I recently had a solar only system installed and am looking into adding a battery backup to it.
the current system is 39 400w panels using iq8+ micros giving me 11310w going into the normal combiner then going to my main electric panel. the main panel had a 200 amp main breaker but that was derated to 175 to support adding a 60 amp breaker for the panels.
I don't want to break the bank installing batteries, thinking a budget of around 5k usd, and would like to be able to DIY this. also thinking whole home backup would be easiest to to a diy install. FWIW I don't plan on getting permits but would like it do be installed as close to code as possible. aiming for a battery size of around 20kwh, not really worried about grid being down long term, 20kwh should get me about half a day battery only usage. The enphase battery options are way more then I am willing to pay.
What are my options? How would I wire this up?
I think since I have 11kw in AC solar watts I need an inverter that is about the same size. Assuming that is true and I find an inverter that is about that can I just add in another 60 amp breaker for the inverter and hook up the batteries and call it a day or is there anything else I need to add. Will I need something between my meter and main panel to prevent power going out to the grid in the event the grid is down? what could I use there if so. I am in Virginia on Dominion energy if that matters
I have been looking at the growatt inverters such as the MIN 5000TL-XH-US but don't really like that, from what I understand in the data sheet they can only put out 5Kw from the battery, don't think that is enough for whole home backup so would need two but then I think that breaks code cuz I would need two 40 amp breakers.
the current system is 39 400w panels using iq8+ micros giving me 11310w going into the normal combiner then going to my main electric panel. the main panel had a 200 amp main breaker but that was derated to 175 to support adding a 60 amp breaker for the panels.
I don't want to break the bank installing batteries, thinking a budget of around 5k usd, and would like to be able to DIY this. also thinking whole home backup would be easiest to to a diy install. FWIW I don't plan on getting permits but would like it do be installed as close to code as possible. aiming for a battery size of around 20kwh, not really worried about grid being down long term, 20kwh should get me about half a day battery only usage. The enphase battery options are way more then I am willing to pay.
What are my options? How would I wire this up?
I think since I have 11kw in AC solar watts I need an inverter that is about the same size. Assuming that is true and I find an inverter that is about that can I just add in another 60 amp breaker for the inverter and hook up the batteries and call it a day or is there anything else I need to add. Will I need something between my meter and main panel to prevent power going out to the grid in the event the grid is down? what could I use there if so. I am in Virginia on Dominion energy if that matters
I have been looking at the growatt inverters such as the MIN 5000TL-XH-US but don't really like that, from what I understand in the data sheet they can only put out 5Kw from the battery, don't think that is enough for whole home backup so would need two but then I think that breaks code cuz I would need two 40 amp breakers.