Dual systems- how are you using them?

1201 · Aug 24, 2023

I've seen quite a few folks who have a grid tied system and a separate off grid system. Eg will prowse.

Just curious- how do you have the systems set up? What loads are on the off grid system, how much pv on each side, etc.

Thanks

wildbillpdx · Aug 25, 2023

I recently had to re-roof my home. I had a 17 year old grid-tied system on the roof that had to be removed to complete the work. I was quoted about $10k to remove and reinstall the 21 panels and got a quote of $27k for a new larger system (4.2kWh to 9.6kWh). I have the new system which provides power for the entire house (probably around 50% or so of our needs). I used the old panels with an EG4 6000k and three LifePower4 batteries which will provide additional solar power for some of the loads connected to a manual transfer switch that I've used with our generator for about 15 years. Just didn't want to "waste" the 200watt panels and can use more solar to offset the utility bill.

1201 · Aug 25, 2023

wildbillpdx said:
I recently had to re-roof my home. I had a 17 year old grid-tied system on the roof that had to be removed to complete the work. I was quoted about $10k to remove and reinstall the 21 panels and got a quote of $27k for a new larger system (4.2kWh to 9.6kWh). I have the new system which provides power for the entire house (probably around 50% or so of our needs). I used the old panels with an EG4 6000k and three LifePower4 batteries which will provide additional solar power for some of the loads connected to a manual transfer switch that I've used with our generator for about 15 years. Just didn't want to "waste" the 200watt panels and can use more solar to offset the utility bill.

Hi. Thanks for sharing. Can I ask which loads you moved to the off grid system?

Texican · Aug 25, 2023

I have 12kw off grid system with 30 kwh batteries
and an 11 kw grid tie system
stove and dryer are propane

I also heat/cool 2 outbuildings, one is a 400 sq ft workshop where the solar equipment and some rescued stray cats live and the other is a 200 sq ft food pantry building. Both of these buildings are fully on the grid

the house is off grid except for the water heater. and one mini split upstairs, almost never used
we have 2 mini splits downstairs which are off grid, except that I put in a switch that can put 1 mini split back on the grid if needed
I am in NE Texas

1201 · Aug 25, 2023

Texican said:
I have 12kw off grid system with 30 kwh batteries
and an 11 kw grid tie system
stove and dryer are propane

I also heat/cool 2 outbuildings, one is a 400 sq ft workshop where the solar equipment and some rescued stray cats live and the other is a 200 sq ft food pantry building. Both of these buildings are fully on the grid

the house is off grid except for the water heater. and one mini split upstairs, almost never used
we have 2 mini splits downstairs which are off grid, except that I put in a switch that can put 1 mini split back on the grid if needed
I am in NE Texas

Hey thanks! I'm a little confused about your system-what does the grid tie system run?

wildbillpdx · Aug 25, 2023

1201 said:
Hi. Thanks for sharing. Can I ask which loads you moved to the off grid system?

It’s mostly outlets in various rooms, mostly just testing right now. The transfer switch has all of our important circuits plus one that’s critical, our well pump. Going to test that on the inverter soon. Just got all the solar stuff working over the last few days.

SupraSPL · Aug 25, 2023

Texican said:
I have 12kw off grid system with 30 kwh batteries
and an 11 kw grid tie system
stove and dryer are propane

I also heat/cool 2 outbuildings, one is a 400 sq ft workshop where the solar equipment and some rescued stray cats live and the other is a 200 sq ft food pantry building. Both of these buildings are fully on the grid

the house is off grid except for the water heater. and one mini split upstairs, almost never used
we have 2 mini splits downstairs which are off grid, except that I put in a switch that can put 1 mini split back on the grid if needed
I am in NE Texas

Water heaters work well on 120V if that helps you get off grid, just have to switch one wire onto the neutral bar. I have mine on a wyze wifi power plug which has a timer and that way can run during daylight or override if needed.

Texican · Aug 25, 2023

1201 said:
Hey thanks! I'm a little confused about your system-what does the grid tie system run?

the grid tie runs the outbuildings and the water heater, also I use it to help charge the batteries on the off grid system when needed

Dual systems- how are you using them?

1201

Solar Wizard

wildbillpdx

Solar Enthusiast

1201

Solar Wizard

Texican

Solar Enthusiast

1201

Solar Wizard

wildbillpdx

Solar Enthusiast

SupraSPL

Solar Enthusiast

Texican

Solar Enthusiast

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