diy solar

diy solar

Electric rate in Mexico KILLING us. Need a Solar kit

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MAJORQUATTRONUT

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Aug 20, 2021
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we have moved to Central Mexico and need to power an 8000BTU window AC which draws 880 watts. I'd like to run it 6 hr/day. We have TOTAL sun and it rarely rains.
The flat roof is completely sun-drenched. Should I build a custom rig or off the shelf? at $300/month, I'm ready to revert to solar. thanks for any help!
 
MAJORQUATTRONUT said:
we have moved to Central Mexico and need to power an 8000BTU window AC which draws 880 watts. I'd like to run it 6 hr/day. We have TOTAL sun and it rarely rains.
The flat roof is completely sun-drenched. Should I build a custom rig or off the shelf? at $300/month, I'm ready to revert to solar. thanks for any help!
Click to expand...
How is the humidity?
You ever heard of swamp cooler?
Using water evaporation to cool the air?
Not sure of the energy usage on this.

Is the roof Flat?
You could use reflective Mylar to keep some of the sun from heating the structure.

It is always Cheaper to Build it yourself.
That being said it’s up to your willingness and expertise in building one.
For a system that small it wouldn’t be hard.

Just spitballing here..
 
Biasjo said:
How is the humidity?
You ever heard of swamp cooler?
Using water evaporation to cool the air?
Not sure of the energy usage on this.

Is the roof Flat?
You could use reflective Mylar to keep some of the sun from heating the structure.

It is always Cheaper to Build it yourself.
That being said it’s up to your willingness and expertise in building one.
For a system that small it wouldn’t be hard.

Just spitballing here..
Click to expand...
 
thought about a swamp cooler but have a $400 AC i hate to waste. If I could build a solar system for $1000-1500 bucks I'd be better off. I do like to idea of radiant barrier but we use the rooftop all the time. any ideas on which components to buy? i hear mercado Libre as online source is not good so I'll buy locally... I'm in Queretaro at 6000ft
 
MAJORQUATTRONUT said:
thought about a swamp cooler but have a $400 AC i hate to waste. If I could build a solar system for $1000-1500 bucks I'd be better off. I do like to idea of radiant barrier but we use the rooftop all the time. any ideas on which components to buy? i hear mercado Libre as online source is not good so I'll buy locally... I'm in Queretaro at 6000ft
Click to expand...
Brother in Mexico I wouldn’t even have the first clue as to where you could go or what is even available to you.

Anyone else here close to him or can help him with Procurement?
 
Stuff that is sold in the US cost 2 or 3 times more in Mexico. I saw a solar panel that cost 500dlls in home depot in Mexicali. I would never buy that there.
I have seen some Sunpower panels installed, but I don't know were to buy them. There is a sunpower factory in Mexicali. I assume they make panels or solar related stuff.
If you see an installation around your area, ask the owner or get some local to ask for you.

If you drive US-Mexico, you might be better off bringing what you need from USA. Ask Aduana what are the import taxes and how much you can import before trying it. (16% tax)
Amazon has more presence in Mexico than in previous years.
I don't trust Mexico's. Postal service or shipping companies.
If you find someone who sells solar stuff, I'm not sure how diy friendly they will be.

Good luck!
 
I just spoke to a solar dealer here Queretaro who quoted me JA Solar 410W: $220 USD or CanadianSolar 545W: $320 USD. IT looks lkke the batteries arre whats expensive. If I'm only using the AC 6h/day, and we are 100% sun from like 8-6pm, di I even need a battery? I think the MPPT will just shut the system down when the available watts are not enought to power the load. I that correct? If so, what MMPT would you suggest?
I was thinking 60 amp?
 
I would try something like the Growatt SPF 3000tl lvm-es with 4x410w panels.

That should run a 800w load most of the day and can pull from the grid when it doesn't have enough juice.

You can always add a battery later on.
 
Enfsolar.com has a directory of Mexican solar companies.
Buying in the U.S. and shipping to Mexico is a hassle as well.
Sig Solar said they could ship it to a location of my choice in U.S but then an international shipper would have to pick it up and deliver it into Mexico. Add 16-19% tax to that and you're probably better off buying locally.
 
Thanks. There are Diy solar stores here. I just found one. Running the math, unless i build a rig without using a battery, im better off paying the high elec rate for the 2 months i need the AC. Lokking at a $3000 investment not knowing if we’ll stay here permanently. Higher in mountains is an option but we love it here in Queretaro
 
What's more likely killing you is that you used "too much" energy and are now paying the DAC rate. Anything you can do to reduce your energy consumption so that you get below when the DAC rate kicks in will help you greatly. Did you get a system yet ? Also another possibility is for you to get a friendly electrician that will install a second meter. It's very common to have Mexican house with exactly this setup. 1 AC connected to a sub panel . This then splits your electricity usage over multiple meters and you are less likely to be caught in the hell of paying the DAC rate.
 
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