How do I start sizing an off-grid solar system?
I’m trying to understand what it takes to power a house entirely from solar and batteries. I’m getting lost between watts, daily energy use, panels, batteries, and inverters.…
solar panels
What’s the right way to mount solar on a metal shingle roof?
I’m looking at adding solar to a stamped, painted steel shingle roof. What mounting approach should I look into, especially if I want to plan ahead without creating…
Are cheap solar panels worth it, or should I save for a proper install?
I’m considering solar but have no equipment or experience yet. Is it smarter to start with inexpensive panels, or save for a professionally installed system?
Why does my solar output vary so much?
My off-grid array is rated around 3.6 kW, but its output sometimes sits near 2 kW and at other times is much lower. There may be some partial…
What should I check before building around these used panels?
I have 16 used Miasole MR-107 panels rated at 113 W each and am looking into a small off-grid setup. What should I test first, and what details…
What microinverter would work for a 1,200W plug-in setup?
I have utility approval for a plug-in solar setup and am comparing options for four panels, with AC output limited to about 1,200W. I’d also like some room…
Why is My Solar Panel Array Not Producing Expected Amperage?
I'm working on rewiring my solar setup on my bus, which consists of five 100-watt panels connected in parallel. These are older BP panels, and when I test…
What's the Best High Wattage Solar Panel Under 9A Current?
I'm looking to upgrade my old 250W solar panels, but I need to stick with an inverter that can only handle a maximum current of 9A. What's the…
Is Using Multiple MPPTs Common for Solar Panel Systems?
I've recently started designing a solar system for my camping trailer and I have some questions about MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) charge controllers. I'm aiming for at…
Can I Move My Solar Panels to a Ground Mount System?
I'm trying to figure out if it's legal to move my solar panels from my roof to a ground mount system. I just got my roof replaced and…
Why Do People Prefer Renogy Solar Panels on Amazon Over Cheaper Options Like Jinko or JA Solar?
I've been diving into solar panels for my van and off-grid setup, and I'm puzzled about something: Renogy panels often sell for over €200 for 250W on Amazon,…
Why Is My Upgraded Solar System Producing Less Energy Than Expected?
I recently teamed up with a local installer to upgrade my old 5.2 kWh solar system from 2014 to a new 12 kWh setup, which includes a Tesla…
How Can I Hook Up Solar Panels to a DIY Battery System?
I'm diving into a DIY project with a couple of solar panels and I'm trying to figure out how to connect them to a battery setup to store…
Is It Safe to Install a Solar Battery in My Shed in NJ?
I'm planning to install a couple of solar panels on my shed and connect them to a battery for backup power. My shed is located in New Jersey,…
Can I Just Lay Solar Panels Flat on the Ground Without Mounting?
I've noticed in some videos that solar panels can just be placed flat on the ground without any mounting system. I get that wind can be a big…
Best Way to Connect Solar Panels on a Buoy?
Hey everyone! I'm working on a project where I plan to mount 6 solar panels (each 6V, 2W) around a circular buoy in the sea. I'm trying to…
Why Isn't My Solar Setup Producing Any Electricity?
Hey everyone! I've recently installed 550W Axitec solar panels and hooked up to 10 of them with my inverter. I'm seeing the voltage rise, but the current is…
Does Overpaneling Affect Amps on My Inverter?
I'm finalizing my solar system setup and have a specific question regarding the effect of overpaneling on my inverter's maximum power point tracking (MPPT). My roof design allows…
Anyone Tried Using Linear Actuators for Single Axis Solar Array Adjustment?
I'm working on a ground mount solar array, but I'm not too confident about manually adjusting it since each panel weighs about 300kg. I'm considering a single-axis control…
How Do Solar Inverters Sync with the Power Grid?
I'm about to get solar panels installed for my home, and since it'll be a grid-connected system without batteries, I've got a question about how it all works.…