Solar in Arkansas

[Wired]

Hi all...
Have already learned much from this site, but thought I better sign up!
We are planning to install an Off-grid system for our well, and pumps...

Not yet wired......

[Sunking]

Is there commercial power available for this. If so you would be well advised to use it rather than solar.

[Wired]

Thank you Sunking for your reply...

Is there commercial power available for this..

Yes, Sunking there is electric power to which it is connected at the present time.

If so you would be well advised to use it rather than solar.

Have you ever been without power? No water.... water we like....
And, as unmentioned, our freezers and refrigerators will also benefit...

[bonaire]

Did you factor in a generator to keep the batteries conditioned on cloudy day(s) when the power is out and they reach a low SOC?
How often does the power go out there, is it pretty common?

I'm shopping for a small generator to run a small sub-panel to run off our 500gal LPG tank. It will power the sump pump, water pump (240V) and water heater and maybe the refrigerators.

An LPG or NG generator is one way to go that should be less costly than an battery-backed up grid-tie arrangement.

For me, so far, it's been a grid-tie system and next is the generator. We lost power during Sandy when it passed over SE PA. For 10 minutes. However we did lose power for 2 days the year before when a tree took out a power line on our road during a heavy rain. But for return on investment, we would have to have a 3-day power outage every 2 years to pay back the costs of a generator. That length ensures we throw out everything in our two freezers and refrigerators for each occurrence. Once my kids leave for college, we'll drop down to one refrigerator and shut down the one in the garage.

[Sunking]

Yes, Sunking there is electric power to which it is connected at the present time. Have you ever been without power? No water.... water we like....
And, as unmentioned, our freezers and refrigerators will also benefit

Heck yes. Being an Electrical Engineer I have a much more effective and less expensive solution. I would use either a whole house generator to keep the Air Conditioner on as I have actually installed and watch the neighbors do without. Or if all I wanted is water and the fridge running is use a standard AC battery charger, battery, and inverter. Solar has no purpose in your application. It is pure expense that will wear out batteries quickly. I prefer to pay 10 cents for electricity vs $1 if I have a choice. You have a choice.

[Wired]

Did you factor in a generator to keep the batteries conditioned on cloudy day(s) when the power is out and they reach a low SOC?
How often does the power go out there, is it pretty common?

I'm shopping for a small generator to run a small sub-panel to run off our 500gal LPG tank. It will power the sump pump, water pump (240V) and water heater and maybe the refrigerators.

An LPG or NG generator is one way to go that should be less costly than an battery-backed up grid-tie arrangement.

I have spent this morning so far today looking for an LP generator that is quiet.
Generac has an 8kW that is 62 decibels for a very reasonable price online....$1998 free shipping...
And they also have a 6kW with 52 decibels, but for over $3600....

But, my honey wants one a bit smaller, around 3000kW, so I am on a renewed search
this afternoon... Perhaps a Cummins Onan

All of this will obviously be more expensive, but we want to stay away from the grid, and perhaps
these are our first steps to do just that.

Will be curious to hear what you find, as well, bonaire...

[Naptown]

For 3600 you could get a 12KW GE symphony and run the entire house including A/C

[Wired]

For 3600 you could get a 12KW GE symphony and run the entire house including A/C

Yep! quite true... probably why I'm not buying one!

[Sunking]

Why do you want to pay $2 Kwh for solar power vs 10 cents? Are you rich and have no need for money? If so give it to me or Obama as he request.