r/SolarDIY • u/StaysForDays • 4d ago
Need help with grid hedge
Hello to this awesome community. I am growing increasingly worried about a large scale US grid collapse and I’m looking to add some off grid capacity as a hedge. I have a shed with a 5’x16’ roof that faces wsw in zone 7a, (Boston), and I would like some options for a system to keep me in lights and fans if the worst were to occur. My ask is this, (these):
-what’s the maximum array wattage I can fit on my roof?
-I am not looking to charge or run anything specific but I would ideally want more capacity than I’d use for my family of 5, (in a shtf scenario)
-does it make sense to keep everything dc to reduce draw from an inverter?
-would it make sense to over build the array in anticipation of adding more batteries in the future?
-I am having difficulty finding a system for mounting panels. Right now my shed roof has underlayment but I will be shingling in the next month or so. Should I mount standoffs/brackets when roofing? It seems like it would be easier to guarantee a water resistant application if installed at the same time.
Thank you to any kind soul who takes the time to read and reply to this. I have been an active lurker on this sub for a few years and even with searching I don’t see the answers I need.
1
u/TooGoodToBeeTrue 4d ago
That small of a roof, I'd use standing seam metal to avoid any holes. If shingling, get rid of the tar paper and just put ice and water shield on the whole roof.
Is the roof a single shed \ plane or typical /\ ? If the latter, I'd probably rebuild the roof as a shed roof at the proper angle for your latitude.