My yearly power bill when I don't use the pool pump puts me on the boarder of solar being a cost effective. I'm thinking of just installing solar panels to power the pool pump.
The pool pump with a 1.5 HP AC motor. I'm thinking I would disconnect this from my mains and power it at 220 volt with solar panels and an inverter?
Correct me if I am wrong or feel free to offer suggestions.
A 1.5 HP more draws about 1.11 kw. Using 290 watt panels I would think I'm thiking I woudl need 4 or 5 panels.
5 Panels would give me max 1,450 watts. (The extra panel would give me a little extra wattage in the morning and late afternoon.)
I already have solar thermal panels so no need to power at night or cloudy/rainy days or have banks of batteries.
I'm thinking this would not be grid tied. This would be device solar or a solar system dedicated to the pool pump.
Should the panels be in parallel or series.
Roof is in full sun from 9-5 March - October.
I'm thinking it would not be cost effective to replace the AC motor with a DC one.
The motor is is dual voltage 120/240. I'm thinking it would make more sence to keep it at 240, whihch means I need an inverter rated for 240 volts and around 10 amps. (Over specing to cover starting current.)
Inverter - Not sure which way to go here. Micro-inverter on each pannel. Solar industry type inverter? Or an industrail type inverter like this one.
https://www.amazon.com/Holdwell-AC200-240V-Power-Inverter-1500W/dp/B06ZZ38SPY/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1523588525&sr=8-4&keywords=240+volt+1500+watt+inverterThen I'm thinking I need somethigng to protect the motor from under voltage/current. Maybe a contactor? Or some other type of protective circult?
I do not power the pool pump in the winter so could I'm thinkg maybe I would install a transfer switch to connect the solar panels to a solar inverter connected to the mains in the off months.
Or am I over thinking this?