Hi. I am a solar newbie and I have several questions I would very much appreciate if anyone could help me with them.
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Energy Usage
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Looking at my electric bill for the last year, I see the following kWh usage :
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Solar Calculator
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Using the solar calculator at www.altestore.com/store/calculators/off_grid_calculator
I get the following info :
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Questions
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1) 61 Solar panels seems excessive. Am I doing something wrong? If I am not, is there anyway to reduce this?
2) Is there a better solar calculator than the one I used?
3) Should I plan for more or less than 30 kWh (my avg daily use)?
4) Should I go 24 volts or 48 volts?
5) Should I have a larger battery backup than 3 days?
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Energy Usage
----------------------
Looking at my electric bill for the last year, I see the following kWh usage :
Month Day
Low 485 8
Avg 920 30
High 1,608 137
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Solar Calculator
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Using the solar calculator at www.altestore.com/store/calculators/off_grid_calculator
I get the following info :
Energy Usage 30 kWh/day
Backup power 3 Days
Battery Type LiFePO4
Battery Voltage 24 Volts
Battery Bank Capacity 5477 Amp-Hours at 24 volts
Sun Hours for 42207 3.06
Solar Array Size 15.1 Kw
Watts per Panel 250 w
Panels needed 61
Charge Controller Size 628 Amps
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Questions
----------------------
1) 61 Solar panels seems excessive. Am I doing something wrong? If I am not, is there anyway to reduce this?
2) Is there a better solar calculator than the one I used?
3) Should I plan for more or less than 30 kWh (my avg daily use)?
4) Should I go 24 volts or 48 volts?
5) Should I have a larger battery backup than 3 days?