EscapedAritst
New Member
This is my first solar experience and I'm going all-in on a luxury house. I'm an engineer so I know enough to be dangerous, but I'm a mechanical engineer turned computer programmer so I'm not sure it will help at all with this endeavor. I've studied quite a bit and I'm ready to pull the trigger within the next few weeks. So, I'd like to get some feedback on my thinking process and see if I've gone wrong somewhere or if I'm missing a big piece of the puzzle. First I'll list my parameters. Then spec some options (mostly Will Prowse recommendations). Then expect some of the experts here to tear me apart
I am targeting 20KWh to 25KWh daily usage based on filling out many different "calculators" but mostly just looking at electric bills from similar sized/equipped houses (3 bed, 3 split a/c, pool, spa, gas stove/dryer, solar hot water, no need to pump water, etc.)
I will use an LPG generator to charge batteries and supply power when usage outstrips storage plus current solar generation
I only want enough battery to cover for one day (I'll add more if I find I'm using the generator too much)
I want to over-panel a bit for overcast days
I live in Costa Rica on the south west coast and am assuming 4.5 hours of sun average
I want a 48 volt system
I have plenty of space to rack panels and batteries. No tree problems.
I am on a budget...only meaning I don't want to waste money on name brand quality...I definitely want a quality system
I want a split phase 120/240v output to a standard home electrical panel
I would like to be able to connect the system to the grid for a hybrid system one day if they bring the lines close enough (optional if it costs too much to do now)
From studying I am considering the following build options and would love comments:
Battery options (~$12,000):
6 EG4 48v 5.12KWh (favorite option but can't find in stock)
12 SOK 206ah 12v batteries 4s3p to achieve 30kwh storage at 48v (I don't need to protect for cold
2 Energy Tech 13.4kwh 48v (not in stock)
3 Energy Tech 10KWh 51.2v 200Ah
Panel options (~$3500):
16 Mono Perc 72-cell 445W panels for 32kwh of avg. daily generation. 8s2p for 320Voc
Inverter options (~$6000):
4 parallel MPP Solar LVX6048 Inverters for split phase 120v - 240v 100amp
Generator (~$6000):
Generac Guardian 24KW generator for charging batteries when the batteries are low and no solar available
Things it would be good to know:
Is there any sense in adding a separate solar for pool pumps...just hook some panels directly to the pump and pump while the sun is shining? Anyone have brand/model ideas? This seems better than adding yet another high power device on the batteries.
I'm assuming the Inverter would be the limiting factor on surge requirements, but think that it is important to understand the batteries play in this. How do I spec the maximum draw the batteries can take in or dole out? I assume the inverter protects both input and output to and from the batteries?
I haven't factored in a peak load because I don't really know what it affects or how to estimate the number. Obviously, you can estimate the number by adding up everything in the house and turning it all on at the same time. But I can't figure any way to lower that without making crazy assumptions.
Should I add more panels for charging and running high power devices simultaneously when the sun is shining?
Where do I buy all this stuff? These are some places I'm sniffing.
https://www.currentconnected.com/
I am targeting 20KWh to 25KWh daily usage based on filling out many different "calculators" but mostly just looking at electric bills from similar sized/equipped houses (3 bed, 3 split a/c, pool, spa, gas stove/dryer, solar hot water, no need to pump water, etc.)
I will use an LPG generator to charge batteries and supply power when usage outstrips storage plus current solar generation
I only want enough battery to cover for one day (I'll add more if I find I'm using the generator too much)
I want to over-panel a bit for overcast days
I live in Costa Rica on the south west coast and am assuming 4.5 hours of sun average
I want a 48 volt system
I have plenty of space to rack panels and batteries. No tree problems.
I am on a budget...only meaning I don't want to waste money on name brand quality...I definitely want a quality system
I want a split phase 120/240v output to a standard home electrical panel
I would like to be able to connect the system to the grid for a hybrid system one day if they bring the lines close enough (optional if it costs too much to do now)
From studying I am considering the following build options and would love comments:
Battery options (~$12,000):
6 EG4 48v 5.12KWh (favorite option but can't find in stock)
12 SOK 206ah 12v batteries 4s3p to achieve 30kwh storage at 48v (I don't need to protect for cold
2 Energy Tech 13.4kwh 48v (not in stock)
3 Energy Tech 10KWh 51.2v 200Ah
Panel options (~$3500):
16 Mono Perc 72-cell 445W panels for 32kwh of avg. daily generation. 8s2p for 320Voc
Inverter options (~$6000):
4 parallel MPP Solar LVX6048 Inverters for split phase 120v - 240v 100amp
Generator (~$6000):
Generac Guardian 24KW generator for charging batteries when the batteries are low and no solar available
Things it would be good to know:
Is there any sense in adding a separate solar for pool pumps...just hook some panels directly to the pump and pump while the sun is shining? Anyone have brand/model ideas? This seems better than adding yet another high power device on the batteries.
I'm assuming the Inverter would be the limiting factor on surge requirements, but think that it is important to understand the batteries play in this. How do I spec the maximum draw the batteries can take in or dole out? I assume the inverter protects both input and output to and from the batteries?
I haven't factored in a peak load because I don't really know what it affects or how to estimate the number. Obviously, you can estimate the number by adding up everything in the house and turning it all on at the same time. But I can't figure any way to lower that without making crazy assumptions.
Should I add more panels for charging and running high power devices simultaneously when the sun is shining?
Where do I buy all this stuff? These are some places I'm sniffing.
MPP Solar Inc » SPLIT PHASE LVX SERIES – LVX6048
www.mppsolar.com
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