[RE-wrenches] mini splits

Fri Mar 14 13:07:38 PDT 2025

It would depend on the size of the split 😉 It would also depend on the 
SEER rating and the climate you are in. I try to only use the best model 
in the brand for Offgrid. It cost more for a reason and can run longer 
into the evening before using the battery. The smaller 33 SEER units 
work well as you can keep a medium house cool before it ever warms up. 
Also can easily run on a 400AH battery all night with a reserve. They 
sip the power and as long as the maintenance is done, can last a long 
time.

For instance, the Fujitsu 9000 btu.

Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
"we go where powerlines don't"
    [5]https://offgridsolar1.com/ [6]  [5]
e-mail  offgridsolar at sti.net
text 209 813 0060

On 2025-03-13 3:03 pm, Kristopher Schmid via RE-wrenches wrote:

> Hi All,
> 
> Since we are on the topic, does anyone have a good method for 
> predicting the kwh consumption of a mini-split?
> 
> Thanks,
> Kris
> 
> Shine On!
> 
> Kris Schmid
> Legacy Solar, LLC
> 137 West 1st Avenue
> Luck, WI 54853
> www.legacysolar.com [1]
> 715-653-4295
> NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
> Licensed Wisconsin Master Electrician
> BSEE
> 
> On Thu, Mar 13, 2025 at 3:58 PM Jason Szumlanski via RE-wrenches 
> <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
> 
> Most off-grid homes here in Southwest Florida, one of the most 
> challenging air conditioning places in the country due to heat and 
> humidity, have moved to mini-splits. I have a client's system with quad 
> Sol-Ark 15K that is running eight separate mini-splits and a 4-ton 
> central air unit at a sprawling residential complex. There are no 
> issues to report. These were all installed by a reputable local HVAC 
> contractor, so they are not likely DIY brands. I am not certain about 
> the tonnage, but I believe each mini-split is 1.5 tons. These are in a 
> highly corrosive/salt environment. I can't imagine they will last more 
> than a few years each. But from what I hear, clients on the islands are 
> treating them as disposable in a way. It's still much cheaper than 
> replacing central air units every few years.
> 
> I have another client's system with a single Sol-Ark 15K and it has two 
> 2-ton mini-splits that are DIY by the homeowner. They barely dent the 
> batteries each day. I see them using as little as 400W to maintain temp 
> in high ambient heat. Most other clients have single mini-splits. I 
> concur with one of the earlier comments to stay away from multi-zone if 
> possible. I don't think there are considerable cost savings anyway, and 
> I have not been able to detect any energy savings going that route.
> 
> There is a guy I did some work for who is running a few old school 
> window shakers on a Sol-Ark 12K and he has constant problems with 
> surges and performance of the units. He is in line for a mini-split 
> soon, and plans to DIY.
> 
> Personally, I have a 2-ton DIY cooling my uninsulated garage at home 
> (on grid) when I need to use it for short periods in the summer. It 
> works like a champ, and it was dead easy to install. The hardest part 
> was getting the line set out through the block wall. I think I paid 
> $1,200 for it, including the trim kit to hide the line set and a wall 
> bracket for the compressor unit.
> 
> I think the bottom line for me is super low startup surge and then 
> fairly consistent power draw once desired temperature is reached. I 
> feel this is much easier to plan for off-grid rather than repeated 
> start/stop cycles.
> 
> Jason Szumlanski
> Principal Solar Designer | Florida Solar Design Group
> NABCEP Certified Solar Professional (PVIP)
> Florida State Certified Solar Contractor CVC56956
> Florida Certified Electrical Contractor EC13013208
> 
> On Thu, Mar 13, 2025 at 4:41 PM Wayne Irwin via RE-wrenches 
> <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi Pieter,
> 
> I should have said that I "No Longer" vacuum them as the extra step 
> that I previously applied made no difference in my experience. We are 
> also in FL. with extremely high humidity which might be the difference. 
> Most of the AC contractors here confirm the same experience.
> 
> That said, they do work well with solar applications.
> 
> Wayne Irwin
> President
> License #CVC56695
> State Licensed Solar Contractor
> Pure Energy Solar International Inc.
> Wayne at PureEnergySolar.com
> PureEnergySolar.com [2]
> SolarChargingStation.com [3]
> 352 377-6527 Office
> 352 336-3299 Fax
> 
> The Sun Is Always Shining!
> 
> The content of this message is Pure Energy Solar Confidential. If you 
> are not the intended recipient and have received this message in error, 
> any use or distribution is prohibited. Please notify me immediately by 
> reply e-mail and delete this message from your computer system. Thank 
> you.
> 
> -------------------------
> 
> From: pieter offgridenterprises.org [4] <pieter at offgridenterprises.org>
> Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2025 4:09 PM
> To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
> Cc: Wayne Irwin <pureenergysolar at hotmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] mini splits
> 
> Wayne, I saw your post regarding the use of ductless mini splits. I too 
> use them extensively, and have an unblemished track record using them. 
> I must say that your failures may be in part due to the fact that you 
> do not evacuate the system during the installation process. For what it 
> is worth the proper procedure is to precharge the system with nitrogen 
> to about 200PSI. Then check for leaks and verify the system will hold 
> pressure. Then pull a vacuum on the system for maybe 15 or 20 minutes 
> before releasing the refrigerant. If you skip these steps you are 
> vulnerbale to diminished performance caused by any air left in the 
> circuit, any  moisture will react with the refrigerant and turn acidic 
> eventually leading to corrosion. I see you keep the lines closed as 
> much as possible but non the less I think will find your system 
> longevity will increase, and potentially the performance will be 
> better.
>       You are getting about ten years so not to bad but I have some 
> healthy systems that are 20 years old still going strong.
> Pieter
> 
> -------------------------
> 
> From: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org> on behalf 
> of Wayne Irwin via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
> Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2025 12:02 PM
> To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
> Cc: Wayne Irwin <pureenergysolar at hotmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] mini splits
> 
> Hey Jay,
> 
> I live off grid (25yrs) in North Fla. (temp range is teens - 100+ F) 
> with mini-splits throughout the house (2,700sq').
> I have used just about every brand. We primarily use them for cooling 
> but also use heat to supplement the wood stove.
> I can't imagine living without them. Although it's a love/hate 
> relationship.
> My experience is that you get about 10 years max from whatever brand 
> you buy. Typically, the inside unit corrodes from condensation and 
> leaks out, or the outside unit reversing valve locks up in cold or heat 
> position. IMO They are not worth repairing. We currently have 4 - 1 Ton 
> units and 1 - 2 ton. I only buy 1 to1 systems vs 1 -4 as it offers 
> redundancy. I initially tried "reputable" brands which typically cost 
> more but have since migrated to whatever is the cheapest.
> That said I like Gree and/or the knock off brand that they make (good 
> for the price and holding up well). When I am in need of more than one, 
> I always buy an extra to swap out whichever unit dies first.
> Fortunately for me, years ago, I had a buddy show me how to install 
> them. Pretty simple. They come pre-charged and can typically handle up 
> to 30' of line with no issues. If possible, find someone to show you 
> once.  YouTube will offer many WRONG ways to do it videos.
> I don't use the vacuum on the lines. I just keep the lines plugged and 
> dry until I hook them up.
> 
> My 15kW array with 2 - VFX3648R's has had no issue powering any of 
> them.
> 
> I hope this info helps.
> 
> Wayne Irwin
> President
> License #CVC56695
> State Licensed Solar Contractor
> Pure Energy Solar International Inc.
> Wayne at PureEnergySolar.com
> PureEnergySolar.com [2]
> SolarChargingStation.com [3]
> 352 377-6527 Office
> 352 336-3299 Fax
> 352 316-1637 Cell
> 
> The Sun Is Always Shining!
> 
> The content of this message is Pure Energy Solar Confidential. If you 
> are not the intended recipient and have received this message in error, 
> any use or distribution is prohibited. Please notify me immediately by 
> reply e-mail and delete this message from your computer system. Thank 
> you.
> 
> -------------------------
> 
> From: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org> on behalf 
> of Michael Morningstar via RE-wrenches 
> <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
> Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2025 11:05 AM
> To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
> Cc: Michael Morningstar <mjmorningstar at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] mini splits
> 
> I'm interested in this too
> 
> On Thu, Mar 13, 2025 at 7:39 AM jay via RE-wrenches 
> <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: HI All,
> 
> I have been getting a lot of questions about people wanting to install 
> mini splits in their off grid homes, and in normal homes.
> 
> The line of questions usually involves DIY vs contractor.  Of course 
> the price difference is staggering, roughly 5X more for contractor.  
> And I'm being asked all sorts of questions about the DIY versions.
> 
> Is there a good place for information so I can educate myself as to the 
> different brands etc
> Or maybe someone can contact me off list if they have some info to 
> share.
> 
> Thanks'
> 
> jay
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Links:
------
[1] http://www.legacysolar.com
[2] http://pureenergysolar.com/
[3] http://solarchargingstation.com/
[4] http://offgridenterprises.org
[5] http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/
[6] https://offgridsolar1.com/
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