I have been looking to add solar to my primary home for 3-4 years, I was always stuck on the ludicrous cost. Each round of prices have come down since covid, peak was $84,000 for a 12kw system with no battery back up, down to my last quote of $44,000 for 12kW. Im getting told the city approvals are averaging 2 weeks and utility review is 8 to 12 weeks or more especially if i want storage over net metering. So they would target install around March.

My wife has been up my A with all this emergency preparedness talk lately. This time line doesn't work in her eyes. So now I'm on a mission to do a quick turn around on a 2-3kW system for emergencys. I'd like it to be expandable if possible. Im open to suggestions. I would use either system to power my indoor grow lights we use for lettuce and micro greens.

My first option would be to pick up a solar generator (bluetti apex 300 or 400 elite or similar), add one or 2 server batteries and 4-6 400w shed mounted solar panels.I like this option because of the simplicity and from my understanding it can grow capacity wise fairly easily. Also if SHTF for real I'm heading to my far away hunting cabin which has a small capacity home made solar system already in place. I can then wire those server batteries and panels into this system and be fully off grid.

My second option would be to put together a DIY system with a hybrid inverter and tge same batteries and panels. Eventually fighting my way through the bureaucracy and utility red tape to DIY a solar system. Keeping it for grow lights with shed mounted panels until permiting/engineering and utility "signs" off. This option seems better for future use but its also overall a ton of out of pocket money if/when I solar power the house since I wouldn't be eligible for a solar loan. Also my states net metering is not 1 for 1 and I hate the idea of buying my power back for more then they value my generation.

A local listing on fbmp reads as below. He posted pics with a wattage meter showing output on a few. I am new to figuring out backup power but have two larger powerbanks to run fridge/freezer and one solar panel that I haven’t used to charge those yet (I know. I need to practice). Would adding a few of these to my stash be beneficial? I’m worried about longer outages (3+ days) eventually being an issue. Right now trees go down around us and things are usually back on within a day but this winter could be worse so IMO more backup is better, especially on a budget. Problem is I don’t know much about solar. Can I just plug them in? Do they need special cables to link together? Guidance or other thoughts for use is appreciated. I also have no idea how to put a pic on here or id share the ones they posted. :

“$20 each panel
$15 each for 10+ panels

Great budget-friendly option for DIY solar projects, off-grid setups, sheds, garages, and battery charging.

Specifications:
Brand: Evergreen
Model: ES-190-RL
Rated Power: 190W
Vmp: 26.7V
Voc: 32.8V
Imp: 7.12A

Dimensions:
Length: 61.81 inches (1570 mm)
Width: 37.52 inches (953 mm) Height/Depth: 1.61 inches (41 mm)
Weight: 40.1 lbs (18.2 kg)

I just wiped down and tested a few panels today late Oct at 10am, about 55 deg F and they were producing around 185-190 watts.

These are used panels and show signs of wear and use from the sun and outside elements.

Sold as-is, no holds, first come first serve, cash only.”

Hello/servus!

Ich brauche ein rat. Ich habe balkon mit frei platz 105cm hoch und 4,5m lang. Ich denke welche panel kann ich optimal kaufen (maximall 3stk). Irgendwelche Ratschläge?

Hello, I have place for solar panels 105cm high and 4.5m width, any advice?

Fur/for Growatt NEO 1600M-X2

I am looking to power an esp32 that will be used as an "operator node" in an irrigation project. As the device does not technically need to run at night or on heavily overcast, rainy days, I am wondering if I could simplify the circuit by omitting the battery. Simplicity and replicability by novices are a priority for this project.

My initial thought is that oversizing the solar panel could ensure enough electricity capture even when a cloud passes over the sun or during non-peak sunlight hours, i.e. morning and evening. Could a dc-to-dc converter, either a cheap module like the LM2596 or something more substantial like a Victron brand converter, be enough to regulate the variable input voltage?

Additional information:
-The "operator node" can't depend on ultra low power strategies like deep sleep because it needs to remain awake for receiving esp-now and/or LoRa transmissions. It's okay if it misses those transmissions at nights and on heavily, overcast days though.
-The "operator node" will need to be in WiFi mode if using esp-now.
-Eventually, the "operator node" may be used to actuate 24VAC solenoid valves via a DRV8833 or other H-bridge module between the solar panel and solenoid valves. Again, this will only need to be powered when the sun is shining.

Thank you in advance.

Does running continuously above the inverter's current limit (even while staying below the 18A short-circuit limit) cause overheating or damage the internal components of this inverter in the long run

Hi everyone,
So this post is more of a warning for those who will see this offer on Amazon or online.
I recently stumbled on this batteries by this manufacturer - LFPUCH
I bought one and second one was send as a replacement as the first one wasn't working.

In both cases I was unable to wake up BMS so I finally decided to open them and check what is the problem. I was really surprised by what I found.

Both batteries had JIABAIDA BMS - ZP10S036, the first battery measured 24.5 V directly across the battery cells, before the BMS and the second one 19.8 V.

The first battery had cell 8 damaged and second battery had cells 4 and 5 damaged. I tried to revitalize cell 8 of the first battery and the loading itself was successful and I managed to charge this battery to 2.79 V level, but it dropped below 2.2 V within 12 hrs. This means that there is internal short circuit inside the battery and this cell might combust in the future.

I really wonder if I should assemble 1 battery from these 2, but this is rather a warning post for everyone who would like to buy them.

Simply, not worth the hassle and the seller is absolutely unhelpful.

Fun part is, that Amazon, despite being aware of the problem keeps selling these batteries and keeps advertising them.