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Parrothead

What sort of information are you seeking?

 

If I act crazy in a reply, I am very sick at the moment. Diabetes, Jaundis, and a gastrointestinal infection.

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Blackeye
17 hours ago, Parrothead said:

What sort of information are you seeking?

 

If I act crazy in a reply, I am very sick at the moment. Diabetes, Jaundis, and a gastrointestinal infection.

 

Wow, get well.

 

I'm wondering if that system is decent or if there are hidden gotchas an experienced eye would spot. 

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Parrothead
3 hours ago, Blackeye said:

Wow, get well.

 

I'm wondering if that system is decent or if there are hidden gotchas an experienced eye would spot. 

 

Thanks, man.

 

I need to preface any / all advice I offer regarding grid-tied installations, with the fact that I have never installed, nor have I been involved with the design of any grid-tied installations. My knowledge is strictly off-grid solar.

 

Knowing you as I believe I do, you have probably already done a fair amount of research on this.

With that said, I can offer some direction for you.

 

Firstly, I will be home (at the farm) probably before you read this. I will load the Amazon link after I arrive and have a look. But, in case I don't get there before you view this, you may wish to join and / or browse these two forums for some great advice from some very knowledgeable people:

 

http://forum.solar-electric.com

http://www.solarpaneltalk.com 

 

Secondly, and not to take anything away from microinveters, because I am sure they will perform well. But, have you considered a Tesla Powerwall?

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Blackeye

I looked at the Powerwall as well but I think (?) they solve different problems. I believe the powerwall is essentially a whole house UPS and would complement a solar installation rather than replace it. Or do you mean instead of grid tied? I'll stay on the grid here, I'm actually in the city limits and on city water and sewer and so on at the moment. The Powerwall research was more to buffer power outages of a few days if and when they come, and in the event of longer term issues the solar and PW would be nice as well. 

 

Also, tax credit. I love it when I can get some of my money back.

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Blackeye

Still learning here.

 

Apparently most if not all grid tied inverters will disconnect from the grid (good) and shut off (not fantastic) if the grid goes dark. Something something low impedance load something something. It's not clear if adding a battery would fix this but I suspect not. 

 

What I'd want is an off the grid system I could then tie back into the grid. 

 

As a side note, WTF good is a solar setup that shuts down when the power goes out? Wow. 

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Parrothead
On 10/19/2018 at 8:35 PM, Blackeye said:

Apparently most if not all grid tied inverters will disconnect from the grid (good) and shut off (not fantastic) if the grid goes dark. Something something low impedance load something something. It's not clear if adding a battery would fix this but I suspect not.

 

Have a read on "islanding".

 

On 10/19/2018 at 8:35 PM, Blackeye said:

What I'd want is an off the grid system I could then tie back into the grid. 

 

This is entirely doable, by installing a hybrid system. Part off-grid, part grid-tied.

 

On 10/19/2018 at 8:35 PM, Blackeye said:

WTF good is a solar setup that shuts down when the power goes out? Wow. 

 

THE primary purpose is to protect mains electric workers from being killed while working on lines they think are not powered, but are, during an outage.

 

Grid-tied solar systems primary functions, are for feeding power back into the mains. The mains serve as the "battery" for grid-tied systems.

 

================================================

 

My sincerest apologies for not replying before now. I've just been really sick and I apparently missed this thread.

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Blackeye

I guess a grid-tied system and a whole house UPS would get me where I want to be. 

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Parrothead
2 hours ago, Blackeye said:

I guess a grid-tied system and a whole house UPS would get me where I want to be. 

 

Well, you made a good point, regarding tax credits. I would weigh my options and see which way offers you the best bang for your buck.

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