Quote:
Originally Posted by sprio
I was hoping to stay away from a large bank of batteries - fires are one concern; I also don't have adequate storage space. The idea is to run the designated appliances only during the day when there is power. Don't know if that is a workable option.
|
Not a workable option. No matter what, you need a small battery in the circuit with the solar panel and charge controller.
Quote:
I've read most of the threads about backup generators, but for long-term use, I have concerns about running out of fuel, especially in a SHTF situation.
Been doing some looking at solar generators, and have narrowed it down to an EcoFlow Delta Pro, which appears to generate enough juice to power the fridge/freezer and a few other items, but know nothing about them.
Any thoughts? Guidance? They are a bit pricey, but not quite the bite of a whole-house generator.
Hesitant - but interested.
|
A whole house generator is usually 20-26 kW. It will power everything.
We sell 2 different styles and most of our sales are 3 designs:
Off Grid: 4000 Watt inverter with about 5kW of solar panels and a fully AutoStart gasoline generator. This setup (Called a Mi-Grid 500) will run anything that is 120VAC. You can have a mix of window, mini-split or camper air conditioners up to 15,000 BTU. The rest can be used for lighting, refrigerators, etc. The generator is there to run and charge things when the sun doesn't shine. More like storms and cloudy days, but some supplementing on high usage overnights. Batteries are a minimum of 10kWh, but up to 20kWh. LiFePo4 are the best batteries, but we have types of Lead-Acid that are good for 3000 cycles. System is about $15-20K
On-Grid: Either 8kW or 16kW typically with a 20kW NG/Propane whole house generator. This system will have 10kW to 20kW of solar panels and can run a 2000 to 4000 sq foot house in Gulf Coast Texas. The inverter is 240VAC, so it will run everything. I recommend switching to as much NG/Propane appliances as you can. Batteries start at ~20kWh and go up to 80kWh. System is about $45-80K.