Running an electric cooler in my van on solar

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dereckbc

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Location
Plano, TX
I did not want to go off grid I just wanted to save money so I contacted a vendor that sold PV equipment and I was impressed that they where honest. They told me the best way for me to save money while on the grid was to buy more efficient appliances.

They said unless I was off grid PV was not going to save me money. Of course this was about 5 years ago but I was impressed they where up front with me instead of just selling me a bunch of equipment.

Lucky you, most would not do that. Once they got you trapped into Off-Grid, they have a pigeon to pluck for life replacing batteries. :ashamed1:

You are correct, and what I tell anyone considering grid tied is to first remodel the home and upgrade appliances. Has a lot better payback and will significantly lower their Solar Install cost if they go that route. I know that may make some EC's angry here, but it is factual.
 

GoldDigger

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Location
Placerville, CA, USA
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Retired PV System Designer
And once you have maximized your efficiency you can then look to see whether your peak power cost justifies a grid interactive system (no batteries). Note that rural coop power companies are not under the same regulatory pressure to offer net metering as regular POCOs.
 
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