Rachio 3 - Solar Powered (with battery)

Getting Started International Users
1

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:

  1. 12V 100watt panel
  2. 12v 10AH battery
  3. MPPT solar battery charger
  4. 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.

2

Not sure that is going to work as I think the Rachio needs a 24v AC power supply, not DC…

1 Like
3

I have not done this, but maybe a 12VDC to 24VAC inverter may be used instead of the DC to DC step up converter.

4

Thanks Pedro - This unit looks to be a winner - inv-12dc-24vac | PowerStream

5

Hi Tomas, @Pedro noted the some thing. Thanks both for your suggestion. inv-12dc-24vac | PowerStream looks to be an option.

6

Hi, just want to find out if you got it working?

7

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.

8

I presume you mean a 24VAC inverter, not 240AC. :wink:

9

Nope. It was cheaper to go 12vdc>to240ac 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.

10

Okay, you said what I was thinking about going to 240VAC and then back down to 24VAC, but costs are definitely a consideration.

11

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.

12

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.