Rachio 3 - Solar Powered (with battery) - Getting Started / International Users - Rachio Community
Rachio 3 - Solar Powered (with battery)
post by JackKalsa on Mar 20, 2022
Hi All,
I’ve ordered a Rachio 3 which is on it’s way from the US via Amazon - I’m Australian based and will do all the necessary mods to get it working legally.
I don’t have grid power anywhere near the location of the garden/lawn the Rachio 3 will be stationed thus I’m thinking of creating a simple solar/battery setup that will be enough to power the Rachio 3.
Has anyone done this? Any advice?
I’m hoping to keep it simple:
- 12V 100watt panel
- 12v 10AH battery
- MPPT solar battery charger
- DC>DC Step Up converter to keep the unit powered in 24V (like this: https://www.jaycar.com.au/dc-to-dc-step-up-voltage-converter-module/p/AA0237).
Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Jack.
post by Pedro on Mar 21, 2022
Not sure that is going to work as I think the Rachio needs a 24v AC power supply, not DC…
post by Thomas_Lerman on Mar 21, 2022
I have not done this, but maybe a 12VDC to 24VAC inverter may be used instead of the DC to DC step up converter.
post by JackKalsa on Mar 21, 2022
Thanks Pedro - This unit looks to be a winner - inv-12dc-24vac | PowerStream
post by JackKalsa on Mar 21, 2022
Hi Tomas, @Pedro noted the same thing. Thanks both for your suggestion. inv-12dc-24vac | PowerStream looks to be an option.
post by paenel on Jan 29, 2023
Hi, just want to find out if you got it working?
post by JackKalsa on Jan 29, 2023
Yes - I’m now running a number of items off 12v DC charging via solar.
I have:
- 1 x 300 watt mono panel
- 1 x 100ah sealed battery
- 1 x 20 amp charge controller
- 1 x 500 watt 12vdc/240ac inverter (this runs the rachio)
Off native 12vdc I run garden lighting, pressure pump for sprinters, CCTV etc.
post by Thomas_Lerman on Jan 29, 2023
I presume you mean a 24VAC inverter, not 240AC.
post by JackKalsa on Jan 29, 2023
Nope. It was cheaper to go 12vdc > to 240ac in an inverter - $40AUD for the 240vac inverter vs $240 AUD for the item from Powerstream. For the sake of a small amount of inefficiency that doesn’t bother me I couldn’t justify the extra $200AUD.
post by Thomas_Lerman on Jan 29, 2023
Okay, you said what I was thinking about going to 240VAC and then back down to 24VAC, but costs are definitely a consideration.
post by MaxHerrson on Oct 9, 2024
IMO, going with a 12V system seems smart, especially for running multiple items efficiently. I get why you went with the inverter route to save some cash; sometimes the extra cost just doesn’t add up.
post by MaxHerrson on Oct 23, 2024
In my experience, when I set up my solar panels in Dublin, I realized how much flexibility there is in choosing equipment. I started with a smaller panel and battery, and I’ve been able to expand gradually without breaking the bank. It’s been really satisfying to see how much I can power with just the sun! Plus, I feel good knowing I’m using renewable energy for my garden lights and other outdoor gadgets. Your approach with the pressure pump and CCTV is inspiring; it shows how versatile solar can be.