Oddbean new post about login | logout I’m curious how much it costs to have a 5000 watt solar homestead setup. I’ve met some people that have paid someone to install one for them and the cost blew me away. Ballpark of $10k -$25k without much for batteries. I don’t know anyone personally that has worked through it themselves.
I did mine myself. Not very hard to get a basic setup going. It was expensive, but most of that was the inverter which is much larger than I initially need. I intend to slowly expand the system. The system is 1200w and I will be expanding to 2500w for the next step.
How much should I expect to set aside to get started with a 1200 watt basic startup with a battery similar to yours? I’d do it all myself. Do you find that there is actually good used available components, or were they not worth the headache in your experience?
I don't remember how much it all cost exactly and I'm sure prices are different that a couple years ago. A few thousand for sure. I have a used inverter that basically fell into my lap for a good price, everything else is new. I built the panel racking out of what I already had and I already had a box for the components. Basically you need panels, charge controller, batteries, and inverter plus breakers, wire, panel racking, and some other stuff depending on what you want. Lightning arresters for example. The wire and connectors added up to more than I expected so if you can scroung around you might be able to save some money.
Depending on your needs, if you can run some or all of your stuff straight off of dc, you can save/eliminate your need for an inverter. Lights on dc are easy, and you can get fridges and freezers they run straight dc.
Ok, so it is a bit of an investment off the rip. Aluminum or copper wire? Thanks for the thoughtful response.
That way I think about off grid solar is that you are purchasing the power all at once in advance. That part might cost more today that what you can get on the grid but eventually it will pay off especially if the grid power prices go up. Another consideration is the sovereignty. When the grid power goes down it's very likely I'll still have power from my solar power system. Not to mention once you interact with a solar power system you start to value the electricity much more and will likely be more efficient in the way you use it. I use copper wire. I don't know about aluminum one way or another.
Is there any project instructables, or DIY guides for that?
I didn't use a guide but I just watched a bunch of YouTube videos and designed my system based on the aggregate information I gathered. The only special tool I needed as far as I can remember was a good pair of crimpers for wire fittings.
If you’re somewhat handy (or are willing to learn) it’s much more cost effective to build it yourself. Depending on your needs and budget, you can start small and expand as your means and needs change.
I would not consider paying someone to do this work for me. I’d want to be the only one who knows about it due to future regulation concerns.
We’re on the same page.
I would not consider paying someone to do this work for me. I’d want to be the only one who knows about it due to future regulation concerns.
It depends. Used panels? New panels? On the roof? Separate solar installation? Wind/snow load? 5kW is not a lot.
I don’t know the practical lifespan of panels in midwest climates. I’m open to using whatever works. I’d probably lean toward used panels. I imagine the savings is significant.