–bcfromfl 22 days ago +4 / -0
I did extensive research about all this, because what I REALLY wanted was a "solar generator" -- a backup battery for our home. I did all the calculations (the biggest power draw is our 40-amp circuit for our well pump), and figured, if we were miserly, and didn't operate any major appliances, we would need a 12kW battery to operate two days. (We have a 1700 square-foot home.) I wanted the option to add on solar panels later, in case of a multi-day event. What I wanted to do is have the panels mobile, and just place in the yard when needed, tracking the sun manually. Putting them on the roof would void our new roof warranty.
What I found out is the residential solar industry is mostly a scam. No one would install just the battery backup without solar panels on the roof. This is where they make their big bucks. They'll tell you they can make it so the price offset in your electric bills will pay for the panel 30-year loan. Holy cow.
If you're on the west coast, using battery backup systems for time-of-use is fairly common, and you may be able to find contractors willing to install the battery alone. Time-of-use means you set up the billing with your electric provider for variable billing...you charge the battery during cheaper rates, and use the battery during higher rates. Here in Florida there is not enough of a difference between the rates to make this cost-effective.
I have examined carefully the handful of providers who offer solar generators. Generac's PWRCell is the beefiest, and offers the highest-quality switching components. One to watch is Bluetti -- they offer smaller systems which do precisely what I want (complete with solar panels), but don't quite have 40-amp capability.
Hope this helps. (Something else someone posted is that a small layer of dust on the panels will significantly reduce efficiency )
–bcfromfl 22 days ago +4 / -0 I did extensive research about all this, because what I REALLY wanted was a "solar generator" -- a backup battery for our home. I did all the calculations (the biggest power draw is our 40-amp circuit for our well pump), and figured, if we were miserly, and didn't operate any major appliances, we would need a 12kW battery to operate two days. (We have a 1700 square-foot home.) I wanted the option to add on solar panels later, in case of a multi-day event. What I wanted to do is have the panels mobile, and just place in the yard when needed, tracking the sun manually. Putting them on the roof would void our new roof warranty.
What I found out is the residential solar industry is mostly a scam. No one would install just the battery backup without solar panels on the roof. This is where they make their big bucks. They'll tell you they can make it so the price offset in your electric bills will pay for the panel 30-year loan. Holy cow.
If you're on the west coast, using battery backup systems for time-of-use is fairly common, and you may be able to find contractors willing to install the battery alone. Time-of-use means you set up the billing with your electric provider for variable billing...you charge the battery during cheaper rates, and use the battery during higher rates. Here in Florida there is not enough of a difference between the rates to make this cost-effective.
I have examined carefully the handful of providers who offer solar generators. Generac's PWRCell is the beefiest, and offers the highest-quality switching components. One to watch is Bluetti -- they offer smaller systems which do precisely what I want (complete with solar panels), but don't quite have 40-amp capability.
Hope this helps. (Something else someone posted is that a small layer of dust on the panels will significantly reduce efficiency )
I looked into that myself but found that gasoline/propane generators are way more cost effective plus I need 240V power for well pump and A/C.