Photovoltaic System Installed at 1403
September
25, 2020: Today Loretta and I are sitting at home in
our comfy Laz-y-boys without power from our utility company's grid. We received
a notice from our project manager yesterday stating that our area would be
without power from 9:00 am until 4:30 pm. The Provincial Electrical Authority
will be upgrading the power system in our area. We were pleased to hear this
because in the past month we have experienced more than 10 power outages due to
falling trees and transformers failing. Some of the outages were short, i.e.,
less than an hour, but some were more than four hours. Luckily we are heading
into our coolest time of year so the daily temperatures were less than 30
degrees Celsius. In the past, with a seven-and-a-half-hour planned power
outage, we ourselves would go on a planned outage, i.e., to a restaurant, mall
or theater. Our condo is usually quite comfortable with the two doors open but
unless there is a good sea breeze feeding through our condo, we always have our
ceiling fan on. But today there is no breeze and no ceiling fan. So why are we
at home?
About a month ago, Loretta and I decided
to install a back-up power supply to allow us to operate one or two portable
fans during a power outage. After having a few power outages during some stormy
weather I decided to act on that decision. We are fortunate to have a
rooftop terrace with a sala already in place to install the photovoltaic
panel(s) and having installed a similar system on CanKata, I knew what was
involved with such an installation.
The first step was to calculate the size
of the various components necessary for our PV system. I knew the sala was
structurally sound and could easily accommodate a number of PV panels. When I
started researching and calculating the components I considered amending our
original plan so the system would be capable of running a number of electrical
appliances such as the TV, fridge, kettle, and lamps in addition to the
portable fans. The more research I did the larger the system evolved. It got to
the point where I was considering installing a hybrid (on grid/off grid) system
that would also run our air conditioners. This became a problem, since to
do this I would be tying into the condominium's electrical system which is not
allowed without the approval of the majority of the other 62 owners. I would
also have to involve our Provincial Electrical Authority. Also, when I ran the
option to run the fridge full time and provide back-up power for fans during
power outages, the pay back (cost savings versus capital costs) did not make
sense.
After continuing my research and not
doing anything constructive, and having a power failure, or two, I explained to
Loretta all the options I was considering. We could see the advantages of the
larger system but decided to keep it simple. Part of the reason for this
decision was to get this job done quickly before the next power outage.
I immediately ordered all the
components, i.e., 50Ah deep cycle battery, 100 watt photovoltaic panel, 10 amp
charge controller, all the necessary fuses/breakers and a 1000 watt modified
sine wave inverter. I ordered them all through Lazada (similar to Amazon)
and they all arrived within a few days. While we were waiting for these
components to be delivered, we went shopping at Thaiwatsidu (similar to
Canadian Tire - but not quite as good) to purchase a cabinet to protect the
electrical components, electrical wiring, outlets/plugs, and some wood to
construct a small deck on which the cabinet would sit. We needed the deck to
span a drainage trough and to hide the battery which I placed below the deck on
its side. The total cost for all components was slightly less than 10,000 Baht
($400 CAD)
Between showers (it is the rainy season
here) I was able to build the deck, install the components and make all the
connections to complete the installation. The only thing left to do was to run
the electrical cable down and into our condominium. The reason for not getting
the cable ran was I somehow hurt my back while doing the electrical
connections. It was strange what happened. I was sitting on a stool while
working on the wiring connections located in the cabinet. I was in this
position for approximately two hours when Loretta came up with two cups of hot
chocolate. I immediately stood up to join her at the patio table when I felt a
sharp excruciating pain in my lower back. This pain continued and I knew I had
better stop to allow my back to rest. That evening and throughout the night I
was in more pain than I have ever experienced before. The next day I had a skin
check-up appointment at the Phuket International Hospital so I thought if the
pain was still bad I would see a doctor the same day.
The next day I was still in a lot of
pain so when I arrived at the hospital I asked if I could also make an
appointment to see a doctor about my back. Reception quickly made the
arrangements and then an assistant ushered me to the Dermatology department. I
was immediately led in to see the doctor who examined me and gave me three
liquid nitrogen shots as he felt needed (remember this is my skin check, not my
back. Although with the pain I was suffering I may not have refused it in my
lower back). Then another assistant took me to the Orthopedic department where
I had to wait for two minutes before being led in to see the doctor. I told him
what happened and he said I have two options to choose from. He could prescribe
medication to relieve the pain and inflammation, or I could have an Xray
or MRI done to see if I have a spinal issue. After discussing the options I
chose the meds with the proviso that if the pain did not go away within a week’s
time I would return to have either the Xray or MRI.
The next day (yesterday) I was feeling
much better but took the day off work. Later that same day we heard about the
planned power outage. And that brings me to today. I was feeling better today
so I went up to the rooftop and ran a temporary cable down into our unit and
connected it to one if our portable oscillating fans. So now you know why
Loretta and I are sitting in our comfortable chairs while reading, or typing
this note, during the power outage.
Some
months later: By the way, another inconvenience we have
during a power outage is not having water to wash, do dishes, or flush the
toilet. Loretta came up with another brainstorm to install a rain collection
system on our sala roof. We have recently installed a rain collection system consisting
of a gutter and barrel which we use to do laundry and water the plants as well
as water backup during power outages.
On a related note we have also purchased
two 50,000 mAh battery banks that charge directly off the PV charge controller,
bypassing the inverter. We use the battery bank to charge all our devices such
as: wireless headphones, cell phones, tablet, Kindles, PS4 remotes, speakers,
etc.
Whoever said, "Living on land is
less work than living on a sailboat", may not be entirely correct.
