Thanks for the reply. I called the County and they require a permit for off grid too. It took them several days to get back to me, so Im guessing they haven't been asked many times, if at all. That's alright I guess as I want an electrician doing the the important wiring and overseeing my project. I would really like to do an off grid as Im retired and have the time to monitor and I enjoy the challenge. I use 20 to 25 KW per day depending on ac. Our utility charges a lot for basic service and I end paying .20 to .22 cents per KW. If I go off grid, below is my 2 year plan to see if off grid is possible. We have a septic system.
Year 1
1. 20 400 watt bifacial solar panels ($108 each) on two strings of 4000 watts 370 Voc. I have a used adjustable ground mount ($800) and the panels will have no shade.
2. One EG4 6000 XP inverter with a EG4 power pro 13 KW battery. No grid connection on the inverter. Emergency battery charging with a plug in 120 volt charger. New load center for the off grid power.
3. After 6 months of inverter data, decide if off grid feasible.
4. If off grid looks feasible, add another 6000xp and power pro battery for 26kw of battery and a 12KW system. I like the idea of having redundancy with the inverters and batteries.
5. After everything is switched to the new load center and the system working well, have utility remove meter. Emergency power would be from a gas generator with a EG4 5000 watt charge/inverter for clean power to my inverter. I have a 26 and 52 HP diesel tractors if you think a pto generator is better for emergency power.
I know a lot of things have to go right, but Im hopeful. Even with one 6000 watt inverter, I think I can save money and do a good thing at the same time. I have the time, and I like keeping busy. Thanks to all of you for this forum and all the great you tube videos. What you are doing is so important. I look forward to all comments and suggestions.
Thanks, Randy
