New from Coastal SoCal

[Chback2023]

I'm hoping to find options to upgrade or replace my existing system to minimize my utility, SDGE, expenses. A pass-through inverter with battery capacity is a very attractive option, if I can find one.
My SDGE service is 125A and has been derated to accommodate the 20A inverter breaker.
Increasing my service will require some trenching and a larger conduit. Read $ here.
SDGE indicates that I can increase the total panel wattage by 1000 without moving to NEM3, but of course that mandates additional inverter capacity.
An ABB 3.6 or 3.8 these can be purchased on EBay used and it looks like the dedicate breaker is still 20A, this would accommodate the extending of the strings for the additional panels and the increased wattage. the inverter would be a straight swap. (Understanding few things are as easy as a straight swap)

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Existing system
ABB PVI-3.0-OUTD-S-US-Z-A - inverter
2 string connections with a 2000W max
20A VAC breaker

14 Kyocera 265W model KU2656ZPA
2 strings of 7

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The system averages December 2022
9.0 kWh – Average solar production
12.8 kWh – Average utility Imported
December System production
Daily range from 2.6 to 11.9 kWh
Total generation 280kWh
Total energy imported 397

The system averages January 2023
9.4 Average solar production
13.2 Average utility Imported
Daily solar production from 1.7 to 14.4
Total monthly Generation 2.91
Total energy imported 409

Time of Use daily averages January 2023
T1 average 5.66
T2 average 4.77
Off Peak 2.8

Seasonal, monthly, average power consumption
Winter 700 – kWh
Summer 450 – kWh

Thanks to all in the forum in advance!

Chris

[bcroe]

One approach is to do air conditioning with heat pumps directly
powered by solar panels. These will have a utility power backup,
but consumption is reduced and no additional breaker capacity
is required. Some of these are much more efficient than older
equipment. Bruce Roe