I run a church camp with over 40 buildings on-site.
Our camp is a 100% donation-only camp, meaning every single kid who wants to come gets to come. We do not require a parent to pay a fee if they can't afford it. We host thousands and thousands of kids every year. I'm trying my hardest to keep our costs down as much as possible. Our three major expenses are:
I have two questions for you:
Am I missing anything?
I can only imagine how crazy busy you must be. You have a great channel, but if you happen to have time, I’d love to get your opinion.
Our camp is a 100% donation-only camp, meaning every single kid who wants to come gets to come. We do not require a parent to pay a fee if they can't afford it. We host thousands and thousands of kids every year. I'm trying my hardest to keep our costs down as much as possible. Our three major expenses are:
- Insurance (nothing I can do about that).
- Food (we're working to farm our own cattle and hogs this year so that we can start serving not only great meat but also meat that costs us only the butcher fee).
- Electricity.
I have two questions for you:
- I watched your video titled "My Favorite Off-Grid Solar Panel for 2024!" quite a bit. You mention the Aptos panels in the video but use the word Hyperion in the description. The Aptos panels cost around $160, but the Hyperion panels are about $100. Am I crazy to go with the Hyperion? I can't find many reviews for them, but at almost half the cost ($88 if I buy in bulk), it seems like a good idea.
- I want to run my system idea by you to make sure I'm not missing anything. We have an electrician who volunteers for us and will help double-check the numbers to ensure we don't overload or create safety issues. Here are my thoughts:
- Battery Backup: Not needed right now. We're just trying to lower our power bill.
- Net Metering: Our power company offers a 1/3 net metering rollover. This means that in the month we produce power, we get 100% credit, but any excess rolls over to the next month at only a 1/3 value.
- Without Net Metering (Peak Month Needs):
236 panels to cover July, our highest-usage month. - With Net Metering and Rollover (Annual Needs):
118 panels to achieve a $0 cost over the year.
- Panel Cost: $88 per panel.
For 118 panels: - Inverter:
We need a 45.3 kW inverter.- A Growatt 60kW three-phase inverter costs $3,399.
- Why not go for a 70kW inverter for $3,699?
- Ground Mount:
We plan to do a ground mount system. While we are considering building our own mounts, we are budgeting an additional $5,000 for mounts and installation. - Other Costs:
This doesn't include the cost of running wires or additional equipment.
Am I missing anything?
I can only imagine how crazy busy you must be. You have a great channel, but if you happen to have time, I’d love to get your opinion.