My Solar System for Home

[ButchDeal]

You are right! it's this one:
http://www.amazon.com/OutBack-Power-...FJJE3J092GDYFH

That is just the inverter and an off grid one. You would be far better off with a grid tie version in a FlexPower 1. It will still work off grid when the grid isn't available.

[john95]

That is just the inverter and an off grid one. You would be far better off with a grid tie version in a FlexPower 1. It will still work off grid when the grid isn't available.

Sorry, I meant this one:

http://www.solarpanelstore.com/solar-power.outback-inverters.flex_power_systems.flexpower_one_gvfx3648.info.1.html

[ButchDeal]

Sorry, I meant this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Outback-Flexpo...er+ONE+VFX3648

You want a version with a "G" like http://www.amazon.com/Outback-Power-...+FLEXpower+ONE

Far more efficient to operate grid tie and keep batteries topped rather than constant battery cycling, but your money

[SunEagle]

If you do proper maintenance to batteries they last for ever. I may make my own batteries if I have to. Also, there are people working already on a cheap battery for solar that last twice as much of current solar batteries at the same price. Battery technology has to get better for solar and for EVs.
http://www.technologyreview.com/demo...oring-the-sun/

Unfortunately no battery chemistry will last forever no matter how much maintenance you perform on it. It just comes down to the laws of physics. You can't cheat death or make a battery last forever.

Also all those new types of batteries you read about are still in the research phase and will take years or more to become a financially useful product.

I believe trying to convince you that going with a grid tie system is not worth my time since I think you want total control of everything in your life and really don't want help from others if it is against your beliefs. That is fine with me. It is your money and your home and you can continue to do what you want for however long as you can afford it. Good luck with your investment.

[john95]

Unfortunately no battery chemistry will last forever no matter how much maintenance you perform on it. It just comes down to the laws of physics. You can't cheat death or make a battery last forever.

Also all those new types of batteries you read about are still in the research phase and will take years or more to become a financially useful product.

I believe trying to convince you that going with a grid tie system is not worth my time since I think you want total control of everything in your life and really don't want help from others if it is against your beliefs. That is fine with me. It is your money and your home and you can continue to do what you want for however long as you can afford it. Good luck with your investment.

You are right! I did not consider some factors like I have a big usage, solar equipment is very expensive, it's not 100% reliable, components fail any time, sun does not shine every day, I know now why the utility companies are in business, etc. I guess I'm here to learn about solar energy. Thank you for you patience though.
You guys convinced me I have to go "Grid tie".

[john95]

Since what has been said is that when you include the cost of battery replacement your off grid costs you more per kWh than you pay for grid power, it does not make sense to disconnect from the grid ever, unless you are willing to pay a lot of money to make a political statement.
"Grid parity", the point at which you can generate and store energy less expensively than buying it from the grid or using a pure GTI system is not here yet.
In some specific areas, like Hawaii, where POCO costs are high and GTI installation is restricted, we are close to grid parity, but not until battery systems go down at least 40% in price per kWh over the battery lifespan.

You are totally right! I found out more stuff that made me change my mind. Grid tie it is for me hands down. Thanks for your info.

[SunEagle]

You are right! I did not consider some factors like I have a big usage, solar equipment is very expensive, it's not 100% reliable, components fail any time, sun does not shine every day, I know now why the utility companies are in business, etc. I guess I'm here to learn about solar energy. Thank you for you patience though.
You guys convinced me I have to go "Grid tie".

I might add that before anyone considers getting a solar pv system they should first look into reducing their electrical usage footprint.

Find ways to reduce your usage by: adding more attic insulation, replacing older appliances including the AC system, replacing incandescent or fluorescent lamps with LED or CLF lighting. Even consider a Solar thermal hot water system instead of an electric one.

All of those actions will save you more over the long run then putting in a bigger solar pv system to cover the loads.

In time a home "energy storage" system may become improved with a lower cost but until then a "grid tie" solar pv system and lower electrical consumption is a better way to reduce your costs and improve a payback then going off grid.

[J.P.M.]

You are right! I did not consider some factors like I have a big usage, solar equipment is very expensive, it's not 100% reliable, components fail any time, sun does not shine every day, I know now why the utility companies are in business, etc. I guess I'm here to learn about solar energy. Thank you for you patience though. You guys convinced me I have to go "Grid tie".

A comment, FWIW: I bet no one here is out to get you. Rather, folks with no skin in the game as far as your situation is concerned often share some of what they've learned, a lot of it from the thorough and lasting learning experience provided by mistakes. A long time ago someone advised me to learn from the mistakes of others - because I won't live long enough to make them all myself. Some of what gets posted around here is well meaning but of questionable accuracy. A lot of what gets posted here is common sense. A fair amount of what gets posted here is from professionals who, when they do post, provide free information that they could otherwise making ~ $300/hr. as a professional providing the same expert advice for a fee. Welcome to the neighborhood.

[DanS26]

john95, there are a few DIY'er on this site that applaud your DIY attitude....yes you do not have to pay someone else to install your solar system. And yes you can purchase all the parts you need at competitive prices without a middle man. But if you go the DIY route you need to do your homework on design and install. Get a copy of the NEC code book that is applicable for your area, read and understand it.

It can be done....but you have to understand the rules and regulations in your area.

First step contact your POCO...they will have a roadmap for you to follow.

Next contact your AJH (authority having jurisdiction) for the proper permitting process.

If a professional is required....hire a professional where necessary.

[SunEagle]

john95, there are a few DIY'er on this site that applaud your DIY attitude....yes you do not have to pay someone else to install your solar system. And yes you can purchase all the parts you need at competitive prices without a middle man. But if you go the DIY route you need to do your homework on design and install. Get a copy of the NEC code book that is applicable for your area, read and understand it.

It can be done....but you have to understand the rules and regulations in your area.

First step contact your POCO...they will have a roadmap for you to follow.

Next contact your AJH (authority having jurisdiction) for the proper permitting process.

If a professional is required....hire a professional where necessary.

+1. Good advice Dan.

[Mnm1945]

Thanks!

I really appreciate you patience and taking the time to post this info. I am currently in the process I gather quotes for my system in Orange County, CA.

[J.P.M.]

I really appreciate you patience and taking the time to post this info. I am currently in the process I gather quotes for my system in Orange County, CA.

A suggestion: If you go turnkey, unless something is unusual about your situation - elec. panel upgrade, etc., paying much more than ~ $3.50/Watt means you may be leaving $$'s on the table.

[john95]

Would this be OK?
Renogy 300w 24v Polycrystalline 245 x 12 (3.6kWh x 6 = 21.6kWh) = $2,940
Outback FlexPower One GVFX3524 $4,190.39
Tax = $695
Total = 7,825.39

I'm planning on reducing my electricity usage to 15kWh ~ 18kWh per day.
If grid tie then I don't need batteries or charger.

Is there another tie inverter that would not be that expensive as the one mentioned here?
What components would you recommend to keep it as simple as possible? Thanks.

[Naptown]

Unless you need hybrid look at SMA
These are very good grid tie inverters

[DanS26]

Would this be OK?
Renogy 300w 24v Polycrystalline 245 x 12 (3.6kWh x 6 = 21.6kWh) = $2,940
Outback FlexPower One GVFX3524 $4,190.39
Tax = $695
Total = 7,825.39

I'm planning on reducing my electricity usage to 15kWh ~ 18kWh per day.
If grid tie then I don't need batteries or charger.

Is there another tie inverter that would not be that expensive as the one mentioned here?
What components would you recommend to keep it as simple as possible? Thanks.

I think you are starting in the middle. Before you even look at equipment you need to do some research and planning.

It is highly unlikely you will be able to reduce your usage by 30% unless you are really ready for a massive lifestyle change or significant energy improvements (ie investments) in your current abode.

Let's start from the beginning.....

1. Does your POCO participate in "net metering" or "net billing"? The answer here will definitely affect your design. You are in CA so I assume you have a "net meter" situation, thus you do not want to over build.

2. Ground mount or roof mount? Distance requires voltage loss calculations.

3. Micro-inverters or string inverters? Shade issues? Many, many, many pros and cons of each inverter route. I personally do not like a single inverter design...at least two is required so that any string or inverter problems are immediately observed by the fact of comparison.

4. Cramped for space.....or not....maybe you do not need the latest and greatest panel design. Significant cost reduction.

5. Panel upgrade needed? If you do not know what this means then you need to talk to a qualified electrician.

6. Now and only now should you start detail design. Yes...it is more complicated than you thought........... Stop looking at equipment and start looking at design.