Missouri Wind And Solar Podcast

The Charge Controller - An Unsung Hero

Despite Wes being under the weather, he and David talk about the charge controller and how important it is in both your wind and solar applications. They discuss what function it performs and many of the popular controllers on the market.

There are so many options and features, like solid state versus mechanical relays, MPPT or PWM, divert or disconnect, and so on.  It can be confusing.  This week's podcast breaks it down to let you know what controller is right for your application.

Listen to find out why your wind turbine NEEDS a dump load and what happens to your MidNite Classic if your wind turbine produces high voltage.

Recommended Links:

• Video: Choosing the Right Solar Charge Controller

Charge Controllers We Carry:

• Hybrid Charge Controllers
• Solar Charge Controllers
• All-In-One Pre-Wired Charge Controller Boards
• MidNite Classic MPPT Charge Controllers & Voltage Reducing Device (VRD)

Originally aired 12/20/2017

Cable Sizing and How It Impacts Your Alternative Energy Installation

Cables are quite possibly the most underrated component of an alternative energy installation. Wes has David walk him through the important aspects of cabling and what a DIYer needs to know about cabling. Be sure to listen in to find out how incredibly important it is to have the right type and size of cabling in a system to start your system outright and to keep it running at peak efficiency.

We also carry the wire & cable you need. Click the links below to go to our products:

• SJOO Wind Turbine Cable
• Welding Cable
• Battery Cable
• Inverter Cable

Originally aired 12/13/2017

Alternative Energy and the Micro House

Off-Grid Living in a Micro House

David and Wes talk with Missouri Wind and Solar's newest salesperson, Sam Buffington, about his completely off-grid micro house (slightly larger than the popular tiny home). Not only do they  discuss how he worked through putting his power requirements together, but they also talk with him about his future plans.

Sam shares what went into the planning phase, his best tips for people considering off-grid living, and why he and his wife decided to convert to living in just over 500 sq.ft.  He also discusses why he chose to go with a 24 volt system over the popular 12 volt setup.

Sam is a great asset to Missouri Wind and Solar, and though he is new to the wind side, he has real world knowledge of how off-grid systems work and the ins and outs of off-grid living.

Everything You Wanted To Know About A Solar Panel & Then Some

Wes and David sit down with sales specialist Brian Tatum to discuss all thing solar. They discuss the difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels and how they're made. They also review the solar time tracker and several other solar specific products.

For more solar goodness, check out our Solar Panels for the Beginner video series.

We also have a few customer projects that have been shared with us that utilize solar in some way.  Make sure you check them out for ideas for your own setup.

And if you're feeling particularly handy, Jeff shows you how to make a suitcase style portable solar battery charger.

We ship solar panels from 15 watts up to 260 watts in (nearly) any quantity.

Originally aired 11/29/2017

Power Inverters

Wes and David discuss power inverters and their role in your off-grid and grid-tied energy plan. They also discuss the popular Kill-a-Watt meter and one of Missouri Wind's favorite projects...the tiny house.

• Kill-a-Watt Meter Video

To view all of the power inverters we have to offer, click here.  We also have a post about power inverter types that makes a great supplement to this episode.

For more useful information on inverters, watch the videos below:

• Power inverter cable & fuse sizing
• Plug & Play Sun Grid Tie Inverter
• Outback Power Grid Tie Inverter (One we also use at the store)
• Micro Grid Tie Inverters

Originally aired 11/22/2017

Wind Turbine Blade Types

In this episode, Wes talks with David and Wyatt about Missouri Wind and Solar's different wind turbine blade offerings along with how the number of blades affects power generation and the turbine's impact on wildlife.

They discuss the Raptor Generation 4 composite fiber blade, made locally in Missouri, and how versatile it is.  There's even a threat to shoot a blade in a YouTube video.  For even more info, take a look at our different blade posts below.

​Wind Turbine Blade Information:

• Falcon Wind Turbine Blades
• Wind Turbine Blades: What’s the Difference? 

Originally aired 11/15/2017

Project Sizing

Wes discusses how to size your project with Alex Collins and Shawn Roy. Alex is the Sales Manager for Missouri Wind and Solar and Shawn is not only one of our salesmen, but also an electrician (residential and commercial wireman). They discuss methods for figuring out how to buy right-sized alternative energy products for your project.

Originally aired 11/8/2017

All-In-One

It's almost a Magic School Bus moment...

We take the podcast out to the shop with Matt and Wyatt where they do a build on an all-in-one board. We discuss the various components and their functions.

Originally aired 11/1/2017

Batteries

Wes and David discuss batteries, battery sizing, battery maintenance, and all other things batteries. We also wander around and talk about other things because that's what we do when we do one of these podcasts.

Originally aired 10/25/2017

Preparedness

Wes discusses preparedness with Alex Collins, sales manager of Missouri Wind and Solar. Topics include different products that can power devices as simple as your cell phone or as serious as your refrigerator during a crisis. Wes and Alex discuss not only how preparedness can work with your daily life including basic necessities such as water.

Originally aired 10/19/2017