Recent Solar install experiences Calvert and St Mary's?

itsbob

I bowl overhand

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2. Vehicle to Home - V2H

Vehicle-to-home (V2H) is similar to the V2G, but the energy is used locally to power a home instead of being fed into the electricity grid. This enables the EV to function much like a regular household battery system to help increase self-sufficiency, especially when combined with rooftop solar. Another benefit of V2H is the ability to provide backup power in the event of a blackout.
In order for V2H to operate, it requires a compatible bidirectional charger and additional equipment including an energy meter (CT meter) which must be installed at the main grid connection point. The CT meter monitors energy flow to and from the grid. When the system detects energy being consumed by your home from the grid, it signals the bidirectional EV charger to discharge at an equal amount, thus offsetting any power drawn from the grid. Likewise, when the system detects energy being exported from a rooftop solar array, it diverts this to charge the EV, which is very similar to the way smart EV chargers work.
V2H_bidirectional_charger_backup_diagram.png

Basic energy flow diagram of a DC bidirectional charger using V2H to power a home, plus CT meter to measure grid energy flow.
Only a few EVs currently feature V2H technology, including the later model Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, which both use the older-style CHAdeMO connector. The new Ford F-150 Lightning EV is unique in that it is the first vehicle with bidirectional charging capability to use a CCS connector. However, it can only function when used with the Ford Charge Station Pro along with the Ford Home Integration System. The F-150 Lightning also features Vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology, as described below.
 

LightRoasted

If I may ...
For your consideration ...

I do not have solar panels
But but. But what about a SHTF scenario? How will you cope? You won't be able to live "off grid", ya know?

Aside from that. I've always thought a home solar install to be 6 of 1 and half a dozen of another, meaning, it all breaks even in the end. It's a zero sum game. Any electrical "savings" is offset by the monthly cost of the solar panel install and materials.
 

itsbob

I bowl overhand
For your consideration ...


But but. But what about a SHTF scenario? How will you cope? You won't be able to live "off grid", ya know?

Aside from that. I've always thought a home solar install to be 6 of 1 and half a dozen of another, meaning, it all breaks even in the end. It's a zero sum game. Any electrical "savings" is offset by the monthly cost of the solar panel install and materials.
I disagree. We've had are current system about 7 years, we passed the break even point over a year or more ago... now it's free electricity for at least the next 20 years, but probably more.
 

phreddyp

Well-Known Member
What maintenance do you do for your system and batteries ?

I disagree. We've had are current system about 7 years, we passed the break even point over a year or more ago... now it's free electricity for at least the next 20 years, but probably more.
 

phreddyp

Well-Known Member
There isn't any routine or even occassional maintenance for the system we're buying either.
Never in over 40 years have I seen an electrical system that didn't require some Maintenace even if it's only looking for overheated or loose connections or pitted contacts. Must be different with solar .
 

Gilligan

#*! boat!
PREMO Member
Never in over 40 years have I seen an electrical system that didn't require some Maintenace even if it's only looking for overheated or loose connections or pitted contacts. Must be different with solar .
LOL. OK..if you want to stretch the definition that far. I call that stuff repairs and very, very seldom had to do it.

But compared to the generators I maintain now (55kw and 25kw), this new system is zero maintenance.
 

phreddyp

Well-Known Member
LOL. OK..if you want to stretch the definition that far. I call that stuff repairs and very, very seldom had to do it.

But compared to the generators I maintain now (55kw and 25kw), this new system is zero maintenance.
Duly noted. Maintenance usually means less repairs or at least fewer major problems. You are installing a pretty expensive system, I would be looking it over a least once a month and checking connections once a year.
 

itsbob

I bowl overhand
Yeah and pu**y is free also! LOL
What do you want me to do, lie to you?? We have no batteries, 42 panels, inverter, and interlock into the main panel.. in the 8 years we've had it we have had ZERO maintenance and ZERO repairs. We haven't lost a single panel, and MAYBE dropped 3 or 4 % in efficiency. Unless you consider rinsing off pollen in the spring, yes, ZERO maintenance.
 

phreddyp

Well-Known Member
What do you want me to do, lie to you?? We have no batteries, 42 panels, inverter, and interlock into the main panel.. in the 8 years we've had it we have had ZERO maintenance and ZERO repairs. We haven't lost a single panel, and MAYBE dropped 3 or 4 % in efficiency. Unless you consider rinsing off pollen in the spring, yes, ZERO maintenance.
Good for you and Gilligan .
 

Gilligan

#*! boat!
PREMO Member
Duly noted. Maintenance usually means less repairs or at least fewer major problems. You are installing a pretty expensive system, I would be looking it over a least once a month and checking connections once a year.
I have not "checked the connections" in my 55+25KW generator system in ..well..ever. What would be different adding the solar input?
 

phreddyp

Well-Known Member
I have not "checked the connections" in my 55+25KW generator system in ..well..ever. What would be different adding the solar inputs
Shouldn't be any , either you do or you don't . There is a reason electricians use infrared to seek out hot spots in electrical systems . It's usually to find and correct a problem befor it becomes a catastrophic failure and the system requires new parts that are not easily obtained.
 

Clem72

Well-Known Member
There isn't any routine or even occassional maintenance for the system we're buying either.

You should be cleaning your panels off occasionally. And at some point your charge controller is likely to shet the bed. Even the best don't seem to last more than 10 years, many start having issues at 5.

Still, lower maint. than a genny setup.
 
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