Відео

@@txflyerken173 Hi Ken, I’m using six Lifepower4 (5.12kWh) batteries and 12 405w SEG bifacial panels at the moment. I will say that more panels are needed to get through the hot TX summer days. I’m presently working on installing another 12 panels ground mount and 12-14 more on the roof of the carport I just built. Running two EG4 6000xps, the ideal scenario would be four PV arrays at 4500w +/- each (each string under 480VDC). If you plan to sell power back to the grid, you’ll want to go with a hybrid inverter like the EG4 12k or the 18k. I don’t want to be tied to the grid so I went with (2) 6000xp inverters. This should provide 12,000 watts of AC power to my house (50A), with 24,000w surge, and allow up to 20kW (16kW usable) of PV. You can tie the grid to the 6000xp to use as a bypass when extra power is needed, but I haven’t done that as I want try to take us 100% off grid. If you have questions let me know and if you’re purchasing new equipment please use my $50 off discount code! Thanks! 👍🤩⚡️☀️🔋

@@terrahillfarm Thanks for your reply, Wow it cost some money to really get setup but im sure in the long run it will payoff! I trying to slowly build my solar system by paying cash, so when im done it will be a fully worth it!

@@txflyerken173 We live in the country and our grid goes down frequently. When we moved out here we knew we had to have reliable back up with either a whole house generator or solar. The solar costs a little more but it pays for itself over several years. A generator won’t pay for itself and takes expensive fuel to make power, so it was a no brainer. Watch my DIY solar backup video. I started out with a battery, some used panels and a $700 inverter. It’s a great way to start out and you can continually add to the system as you grow. ua-cam.com/video/0H7BIy4eLx8/v-deo.htmlsi=vuoPJtlX-dECg33R

@@jasonhorner7243Thanks for the feedback! 👍 Before installing a transfer switch of any kind, I’d suggest you consult a master electrician, because I am not one.⚡️However, shutting off the main breaker is not required with a properly installed Manual Transfer Switch. The manual that comes with the Reliance MTS actually instructs you to leave it on. images.thdstatic.com/catalog/pdfImages/33/33c57fd7-da79-4d14-8324-35a21cb4f83e.pdfqq This is because a MTS isolates the grid for the circuits powered externally and all power in hots is going directly into your house wiring circuits, not into your panel. If this were true, you could not power circuits in your house, with a generator, and power circuits from the grid simultaneously, which you can do with a properly installed, multi-circuit manual transfer switch. (I’ve done this with solar powering some circuits and grid powering others). You can turn off the main if you like, however, a properly installed MTS cannot back feed the grid and this is why they’re specifically recommended by power companies for back up power solutions. There’s another discussion one could have about the possibility of back-feeding neutrals in GFCI/AFCI circuits, but shutting off the main breaker wouldn’t help you any there and that’s beyond this discussion. I would suggest just avoiding wiring GFCI & AFCI circuits with an MTS altogether, if you can. Thanks! 😀

@@SignatureSolarEthan Thanks! This one functioned flawlessly for me right out of the box. I really hope we see more LiFePO4 technology being incorporated into more products. I’ve got a garage full of spent lead acid batteries 🪫

@@kibaamadeus9511 I love it! 😂. My wife caught me looking at LifePO4 batteries on sale the other day. That’s how it starts… just 1 then 2, then, “well now they need their own little cabinet and 4 more friends,”. 🤦‍♂️

@@Mandatorytexas8 Thanks! Why do solar panels cost so much $ to install? There’s no cheap option that won’t blow away in a gale. 🤣🤦‍♂️

🤣😂 that’s funny! Thanks! I’ve been so backed up with projects around here I haven’t uploaded nearly enough of the videos. Cool stuff coming soon! 👍

Thanks for the heads up on the web link. It's working now. 😎

@@OP-fd4lh Thank you for the great feedback! 👍 I’m slow but eventually I figure it out and want to share with others to help them save time and effort. I have saved years of fruitless effort by watching the videos others have shared showing how to do all sorts of things. It’s the benefit of the sharing economy and I’m just trying to do my little part. We’ve really enjoyed taking our home off the grid with DIY solar and it’s even nicer watching the monthly electric bill shrink down to the price of a pizza! 🍕

@@donaldhoudek2889 Thanks! Yes our two ton Central heat pump will start without one but a soft start does really cut down those lock rotor amp spikes. Yes, Remmie is a CKCS. He’s 5 yo and has been a wonderful family member who loves living in the country where there’s lots of critters to chase! We’re looking for a 2nd blenheim now. Not a low maintenance dog by any means, but tons of personality and loyalty towards family. First small dog we’ve ever owned but probably my favorite of all time! 👍☀️⚡️🤩🔋 🐶

@@terrahillfarm Lol, all our CKCS family members were Blenheim except for a Tri-Color. We were lucky with them as we purchased them from a breeder located in Tallahassee, Fl area that bred them for strong hearts.

@@Mandatorytexas8 Thanks! That is the hope! I haven’t run panels in any other than south facing direction so it will be interesting to see what I lose and gain going SE. Ideally, South gives you the most power for the entire day, but if you run on batteries you really need a morning boost in the charging after running 16 hours straight overnight without sun. We’ll keep experimenting here until we get it right! 👍⚡️☀️🔋🌞⭐️

@@joshm3342 honestly, I tried every combination of USB/RJ45 I could and only the FTDI worked. Now I will note that I was using an orange Pi and the Raspberry May work differently. The 3000 EHV is a great inverter but comms are a pain. IMO It’s worth the $18 to have all the data the SA gives you. Hope you get it ironed out!👍☀️⚡️⭐️🌞

@@jeanrevolus5571 Now that is funny! 😁🤣😂

@@pamelafontan963 I’m glad it was helpful! This is a really simple system to build! If buying the EG4 Lifepower4 battery, make sure you get the new version (V2). It will allow you to expand your system more easily and it’s only $50 more. Also remember this will only power 120v loads. If you have to power 240v loads you can add a second 3000 watt inverter, but if you need that, I’d recommend just starting out with the 6000xp since it does both 120/240v. For powering your home, I’d recommend you install a manual 6 or 10 circuit transfer switch. That’s what I did and it is simple to switch over to battery/solar power when needed. Don’t forget to use my $50 off code when checking out! 2steps50off 👍☀️⚡️🤩🌞⭐️

@@mrtraumaboyy4098 Thank you Sir for subscribing! It means a lot and inspires me to work to make continually better video content. I’ve learned so much from my subscriber’s comments and I just want to share as much as I can about what we’re doing out here in the woods. DIY solar keeps getting better and cheaper and anyone can build a better system than mine today for less money. 💵👍⚡️☀️

@@terrahillfarm these EG4s are definitely a game changer

@@trustbuster23 Thank you for these great points. 👍 I calculated if I caught it all on sale I could buy everything needed for around $750. If you can spend more for a quality inverter generator and power station, it’s a very good investment. I tested that little 700wh Bluetti and it ran a full size French door refrigerator for almost 6 hours off one charge. If you run one heavy duty (10/3) extension cord from generator to the AC and a regular extension cord to charge the power station, you can run your appliances directly off the power station and get surge protection and pure sine wave power. This will help protect sensitive electronics. There’s just no reason to suffer in a power outage if you prepare ahead of time. We need to continue to help educate folks so they can safely ride out these events because there will be more coming. 🤩☀️⚡️🌞🔋

@@CruzEazzy Thanks! That is great to hear. Knowing how hot Hurricane season is in Houston, I’m surprised more people weren’t ready for something like this. It’s one thing for an adult but young kids and seniors can’t handle that environment for much more than 24 hrs. 👍⚡️🤩🔋☀️

@@pasheatsi Fantastic! I was able to convert one of my Honda 2000 watt generators to dual fuel with a kit from this company: uscarb.com/. That might be an option for you. You’ll love the transfer switch, it’s a game changer. I’ve used mine to run the house off my generator and my solar back up. No more extension cords through windows! Where I live the heat is much more dangerous than the cold but few prepare to be without AC. It’s really not that difficult but it’s just not natural for most folks to plan ahead. I think power outages will become more common than less common over the coming years. 👍⚡️☀️🔋🤩

@@theconchonetwork498 Thank you for your feedback! it’s an off grid inverter that requires a minimum of 200Ah of 48v batteries to run. It always runs off the batteries and the solar panels charge the batteries when the sun is out. In this video it is running off (6) 100Ah 48v server rack batteries and they’re being charged by (12) 405w bifacial PV panels. I’ve done some in depth videos on each of these other components in my other videos on my UA-cam channel. This video was a test to see if it would power my 2 AC units. Surprisingly, it did and it still does now. 👍⚡️☀️🔋🤩

Now the question is how long if in summer and after dusk!?

@@freshguy601 I’m running full time off solar except for the 5 hours of strong sunshine. I have to flip back to grid and let the batteries charge back up. That’s entirely on me, and only because I still haven’t installed the other 18 panels I purchased. I’ve got the mounts sitting out there ready to go but it’s been close to 100 degrees every day, so if it’ll cool off just a tad, I’ll get more solar coming in and can say good bye to the grid back up. I wouldn’t try to run more than a 24000 btu central air unit without a soft starter. Mini splits are no problem, but that start up spike with a traditional 3-5 ton AC unit can hit 80 to over 100 amps. With two 6000xp inverters it be easier. 👍⚡️☀️🌞

@@terrahillfarm, I am waiting for winter myself and going to install 30, 320W Q.Peak panels myself.

@@freshguy601 That is actually a good move if you’re using an adjustable mounting system. When you set up your panels for maximum winter gain you’re certain to have great summer gain by just tilting the panels upward in summer. If you set them up in summer, your winter gain may not be as good. Use the Sun Seeker App to see where the arc of the sun is at all four seasons and you will be certain to have peak sun. Also find your solar South (not magnetic). Good luck! 👍☀️⚡️🔋😎

@@satishsharma1008 Thank you! 👍 transfer switches are such a great tool to pair up with a portable generator. I Just wish more people in Houston would have had them along with a window unit air conditioner and they could have easily rode out the week long power outage from Hurricane Beryl. 🤩☀️⚡️🔋🌞

@@daddio7249 THANK YOU! 🤩 For subscribing! It is a big deal for a little channel like mine. We are definitely running similar solar gear. Yes, we have super sandy soil here. In fact, there’s a sand mine down the street that sells to golf courses! Not too worried about hurricanes this far from the gulf, but these tornados pop up around here every year and take out a few structures. Not much you can do to secure panels in a direct hit, but I’ve upped my game and bought extra ground anchors. Today we started building a solar carport 🚘, will be shooting some videos of that soon so stay tuned! ☀️🌞⚡️🔋👍

@@colormaker5070 Thank You! I wonder sometimes if people are aren’t more interested in the topic, or if it’s just UA-cam not pushing it! 😂🤣

@@beholder4465 Thanks, I hate to say it but I think you are right. Most don’t think about emergencies until after it’s an emergency 🚨

@@keithjansen1734 Thank you! It’s easy to get confused with all the videos on solar generators. It’s not hard to find a good one for $300-$500 and it can be the difference between comfort and struggle through a power loss. Understanding just a few points will allow anyone to find the right power station to fit their needs. Electric blankets are a great survival hack and everyone should own a couple just in case! There are so many people out there unprepared for even mild events. It’s great you were able to help your neighbor. That’s what this is all about! 👍😁☀️🔋⚡️

@@HurricaneWindPower That’s a great point. I think the ones with larger LifePo4 batteries, that are priced around $1000 or less, are a great value. But as you can see in my “Cheapo Flow 3000” video, you can put together a better home back up system than most of these for just $2,000. Im not knocking someone who is willing to pay more for the convenience, but there are lots of options! 🤩⚡️☀️👍🔋🌞

@@Hollywood4Fun Thanks! 👍. I use 6 LifePo4 server rack batteries that are 5.12 kWh each and they run my entire 3B/2BA house. I don’t know where you can find 30.72 kWh of battery storage any cheaper in price, without building it yourself. Here’s the link: signaturesolar.com/eg4-lifepower4-lithium-batteries-kit-30-72kwh-6-server-rack-batteries-pre-assembled-enclosed-rack-with-door-wheels-busbar-covers/?ref=pevqtazt

@@user-zg2hg4cu5b Thanks! 🤩. Prior to 6/1/24 solar panel tariffs were 25% on imported panels (bifacials were excluded). After 6/1/24 the tarriffs for ALL are 50% (100% increase in tariff). Lithium solar batteries presently have a 7.5% tariff. In 2026 those rise to 25% (233% increase in the tarriff). Received emails from several sellers suggesting prices will go up on all panels in 1-2 weeks. Am already seeing some models higher as old stocks are depleted. Tarriff Source: www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/05/16/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-takes-action-to-strengthen-american-solar-manufacturing-and-protect-manufacturers-and-workers-from-chinas-unfair-trade-practices/

@@terrahillfarm This is what I was looking for. Thanks, I had no idea about this. But just a heads up, Ive been in the market to buy some panels, having them imported from China. Trina Bifacial 445w panels come to $0.29 a watt landed. Idk if thats a pre or post terrif increase price, but I feel the price is very fair

@@user-zg2hg4cu5b Thanks! I don’t have a lot of experience ordering from China but I know there are two ways to ship. With one the sender is responsible for any duties or tariffs and the other the receiver is responsible. Might just double check that so they don’t surprise you when they call from customs and ask for another $500. Let us know how the panels work out for you! If supplies increase the tariffs won’t impact prices so much but if not, well, they could add $1,000 in extra cost to a nice pallet. 🤦‍♂️🔋☀️👍⚡️

@@terrahillfarm The company I have been in contact with has a warehouse in California. Duties are paid by them, first imported to their warehouse and then shipped from warehouse to home. If you are interested in going down that route, make sure to tell the supplier you are looking for DDP shipping (delivered duties paid) . That is the final cost to your door with no surprise fee. However most companies located in China can not, or will not ship due to the U.S. "anti-dumping" law

@@user-zg2hg4cu5b Thank you! That is fantastic information and I look forward to hearing how the whole experience goes for you. I know many people who’ve ordered inverters and some easier to ship items, but none ordered panels. I’m considering a battery 🔋 build so I may be doing the same thing soon. ⚡️☀️🌞

Also banning Chinese EV sales in the states 😂 it's amazing how far we go to preserve what we have.

@@Goandgetit00 Thats Fantastic! Think how much money you’ve saved without an electric bill! 💰 I’m a proponent of learning to live of grid, even if you have grid power today. Confidence in the grid is waning so we need to help folks learn to live comfortably without it when it goes down for extended periods. Thanks for your feedback! 👍⚡️🤩☀️🔋

@@SignatureSolarEthan Thanks! I had to consult our research department to figure that one out and it surprised me too! 🤣

My personal opinion over negative speculation also drives stagnation of over stocked inventory thats not moving fueling futher reduction of profits J.S.

@@dons5105 Thanks for the feedback! I don’t want to contribute to over negative speculation, I just want to pose these questions for consideration. Panel inventories are low right now based on the inventory lists from the wholesalers and warehouse sellers I follow. Will bifacial panels maintain similar pricing to single sided panels having never had tariffs applied? Will the decline in residential solar panel demand lead to less production of those smaller panel sizes and more production of larger commercial sized panels for solar farms which are still booming? Why are solar panels in Europe a third to half of the cost cheaper than in the US, tariffs? I think these are relevant questions. Personally, I don’t think tariffs work well as there are too many ways to around them. If you want to encourage more US panel production, encourage more competition as that historically has created innovation. If you have a big solar project coming up soon, I think you have to weigh all these factors yourself and accept that a new 25% tariff has the possibility of increasing the cost of a typical pallet of bifacial panels by $800-$1000. That’s not much in the total cost of project, it’s just the math. 👍⚡️☀️🔋🤩

@@t.d.harris1311 Thanks! Nobody knows the future but if I was thinking I wanted solar panels in 2024-2025 and came across a great deal, I’d probably jump on it. I may buy another pallet of bifacial panels myself. I think they’ll go up the most in price. It’s always easy to sell extra, new, single panels locally on FB & CL! 👍⚡️☀️🤩🎯

@@justman777texas2Thanks! It would be easier on everyone else if folks took a little more responsibility for their own family’s safety and security, but I’m afraid it’ll take a few more disasters before it ever sinks in. I do believe generator sales will get a boost through the year end, in Texas at least. I appreciate you watching the video and giving feedback 👍. It makes a big difference for a little channel like mine! 🤩⚡️🔋☀️🎯

@@ThunderandLightningEvPickup Thank You! I hope it helps people plan better, and there have been some great ideas from of others in the comments section. 👍⚡️☀️🔋🤩

@@paull1033 Thanks, yeah you do have to spend some money to be prepared. But I would say replacing all the items in my fridge and freezer is going to cost me a few hundred bucks, so it might actually save some money in the long run. Here’s a cost breakdown: AC $129, inverter generator $343 on Amazon, power station as low as $179. With tax it comes to about $700 for the lowest priced options. For me it comes down to how much is it worth to not spend a week in a 90 degree house without power? Answer for me is whatever it takes! ⚡️🤩🔋☀️

@@viaexcellence if you have natural gas you are fortunate! I added a gas kit to one of my Honda generators so I can run off propane. Unfortunately, my propane supply is not unlimited. I think a lot of folks forget to stock up on engine oil for extended running time, so that’s a great point! I really like the idea of keeping a battery power station charged so you have some power when the generator is off. There are many affordable options and I’m just wrapping up a video talking about what to look for in a power station. I’ve also got some tips on how to save money and discounts for purchasing one, so check it out. Thank you for the feedback! It helps others better prepare for the worst! 👍☀️⚡️🌞

@@TimotheFillionBrunet Yes, you can do that with most inverters, the trick is to make sure you account for the max amps coming in from the grid and from the solar so you don’t overload the inverter. So far I’ve chosen to switch back and forth from grid to solar instead of passing through. I have a bigger system now and am designing it to run the house off solar and battery back up 100%. Check out some of my newer videos to see how the system has grown from the little back up power station! 👍⚡️☀️👍🌞

@@magooracing That is so great to hear! 👍 You are the example I’m trying to convince others to follow. Definitely “Act” like a Prepper in advance of any serious storms or threat to power supplies. I’m not a very good Prepper, but I’m old and I’m cranky without AC and a cold drink, so I’m lazy and don’t want to run around in a panic standing in line with 5,000 other folks at Walmart, who won’t think ahead. That really motivates me to be ready for anything! 👀 If you haven’t already, please help me out by subscribing to my channel! I’m trying to hit 1000 subscribers this month so UA-cam will take me seriously and promote my videos. The channel gets tons of great input from folks like you that understand planning ahead, so you’d be a great part of this community! 👍⚡️☀️🤩🌞⭐️

Most modern vehicles have a screen in the fuel neck that keeps people from steeling your gas. There’s other ways to retrieve your gas, but not easy. Just something to think about.

@@donbrloks3959 Thank you! You are correct, newer vehicles make it really difficult to siphon Gas or fill from a gas can. Best not to rely on that gas for a generator! 🫣

@@yosquidd242 Totally agree, in fact it makes me literally sick to see on the news how some older folks perished in Houston because the power went out for 1 stinking week! We’ve got 3 family members over 80 and I understand it is challenging to keep seniors safe. This is a lot of what motivates me to invest significant time and energy in creating entertaining, but educational videos. I’ve been living like his since 1998 and I’ve comfortably made it through some very long term situations with limited resources. 👍 You can help my channel get seen by more people and maybe prevent some future suffering simply by subscribing to my channel if you haven’t already. I’ve got to get past 1000 subscribers before UA-cam will take my channel seriously and we are so dang close! It’s a great community of subscribers and I learn more from their comments than I could ever teach! So Thank You for watching!! 🙏☀️⚡️🤩

@@tonioyendis4464 I 💯 think that is a smart move! There were a number of folks in Houston whose whole home Genrac stand-by generators failed to start during the power outage. Turns out, most were from them not having them maintained regularly. So if you’re not on a maintenance plan, I’d sign up. I’m going to be giving some family members portable solar power stations for Christmas. 🎄

@@miken7629 That is too funny 😂. If I had a finance channel on UA-cam and made stock recommendations, you could make a fast $1 million bucks shorting everything I recommended! 💰. I do think it’s a smart move getting out of any gulf coast power provider. Property insurance rates south of IH-10 are going through the roof (bad pun..). I enjoy making relevant videos but UA-cam won’t promote them much until I exceed 1,000 subscribers. It’s my goal this month and I’m really close to the goal! If you haven’t yet subscribed, it’d be greatly appreciated if you did! 👍. If I get too boring or preachy, you can always unsubscribe in September! 🤣🤩☀️⚡️✌️