Hey everyone! I've been diving deep into researching off-grid living but I'm not really an expert on electrical systems ?♂️. I'd love some help with a setup I'm considering for a small home (under 1000 sqft) where two adults and two kids will be living. We have a wood stove for winter heating, which is a plus. Here's what I've gathered so far:
**Solar System:**
- 3 Growatt 5000ES inverters (Wi-Fi capable, giving a total running wattage of 15,000, surge up to 20,000)
- 1 Growatt ATS 5000T-ES 5KW Split Phase Transformer
- 32 GE 205 watt solar panels (totaling 6,560 watts)
- 6 EG4 LifePower4 48v 100ah batteries (5.12Kwh each, giving a total of 30.72Kwh storage)
- Whole-home EMP Shield (SP/120/240v/W)
**Backup System:**
- Generac 7.5kw PowerPact standby generator with an automatic transfer switch (currently propane)
- EG4 Chargeverter 5KW 48v charger
The inverters manage the generator's operation, keeping everything running smoothly. Would this be a solid setup, or is there something I'm missing?
4 Answers
From what I see, that looks like a solid system for a 1000 sqft home! Just make sure you double-check if the transformer situation is clear. You mentioned having 3 transformers, right? Keep an eye on how you balance the loads since each side can’t handle more than a certain amount. Sounds promising, especially since the current owner is willing to teach you the system before you move in!
The answer really depends on your location because sunlight hours vary a lot. You’ll need to consider how much wood you can store for heating, too, since 'curing' them properly is crucial for efficient burning. Freshly cut wood that hasn’t dried out can cause issues with smoke and creosote in your chimney. And hey, if you can, get the current owner to show you the generator's runtime or share the propane bills so you know how much it's being used!
Wood will not be an issue because we’re fine with using it for heat. We get about 4-5 peak sun hours a day! Google says we've got around 2100 average annual sunlight hours. ?
I was surprised to see an EMP shield on the list! I thought they were more like urban legends. ?
That setup sounds pretty good overall, but how well it works really depends on where you live and your specific power needs. For instance, where I am in Canada, I'd need way more solar panels since we hardly get sun in winter. Your battery needs will also depend on how long you’d want to go without the generator during cloudy days. With a generator, your current battery setup might work, but keep in mind those winter months!
Yep, there are 3 inverters in the setup. It’s going to be our full-time home for now, but we have plans to expand later. Appreciate your thoughts!