[cjthomson]

Hey everyone

Thanks for the input!

There is definitely a lot to consider and I suspect my plans will change with a bit more research. I live in Forres which is only a wee bit further North than (and west of) Aberdeen.

This is the first time I've every done something like this so I'm learning as I go along.

I do agree with Alan in that I should probably be looking at a simpler setup. From a cost point of view and their general availability I am leaning towards a lead acid battery.

My shed faces South Southwest (or there about) and my intention is to have the panel mounted on the roof of my shed at an angle rather than horizontally, based on what I'd read elsewhere it seemed sensible have the panel at an angle - the best angle is still to be determined but 35 degrees may be a good starting point.

I am going to use a step down module to help reduce power consumption as per the suggestion here http://www.meteocercal.info/forum/Thread...gnal-range and will definitely not be using a fan in the radiation shield.

But what is important: advised us instead of one large panel to use of more small (in the same way and crumbled eg. supply house). But most importantly - these panels not to route directly to the south, but half to the southeast and another half to the southwest. (Of course, you can conveniently use another configuration in multiple directions.) The reason is a higher energy gain in the morning and afternoon (evening) hours, when is less sunshine.

I had not considered this but it makes sense however as Alan said it may not be as useful in winter this far North because the sun is so low in the sky in the first place. I will look in to this more as it may be worth experimenting with this setup.

Chris