For several years I’ve used a Raspberry Pi Zero for sensors, camera & door motor control which opens & closes a chicken coop door. The Rpi & controller is 5v, the motor is 12v. This has been powered by around 50’ of extension cord, but the elements are beginning to weather the cord & we also need to move the chickens further away from our mains. I think it is time to implement solar. I aspire to assemble a PV, battery, & converter system which:

  • Uses an off-the-shelf 12v PV panel (30w or so)
  • Uses LiFePO cells for heat resiliency & stability
  • Provides both 12v & 5v power
  • Isn’t proprietary; uses standard, easily-sourced components… unless it meets specs perfectly & isn’t terribly expensive.
  • Minimal power draw; at most 2 amps @ 12v for 10 seconds twice daily.

Does anyone have suggestions regarding this configuration, know of a post, blog, or video which does something similar, or is willing to ID components you’d recommend for this project?

  • waldenA
    2·
    10 months ago

    I’m around 41°N (southern New England). I installed a Victron SmartSolar 30A just within the past week, so the stats I have are limited. The best I’ve seen so far was yesterday where I got 50Wh. Most other days it has been 40Wh. Today is a bit cloudy so I’ll try and update you on what I get.

    Edit: I made a spreadsheet to sort of figure out what I can accomplish with 50Wh – and it’s not much! If the Pi draws 2.5 watts, the solar will only cover 20 hours not including any other electricity I want to use.

    This time of year has the shortest days, so if I can bump it to 60+ Wh a day that will be better. My property also has the downside of a hill to the west, so it makes direct sunlight even shorter. I’ve already ordered a 2nd 100w panel from Harbor Freight so that will help.