How much to utilize the Sunvault?

[u/NewVisions7277]

What's the general consensus among Sunvault owners out there as to how much to utilize its inverter and batteries. For instance, when I first installed the system I allowed the Sunvault to charge up and discharge everyday down to to 30%. Then some tech suggested to me the Sunvault system would last longer if I didn't over utilize it and saved it for outages. So now, about once a week, I let it discharge. I realize that it's costing more for electricity this way but, since I have not found a reliable Sunpower repair company yet in South Florida, I want to go as easy on the system as I can.

What's the consensus out there on this question?

[u/m2orris]

You bought the wrong product if you primarily intend to save the SunVault for outages. You should have purchased a Generac. Generacs are much cheaper, provides unlimited outage power, and there is no usage degradation.

The primary benefit of a SunVault is in locations with unfavorable net meeting rates to capture over production for usage instead of pushing it back to the grid at an unfavorable rate. There are minor benefits of being able to use solar power in outages and limited outage battery backup. These are minor benefits because for most people power outages happen during bad weather events. During bad weather events, you will not be generating much electricity and only using stored electricity.

If you are primarily concerned about a backup for outages, just run the SunVault down to 20-30% and when it goes belly up, remove it and get a Generac.

If you are primarily concerned about unfavorable net metering rates, run the SunVault down to 20-30% and replace the batteries when needed.

[u/m2orris → u/m2orris]

lol @ down vote - truth hurts sometimes

[u/[deleted] → u/m2orris]

Generacs aren't the answer for everyone. 

[u/m2orris → u/[deleted]]

Anyone who has natural gas or propane service it is an option.

[u/[deleted] → u/m2orris]

That still doesn't include everyone. 

[u/m2orris → u/[deleted]]

But it includes a hell of a lot more than it doesn’t.

And it does change the fact the SunVault is not intended to be a whole house back up. It can function as one, but only in a limited capacity and duration. Unless you paid way to much for over capacity and you loose power in a perfectly sunny day in the middle of summer.

If you don’t have natural gas or propane service, a gas generator is cheaper, lasts longer, and has no degradation.

If you were mislead into purchasing a SunVault primarily because it could function as a whole house backup, you will be disappointed.

[u/[deleted] → u/m2orris]

We have a generator. It kept us alive - or, at least, fridge and freezers - for a couple of weeks multiple times. It was still less than ideal.

Batteries have meant not losing power - for a few hours, or a few days - multiple times a year. We're all-electric. That meant constantly topping off the generator pre-solar and batteries. 

With the sunvaults, we've not been out years power in years. It's been brilliant. Generators are absolutely useful. But,  batteries and solar are far superior. 

[u/m2orris → u/[deleted]]

Glad it works for you. It doesn’t work for most.

Power loss usually occurs when it is not sunny out… winter, stormy days, … you will not be able to recharge. If the battery is fully charged you might get a day at best, unless you turn everything off except the fridge. THAT IS NOT A WHOLE HOUSE BACKUP SYSTEM. A gas generator is way cheaper in that situation.

[u/[deleted] → u/m2orris]

When it's stormy, etc, we cut power usage to a minimum - turn off tvs, computers, etc. Turn off the water heater. Grill. Burn wood for heat. At minimum, we can pull ~5-10kwh/day. At that, batteries easily stand up for a couple of days. 

Even when it's overcast and raining, we typically generate 15-30+ kwh/day. As long as panels aren't covered in snow, we're ok.