mikethorlin
DIYer, Engineer
Greetings everyone, I just joined the forum and want to introduce myself and ask some initial questions.
I've been interested in solar/self-sufficiency for a long time, but haven't been motivated to act until recently. Between the drop in pricing of equipment along with the increase in energy costs, it's time. I live in Arizona where we have an abundance of sunshine, and also have pretty high energy prices. My home is nearly all electric, three heat-pumps, in-ground spa and pool, electric dryer and electric oven, so the cost of electricity is getting out of hand.
My project interests are as follows:
Demand shaving
Home Battery
PV Solar
My intent is to DIY this... to include buying major components, conducting the design/install on my own. When complete, I'm hoping to have an appropriately sized PV system with a home battery for demand shaving, and perhaps with a minimal backup capability.
I am a very experienced DIYer, I've built an addition to the house to including wiring a sub-panel for 110/240, framing, plumbing...etc. I'm also an engineer by profession with some experience in expeditionary power solutions.
I have some quick questions...
What are some recommended battery invertor/chargers? I lean towards microinverters to accommodate for some minor shading on my roof, trying to avoid string inverters. I like the idea of being able to monitor each panel for efficiency of operation. Thoughts??
What products are out there that allow demand shaving? I've been having trouble identifying invertor/chargers that do this - but am aware of the Sunny Boy battery inverter.
I'll be installing the equipment on my 2/3 flat roof southwestern home with parapet walls. Roof construction is sprayed on foam with elastomeric coating. I worry about perforated mounts (leaks) and ballasted mounts (weight). Thoughts/opinions??
My home faces approximately 220degrees, so I will have to mount the PV racks in a somewhat unconventional manner. Plan to use a ~30degree tilt. Thoughts?
Thanks in advance for any responses and replies.
Mike
I've been interested in solar/self-sufficiency for a long time, but haven't been motivated to act until recently. Between the drop in pricing of equipment along with the increase in energy costs, it's time. I live in Arizona where we have an abundance of sunshine, and also have pretty high energy prices. My home is nearly all electric, three heat-pumps, in-ground spa and pool, electric dryer and electric oven, so the cost of electricity is getting out of hand.
My project interests are as follows:
Demand shaving
Home Battery
PV Solar
My intent is to DIY this... to include buying major components, conducting the design/install on my own. When complete, I'm hoping to have an appropriately sized PV system with a home battery for demand shaving, and perhaps with a minimal backup capability.
I am a very experienced DIYer, I've built an addition to the house to including wiring a sub-panel for 110/240, framing, plumbing...etc. I'm also an engineer by profession with some experience in expeditionary power solutions.
I have some quick questions...
What are some recommended battery invertor/chargers? I lean towards microinverters to accommodate for some minor shading on my roof, trying to avoid string inverters. I like the idea of being able to monitor each panel for efficiency of operation. Thoughts??
What products are out there that allow demand shaving? I've been having trouble identifying invertor/chargers that do this - but am aware of the Sunny Boy battery inverter.
I'll be installing the equipment on my 2/3 flat roof southwestern home with parapet walls. Roof construction is sprayed on foam with elastomeric coating. I worry about perforated mounts (leaks) and ballasted mounts (weight). Thoughts/opinions??
My home faces approximately 220degrees, so I will have to mount the PV racks in a somewhat unconventional manner. Plan to use a ~30degree tilt. Thoughts?
Thanks in advance for any responses and replies.
Mike