solar power in fern forest

[benthudd]

A question about solar: Are folks able to get by with just solar power in rainier spots like Fern Forest? We are a small family (of 2) with the usual appliances, etc. Thanks so much for any advice you have!

[kander]

Yes I have seen people who manage with solar in Fern Forest.
The big question is will you be able to manage in Fern Forest.
Have you lived offgrid? Its a lot different than being hooked up to the power.

The usual appliances and how many you have and how much power they draw and if said high draw appliances are run at the same time.

If you want something to replace power poles, you need about a 8KW solar bank, at least 1200AH of battery storage @48V Inverters and Chargers and perhaps a backup generator in case you have too many days of clouds you could charge your batteries up.

Thats a pricy system. If you can do without or moderate your power usage to just some lights and the occasional TV use.. You can do on a LOT less

Little more cloudy on average in Fern Forest so panels wont produce as much as a sunny day.

[MarkP]

I get by with nine 240 watt solar panels, eight 6 volt golf cart batteries from Costco, a 45 amp Morningstar MPPT charge controller, and a 2,700 watt 48 volt inverter. I do occasionally use a back-up generator but not often.

[microage97]

Just saw 260 watt panels at costco, 299.00 each. So I am thinking you could almost build a decent system for a little more than a yrs worth of 300 / month helco bills.

[kalakoa]

build a decent system for a little more than a yrs worth of 300 / month helco bills

You can usually build a small "cabin system" (LED lights, fridge, DC water pump) for less than the SSPP + connection fees. With propane stove/hot water, and a generator for doing laundry, a small system can provide an amazing amount of creature comforts.

Note also that HELCO won't connect you unless you have permits from County (and a licensed electrician), and remember that "temporary" power is at a higher rate...

As far as "rainier spots", use more panels and/or look for newer panels that have "better low-light performance" (apparently it's a thing now).

[MarkP]

Kalakoa that describes my situation/experience exactly.

[leilanidude]

quote:

---

Originally posted by microage97

Just saw 260 watt panels at costco, 299.00 each. So I am thinking you could almost build a decent system for a little more than a yrs worth of 300 / month helco bills.

---

Yes, you could build a small system for a years worth of $300 Helco bills, but you wouldn't have anywhere near the same amount of electricity available to you,(24x7) nor could you maintain the same lifestyle as those $300 monthly bills would grant you.

I have $300 monthly bills and I have solar hot water. However, I also have an electric dryer, electric stove/oven and I use an air conditioner in a couple of rooms. Solar for that use would cost tens of thousands to build or I would have to alter my lifestyle.

[kalakoa]

Solar for that use would cost tens of thousands to build or I would have to alter my lifestyle.

It's all about choices, and the "costs" aren't measured only in dollars.

HELCO rates aren't going down...

[leilanidude]

@ kalakoa - Many people don't want to modify their lifestyle just to make use of solar, despite the "savings".
I personally don't want the hassle of battery storage and maintenance, plus possibly having a backup generator.

[kalakoa]

Many people don't want to modify their lifestyle just to make use of solar, despite the "savings".

I think that's called a "canard" -- granted, I had to "give up" central air conditioning, but then again, I don't need it here.