Hey everyone! I'm looking to set up a DIY solar panel system in my backyard in Northwest Indiana, and I'd love some feedback on my current plans. I use about 1000 kWh of energy monthly, with peak usage in the summer due to cooling. Unfortunately, my electric provider, NIPSCO, doesn't offer net metering anymore, but they do give a credit for excess energy generated. I'm considering going the battery storage route to ensure I have power during outages. Here are the details of my setup:
- **Panels:** Planning on 15 bifacial panels (CR395) since I need to generate around 600 kWh each month, costing about $4147.5.
- **Mounting:** I want to ground mount since I have plenty of land. I'm torn between fixed or adjustable mounts. Any thoughts? I was looking at the IntegraRack for adjustable mounting, totaling around $2239.84, but I could also build my own.
- **Rapid Power Shutoff:** I think it's not required for ground-mounted setups under NEC 2008, but should I install one anyway?
- **Batteries:** I'm eyeing 5 EG4 LLS batteries to store roughly 25 kWh of energy for about $8549.95. I've seen others recommend Tesla Powerwalls but they seem pricey.
- **Inverter:** I'm considering the EG4 18kPV unit for around $4898.
- **Miscellaneous Costs:** Budgeting around $2000 for permits and tools.
In total, I estimate around $21,895.29 before taxes, which could bring it down to about $15,284.70 after a 30% federal tax credit. This setup should pay off in about 12 years but I'm cautious because of rising utility prices.
So, does my plan look solid? Is there anything major I'm overlooking or should change? Thanks a million!
1 Answer
Your plan definitely sounds solid! I'm using EG4-6500EX inverters right now and have heard good things about the EG4-18K. It has a good track record, and you shouldn't run into issues with it. As for your batteries, I've got similar EG4 batteries, and they've handled power outages like champs—keeping things running for 24-36 hours even on cloudy days! If you're prone to frequent outages, I'd suggest having a backup generator to recharge those batteries when solar might not cut it.
Thanks for the insight! What size generator do you recommend for reliably recharging the batteries during longer outages?