DC Direct to Solar Experimentation

The discovery that I could run some appliances directly to the power source (requiring no need for replacement parts, ever), has really made a positive impact in how I live.

What began as a trepidly approached experiment using a common hot water heater as a dump-load connected directly to the power-source, has now become a major contender toward reducing firewood for warmth.

Off-Grid Solar Batteries are great, but No-batteries-required is better.

So now I'm experimenting with everything to be direct.

This means that when the sun-rises, things automagically turn on without my input.

Presently I have the water heater connected directly to a 48v solar array (12-panels, 3 strings) comprised of 24 solar panels which is 6 strings of 48v, and it's been working better than anticipated.

At the time of this update, six years of testing has inspired me to go further.

For instance, about 6 or 8 inches away from my feet is a hotplate that had become broken long ago. However by removing all of the AC components and wiring direct to a solar panel now is my foot warmer/space heater beneath the desk.

There are other directly connected devices such as the space heater/stove at the other end of this building. And on the same wall is another cooker that operates my water distillery. Finally, there is yet another element that also acts as a space heater which is powered soley by the wind generator (direct).

The washer here operates on scalding hot water whenever I feel the need. My hot showers are provided directly from the solar panels. It's similar to a "on-demand hot water heater", when you have 6 arrays of 48 volt. My tests of lower voltages would also serve a purpose, just not for me. (to thaw livestock water tanks during the winter months, 12v instead of 48v might suffice, for instance).

There is also a great exhaust fan that will never need me to be alive to work. It comes on when the sun comes up and is located high near the ceiling to dispense any hot-air build-up (or hydrogen).

There are "over-ride" switches to ensure that the appliances remain off if I want them to be.

The only drawback with direct connection is that it is only attainable during the daylight. If you are located in a less sunnier place than Ohio (LOL), then you will need more panels to utilize ambiant light to your advantage, in sunnier locations less panels may be.