For nearly three hours my house was running off solar. Still more work to do and a ton of add-on batteries to buy, but the system works. Eventually I want to replace the manual transfer switch with an automatic switch that I can run from anywhere. I designed the system and picked the components but hired an electrician to do the permitted installation. Passed inspection yesterday. And today, of course, cloud cover! Come on, man! I want my photons!
Can you go into this a bit more? I’d like rooftop solar but don’t like how opaque most of the companies are about the costs.
Several reasons I didn’t go with rooftop solar. First, my roof is really way up there. I didn’t want to be up and down ladders to work on the panels or wiring. Ground mounts for the win. Another reason you mentioned, opaque pricing from solar companies. Still another is rooftop solar becomes less and less of a good deal over time as utilities find new ways to screw customers, many of whom will be paying for panels for over a decade. And, finally, rapidly falling battery costs. The biggest reason…with this system I can add to it a little at a time without financing. Found panels I can buy two at a time that includes shipping. The add-on batteries are something I can add as I can afford it. Eventually I’ll add an automatic transfer switch I can run remotely, after the whole house system is built out. The electrician built in the future automatic switch expansion to the wiring and conduit they put in for this project.
Ground solar really seems like a great way to go. I wish I had room for it!