FYI Basic Solar Kit from Costco

Horizon170 wrote:
.. 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

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.

You will need a big building if you expect any heat-related appliances like a water heater. I do not know if WHs are sold as 120v units. Were I in your shoes, I'd be expecting to install at least 16 batteries.

I have 8 in my RV, and 800w of solar, 2kw inverter, but, I don't run the refer, or water heater, or cook with electric. It's usually overkill, but, if it weren't for those stinkin' cloudy days, I wouldn't need that much. It's very comfortable.

House power needs are generally much larger, assuming you want next-to-grid comfort.

Horizon170 wrote:

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

Recommended bank size is 6-10 days of your average daily energy draw multiplied by 2. Because you want the bank to be at least 50% full after 6-10 days of zero solar charging, ex. snowstorm or heavy rain.

This is - for homes. RV users rarely carry more than 4-5 days energy supply.

Hi,

No, you can not parallel (or stack) all but the most expensive inverters.


If you had a 50 amp RV you could power "both legs" of the unit, if you had two inverters.

Horizon170 wrote:


If a person bought two of these kits could they parallel the inverters?

The 2Kw PSW inverter only sweetens the deal if that is what you want. To me it is just an extra cost.

Running the inverter at full output of 2000W would require a 200 amp battery draw. If this would be a 24/7 situation, you will need that shed stacked with batteries and more modules to deal with the daily use, in the neighborhood of 5K AH. The wiring bill will be a face-slapper, too.

Here's the thing though, you won't be drawing 2000W 24/7. My house doesn't use that much power 24/7 and we are electrical pigs.

FWIW, I run a small 120V dorm fridge in my rig using a 235W module and 300 AH of storage. The fridge draws 80W when running and normal duty cycle is 1/4 -> 1/5, depending on ambient and use. A larger double door fridge will draw 1KW, daily. about 100 AH. The costco kit is rated to charge back 100AH and you'll need enough battery storage to make it through days of less sun. If you wish to use more devices, you'll need more module and more storage.

Here is a Downloadable spread sheet calculator that will tune you in to use and storage numbers.

mena661 wrote:
Guys remember there is a $355 2000W PSW inverter included in that price too. This isn't really all that bad of a deal.

If a person bought two of these kits could they parallel the inverters?
Easy to see that I'm in the dark when it comes to Solar Electricity.

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.

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

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.

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. :)