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Hello, I am currently off-grid with a 8.85kw solar array and an incapacitated SolarEdge Inverter. The contractor that did the installation back in 2019, not only put in an earlier model of the inverter, but assured me that it would work with a battery back up in the event of disconnection from the grid, which it does not. I found this out when Duke Energy disconnected me after raising their rates and somehow setting me up to be in their debt rather than they in mine (I over produce a lot). This, after returning from being months away taking care of my elderly mother after an operation. I am looking to take a more do it yourself route this time, with a new inverter and battery installation (I will buy the equipment after we consult on viability, price, etc.). This, with an electrician that would direct me in order to ensure all is done in the safest way possible. The system needs to be independent first and foremost, with an eventual possibility of reconnection to the grid, if needed or imposed. Thanks
Project ID: 40492002
10 proposals
Active 4 hours ago
Location: St. Petersburg, United States
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10 freelancers are bidding on average $933 USD for this job

Hi, Thank you for sharing the details of your solar power situation. I understand how frustrating it must be to invest in an off-grid system, only to find it doesn’t provide the independence you were promised—especially after such a challenging time caring for your family. I can help you redesign and install a robust battery backup system, ensuring your energy independence and future-proofing your setup for any eventual reconnection needs. With extensive experience in renewable energy design and hands-on electrical engineering, I’ve guided several homeowners from grid-reliant setups to fully off-grid, battery-backed solutions. For example, I recently worked with a client whose legacy inverter limited their battery options; together, we selected compatible hardware, safely integrated their new battery, and documented every step for code compliance. My approach always empowers clients to be involved in the process, prioritizing safety, clear communication, and long-term reliability. I am confident we can identify a suitable inverter and battery combination that matches your array’s capacity and your household needs. I’ll work closely with you and any local electrician you choose, providing detailed direction, schematics, and ongoing support to ensure everything is installed safely and efficiently. Deliverables: - Comprehensive assessment of your existing solar array, system components, and site requirements. - Consultation on best-fit inverter and battery hardware, tailored to your goals and budget. - Step-by-step installation guidance and professional system schematics for safe, code-compliant integration. - Support for future grid-reconnection options and documentation for utility/regulatory needs. I look forward to working with you. Best Regards, Grayson
$750 USD in 2 days
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Hi there, I'm a licensed professional engineer with over 20 years of experience in electrical engineering and renewable energy design. I understand you're looking to transition your 8.85kW off-grid solar system to true battery backup and independence, after issues with your previous inverter and utility connection. - Help you select the right inverter and battery system for off-grid use, based on your needs and future grid reconnect possibility - Advise on safe installation steps and code compliance, working alongside you and your chosen electrician - Review your existing system setup to identify any compatibility or upgrade requirements - Provide detailed wiring diagrams and clear instructions for each installation phase - Support you through testing and commissioning, making sure your setup works independently I've helped several homeowners upgrade or retrofit their solar arrays for reliable off-grid battery backup, including DIY-guided projects. Could you let me know the model of your current SolarEdge inverter, and whether you have any battery brand in mind? I look forward to working with you. Best Regards, Robert
$750 USD in 3 days
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Hello, Thank you for sharing the details of your off-grid solar project. I have 15+ years of experience in electrical engineering, renewable energy design, and hands-on electric repair. As a licensed professional engineer, I understand how critical it is for your solar and battery system to be independent, reliable, and safe, especially after your recent experience with the original installation and grid disconnection. I’ve helped homeowners and small facilities transition to robust off-grid setups before, including advising on equipment selection and guiding safe DIY involvement. > Assess your current solar array and electrical needs, then consult on the best inverter and battery choices for your goals and budget. > Provide a clear, step-by-step installation plan tailored for a do-it-yourself approach, ensuring everything is understandable and manageable. > Oversee and guide you remotely (or on-site if local), ensuring all wiring, connections, and safety protocols are followed during installation. > Document the system thoroughly and advise on future grid reconnection possibilities, so you stay flexible and prepared for any scenario. I recently worked with another client upgrading from a grid-tied to a fully off-grid solar-plus-battery system, and provided remote guidance throughout their installation. Could you share if you already have a preferred battery type or brand in mind, or are you open to recommendations? Please contact me. Best Regards, Carter
$750 USD in 3 days
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Hi, Thank you for sharing the details of your off-grid solar project. I completely understand the challenges of transitioning to a fully independent solar battery setup, especially after experiencing setbacks with previous contractors and equipment choice. Ensuring your system is reliable, safe, and truly self-sufficient is something I can help you achieve. I have extensive experience designing and implementing off-grid renewable energy systems, integrating modern inverters and battery solutions tailored to unique site requirements. For example, I recently consulted with a homeowner in a similar situation—upgrading their solar array after an inverter failure, guiding them through equipment selection, and providing detailed, step-by-step support during installation to ensure safety and compliance with local codes. I am confident I can help you select the right inverter and battery setup for your needs, and provide clear, practical guidance throughout the installation process. My approach combines technical expertise in microcontrollers and electrical systems with a hands-on, do-it-yourself spirit, ensuring you have both the knowledge and confidence to manage your system now and adapt it in the future, including potential grid reconnection. Here’s what I will deliver: - Thorough assessment of your existing solar setup and recommendations for compatible inverter and battery options. - Detailed system design and schematic tailored for off-grid operation, with future-proofing for grid reconnection. - Ongoing consultation and step-by-step remote guidance during installation, prioritizing safety and local code compliance. - Comprehensive documentation and user-friendly manuals to empower you to operate and maintain your system independently. I look forward to working with you and helping you achieve true energy independence. Best Regards, William
$750 USD in 2 days
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Dear Client, I have reviewed your off-grid solar situation and the issues with your current SolarEdge inverter setup. I can assist you in redesigning your system into a fully independent, safe, and reliable off-grid power solution, with the option for future grid interconnection if required. My approach would be to first evaluate your existing 8.85 kW array and determine what components can be reused versus replaced. From there, I will help you define a practical system architecture—typically involving an appropriate hybrid or off-grid inverter, battery storage sizing, charge management strategy, and critical load prioritization to ensure stable operation without utility dependency. I can also provide clear guidance for your electrician to ensure all installation work follows proper safety standards, grounding, protection, and code-compliant practices. The goal is to make the system fully self-sufficient first, while keeping future grid-tie capability technically feasible without major redesign. Once we review your usage patterns, location, and equipment budget, I can outline a recommended system configuration and implementation path. Best regards,
$1,500 USD in 4 days
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Hello, My name is Jacob Frank, Professional Engineer, with extensive experience in Electric Repair, Microcontroller, Electrical Engineering and Renewable Energy Design. I have successfully completed numerous projects involving engineering evaluations, plan updates, code compliance reviews, stamped drawings, and construction support, always focusing on accuracy, efficiency, and client satisfaction. I carefully review project requirements and existing documents to provide practical, high-quality solutions that meet applicable standards and project goals. My strong attention to detail, clear communication, and commitment to meeting deadlines allow me to deliver reliable results on schedule. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss your project and determine the best approach to ensure its successful completion. Thank you. Jacob Frank
$750 USD in 5 days
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Hi, I understand you need to replace your inverter and develop a reliable off grid solar system with battery backup that can operate independently while remaining safe and code compliant, with the option for future grid reconnection. I have strong experience in renewable energy system design, including inverter selection, battery integration, and off grid configurations with proper load management and safety considerations. I am a licensed electrical engineer in Florida and can guide you through equipment selection, system layout, wiring strategy, and installation best practices for a successful DIY approach. I will help ensure your system is efficient, scalable, and ready for inspection and long term performance. Best regards, William
$1,125 USD in 7 days
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Hi, I'm a solar energy system designer and electrician with extensive experience in off-grid systems, battery backup integration, and inverter replacement. I can help you select a new inverter (compatible with your 8.85kW array and battery backup) and design a safe, code-compliant off-grid system that operates independently, with future grid-tie option. I'll guide you through the DIY installation steps, equipment selection, and safety protocols. I'm ready to review your current panel specs and battery capacity needs. Best regards, Justin
$1,200 USD in 3 days
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I have experience with off-grid and hybrid solar energy systems, including inverter replacement projects, battery integration, system redesigns, and homeowner-assisted installations. I am familiar with the limitations of many early SolarEdge systems, particularly grid-tied configurations that cannot continue operating during utility outages without dedicated backup architecture and compatible energy storage equipment. For your project, I would begin with a complete review of the existing 8.85 kW array, optimizer configuration, inverter model, electrical service layout, and your historical production and consumption data. From there, I can evaluate whether the existing SolarEdge optimizers can be retained or whether a transition to a more flexible off-grid or hybrid platform would provide better long-term value. The goal would be to design a system that operates independently of Duke Energy while preserving the option for future grid interconnection if desired. Deliverables would include equipment recommendations, battery sizing analysis, inverter selection, wiring architecture, safety considerations, and a phased implementation plan that allows you to perform appropriate portions of the installation while maintaining code compliance and system reliability.
$1,000 USD in 7 days
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Hi, this is Hiro from Texas. I have experience with residential solar systems, battery storage integration, inverter replacement projects, and off-grid power system planning. Based on your description, the priority should be evaluating the existing 8.85 kW array, identifying the exact SolarEdge inverter and optimizer configuration currently installed, and determining whether the existing equipment can be partially reused or whether a complete migration to a true hybrid/off-grid architecture would provide the most reliable long-term solution. My approach would be to review your current system design, energy usage patterns, panel specifications, and utility interconnection status before recommending equipment. For an off-grid-first system, I would focus on a hybrid inverter and battery platform capable of operating independently of the utility while maintaining the option for future grid interconnection if desired. I can help evaluate equipment options, develop a safe installation strategy, review wiring and protection requirements, and provide guidance throughout the DIY portions of the project while ensuring that all electrical work follows applicable code and safety practices.
$750 USD in 7 days
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