Post #4172088

2026-07-28 19:45 UTC

Painting started yesterday, electrical panel relocation and new 200amp circuit in addition to our very old 125amp. Going to have it wired for solar/generator as well. Want to get some panels, 12v batteries, inverter and start some illegal solar power. It would be nice to have a steady supply with a decent battery backup to keep costs down.

Replies (2)

@kajer@infosec.exchange 2026-07-28 20:02

@leerayl@infosec.exchange YES YES and YES however, I would go 24V minimum on batteries if you can help it. at 12V, wire gauge gets real stupid real quick. Most consumer electronics now support wide input ranges between 12-24V since big rigs usually have 24V systems. I run my electric camping fridge on 24V as it supports it, and it cools way better than when it was on 12V since you get double the wattage out of the same input cable. Most solar charge controllers that support 12 also support 24v too. I am also a huge victron addict, so I have the needed 12-24 and 24-12 PSUs to step up/down as needed. I have multiple MPPT controllers, and I can get away with 6awg and 4awg on most of my connections I use double 4awg on my main bus bars since a single 4 won't do the 100A that the BMS allows. Also you save a ton on crimping equipment since 4 and 6awg is still in the simple hand tool territory.

Open ##4172606
@kajer@infosec.exchange 2026-07-28 20:12

@leerayl@infosec.exchange different thread, i too have an ""illegal"" or "AUX" solar system on top of my approved one. I have an additional Solaredge7800H and RESU10H battery I installed myself that uses all of my spare solar panels to supplement my server rack. These systems are pretty easy to install provided you get over the initial hurdle of the cost and supporting materials. I sourced my inverter and batteries for ~50% MSRP at a defunct solar company's liquidation auction.

Open ##4172654