Suggestions for whole house off-grid system?

[timselectric]

$50k makes my wallet cringe.

 

[rhino]

Here is a quote I got recently from Sig. Solar. I need to modify the panel types though. I am thinking I will use two different types of panels for the three MPPT inputs.

You realize you'd have 9 MPPT inputs when you have 3 18kPVs, right?

$50k makes my wallet cringe.

After tax credit will at least drop to $35k.

 

[rhino]

What are you going to be using for mounting structures?

 

[timselectric]

After tax credit will at least drop to $35k.

Still too expensive for me.
But I'm a cheapskate. lol

 

[JBoffgrid2022]

$50k makes my wallet cringe.

I'm weighing the costs of installing this system vs. paying the utilities company to bring in poles or underground wires. So far, my $40-50k solar costs are a LOT less than our local utility company which came in at close to $90k, plus I would have to pay for the cost of using the power.

 

[JBoffgrid2022]

What are you going to be using for mounting structures?

I haven't made my mind up regarding ground mounts, I was thinking of either building my racks from PT or purchasing a ground mount kit. Any suggestions?

 

[JBoffgrid2022]

You realize you'd have 9 MPPT inputs when you have 3 18kPVs, right?

After tax credit will at least drop to $35k.

Yes, technically three each but I would most likely be wiring the first input with two strings making four separate inputs for one inverter.

 

[wpns]

Yes, technically three each but I would most likely be wiring the first input with two strings making four separate inputs for one inverter.

Remember that works best when the two strings combined into MPPT A are in the same plane

 

[JBoffgrid2022]

Remember that works best when the two strings combined into MPPT A are in the same plane

I will be spending a lot of time planning and designing the system so that each inverter is connected to panels that are in the same group, not scattered throughout the array. Thanks for the tip

 

[timselectric]

I'm weighing the costs of installing this system vs. paying the utilities company to bring in poles or underground wires. So far, my $40-50k solar costs are a LOT less than our local utility company which came in at close to $90k, plus I would have to pay for the cost of using the power.

Relatively, that's cheaper.
But, still painful.

 

[G00SE]

View attachment 207122
Here is a quote I got recently from Sig. Solar. I need to modify the panel types though. I am thinking I will use two different types of panels for the three MPPT inputs.

You can buy pallets from inxeption for a grand or more less per pallet.
I have 4 batteries the equivalent size of 4 powerpros and spent half what those cost as well.

That’s not to say you’ve picked poor options, just that if needed, one could acquire items more frugally

 

[Drunkin Solar]

I haven't made my mind up regarding ground mounts, I was thinking of either building my racks from PT or purchasing a ground mount kit. Any suggestions?

I'm using the Uni-rack ULA system. Strong with easy assembly.

 

[Quattrohead]

So this property is in Maine but you currently have not built?
You are proposing a massive amount of battery and inverter that is absolutely not required, especially if you are willing and able to use propane.
You need to figure out your high electric consumption devices whether they be heating or cooling.

 

[Quattrohead]

Also bare in mind that the racking and wiring etc is going to add considerable more expense.

 

[Q-Dog]

Since you are in the design stage, you should design a super insulated structure that doesn't need so much power to keep it comfortable.

 

[sunsurfer]

Still too expensive for me.
But I'm a cheapskate. lol

I hear ya. I see some off-grid builds that are so big($$$)! I think I would just buy a small system and put the rest in silver. Early retire would be nice after the financial reset. Then again, panels are going to get very pricey so may just load up on panels and wait.

Lots of folks ask me about going off-grid, some how if you have solar panels you become some expert. My first question for them is if they want a "grid like" experience or more of a "camping like" experience. Second question is "how much money do you want to let go of"

No one wants the "camping type" experience and once you tell them how much it will cost to replicate the grid they never bug me again.

 

[Ampster]

Then again, panels are going to get very pricey so may just load up on panels and wait.

I did that in 2008 and solar panel prices went down. There are rumors of a tariff hike which could affect US panel prices but globally there is a glut of solar panel supply.

 

[timselectric]

I hear ya. I see some off-grid builds that are so big($$$)! I think I would just buy a small system and put the rest in silver. Early retire would be nice after the financial reset. Then again, panels are going to get very pricey so may just load up on panels and wait.

Lots of folks ask me about going off-grid, some how if you have solar panels you become some expert. My first question for them is if they want a "grid like" experience or more of a "camping like" experience. Second question is "how much money do you want to let go of"

No one wants the "camping type" experience and once you tell them how much it will cost to replicate the grid they never bug me again.

I'm going for better than grid like, for the price of Glamping. lol

 

[Skypower]

I’d definitely consider the off grid approach. Yes it’s cheaper and it doesn’t have ever increasing monthly payments. You might also want to consider an inexpensive Tri fuel 10-9,000 watt class inverter generator for backup. Break it in on gasoline with frequent oil changes during this period. Once it’s broke in, empty the fuel tank and carb, then run propane from there on. Also change to a full synthetic oil like pennzoil ultra platinum to stop wear. Here in so called sunny California I’ve had several times this year where the clouds were blocking for a week at a time. I have grid available but figured it was a good time to exercise my generator for a quick bulk charge.

 

[JBoffgrid2022]

I'm using the Uni-rack ULA system. Strong with easy assembly.

I will look at these for sure, I hate the thought of building my racks from heavy PT