PV Gap

Perry Said:

100% off grid solar panel system. HELP PLEASE?

We Answered:

I suggest taking this question over to the NAWS forum below. The answer is complicated, and more information is needed.

The big energy users will be the refrigerator and well pump. That fan could be in the top 3, depending on how big it is, and whether you leave it on for long periods.

A cheap old regular refrigerator will be a huge energy waster. Between a cheap refrigerator and an energy-efficient model, there can be a 10:1 difference. You might look into getting a Sunfrost chest freezer, and taking the option to convert it to refrigeration.

10 incandescent lights would have been the biggest energy draw of all if left on, but you can save 2/3 by going fluorescent, and another 2/3 additional off that by going with white LED lighting.

If you're not spending a lot of time at the cabin, I wouldn't size the system to provide uninterrupted service in the event of cloudy winter days. Size it for average use over the summer, and keep a gas powered generator on hand to supplement your electricity when needed.

Francis Said:

with a 3KW solar grid tie system what would be my net KWH per month?

We Answered:

i live in texas... which has a LOT of sunshine... last time i checked.. the savings would have required about ffiteen years of use before it paid for itself... HOWEVER... the avg lifespan of a solar panel is only ten years... so no it would never have paid for the outlay of cash...

the one thing i did NOT look at and honestly have no idea on.. is how much evergy and materials are required to BUILD the solar panel... i was looking strictly for cost savings.... but if you are doing this for green purposes don't forget to include that in the equation..