Off grid power system for observatory

[TraKtorman]

Hi all, about to exchange on a couple of hundred acres under a dark sky. We will most likely be living off grid.
My observatory will likely be a few hundred meters from our house. Has anyone have experience setting up off grid power specifically for an observatory they could share? Or could point me in the direction of some useful resources? I suspect the power requirements are modest, but I will need power for a Sirius dome, a computer and a paramount ME, plus scope heaters and the usual imaging accessories cameras, focuser, FW etc.
Grateful any advice as to what has worked!

[DavidTrap]

I'm not trying to say these guys are the definite answer, but you might get some ideas from this - LINK (http://www.aussiebatteries.com.au/off-grid-solar)

I have bought some batteries from them for my observatory on the Darling Downs.

Just to give you an idea of power consumption, I can consume 50-75amp/hrs per night running a 2 x 12V PCs, mount, cooled CCD camera and other accessories each night.

I top up my batteries during the day with a 25amp charger powered by a generator. In between visits, there is a small solar panel for trickle charging.

DT

[I.C.D]

G’day Peter,
I run my observatory off solar power, I have 2 6v200ah (fell of the back of a truck)to run the mount, cameras dew heaters lighting and whatever else and 1 12v deep cycle battery to run my laptop and can be used as a back up to the other batteries. I have 1 80 watt 4 amp solar panel to charge the 2 6 v batteries and a 40 watt 2 amp panel to charge the 12 v battery .I have it set up so I can charge both batteries at the same time if need to, but most time when I get in the morning both batteries are charging that is the good thing of solar panels

Ian :thumbsup:

[strongmanmike]

Hi Pete my setup sounds close to what you are imagining..?

160W Solar panel (http://www.pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/157207045/original)

2 X 150amphr batteries, 30amp solar regulator/charger, 1000W 240V pure sin inverter (http://www.pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/157207046/original)

Plenty of power for two all nighters of imaging (http://www.pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/163639906/original) and goto observing (http://www.pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/157983427/original)

Mike

[TraKtorman]

Thanks Mike, David, and Ian, I think the approach Mike has adopted is the one I am leaning towards. I like the tidy set up on the control room. The link to Aussie Solar and Batteries is very helpful (and useful for ideas on powering our house). I assume from the different systems Mike and Ian are running on solar that between a 120W and a 160W panel is sufficient to recharge (assuming the sun is shining)? Thanks again for your comments!