Getting Started with Solar: 12v, 24v, or 48v?
Asked by u5k1n8C
Hey everyone, I'm on a bit of a budget and trying to figure out the best way to start my solar setup while keeping the costs down. I plan to expand my system over time, but I need some guidance on the initial setup. Should I go with 12v, 24v, or 48v? I currently have two small 12v solar panels and I might add more later depending on the voltage choice. I'm also working with 50+ VL41M lithium cells and a Victron BMV-712 battery monitor. The goal is to eventually get off the grid and expand my battery bank and solar capacity as I can afford it. Any advice on which voltage to choose and why would be greatly appreciated!
Answers
I've been down this road, and I started with a 400w system with a 24v inverter. I had to add more panels because 400w wasn't enough, so I ended up with 1200w total. Now I'm maxed out on panels, but I can still add more batteries. If you're thinking of going completely off-grid, oversizing your system is key to cover those cloudy days, or else you'll need a backup generator. Solar can be pricey—my larger setup cost me about $11,000, all DIY. Just keep that in mind!
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I began with a 12 volt system, but I quickly switched to a 48 volt setup which has been much easier on the charge controller and wiring. One crucial tip: your inverter will be one of your largest expenses, so if you start with a lower voltage like 12v or 24v and later decide to upgrade, you’ll need to buy a new inverter. It's better to just start with 48v right from the beginning if you can!
u5k1n8C: Sounds like a plan! I have the batteries covered since I'm building my own from cells, and I'm already on the lookout for the inverter.
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u5k1n8C: I get it, it's definitely not cheap! I snagged my batteries for free and found my monitor for just $10! But deciding on the voltage is tricky. Would you recommend starting with 24v instead?