Hey everyone! This is my first post here and I'm really keen to get some insights on how to set up a basic off-grid solar system to charge my electric vehicle (EV) while it sits parked for a few days. I've grabbed four used solar panels, each rated at 410 watts, which came with SolarEdge optimizers. I'm a bit lost when it comes to the next steps, like whether I need a hybrid inverter and a battery for storage. My main concern is ensuring that the setup won't damage my EV. I have room in the garage for everything, and I'm looking for a solution that feels sturdy and reliable. I found a YouTube video that gives a rough idea of a setup I might follow, but I'm hoping to avoid anything sketchy. Here are links to the panels and the optimizers for reference: [Qcells Panels](https://us.qcells.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Qcells_Data_sheet_Q.PEAK_DUO_BLK_ML-G10_series_395-415_DA_2023-12_Rev06_NA.pdf) and [SolarEdge Optimizers](https://ussolarsupplier.com/products/solaredge-s440-1gm4mrm-optimizer-for-modules-up-to-440wp-nd-14-5-a-isc?variant=45551862972714&country=US¤cy=USD).
2 Answers
You actually don't need to use an optimizer with the EG4 or most hybrid inverters. Optimizers can be somewhat iffy and are mainly helpful if your panels are often shaded or you have limited space. If that’s not your situation, it’s usually more cost-effective to just add more panels. Also, the EG4 setup you mentioned isn’t as sketchy as it seems. Even if it looks a bit unconventional, like having a heavy battery strapped to a dolly, it can be quite stable and reliable.
I’d recommend working with 240 volts instead of the 120 volts featured in that video. The 120 volts setup tends to draw more energy to run itself, which can be counterproductive when your car is also using standby power.
I get that. I did think about trying 240 volts, but I was worried it might drain the battery too quickly before the solar panels could recharge it. I’ll definitely look into it more!
That’s reassuring to know! Does the optimizer need any special setup, or can I just connect it to the combo inverter like a standard setup?