diy solar systems which are good and which to stay away from

[deck60]

I would like to install a diy solar system but would like input on which systems are good and which systems I should stay away from


space is not a problem I have close to 3 acres I can use for the solar field that is right next to the existing transformer and switch gear box from the power company

thinking about 5000w to start with and be able to expand to take care of my needs

I live in South Dakota

[russ]

Hi deck - Welcome to Solar Panel Talk!

First thing is to get a decent handle on what your consumption and usage pattern will be. In some cases you can measure consumers you have using something like a Killawatt.

[deck60]

Hi deck - Welcome to Solar Panel Talk!

First thing is to get a decent handle on what your consumption and usage pattern will be. In some cases you can measure consumers you have using something like a Killawatt.

I did a couple of solar calculators and the come up with 17kw I would like to start with a 5kw and then next year another 5kw and so on until I am at the 20kw size

[foo1bar]

I did a couple of solar calculators and the come up with 17kw I would like to start with a 5kw and then next year another 5kw and so on until I am at the 20kw size

Around here 10kW and smaller systems are under different rules than >10kW systems.
So I would recommend you look into what it'll take for permitting. And rules the utility has for hooking up to their grid a >10kW system.

17kW seems pretty large for a system. Are you really using that many kwh of power? Is this for a business or something that you'd be using that much power?

[russ]

For a 1 kW DC grid tie system in Sioux Falls, SD - you can see that a 1 kW DC system will provide on average 1.38 kWh,day - more in summer and less in winter.

Can you make grid tie with DIY in SD? Probably so but check.

2.80	78	8
3.57	89	10
4.48	120	13
5.39	134	14
6.05	148	16
6.67	152	16
6.91	159	17
6.13	145	16
5.18	122	13
4.16	105	11
2.63	67	7
2.23	61	7
4.68	1,380	$ 148

Requested Location	souix falls, sd
Weather Data Source	(TMY2) SIOUX FALLS, SD 2.8 mi
Latitude	43.57° N
Longitude	96.73° W
DC System Size	1 kW
Module Type	Standard
Array Type	Fixed (open rack)
Array Tilt	20°
Array Azimuth	180°
System Losses	14%
Inverter Efficiency	96%
DC to AC Size Ratio	1.1
Average Cost of Electricity Purchased from Utility	0.11 $/kWh
Initial Cost	3.70 $/Wdc
Cost of Electricity Generated by System	0.22 $/kWh

[russ]

Around here 10kW and smaller systems are under different rules than >10kW systems.
So I would recommend you look into what it'll take for permitting. And rules the utility has for hooking up to their grid a >10kW system.

17kW seems pretty large for a system. Are you really using that many kwh of power? Is this for a business or something that you'd be using that much power?

He is calculating the kW wrong - that is the reason I posted the PV Watts output

[deck60]

I will have to look at elec bill wen I get home and then go from there I will post my what I come up with

[J.P.M.]

Russ: Isn't that closer to 1,380 kWh/yr/365 days/yr. = 3.78kWh/day average ?

OP: A good place to start is with your annual load.

[SunEagle]

Russ: Isn't that closer to 1,380 kWh/yr/365 days/yr. = 3.78kWh/day average ?

OP: A good place to start is with your annual load.

Don't forget that 3.78kWh/day is also per each 1kw of solar panels. So a 5kw system could yield close to 19kwh a day.

[russ]

Russ: Isn't that closer to 1,380 kWh/yr/365 days/yr. = 3.78kWh/day average ?

OP: A good place to start is with your annual load.

Sure is - I goofed!

[deck60]

I looked at my bill before work today and it is 1700kw and in January it was 1985

it looks like I need 13-15kw

I live on a farm so it is not just a house that I am feeding

thanks Dennis

[deck60]

what are good panels for the money

and what inverters are the most reliable

[PVAndy]

what are good panels for the money

and what inverters are the most reliable

The 2 Inverter brands I have the most experience with at ABB (Power One), Fronius and SMA.

Of those 3, we've had the highest reliability with SMA SunnBoy's. For the size system you're contemplating I would go with 3 SunnyBoy 6000TL-US-22 or even 5000TL .

Regarding panels, Right now the biggest bank for the buck is about 250 W Poly Panels from companies like Hyndai, LG, Phono Solar, Solar World. It all depends on what you can get the best buy one and like the appearance of.

Andy

NABCEP Certified Installation Professional
Solar Design Engineer

[deck60]

thanks for the input

I found this for an inverter

http://www.eco-distributing.com/SMA-Sunny-Boy-SB6000TL-US-22-6000-Watt-Inverter-with-SPS_p_1459.html

how about these panels

http://ressupply.com/store/solar-panels-by-the-pallet/greater-than-200-watts/canadian-solar-cs6p-255p-blk-pt-solar-panel-pallet

I have heard lots on the Canadian solar the seem to have gotten an huge contract in japan so from what I know of the Japanese they are not all about price but quality too

[J.P.M.]

Sure is - I goofed!

Well OK, just this once.