Solar Array for QBs in Colo - licensed set up - How many Kw?

Colo MMJ

Well-Known Member
I am looking at doing a licensed set up. The area is great for solar and the local electricity is above average in higher cost. It is not crazy high but not cheap.

I am considering a metal building with poly carbonate panels in the roof and running lights during the day. The temps are pretty mild in summer not hot as hell like Pueblo. I probably will start with 3 flower rooms running QB 620 watt or 2 x 260 watts.
https://growerslights.com/collections/horticulture-lighting-group-quantum-board-led-kits/products/horticulture-lighting-group-600h-quantum-board-led-kit

Each room will have 6 x 620 watts x 3 rooms = 11,160 watts. I may need to run heaters at night. I will need to see if they have nat gas there or propane delivery. Daytime cool, I could use a swamp cooler though that may increase my humidity too much. I will probably run propane CO2.

How many kilowatts will I need in solar panels for my QBs?

I assume with the switching I will need to be on full solar or can the switchers add in the grid if I am running low on solar?
https://www.wholesalesolar.com/off-grid-packages
 

thetr33man

Well-Known Member
What is your reason for converting light to electricity and back to light again? Wouldnt it be better to just have a greenhouse supplemented with LED? I dont know the rules there, but Im assuming you are doing this to be legal?
 

1212ham

Well-Known Member
Each room will have 6 x 620 watts x 3 rooms = 11,160 watts. I may need to run heaters at night. I will need to see if they have nat gas there or propane delivery. Daytime cool, I could use a swamp cooler though that may increase my humidity too much. I will probably run propane CO2.

How many kilowatts will I need in solar panels for my QBs?
To run 11,160 watts of lights you'll need 11.16kw of solar. ;) Solar isn't cheap, cost depends largely on tax incentives etc. Sun light is free, the equipment to harness it is not. You could be looking at a 10 year return on investment.
On the other hand, I think grow lights are an excellent load for solar. I'll post more later.
 

Colo MMJ

Well-Known Member
What is your reason for converting light to electricity and back to light again? Wouldnt it be better to just have a greenhouse supplemented with LED? I dont know the rules there, but Im assuming you are doing this to be legal?
Maybe a better option. Sometimes commonsense escapes me. ;-)
Metal buildings make temp control easier in the winter. It gets cold there in winter but not super cold.

I would want to pour a concrete slab for the greenhouse. It would be fully licensed legal.

This area is very rural so there is little ambient light at night.. So do I need to get drapes/shades to cover for moonlight or plants are used to that outdoors?
 

Colo MMJ

Well-Known Member
To run 11,160 watts of lights you'll need 11.16kw of solar. ;) Solar isn't cheap, cost depends largely on tax incentives etc. Sun light is free, the equipment to harness it is not. You could be looking at a 10 year return on investment.
On the other hand, I think grow lights are an excellent load for solar. I'll post more later.
About $31,000
https://www.wholesalesolar.com/1890750/wholesale-solar/complete-systems/the-ranch-12.15-kw-45-panel-astronergy-off-grid-solar-system
 
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