Going Off-Grid – Overview of Our Home Solar System
In order to build more familiarity with off-grid solar systems, we take a high-level overview of my home solar system.
This is the fifth episode in the Going Off-Grid series. To start at the beginning, go to Going Off-Grid – Introduction.
Warning!!!
All content of this podcast and/or blog is for educational purposes only. Use at your own risk. Do-It-Yourself (DIY) projects involving electricity, construction and associated tools can damage equipment, void property insurance & product warranties, be dangerous and even fatal to yourself and others. Proper safety procedures should be followed at all times. YOU take full responsibility for your actions. I take NO responsibility for any results of your actions or lack thereof. Do your own due diligence!
Our 2nd Solar System 1/2 – Audio Portion
Our 2nd Solar System 2/2 – Video Portion
Main Components of Our Home Solar System
Though these components make up our home solar system, I do not necessarily recommend or endorse all of them. I’ve learned a lot since installing this system and there are many variables that go into designing a system for your unique situation. As we cover each component in greater detail in future episodes, what will work for your particular application may become more apparent.
- IronRidge 3” Ground Mount System @ 56 Degree Tilt
- 24 ReneSola 305W JC305M-24/Ab Panels (8 strings of 3, 2 arrays)
- Outback Power Radian GS8048 Inverter/Charger 48 VDC – 8KW 120/240 VAC
- Outback Power Load Center GSLC175-PV-120/240 w/FNDC
- Outback Power MATE3 System Display and Controller – Upgraded to the MATE3s
- 2 Outback Power Flexmax 80s MPPT 80 Amp Charge Controllers
- Outback Battery Temperature Sensor
- OutBack Power Communications Hub HUB10.3, 10 Ports
- Outback Power FWPV-12 Combiner Box, 8 strings, 2 Midnite Solar Surge Protectors on 2 runs
- 48V 750AH GB Industrial Battery (24-125-13) w/watering system
- Yanmar Slow-Turning 5KW 120/240 VAC Diesel Generator
- Generac XT8000E 8KW 120/240 VAC Gasoline Generator
Some Pix of Our Home Solar System
Series vs Parallel
I mentioned in the video that I would provide links to understanding series and parallel wiring. I also mentioned that I would provide pictures and diagrams of my solar system. As it turns out, this became a great opportunity to kill a few birds with one stone. I wrote an article entitled, How & Why to Wire Solar Panels in Parallel or in Series. So all the information on series and parallel, along with images and diagrams of my system are neatly packaged in that one article. Check it out:
Upcoming Post
Before we begin to invest a bunch of money into an off-grid system, we need to consider how we can limit our energy needs. So our next episode will be:
And, as always, be well.
