Solar generator DIY

Spent today investigating solar and what is likely our needs. Looks like I need at least 10KW per hour for the current setup and possible more if we go mini split/heat pump. I'd also like a bit of wind added too for the no sun days as we get lots of wind up on the hill. Just rambles for now, But at least I know what we will likely need.

Edit: Seeing solar is just too expensive for this old frugal coot, I'll do a solar generator which is more affordable to start with and then expand it in the future to be more of a whole house off grid system if possible. That is depending on what local code allows!! A portable generator is much easier with local code yadda yadda!!

 

My worstest day is 45.8Kw and we only getz 5 hours of sun! NO? Added some for the mini split/heat pump JIC

My bestest day was 36.4KW and our average is well over 1000KW a month

 

Yeppers, And I want to be as close to off grid as possible. Charge in the day and use batteries at night. Hope to have enough storage until the panels produce and recharge the batts.

I'm only doing the inverter and battery backup DIY. The panels will have to be subbed out to a local contractor.

We have a monitor on the mains and on the big circuits. Plus we used the last 2 years bill average.

How many days do you get the full output per year? That's where I think my figures could go south and not actually have enough.

With 10K of grid, and 5 hours of sun. I bet I barely get 50K. My panels will not be facing south so?? Plus they don't produce squat when its dark out. You wont get 24hrs of full output. Plus I need to over produce to keep the batteries charged. So you have to over produce while the sun is shining.


Everything in dis shack sucks juice. We average 3.2K/day on the water heater. 5K for the electric stove, fridge, freezer, and yadda yadda yadda. Heck the A/C units(4) use close to 10K per day. We are juice hogs. Also why I went with a 200 amp service. Made sure we had plenty.

 

Thanks BB, Looks like I got some reading for this rainy day!

 

I haven't monitored my nuker yet, But at 1200 watts I bet that suks a bit of juice. We use that more than anything. Going to move one of the sensors to that breaker for giggles(might scare me).

Luckily only one dead tree will need cutting. And one maple needs a bit of trimming. Otherwise not much for trees on the lot. If I put the panels in the field I can get a true south aim which would increase there output. Be nice if they were auto tracking too. Even more increase.

So far we have 2 quotes. Both were close with the 24 panels and 10K output. I'll get another in the spring.

 

They don't recommend them for roof mounts.

Asphalt roof needs replacement before we can even think about solar. Likely go with a metal roof and also bracing the structure to support the extra weight. I was just curious to see what we needz. If all else fails. I'll just do a solar genny for back up and a half dozen panels. The ROI for solar will likely never get paid in full as we are old. Heck I'd be happy to just cut my bill some. But if I'm gonna spend jingle I'd rather no bill at all. Be nice if they actually paid use for any extra. They don't do that no more!!

One thing that was brought up in a forum was the new flexible panels or maybe the whole roof as a panel. That stuff is new and gaining ground.

 

I think I'm good with that stuff. Unfortunately dem numbers have been checked(by 2 sources) and are all real! Also my emporia smart home energy monitor confirms the numbers.



A bummer is my roof still weeps! I made it better, But still getting a drip around the chimney flashing. Errr!! Luckily I can catch it in a bucket.

 

400 watts at 36v other quote was 420 watts at 36 volts.