Backup power for your grow

[HIDEyourBUD]

Hey all,
I live in a small town and we loose power often. I'm considering trying to set up a power backup system for my C13 cabinet. Ideally, I would like to build a backup system for a larger grow as I may someday expand. Sometimes the power is out for 3 days.
I'm fully aware that there are turn key systems that cost like $800 not including batteries. I was thinking of using a relay to control the power flow from an inverter that is hooked up to a battery bank.
Anybody with a backup system is encouraged to post what they use, how many watts continuous for how many hours, and how much it costs.
Thanks guys
Here's a picture from my current grow

 

[HIDEyourBUD]

Anybody tried one of these?
http://www.amazon.com/Xantrex-802-1...ref=pd_bbs_3/104-6419996-4953554?ie=UTF8&s=hi

 

[AbaZabba]

Sure haven't used one, but it's looks like it woud work fine for such an occasion

Does it mean it will continuously put out 1350 watts without having to be recharged?

thanks for pointing my attention to this, been looking for something similar

 

[KingRalph]

looks like a great item, but made like crap as everyone says they keep dying or are DOA. ouch. how many watts are you running... if less than 500 i would say maybe look into a UPS backup power supply, often used for computers. these can get you through a good many hours, but not days. good luck.

 

[DrawoH]

800 bux sounds like a good deal

 

[MTF-Sandman]

I use a mitsubishi 6K diesel generator as my backup...30 gallon tank will run it for 2 days with no problems.

A battery bank that will actually run a grow is gonna cost a fortune...it's ALOT cheaper to just get a good generator.

 

[HIDEyourBUD]

Maybe I should be content with enough backup power to simply run the fans to keep the stink in for up to 3 days?

 

[litebuzz]

we have a honda generator for those rare days. but its always a concern when the power goes out...especially if you aren't home.

 

[Guest]

I bought my generator after last hurricane season and its still in the box ,luckily

 

[HIDEyourBUD]

Decided to go with the battery bank - inverter - charger system
Here's what I have so far:
Bought 2 inverters
Xantrex 1750W (3000W surge)
Vector 750W (1500W surge)
1 Deep cycle 200Ahr EverStart Battery
4gauge cable

I'm looking for an auto transfer switch to automatically turn on the inverter and transfer the load to it when the house power goes out. There are inverters with the charger and transfer switch built in but they are very expensive.

 

[Guest]

you know your a stoner if there is a blackout and you use all your candles for light for your plants

quoted from http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=30280

.

I'm thinking about something simular using solar panels to recharge deep cycle batteries for an inverter to power the setup. I don't have it all figured out yet, but most of this stuff you can find at RV / marine supply places.

 

[Buzzsmirk!]

lotsa power loss in the transfer(s)!

lotsa power loss in the transfer(s)!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^


solar to batteries then thru inverters to power ur grow is really very inefficient

if u want to go off grid consider the ONAN quiet diesels also available at the RV power supplies section.
those onan units will last for a while.
godd luck!
BUZZ!

 

[HIDEyourBUD]

Hold up there...off topic....I finished setting up a system that will power the fan for my carbon filter for a couple of days and be recharged by a vehicle if possible.
I haven't tested to see how long it will last but I imagine it will last for a couple days with just 100W going to the fan.
2 - 200Ahr batterys
-figure there is a 90% efficiency on the inverter so I'll need say..150W (high estimate) to run the fan at a reduced speed
P=IV, so 150W/12V=12.5A
200Ahr/12.5A=16hr of battery time per battery
So I have 32hr of battery time between charges....anyone want to check my math?

 

[Buzzsmirk!]

Hold up there...off topic....I finished setting up a system that will power the fan for my carbon filter for a couple of days and be recharged by a vehicle if possible.
I haven't tested to see how long it will last but I imagine it will last for a couple days with just 100W going to the fan.
2 - 200Ahr batterys
-figure there is a 90% efficiency on the inverter so I'll need say..150W (high estimate) to run the fan at a reduced speed
P=IV, so 150W/12V=12.5A
200Ahr/12.5A=16hr of battery time per battery
So I have 32hr of battery time between charges....anyone want to check my math?

"Ganjalord & HideYOURbUD"
look bros fans are fuckin nuthin when it comes to load.

the efficiency loss is from the photovoltaics to the batts and depending on your inverter choice some more there too. have u calculated the battery cost, then figure on replacin your batteries every few years too!!! just not worth the effort/expense on a scale like a decent growshow!!

when you do the math for your total grow load lighting mainly and your air conditioning. then show me!!
we have been round and round on this subject at OG and hands down a quality diesel genset is your answer for "off grid" period!!
the solar route would only be applicable to a smal microgrow IMHO
BUZZ!

 

[stevr59]

i ran my grow off a 1200 watt invter for 2 weeks when i got hit by a hurricane but then i was only pulling about 500 watts total light and blower and pumps but i was able to run my air pump 24 7 and ran my light about 2 hours a day off a car battry may be niot the best way to fly but it saved my crop

 

[Buzzsmirk!]

i ran my grow off a 1200 watt invter for 2 weeks when i got hit by a hurricane but then i was only pulling about 500 watts total light and blower and pumps but i was able to run my air pump 24 7 and ran my light about 2 hours a day off a car battry may be niot the best way to fly but it saved my crop

thats what counts bro.
i used agen set during the hurricane outage, slept in the A/C and cooked in the microwave, grow was also at ruduced wattage but i kept the 12/12 regimin.
chinese gas gensets are quite cheap at "wally world" .they'ed work for a desparate groweer in a pinch for a week or so.
BUZZ!