Hey everyone! I'm living in a hollow in Kentucky and I'm on a tight budget. I'm looking for a battery bank to power my future home, which will be about 800 square feet for just two adults. The quotes I've received so far are around $15K to $20K, which is way out of my range. I don't mind using a generator on cloudy days to keep things topped off. Can anyone recommend a budget-friendly solution?
3 Answers
If you want to keep costs down, consider starting with reliable brands like Victron for your smart MPPT charger and Seplos for the battery. You can set up a solid system without breaking the bank. Just remember to calculate your actual power usage to decide how many panels you really need. It’s all about efficiency!
Used forklift batteries are your friend! They can provide a lot of storage for a low price. Just keep an eye on weight and longevity. You can often find great deals on used solar panels from farms upgrading their equipment too. Don't skimp on quality wiring, though—bad connections can cause fires! Go with a 48v system for efficiency, too.
Batteries can be quite pricey, so it's smart to consider your options. For around $3,200 each, I got EG4 indoor wall mount batteries, which have a capacity of about 14.3kWh. This price might go up due to recent tariffs, so it might be worth snagging them sooner rather than later. I also found some good deals on used panels—definitely worth exploring!
Great tip! I’ve heard that buying used panels can really save you money. Just make sure to check their efficiency before committing.

Exactly! Knowing how much power you use helps a ton. Do you have any tips on estimating watt usage?