First off this is a great community and I look forward to contributing to. I have been lurking around for sometime with my ambitions to 1) expand my current system and 2) offer some some sort of power backup in the event of a power loss, or deliver power from batteries to offset peak rates as the sun goes down( if this is even possible ).
I currently have a 4.5 kW grid-tie system with Enphase 215s. This produces about half my annual power.
So I am hoping that I can add additional panels and have a battery back up for essentials, but also be able to use the power produced by the new panels. Q: Based on what I have been reading, would this be an off-grid system with a DC-coupler? Can I use this in addition with my Enphase system?
Now, let take a scenario where we have an extended power loss, I would like to have power from the new system, ( I am pretty sure that my old Enphase system will not work without grid ) to keep the critical devices up? Are my thoughts on the right track?
Finally, being that I have been out of the loop for a while, what are some good recommendations? For the new addition, I am aiming towards 1.5 kW with 6 ground mounted panels. Where I get lost is looking at the different electronics. I am used to seeing Outback, SMA etc, but seeing these new all-in-ones seem too good to be true /reliable. I look forward to your thoughts and being able to focus in the right direction. I like the idea to where I can DYI a battery bank, but am open to pre-made solutions.
Regards,
JC
I currently have a 4.5 kW grid-tie system with Enphase 215s. This produces about half my annual power.
So I am hoping that I can add additional panels and have a battery back up for essentials, but also be able to use the power produced by the new panels. Q: Based on what I have been reading, would this be an off-grid system with a DC-coupler? Can I use this in addition with my Enphase system?
Now, let take a scenario where we have an extended power loss, I would like to have power from the new system, ( I am pretty sure that my old Enphase system will not work without grid ) to keep the critical devices up? Are my thoughts on the right track?
Finally, being that I have been out of the loop for a while, what are some good recommendations? For the new addition, I am aiming towards 1.5 kW with 6 ground mounted panels. Where I get lost is looking at the different electronics. I am used to seeing Outback, SMA etc, but seeing these new all-in-ones seem too good to be true /reliable. I look forward to your thoughts and being able to focus in the right direction. I like the idea to where I can DYI a battery bank, but am open to pre-made solutions.
Regards,
JC