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Homeowner weighs spending $2,000-$5,000 on solar to power a single dehumidifier

Fortunately, future expansion is part of the homeowner's plan.

A blue portable dehumidifier on wheels in a modern indoor setting.

Photo Credit: iStock

A homeowner hoping to power a commercial dehumidifier with solar is finding that even a single appliance can use a lot of electricity. One commenter calculated that running the unit nonstop could consume approximately 18.2 kilowatt-hours a day.

Here's what to know

The homeowner posted in Reddit's r/solarDIY community that the first appliance they plan to power with their 48-volt solar system is a Vevor 156-pint commercial dehumidifier.

The homeowner wanted to weigh buying components separately against purchasing an Amazon kit in the $2,000-$5,000 range. A commenter estimated the appliance's power draw at 759 watts, making operating time an important factor in choosing a system.

Going solar is one of the best ways to save money on home energy, and solar leases in particular can deliver hundreds of dollars in monthly savings without any upfront costs. Homeowners can use EasyHome's free explorer tool to see their potential savings from vetted installers in their area.

More background

Future expansion is part of the homeowner's plan, beyond the system's initial job of powering the dehumidifier. For around $1,500, an Eco-Worthy home-backup package offered a 5.12-kilowatt-hour battery configuration. A commenter linked to that package as an option.

"Not a bad kit for around $1500, and you can expand it later as needed with additional batteries and inverters," the commenter wrote.

For homeowners exploring a broader home-energy setup, EasyHome can also help them explore backup battery storage options. Pairing solar with a battery allows homeowners to maximize savings and power their home with solar when the grid goes down.

Where can I learn more?

Homeowners tackling similar solar projects have had to balance appliance demand with panel output and battery capacity. Their plans range from running dehumidifiers and air conditioners to keeping a system powered around the clock.

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