[RE-wrenches] Cheap Backup

[Drake]

Hello Wrenches,

We are having a prolonged power outage due to the recent storm that 
ripped through the eastern U.S., and people with PV systems are 
contacting me about ways to harvest their solar.  I'm investigating 
inexpensive ways to at least let people have power during the day.

The only possible option that comes up so far is to use an 
inexpensive off grid inverter to set up a mini grid.  Maybe set up a 
24V unit with two small 12 V gel cells.  AC couple the on grid 
inverter with the off grid in an essential loads panel.

My questions are:
    * How big an inverter can go on how small a battery bank?
    * Would the Magnum be a good choice for this?
        * How much PV can you backfeed through a Magnum
    * Is there a better way to accomplish this?
Thanks,

Drake

Drake Chamberlin
ATHENS ELECTRIC LLC
OH License 44810
CO license 3773
NABCEP Certified PV
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