www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Does anyone have experience installing a backup power supply in your home in CR? I was planning on putting together a system that can handle about 5-6 hours (only 110 voltz... no dryer). I'm phucking tired of the lights going out and sitting and waiting for them to figure out the problem.


Here's my idea - Buy a 2,000 plus watt inverter with 110 voltz on one side and 12 voltz on the DC side. I found one on EBay that also recharges and switches back and forth for about $250. Then, I'll buy a bunch of deep cycle batteries and daisy chain them to the inverter. Finally, I will probably call my friend who is an electrician and integrate it with the main line below my circuit breaker.

We also plan to use this run the house every day during peak hours 10 - 4 or so. We have the meter that charges "horario" so this is the most expensive time by far.

So, we want battery backup, but also want to save money on our bill.

Anyone do anything like this?

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http://TipsCostaRica.com for pratical advice on living in Costa Rica.
In order to write about life, first you must live it! - E. Hemingway.

dude, ask redman69, for real.

he is a pro

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The difference between a Sea Story and a Fairy Tale is that a Fairy Tale starts out 'Once Upon a Time..' and a Sea Story starts out 'This is no Shit...'

(export version only, some restrictions may apply, some assembly required, not valid where the sun don't shine...

if you live in the states of Poverty, Darkness or anywhere outside of The Blessings of Civilization Trust, Inc...other rules may apply)

Chi, a few pointers...

Some "jippo" inverters do not put out a clean AC sine-wave. Many electronic devices are sensitive to this and may not operate very well with the "modified" sine wave. I know that many TVs are fussy. Look for an inverter that puts out a true sine wave.

Also, get an inverter with pleny of capacity. If you anticipate needing 2000 watts, get a 4000 watt (or larger) inverter. These devices operate best if not taxed to the limit. The compressor motor on your fridge will probably be the biggest draw and AC motors take a big shot of juice to start.

Look into using 6V golf-cart batteries wired in series-parallel. They are usually the best available for capacity. They are big and heavy but are pretty durable. But remember, lead-acid batteries need maintenance. More attention than most people give the battery in their car. You will also need a ventilated area for the batteries. While charging, the batteries emit hydrogen gas which is VERY explosive!

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Women are like beers. I've never had one that I didn't like. Just some that I like more than others! --Western

Wow - so I guess a closed garage at night is not a good idea??? I have heard of using marine batteries. Are they any better than say a golf cart or fork lift battery?

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http://TipsCostaRica.com for pratical advice on living in Costa Rica.
In order to write about life, first you must live it! - E. Hemingway.

You could stash the batteries in the garage. Build an enclosure for them and provide ventilation to the outside. This may require poking a hole through the outside wall.

I would rate golf cart batteries above deep-cycle marine batteries. Fork lift batteries are a lot like golf cart batteries except many of them are too large and heavy to carry. You would need a fork lift to move them! The key is capacity in Amp Hours. Marine or RV batteries are small and readily available but, in general, are suited for light duty. Golf cart/fork lift batteries are built to sustain daily draining and recharging.

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Women are like beers. I've never had one that I didn't like. Just some that I like more than others! --Western

How about solar panels?I am sure they could be bought and installed cheaper in CR than stateside. As soon as I buy my next home I will be going solar in Las Vegas.We all need to pull off the grid and utilize the power of mr sun.

I'm actually now thinking of a combo grid tie and solar power system. Essentially, I want to use the sun as a charger for deep cycle batteries connected to a high power inverter.

Question - how do you buy this stuff in CR?

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http://TipsCostaRica.com for pratical advice on living in Costa Rica.
In order to write about life, first you must live it! - E. Hemingway.

You can spend a lot of money doing stuff half assed, or you can spend the same amount (you might think you're doing it cheap, but after your third version and various fixes you'll start seeing a lot of cash going out) you can get a VERY nice UPS.

I have a Liebert nFinity and it can run most of my house for 2 hours, but i'm only using 3 batteries out of the 9 available. No, it wasn't cheap, but I saved myself a lot of hassle and it's saved my ass many times.

Costco has solar panels. 290 bucks

Since when is there a Costco in Costa Rica?

I'm not an electrician, but I do know that inverters can be less suitable for continuous use than would be a generator.

Propane-fueled A.C. generators can be very cost-effective, particularly when used with other devices (solar panels, gel pack battery/inverter combos etc.)

Here's what to do: Add up the total wattage required by all your household devices, including fridge, A.C. if any, ceiling fans, lights, electronics. The advice I've read on the Internet suggests that you should take this total wattage, then add 30% to ensure that your generator pack doesn't get overloaded.
Be sure to check with ICE and your municipality about local electrical codes.. Do this even before you start planning what to buy.

Be sure to have the transfer switch (the device that lets you switch between the grid and your home-made power) installed by a qualified electrician. This is very important.

As an alternative to propane, you might consider a diesel or gasoline powered generator, if local codes permit. Yes, you can buy generator equipment in C.R.; I searched for another friend just using the Pageinas Amarillas, and found one Genrac (brand) distributor in San Jose.

Don't know if this helps. There are quite a few electricians among us, and I hope that one of them will step forward to lend you a hand.

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Pura Vulva! Wandering through the dark, I am El Ciego.

This outfit advertises on AM Costa Rica. I know nothing more about them.
http://www.poderco.com/

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Women are like beers. I've never had one that I didn't like. Just some that I like more than others! --Western

Like the other company supposedly operating in CR, I have submitted a request for info from poderco via the web and heard zero response. Maybe they are slow to answer??? Who knows?

I've done some research on my own and talked to two electricians both gringo and tico - like it truly matters. A good electrician is a good electrician. Right?

Anyway, there are various options and it depends on how much cash I want to put down and what kind of return i'm expecting. The short answer is I want to be "green ready." Meaning when I have a spare $10,000 to justify spending to save $80 per month on electricity, I will be ready. Not sure if that will happen... but want options open.

For that reason... I have chosen a Xantrex PowerHub 1800 as the guts of the system. They are reasonably priced at 1800 watts. Include a charger and battery box. Can expand to one box on each side and can load a total of 4 batteries. Technically you could configure it to power your house for a week. It is also grid tie - able and has inputs for both solar and wind.

Now.. need to set aside a bundle to have Al Gore come down and deliver a speech in my garage before assembling the whole thing.

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http://TipsCostaRica.com for pratical advice on living in Costa Rica.
In order to write about life, first you must live it! - E. Hemingway.

1800 watts? That's not much.

Hell, a typical refridgerator will draw almost 1/4th of that and you don't want to get anywhere close to full saturation. Figure 1400 watts max.. Remember, you're going to have to power your entire house, or setup only specific circuits.

You're going to be awfully cramped in that.

Yep, 1800 watts can be achieved with a portable generator. I think a good generator would be a cheaper and more effective fix.

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"Your love gives me such a thrill
but your love don't pay my bills,
I NEED THE MONEY!" - John Lee Hooker

Disclaimer: The above is merely the opinion of the author unless specific scientific data is included.
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