This type of setup is good for a circuit within your house, DO NOT CONNECT THIS SETUP TO THE GRID OR YOUR MAIN BREAKER!!!!
if you want to connect this to your main breaker, an interlock is an absolute necessity. The reason is that if you turn on AC with grid AC and is not synchronized, it WILL cause damage. The interlock just makes a switch so the breaker is powered by the grid OR the backup, not both at the same time.
Well, there is a way that it CAN be done, but your system would have the inverter synchronized to the grid (panels produce DC, at least the ones I've seen), but then it's just as your panels produce power and gets used within your house first, and excess works against your bill. (Also, needs specific tools to do safely, so if going this route just as well have an electrician do it so they are responsible if they burn down the house)
If you want your solar power to be used in your home through the evening, then the interlock is needed, and I would recommend a UPS system so that the power is maintained for the fraction of a second that it's dark during the swap,
The setup as is really shouldn't need any special expertise beyond following the various instruction sets, just don't test hot wires with the hands and it should be fine.
I recommend running specific circuits that you want backed up by generator.
I will wire houses differently for people that want Generators. Most don't go to the level I do, but with 3-4 well planned circuits, you can keep the lights on throughout the house with a bunch of general receptacles that can easily be used for anything, also Furnace and Fridges.
Most don't go to the level you do? Do you mean full coverage in case of a backup? Or adding sensors that can detect a power outage and switch over automatically?
I hadn't really thought of that aspect, but definitely would be prudent to have a priority for stuff that's most important to keep the power on.
I'm glad that this is the extent that I got for correction, my focus is more on the control side, so was really just looking at that from a more theoretical point than practical installation.
Exactly. All you need is your fridge, freezer, furnace and one receptacle. You don't need to size the system to handle an entire house load so it becomes much more affordable.
I know people don’t like links. Don’t click it if you don’t want to. This is a book of projects like the one OP is referring to. Worth every penny, IMO.
Can I make a suggestion based on my own cheap backup plans?
I have several lead acid batteries and inverters ready near the appliances which I need to keep powered during a power outage such as internet equipment, gas boiler.
I keep the batteries charged and ready by monitoring them and occasionally charging them with a trickle charger.
Every now and then I try out the battery and inverter to make sure it properly powers the equipment.
There is no solar panel needed initially and it's still useful as backup.
You can start off doing this and add solar panels and charge manager later on. The advantage of the solar panel is that it will extend the amount of time which you can power your equipment.
It's a good idea to get used to monitoring, and charging the batteries and seeing how they perform in your tests. Then you'll understand how long you can power your equipment in a power cut.
This is great stuff. I am always looking at the used solar panel section of craigslist or marketplace. I can get cheap panels. 25cents a watt.
I’ve seen those all In one jobs for off grid pretty cheap.
Are they worth getting!
This type of setup is good for a circuit within your house, DO NOT CONNECT THIS SETUP TO THE GRID OR YOUR MAIN BREAKER!!!!
if you want to connect this to your main breaker, an interlock is an absolute necessity. The reason is that if you turn on AC with grid AC and is not synchronized, it WILL cause damage. The interlock just makes a switch so the breaker is powered by the grid OR the backup, not both at the same time.
Well, there is a way that it CAN be done, but your system would have the inverter synchronized to the grid (panels produce DC, at least the ones I've seen), but then it's just as your panels produce power and gets used within your house first, and excess works against your bill. (Also, needs specific tools to do safely, so if going this route just as well have an electrician do it so they are responsible if they burn down the house)
If you want your solar power to be used in your home through the evening, then the interlock is needed, and I would recommend a UPS system so that the power is maintained for the fraction of a second that it's dark during the swap,
The setup as is really shouldn't need any special expertise beyond following the various instruction sets, just don't test hot wires with the hands and it should be fine.
I recommend running specific circuits that you want backed up by generator.
I will wire houses differently for people that want Generators. Most don't go to the level I do, but with 3-4 well planned circuits, you can keep the lights on throughout the house with a bunch of general receptacles that can easily be used for anything, also Furnace and Fridges.
Most don't go to the level you do? Do you mean full coverage in case of a backup? Or adding sensors that can detect a power outage and switch over automatically?
I hadn't really thought of that aspect, but definitely would be prudent to have a priority for stuff that's most important to keep the power on.
I'm glad that this is the extent that I got for correction, my focus is more on the control side, so was really just looking at that from a more theoretical point than practical installation.
Exactly. All you need is your fridge, freezer, furnace and one receptacle. You don't need to size the system to handle an entire house load so it becomes much more affordable.
I know people don’t like links. Don’t click it if you don’t want to. This is a book of projects like the one OP is referring to. Worth every penny, IMO.
https://nogridsurvivalprojects.com/book/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=l1-int-conv-abo-210222&utm_term=l1-int-sustainablenergy-30up-us&utm_content=img-collage4-123715610223576&fbclid=IwAR1Gm34JM8cRRpiDJ-cDaHdn74SVovh0aHnYsRtxq-gkpqqnak_zpBdkaCA_aem_Acttgd9r2vXG_NwfOe7LuDYrpXYce55FyMnn0gwZz6OiVWJaeQ3Tj42i5VVCk-V32YxArACK5xIbvIWHcN_jcQWJUVLwRLA6R_7VcbJO-Os8Y1JpVdxNqcEv-6a2R26Z5mGiwQedygNHi-AJO4LF7XbT&fs=e&s=cl
That book looks amazing!
And here's an even shorter link w/o FB
https://nogridsurvivalprojects.com/book/
Looks like link originated from an ad on FB. That's a huge check in the Cons column...
Thank you. Very sorry for the link.
Thanks for this post.
Can I make a suggestion based on my own cheap backup plans?
I have several lead acid batteries and inverters ready near the appliances which I need to keep powered during a power outage such as internet equipment, gas boiler. I keep the batteries charged and ready by monitoring them and occasionally charging them with a trickle charger.
Every now and then I try out the battery and inverter to make sure it properly powers the equipment.
There is no solar panel needed initially and it's still useful as backup.
You can start off doing this and add solar panels and charge manager later on. The advantage of the solar panel is that it will extend the amount of time which you can power your equipment.
It's a good idea to get used to monitoring, and charging the batteries and seeing how they perform in your tests. Then you'll understand how long you can power your equipment in a power cut.
^^^ Woah nice dude. Still a bit unaffordable :/ for me
When you get ready to post your DIY thing later, give me a shout out. I'd like to see it.
This is great stuff. I am always looking at the used solar panel section of craigslist or marketplace. I can get cheap panels. 25cents a watt. I’ve seen those all In one jobs for off grid pretty cheap. Are they worth getting!
You can fashion a windmill out of a junkyard alternator if wind is more your style. They also put out 12V
That's pretty sweet, I'll have to get it on my list for years lol
Don't know if I'd ever get around to it but saved just in case!
So it cost the patriot people 1590 to build the thing which they probably have some factory do.
I own one, it works great but I'd gladly try building another of my own.
I ran my freezer in the back of my pickup for 5 days driving g to the east coast from Vegas. Kept my freezer running g the whole way.
I'm working on this in my van with a dual input charger so I can charge from solar or engine when running.
I'll add solar later, no plans for it ATM but will have the setup for it when I do.
The portable led highway signs contain high quality marine grade batteries