11-27-2012, 05:40 AM
Ok, at the risk of being annoying
Square footage or size of a place has very little to do with it - it is how much electricity you use. Kinda like when people describe their system as " I have 10 panels" trust me, there is a world of difference between 10 panels @ 60 watts each, versus a 10 panels @ 240 watts each. Likewise a 500sf place with wall to wall electric gadgets and appliances will require a bigger system than a 2000sf place with propane appliances, minimum lighting and gadgets. If currently on grid pull out all those electric bills and see what you historically use. Anything else is a WAG at best.
Another vote for Paul, SOLARMAN. He did my main house system back in 2006. I probably average 15-20 minutes per month on battery maintainance. Paul also did a neighbors house which is on grid but has battery backup. Paul has also been the one to come in with other friends to fix, upgrade, or replace on systems built by others - usually because their batteries failed or the initial system had too few panels(wattage). Don't know how it is now, but a few years ago it seemed quite common for some installers to sell undersized with cheap batteries because it made that initial $$$ more palatable - but you pay what you need to eventually.
Caution - if your end game is a battery system make sure you talk that up front as some grid tie systems cannot be readily converted.
PS, I like my off grid system - 6.04kw panels (48 if you care), all Outback stuff, 48 volt, Rolls Surettes (1350 amps), 24kw diesel. We are an energy pig, house has all the usual conveniences and we average about 18kw usage per day.
David
Ninole Resident
Please visit vacation.ninolehawaii.com
Square footage or size of a place has very little to do with it - it is how much electricity you use. Kinda like when people describe their system as " I have 10 panels" trust me, there is a world of difference between 10 panels @ 60 watts each, versus a 10 panels @ 240 watts each. Likewise a 500sf place with wall to wall electric gadgets and appliances will require a bigger system than a 2000sf place with propane appliances, minimum lighting and gadgets. If currently on grid pull out all those electric bills and see what you historically use. Anything else is a WAG at best.
Another vote for Paul, SOLARMAN. He did my main house system back in 2006. I probably average 15-20 minutes per month on battery maintainance. Paul also did a neighbors house which is on grid but has battery backup. Paul has also been the one to come in with other friends to fix, upgrade, or replace on systems built by others - usually because their batteries failed or the initial system had too few panels(wattage). Don't know how it is now, but a few years ago it seemed quite common for some installers to sell undersized with cheap batteries because it made that initial $$$ more palatable - but you pay what you need to eventually.
Caution - if your end game is a battery system make sure you talk that up front as some grid tie systems cannot be readily converted.
PS, I like my off grid system - 6.04kw panels (48 if you care), all Outback stuff, 48 volt, Rolls Surettes (1350 amps), 24kw diesel. We are an energy pig, house has all the usual conveniences and we average about 18kw usage per day.
David
Ninole Resident
Please visit vacation.ninolehawaii.com
Ninole Resident