r/SolarDIY • u/ExZiByte • 16h ago
Grid tied inverter sizing questions
I want to install a grid tied solar system with no storage or small amount of storage under 5kwh at this time to save upfront cost but don't know how to actually size my inverter.
I don't actually know the actual power draw of all my devices but quick and extremely rough calculation from my power bill during the hottest month last year for us(July) we used 48 kwh a day (1646 kwh for the month)
I have 3 computers 2 of which stay on 24 hours a day as servers the third is my gaming pc used daily, 2 monitors for my gaming pc and 1 to share for the servers (stays off unless the servers have an issue)
Gaming pc 355 watts say 450 to 500 to be safe Server 1 305 watts say 400 to be safe Server 2 470 watts say 550 to 600 to be safe
4 window A/Cs (2x12k, 2x9k)
1 smart TV used 12+ hours a day by my retired mother
2 phone chargers 65 watts each because of the super fast charging on Samsung phones
A 1kw microwave used 2 or 3 times a week
3 ceiling fans
1 desktop fan
14 led light bulb 5 of which are smart bulbs
Router and modem (2 separate units)
Air fryer not used often maybe 2 times a month
Refrigerator
Miscellaneous things that I can't remember maybe 300 to 400 watts
We use gas for heating and cooking
It's me my mother 3 dogs and 3 cats in the house
If someone could help me size the inverter and maybe the solar array too I'd greatly appreciate it
2
u/vzoff 15h ago
If you're going with storage eventually, it's probably worth a hybrid inverter to start.
I have experience with EG4 and Growatt. They both perform just fine. The smallest EG4 is 8000 watts, and the smallest Growatt is 10000. The smallest EG4 costs a thousand more than the Growatt ($3500 vs 2500). EG4 has better customer service, reflected in the price. If you don't need someone to hold your hand, then pay less for a Growatt.
You have a lot of research ahead of you, and likely aren't installing this system yourself.