/r/solarenergy

Photograph via snooOG

A Reddit for Solar Power enthusiasts, the latest news on Solar Technology, and "How to" Advice for Solar Energy Production.


The Solar Energy Reddit

Solar energy - radiant light and heat from the sun harnessed using a range of ever-evolving technologies such as solar heating, solar photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, solar architecture and artificial photosynthesis.

It is an important source of renewable energy and its technologies are broadly characterized as either passive solar or active solar depending on the way they capture and distribute solar energy or convert it into solar power. Active solar techniques include the use of photovoltaic systems, concentrated solar power and solar water heating to harness the energy. Passive solar techniques include orienting a building to the Sun, selecting materials with favorable thermal mass or light dispersing properties, and designing spaces that naturally circulate air.

Wikipedia: solar energy


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/r/solarenergy

36,026 Subscribers

2

Charging the battery from the grid with a variable electricity tariff

Hi, Is it possible to charge my battery from the grid when energy prices are low and use it when prices are high? GoodWee inverter and PylonTech battery.

0 Comments
2024/11/09
22:38 UTC

1

Question

Is there anyone who owns/works for a solar company that wouldn’t mind answering a few questions?

Let me know if I can DM you.

Thanks.

2 Comments
2024/11/08
22:32 UTC

2

Can this conversion be done ?

Okay here i go, fren Canadian giving English a go, i have 2x12v batteries linked in parallel, to use those batteries i have a dc to ac inverter spitting out modified sine wave, which isnt ideal for a computer system can i plug in my UPS that DOES put out pure sine wave in its many plugs out the back, heck it is even called PFC puresine, can it be fed modified sine wave and function correctly ? Thank you and merci

1 Comment
2024/11/08
16:19 UTC

3

Solar rig for well house

I have a little wellhouse that takes about 3.6kW per day, and I was thinking about setting up a solar rig so I could still have running water when the power goes out. Does anybody have a rough estimate about how many panels I would need? I've tried calculating how many it would require on different websites, and I get wildly different results from each one.

9 Comments
2024/11/08
08:41 UTC

1

Small solar kit help

I have a small solar kit (similar to this: https://a.co/d/cjBevxA) that only lasts a few days. I would like replace the panel with a larger solar panel (like this: https://a.co/d/bOXQrbM) to keep the battery from dying. I don't know much about how to configure this setup, but I think there should be a component between the larger panel and the device. I am looking for advice on what is needed in this setup. Thanks in advance!

5 Comments
2024/11/07
03:38 UTC

3

Mixing solar panels w same wattage but different voltage?

I had 24 newpowa solar panels. Wired as 12 in each series. 8 were damaged by a couple of nasty storms. The inverters were ripped out of the back of a few, others had actual holes punched in them

I went to newpowa site and bought what I thought were the correct “replacement” 200 watt panels. BUT… New panels showed up looking different and with different specs! 😔 New panels showed specs: Max power 200 W Operating voltage 21.05v Operating current 9.51A Open circuit voltage 24.29v Short circuit current 10.03A

Old panels specs: Max power 200 w Operating voltage 18.6v Operating current 10.76A Open circuit voltage 21.8v Short circuit current. 1147A

Can I just wire new panels in each series where there is old panel hole? Or can I buy a total of 12 new panels and replace an entire series? Does the difference in the Operating Voltage prevent me from using the new ones at all?

Thank you

3 Comments
2024/11/07
00:52 UTC

6

Solar Panels and Mesh Screens

I have a screened in porch that gets a lot of sun but I am wondering if the screen will obstruct the sunlight. (Photo is not mine but it is similar to what I have.) Should my solar panel work in here?

2 Comments
2024/11/06
13:30 UTC

1

Question on export

I’m new to solar at home. I’m wondering why my system is exporting to the grid - essentially from my battery. Any ideas? It’s a Growatt system.

1 Comment
2024/11/06
10:05 UTC

1

Goodwe SNMP settings?

Has anyone found the SNMP settings for Goodwe solar inverters? Id love to monitor this within my monitoring setup (prtg and or observium) at home, at present I can only ping the invertor when its active during the day but would love to tap into more details it outputs.

0 Comments
2024/11/06
07:33 UTC

1

How come my production is higher than consumption from self sufficiency? (FoxCloud 2.0 app)

Shouldn't I be using all the energy the solar panels make before buying from the grid?

1 Comment
2024/11/05
08:18 UTC

1

Shed system

So I got two free 450watt panels for free. One the glass is shaddered, will repair with epoxy, other not sure if it's broken haven't tested yet. First I'm in Canada and that makes some products hard to get here. So I want to be able to run my smoker off a battery and then have another outlet for a string for lights to run around our fence. Oh and a light in the shed. I'm looking at getting a 1000w inverter, charger controller and battery. I'm doing some research and of course lifepo4 is what every one says to get but unless I go through aliexpress they are out of my budget. Next option is a deep cycle from Canadian Tire. I want to be able to use the lights in the colder weather. Any help would be greatly appreciated

2 Comments
2024/11/05
03:20 UTC

1

Seeking Advice on Third-Party Ownership Model for Commercial Solar – Success Stories and Tips?

Hey everyone!

I'm currently working on a commercial rooftop solar project and exploring the third-party ownership (TPO) model as a way to reduce upfront costs and make solar more accessible for businesses. The idea is that a third party would own, operate, and maintain the solar system while the business purchases the generated electricity at a potentially lower rate than they’d get from the traditional utility.

I’m reaching out here to see if anyone has had experience with this model in their projects, especially in commercial or industrial settings. Here are a few areas where I could really use some insights:

  • Success Stories: Have you implemented or participated in a project with this model? How did it work out? Any unexpected benefits or challenges?
  • Advice on Structuring Deals: How did you negotiate terms with the business owners? Did you find certain contract lengths or pricing structures worked better than others?
  • Local Considerations: For those who have worked in regulated markets—how did you navigate regulatory and financial challenges? Any incentives or rebates that helped?
  • General Tips: Any advice on managing partnerships, customer satisfaction, or long-term maintenance under the TPO model?

I’d love to connect with anyone with experience or insights on this. Any input on the model's pros and cons would be invaluable as I continue refining my approach. I am happy to have a phone call/chat here/DM if you prefer. Thanks in advance for any guidance you can share!

4 Comments
2024/11/04
15:47 UTC

1

ALLPOWERS S300

I have a question about the unit. I use it to power my small camper shell setup. I want to use the DC output to power wired in lights. I don’t know what connector to use.

4 Comments
2024/11/04
00:31 UTC

2

Need Help :((

Hey everyone :D

I'm currently pursuing a Master's degree in Energy Management Engineering and I'm stuck on choosing a thesis topic. I'm open to a wide range of topics within the field, but I'm particularly interested in areas with real-world applications and potential for innovation. If you have any suggestions or ideas, please share them!!!! I'm looking for something that's both challenging and rewarding!
thank you!!

12 Comments
2024/11/03
20:23 UTC

2

UK solar VAT free install

I'm aware of the VAT free install on home batteries and solar etc. Does anyone know if this 0 VAT is on the products or the labour costs only or both?

Has anyone noticed any decent savings or do you find they are marking the products up to cover it?

For example a 9.5kw GivEnergy with 5kw inverter is £3235+VAT to purchase

To keep it simple would an installer charge me 3235 (obviously with a small mark up) then a labour cost on top?

Seems if the saving is on both could be a decent saving even over a self install

Cheers!

1 Comment
2024/11/03
16:23 UTC

3

Approximately how big of a solar bank do I need for a 300 amp hour lithium battery bank?

8 Comments
2024/11/02
18:39 UTC

3

Solar panels

What is the best in terms of electrical efficiency for solar panels?

View Poll

1 Comment
2024/11/02
10:40 UTC

2

Enphase micro inverters and Sigenergy battery system

Hi there. Looking for some advice please. We're looking to get a solar and battery setup on our new home. The house (in South East Queensland) has some shading due to surrounding trees (which we can't cut down due to koalas).

I really like the look of the Sigenergy battery system (whole house backup and great smart features for a reasonable price) but due to shading I think micro inverters are the way to go. Are these compatible? I can only find evidence on YouTube of someone adding Sigenergy to an existing Enphase PV set up.

One installer said the two systems aren't compatible. I appreciate there would be a degree of duplication as the micro inverters and battery both 'invert' but feel if they do work together then it could be the best of both worlds.

Thanks in advance.

1 Comment
2024/11/01
07:33 UTC

2

Need help identifying

Hi everyone! I was wondering if someone could help me ID this solar mount anchor that was used on a flat roof. I tried using google and guessing at the missing letters but nothing popped up. If anyone can tell me what product this is or direct me to someone who can I would be very appreciative!

0 Comments
2024/10/31
14:23 UTC

3

Solar panels installed flat

Solar panels wrongly installed flat

The solar company installed the solar panels flat on my flat roof. And now rain water is pooling on it for days.

The sales person at the company said there would be a slight tilt and water would flow away. But to my surprise, the panels are flatly installed. There was no prior inspection before the quotation nor installation. The salesperson didnt do his due diligence to check whether a tilting mechanism should have been offered in the contract. He just wanted to close the sales asap.

Now im chasing them to have them fix it, but they dont want to do it because they dont want to pay for the contracting labour cost.

Im yet to pay for the invoice and my system is still inactive.

What should i do?

4 Comments
2024/10/31
13:12 UTC

2

Updated info 6 panels worth it?

6 panels 2.6 kw

My Coned bill Produce 8.030 kWh year

Panels give 3.081 kWh year about 40%

Monthly bill $210 finance $75 month

after incentives $75 month finance option pay no early fees

3 Comments
2024/10/31
10:39 UTC

4

My cautionary solar tale.

You cannot make this up.

Where I live in Texas there is no net metering. Electricity here is fairly inexpensive, but the rate has gone up every year. I had toyed with the idea of solar, but I'm not confident enough to DIY it. A co-worker got a 9kwh array and pointed his sales guy to me. I went the Energy Sage route to get initial estimates, and this guy was about 5% higher, but he said he's local and well none of the Energy Sage proposals were. So, I decided that's a decent trade off. This August, 2021. He also claimed my area was getting Net Metering within a year.

Yeah, he's not really local. He's only kind of local.

Nothing was done until January 2022. I was paying on my loan before I ever produced a single watt of power. I've actually read where this happens a lot. I was not pleased, but it wasn't too out of the ordinary based on what I read.

The crew he brought in was stationed out of Florida. Efficient Home Service. They were supposed to replace my panel inside my garage. They decided not to but keep the $3000 that was part of the proposal. So that's pretty great. The two geniuses they sent started installing racks directly under a giant elm tree on a portion of my roof that never sees the sun. I stopped them. My house faces south with two trees in front. So I got an east/west system. 15 panels on the east side, 20 on the west, a 13.9kwh array. The guys finished installing around 11:00PM and I never saw them again. I tried contacting my rep and only ever got his voice mail. 2 weeks go by and I get a note on my door saying I can throw the switch. the Array was approved by Xcel and the city. I turn it on and it works. I have an enphase system, and after inspecting the panels I suspect they are used panels, not new. More on this in a moment.

I paid, and am paying way too much for this. $44K with NO STORAGE, No Net Metering and so many issues. 4 months in, I had 12 panels go out. I tried contacting my rep and he tells me he does not work for that company anymore and that they are out of business. But he says he'll take care of it. He brings another crew in, Texas Solar Solutions LLC. They fix the problem but say one of my panels needs a new microinverter. One gets ordered and sent to my house. I let my rep know it is here. crickets. The new crew also believes my panels were used panels. Three are IQ7 panels the rest are IQ7+. All of them were beat up on the sides, scratches, dents, etc.

Then I find out he decided to move to be with his girlfriend. IN COLUMBIA! Dude fled the country.

Xcel Energy is a real treat to deal with too. If you are not in a net metering area, they will buy your excess energy produced. But at 1/12the the amount they charge you. And you have to pay a $20 fee to sell it to them. In my September bill. My credits totaled about $10, but after the $20 fee... well you can do that math. I called to try and negotiate. Hard no. My option was to no longer sell my excess, and they would just take it. Last month I ended up paying $15 to sell them electricity. There was no offset at all. I lost money.From just after sunrise to just before sunset, I consume no electricity. And that's good. It's when I am home that is the problem.

https://preview.redd.it/hyy4bvnstwxd1.png?width=637&format=png&auto=webp&s=75d259cc8a1d7439604deddc74656dea45a5a7e6

I just have no idea how to proceed. I pay almost $200 a month for the panels. My bill is dropping because my AC use is dropping. last month my bill was $145. Next month I expect it to be under $80. If I had storage, my peak bill would be likely around $30 on average. Maybe less, but I can't afford another huge loan payment to get storage.

Well this was cathartic. Buyer beware on what solar salespeople are offering do more research than I did. Make sure you are getting solar for the right reasons for you. I do feel good about having the panels. I know that at some point I can add some storage, even if it is small batteries. Like maybe a 3kwh Anker battery where my home entertainment system is. they are affordable, and if I put a few in the right spots maybe i can offset my energy consumption.

Any advice is appreciated. And yes, I do realize I messed up.

11 Comments
2024/10/30
15:16 UTC

2

Solax set up help!

Just had some solar panels and a x1 Mini g4 and I’m 90% they haven’t been set up correctly in the settings, the installer is adamant that the settings are correct but even the safety setting was not set to g98/1 if anyone can help me go through the settings because this is all new ground for me, what settings need changing from set up! Thanks

1 Comment
2024/10/30
13:19 UTC

49

Thought this group would approve of my daughter's Halloween costume

My daughter is 4 and absolutely obsessed with solar panels, which we see everywhere in Vermont. Her favorite are trackers, and I figured I could whip up a costume based on one pretty easily. It took about 30 minutes using materials we already had, and she was BEYOND thrilled when she put it on to do a little photo shoot at a neighbor's house.

In a world full of Elsas, be a solar tracker.

https://preview.redd.it/rrcdmmqr4wxd1.jpg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=971ebac8bdb3c8d2b7ff565b11db786ae2963d0a

8 Comments
2024/10/30
12:52 UTC

1

I need some honest input from Solar Dev's in Oregon (or in general)

Look I got a family in Oregon looking to purchase land that's like, on paper? Peachy, transmission line right across the street, 115kv, there's capacity for a 50 MW facility, the land is flat, the area gets great solar irradiance, the zoning is easily addressable by applying for a permit (most if not all get accepted), the nearest substation 2 miles away. However, THE PROPERTY TAXES ARE INSANE??? Tell me why all solar farms within say 100 mile radius of the property all opted to do a fee in exchange for property taxes, and they were all taxed at a rate of 7k per MW. Like there's a 320 acre facility getting charged 350k, and I'm here thinking like, if the solar companies are paying 350k, in property taxes alone, how in the hell are they affording the lease payments on top of that? like the lands are quality lands that can charge $1000 - 1$500 per acre from what I've learned so far about pricing. Some of those solar farms, the land is company owned or county owed, to which I'm like okay, this makes sense, this is THE lease payment. However there's more than a handful with private land owners, and these are large parcels. So idk, is it worth it? do you think there are solar devs willing to fork over near 700k to have a property that generates 50 MW at maximum? do let me know.

0 Comments
2024/10/30
05:23 UTC

3

IIT Delhi team makes breakthrough in cost-effective solar cell technology

0 Comments
2024/10/30
04:29 UTC

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