this post was submitted on 15 Jul 2025
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If I were doing this all again I'd use Victron inverter kit with the self build batteries (Fogstar do a decent kit), for an entirely self hosted control system, and whatever panels fit the roof space best. But 180W is nothing to worry about. More important to find a second area for another array.
Oh, and you will want a hell of a lot more than 5kWh worth of battery storage. I have 14kWh and run low in winter when the panels make naff all (charge on cheap rate power to last all day)
Solid advice right here.
I have 13.5 kWh battery storage that I charge overnight with cheap electricity if needed. During winter I could do with more storage.
I control charging of the battery (and EV) automatically based on expected solar production the following day, which I estimate using a forecast model I re-train couple of times per week based on latest data. The model uses Met Office weather model forecast for our area as input. Most days it’s accurate to within 1 kWh.
I have 16 LG panels spread so that they produce almost from sunrise to sunset + 5 kW inverter. This has worked really well. There is plenty of power to run air conditioning in the summer and even charge the EV, but winter months are meh. Sunny summer day: 25-30 kWh, winter 1-5 kWh.
I forgot to add that I’m with Octopus Energy. Their Octopus Go plan offers great rate overnight and is not too bad during the day at lest in our area. Their free energy sessions have also been in active use: battery charge, EV charge, immersion heater and sauna stove being on simultaneously does put the house electrical system to a test!
My aim is to use as much of the solar energy I produce myself, so I’m not bothered about exporting energy.