The ultimate goal is to be able to replace my gas powered generator that is only for storm-caused power outages. Now that I have built myself 48v li-ion batteries for my golf cart, and happen to have about 4.5kWh "extra", plus the battery I just built for the cart from the Samsung SDI 94Ah cells, I think it's time to invest in an all-in-one solar charger inverter and some panels. From everything I've read, the ideal is to find used panels locally, so I'm starting to scour CL and Marketplace, but I'm not sure exactly what I will need in term of how many panels. My thoughts are to build a system that will power my workshop, as now Its run solely off a 50' extension cord. I'm in Florida, so there's plenty sun melting everything else, why not harness some of that power?
I've found a crazy range of prices on Amazon for all-in-ones, any I should stay away from? For example, is this horrible because it's cheap?
I haven't even considered doing an energy audit yet, so bear with me. The generator has been getting us through and it's a 3500w unit, which is why I was drawn to the 3500w inverters. We normally only plug in the Fridge so the food won't spoil, the TV to keep updated on the weather and then a small 5k BTU window ac so we don't die in our sleep from the heat. I'm thinking I want to build a rack so the panels will be off the ground and at the appropriate angle. I thought about on the roof of the shop itself, but there's a lot of tree cover shade that I can't really do anything about. I have zero intention of going off-grid, and quite frankly, prior to the golf cart builds, it never entered my mind to go solar for the back up, but I've learned quite a bit and am continuing to see the value is "using what I got", so-to-speak. Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated. I've spoken to the folks at Santan Solar that someone here recommended and they're getting a facility in Savannah. They have used panels at a pretty good value, it seems, ($50.00 each for 250w?) but the shipping of course would double that cost for 4. Which is what I would start with unless you guys say that's not smart. I may even work it out where I just drive to Savannah and pick up more to save the shipping? Thanks in advance.
I've found a crazy range of prices on Amazon for all-in-ones, any I should stay away from? For example, is this horrible because it's cheap?
Amazon.com: ECO-WORTHY 3500W 48V All-in-ONE Hybrid Solar Charge Inverter with 80A MPPT Charge Controller & 3500W Pure Sine Wave Inverter 48V DC to 110V AC for Off Gird Solar Power Utility Generator Home System: Electronics
Buy ECO-WORTHY 3500W 48V All-in-ONE Hybrid Solar Charge Inverter with 80A MPPT Charge Controller & 3500W Pure Sine Wave Inverter 48V DC to 110V AC for Off Gird Solar Power Utility Generator Home System: Everything Else - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
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I haven't even considered doing an energy audit yet, so bear with me. The generator has been getting us through and it's a 3500w unit, which is why I was drawn to the 3500w inverters. We normally only plug in the Fridge so the food won't spoil, the TV to keep updated on the weather and then a small 5k BTU window ac so we don't die in our sleep from the heat. I'm thinking I want to build a rack so the panels will be off the ground and at the appropriate angle. I thought about on the roof of the shop itself, but there's a lot of tree cover shade that I can't really do anything about. I have zero intention of going off-grid, and quite frankly, prior to the golf cart builds, it never entered my mind to go solar for the back up, but I've learned quite a bit and am continuing to see the value is "using what I got", so-to-speak. Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated. I've spoken to the folks at Santan Solar that someone here recommended and they're getting a facility in Savannah. They have used panels at a pretty good value, it seems, ($50.00 each for 250w?) but the shipping of course would double that cost for 4. Which is what I would start with unless you guys say that's not smart. I may even work it out where I just drive to Savannah and pick up more to save the shipping? Thanks in advance.