Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi Jono
I use a solar charger to charge batteries. The one amp meter measure the amps from the panels to the solar charger. The second one measures the power drawn from the batteries.

I expanded my solar panels today. Added another 2 X 250W panels. I now have a total of 1000W panels. Unfortunately still do not have the funds for enough batteries to see me through a night.

I currently get approximately 75% of the systems power from solar.

These two panels are placed on top of two IBC's. Helps to keep them in the shade!



The other two is on top of the chicken coop

Thanks for explaning in detail. That makes a lot of sense and is a great way to track how much spare solar power you have available. Currently I'm relying on the 3 LED's (low/medium/high) on my solar charge controller to give me an idea of how much battery charge is available, but it's not ideal and installing ammeters would be sweet.

Good idea also of shading your fish with the solar panels

With the latest upgrade in panels i am getting 80% of the systems power from solar. One step closer to having a fully off-grid aquaponics system.

My next step is to double the current battery bank to ~ 2 kWh usable capacity - at the current price of LiFePo4 batteries it may have to wait until Xmas