Why 'Switch' from solar to wind?
Combine the two.
I don't get enough wind, but I found it was the PERFECT finish charge medim when I was running lead/acid batteries.
First off, batteries don't care where the Watts come from.
As long as it's DC and has a voltage regulator so you don't overcharge, you can run wind in parallel next to solar to charge batteries.
I say DC because most wind produces in AC. One tip here is to move the AC to DC rectifier as close to the batteries as possible. AC has less line losses, and wind generators are usually remote to the battery. Just wire AC down to the battery are, then run it through rectifier and charger to battery.
There are larger combined units that accept auxiliary power input. I don't recommend combined units often if you can do modular components... But its an (Expensive) option.
Way out in the sticks. I prefer modular, less expensive components you can change yourself, if you have the basic education. 1/4 to 1/3 the cost, and nothing you can't replace yourself, get back up and running.
At 1/4 to 1/3 the cost, there is money for spare parts... Another bonus is when you need to replace something, you can get what specifically fits the application with the updates in technology without ripping the entire system (combined boxes) out and starting over. Expansion is a snap...
Windy, lots of snow... I have tested ground mount strings for 30 years and can recommend it.
North/South post runs, panel mount pipe through the posts, pipe/panels rotate East/West.
Panels can lay flat, or even flip over in big wind storms.
They can rotate vertical for snow/ice storms.
When you live with panels for 30 years, some things get old REALLY quick... I use 1/4 inch screen wire on the backs of my panels. Keeps rodents from chewing wires, and it will bounce a softball size hail ston off the panel without the panel getting damaged when the panel is face down.
Removing snow/ice is a real pain in the ass. Verticle panels collect very little of either. Rotate vertical when a snow storm is coming...
If you are way out and off grid, REDUNDANCY. Panels feed charge controller, that feeds a battery, the battery is En Banc with more batteries on a DC Buss.
Any one panel string can fail, any one charge controller can fail, any one battery can fail the Banc, but you are still up and running. Even two inverters in parallel is a really good idea... Flip a transfer switch and it's no longer cold and dark, the failed unit can go for repair/replacment while you are still up and running.
And with the reduced cost of equipment, and some DIY elbow grease, the system is cheap enough to have redundancy.
If you are on grid, then the grid is your primary with the RE being your redundancy with batteries...
As mentioned above...
The Sol-Arc 15k is a heck of a unit, Im still trying to grasp everything it *Can* (supposed) to do.
It can do both AC & DC coupled, it will accept standing systems (like Enphase micros) that are such a pain in the ass, unbelievably expensive to attach battery backup to, it doesn't care where the power comes from, or which battery you use, and will power the ENTIRE house. Not just a couple 'Emergency' outlets.
Solar panels, generators, wind, hydro, it really doesn't seem to care where the Watts come from. It uses inverters to convert/regulate production, so it doesn't matter.
They have the right idea, but it's a first generation product (full scale bata test) and some people ARE finding issues in certain situations. The big draw back is price. Around $8,000 USD.
The manual reads like a dictionary... I'm still waiting through it.
It depends on your education, experience and skill level. The more education you have the more options are viable. The guy that electrocutes himself changing flashlight batteries, better call someone and buy an installed, combined unit.
The guy that is comfortable with tools, knows how a crimper & soldering iron work, and isn't afraid of work has a very good chance of turning a pile of much less expensive components into a robust, repairable & redundant system.
