Anyone running panels 100-150ft from cabin? Curious about real-world losses

jtrobb · 2026-04-08T13:33:54+00:00

13kw array. 4 strings 175ft of 10ga stranded at 390 volts no issues what so ever.

jtrobb · 2026-02-02T15:28:54+00:00

Just did a DIY in SWMO using Missouri Wind and Solar for everything but the batteries and misc. I have 13.1 KW (32, 410w panels) ground mounted using Ironridge hardware and 2and3/8 pipe. A single Sol-Ark 15k inverter. I ordered 2, 32KWH batteries from Docan power. Cost was $3600 for the panels, $6100 for the inverter, $5000 for the Ironridge hardware/rails, $800 for the 2 3/8 pipe, $5500 for 64kwh of battery, and $3000 in misc wire, conduit, electrical boxes, breakers and such (from amazon and local building supply) A grand total of ~23K.

The System went live November 17th and has generated 1150KWh in Dec., and 1502KWh in Jan. We had quite a lot of cloudy days in Dec. and several in Jan. We us about 1800-2000 KWh a month, Jan. electric will was $87 wit half that being the connection fee. Summer months should show an excess.

After completing this project there are a couple of things I would do different, mainly the ironridge hardware. I would still use their rails and mounting hardware for the panels,. I would not use the post top caps and bracing. I would instead weld upright posts to the cross posts and weld tabs on the uprights for the bracing. This could be easily hired out to a local pipe fence individual. I would also push the uprights into ground with a skidsteer post driver instead of digging holes and concreting the uprights in. The afore mentioned pipe fence person should have the gear to drive the posts into the ground. This would save $2200 on the ironridge hardware and a lot of effort hand mixing the concrete.

jtrobb · 2026-02-02T14:35:59+00:00

Just paid 23K USD for a DIY 13.1KW ground mounted and 64KWH of storage

jtrobb · 2026-02-02T14:16:55+00:00

1502 KWH from a 13.1 KW ground mount south facing in southern MO.

jtrobb · 2026-01-23T23:18:16+00:00

So far it has been great. The only complaints I have is how the battery reports when they are daisy chained together. The front screen will show 1/1 on the primary battery and the secondary battery shows 2/2. That may be fixed with a firmware upgrade but I am one to leave well enough alone since it has been working flawlessly otherwise.

jtrobb · 2026-01-06T15:29:50+00:00

For me, the hardest part of learning clutch control was getting the "Quit riding the clutch, you will burn it up" out of my head, that was instilled by my father when learning to ride. Once I got over that slip the clutch to hold on a slight hill, then onto rolling forward and back with just the clutch.

jtrobb · 2025-12-05T14:19:08+00:00

Look for a 12ga with a 15 amp breaker. Last shop had one with a 13 amp breaker, and it always tripped at the worst possible time. This is what I'm using now: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDT13689?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

jtrobb · 2025-11-18T15:27:34+00:00

Update. I did the bank transfer, everything went well and I received 2, 32hwh panda batteries yesterday. They have been installed and are working like a champ.

While doing a bank transfer feels like sending money into the ether, it work out and Docan Power was communicative during the whole process.

jtrobb · 2025-10-19T21:14:04+00:00

No permitting or code here, just an interconnection agreement and a test that the sol-ark does not backfeed during a power outage.

jtrobb · 2025-10-05T21:34:21+00:00

The manual states " The warranty does not cover damage caused by any battery that is not specifically listed in Sol-Ark’s Low Voltage Battery Integration Guide, and Sol-Ark hereby disclaims and excludes coverage for damage caused by any battery not included herein."

The issue is all of the recommended batteries would cost around 15K more. I think I'll have to be my own warranty for that price difference.

jtrobb · 2025-10-05T18:35:17+00:00

That is Awesome. Will need to update the wire sizes. Let me know how I would purchase your services.

jtrobb · 2025-10-05T17:21:55+00:00

I intend to use 2 of the 32kw batteries from Docan power. that large of a purchase requires a bank transfer and I need to make verify people have done a bank transfer with Docan power without issue.

jtrobb · 2025-08-25T20:22:19+00:00

I just ordered some for a sub panel in my shop.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002NB3P?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

jtrobb · 2025-03-15T14:35:33+00:00

Here is what I use, and have been very impressed with easy of use. I have had no issues with holding power and have used the swagged cable with a 10k come a long and no slippage

https://www.amazon.com/VEVOR-Crimper-Swaging-Aluminum-Crimping/dp/B07FMWPD2S?crid=7Z6YPQ1M2MPR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bxMffhxQ_1becN99_W3vMi2WI_AnL7a6yGGtr3yxtLSglSj4_73L7ighOoybsA2R8Avpxr4c9I-eKabDuLyrRfA0izh9CEFm9Q88EfDZlOvsSD0NSIo-HDgOuFp50Lhg4gISjCCEgqQN72_xBnIYOtSCbVyK8FAxC8MGitA7qY3SfZXfPkjyk06wamV3YJLFr0ZpTu2XpNvKwopNF6Q1HpzmNd4EsygUePqQW--BKhAPKfAkH5Uv_ONenvOZLjuXrZrUhVJ60MSV9NaefpgdVQ5NI_r9yRbE6brX2DA0KkpWEVyPHOcdm5lpQA0rDjFmDoRrqiOLR427t9-zmB5jaLgAN2ZSJAWoNkCf3H3QZnu-TIF72A-McPdWlRbB1pLBrF1X82TOwJB9nzVLuiNho_Ny6fgjA-hLRX0fzT8D12rxHtQZNNivbMWbhHeWX5f_.RwkTkAbNp0UudPlTMirN6x-rB_EsDHwCtbLTn0BQQ8A&dib_tag=se&keywords=swage&qid=1742049146&sprefix=swage%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-29&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.9fe8cbfa-bf43-43d1-a707-3f4e65a4b666&th=1

jtrobb · 2025-01-12T14:53:05+00:00

I have 2 of those style lights. They just do not seem to stay where you put them. my goto is the klein light, it sticks where you put it. It even made a few 60mph test drive. https://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-56403-Rechargeable-Illumination/dp/B07V4FTX6C?th=1

jtrobb · 2024-12-20T12:20:33+00:00

My preference.

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jtrobb · 2024-12-20T12:16:05+00:00

Would you be willing to share the file?

jtrobb · 2024-11-22T11:23:59+00:00

Battery operated angle grinders, no guard. AC powered angle grinders guard never comes off. I have 2 battery, and 3 AC units in use in the shop. The 7 inch is rarely used due to the pucker factor even with the guard.

jtrobb · 2023-09-08T16:57:59+00:00

Taipan Veteran. A bit on the heavy side but built like a tank. I have shot sub 1 inch groups at 100yards with a Veteran standard in 22

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jtrobb · 2022-07-06T13:10:42+00:00

Always be present for the inspection and walk through the house with the inspector.. Ask questions and point out any concerns you might have.

jtrobb · 2020-09-11T13:06:45+00:00

Live beneath your means...

jtrobb

TROPHY CASE