I'm looking to start a modest yet expandable solar system with panels, an inverter, and batteries. I'm not too worried about tax credits and I know there are lots of used or surplus options out there. What's the best deal I can get? Also, if you could provide some actual sources, that would be great! I'm pretty tech-savvy, but it's been about 20 years since I last researched this, so I'm a bit out of the loop.
3 Answers
First off, you'll want to figure out what you need to run—there's a big difference between powering a pond pump and an air conditioner. You can find tons of used solar panels in the 180w to 250w range since solar farms are upgrading. They might not give you as much power per square foot compared to new panels, but they're super cheap. Don’t hesitate to haggle because suppliers often want to clear out their stock.
If you’re thinking about battery systems, plan for a 48v setup instead of 12v. It's way more efficient and will let you expand your system easily in the future. Also, check your local weather patterns—make sure your solar input matches your usage, especially on cloudy days. Planning ahead will save you some headaches down the line.
Totally agree! A 48v system opens up a lot more possibilities in terms of expansion, plus you get better efficiency overall.
For batteries, I recommend starting with deep-cycle lead-acid if you can find them cheap. But if you’re investing, look into LiFePO4; they’ve become pretty affordable lately. Just a tip, though—don’t skimp on wires and connections; always go for quality to avoid fires! Overall, building your own system can give you much better performance for the price compared to those all-in-one units.
Definitely! I went for a larger setup initially, and though it cost more upfront, I ended up saving on shipping and hassle later on.
Are you suggesting something like industrial lead-acid batteries for a simple setup? I’ve seen those new solar generators, and the prices are unbelievable compared to years back.