Designing An Off Grid Electrical System
Have a professional help you identify the electrical loads you would like to run in your home and workshop.
The first step is often the most difficult. Get help from someone you trust and can show you a solid track record of well working off grid systems. Do not be shy to ask for references. Also, check Google reviews. Whomever you are working with for the design of your system please refer to a check list of questions you have to have answered. https://offgridisbetter.com/questions-you-should-ask-your-off-grid-equipment-supplier-before-making-a-purchase/
It is very important to verify to use components that are certified for residential use. There is too much sub-standard equipment being sold online that can quickly become dangerous.
Luckily, the NREL provides a simple tool. https://pvwatts.nrel.gov/pvwatts.php . This will provide you with a relatively good idea for expected energy harvest for an entire year by month.
Choose the Right Type of Battery And Capacity
An off-grid battery system needs to be sized right so to ensure a long battery life. Lead-acid based batteries are the traditional workhorses for off grid living. A lead acid battery treated correctly should last between 10 and 15 years before replacement is necessary.
LIFEPO energy storage systems are a higher upfront investment. Over the long-term these batteries are the winners as the cost per kW hr stored is less $.
Maximize the Amount of Sunlight Your PV Modules Receive
To get the most out of your solar panels you will need to find an area that provides a lot of sunlight. Pay attention to how the sun moves around your property. Avoid areas that have shade over them for good amounts of the day.
From my own experience it is well worth to orient your PV modules south-east and south-west. That way your batteries are charged earlier in the morning and longer into the afternoon.
Use LED Lights and delete phantom loads
For a long time I was a non believer of phantom loads. Yet out on a service call I identified a surprising 1000 W of these in one home. The culprits were plugged in power supplies not in use, old TVs and VCRs. Even the washing machine with a faulty heating element was contributing a load of 240 W just being plugged in
Tech Support
Tech support is most definitely a very important part to consider. What good is it when you have issues setting up your system and you have no one to talk to and help? There are some outstanding manufacturers that have outstanding tech support specialists such as Sol Ark, Outback and Schneider.