Hey everyone! I'm currently in the process of getting permits for a factory-built home in Sonoma County, CA, and I've encountered some challenges with my solar setup. Initially, I planned to defer my photovoltaic (PV) permit, but that's now off the table, so I'm scrambling to figure this all out quickly.
After consulting with several solar companies, I've decided that going the DIY route might be my best option since their prices and available products are outrageous, especially for an off-grid setup.
While some people say I'm undersizing my system, I'm ready to adapt to my energy production limits. My home will be all-electric, featuring high-efficiency appliances, dual-zone heat pumps, a heat pump water heater, and an electric booster pump. I'll also have an induction cooktop and a rarely used oven.
For my solar panels, I'm planning a carport from Chiko USA with 24 Aptos 410W bifacial panels. I'll keep an extra 7 for later. The carport will face West, and my roof faces South, but will only support a max of 16 panels.
I'm torn between using the SolArk 15k and Fortress Power Envy 12kw inverters. The nearby grid is an option but would cost over $25k to connect. I'm thinking of using my Firman tri-fuel 7500 generator as a backup for charging batteries during winter months. Some have suggested having two inverters for redundancy, but I could just rely on my generator if needed.
For batteries, I'm considering starting with 20-30 kWh. Fortress Power seems economical and popular, but since I lack indoor storage, I need something that can sit outside. I'm eyeing the eFlex 5.4 kWh batteries. However, I've heard concerns about the eFlex being discontinued.
I may have found a solar company willing to help me draft plans for the system. Although I'm handy and have a bit of experience, I could use some guidance! Am I getting in over my head? Any input and personal experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
1 Answer
Hey there! I’d recommend steering clear of Fortress equipment. Last time I checked, their systems only work with their own batteries, which can be a hassle. And about those eFlex batteries, they seem pretty pricey—I've found others for half the cost that have similar specs. Just keep an eye out, as I've heard that eFlex is being phased out in some places!
Thanks for the heads up on the eFlex batteries! I appreciate the insight. My local installers seem to be all about Enphase and Franklin products, which pushed me towards Fortress initially. SolArk does partner with a few brands like Discover batteries, and I'm considering their Helios 16kWh since it fits my budget, but should I be looking more into EG4 batteries instead?