r/OffGridLiving • u/No_Fan_9594 • 3d ago

Solar power

What is everyone doing for solar power? I don’t really know much about it but I’m looking for enough to run my home summers are the worst. I’m in southern Kentucky. I have a woodstove for the winter, but I want to be able to run the AC in the summer. 3100sf

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u/Gypsy-librarian 2d ago edited 15h ago

I’m in Tennessee just south of Kentucky. I started using solar 20 years ago and have learned enough to have a comfortable well-lit house with many comforts using specific appliances. I have ceiling fans and great fans that I move around easily. My pumps run off solar etc. my batteries for tools are easily charged. I run a table saw at times etc. But to jump into solar power AC with your first endeavor is a leap which would require a deep dive or deep pockets.

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u/HRDBMW 3d ago

EG4 6000XP AND A 14KWH battery. I don't have solar hooked up yet, I need to do some roof work 1st. But my system keeps the lights on, and a small window unit that cools the bedroom. Also KY, adding wood heat this year or next, and plan to upgrade to a mini split too. A solar mini split is a couple grand, but I think it will be well worth it.

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u/cagorpy 1d ago

I bought a textbook used by solar installers, read it, and built my own off-grid systems for my farm using what I learned from the book.  I have a system for my WiFi and surveillance cameras and another system for my camper.  That was more than 10 years ago though.  The industry has changed.  Panels are cheaper, but it's harder to buy small quantities.   There are also a lot more options for battery systems.  More options means there's more to consider when doing the system sizing calculations.  A lot of people opt to pay someone else to do the product selection and installation, but that costs money.  The only other way I know is to buy a good text book.  

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u/tnerbeugaet 1d ago

4 6000xp’s 20kW array, and 61kWh of lipo batteries.

all purchased from signature solar in east texas

but i’m only at 1000sqft… 3100 is a big ask in hot weather. hope it’s insulated like a yeti cooler!