Turkey Hollow Solar
New Member
Hi Solar Fans,
This is my first posting here, but I have been an eager consumer of content here for some time, especially Will's videos.
We're Going Solar!
I'm working on a system design and component selection for a new 10kW Ground-Mount, Net-Metered AC array for our residential property in Northern Vermont.
Plan is a combination of DIY for much of it, with final installation by a local solar installer. I'm hoping to do enough DIY to enable a 1/2 day job by a contractor.
Our utility is allowing us up to 15kW with just basic requirements. Beyond that they paperwork gets a lot deeper. So I'm planning for an initial 10kW, with plans/accommodations for another 5kW in the future. I can permit it initially for 15kW and only install 10kW for now, with no need to reapply for the 5kW upgrade.
Site is a mostly flat, open hay field with thick, heavy clay soil with minimal rocks and no ledge. No shade issues, and plenty of room for expansion. Wind can get pretty stong here, but we don't usually get hurricanes or tornados. Ground is covered with snow much of the winter, with the biggest storms being 24-36".
Grid connection is inside the residence, about 150' from the array. Plan to connect to main power panel, which has ~250' of 4/0 Aluminum service conductors back to the transformer. Plan is to ditch-witch the solar wiring into the home, and install required safety equipment in heated basement with a required disconnect outside.
Here's the basic system we're considering:
- Qty=28 72-cell Bifacial Panels, Adani ASB-7-AAA
Good deal available on these...~$145/ea new from dealer. Price is about $4000 plus wiring.
The rationale for bifacial panels is that they are apparently better at capturing reflectance from snow in the winter, especially in an open field.
Does anyone have experience with these panels? They are made in India. They claim to be a Tier 1 panel.
- Nuance Osprey PowerPlatform ground mount racking system, Two 2x7 rack segments for 28 panels/10kW total.
We like this option for the easier ground anchors. Price is about $5000 total for two racks and hardware. Distributor rents installation tool and pull tester for anchors.
It seems like an easy DIY assembly/installation, and doesn't require a contractor to drive ground screws.
Does anyone have experience with this system and its unique ground anchors?
- Inverters: Debating two options: Dual string inverters, or Enphase Microinverters
Enphase Microinverter option: IQ7Plus-72-2-US. Price is about $160 each, so $4480 plus wiring from a local distributor.
String Inverter Option: SMA Sunny Boy SB5.0-1SP-US-41. Price is about $1250 each, so $2500 plus wiring from a local distributor.
I'm a data junkie for work...so I like the per-panel data collection of the Enphase units. But is that worth another $2000? I'm not sure...
I'm guessing this comparison has been debated here before...can anyone suggest a thread? Or if not, I'd appreciate help with pros/cons, etc.
Thanks in advance for all your feedback...I really appreciate it!
This is my first posting here, but I have been an eager consumer of content here for some time, especially Will's videos.
We're Going Solar!
I'm working on a system design and component selection for a new 10kW Ground-Mount, Net-Metered AC array for our residential property in Northern Vermont.
Plan is a combination of DIY for much of it, with final installation by a local solar installer. I'm hoping to do enough DIY to enable a 1/2 day job by a contractor.
Our utility is allowing us up to 15kW with just basic requirements. Beyond that they paperwork gets a lot deeper. So I'm planning for an initial 10kW, with plans/accommodations for another 5kW in the future. I can permit it initially for 15kW and only install 10kW for now, with no need to reapply for the 5kW upgrade.
Site is a mostly flat, open hay field with thick, heavy clay soil with minimal rocks and no ledge. No shade issues, and plenty of room for expansion. Wind can get pretty stong here, but we don't usually get hurricanes or tornados. Ground is covered with snow much of the winter, with the biggest storms being 24-36".
Grid connection is inside the residence, about 150' from the array. Plan to connect to main power panel, which has ~250' of 4/0 Aluminum service conductors back to the transformer. Plan is to ditch-witch the solar wiring into the home, and install required safety equipment in heated basement with a required disconnect outside.
Here's the basic system we're considering:
- Qty=28 72-cell Bifacial Panels, Adani ASB-7-AAA
Elan Bifacial Modules | Adani Solar
Elan Bifacial Modules are highly efficient, fully automated and produce higher energy. It is a 72 cell module power with an output of 355 – 390 Wp.
www.adanisolar.com
The rationale for bifacial panels is that they are apparently better at capturing reflectance from snow in the winter, especially in an open field.
Does anyone have experience with these panels? They are made in India. They claim to be a Tier 1 panel.
- Nuance Osprey PowerPlatform ground mount racking system, Two 2x7 rack segments for 28 panels/10kW total.
Osprey PowerRack™ - Ground Mount Solar | Nuance Energy Group, Inc.
The revolutionary innovation behind Nuance Energy’s ground mount solar racking system and the award-winning Osprey PowerRack™, is our utility patented earth anchor foundation system and the methodology patent used to install and pull “Load Test” earth anchors in real time soil conditions.
nuanceenergy.com
It seems like an easy DIY assembly/installation, and doesn't require a contractor to drive ground screws.
Does anyone have experience with this system and its unique ground anchors?
- Inverters: Debating two options: Dual string inverters, or Enphase Microinverters
Enphase Microinverter option: IQ7Plus-72-2-US. Price is about $160 each, so $4480 plus wiring from a local distributor.
String Inverter Option: SMA Sunny Boy SB5.0-1SP-US-41. Price is about $1250 each, so $2500 plus wiring from a local distributor.
Discover the Sunny Boy 3.0-US - 7.7-US | SMA America
Discover the Sunny Boy inverter 3.0-US - 7.7-US ► PV performance optimization with SMA ShadeFix ► SMA's SunSpec certified shutdown device
www.sma-america.com
I'm guessing this comparison has been debated here before...can anyone suggest a thread? Or if not, I'd appreciate help with pros/cons, etc.
Thanks in advance for all your feedback...I really appreciate it!