by R.H., Survival Blog:
(Continued from Part 2. This concludes the article.)
6th Backup Option: A Permanent Mid-Size Solar System
This system is advertised as an auto-transfer battery/inverter system that is designed for modular build, which provides the ability to add additional batteries and inverters as your system needs grow. It is a way to start with a solar backup and grow to a full power system in the future.
[JWR Adds: If you plan to eventually expand your system then choose modular, expandable components. For example, select modular stacking inverters.]
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As with most systems, these systems are basically composed of a power generation method, a storage capability, an inverter that takes the energy from the storage and makes it available for use, a means to charge the energy storage system, and a variety of wiring systems and accessories that tie it into the user’s system. Usually it is a modular system that uses one or more battery modules, one or two inverter modules and multiple solar panels. Proper initial layout will allow the addition of modules in the future.
The batteries are typically charged from the grid and/or solar panels. The size and number of batteries and solar panels is determined by your needs analysis.
Many of the companies that sell portable solar generators also sell larger units.
Notice that this system is similar to the fifth option but based on battery DC power storage instead of engine technology.
Advantages include the large size of the available power backup for system solutions, the use of solar panels, quiet operation, interior and exterior mounting, and modular construction for lower initial cost and future expansion. Note that a system may be eligible for power co-op incentives, as well as state and federal incentives. They often have a phone app for system monitoring and control.
Disadvantages include: The mid-range cost. The modular construction may also result in a more complicated system. You will need to find a reputable, honest, and properly-licensed contractor to ensure that it meets your needs and is properly installed and supported. Even if you can do the install work, you need to have it inspected to ensure proper operation. You may need permits from your community. You should ask about EMP susceptibility if that is a concern. Recent revelations of hidden communications and possible control capability in Chinese-sourced solar components make it important to have communications with an anti-hacker protocol built in.
7th Backup Option: A Permanent Large-Scale Solar System
Systems that are sized, designed, and installed for whole-house support are becoming more common. Basically, they are scaled-up versions of the smaller systems that I have discussed. However, the design as a large, whole house-system allows economies of scale, layout, and design.
Electrical company tie-in: There are often electrical utility programs that install solar panels on a home and pay the homeowner for the electricity generated. Unfortunately, many of these utility company-based systems do not have a storage method or way to use the power generated when the grid is down.
However, you have the ability to procure a properly-designed system that will include power generation, storage, conversion from storage to system needs, and often a means to sell excess power to the grid.
A concern with some “sell-back” or net-metering systems is the lack of local power storage at your location. Some plans only sell power to the electrical grid, and if it is down, then power is not available to you.
[JWR Adds: I recommend specifying a system with battery storage and the ability to completely disconnect from the grid if either a nuclear exchange or solar storm appears imminent.]
The value of selling power back to the grid varies greatly with the electrical provider. Early agreements with sales back to the utility often bought power at rates much closer to their consumer sales price. Now, the purchase price offered usually takes into account more utility costs and is much lower. My co-op pays about 25% of their per-kilowatt/hour sales price. Sizing your system to provide your power needs with a bit of extra seems to be the most cost-effective. Selling power to the utility is quite often not a profitable plan. However, larger sizing may be a good way to recoup some of the cost of your system when your system usually has lower usage, such as a getaway location used only for occasional visits and vacation, but would need a larger size if/when continuously occupied later.
Solar panel considerations: Solar power panel placement is a critical decision. Panels require room. Our typical system requires an area 15 feet long by 10 feet deep by 12 feet high, with additional open area to the south without trees or buildings that would cast shade on the panels. This system has panels that tilt to adjust their angle to the sun, as the seasons change.
One interesting option is to use a sun-tracking system to move the panels from east to west so as to provide maximum solar collection throughout the day. It is more expensive and may require more ground area but it may reduce your costs and area by more efficient use of a smaller number of panels.
One suggestion to save space that you will hear is to place the panels on the roof of the home. Consider this suggestion carefully. It has the issues of putting holes in your roof, inability to adjust the angle of the panels to match the seasons, difficulty of access to the panels for cleaning, maintenance, and repair, difficulties and higher cost when replacing the roof, snow removal problems, and difficulties and higher costs when getting insurance. My assessment is that putting holes in your roof is not a good thing.
