- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Coaching Changes
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
re: Solar Panels, how'd they work with Ida?
Posted on 9/1/21 at 9:31 am to Chromdome35
Posted on 9/1/21 at 9:31 am to Chromdome35
quote:
If I lived down there I would have both a true off-grid solar system and a generator. You can always use the generator to charge the battery bank if you aren't getting enough solar.
Or just have enough batteries. I set up my wife's ranch with solar + storage and we just oversized everything. I considered the generator option but there's no NG there and we would rely on propane deliveries. I'd rather use the propane for the stove and heaters, so we just went with more Powerwall's and extra modules since space isn't an issue.
0
Posted on 9/1/21 at 9:32 am to tigeraddict
Wow, I didn’t realize so many had a exclusive grid tie system with no switch/battery capacity.
Posted on 9/1/21 at 9:32 am to BitBuster
OK... Let's say I have a bunch of panels on the house and an ATS switch. Today, am I sitting in the house with the AC on while all of my non-solar neighbors are out of power?
Posted on 9/1/21 at 9:34 am to Giantkiller
quote:
OK... Let's say I have a bunch of panels on the house and an ATS switch. Today, am I sitting in the house with the AC on while all of my non-solar neighbors are out of power?
No, not without storage.
Posted on 9/1/21 at 9:35 am to Giantkiller
There’s a lot of factors involved, but to an extent, yes.
You won’t be completely business as usual, and you’ll have to keep an eye on remaining battery capacity and consumption.
I’ll also throw out that these types of scenarios are where mini splits shine, so you can cool bedrooms to comfortable levels without the power draw of a central air.
You won’t be completely business as usual, and you’ll have to keep an eye on remaining battery capacity and consumption.
I’ll also throw out that these types of scenarios are where mini splits shine, so you can cool bedrooms to comfortable levels without the power draw of a central air.
Posted on 9/1/21 at 9:35 am to billjamin
OK. Say I have storage too. First of all, how much would all this run me? Second off, would it be enough to power my AC?
Posted on 9/1/21 at 9:37 am to billjamin
quote:
An ATS won't work. The inverters will not turn on unless they see grid frequency. To do it right you need to add storage.
Feel free to ask any questions about this because I think its important to get the truth out there about capabilities, storm resilience, etc.
OK so even if an ATS won't work, one should at least be able to install a manual switch no?
Posted on 9/1/21 at 9:38 am to billjamin
quote:Could a generator be used to make the solar work?
An ATS won't work. The inverters will not turn on unless they see grid frequency. To do it right you need to add storage. Feel free to ask any questions about this because I think its important to get the truth out there about capabilities, storm resilience, etc.
Posted on 9/1/21 at 9:42 am to Giantkiller
quote:
OK. Say I have storage too. First of all, how much would all this run me? Second off, would it be enough to power my AC?
I'll use the PW2 as my example, but there are others. The first one is 10k, every one after that is 6500. To run your A/c you'll need 2 at a minimum to handle the surge load. Sizing is really important here.
Now the first thing people will say is FUUUUUCCCCKKK that's expensive and you're right. You can get a standby generator for 10-12k. Where that argument breaks down is that your generator costs you money when you run it and give no other benefits other than back up. That solar and storage system benefits you everyday plus when the grid is down. So you have to do the math on it.
Full disclosure, I have both. My house in Houston has a cummins generator and my wifes ranch has solar and storage. They both have their place, it just depend on you and the property.
Posted on 9/1/21 at 9:43 am to BitBuster
Solar sucks arse. Not a chance I’d ever put them anywhere near my house
Posted on 9/1/21 at 9:43 am to SG_Geaux
quote:
OK so even if an ATS won't work, one should at least be able to install a manual switch no?
Manual won't work either. The inverter needs to see grid frequency to turn on. Or be "tricked" which is essentially how the AC coupled powerwall works.
Posted on 9/1/21 at 9:44 am to White Bear
quote:
Could a generator be used to make the solar work?
Maybe. It depends on the frequency and stability. Remember that all power comes form generators of some kind. Your run of the mill Home Depot one, maybe. A good one probably.
Posted on 9/1/21 at 9:49 am to biglego
quote:
Which is dumb if true.
You don't know how electricity works I guess.
Posted on 9/1/21 at 9:51 am to The Quiet One
quote:
Second, your panels would have to survive the winds and debris hitting them. They’re fairly fragile
Well, this is incorrect. Mine are wind rated for 150MPH, but would probably withstand more,. The installer said that if they go, the roof is going too.
Also, they can handle direct hits from thins like minor debris and golf ball sized hail. Anything that would destroy the panel would destroy your roof.
Posted on 9/1/21 at 9:55 am to kywildcatfanone
quote:
Which is dumb if true.
quote:
You don't know how electricity works I guess.
No. Whoever installed his panels didn’t know how electricity works if that’s true. They should have installed a disconnect to prevent backfeed to the grid.
Posted on 9/1/21 at 9:55 am to tigeraddict
yea, without a battery bank IF you have a disconnect you can use the panels during the day. Without batteries and a disconnect, they are useless.
EDIT: Running a normal home AC unit draws huge amounts of power. You can do it with solar, but it will take a lot of solar.
If anyone is interested in this, there is a youtube channel that is an excellent source of info.
https://www.youtube.com/c/WillProwse
This guy has a gift in his ability to explain it all in an easy to understand format.
EDIT: Running a normal home AC unit draws huge amounts of power. You can do it with solar, but it will take a lot of solar.
If anyone is interested in this, there is a youtube channel that is an excellent source of info.
https://www.youtube.com/c/WillProwse
This guy has a gift in his ability to explain it all in an easy to understand format.
This post was edited on 9/1/21 at 10:00 am
Posted on 9/1/21 at 10:11 am to Volvagia
He specifically said he’s thinking of going generator. It’s fair to point out that when it comes to hurricanes, solar isn’t nearly as viable as a generator.
Sorry if I upset you, Karen.
Sorry if I upset you, Karen.
Posted on 9/1/21 at 10:23 am to BitBuster
quote:
Considering a generator, but wondering if the money would be better spent on solar.
Lol. Why not both. If anyone really believes that they can sell electricity back to the grid for a price equal to that of the supplier, or at minimum break even each month, they are just foolish. I shake my head every time I pass a spec home neighborhood and see solar panels on every 3rd home.
Posted on 9/1/21 at 10:26 am to GeauxGutsy
quote:
If anyone really believes that they can sell electricity back to the grid for a price equal to that of the supplier, or at minimum break even each month, they are just foolish.
In La, Tx or other low cost energy markets, no. In Puerto Rico, Ca and other high cost markets, yes.
Posted on 9/1/21 at 10:29 am to billjamin
quote:
Where that argument breaks down is that your generator costs you money when you run it and give no other benefits other than back up.
Just so happens the only benefit I’m after is back up.
Page 2 of 5
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News