SolarDIY

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SolarDIY is a vibrant community dedicated to embracing the power of solar energy. Here, we encourage you to showcase your ingenious ideas, innovative projects, and inspiring stories, while also seeking valuable advice, fresh ideas, and fostering meaningful connections.

Our passion lies in witnessing the remarkable achievements of individuals who have harnessed the potential of solar energy. Whether you have successfully wired your entire house with solar panels, created a portable solar-powered generator, or crafted an efficient solar pool heater, we are eager to learn from your experiences and celebrate your accomplishments.

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Advice on panel/inverter set up (lemmy.world)

submitted 3 months ago by Aermis@lemmy.world to c/solardiy@lemmy.world

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Hey guys I am planning to do my own solar and am looking into some kits and prices. I was quoted $22k for a 7.4kw system but I'm thinking of doing a 12.7kw one myself without the bloat of a loan and contractor install.

The problem I'm currently having is trying to pair up a premium panel with Enphase microinverter. I see that REC is highly regarded as one of the best, but the REC 420 is only compatible with the IQ8X which together will run me over 14k for just the panels and inverters, let alone the rest of the infrastructure. But the REC 400 is compatible with the IQ8A.

Suntansolar has some pretty nice kits, one of which has the ZNshine 410's that run a little longer but I should have the space, as well as the Iq8a micros. But I'm not familiar with that brand.

Does anyone have experience with a good combo set of panels and inverters? I think generally the consensus has been that microinverters are the way to go.

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[–] morphballganon@lemmy.world 0 points 3 months ago (1 children)

On most roofs, those two sections you have panels on in the display would be facing opposing directions... do they face east/west? If they're north/south you might want to rethink that setup.

[–] Aermis@lemmy.world 0 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

They're facing kind of east west, there's a direction in the picture. The slope of my ceiling isn't strong. And from what my inspector has said here he also installed his on the north westish side because he gets more energy after the morning fog dissipates. Here's a picture of the roof. The shadow in it is a tree I'm cutting down tomorrow (100' pine). That shadow side is also the side with the 10 panels. The lesser of my two roofs.

[–] morphballganon@lemmy.world 0 points 3 months ago (1 children)

What are those other two unlabeled sections in the smaller diagram? Deck/patio?

[–] Aermis@lemmy.world 1 points 3 months ago

The rest of the roof. I have a 2 level roof. But the lower level gets a lot of shade.