Hey everyone! I just bought a house and I'm diving into solar energy before the tax credits run out. I'm planning to install 15 Panasonic solar panels that can produce a total of 6.3kW, along with a 14kWh Powerwall 3 battery. Here's my situation: I live in Hawaii, where we get plenty of sunshine year-round, and my family of four is usually out during the day, only coming back around 3pm. We've managed our energy usage pretty well, keeping our average electric bill at about $160 monthly, and we even have a solar water heater to help. But I'm thinking about whether I should also invest in a second battery. I'm a bit worried that one battery might not be enough for our nighttime energy needs. What do you all think? Should I get a second battery now or wait? Any advice would be super helpful!
3 Answers
Hey! Just to clarify, the solar credit isn’t going away, just the battery credit, so you might be okay on that front! In terms of your battery situation, I’d say average out your daily usage. If you’re hitting 14kWh most days, one battery might cover your needs, especially since you'll have constant solar generation. But just keep in mind that having a second battery could help you through those cloudy days or if you have unexpected power needs. You could always add a second battery later if you feel like you need it! Good luck!
You should definitely consider how much energy you use during peak times. If you're using a generator for backup, figure out how much it costs per kWh and whether having an extra battery might save you on those days when the solar output dips. It's all about weighing the cost versus the peace of mind!
I can share my experience: I've got a setup with 10.6 kWh using Ecoflow Delta Pro and two batteries. On good days, it runs my fridge and some lights for about two days. If you expect higher nighttime usage or potential extended cloudy periods, going with a second battery might be a wise choice! Just think about how long you want to be off-grid. Good luck with your setup!
Thanks for the clarity! So, you're saying one battery might be sufficient for my current setup?