u/Fit-Sample-2276

Hello DIYers,

You can check out my previous posts here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/SolarDIY/comments/1tgtept/budget_solar_system_working_great/

https://www.reddit.com/r/SolarDIY/comments/1tddiib/question_budget_setup/

https://www.reddit.com/r/SolarDIY/comments/1syckbi/budget_solar_setup_questions/

It has been a few days since my budget solar system went live.

I found out that it is producing power far exceeding the battery capacity even in cloudy weather.

I am thinking of purchasing an additional 5kWh server rack battery from Eco-Worthy with a built-in breaker.

I will need to connect this battery in parallel with the 2.56kWh Eco-Worthy server rack battery currently in use.

My question is this: Even if the battery already has a built-in circuit breaker, do I need to install an additional fuse?

It was difficult to find information on whether a fuse is required with built-in circuit breakers.

Thank you in advance!

Hello DIYers,

You can check out my previous posts here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/SolarDIY/comments/1tddiib/question_budget_setup/

https://www.reddit.com/r/SolarDIY/comments/1syckbi/budget_solar_setup_questions/

Finally, after returning the 240V inverter, I received a new 120V 5000W inverter for free from Eco-Worthy. I was very impressed by their care.

So I bought a 5000W solar hybrid inverter and a 2.56kWh server rack battery set on eBay for just $700.

I don't think there is a better deal than this yet.

My current configuration is as follows:

1. 12 x 240W panels + Eco-Worthy inverter + battery → 12,000 BTU air conditioner in operation
2. 2 x 245W panels (1 more to be added soon) + Bluetti system → 5,000 BTU air conditioner in operation

The photo shows the power generation for today.

It seems I need to find more ways to consume the excess power, or increase the battery capacity.

Looking at the maximum power generation of System 1), 2.3kW was recorded out of a total capacity of 2.88kW. That is approximately 80%. (*Went up to 2.36 kW so 82%)

2. The Bluetti system recorded a maximum of 414W out of 490W, approximately 84%.

So, for used panels with a flat mount, I think it is not bad at all.

I plan to adjust the panel angle slightly, and since there is some dust on the panel, I will also clean it.

Regarding household electricity usage, yesterday was extremely hot, with temperatures reaching 95 F.

Without solar power generation, we would have consumed about 90 to 100 kWh of electricity. I checked the app and found that even after including several loads of laundry (using a heat pump washer-dryer - consuming only 20% of the power of a conventional dryer), the total usage was only 52kWh. I will have to wait a few more days to confirm the exact number, but if I can save about 20 kWh of grid power per day, that amounts to saving $3 a day. Therefore, my return on investment (ROI) will be less than 2 years on a sunny day ($2,000/$3). Also, it is very difficult to keep the indoor temperature below 75 F with the central cooling system alone, but yesterday, we were able to maintain 71 F all day. Plus emergency disaster backup.

Future Plans

1. EV charging - Simply needs 100ft cord for level 1 charging
2. Purchasing additional batteries — To be honest, the price of batteries is quite expensive compared to the cost of the entire system.
3. Add more loads - mini split and more ac units
4. Thermal battery using a chest freezer ?
5. Solar pergola (with bifacial panels) and 240 V system (+ level 2 charging and heat pump water heater) - long term plan

Thank you for all the comments. It was a really big help!

A few weeks ago, I posted about a budget solar system setup.

https://www.reddit.com/r/SolarDIY/comments/1syckbi/budget_solar_setup_questions/

Actually, I ended up getting 12 240W panels and 3 245W panels.

I decided to divide it into two systems.

The attached photo shows the output from the 245W panel. It was quite high.

The first system is a configuration in which 12 panels are connected in series to the Eco-Worthy inverter and battery.

The second system is a configuration in which three panels of the Bluetti Elite 100 V2 are connected in parallel.

All panels are installed on the roof, and while the roof surface is nearly flat, it is sloped very slightly toward the north.

It wasn't the ideal installation angle, but it wasn't in a location exposed to others.

I tested the Eco-Worthy system a few days ago, and even under the full sun around 11 a.m., the output was only 1.75kW.

Theoretically, the maximum output (ideal wattage) should have been a total of 2.88kW, but it fell short of expectations, so it was somewhat disappointing

I have a question. Do you consider this level of output to be within the normal range, or is there a problem with the system?

When testing the power generation of a single panel at different angles using Bluetti, the output was 160W when the panel was placed flat, but the output increased to 230W when it was set up to receive sunlight at a right angle.

I understood that a flat mount is not very ideal.

Hello, DIYers.

I plan to install a budget solar power system primarily for air conditioning and emergency power backup.

The approximate system configuration diagram is as shown in the attached figure.

Do you think I missed something in the figure?

I ordered an Eco-Worthy inverter and battery for $700 via eBay.

Also plan to purchase used solar panels locally for $35 each.

I got MrCool 9000 BTU 110V mini split for $150.

So, including the cost of other parts, the total will be about $1,600.

I also have a few questions.

1. If the AC input terminals are connected as shown in this figure, how should the ground-neutral wire be connected?

If my memory serves me correctly, when connecting to a household AC power source, shouldn't it be supplied from the existing ground-neutral wire installed in the house?

2. Where should the fuse be connected, the positive or the negative?

Thank you very much in advance!

Hello LEAF owners,

I reset the trip (mileage) and energy efficiency records last Monday.

As you can see in the photo, a total of 166.2 miles were driven, and an average energy efficiency of 4.5 miles/kWh was recorded. .

I had the driving mode set to 'D mode', so I'm not sure why it shows 'Eco mode' on the screen. lol

Guess how much I charged at home.

It was only 3 kWh!

I mostly charged it for free at work.

One day, I only had 19 miles left to drive, so I had no choice but to charge some.

Assuming gas is $3.55 per gallon, my "real" fuel efficiency reaches a whopping 1404.8 mpg! lol

I'm planning to challenge myself to 'Infinite' fuel efficiency this week!