Recent content by LazyDragon

I use Westinghouse iGen generators because they have a true 1 button start with an automatic choke. Some gens have a push button start, but they still require a manual choke. Westinghouse works great starting itself. I use an igen4500df connected to my 700 gal propane tank so no worries about...

I'm using a Switchbot to remotely control my generators. https://us.switch-bot.com/collections/all/products/switchbot-bot I have not allowed the inverters to actually control the gen because there are a few times where the generator won't start on 1 button push. The system doesn't have the...

I’m off grid. My primary inverter is an MPP5048 running 120/240 split phase output. For split phase out, the MPP requires split phase input for a generator. This means a big, loud, open frame 7000W or larger generator. I wanted something much smaller and quieter for battery charging. I also...

Check around on Facebook or craigslist for some older propane heat stoves. You can get a nice looking enamel unit that is pleasant to look at for $500 or so. Make sure it is direct vent, as you already said. Preferably get one that includes vent pipe. That stuff is shockingly expensive...

Small generators are usually lacking auto start features. You have to spend up for larger units for autostart. There is a DIY alternative though. First you need a generator that actually does have a true push-button electric start. Many generators have an electric starter, but they still...

Given all the other headaches associated with building a house, you should definitely consider if you want to fight the solar battle too. $15k for the power install is painful, but ultimately a LOT easier. You can still work toward a future solar install by making good choices for your...

As with most things in life, budget is key. If you want to build out a big system as a property upgrade, that's fine. However, that's a lot of solar spend for a location you plan to leave idle from December to April. If you were staying there over the winter, all those extra panels would be...

As others have said, a big piece of the puzzle is your expected usage. Do you have gas or propane? Your big electric power consumers are home heating, water pumping/pressurizing, water heating, clothes dryer and stove. If those are gas, your electric needs will be easy to solve. The more of...

Here's a steel cable tie option from amazon that has more reviews, and it doesn't have a huge "Idong" imprint on the side :ROFLMAO: https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Tool-Stainless-Steel-cable/dp/B019GMDGW6

Evaluate solar-assistant as an alternative. I have the MPP app, not growatt. Perhaps the growatt app is much better, but the MPP app is trash. Solar-assistant is tremendously better.

That's an interesting little unit. But I don't know that it will do enough for you. 2.5 gallons will come up to temp pretty quickly and only takes about 0.5kwh. On a good solar production day, your excess power is 8kwh. Is this little heater enough of a diversion load to be worth the...

I'm interested in this topic also. I want some panels on a trailer so I can move them seasonally. I'm in the forest in the PNW with 100' trees around. The sun is a moving target seasonally and the trailer would let me get some production during months when my primary array won't see any sun...

In the Parallel section of the manual, it just says to refer to the single unit PV connection instructions. Nothing indicates that special consideration is required for the PV inputs when in parallel mode. Each unit has its own MPPT controller, which would drive charging of the battery bus...

It's hard to tell from the picture, but if tall trees are the problem, could you put the panels on the North side of the pond? Seems like they would have a clear view to the south and the cable length isn't that much farther than your D spot.

I've thought about that, but the higher arc potential of the DC makes me nervous. I'm in the national forest. If "something happens", I think I would prefer 240VAC. I've been considering using 2 of those 4-to-1 microinverters to give me 8 panels with 240AC output for transmission. I...