Running (8) 120w solar panels with no battery

[lonewolf2koc]

I looked into a grid tie inverter. One thing that makes sense is to have a lot of solar panels on a vehicle or trailer, that way the assessor doesn't add the value to the home and increase the property taxes. However, our electric rate is relatively low at the moment (about $0.10 per kWh) and much of the cost is based on monthly fees which don't go down if you use less power.

It would really make sense to have a large battery bank in the home and use a whole house inverter, and charge the batteries from solar. That way you can go completely off grid.

The rate here in Southern CA is about 0.16 for tier 1 and all the way up to 0.32 for tier 3. I'm past tier 3 and paying about $300-400/month. With a $1000 investment in the newer 165 W panels, I should see my investment pay off within 6-12 months and keep the pricing down to 0.16/kWh.

For micro inverter with less than 10 panels and <1000W, I don't see anybody mentioning the need for a permit. Now if you do the whole house with >2 KW, then yes. But only a few here and there on the shed and grass landscape.

 

[GotSmart]

I looked into a grid tie inverter.  One thing that makes sense is to have a lot of solar panels on a vehicle or trailer, that way the assessor doesn't add the value to the home and increase the property taxes.  However, our electric rate is relatively low at the moment (about $0.10 per kWh) and much of the cost is based on monthly fees which don't go down if you use less power.

It would really make sense to have a large battery bank in the home and use a whole house inverter, and charge the batteries from solar.  That way you can go completely off grid.

You can mount any amount of panels in a home system.  The law reads that they are not included in an appraisal for tax purposes.  You are taxed at the pre panel valuation.  You can get an appraisal for insurance or resale reasons, but the solar is excluded in a tax valuation.  I am unsure if this is extended to the new owner.  More than likely not. 

There are federal incentives for electric companies to switch to non polluting power sources.  Sometimes you can find your local  company needs to find "credits" and will assist you in installing a home system.

Many people get a home improvement loan to install solar.  The HIL is deductible.  A percentage of the system cost is deductible.  That is a way you can reduce a large tax load.   If you get lucky and hit the trifecta~~~

 

[jimindenver]

I have run a 220w system without it's battery but only after I started it with the battery and then removed it. The controller needs something to get it going every time. It needs to know what voltage to work with. I did it with a Eco-worthy MPPt controller and a 350w inverter and was able to keep a 50w bulb going with out the battery attached as long as the sun shown. One quick cloud and I had to restart as it wouldn't restart itself.

As mentioned a battery in the system does more than set the system, it helps deal with the ripple effect of the controller. You don't need a giant battery for what you want but it will make things easier.

Now once you have a battery and get set up, I use my 750w system much as you describe. We run a hotplate, a 5000w air conditioner, TV and satellite, fans and charge the devices most of the day without needing the power from the batteries at all. What they do for us is handle the start up surge of the A/C and allow us to continue on at night or when the weather is cloudy.

 

[skyl4rk]

The rate here in Southern CA is about 0.16 for tier 1 and all the way up to 0.32 for tier 3. I'm past tier 3 and paying about $300-400/month. With a $1000 investment in the newer 165 W panels, I should see my investment pay off within 6-12 months and keep the pricing down to 0.16/kWh.

For micro inverter with less than 10 panels and <1000W, I don't see anybody mentioning the need for a permit. Now if you do the whole house with >2 KW, then yes. But only a few here and there on the shed and grass landscape.

Here are a few things to research with grid tie inverters:

If the grid tie inverter is not UL listed, the electric code requires installation by a licensed electrician.

The electric utility likely has policies prohibiting grid tie inverters, even small ones

Remember that most homes have two legs of electric power, and about half of the circuits run off of each leg.  If your heavy load (for example, air conditioning) runs off leg A, then make sure you plug your grid tie inverter into a circuit on leg A.

 

[GotSmart]

Here are a few things to research with grid tie inverters:

If the grid tie inverter is not UL listed, the electric code requires installation by a licensed electrician.

The electric utility likely has policies prohibiting grid tie inverters, even small ones

Remember that most homes have two legs of electric power, and about half of the circuits run off of each leg.  If your heavy load (for example, air conditioning) runs off leg A, then make sure you plug your grid tie inverter into a circuit on leg A.

To CYA, all connections to a utility system must have the express written approval of both the utility concerned, as well as the local it is in.  This is for the protection of everyone.  One mistake can kill.