Is it easy enough to find appliances in the area (Cebu Included) that will run off of 110 volts. I am going off grid with a solar electric system and need to decide to plan on to run a 110 or 240 volt system. If I import some small appliances from the US this will be fine. My wife is from Cebu and she says that 110 electronics are readily available, but she is really not very versed in these technical matters. Thanks!
95% of modern appliances are autovolts, it means it can run 110/220 just look at their package or manuals.
95%, in my opinion, is an inaccurate percentage, but items like computers, monitors, T.V.'s and misc. high tech electronics will often run on a voltage range of 110-240v and 50-60hz. This will often be shown on the electrical data plate on the item. What I would do, is to set up a dual system as far as A/C voltage goes. One system for 110/120v and one system for 220/240v. Yes, you can accomplish this with transformers, but you lose efficiency, it will cost more, and transformers generate heat, which in the Philippines I don't think you will need! A dual system can be easily accomplished with 2 inverters, both have similar, if not the same input DC voltage, but you will be able to run everything you want. What I would decide is....am I really going to be using one voltage more than another? Example, if you are mainly using 220/240 volts, and rarely have a need for 110/120v don't bother with a dual system and different voltage inverters, but go with a transformer if you are going to rarely use it! Another point is, a 220/240v system will be more efficient and stable in the long run if it is set up correctly. Also your large main appliances, like a refrigerator, washing machine, aircon etc. will pull fewer (A/C) amps compared to 110/120v, which will simplify wiring and connections for them. I would make 100% sure, before designing and installing a 110/120v system here, that the appliances you want to run are indeed available in that voltage! I think you wife is incorrect in assuming that ALL appliances are available in 110/120v!! What are you going to use for batteries? What size, type, and voltage?? Where are you going to get them? If I can be of any help, let me know!
Probably 50% of modern ELECTRONIC devices will run on 110-240. Anything with an AC motor or heating element will not. Larry
I was originally planning to import my system from a company I located in China. I have a quote of $3600 for a 1200 watt system with everything included. I have researched the company an it seems positive. After more thought on the subject the issue of being in the Phills and far from suppliers plus the fact that I will be 100 percent dependent on this system has made me lean towards going with pretty much the best system available, and that is Outback Power in the US. They have a pre-wired system system with a 2000 watt pure sine inverter, 80 amp charge controller, ac and dc boxes, and all wiring and fuses for $3600, but that does not include the batteries or the panels. The Prewired system does not seem to be available in the 240 volt, 50 hertz European inverter. Plus the 50 hertz thing concerns me with th Phills running 60. I am thinking to go with the 110 watt system and importing my small appliances from the US with balikbayan, and then using a step up transformer if needed. I am going to be in the mountains and AC is not needed. I really will only use a few appliances, and I can always have a balikbayan sent for small stuff. My main concern was the larger things like the fridge and cloths washing machine. I am leaning towards 5 or 6 of the Sharp 240 watt panels. My preference in batteries would be to import 8 Crown agm 220 amp 6 volt, but the weight and mass is a problem with the balikbayan box. So I guess I am leaning towards 4 of the Motolite 200 amp 12 volt SolarMasters or trying to locate forklift batterys once I am there. I am wanting 8,000 to 10,000 watt hours of storage capacity. I appreciate your detailed response, are you off grid? David
