Vince2
New Member
So, like many others, my grid tie system was designed based on my power bills of the previous year. I build a 10k ground array with a 7.7 sma sb inverter, and passed inspection etc and been satisfied for 4-5 years, having a deficit in Jan and Feb months and a yearly production of 12-13 000 KW. Now, I switched my propane heating to mini splits, had a plug in vehicle and now also an electric truck and my production can't keep up. I expanded my array with about 5K in panels keeping the same inverter and it has increased my production by about 25 %. Because I did not change the inverter I did not have to go through another electrical inspection.
I have build a diy battery bank, 48v 380A, and have a 6 kW LF 120V inverter-charger for emergency backup, with all my 120 V breakers on a sub panel. When I checked with my power company what the typical power outage is, they told me that in past 10 years, typical outage took less than 3 hours to repair, and never more than 7 hours.
Basically the backup is more for peace of mind than a necessity.
I have the option to do time shifting, but the difference in price is only 2 or 3 cents per KW, normal rate is $.097 and reduced rate is $0.07 with $0.12 for peak rate. Don't see much benefit on going this way as the heating and cooling are all in peak time.
I probably need another 5000KW per year to break even. Any ideas about the best ways to do this?
Option1 Take the 5K panels that were added and add another 5K in panels, a new hybrid inverter and go through permitting to get it approved.
Option2 create an off grid system separate from current net metering system and bypass the permitting process. Switch manually from on grid to off grid for the evenings and nights when battery capacity is sufficient to carry the loads.
Other options?
I have build a diy battery bank, 48v 380A, and have a 6 kW LF 120V inverter-charger for emergency backup, with all my 120 V breakers on a sub panel. When I checked with my power company what the typical power outage is, they told me that in past 10 years, typical outage took less than 3 hours to repair, and never more than 7 hours.
Basically the backup is more for peace of mind than a necessity.
I have the option to do time shifting, but the difference in price is only 2 or 3 cents per KW, normal rate is $.097 and reduced rate is $0.07 with $0.12 for peak rate. Don't see much benefit on going this way as the heating and cooling are all in peak time.
I probably need another 5000KW per year to break even. Any ideas about the best ways to do this?
Option1 Take the 5K panels that were added and add another 5K in panels, a new hybrid inverter and go through permitting to get it approved.
Option2 create an off grid system separate from current net metering system and bypass the permitting process. Switch manually from on grid to off grid for the evenings and nights when battery capacity is sufficient to carry the loads.
Other options?
