[randen]

The work is progressing on the solar pergola. All the parts are made and are out for welding. Some smaller items for fastening the panels need to be turned however it more important to getting the structure erected.

Research is going on to procuring off grid smart inverters. However all that's turning up is lead-acid type systems. The Power-wall (Lithium) presented by Tesla is high voltage equipment. 300-450 Volt DC. This is highly desirable for a off-grid system. But contemporary manufactures have max voltages for lead acid based systems of 48 VDC which would require large cabling still resulting in greater power losses.

Some people have experimented with Grid-tie inverters utilizing sine wave generators to bring them into operation supplying 240 VAC which can then be used to charge the lithium batteries via an off the shelf charger with proper charge profiles.

I believe this will be the route I may follow. A pure sine wave generator sinking up a inverter that will power the home while the sun shines. After which the next step will be the installation of batteries. The batteries will charge during the day-light hours and then power the load after the sun has set.

The drawing is the side profile of the pergola. Hopefully we can get it up and covered with panels before the cold wind starts.

Randen