Tim's build thread (get off my lawn)

[timselectric]

Update on the Hotspot mini split.
It's been working great. But I noticed that the outside fan didn't always start up properly.
I contacted support today, and they walked me through some troubleshooting.
We determined that it could be the fan motor or the fan motor controller. They are shipping me replacements of both.
It has been a very pleasant support experience.

Parts came, in a about a week. I just didn't find the time to replace them until today. It's working perfectly, again. Actually better than ever. The outside fan seems to be more variable in speed. The new control board has different electronic thingies in different places. So, I'm guessing that it's an upgraded version.

 

[timselectric]

Can't pass up on a good deal.

 

[wattmatters]

That's about what new panels cost here.

 

[timselectric]

That's about what new panels cost here.

I wish it was the case, here.
Of course I would still buy used, for the savings.
A 60% discount for a 2% shorter lifespan, is a no brainer.

 

[Zwy]

About $0.32/watt. I prefer new and would be willing to pay for freight if I found new close to $0.50/watt or less.

I can drive to here and pick up these for $0.44/watt. I also know the JA Solar half cell are very efficient and I already have JA Solar installed.

 

[timselectric]

I would probably spend more, if I didn't want so many.
But the savings add up, with large quantities.

 

[OffGridForGood]

I have to buy new.
Used are just too few and far between in Canada, and there is a practical problem with them: I will still be alive, but too old to change them when they require replacement

 

[timselectric]

I have to buy new.
Used are just too few and far between in Canada, and there is a practical problem with them: I will still be alive, but too old to change them when they require replacement

I wish that I had that problem. lol

 

[timselectric]

After 25 years (20 for my used panels ).
They will still be putting out 80% of their ratings.
I don't expect to be needing that much power by then.
So, I won't need to replace them, in my lifetime.

 

[timselectric]

He'll, I don't even need anywhere close to 80% now. lol

 

[OffGridForGood]

He'll, I don't even need anywhere close to 80% now. lol

Yeah...until that 1-ton conversioin is completed - THEN we will SEE ABOUT THAT!

 

[timselectric]

Yeah...until that 1-ton conversioin is completed - THEN we will SEE ABOUT THAT!

That's always been in the system calculations.
(Actually 3 EV's)

 

[OffGridForGood]

Need more solar
need more solar
need more solar
and need more cells!
Repeat.

 

[Quattrohead]

It's getting darker in Tim's neighborhood because he has so many panels sucking up the sun ??

 

[houseofancients]

Need more solar
need more solar
need more solar
and need more cells!
Repeat.

So true

 

[Brett V]

I would probably spend more, if I didn't want so many.
But the savings add up, with large quantities.

The more you spend, the more you save!

 

[timselectric]

The more you spend, the more you save!

Yes, on a good deal.
But I was referring to per panel.
I might buy more expensive panels, if I weren't buying a couple hundred.

 

[OffGridForGood]

It's getting darker in Tim's neighborhood because he has so many panels sucking up the sun ??

Tim's plans include reducing his A/C loads by consuming so much solar energy he alters the local climate!

 

[OffGridForGood]

Actually - not sure if you notice in your area, but my roof top PV made a clear immediate noticable change in (unwanted) heat gain from solar radiation on the south shop area. Nice benefit to the panel location.

 

[timselectric]

Yup
My attic is much cooler, now.

 

[EastTexCowboy]

Actually - not sure if you notice in your area, but my roof top PV made a clear immediate noticable change in (unwanted) heat gain from solar radiation on the south shop area. Nice benefit to the panel location.

When it's 110F it's hard to tell!

Plus the shop is insulated so probably less difference. But it has to help, for sure.

 

[Dave911]

Yup
My attic is much cooler, now.

Tim,
What are you using for an Autotransformer with your Growatts?
Would you buy the same autotransformer if you were to do it over again?
You are using 1 transformers with all three Growatts in parallel, right?
I think I saw a picture of it somewhere but I don't know where now.

Thanks, Dave

 

[Dave911]

Tim,
What are you using for an Autotransformer with your Growatts?
Would you buy the same autotransformer if you were to do it over again?
You are using 1 transformers with all three Growatts in parallel, right?
I think I saw a picture of it somewhere but I don't know where now.

Thanks, Dave

Now I see it. First page, 3rd pict - zoom in - Solaredge Are you happy with it?

 

[timselectric]

What are you using for an Autotransformer with your Growatts?

Solar Edge

Would you buy the same autotransformer if you were to do it over again?

Yes

You are using 1 transformers with all three Growatts in parallel, right?

Currently, yes.
It depends on how balanced your loads are. To figure out how much transformer you need.

 

[timselectric]

Panels arrived undamaged.
Either shippers are getting better or I just got lucky. It may be spring before I get time to install them. lol