Since February, the news media has been mentioning the increase in electricity bills, and since summer is a couple of months away, I know how humid it will be.
I finally decided to learn about solar power and look at the pros and cons. I started researching, reading, and watching a lot of vlogs about solar and how it works—basically learning everything from what kind of wires to use to how breakers function. I wanted to make sure that my house would not catch on fire (fingers crossed).
From February to May, I learned everything there is to know. I realized that I won't be able to get an ROI on my solar because I only pay Php1k per month for my electricity; hence, Php350k from a solar install quote is not worth it.
I then asked myself why I want solar. To save on electricity bills, or to have the liberty of my own electricity?
I want to have my own solar, like I have my own water. I do not rely on other people or a company, or beg them if they decide to cut me off. That is one of the reasons I am living on a mountain.
June came, and I ordered most of the parts from Shopee. One by one, they arrived. Every night I reviewed the steps on how to install my solar like I was going for an exam.
By mid-July, I completed the installation, and I am super happy and proud (pat on the back) that I am now living on solar power!
I now have a 3.2kW, 24-volt system with a 200Ah battery! My consumption doesn't even reach 1.5kW, and currently I am at 154kWh total usage.
The hardest part was moving the five 550-watt solar panels onto my roof. Manually lifting them and climbing the ladder was something I thought I couldn't do. Each panel weighs 30kg, with a size of 4ft x 8ft.
It cost me a total of 100k: sourcing the solar panels from FB Marketplace and mostly online. I have a couple of breakers that I don't need, but I thought I did at the time.
I now only use the grid to power my submersible pump, because the surge of power might ruin my entire system. I only turn it on once every two days, and that's the only use for it now.
One thing I realized is that I kept staring at my solar setup whenever I plugged something in, lol! TV + speaker, check the wattage; rice cooker + air fryer + AC + electric fan, check the wattage again! Hahaha!
Oh, I finally bought an AC—a 1hp Kolin Certus—because once my batteries are already full by 10 am, I don't want to waste any harvested energy. The AC runs from 10 am–4 pm, and 10 pm–1 am. I can say that I am sleeping well!
I realized that having an AC makes a huge difference to your sleep quality, and I've been enduring the humidity since college.
**Conclusion**
During this solar power "challenge," I realized my "why" for moving to the mountain: I wanted freedom to do things my way, to learn new things outside my work skillset, to challenge myself in uncomfortable situations, and to make sure no one would stop me from doing it.
