• Have you tried out dark mode?! Scroll to the bottom of any page to find a sun or moon icon to turn dark mode on or off!

diy solar

diy solar

Hello From NW Ohio

TechRider

Solar Enthusiast
Joined
Feb 29, 2024
Messages
198
Location
Ohio
Hello Everyone,

I'm a solar newbie from NW Ohio, looking to design and build my first solar system. I have a friend who has installed a decently sized system and I'm looking at doing something similar. I'm looking to build a grid tied / hybrid system. I want to try to lower my total energy bill (~$400/m - yikes) and prepare to do the best I can if there is a grid failure.

I've got a 22kW whole house propane generator but I'll only get 5-7 days with that so I'd like to look at extending as long as I can.

My house is recently remodeled and I went through and replaced a bunch of things with more energy efficient devices but I'm still way over what I think I should be when it comes to power usage. We did spoil ourselves with a few items like a nice cooktop, etc.

I'm leaning towards a Sol-Ark 15k, custom battery solution (~60kWh storage), and I haven't picked the panels yet. I'm going to try to max out the panel capacity of the Sol-Ark but I have to do roof mount where I'm located. (Lots of trees, house is the only space open.) I've just recently started looking at the panels. Once I get a decision there, I'll start putting a BoM together and have "the talk" with my wife to make sure it's worth it.

Thanks!
 
Welcome!
With the upcoming eclipse passing through your area, I am planning a trip to see it.
My brother is over in cleveland, and I will be staying with him for the event.
How close to Toledo is your place?
 
Thanks!
We're about an hour or so south of Toledo. From what I understand, the epicenter is supposed to be in Forest and I'm about 25 min from there. We've only heard a little about it but from what I've heard, people said it'll be a big deal.
 
Thanks!
We're about an hour or so south of Toledo. From what I understand, the epicenter is supposed to be in Forest and I'm about 25 min from there. We've only heard a little about it but from what I've heard, people said it'll be a big deal.
I went to see the one that went through western NC in 2017, and my little brother bought a place in cleveland last year, and i plan to visit during the april eclipse.
I LOVED the eclipse in17, amazing experience.
I of course had seen several partial eclipse events before, but a totality eclipse is completely different.
Awesome...
Literally.
 
Last edited:
I'm looking forward to it! My in-laws are coming out for the event and I took the day off work.
 
Welcome

Up north by Lake Erie, we often have clouds this time of year with the cold lake water. I will be driving a bit west to get in the center line.

Schools closed, government offices closed, mayors are saying to stay home...BIG DEAL.
 
There should be 64, that's what I ordered! I haven't opened the 2nd crate yet. My work bench isn't big enough to fit everything.

The JK BMS came since the batteries so I've been working on some design ideas. I sent off to a metal fabricator to see if they could make a face plate that I can attach to my "battery cabinet" to get a nice finished look.

Note, I take no credit for the drawing, I found a print I liked from a 3d printer and modified it for what the vendor needed.
1711298419120.png

Which will be the face for this and the power switch.
1711298497181.png
 

diy solar

diy solar
Back
Top