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October 17, 2024 7:34 pm
My 40'x60x' barndo is fully off-grid: solar, water capture, and septic. 40 x 400w panels, 3 x 6000XPs, and 5 x 5120kWh LL-2 batteries. The barn has a heat pump hot water heater, 3 ton and 2 ton HVAC, and one 12K BTU mini split.
Right now, SOC drops to 60% overnight and is fully charged by noon. We shall see what the winter holds.
Originally the EG4 monitoring app only showed how each inverter was doing. There was no way to show a combined view of solar production and station consumption. After an email exchange, they were able to add a combined view to the list of dongle IDs. I use this combined view most of the time.
I would like a way to "acknowledge" or archive events in the log. Don't delete them. Just move them out of the current view so that new events show in the list.
Big thing is what do I do with all the solar watt-hours that are not being used? I need a way to store 50kWh of solar production every day.
STxSolar reacted
Topic starter
October 17, 2024 7:41 pm
There are four strings of ten panels. The master inverter has two strings. The second inverter has two strings. The third inverter is only connected to the 600a bus bars.
Power is combined in a subpanel then fed into the main load center.
October 17, 2024 10:36 pm
This is an awesome set up. I love the lay out. I just see so much power not being captured (I get so greedy, I want to capture it all!!). What a phenomenal system!!!!
October 18, 2024 3:55 pm
It looks like you are around the Waco TX area. I am in DFW and looking to put a 40x60 in Parker County. 100% off grid. Have been trying to find folks who have done it already and find out their builders and trades folk. I am to the point of seriously specking out a building and foundation so that we have someplace to live while the main house is being built. Getting the main house built will require selling the existing paid-for house in Fort Worth.
Would you mind sharing your purchase and install experience with your builder?
Thanks
This post was modified 1 month ago by dfwtinker
Topic starter
October 18, 2024 5:47 pm
Yes. I am half way between Gatesville and McGregor, a few miles north of Hwy 84. While I have spent more than I budgeted, I am very happy with the outcome. The metal and work was custom compared to "kits" from brand name metal companies and cost 20% less than the kits. I was able to add a 14'x14' 12-1 pitch RV lean-to on the south face which made installing the solar panels super easy. I would install the panels at the same time as the metal roof. The high-lift would already be onsite to help getting the panels up to roof height.
The barn has 14' (should have done 16') side walls which gives me 90% usage of the second floor for living space. The first floor ceiling is 16" floor joists and second floor is 3/4" flooring so I ended up with twice the living space for just a little more money.
I am happy to give a tour and show what I learned and how it turned out.
Joel Brodeur reacted
Topic starter
October 18, 2024 5:58 pm
The main roof is a simple 12-5 pitch which is at the limit of walkable. Carrying 70lb panels up to the peak was dangerous as we kept slipping. There are 18" alleys between strings so that we could install without walking on panels. I think it will make it easier to get to panels if I have to replace one due to hail damage. I will also have to wash the dust off at least once per year.
dfwtinker reacted
