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Charging truck from solar array while powering home with PPO (offgrid)

tearitupsports

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While something like Sigenergy is definitely more expensive than DIY cobbled together system, if you are starting from scratch it is not that bad. Even when comparing to something like EG4 it actually isnt that much more, especially considering you are tapping into 130 kWh of battery.
In an off-grid scenario, you don't need to buy the transfer switch so that saves about $1200

What I haven't seen mentioned is if there is an existing solar array or not. If you don't already have solar, keep in mind that the Sigenergy inverter also has 4 MPPT, so it is a piece of equipment you already need.
If you do get the V2X it is also a charger, and you don't need to buy a different one, or the cost of all that extra wire. Certainly not a 1:1 exchange, but a little offset.

My point is that you really need to add up the cost of all the other stuff including cabling (possibly labor), and other factors when comparing your best options.

At full online retail price the Sigenergy inverter, a 9 kWh battery and the V2X module would be $9k.
All you need to add is a 60A breaker to your main panel along with the 6 AWG wire run and 3/4" conduit. You then would add your solar panels and the length of 10 AWG DC solar cable / metal conduit as needed.
If you add the load hub for about $1200 (or less as a bundle option), you can add a generator input for any generator up to 80A. I would certainly recommend that in an off-grid scenario.

Use those numbers as a comparison to the other options you are looking at. I am sure you can put something together for less than that (probably half the price). It is up to you to determine the value of the quality of life. Do you want to be always fiddling with your system and changing cabling, or do you want something elegant that you hardly think about?
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chl

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Living rural has certain advantges for sure.
I never get the whole 'getting roof top solar approvals' - the panels are a pound or two per sqft what are people paranoid about? it is not like a solar installation will ever crush a roof truss system.
(I live in an area with 80-lbs/sqft snow loads) lol.
no wonder so many PV installations are ground mounted.
But you make a valid point: different regions have different rules. best to know what they are and how they affect cost before starting a major investment.
With a new state governor who is pro-solar and alternative energy, things should get better here. She just got elected and sworn in in January, and the controlling majority members of the legislature are also on the 'green' side.

The local county government can only do what the state allows them to do. But there are building codes that can be challenging when putting something on the roof, or attached to a building in any way shape or form, and the state sometimes give localities a lot of leeway to do what they want.

The electrical inspectors here have been very knowledgeable and reasonable, but some neighbors like to complain about just about anything and everything.

So I always pay attention to local codes before I do anything myself. I am an EE but not a licensed electrician, and I have worked in construction in the distant past so I know enough to keep myself out of trouble usually, lol.

The new law allowing so-called plug-in solar is a good way for me to start small with solar here.

I have been 'pushing' for green changes here in Virginia for many years and our local representatives are receptive now, so I am cautiously optimistic on the local level. Our utility is regulated by the state government and they have been mandated to look towards more green initiatives as opposed to fossil fuel solutions.

Data centers are trying to pop-up in some areas of Virginia which would add a big demand for resources and put a strain on present utility capacity. State and local governments seem to be prepared to keep that under control - fingers crossed!

Such is the state of affairs in your north american neighbor to the south.

I inherited a house in the Caribbean on the island of Montserrat, now that is where I could really use solar! I have a large south-facing yard and plenty of south facing roof area too.

The barriers there are the 100% import duties and shipping costs - everything is boated in. Also, the utility is run by the government and they have not gotten up to speed on net metering. They have wasted millions in grant money from the UK on geothermal wells because the island is volcanic. If put into solar, everybody would be reaping the benefits by now.

I have been telling them that since 2005 when I inherited the house, alas.

Ford F-150 Lightning Charging truck from solar array while powering home with PPO (offgrid) 2004-MONTSERRAT-LAPTOP 161
 
 







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