[Mad Trapper]

I've been looking at getting a setup.

Local CL has used panels : Trina 245 watt solar panel.
60 cell unit produces 33 volts DC average. Used condition without inverter. 12 panels available. Voltage production is based on available sun light.

Is this a good deal? I thought these, a couple golf cart batteries, and a controler/inverter would give me a good start at solar.

 

[Mad Trapper]

Depends on the price. Compare the panels to the price of new. 12 of these panels is alot! If the price is right, I'd jump on it. If you are going to go with a system this big, go 24 volts DC, not 12 volts.

I wasn't planning on all 12 panels. They are only $60 each. Maybe 2-4 to get started.

They are for 24V, output is 33V full sun. That's why I considered golf cart batteries. 12V bat bank would have to wires in series.

If I don't do this, I'm looking at 3kW military diesel genset (Yanmar diesel). They do 120/240V and should handle a surge for wellpump if that's only load. They also have fuel pump so could run off my 275-gal heating oil tank.

 

[Mad Trapper]

If you are planning on 4 panels, buy at least 6 and maybe 8. You will be upgrading later on and you can't beat the price. And as far as the genny, buy it too. I have a solar set up AND a 3 kw army generator. If you have an oil furnace you already a big diesel fuel tank to feed the genny.

BTW, I started with 400 watts of panels and I am now up to 1000 (soon to be 1200)

I can't swing a genny and solar right now. Might get some panels and finish the setup later. I think the genny would be better for immediate future (if my oil tank is full), as I have wood heat.