FYI Basic Solar Kit from Costco

PureSin2000 is a good inverter. Costco kit doesn't look particularly good to me, though.

Here is a quote from their Specs.
"The Grape Solar 400-Watt Off-Grid Solar Panel Kit is ideal for a variety of applications, including emergency backup systems, RVs, boats, 12 Volt battery charging, small pumps, charging small electronic devices and operating LED lights. Made with high efficiency crystalline solar cells for years of service, this solar kit is easy to install and virtually maintenance free! An anodized aluminum frame and a sealed junction box make the panel weatherproof for outdoor use. A two diode bypass minimizes power drop caused by shade. This system will provide approximately 1,200 Watt Hours or 100 Amp Hours of charge per day. The kit includes: 4pc 100-Watt polycrystalline solar panels, a 35 Amp charge controller, 2,000-watt inverter with two outlets and 1 USB port, cables and manual. "
QUESTION--------for home use how big a battery bank should one have?

Horizon170 wrote:
QUESTION--------for home use how big a battery bank should one have?

One would need to know what the total power use is to answer this question.

westend wrote:

Horizon170 wrote:
QUESTION--------for home use how big a battery bank should one have?

One would need to know what the total power use is to answer this question.

They furnish a 2K inverter so I was basing my question on running it at near max. I have a backup home generator (6.5KW Onan) that runs on Gasoline or natural gas. If times get really bad and money is short/worthless I was thinking that solar would be needed.
I know the Cosco unit wouldn't keep a fridge going----at least I don't think it would.
I'm really trying to get a PLAN "B" together. :)

That's the thing. By the time you learn enough to know if the kit will be a good fit for you, you will understand that you can build a system more tuned to your needs, possible for less money.

Hi,

If it is an 11 cubic foot fridge that is less than ten years old, the costco, with sufficient battery storage would be very close to keeping it running in the summer time.

Horizon170 wrote:


I know the Cosco unit wouldn't keep a fridge going----at least I don't think it would.
I'm really trying to get a PLAN "B" together. :)

The manuals shows only enough cable to attach side by side. You would need to augment that, as you probably would not be able to place them that close together.

Guys remember there is a $355 2000W PSW inverter included in that price too. This isn't really all that bad of a deal.

Kiwi_too wrote:
The manuals shows only enough cable to attach side by side. You would need to augment that, as you probably would not be able to place them that close together.

I have a storage building that could be used for battery storage and the building is 10' X 20' and half (20' X approx 6.5') the gable roof is facing SSW or almost due South and that building is 50 feet form the house. My home front roof is oriented the same direction BUT it is facing the street and I don't want of advertise.;)
Still working on plan "C" I guess as plan "B" is the generator.
I don't mind the expense but want a big bang for the buck, so to speak.
There are several other things the wonderful FREE Sunlight can help us with like water heating, even cooking with the right salvageable items.
Thanks for the suggestions Folks.