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Help me plan a new setup please - all ideas and observations welcome - A blank canvas

  • 27-01-2025 08:39PM
    #1
    mondeoman72
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,057 ✭✭✭


    So, with thanks to the mods who okay'd this thread, I hope to install solar/whatever on a house we are sale agreed on. Still early days but hopefully all goes to plan. I am learning as much as I can so please go easy on me.

    The property is a dormer bungalow, with its roof facing NNE and SSW with a side annex as well. Long and thin but does have a few skylights. There is an electric car charger on the wall outside - I am told it is 7 KW and is branded EVBOX. We dont have an electric car, but what we have is worn out so am open to getting one if it makes sense. Budget maybe 10 to 20k

    There is a wealth of information here but nearly to much. Thinking out loud, could I fill the roof with panels, have batteries, charge up during the day and use a smart plan to also charge in the small hours. Be as efficient as possible. What would a setup like this typically cost?

    Ideally, is this a goer? Location is not overlooked by trees and is in Kildare. If I get enough batteries, would it run the house?

    Car runs would be maybe 80 km per day round trip. There is gas and solid fuel heating at present but this really is a blank canvas. Do not have any info about relevant plans or power usage as we dont expect to be in for another while.

    Your observations, suggestions and recommendations would be greatly appreciated. I am in the planning/consideration stage.

    Many thanks everyone.



Comments

  • #2
    conor_mc
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 820 ✭✭✭conor_mc


    So yes, you can fill the roof, add batteries, and charge overnight at reduced EV rates.

    Most of your generation will come from the SSW aspect but you should get about 50% of that rate from the NNE aspect - panels are so cheap now that it’s worth including them in an initial install, although less so to add the later. Couple of good YouTube vids recently on N-facing panels from Gary Does Solar and others.

    On batteries, they’re pricey to buy directly from installers, much cheaper to buy direct from China, and even cheaper again to build yourself. I’ve one on the way from China myself after installer included a 5kWh one, but I can do better with a larger one as I can then avoid the higher daytime prices that come with cheaper overnight EV rates. I’m currently only on a day/night rate (28c/14c) despite charging an EV for about 12-15 kWh every night. A bigger battery will allow me to move most of my usage to a 5-7c EV window.

    if you’ve just bought but won’t be in for another while, I presume you’re getting some renovation work done? You’ll hear all about insulation, insulation, insulation but I think airtightness/ventilation is where it’s at. Consider a heat pump if you are doing renovations - no better time to adjust the building fabric as necessary and set yourself up for very reasonably priced, clean heating.

    Roughly what size is your roof btw?



  • #3
    mondeoman72
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,057 ✭✭✭mondeoman72


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123106227#Comment_123106227

    It is with solicitors but held up by our chain. No renovation work planned at present. Am unsure of the roof area but will update when I know more. Am thinking out loud and learning as much as I can. I will look up that "Gary does solar". If you can point me in the direction of relevant info, I would appreciate it. There is loads of info here, but nearly to much.

    This could develop into a very interesting thread in the coming months. Any observations and info is appreciated. I will add info as I get it.

    Thanks

    image.png


  • #4
    mondeoman72
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,057 ✭✭✭mondeoman72


    Soooooo, I am back. Solicitors took months

    We are now at the quote stage. First guy came out and tells me I can fit 14 jinko 440W panels, to a hybrid inverter. Im thinking batteries, charging day and cheap at night, and selling back to grid, the works. I have requested a spec of what he thinks will work and a price, am waiting on more details

    Got another company coming Friday to have a look.

    Have no electricity usage data as we just bought it. Granny sits on an electric fire alot. House is wired for a car charger but dont have an electric car (yet). About 4 people in the house plus granny. Two electric showers. Heating is gas.

    Anybody got any observations/considerations/questions I should be asking?

    Thanks in advance.



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