Wheres the cheapest place to get 3 kw worth of solar pannels

[pinballlooking]

I did my own grid-tie system also.

I did my own one line diagram all my own design with the help of the NEC. When I did my upgrade I even got some help for a great solar forum. They don’t require professional electrical engineer here just a local electric inspection. My local inspector was great every day they have one hour or so to take questions. I described exact what I was doing and he gave me input this was very useful.

The power company comes out to look at everything here but just to make sure the stuff you said you were going to install is what you installed.
It is a lot of work getting the planning right but it is a huge savings.
I know it is done right.
Here are the results.

Flynns Arcade 12.560kW

https://enlighten.enphaseenergy.com/...4/graph/months


I agree with Where2
“It isn't for everyone, but it is possible.”

[nokiasixteth]

Im thinking on going ahead and getting a 5 kw worth pallet . Found some for 3500 Ul listed and CeC. I figure by getting the 5kw . It will be paying me . Being that according to the meridian sun hours we get 3.5 sun hours a day . And my useage is normally 8-11 kws . I figure that theyll put out about 15 or 17.5 kws a day . Im awful rusty on it . So ill prob be on here quite a bit. And dont remember the figures on how to do this stuff. Any one know if my figures are correct ?

[pinballlooking]

Originally Posted by nokiasixteth

Im thinking on going ahead and getting a 5 kw worth pallet . Found some for 3500 Ul listed and CeC. I figure by getting the 5kw . It will be paying me . Being that according to the meridian sun hours we get 3.5 sun hours a day . And my useage is normally 8-11 kws . I figure that theyll put out about 15 or 17.5 kws a day . Im awful rusty on it . So ill prob be on here quite a bit. And dont remember the figures on how to do this stuff. Any one know if my figures are correct ?

Just use PVwatts
PVWATTS v. 1
If you are going with EnPhase microinverters use DC to AC Derate Factor: 0.86
That should put you pretty close to a good estimate. It is very hard to buy small amount of panels cheaply. Shipping 5-10 panels or shipping a pallet is not much different. Buying them by the pallet is also cheaper. (They don’t have to repack them) Shipping a sealed pallet they will have a much better chance to get there safely.

[simenad]

ask from seconds or blemished panels usually work fine just have visual imperfections but much cheaper

[Kevin McKee]

I selected the vendor for my 3.8 kw PV installation by using a website. Because I am new to this forum, I can't post the link, but if you search for:
"Solar Power Kits Price Survey and EcoBusinessLinks"
you could probably find it.

It lists prices for kits by price and kw size from numerous vendors, and provides links to those vendors.

It also separately lists inverters and PV modules if you would prefer to buy that way.

You have to be careful to consider what each offer includes; some kits are complete, but some do not include mounting hardware, for example.

[Kevin McKee]

BTW - I forgot to mention that I am hosting a Solar Open House through the Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA).

The event will be between 2:00 and 4:00 on August 2nd. We will discuss how we designed and installed our system, and provide some lessons learned, while answering questions.

We're only 20 miles from St. Louis Missouri, at 204 Collinsville Road in Troy Illinois.

You can search for "Tinkeringcaveman solar" in google to find a link to my website that explains our DIY solar power project, and another link to the ISEA Solar Social/Open House.