RE SYSTEM DESIGN PAGE

Refer to load spreadsheet-link

Inverter Size:
Peak KW determines the inverter size. Keep in mind you will never run everything at once. Use a good guess, and often it comes down to what you can afford. Off the grid you will need a bigger inverter to handle all the loads. Grid-tie inverter can be smaller, since the grid will back up excess loads.

Inverter Surge Loads:
Appliances with an inductive load (motors) have a surge when they are turned on. Inverters have a surge rating which can supply this surge current.

Energy Source:
PV Panels: Average KWH/day = PV panel array size x hours/day of sunlight (Use 4 hrs.)
or Average KWH/day / 4 = PV array size
example:
10KWH/day /4hrs = 2.5KW
2.5 KW of PV panels would be 25 100watt panels. (about $12,500)

Wind-estimate average windspeed over 24 hours, and calculate % of peak power produced x number of hours. Better yet use performance data on wind generator websites. KWH/ year or KWH/month. From this calculate KWH/day.

Hydro-Use average output times 24 hours per day

Batteries:
AVE KWH/day x days of storage = size of battery bank
10KWH/day x 3days of storage = 30KWH storage needed
Example: using 12V 105AH batteries = 1260 WH or 1.26KWH
30/1.26 = 24 batteries
or 30KWH = 30,000 WH
30,000WH/12V = 2500amp-hours
2500/105AH = 24 batteriesAfter doing this you can see the benefit of reducing your needs. Electric driers aren't recommended unless you have stock in electric utility.