Hey everyone! I'm considering going solar for my 2200 sq ft all-electric home in NY, where my roof measures about 1100 square feet with asphalt shingles. My utility bills are pretty high—averaging 53 kWh daily and up to 77 kWh in July because of the A/C. I'm thinking of going off-grid with 3-5 days' worth of battery storage, but if it ends up costing over $50k, I might just connect to the grid instead. My roof has an East/West orientation with a 15-20 degree pitch (I'll post a satellite photo later). I've tackled some electrical work in my house before but haven't dabbled in solar. I'd really appreciate your advice on how many panels I might need, the type and size of the inverter, battery options, monitoring systems, and any other tips or resources you can share. Thanks a lot!
5 Answers
Your daily consumption seems pretty high! It might be worth finding ways to reduce that before going solar. For instance, upgrading your old water heater could make a big difference. If you’re planning on off-grid, just keep in mind that five days of battery storage at that consumption level will be costly—you're likely looking at a budget way over $50k!
Totally agree! Minimizing your usage can pay off big time. Even simple changes can help!
Since you’re in NY, the grid can act like your battery with 1:1 net metering, meaning any excess power you generate can offset your energy use at night or in winter. As for DIY installations, it’s not super complicated, and getting permits is generally straightforward. Just make sure to check your local guidelines!
You mentioned your roof is 1100 sq ft—similar to mine, I’ve got 425w panels that take up about 22 sq ft each. You could theoretically fit around 50 panels, but realistically aim for 30-40 panels due to setback requirements. Consider using tools like PV Watts for estimating your generation potential based on your roof orientation. Compare this to your past bills to see if solar could cover your needs!
Just remember to check on shading and the potential for interference. That can significantly affect your output.
Good point! Also, combining your generation estimates can give you a clearer idea of your monthly generation!
You’re right; a large off-grid system can be daunting and expensive. In NY, with great net metering, just tying into the grid while offsetting usage with solar should work well. You don’t necessarily need huge storage with a good grid connection.
Going with a grid-tied system is completely doable and can save you a ton of money. I recently set up a system myself for about $44k, including a hybrid inverter and battery system. I hardly touch the grid anymore! This winter, my bills were minimal. Just be sure to configure your inverter correctly to optimize its performance without drawing from the grid!
Yeah, sounds like grid connection might be more practical for you. Check your appliances for energy efficiency!