Frequently Asked Questions
There are alot of questions about solar. Please read these completely before contacting us.
We are not going to discuss the benefits of solar. We assume you are in the purchasing stage.
Answer:
KTV Solar is a division of Keys Tropical Ventures set up to sell solar supplies. In order to get the best prices, we buy in bulk to pass the savings along to our clients. The excess inventory is available for sale here at KTV Solar, for the same discounted prices.
- We off the sale of top quality solar products, at below retail prices.
- Eveeything we sell is new, current inventory (used, demos or client trade in may be availabel from time to time).
- These are the same products used in high dollar installations.
- We do not provide installations or system design at KTV Solar.
- If you have questions, please read these FAQ, or research on the internet. If you have a question not answered here, we will do our best to help but please understand we are very time restricted.
What are the basic components of a KTV Solar system?
Answer:
Systems can vary, but a basic list of componants are:
- Solar panels, these collect energy from the sun.
- Solar Panel Disconnect Switch. This is a quick disconnect for power going from the solar panels to your system.
- Invertor. This converts the DC power from your solar panel into AC current. It also provides charging for your batteries.
- LiFePo4 Battery. Learn about these amazing batterieshereWe offer USEABLE sizes of 5KW and 10KW. Anything less than 5KW is considered unusable for home or emergency use. Small units are lighter and suitable for camping.
- Fuse box for power distribution.
- Also, All in One units provide compact All in One solutions without seperate components and are mobile.
Answer:
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How many KW do I need?
Answer:
Understanding power and storage:
Power Use Estimates
| Air Conditioner Capacity | Amperage (Estimate) | AC Type: |
|---|---|---|
| How many amps does a 5,000 BTU air conditioner use? | 3.62 – 5.43 Amps | Window AC |
| How many amps does a 6,000 BTU air conditioner use? | 4.35 – 6.52 Amps | Window AC |
| How many amps does an 8,000 BTU air conditioner use? | 5.80 – 8.70 Amps | Window AC, Portable AC |
| How many amps does a 10,000 BTU air conditioner use? | 7.25 – 10.87 Amps | Window AC, Portable AC |
| How many amps does a 12,000 BTU air conditioner use? | 8.70 – 13.04 Amps | Window AC, Portable AC, Mini-Split Air Conditioner |
| How many amps does a 15,000 BTU air conditioner use? | 10.87 – 16.30 Amps | Window AC, Portable AC |
| How many amps does an 18,000 BTU air conditioner use? | 13.04 – 19.57 Amps | Window AC, Portable AC, Mini-Split AC |
Other household appliances
| Appliance | Amps Used |
|---|---|
| Ceiling fan | Between 0.5 to 1 amp |
| Central AC | Between 15 to 60 amps |
| Dehumidifier | Between 5.8 to 6.8 amps |
| Electric heater | 12.5 amps |
| Electric water heater | 18.8 amps |
| Tankless water heater | Between 42-167 amps |
| Furnace fan blower | 15 to 20 amps |
| Garage door opener | Four amps |
| Heat pump | 9 to 13 amps |
| Humidifier | 7.5 amps |
| Common light bulb | 0.54 to 0.9 amps |
| LED light bulb | 0.3 amps |
| Space heater | 12.5 amps |
| Sump pump (1/2HP) | 7.8 amps |
| Sump pump (1/3HP) | 3.7 amps |
| Tube light | 0.2 amps |
| Well water pump | 13 amps |
| Window air conditioner | Between 3.8 to 20 amps |
| Vacuum cleaner | 9.0 amps |
Storage
- One KW is 1000 Watts.
- To figure watts use this formula:
Volts (110 or 220) x Amps (marked on any
appliance) = Watts
Example: If you have a window AC drawing 5 amps - 110 x 5 = 550 Watts. A 10KW Powerwall will run this AC for 18.18 hours without solar input or recharging.
Note: Many factors can raise and lower these numbers including inproperly rated units (age, falts), appliance effeciency, battery age, etc. - Solar panels needed to run this AC unit 24/7 would have to be about 2200 Watts. Why? You have to assume in the Keys you will only produce energy for about 6 hours a day while you are using energy for 24 hours. 550 Watts (use) x 24 hours = 13200 Watts (use) divided by 6 hours of power production = 2200 Watts (Round up to 2500 or 3000 for cloudy days to insure uninterupted power.
- So for this power need you would need one 10KW battery and eight 375 Watt panels. You now have free energy 24/7.
- OPTIONAL: If you only need power in energencies there is an easier way. You can have a 10KW battery and invertor, or an All in One system and charge by generator. A 5000 Watt generator will recharge a 5KW battery in about one hour. Better yet run for 30-40 minutes in the morning and the evening and you will have energy 24/7, using very little fuel. This way you do not need to install solar panels.
- Also, All in One units provide compact all in one solutions without seperate components.
Answer:
Vestibulum fermentum nisi nec velit fringilla, sed eleifend massa accumsan. Mauris at pretium sem. Morbi id vestibulum tellus. Suspendisse nulla nunc, condimentum ut massa et, fermentum sollicitudin justo. Fusce sagittis non nisl et faucibus. Morbi vel condimentum lacus. Quisque gravida sit amet felis eu aliquet.
- Vestibulum fermentum nisi nec velit fringilla,
- Nsed eleifend massa accumsan.
- Mauris at pretium sem. Morbi id vestibulum tellus.
- Suspendisse nulla nunc, condimentum ut massa et,
- Fermentum sollicitudin justo