I'm diving into solar energy and considering starting with a portable setup, specifically an off-grid hand truck design. My plan is to eventually progress to a hybrid system that connects to the grid and has battery backup. I consume about 3,500 kWh yearly, and I'm not interested in a rooftop installation since I have plenty of land with good sunlight.
I'm motivated to go this route to take advantage of tax credits before they expire, measure how a few appliances affect my electric bill, avoid overspending for minimal gain, and skip any permitting hassles.
I'm wondering if this transition from off-grid to a hybrid system is feasible. I'm looking at purchasing 6-10 400W solar panels, considering that my maximum installation can only be 4.8 kW. If this concept holds, what inverter would be suitable that would also allow me to connect to the grid later on without being excessively expensive, especially if I decide to stick with the hand truck option?
3 Answers
I started similar to you with a hand truck system and have found it effective. I began with a 5 kWh battery and 10x400W panels that outputted about 10-15 kWh daily in the summer. For inverters, look for one that handles at least 3000W to kick off your journey; brands like EG4 might be worth exploring. I personally recommend getting a 240V inverter if future-proofing is in your plans—you could save money in the long run! Just remember to check local requirements for your hybrid setup later on!
You're thinking about a hybrid setup? That's a solid plan! For your hand truck system, a critical load panel could work well, but keep in mind the benefits of grid tie too, especially if you get decent returns from your utility. However, if you’re solely going for off-grid now, maybe focus on getting a good inverter that fits your current needs. What do you think?
I’m on a similar path but with a different setup, focusing on workshops. I started measuring energy use with a home energy monitor, and that helped me target where to put my efforts. Found some deals on panels and an inverter through local listings, which is key—money saved there can be reinvested into batteries or other equipment. Considering your consumption, you might be able to reduce your bill significantly while still learning a lot. Definitely keep in mind that combining systems for monitoring can help you have everything in one place. It’s a bit of a journey, but worth it!
Good point! I love that you mentioned the importance of knowing your energy use upfront. Really helps with planning for your solar setup!
Great advice! It really pays off to start with the best possible inverter, especially if you plan to expand later. Always wise to consider your future setup!