04-19-2014, 07:26 AM
I figure I have about $3,000 to $4,000 into my system which consists of nine 240 watt nominal 24 volt panels, a 45 amp morningstar mppt charge controller, a re-purposed APC SmartUPS 3000 for an inverter, eight 6-volt costco golf cart batteries hooked up in series for a nominal 48 volt bank, and the miscellaneous wiring, disconnects and overcurrent devices to hook it all together. The SmartUPS 3000 is a true-sine wave inverter that will supply 2,700 watts continuously (3,000 volt-amps). It was not designed for off-grid applications but it is working so far.
My experience is similar to Delta9r's. I put my system together over time, waiting for good deals. The whole concept of "This is my power bill at my Waikiki highrise. What system do I need to provide that much power at my off-grid container house in Puna" just does not compute. If you are asking that question you are almost certainly doomed to disappointment. There are certain things you need like lights and refrigeration and water pressure and a big screen TV. Everything else is a luxury. Keep in mind that while watching the big screen TV you don't really need the lights and water pressure and the heat from the TV will help keep you warm and control humidity, so you see it is all about priorities.
My experience is similar to Delta9r's. I put my system together over time, waiting for good deals. The whole concept of "This is my power bill at my Waikiki highrise. What system do I need to provide that much power at my off-grid container house in Puna" just does not compute. If you are asking that question you are almost certainly doomed to disappointment. There are certain things you need like lights and refrigeration and water pressure and a big screen TV. Everything else is a luxury. Keep in mind that while watching the big screen TV you don't really need the lights and water pressure and the heat from the TV will help keep you warm and control humidity, so you see it is all about priorities.