Got my trailer rigged up for solar, how can I use it while it sits in the back yard?

[catfishpkt]

So I've got my trailer rigged up and it has gotten me through one big trip (BurningMan) and several small weekend trips. Details of the solar part of the setup are below. My delima is, how can I utilize the rig between trips while it sits in the back yard. What do you guys do when your not adventuring?

4 100w Renogy panels
2 100Ah Renogy Gels
3000W Inverter
DC Fuse Block

Running
50 qt ARB fridge
DC lights
Air mattress pump
Ham rig (in design stages)

 

[luthj]

With a small grid-tie inverter you could feed power back into your home grid. Not to code, but could reduce your electricity bill some? Just set the inverter to turn off when the solar input drops out.

 

[luthj]

Nothing wrong with the inverter itself. But to properly connect a grid tie inverter would require a significant investment , as you need separate disconnect, and in some states the utility has to inspect the system and issue a permit. There also needs to be some markings on the pole and main box to prevent electrocution, as the system has more than one power source.

There would be no significant benefit for the cost given the size of this array.

 

[rayra]

With a 110VAC inverter on it, it could save you trying to dig up an extension cord.

 

[john61ct]

Rent it out on AirBNB?

 

[catfishpkt]

Initially thought about parking it near the corner of the house and wiring one room DC to be the "power outage" room but as mentioned above they make so many hoops to jump through. That and my local code enforcers don't like DIYers and would make it hard on me unless I hired it out.

I do like the idea of running yard lights. Could set up a whole entertainment area off of it and not have to worry about tying into the house.

One more note for non Oklahoman's, our state has a tax against grid tied. If I ever got around to making my ham shack solar or setting up a power outage room I'd keep it unconnected unless it produced enough to make it worth it.

 

[luthj]

One more note for non Oklahoman's, our state has a tax against grid tied. If I ever got around to making my ham shack solar or setting up a power outage room I'd keep it unconnected unless it produced enough to make it worth it.

Yeah, Oklahoma is ass-backwards when it comes to solar. the PSO actaully wants to buy cheap PV power from consumers, and has the net meters installed. But the state congress has been trying to block it at every turn, because the oil/gas companies basically donate nearly 30% of state campaign funds...