I have a modest set of solar panels on an entirely ordinary house in suburban London. On average they generate about 3,800kWh per year. We also use about 3,800kWh of electricity each year. Obviously, we can't use all the power produced over summer and we need to buy power in winter. So here's my question: How big a battery would we need in order to be completely self-sufficient? Background …
my house is over 120 years old. it still has knob and tube in half the house. I have even found gas lines for the old sconces, that were “conveniently” used as grounds for said knob and tube in some places. the house is a nightmare, electrically speaking. the only new-ish electrical are the HVAC systems, the 200amp panel, and the basement (where the rack lives).
for me to get proper solar installed, it would cost more than the house cost to buy. For me to find it in any way cost effective, I would need my $900 a month power bill to pay for the $200k loan on top of my mortgage.
As someone who electrically renovated houses without beeing an electrician. If you find an electrician who is willing to work with you: do a full planning of the house. (What lines go where etc) ask them to go over this, and pay them for their time. If all goes well this will cost them an evening or three (depending how many flaws they find in your design). Do the wiring and drilling raw sockets yourself. Buy the top sockets wholesale, then have the electrician make a fixed price for installing sockets and wiring your fuse box , it will be much cheaper.
my house is over 120 years old. it still has knob and tube in half the house. I have even found gas lines for the old sconces, that were “conveniently” used as grounds for said knob and tube in some places. the house is a nightmare, electrically speaking. the only new-ish electrical are the HVAC systems, the 200amp panel, and the basement (where the rack lives).
for me to get proper solar installed, it would cost more than the house cost to buy. For me to find it in any way cost effective, I would need my $900 a month power bill to pay for the $200k loan on top of my mortgage.
As someone who electrically renovated houses without beeing an electrician. If you find an electrician who is willing to work with you: do a full planning of the house. (What lines go where etc) ask them to go over this, and pay them for their time. If all goes well this will cost them an evening or three (depending how many flaws they find in your design). Do the wiring and drilling raw sockets yourself. Buy the top sockets wholesale, then have the electrician make a fixed price for installing sockets and wiring your fuse box , it will be much cheaper.
That house sounds like a terrible investment.
lol. all houses are terrible investments, too volatile.