coinpile t1_j9cof7u wrote on February 20, 2023 at 11:17 PM

We are building a house and are focusing on energy efficiency. It’s all metal and the inside of the roof and siding is sealed with closed cell spray foam, with open cell foam going on top of that. A heat pump and dehumidifier just made sense. I’m hoping we’ve done everything right and should have a reasonable electric bill when all is said and done, we’re avoiding gas completely.

m-s-c-s t1_j9d73e6 wrote on February 21, 2023 at 1:36 AM

Oh my god I'm so jealous of your sealing. My place was oil fired, and even though electricity rates have gone up, oil went up more. My switch to heat pumps already saved me money over the oil furnaces it replaced this winter. The local utilities are jacking electricity rates up, so my next move was easy. Solar panels and a battery system up next!

coinpile t1_j9d7qsx wrote on February 21, 2023 at 1:41 AM

I want to do solar panels and batteries too, our type of roof (standing seam metal) and the north/south alignment has been arranged with panels in mind. I just need the money to afford the setup, just the house itself is taking up quite a bit of cash!

m-s-c-s t1_j9dbeah wrote on February 21, 2023 at 2:10 AM

Yeah man! Gotta be careful that you don't strain yourself too far! I lucked out that the timing was good for me.

Eokokok t1_j9fz3j5 wrote on February 21, 2023 at 5:24 PM

Just one thing to keep in mind regarding standing seam systems - do not go for cheapest ones. Actually look for company that will come over and pick the mounting to fit the seam properly. 'Universal' clamps, especially cheap ones, can move under high wind load. Seen installations that needed to be removed completely since they slide down the roof plane...

coinpile t1_j9fzuhk wrote on February 21, 2023 at 5:29 PM

My uncle has a roofing company, they did the install. They do good work.

Eokokok t1_j9g0ate wrote on February 21, 2023 at 5:32 PM

Always good to have tested crew for every complex job done :)

series_hybrid t1_j9fuch0 wrote on February 21, 2023 at 4:54 PM

Start with the battery and inverter first. If there is a power outages, you will have power for the fridge and TV. I am fond of Nissan Leaf modules.

Then, plan out the purchase of a dual-fuel generator as a back up.

The last phase is adding the solar panels and charge controller...if you wait on the panels, you can get the newest type, with the best cloudy-day performance.

You can get a sunburn on a cloudy day, so some frequencies of energy are making it through...

Just a few thoughts and suggestions. Best of luck.