FrugalSolarGuy
New Member
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2021
- Messages
- 10
Okay not really but I thought it was kinda funny.
So to start off, iv'e been looking into doing a solar system for about two weeks or so now. I have been interested in having one since we moved out here. I wanted to get it when we got our house but that didn't happen. Ive been scouring through my options, mainly through articles, blogs, and reddit. I only came across here the other day and have been perusing the forums and resources for a bit. But iv'e seen some of you like to "build" systems so I'd be curious to see what someone might come up with.
Obviously im asking for someone to practically do the beginning leg work for me so if that's not your cup of tea, I understand. Im as bad as those street beggars at the intersection.
So onto the specifics. I live in a manufactured home in South Carolina. As such, this system will need to be ground mounted. I have figured I need between an 8-10kw system. I moved out here in November into my new home (new 2020 energy efficient manufactured home) so i dont have a full year of useage. However my highest month is always in the winter, and my largest useage was just shy of 1400kwh. My highest summer bill tends to fall slightly shorter, usually around 1300kwh. My smallest so far has been 954kwh, and that was for nov-dec useage so not a great low point. My lowest should be spring/fall and id assume ill be around 800kwh during those months. Obviously this is just guess work from previous rentals I was in. This will be a completely DIY project. The biggest reason being cost. My father in law has nearly two decades of electrical/construction experience so he will be helping me install it (but im on my own putting it together to purchase lol). We have a tractor with an auger drill so we should make short work of the labor issue. The system will have a completely unobstructed south view from early dawn to dusk. I have some 70ft pines that might throw a tad bit of shade during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Im not entirely sure yet but its the only and best spot i can put it. That spot is roughly 200ft away from my house in an area cleared for my drainfield. It will be installed above my drainfield though, no worries.
I have a couple options i'm considering.
Also, netmetering is likely not an option unless I get a system way above my means. My electric cooperative charges a flat $50 month fee for netmetering (the irony there is palpable) so it would likely be on my lower months to have a large bill on top of my loan if i get one. off grid would be preferrable but i also know thats way more expensive than a grid tie. Im pretty sure I can just hook to the grid and not have a net meter installed right? I believe my monthly minimum is less than half that of netmetering.
Local codes are pretty lenient around here. My father in law and I did the electric wiring for my house and saved a bundle on electrician costs. I still need to look into what compliance is required. If UL certified is required, does that mean something from like Alibaba is out?
If anyone can do a build out for me (links would be great but as long as it has a name/description im sure I can use my googleFu to find it) id love to see what you can come up with.
Thanks for any help.
So to start off, iv'e been looking into doing a solar system for about two weeks or so now. I have been interested in having one since we moved out here. I wanted to get it when we got our house but that didn't happen. Ive been scouring through my options, mainly through articles, blogs, and reddit. I only came across here the other day and have been perusing the forums and resources for a bit. But iv'e seen some of you like to "build" systems so I'd be curious to see what someone might come up with.
Obviously im asking for someone to practically do the beginning leg work for me so if that's not your cup of tea, I understand. Im as bad as those street beggars at the intersection.
So onto the specifics. I live in a manufactured home in South Carolina. As such, this system will need to be ground mounted. I have figured I need between an 8-10kw system. I moved out here in November into my new home (new 2020 energy efficient manufactured home) so i dont have a full year of useage. However my highest month is always in the winter, and my largest useage was just shy of 1400kwh. My highest summer bill tends to fall slightly shorter, usually around 1300kwh. My smallest so far has been 954kwh, and that was for nov-dec useage so not a great low point. My lowest should be spring/fall and id assume ill be around 800kwh during those months. Obviously this is just guess work from previous rentals I was in. This will be a completely DIY project. The biggest reason being cost. My father in law has nearly two decades of electrical/construction experience so he will be helping me install it (but im on my own putting it together to purchase lol). We have a tractor with an auger drill so we should make short work of the labor issue. The system will have a completely unobstructed south view from early dawn to dusk. I have some 70ft pines that might throw a tad bit of shade during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Im not entirely sure yet but its the only and best spot i can put it. That spot is roughly 200ft away from my house in an area cleared for my drainfield. It will be installed above my drainfield though, no worries.
I have a couple options i'm considering.
- Get a solar loan that doesnt require a company installer (so unsecured likely). I was looking at something like gogreensolar.com. My other option is something like Alibaba. Ive found Rosen Solar and Moregosolar on there seem legit but i have little experience there. ive only ever ordered a few small things off Alibaba. Also i am in the states and i know there is a tariff, but 15% still seems like it would be much cheaper? Rosen has a full 10kw off grid kit, mounting, batteries, etc.. for 8K. Even with tariffs that seems like it would be MUCH cheaper than buying in the US where ive seen similar systems for 15-25K.
- Do a small build first (maybe 1kw), and continually add as time goes on. Is this viable? This seems like it would take a massive amount of preplanning, but its the most cost efficient route for out of pocket costs. Spend $1000 here, $500 there etc.. Just continually save up money for the next purchase.
Also, netmetering is likely not an option unless I get a system way above my means. My electric cooperative charges a flat $50 month fee for netmetering (the irony there is palpable) so it would likely be on my lower months to have a large bill on top of my loan if i get one. off grid would be preferrable but i also know thats way more expensive than a grid tie. Im pretty sure I can just hook to the grid and not have a net meter installed right? I believe my monthly minimum is less than half that of netmetering.
Local codes are pretty lenient around here. My father in law and I did the electric wiring for my house and saved a bundle on electrician costs. I still need to look into what compliance is required. If UL certified is required, does that mean something from like Alibaba is out?
If anyone can do a build out for me (links would be great but as long as it has a name/description im sure I can use my googleFu to find it) id love to see what you can come up with.
Thanks for any help.