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
And extremely quiet which is a main reason to be offgrid ! 😉
Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
"we go where powerlines don't"
[4]https://offgridsolar1.com/ [5] [4]
e-mail [email protected]
text 209 813 0060
On 2025-03-13 1:58 pm, Jason Szumlanski via RE-wrenches 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
<[email protected]> 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.
[email protected]
PureEnergySolar.com [1]
SolarChargingStation.com [2]
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 [3] <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2025 4:09 PM
To: RE-wrenches <[email protected]>
Cc: Wayne Irwin <[email protected]>
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 <[email protected]> on behalf
of Wayne Irwin via RE-wrenches <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2025 12:02 PM
To: RE-wrenches <[email protected]>
Cc: Wayne Irwin <[email protected]>
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.
[email protected]
PureEnergySolar.com [1]
SolarChargingStation.com [2]
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 <[email protected]> on behalf
of Michael Morningstar via RE-wrenches
<[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2025 11:05 AM
To: RE-wrenches <[email protected]>
Cc: Michael Morningstar <[email protected]>
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
<[email protected]> 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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