Need electricity asap

[Oakfish]

Hello, everyone!

I need juice fast. I'm thinking about buying and

ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA 2 Max, 2400W with a 220 watt solar panel. The price is $1299.​

I need to power a 5000 BTU A/C around 14 hours a day and a 7.5 c.f. fridge 24/7. In the winter just the fridge and a 1500 W ceramic heater around 14 hours a day. I'll also be using small stuff occasionally like LED lights, TV, and a crock pot. Will the above power station do it? Will I need more panels and batteries?

I need something fast. I know very little, so I'm reluctant about building something.

I'm out here listening.Thanks!

 

[Bluedog225]

Welcome.

For the heater, 1500 watts times 14 hours is 21,000 watts.

At five or six good hours of sun a day, your panel will produce about 1,300 watts.

You will be short of watts.

Similar calculation for the air conditioner.

Outside the five or six good hours of sum a day, you’ll need to store watts in a battery bank, big enough to provide the energy you need

 

[Oakfish]

According to your calculations, how many panels will I need?
16? 16 x 1,300 = 20,800 ....is that how it works?
How many batteries of what size?
Seems like that's 4000$ in panels alone if that's right.

 

[Brucey]

Hello, everyone!

I need juice fast. I'm thinking about buying and

ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA 2 Max, 2400W with a 220 watt solar panel. The price is $1299.​

I need to power a 5000 BTU A/C around 14 hours a day and a 7.5 c.f. fridge 24/7. In the winter just the fridge and a 1500 W ceramic heater around 14 hours a day. I'll also be using small stuff occasionally like LED lights, TV, and a crock pot. Will the above power station do it? Will I need more panels and batteries?

I need something fast. I know very little, so I'm reluctant about building something.

I'm out here listening.Thanks!

I have a d2m. It will run the fridge and heater at the same time, the issue is going to be limited runtime due to large loads like the 1500W heater. You'll get about an hour at fulll power on the heater. Official ecoflow expansion batteries can take you to 6kWh from 2kWh but they havea large price premium. You can connect a large 48V battery bank to it and use xt60i to ring terminals to charge it via the dual 500W mppt inputs. And use a large array and scc to charge the battery bank.

 

[fmeili1]

A 5000 BTU A/C it's about 500W times 14 hours is 7kWh.
The fridge is about 2 kWh per 24h.

In summer you need to cover about 9kWh and in winter about 23kWh (the 21kWh mentioned by @Bluedog225 plus the fridge).

Check solar harvest forecast for your location (online research) and do the math how much energy you need to store in the batteries (size of the battery) and you also get a feeling how much power your solar panels needs to provide.

 

[fmeili1]

Think about replacing your A/C window unit with a mini split for cooling in summer and heating in winter. The mini split is much more efficient (significantly lower energy consumption) for heating compared to your space heater. The cost for the mini split is much less compared to the costs to install more PV panels and more battery capacity.

 

[Oakfish]

Anyone have a good mid-range estimate of what this will cost?
My inexperienced guesstimate is I'm getting into the $6000+ range.
Any suggestions on something else?

 

[MisterSandals]

Anyone have a good mid-range estimate of what this will cost?

How many watt hours per day do you need?
What is the max load?
Do you have any limitations on places to mount solar panels?

$6k sounds like half or a third of my napkin math.

 

[Oakfish]

Lol...thanks guys...too expensive being a rebel for me. I'm calling the power company!

 

[Brucey]

Anyone have a good mid-range estimate of what this will cost?
My inexperienced guesstimate is I'm getting into the $6000+ range.
Any suggestions on something else?

I'd suggest something like this ecoworthy kit:

ECO-WORTHY 5.12KWh/30.72KWh Home Backup Power 48V 100Ah LiFePO4+5000W/

Package Includes: 5KW AIO Inverter | 5.12kWh Lithium Battery 1 x 48v 100ah Serve Rack Lithium Battery1 x 5000W Hybrid Inverter1 Pairs Battery-to-Inverter Connection Cable1 Pairs Battery Parallel Cables 5KW AIO Inverter | 10.24kWh Lithium Battery 2 x 48v 100ah Serve Rack Lithium Battery1 x 5000W...

www.eco-worthy.com

And then expand with additional $850 5kWh rack mounts as needed. And panels.

Disclaimer: I receive free eco-worthy gear to test, tho neither of those two items.

 

[fmeili1]

.

 

[fmeili1]

Lol...thanks guys...too expensive being a rebel for me. I'm calling the power company!

DIY solar isn't something you can do quickly or hastily... everything has to be carefully considered and calculated, and tailored to the specific situation. In the long run, you can reap the fruits of your labor - beside saving energy costs, it's a fun hobby.

 

[Bluedog225]

Yeah. It can be surprising how expensive it is to run an air conditioner and heat can be on solar.

Below is my little set up. It’s nine 300 W panels, laid on the ground. Sort of temporary. They don’t get full sun all day. Probably making good for an hour and a half.

It runs a little air conditioner and a star link. All in enclosed insulated shed.

You can see my production exceeds my consumption. That’s all that really matters at the end of the day. That and making it through cloudy days.

 

[Oakfish]

I'd suggest something like this ecoworthy kit:

ECO-WORTHY 5.12KWh/30.72KWh Home Backup Power 48V 100Ah LiFePO4+5000W/

Package Includes: 5KW AIO Inverter | 5.12kWh Lithium Battery 1 x 48v 100ah Serve Rack Lithium Battery1 x 5000W Hybrid Inverter1 Pairs Battery-to-Inverter Connection Cable1 Pairs Battery Parallel Cables 5KW AIO Inverter | 10.24kWh Lithium Battery 2 x 48v 100ah Serve Rack Lithium Battery1 x 5000W...

www.eco-worthy.com

View attachment 297630

And then expand with additional $850 5kWh rack mounts as needed. And panels.

Disclaimer: I receive free eco-worthy gear to test, tho neither of those two items.

I can afford that. Would that cover what I mentioned?
I could probably use a small diesel heater instead, but the AC and fridge are definitely a requirement.
I'm in Virginia. It's very sunny in summer and moderate in winter.
What can you recommend as far as panels to cover the A/C, fridge, crockpot, and a few led lights to light a 240 feet cabin? My startup budget is $4000 max for everything.

 

[aussiesam]

I can afford that. Would that cover what I mentioned?
I could probably use a small diesel heater instead, but the AC and fridge are definitely a requirement.
I'm in Virginia. It's very sunny in summer and moderate in winter.
What can you recommend as far as panels to cover the A/C, fridge, crockpot, and a few led lights to light a 240 feet cabin? My startup budget is $4000 max for everything.

I gave this advice to someone last week but it was completely ignored. But Im assuming your 5000BTU AC is 120V. If so, get a 3000EHV. For $660 + 3 eco worthy batteries and a few used solar panels (cheap) from facebook marketplace. You will need to do the installation yourself to save cost. Panel mounting (get creative) .. Its possible and its a start. Get started and you can add more if needed later

 

[Brucey]

I gave this advice to someone last week but it was completely ignored. But Im assuming your 5000BTU AC is 120V. If so, get a 3000EHV. For $660 + 3 eco worthy batteries and a few used solar panels (cheap) from facebook marketplace. You will need to do the installation yourself to save cost. Panel mounting (get creative) .. Its possible and its a start. Get started and you can add more if needed later

From all accounts the ecoworthy 5kW aio is a rebadged srne, assuming the batteries are $850 each the inverter is valued at $729, superior to the 3000ehv imo.

 

[Oakfish]

I gave this advice to someone last week but it was completely ignored. But Im assuming your 5000BTU AC is 120V. If so, get a 3000EHV. For $660 + 3 eco worthy batteries and a few used solar panels (cheap) from facebook marketplace. You will need to do the installation yourself to save cost. Panel mounting (get creative) .. Its possible and its a start. Get started and you can add more if needed later

Thanks. I'm coming up with $1000 for the 3000EHV. I guess the tariffs have struck.

 

[aussiesam]

Thanks. I'm coming up with $1000 for the 3000EHV. I guess the tariffs have struck.

They are $660 at currentconnected.com , you have to create a free account and log in to see that price. But Brucey makes a good point. I personally only have experience with the 3000EHV.

 

[42OhmsPA]

Think about replacing your A/C window unit with a mini split for cooling in summer and heating in winter. The mini split is much more efficient (significantly lower energy consumption) for heating compared to your space heater. The cost for the mini split is much less compared compared to the costs to install more PV panels and more battery capacity.

Solid advice.

I'd suggest something like this ecoworthy kit:

ECO-WORTHY 5.12KWh/30.72KWh Home Backup Power 48V 100Ah LiFePO4+5000W/

Package Includes: 5KW AIO Inverter | 5.12kWh Lithium Battery 1 x 48v 100ah Serve Rack Lithium Battery1 x 5000W Hybrid Inverter1 Pairs Battery-to-Inverter Connection Cable1 Pairs Battery Parallel Cables 5KW AIO Inverter | 10.24kWh Lithium Battery 2 x 48v 100ah Serve Rack Lithium Battery1 x 5000W...

www.eco-worthy.com

View attachment 297630

And then expand with additional $850 5kWh rack mounts as needed. And panels.

Disclaimer: I receive free eco-worthy gear to test, tho neither of those two items.

That inverter is OEMd by SRNE, I've been using other inverters from them to power my house, without issue, for years now.
Personally I'd build my own batteries with 280Ah or larger cells to save more money.

What can you recommend as far as panels to cover the A/C, fridge, crockpot, and a few led lights to light a 240 feet cabin? My startup budget is $4000 max for everything.

You really need to calculate loads and check pvwatts for panel estimates, also check out suncalc.org for your location.
As far as panels go I'd look on your local craiglist, eBay sorted nearest first or free shipping on pallets, and marketplace.
For mounting, do you need permits?
If not this is my favorite design. https://diysolarforum.com/threads/diy-season-adjustable-ground-mount-build.51642/

Welcome to the forum.

 

[Brucey]

I can afford that. Would that cover what I mentioned?
I could probably use a small diesel heater instead, but the AC and fridge are definitely a requirement.
I'm in Virginia. It's very sunny in summer and moderate in winter.
What can you recommend as far as panels to cover the A/C, fridge, crockpot, and a few led lights to light a 240 feet cabin? My startup budget is $4000 max for everything.

Diesel heater will help things tremendously. It's very difficult to heat in the winter with a 1500W portable heater as a constant load here in upstate ny it just eats thru battery capacity, and winter solar production isn't great. That was with 25kWh of battery.

Running loads other than heater, i.e internet/nas, fridge, freezer, TV, lights occasional big appliance use (air fryer, microwave), say 400W on average, I can get by on 15kWh of battery, but much more comfortable at 20 or 25kWh when you have a bad day or two of overcast conditions. Now we are coming into summer you may not need as much battery or panels as you will in winter, if you need to space your budget out over time.

Plan on a generator for recharging during long term overcast conditions.

 

[42OhmsPA]

Thanks. I'm coming up with $1000 for the 3000EHV. I guess the tariffs have struck.

That seems way way overpriced when you consider the other options, you can get a 5kW unit SRNE HYP (or relabel) for less; or spend a few hundred more for a 10kW ASP that will do split phase from 1 unit.

 

[42OhmsPA]

Diesel heater will help things tremendously. It's very difficult to heat in the winter with a 1500W portable heater as a constant load here in upstate ny it just eats thru battery capacity, and winter solar production isn't great. That was with 25kWh of battery.

Agreed, I'm currently burning ~2kW/h running resistive heaters in the basement while the minisplit is just sipping power upstairs.

Running loads other than heater, i.e internet/nas, fridge, freezer, TV, lights occasional big appliance use (air fryer, microwave), say 400W on average, I can get by on 15kWh of battery, but much more comfortable at 20 or 25kWh when you have a bad day or two of overcast conditions. Now we are coming into summer you may not need as much battery or panels as you will in winter, if you need to space your budget out over time.

Agreed, late November through early February suck.

Plan on a generator for recharging during long term overcast conditions.

Definitely a must have.

 

[Oakfish]

I appreciate the answers from everyone. I think I'm getting a better understanding of things and leaning toward the system Bruce mentioned, but I'm still open for more suggestions. Keep 'em coming!

 

[ohmboy]

Any suggestions on something else?

Connection to the grid. Dominion electric looks like they service your area.

 

[skyking1]

as @fmeili1 mentioned above, get a mini split.
That single thing will revolutionize your loads and needs. They knock the doors off a 5K BTU windowshaker for economy, and in the winter they provide 3x as much heat as a resistance heater, at a bare minimum.
They start slowly and ramp as needed. A windowshaker hits your system with a sledgehammer by comparison. So does a cycling 1500W resistance heater.
$798
Don't look at as another 800 to spend. You can't afford NOT to, in the difference in panels and storage it will mean.