a long list f the things I have done wrong :sombrero:

Maybe wrcsixeight or Mario? Not to volunteer anyone in particular:victory:

 

[wrcsixeight]

Not a bad idea,

Mario and dwh, get on it already!:sombrero:

 

[PirateMcGee]

agreed

 

[ab1985]

I can't provide any first hand tech as I'm still researching, but I found this thread to be very informative:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=57060

 

[teotwaki]

Agree on the idea! Would be nice to link to a sticky rather than provide all of the different thread links for someone asking about how to start.

Other than that, exactly how do we build a FAQ-sticky without subjecting it to discussions and off topic hijacks?

 

[trump]

Other than that, exactly how do we build a FAQ-sticky without subjecting it to discussions and off topic hijacks?

1. Compile/compose thread info
2. Get mod to agree to sticky and lock
3. Post
4. Ask mod to sticky and lock as agreed
5. Mod will act as a control point for further additions

 

[dwh]

The Rules of Solar Club:

Rule #1 Never talk about Solar Club.
Rule #2 Never talk about Solar Club.
Rule #3 No matter how much solar you have, it won't be enough.

I'm a lazy SOB - how about we just link to HandyBob's manifesto and require that it be read before asking questions?

http://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/the-rv-battery-charging-puzzle-2/

 

[teotwaki]

1. Compile/compose thread info
2. Get mod to agree to sticky and lock
3. Post
4. Ask mod to sticky and lock as agreed
5. Mod will act as a control point for further additions

maybe with slight changes?

1. Submit outline of sticky to mod for tentative Go Ahead
2. Compile/compose thread info
3. Get mod to agree to newly composed sticky
4. Post new thread
5. Ask mod to sticky and lock as agreed
6. Mod will act as a control point for further additions

 

[pods8]

Some of the problems I see coming up with solar is folks either don't understand or won't take the time to understand how much power they use, how batteries function, etc. They just want someone to tell them to buy X.

 

[teotwaki]

Some of the problems I see coming up with solar is folks either don't understand or won't take the time to understand how much power they use, how batteries function, etc. They just want someone to tell them to buy X.

Yeah, or "I bought this large, overpriced and underpowered unit at Harbor Freight. How do I hook it up?"

I'm bad in that I want to experiment with everything available

 

[trump]

maybe with slight changes?

Seems about right.

Some of the problems I see coming up with solar is folks either don't understand or won't take the time to understand how much power they use, how batteries function, etc. They just want someone to tell them to buy X.

That's why this sticky would serve to educate. You can lead a horse to water...

 

[mountainpete]

If someone wants to lead this and create a new thread, I would be happy to sticky it.

FAQ style stickies that point to existing threads are fair game.

 

[pods8]

That's why this sticky would serve to educate. You can lead a horse to water...

All I'm saying is even if you do the sticky don't be surprised when there are horses standing at the water and then asking you to pour it in their mouths.

 

[trump]

All I'm saying is even if you do the sticky don't be surprised when there are horses standing at the water and then asking you to pour it in their mouths.

Yeah, that seems likely. If it were to help out even one person though, IMO it's worthwhile.

 

[teotwaki]

If someone wants to lead this and create a new thread, I would be happy to sticky it.

FAQ style stickies that point to existing threads are fair game.

Love the avatar... must be a story too :sombrero:

I would like to lead on it if no one has already volunteered. How do we build a FAQ in an open thread yet avoid discussions and hijacks? Two parallel threads? One for Facts and one for the Discussions?

What I had thought was to start by trolling through as many of the existing posts as possible, paste a bunch of things into a Word document and post it all at once in a new thread. You could lock it and we could open a discussion thread for the community's inputs on how to shape it and improve it.

Maybe these Basic Posts/Chapters which could be set up and edited as needed:

1. Solar Intro
2. Pro's and Cons
3. Basic Elements
4. How to design for your needs
5. Math (spreadsheets)
6. Examples
7. Members' Real Life Examples
8. Vendor Links
9. Thread Links
10. Additional Useful Links

Or is there a better approach? :ylsmoke: