Mixing solar panels

phemens wrote:
Pianotuna, why do you suggest the compressor retrofit? One of the motivations to move to residential is that I can get 40% more fridge space in the same real estate. I imagine the retrofit would end up costing roughly the same?

40% more fridge space would be useful--but likely that means doing wood work. In my case it would mean loosing two storage drawers and that sort of space is always at a premium. Hence retro fit for me.

Just make sure that what ever fridge you purchase has a Danfoss compressor, preferably one that can run on 12 volts. That way you eliminate those pesky inverter losses.

In my condo, I'm using 4.3 kwh per day for all electrical needs. That is a bit of a swindle as I don't directly pay for space heating nor water heating (costs are hidden in the condo fees). That number included 48 hours of air conditioning (triple mini split with just one evaporator running). This time of year, I could manage on your 900 watts of panels.

For your "off grid" home, I'd seriously consider SiO2 lead acid batteries as they can be used and charged down to -40. They are about 1/2 the price of Li. 2800 cycles to 50% or 1500 cycles to 80% discharge. I'd size the bank based on 5 days of no sun to 80% discharge. The only disadvantages of SiO2 appears to be weight and footprint. They are about 10% heavier than a lead acid and a similar size--but in a fixed install that should not matter, and being to store them in an unheated shed, external to living quarters, appeals to me. They are sold in Canadian dollars.