Hey everyone! I'm diving into the world of solar energy and I'm eager to start DIY-ing some solar panels after we get our new house built. We're in the early stages of design, so I've got plenty of leeway in how to set things up. We're thinking about where to run the wires for the inverter and batteries—probably to the garage or a separate shed—but I'd love your input on that too! Besides these aspects, what other considerations should I be thinking about during the design phase? I'd really appreciate any tips or insights you might have, especially on what you might do differently if you were in my shoes. Thanks a bunch!
2 Answers
First off, do you have a rough idea of the wattage you'll need for your home? It’s crucial to estimate your battery capacity based on that, along with any secondary loads your panels will need to cover. Nail that down; it’ll help a ton with your planning!
If you're considering roof-mounted panels, and you can manage the initial investment, I’d suggest going for a standing seam metal roof. It’s built to last and is perfect for solar installations since it eliminates the need for drilling holes, which can lead to leaks. Just something to keep in mind as you plan your roofing options!
Good point! I haven’t nailed down the specifics yet, but I know we’ll need enough to cover a good portion of the electricity for our house. I’ll finalize those numbers once we know more about the size of our house and the heat pump we plan to use. I’m also looking into geothermal, so I want to cover all the bases!