This video gives some overall information on the install of this unit. If you have suggestions or comments they are welcome. If you are a homeowner looking to install this unit, understand that the voltages can be lethal.
Nice video. I could only afford 15kw of batteries with my install. I was able to get by with a program with the power company that offered free nights from 8pm to 6am. I make it through the day in summer and winter with the batteries filling in my gaps in the morning and evening. I only pay around $5-$7 dollars a month because the SolArk leaks a small amount of watts during the day. I talked with SolArk and they said it is something it does for operating consumption. I don’t get credit for my over production of solar and I put in enough sometimes to power a few homes around me. I feel like if they would do more for offsetting costs for home owners and got enough homes with these power plants they could quit building so many solar farms.
I do get credit for over production and at retail prices, but am preparing for that to change. While I understand utilities' reducing compensation, eliminating it seems unfair. I too operate several of my neighbor's A/C systems during the summer. I may a bit of a Pollyanna, but I see a future where individuals, especially those with acreage, could partner with utilities to reduce or even eliminate upgrades to the grid and still accommodate new users. GFM
I was curious about your loads. You mentioned the car and laundry. If you are looking for a video idea, it would be interested to know if you did any optimizing of your loads, like appliance upgrades, LED lighting, occupancy sensors, hybrid water heater, etc... or if you have an future optimizations you'd like to make. It would even be interesting to know if there were certain upgrades you didn't deem worth it. On another note, are you able to get an accurate reading on the metal terminal with the IR thermometer? I would think it would be too reflective.
I will be updating this one in the future and I will be discussing some conversions to make the entire house electric. I have checked the IR probe against a contact probe and it seems to be pretty close. I have not checked it with these particular terminals but will be doing so in the future. GFM
thanks for the video. I'm just starting to design a system so I'm still learning. is there a way to connect a generator AND microinverter-based PV? (i'm thinking of the rare case 🤞🏾where the grid is out, it's overcast so there's low solar production, the batteries are going flat, and my wife is panicing about the stuff in the fridge going to waste. ☺️) is it as straightforward as adding a switch that selects which ac input (PV or generator) is connected to the sol ark's generator input? thanks.
I am not the best person to answer this. I would contact Sol-Ark. What I can say is you can reduce your exposure to this problem by installing more panels than you think you need. My system is over 20 KW with an average usage of 30 KW per day, so even during overcast days, the batteries usually charge up from overnight usage before noon. Solar panels cost less than a generator and use no fuel. GFM
Off topic but is it a good idea to run central air though my Beckett oil furnace? My house is 1000 sq feet the window units are installed in walls 3 110 units kept it cool . My stepson is an electrician and granddaughters husband parents own HVAC company the labors covered I'm giving one my Harley and the other my 65 mustang, I'm done playing with cars and bikes. My furnace is nice rust free 20 years old and nothing has happened I couldn't fix watching you experts. I replaced all duct work last Fall so it's super insulated and air tight I really took my time did beautiful job. I really trust your opinion. Thanks
when you're on oil, you should be getting a heatpump instead of a a/c. it is not that much more money for comparable model and can slash heating expenses drastically unless you have super expensive electricity.
You made an excellent choice with Sol-Ark. Two 12K’s for me. No power bill for two years. I will never buy anything again from SS again due to low quality and very poor customer service.
you bought into " the green new deal" like a big ol sucker fish.... when the weather modification brings you a hail storm and takes out all your panals.... can't wait for the update on it.... don't forget your booster is coming.
Many bought into the lifted, diesel, 4wd truck. Many bought into the 3000sqft house. Weather can take it all out. How about you spending your money on what you want and we’ll spend ours on what we want.
I have been buying into it since the early 1970s. BTW, Already had the hail. Golf ball size hail took out the roof but not the panels. Here is a link to the video I made as the hail came down: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-eyszCtmfLBA.html GFM
it's a delusion that it's possible to run industrial society off of intermittent renewable energy sources at least at this point. renewable sources are supplemental. only way to conserve for real is to invest in energy efficiency and also consume less, accept a lower living standard to begin with.
