Let's Talk Power: Specifically Solar Systems

Preface: For you nerds who want the full details on our system feel free to leave a comment and as a fellow nerd I’d happily oblige.

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Living off the grid requires a lot of learning. Sometimes WAY too much, but if you’re like me I jump canon ball style into anything I do. This typically means I don’t start asking questions until I’m in the deep end with a mess waiting for me at the top and my wife drenched shaking her head in mild disapproval, but she’s a good sport so it doesn’t take long for her to dive in.

Our little home is powered by twelve - 239w solar panels (three in series and four in parallel.

“But I count 16?” (fictional reader)

I know. The other four I put up there because I was going to use them but as they are different I didn't have the right connections and haven’t had the time to get them. 

“Does that matter, I mean, so you don’t need them?”

As of right now it doesn’t. Been running almost a full year on them and haven't run into any issues. I read somewhere on a forum and have found it to be true: 

“If your batteries aren’t charging fully during a somewhat sunny day then you probably need more panels. If your running your batteries down too quickly, then you probably need more batteries.” - (Insert name I can’t remember)

“Where did you get the solar panels?”

Two places. The smaller ones a friend let me use (Thank you friend… you know who you are!) and the larger ones I purchased from a commercial solar company that was getting rid of panels with tiny scratches. I ended up getting a great deal on some refurbished panels at $100.00/panel. 

As for the other equipment...

“Wait you need more than just solar panels?” 

Yes, a lot more. In fact solar panels are probably the cheapest thing you’ll have to buy for your solar system. You’ll need an Inverter, charge controller, monitoring hub, and batteries. Along with a bunch of circuit breakers, thick wires, and someone that knows what the heck they’re doing. 

For that, I used Patrick Sargent with Corona Solar Group to design the wire schematics and help me order all the extra equipment I would need. I say extra because that same friend that gave me the solar panels (thanks again, friend) also gave me a 120v Outback Inverter.

“Wait… Charge Controller, Batteries… How much does all this cost?”

Conservatively you’re looking at $7,000.00 to $8,000.00. That doesn’t included however you plan on mounting it.

“Woah that’s insane! I thought Solar Power was supposed to save you money?” 

Well, via a quick google search, the average kWh used per month in America is 897kWh/month and at $0.12/ kWh you would start saving money on power after ~ 6.5 years in. However, you’ve got to factor in other costs such as purchasing new batteries after eight years, and any maintenance cost. 

“Sounds like its not really worth it…” 

Well… it depends on your situation. If you want hassle free, maintenance free, and a steadily rising power bill then stick with being on the grid if you can tie into the grid.  With that said, I think weighing the pro’s and con’s of an on or off grid systems would be the best way to determine what would be right for you. 

I’ll post mine later.