I'm gearing up to build a house and I'm really interested in setting up a DIY solar system with a capacity of 20kW. I'm just starting my research and I'm a bit lost on the topic. I have a few friends who are electricians willing to help me out, plus I'm pretty handy myself. I'm curious about the best places to buy the components. Should I go for a complete system or piece it together myself? What brands of solar panels and batteries are reliable? Any suggestions would be much appreciated since I want to keep my electric bills around southern Illinois from hitting $500-$600!
4 Answers
Another good resource is 'The Off Grid Garage' channel. He does a fantastic job explaining and testing different setups, even though he's based in Australia. Just a heads up though, some of his methods, like using battery balancers, might not suit everyone's approach.
I would suggest purchasing solar components individually instead of going for a pre-packaged kit. For a DIY setup, EG4 is a popular brand, but be sure to choose your inverter size based on your peak power needs. Panel brands can feel a bit like a commodity; some are more efficient than others, so if you have limited space, investing in higher-efficiency panels might pay off. Just remember, don’t skimp on good wiring and connectors! Also, consider ground-mounted panels as they can be adjusted seasonally for optimal sunlight exposure.
A good way to start is to get some quotes from local professional installers. You can use these as a baseline for understanding the components and configuration you need. It can be eye-opening to see the high prices and motivate you to go the DIY route. Information is everywhere online, especially on YouTube! I ended up importing parts from different vendors on Alibaba for my setup, and it turned out to be quite cost-effective, especially given the current tariffs.
Also, since you're building a new house, consider optimizing your roof's angle and orientation for the solar panels. Proper alignment can significantly impact performance and ROI, and ground mounts can offer even greater flexibility in adjusting for optimal angles throughout the year!
If you're looking to get into solar, I'd suggest you start with some serious research. Check out Will Prowse on YouTube; he's got tons of info that can help you out. His playlists on Solar Power Education and Electrical Safety are great, plus he's got complete build videos that can really clarify things for you!
Yeah, he covers a lot of ground, and his videos make it pretty easy to understand the technical stuff. Definitely a good first step!
I see where you're coming from; sometimes simpler setups work just as well. It's all about finding what matches your project's needs.