I have multiple systems on my property, 1 panel with converter on my trailer for DC lights and water pump, 2 100 watt Renogys with 2 100 amp hr batteries and 1,000 watt inverter on my shop with fuse block for lights, most recent ran to my trailer is 800 watts of renogy panels, 2 200 amp hr batteries, with 3,000 watt inverter, living off grid with a horse and multiple projects you find the basic needs of minimalizing including rain water collection, its very self sustaining peacefulness many will never understand, I left Phoenix living for it, no rent/mortgage, no debt, $12 a year for prop. taxes, completely changed MyLife
I am rebuilding an old mobile home on my property. I bought 2 power stations, Bluetti AC200 Max's. $1,900 for both of them. I have plenty of power for lights, cooking, and to charge up the batteries for my power tools. I use a USB fan at night when I sleep and it only drains the box 5% in 8 hours. You just plug your solar panels into them. Charge controller, inverter and everything else is included inside them. When I'm finished working on the place for the weekend. I pack it back up in my truck. 👍🏾
How long they last? Thats what im worried about. If the batteries die in 5 years you got to drop another 2 grand. My light bill with ac is only 100 a month with central heat and ac keep it around 82 and fan running.
@@nickxcaliber7991 I paid less than your yearly electric bill for each of them. I bought 2 of them because they were so cheap. You get 3500 life cycles if drain them from 100% to 0 % battery drain every day. They have a LifePO4 battery inside them. That's almost 10 years of use. But nobody drains them down to 0%. So I'm estimating they will last over 20 years with normal use. Once those initial 3500 life cycles are used, that will have the battery at 80% of its remaining life left. So you would then be at 80% to 0% battery drain every day. Plus if you need power to go camping or to do some work in a remote area. Where are you going to get power that from ?. What power would you have if and when a power pole transformer goes out. Or the power company loses power during an outage ?.
@@nickxcaliber7991 LFP batterys tend to last 5/10 years worth of pretty consistent use. I would love to see someone show how to tear these power stations down so as to salvage the charge controller and inverter
Really appreciate you sharing your experience, I went with a 48v system with 10kwh of lithium phosphate, built my own ground mounts, picked up 10 used 365 watt panels from SanTan although I only use 6 of them for now, spent 5k dollars for everything including the wood, hardware, and wires...its been up and running now for 7mths and really happy with the results like you are. If you are a get er done kinda person.....solar is very doable...
@@DongusKong They delivered it drop shipped right to my driveway, Shipper was patient while I quickly went through the panels looking for any damage, was none, and all 10 panels worked within specs. Overall was a great experience, best of luck
I 100% pay attention to the electrical usage requirements of pretty much everything now. I have tons of USB powered devices as well. I have 10 panels facing south, and 4 panels facing east with separate controllers. Capturing the early morning sun carries me through until the south facing panels start getting good sun. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Nice to hear.....I was curious about those who do the east and west facing arrays. My pole barn has kind of a weird angle to it and am interested in experimenting with something like you have
I put 200w panels East and 200w panels facing West.... i did this due to the tree shade when facing south, I get the most sun for this spot in the AM sunrise and sunset in the PM
Great video! Solar panels should be on every house in America, in one form or another. Every little bit helps. I started with a small FFPower 505 power station and now I have several AC200P Bluettis and they have cut my electric bill down to $35 a month. They power my TV, Firestick, refrigerator, computers, fans, induction cooktop, coffee maker, pressure cooker and air fryer.You guys are doing great! Stay safe and God Bless!
I have built a couple of small setups for barns, but, as you said, those SoGens are getting to be a great deal. I bought a Bluetti AC200MAX 2 years ago to run 2 deep freezers in the tackroom. I think I paid $1,800 or so. Those are now about $1100. I have 2 300+ watt panels run to and it has NEVER run down completely. I live in GA, so when it's hot, the sun is shining, and when it's cool and cloudy, the freezers don't run as much. I don't recommend that unit anymore because of the slow AC charging rate and loud fans, but it works. I paid $349 for a cheap lifepo4 battery on Amazon 2 years ago. Today, that same battery is $159. As EV car sales projections have plummeted, the price of all the lifepo4 battery items have dropped like a rock. With your battery setup, you could have double the available power for pretty much the same price today. I can run a 5k but window AC for about 3.5 hours with the AC200MAX if I don't hook up any solar. I haven't done a real-world test to see if I can run it all day with solar hookups, but it might do it. We have 13 acres of pasture running north-south, so sunshine is plentiful for me year-round. I really like the portability of the SoGens. I can have enough power to run a hammer drill, chopsaw, or air compressor way back in the woods. Good video showing how simply this can be done.
energy independence is the future, i only have a 450w solar panel for now, and 3 kwh of batteries, but i can already survive power outtages for a long time. even if blackouts are rare it doesn't hurt to be prepared
I recently saw a video where the solar system alone, without installation, was $48,000. That's lottery money right there. Those videos are interesting to watch, just to see the technology. I'll never have a system like that, though. It's like the Barrett-Jackson auction. I like seeing the cars, but that's politician-level money. Thanks for your great videos, you're realistic and a lot of fun to watch. All the best to you both.
That's the average price of a new car in the US right now and it seems like anyone can get one of those. I'm pretty sure most of the people having systems like that installed are financing them for much longer than cars are usually financed for too. But if you can spend $48k in cash on solar then you're doing a lot better than most financially.
@@ZoidbergMustache The people selling systems @ 50-k are ripping people off by overly marking up the costs or selling systems way bigger than needed. They are preying upon peoples ignorance for personal gain. A common practice in both governance & business.
Thank you! This one video has helped me understand what I've been unsuccessful at learning from watching a dozen other videos. I'm now encouraged that there is an economic way to power the cabin I will have built. I look forward to viewing your other videos.
I don't care if I thought this video that you put out just now was about your building, lol, this one is just as important and very interesting. Thank you for sharing your knowledge of these things with us.
We live in south west Michigan and are 100% off-grid. We have a LuxPower 12 kilowatt inverter with built in solar charger, We also have 14.6 kilowatts of Bi-Facial solar panels and 60 kilowatts of DIY LifePO4 batteries. Anyone can do this, We have about $20K invested and yes that is a lot, but when or neighbors are without power we are not.
Awsome video. About half of my home is powered by solar, i started building my system about 15 years ago i upgrade as i can afford it. i really enjoy it and it gives me security knowing that if the grid goes down i can still have most of the comforts i enjoy. thank you for shareing your knowledge with us.
Thanks for this guys. Very informative. We are getting closer and closer to making big decisions about solar. Step one....sell the house and get going! Lol I will be making note of this video to go back and watch again. Cheers!
Hi guys, what an absolutely fantastic and informative video. It makes change to listen to someone that doesn’t give you the bull thank you both very much from the uk
I'm not off grid but converting as much as I can over to solar in a regular house. I'm in hurricane country (FL) and the last two big ones left us without power for three days. With my power stations and solar, life was pretty much normal (yes, we had to watch what we used) while the neighbors where complaining and hoping for power to return. You gave me several great ideas... Thank you!!
Yes, Exactly, Solar can be used, for not spending a ton of money. I've been using solar for over 3 years, not whole house, but have 12 volt lights, throughout my basement & main floor if my house, that is in the city, also have 2000 watt, Renogy pure sign wave inverter, run washer, when have good sun, being i just have 2- 100ah agm batteries. It is nice to get a email every month from Consumers, saying that my Electric use is less than efficiency houses in my area, and my house was built in 1946, with original windows.
I used those type of panels to feed my 15 group 24 wheelchair gel batteries on my "in line" in my system. I get a new set (batt's) every year and the old ones that are good go to my power wall and connect to their own $10 charge controler from china and controlled with battery bank 1&2 switches that bring their power to my inverter feed line "going out". My batteries only touch each other when switched onto the feed line "going out". I only use it when the grid is down to power my home like early this month when the hurricane went through my power was out for a week. I live in Texas and the power been out multiple times already this year. I have yet to find anyone doing what I do but I'am glad to see someone showcasing the smaller systems and a viable solution for the regular person that doesn't have deep pockets.
Wow that is so awesome . Is there a way you can show a wire diagram or drawing I love the sound of your setup but i can't figure out the bank 1 and 2 switches . I would appreciate any help and thank you for the information you have already provided.
That roof mounting method will save me a lot of holes in the roof. Securing the panels to a board that's spaced off the roof instead is a great idea. Less holes in the roof are less chances that the holes leak.
Awesome budget system you've built. I'm off grid in north Washington 40 miles from the Canadian border. I started my solar journey 12 years ago with a pair of 12 volt agm batteries 1200wh... With 2000 watts solar, a 30 amp mppt charge controller, and a 2000 watt 120 volt inverter... Then 6 years ago. When the agm batteries died I upgraded to 14Kwh 48 volt LIFPO4 batteries and a 4000 watt split phase inverter. Like you, there's plenty of power in the summer to run things like an espresso machine and air fryer and my batteries are usually fully charged by 11am... However, come winter. Even under very conservative power use, we need to run a generator a couple times a week to charge the batteries. My next planned upgrade will be the solar. My 12 year old panels are beginning to show significant degradation. I'm only 1300 to 1500 watts in full cloudless summer sun... The plan is to get 5kw to 8kw of solar, which should eliminate the need to run the generator more than a couple times each winter.
Appreciate you sharing your personal experiences......this will help some people I'm sure. We are a few days away from a similar upgrade as well to our solar shed. Not a necessity, but some welcomed upgrades for sure. Best wishes
Hello from my northwest Florida homestead. I been a viewer for years but don't comment often. Thank you for sharing this information. I need to check out the other videos I missed. Every time we have a near miss hurricane here I think about investing in a solar system. We do get a lot of storms and lose power often so that's what I was researching today when your video popped up and I realized, oh I remember them, I been subscribed.
Awe, thank you for this...not necessary, but very much appreciated. I am happy this helped and make sure if you decide to build your own system you check out Will Prowse and his older build videos with simple solar blueprints.....it was a huge help for me.
Every once and awhile you come across a site where the guy gives you an idea, often simple, that kills it. The one suggestion of building a woodshed to support your panels for me, was just brilliant. Thanks!
It just needs to work! And building up the energy storage over time is the way to go when you are on a budget. Always build with an option to add power in the future.
I just want enough to keep a well going and 1 room in the house with lights and internet going this going to be my next project over the next few months
Great info…. Everyone needs to figure out what’s best for their needs. Research combined with some trial and error will teach you a lot . After all we are in it to become more SELF sufficient. Keep up the videos
I've always been a fan of "solar cabin" channel,he was rocking it with 400w of solar. I went with that,and I can do everything except for a washing machine and dryer,I can get lower watt ones,but they're sooooo small
I just bought a solar generator. With the LFP battery technology where it is now I finally felt that solar was worthwhile to do. I really like your setup, I am thinking of doing a similar setup on a trailer.
Something else I would like to see people experimenting with especially in places that doesn't have a lot of groundwater is using the solar to condensate the air there are systems out there being developed to bring water out of the air because of the humidity although you don't want to use an air conditioner you can employ one to make water and they can make a lot of water something in a very short amount of time
Sure is, my first year in my cabin I "lived on a 100W panel and a lead acid deep cycle. It was enough to run my biga$$ Dometic chest fridge/freezer, nature's head compost toilet and charge my devices
I've been watching Solar Off Grid system videos recently and I am torn between building a DIY system versus something like EcoFlow, Jackery, etc. As you mentioned in the video, I also want to know the intricacies behind how it all works because I want to be able to maintain the system myself. However, I also don't really want to do trial and error. My situation is as follows: Cabin just north of the Wisconsin border, only go up maybe 30 days during the year, but plan to expand that once I get power up there to maybe 90 days during the year so still not a lot, am looking at installing something like a 10 kw inverter with 20 kw battery bank and 8 kw of solar panels. I know getting an EcoFlow Ultra and adding batteries can get me there, but the cost seems excessive. Anyway, great video ... enjoyed the matter of fact details and explanation. Good luck with your next projects.
Great info. I’m looking at a combo solar controller / 5500 watt inverter. You can set priority to generator/ utility or solar or battery. It’s either that along with a lithium battery bank and solar panels with a 3500 watt inverter generator for backup, or the largest power station with an add on battery bank for our off grid family lodge. Thanks for all you do in getting real world info out.
I use epever charge controllers. I has 3. 20 amp 40 amp 100 amp. Never had any issues with them and the small controllers are used in the field. Works very well. Great video
Thank you for a Solar Video for the common man. We aren’t off the grid and don’t have a lot of money. But feel strongly to have a system for when the SHTF. Even if just from system being taxed by a week of 95-100 degree days, the grid will go down. I just need to start collecting components. I’ll share what many may know already. Amazon Prime Days are in a week or so. Solar equipment prices will be at their lowest until Black Friday. Great time to buy new.
All Good information. You are right about Prime Day....this is when we bought out batteries originally and you save big. We also have two or three sponsored videos coming this week to help push great deals on Prime day. Power Stations at fantastic prices
Love and enjoy your videos. May the lord bless and protect you and Jen and working on the homestead. As long as you are happy with your solar system that's all that matters
Over a year ago I decided that I needed to build an off grid emergency power system. I initially built a simple 400 watt system on a small frame in the ground. This year I built a firewood shed that has my new 600 watts of pannels mounted to a hinged frame on the south facing wall of the shed. All the wiring passes through conduit into the house where I built a rack to hold my (4) 4DLT tractor batteries. I OPTED FOR lead acid as lithium freaks me out to be in my home. Granted lead acid has there own safety concerns, and Maintance requirements but I'm ok with that for now. Hopefully, in a few years I'll upgrade. My inverter is a 2k pure sign inverter and my charge controller is the Renogy rover 40a. Oh my complete setup is Renogy.. eventually my 12v setup will be upgraded to 24volt when I save up for a new 24v inverter. I had thought of putting pannels on my whole roof but I decided simpler was better.
New follower, great video. I would be very curious to see how you have the transfer switch actually wired up and also how everything feeds into your house and gets distributed in there. We are getting ready to build, currently in an rv and totally on solar using a 3000 watt growwatt, 10 panels and 4 batteries and its been great!!
Have a bunch of videos, but I think the one that shows it the best is where I did a review and hook up of some dabbsson power stations.....it kind of explains and shows our set up inside.
This is inspiring. I have been wanting to go solar for years but couldn't afford $30-35k for a professionally installed system on my roof. But starting small on my shed roof is definitely possible. Anyhow, thanks for what you are doing.
Hello from remote rural off grid solar and wind Australia its taken me 10 or so years after moving from the coast and the cities and started with a very small system and not much knowledge was an interesting learning curve indeed. Now three bedroom house workshop and sheds 240V through inverter 24V , separate battery bank for 12V LEDS 4 lighting , good people its doable and not for tens of thousands of dollars but I digress, have been told I do so good people, I will see myself out. May I add you can never have 2 many panels its like 1 can never have 2 many clamps in the workshop. My system main cost is batteries but they are coming down at a rapid rate does solar and wind work? only those who have never look outside of the box will gather the shadow of their social programming and never try It , it works has been an interesting journey left the cities on the coast 10 year's or so ago have not looked back and doubt not doubt but know I never will, total outlay for the system I run now if I was 2 build it from scratch 2moro 4K plus change .
Good work guys. Right now, since we are weekend warriors, I take my power station (Ecoflow Delta Pro) home and charge it from the grid and it usually lasts the weekend when I go up. Eventually I'll get panels when we spend more time up there.
Nice video! Everything looks great and the solar tracker is really neat. only the loose wires near the inverter kinda gave me anxiety but great build overall!
I love your setup. I feel that most anyone who has some space should make use of solar where possible. There are lot of off the shelf solar battery banks and so on that can get you and your family through a longer power outage. I always have one or two generators handy but that can be a deep backup option if you get serous with soler first. I'm just getting into it and look forward to learning!
I have a pole barn and its big.All I really care about is ac in summer because I live in the piney east,tx woods and it gets hot!!! I need my fridge and I dont give a hoot about lights.Im a simple girl but I hate the heat here! Im tryin to figure out now how much solar I need.
Thanks for sharing. Especially appreciate that you are in a cold region and relating your experiences. I live in South Dakota and am just getting started with solar. I feel that getting a bunch of panels on a roof is not smart because of snow covering them. I am gladto see a plan for a set up on the ground. I live in town and have regular electricity but saving money on utilities is an investment in yourself. What brand of mini split system have you installed? That is truly cool if you can run it on solar. Thanks. The Clark family.
Ground mount is the way to go in snow country, I have seen too Many folks on ladders and using long handle brushes to clear snow on You tube, dangerous stuff. Here is the video of the mini split install so you can check it out. Thanks for watching ua-cam.com/video/YTBEBXOVWR4/v-deo.html
@probingmatters You need solar modules best to go with “strings” of 3 if you can get a charge controller that can handle the input voltage. (A string is a circuit of modules connected in series) Victron has 150V and 250V models as well as Outback FM60 & 80 can handle 150V, Magnum PT100 can handle 200V and MidNite Classic come in 150, 200 and 250V models. You need a racking system. Off grid solar arrays should not really be installed on a roof but rather on a ground mount of some sort. A TPM is what normally use. Top of pole mounts are tiltable for the seasons. You will need a combiner box and 1 breaker for each circuit. 20A DC is typically what you would use. You need PV wire to go from the modules to the combiner box. You would be better buying a quality pure sine inverter/charger. Magnum, Outback, Schneider, Victron, Samlex all make good models. The charger part of the inverter allows a generator to be used to charge the batteries when the sun isnt cooperating. You should get a power distribution panel for the inverter. Either a Magnum or Outback or Schneider brand if you go with their inverter. It makes a nice neat installation and has the required AC breakers and bypass assembly as well as places to install DC breakers for incoming solar PV and also the charge controller output. It also has a main 250A breaker for the battery to inverter feed. You need batteries. We use primarily AGM batteries. Battery interconnect cables and battery to inverter cable set. A surge protection device is nice. MidNite makes the best. Most systems need a human/machine interface ie a system controller or system remote. This is used to program the system and monitor what’s going on. Make sure you install the battery temp sensor for the charge controller and inverter. Programming is super important. Not hard if you read the manual or ask someone that knows.
A lot of people do not know this but that was a great idea to stay with the lead acid with the cold temperatures in Michigan... You absolutely cannot charge the life po4 lithium batteries when it gets into freezing temperatures without an alternative heat source keeping them warm...
@OKLAHOMAOFFGRID very true.....if set up inside your full time residence then you are fine.....but many are part timers and vacation or hunting camps.....so it just doesn't work.
Great information at a perfect time for us... we spent a few days up at the woodlot in our trailer... found out quickly that our propane fridge used up a lot of electricity from our small setup (2 rv batteries 300watt inverter and 40watt panel), having a system quoted by a local company Cabindepot on a system... hopefully, I'll be here back from them soon. Thanks for sharing
You Need to watch 10 Of Will Prowse's older videos buddy. He has all the blueprints so you can learn and do it yourself. More Solar Panels and you will be happy
@@denislosieroutdoors plug and play is a great option....DIY Build is great if you have the time to spend building it.....but for a lot of situations the little extra cost for an all in one system it is worth it.
as a new person to this idea (for my camper) what books would teach me everything I need to know to set this up...I'm also interested in wind turbin setup. please and thank you for your help.
Check out Will Prowse here on YT. His older videos give very basic amd useful information for beginners. My whole system is a copy of his.24 volt solar blueprint
We have 12/425w ..48 v. System have lots of sun and we need a generator in mid winter which that part sucks.. But great spring summer fall and some winter
And I am in full agreeance with you on lead acid there are so many headaches associated with lithium of any sort versus the Simplicity of lead acid if you're drawing your lead acid down to 50 or 60% that is going to dramatically increase the life of them you just have to have more of them so your storage capacity will have to be bigger I can get four lead acid batteries and have basically the same capacity of 100 amp hour lithium and I can do that for 3 to 500 dollars
Silly I know, LOL. I giggle when I see solar projects from other deep in the woods and heavy tree canopy......Sun trickles through the leaves and people wonder why their solar isn't working well, =)
Can you do a video of your electronic system in your house? I've never had an RV. How are you running your mini split....i think i was talking while your talking mini split. I would appreciate that.
I think in winter they are a great option and if using bi-facial even better. I do know the two I have on my barn do not produce very well, but it all depends on your needs.
Have 2 roof mounted wind turbines 150 watts each. They are loud and dont produce much but whenever the wind blows Im producing some power. Its sparatic power but it pairs with solar nicely.
When are you installing that wind generator they sent you ? Do you have to get solar system inspection and did they all pass ? Thank you when are you doing the barbecue having us over ? lol . Thank you ❤ Jay & Jen ❤
Crazy how much and fast the battery and power bank prices are absolutely plummeting. Which is awesome. Are you guys planning on upgrading to or adding any of the half cut cells or the bifacial panels to your setup at all?
That's overkill....but that's how it needs to be done! You may need to use extra tools do something around the cabin or in the garden/ property. At least it's doing a great job running a normal house say. Plus side it's great it's at MAX power/charged....if the odd day it will be overcast/cloudy you can & will still power everything at ease. I'm well impressed with your set up & video....watching from the UK.
Theres so many numbers involved how do you know you have the right equipment for spacific wattage needs. I feel like i need a diagram. What electrition books would be good for learning?
If you are currently on the Grid you can simply see your energy comsupmtion on your bill. Maybe buy an inline power reading device and see what all your appliances use for power and find a way to reduce use. Start watching GOOD YT solar videos...lots of them
Greetings from Tug Hill NY. My array is in the woods & gets exposure from approximately 11 - 5. And so yeah it's not pointed directly south. I don't think I would trust a tracker system given the winters up here. But I do adjust the angles about 3-4 times a year. AGM here as well.
The snow might be a problem for you there....we get 110-140 inches on average per winter.....so we get good snow here too, but we are here to brush them off
I just stumbled on your video. I like the way you explain things. I have a system in the carraibean, which consists of 4 k watts 24v magnum inverter. an outback MPPT 80A controller, 2k watts of PV power, and 8 6v flooded led acid batteries. I would like to upgrade tonLifePO4 for more storage power and mostly the no maintenance part. How many of those batteries will I need
Hey, thanks Paul.....glad you enjoyed it. Your battery needs depend on you power needs to be honest. But if you have a amount of AH of those batteries....then replacing with equal AH of LifePo4 should do you just fine
Which power station is the best one to use? I'm wanting to get us one so my husband can use it for his electric air compressor, but we also need it to air up tires on our vehicles, riding lawnmower, and utility trailer. We live in the southern portion of New Mexico where we get a lot of sun year round.
we bought them on prime day three to four years ago.....the price has gone up a bit since then, but you have to shop for good deals. There are also WAY BETTER prices on Lithium batteries now....so check those out
I use a normal 40w light bulb in the lifepo4 battery enclosure. Great ! heater. With sensors glued to the batteries, it comes on below 15°C, turns off at 20°. In the winter, I use the sunlight to warm the enclosure.
Nice vid bro, all well said.... I have the same thoughts, how much do we need, let's find a monetary number that serves in all directions...I get it... peace...PS, I need to clean and maintain panels, a rooftop system is tough on everything involved including people... Dude, you got your mojo down...enjoy
Thanks buddy.....I was addiment in having my panels close to the ground......roof top clearing was not something I was interested in. Really appreciate you watching. 😊👍
I have begun my foray into solar power. I picked up a 100w monocrystaline panel from Harbor freight, a solar charge controller and a 12v 35ah battery, I already had a small inverter. I also just traded a gaming laptop off for an ecoflow delta 1300 with 2x 160w solar panels (the panels aren't working though sadly. :( though I still feel the trade so far has been decent as I felt the solar panels where just bonus. ) I'm trying to slowly curb my electric bill and with the hopes of going offgrid someday. For now I feel I have a decent backup power for power outtages and can run smaller items when the sun is out. I'm gonna replace the solar panels for the ecoflow with a couple more maybe 3x 100w panels so it will be able to recharge off grid soon. The eco flow delta can support upto 400w, 60v and 10a solar charging . Then I may use them and the ecoflow to power some of my devices when the sun is out and monitor the charge until I can start going a bit bigger. The nice thing is the ecoflow has given me ideas on just how much power I use and need with it's watt usage reading and I've been going around checking different items out for power draws etc. I'm excited to begin working on this project and do hope to one day become self sufficient from the power grid here. We get a few outtages here and there where I live, but it's the brief ones that are more annoying. Ones that last a couple minutes. Or the flickers that just cause everything I have to shutdown in the middle of something. Anyhow, thank you for showing that solar can be attainable! You got another sub from me! :)
I live remotely in the Phils, with no solar stores or installers available. We have blackouts almost daily. I started with a small power bank, now just bought a bigger one 400W lithium "solar power bank". But that does not even allow my tv to turn on. Anywhose, since there seems to be no person I can pay to set me up solar here where I live, I am forced to find myself the skills on UA-cam😂 Thanks for your videos
I live in the deep south U.S. - our skys are vary rarely clear like yours are - I worked in the power generation field for decades in the offshore and remote mountain oilfields - Down here if a solar panels average out put is 20% on a good day that's concidered excellent lol - But it will be followed by many days of 5 or 10% out put - Solar works well in many areas of the country put very poorly in other areas of the country -
This is a surprise to me.....I know out west they work well, but lots of sunshine in the desert as well as clear skies, all things to keep in consideration
Yes in the south west at times at noon day they generate 100% of there rated out put at 15% humidity - Even at 4 pm with panels laying flat on the ground I've seen them generating 80% of there out put during summer - there often used on microwave repeaters that pipeline company's use - In my area to use solar it can get deep and expensive for it to worth while -
Most know little about battery technology - There have been many battery technology's over the decades - AGM batterys down here at best will last about 10 yrs of daily service - That's about 3700 cycles at a 10% discharge rate - the acid will normally eat away at the positive terminal and it will will loose it's seal and the first cell tends to dry out after 10 yrs - so that cell is lost - In the industry we bend toward Gel Cells - they can hold up to 20 yrs of service and 10000 cycles at a 10% discharge rate - An AGM uses a acid strength of 1.350 gravity - so the acid is stronger in a AGM battery than In a Gel-Cell - The acid in a gel-cell is about 1.250 strength - so it's a weaker acid - They have 10 to 20% less capacity than AGM batterys but double the service life - Many that live on sail boats prefer that type of battery - also it's preferred in the telecommunication industry - There superior to AGM batterys in cycling and stand by service - many AGM batterys can handle minus 90° - were as Gel-Cells are good down to minus 50° F
Great information! There are two types of people, those who know and understand electricity, and those who don't. This video would cause my wife to turn it off and go watch stuff about medicine which I don't understand. I use AGM batteries in both our vehicles and our camper for similar reasons to yours, however, the most recent info I can find says that AGM can now be drained down to 80% and I have drained my camper to 70% once when boondocking with no obvious issues... "The amount of Depth of Discharge is also greater for an AGM. This is the amount a battery can be run down without damaging results to the battery. An AGM has a 80% depth of charge versus 50% for a lead acid. In summary, an AGM is by far superior for marine applications (and likely all other) than Lead Acid. Jan 29, 2024" The most recent one I bought three months ago for my hemi Ram was 100 Ah for 125 at Advance Auto Parts
You most certainly can buddy. I started learning and experimenting on our single battery and single panel down on our bath house......it is still sitting there just charging the battery, no problem. Work your way up my friend
Honestly last winter was pretty mild so I never really felt the need to turn them on guys......I kind of set then up to use if it was in the single digits or lower and it never really got that cold last winter so I didn't bother
Im on my 18th year off grid Jay speaks the truth, I agree simple is better love my 12 volt system ....
Love it, thanks for the support
Yeah well you can still go cheaper &.48 v only way to go if u need 220v & wire cheaper with more v good luck God bless
You got a place on grid?
@@elg281 nope this is all i have
True....but this system has been running for years.....so under today's standards it is not the best...but works well nonetheless
I have multiple systems on my property, 1 panel with converter on my trailer for DC lights and water pump, 2 100 watt Renogys with 2 100 amp hr batteries and 1,000 watt inverter on my shop with fuse block for lights, most recent ran to my trailer is 800 watts of renogy panels, 2 200 amp hr batteries, with 3,000 watt inverter, living off grid with a horse and multiple projects you find the basic needs of minimalizing including rain water collection, its very self sustaining peacefulness many will never understand, I left Phoenix living for it, no rent/mortgage, no debt, $12 a year for prop. taxes, completely changed MyLife
Awesome work my friend
I am rebuilding an old mobile home on my property.
I bought 2 power stations, Bluetti AC200 Max's. $1,900 for both of them. I have plenty of power for lights, cooking, and to charge up the batteries for my power tools. I use a USB fan at night when I sleep and it only drains the box 5% in 8 hours.
You just plug your solar panels into them.
Charge controller, inverter and everything else is included inside them.
When I'm finished working on the place for the weekend.
I pack it back up in my truck.
👍🏾
How long they last? Thats what im worried about. If the batteries die in 5 years you got to drop another 2 grand.
My light bill with ac is only 100 a month with central heat and ac keep it around 82 and fan running.
@@nickxcaliber7991 I paid less than your yearly electric bill for each of them. I bought 2 of them because they were so cheap.
You get 3500 life cycles if drain them from 100% to 0 % battery drain every day. They have a LifePO4 battery inside them. That's almost 10 years of use. But nobody drains them down to 0%. So I'm estimating they will last over 20 years with normal use.
Once those initial 3500 life cycles are used, that will have the battery at 80% of its remaining life left.
So you would then be at 80% to 0% battery drain every day.
Plus if you need power to go camping or to do some work in a remote area. Where are you going to get power that from ?.
What power would you have if and when a power pole transformer goes out. Or the power company loses power during an outage ?.
@@nickxcaliber7991 LFP batterys tend to last 5/10 years worth of pretty consistent use. I would love to see someone show how to tear these power stations down so as to salvage the charge controller and inverter
Totally agree dexter
Really appreciate you sharing your experience, I went with a 48v system with 10kwh of lithium phosphate, built my own ground mounts, picked up 10 used 365 watt panels from SanTan although I only use 6 of them for now, spent 5k dollars for everything including the wood, hardware, and wires...its been up and running now for 7mths and really happy with the results like you are. If you are a get er done kinda person.....solar is very doable...
Best comment my friend.....appreciate you sharing your first hand experience with us too. Good stuff
@@OffgridwithJayandJen sold my gettaway cottage in barbeau/cedarville on the river, UP. Sad days. Good to hear you are in the mitt.
I'm really looking into Santan. How is the delivery process??
@@DongusKong They delivered it drop shipped right to my driveway, Shipper was patient while I quickly went through the panels looking for any damage, was none, and all 10 panels worked within specs. Overall was a great experience, best of luck
I 100% pay attention to the electrical usage requirements of pretty much everything now. I have tons of USB powered devices as well. I have 10 panels facing south, and 4 panels facing east with separate controllers. Capturing the early morning sun carries me through until the south facing panels start getting good sun. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Nice to hear.....I was curious about those who do the east and west facing arrays. My pole barn has kind of a weird angle to it and am interested in experimenting with something like you have
I put 200w panels East and 200w panels facing West.... i did this due to the tree shade when facing south, I get the most sun for this spot in the AM sunrise and sunset in the PM
@@timkat630
I'm doing the same, picking up an extra 6 hours of sunshine every day.
I'm using just one charge controller for my east and west facing panels, with a circuit breaker for each side that I flip at noon.
We're mounting our pv to a 16' panel with swivel mounts so they can be flipped from east to west throughout the day.
Great video! Solar panels should be on every house in America, in one form or another. Every little bit helps. I started with a small FFPower 505 power station and now I have several AC200P Bluettis and they have cut my electric bill down to $35 a month. They power my TV, Firestick, refrigerator, computers, fans, induction cooktop, coffee maker, pressure cooker and air fryer.You guys are doing great! Stay safe and God Bless!
Love to hear this......good work on your solar my friend
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Smart Extra 2 Battery and 12 KWH power t whole hiny cabin Good idea 👍😎
I have built a couple of small setups for barns, but, as you said, those SoGens are getting to be a great deal.
I bought a Bluetti AC200MAX 2 years ago to run 2 deep freezers in the tackroom. I think I paid $1,800 or so. Those are now about $1100. I have 2 300+ watt panels run to and it has NEVER run down completely. I live in GA, so when it's hot, the sun is shining, and when it's cool and cloudy, the freezers don't run as much. I don't recommend that unit anymore because of the slow AC charging rate and loud fans, but it works.
I paid $349 for a cheap lifepo4 battery on Amazon 2 years ago. Today, that same battery is $159. As EV car sales projections have plummeted, the price of all the lifepo4 battery items have dropped like a rock. With your battery setup, you could have double the available power for pretty much the same price today.
I can run a 5k but window AC for about 3.5 hours with the AC200MAX if I don't hook up any solar. I haven't done a real-world test to see if I can run it all day with solar hookups, but it might do it. We have 13 acres of pasture running north-south, so sunshine is plentiful for me year-round.
I really like the portability of the SoGens. I can have enough power to run a hammer drill, chopsaw, or air compressor way back in the woods.
Good video showing how simply this can be done.
energy independence is the future, i only have a 450w solar panel for now, and 3 kwh of batteries, but i can already survive power outtages for a long time.
even if blackouts are rare it doesn't hurt to be prepared
@@automatedrussianbot agree
You have even enough energy to power an automated russian bot lol (but seriously, energy independence is the future, it's true!)
I recently saw a video where the solar system alone, without installation, was $48,000. That's lottery money right there. Those videos are interesting to watch, just to see the technology. I'll never have a system like that, though. It's like the Barrett-Jackson auction. I like seeing the cars, but that's politician-level money. Thanks for your great videos, you're realistic and a lot of fun to watch. All the best to you both.
That's the average price of a new car in the US right now and it seems like anyone can get one of those. I'm pretty sure most of the people having systems like that installed are financing them for much longer than cars are usually financed for too. But if you can spend $48k in cash on solar then you're doing a lot better than most financially.
In Atlanta few people's paid around $70,000 smh
@@ZoidbergMustache The people selling systems @ 50-k are ripping people off by overly marking up the costs or selling systems way bigger than needed. They are preying upon peoples ignorance for personal gain. A common practice in both governance & business.
Thank you! This one video has helped me understand what I've been unsuccessful at learning from watching a dozen other videos. I'm now encouraged that there is an economic way to power the cabin I will have built. I look forward to viewing your other videos.
Great to hear!
I don't care if I thought this video that you put out just now was about your building, lol, this one is just as important and very interesting. Thank you for sharing your knowledge of these things with us.
@@yvonnelucas-cessna4458 thanks for watching
We live in south west Michigan and are 100% off-grid. We have a LuxPower 12 kilowatt inverter with built in solar charger, We also have 14.6 kilowatts of Bi-Facial solar panels and 60 kilowatts of DIY LifePO4 batteries. Anyone can do this, We have about $20K invested and yes that is a lot, but when or neighbors are without power we are not.
Yup that's right.
This sounds like a great set up all around.....we are doing some solar upgrades pretty soon....I'm pretty excited about it
That is great, i-am excited for you.
I live in sw michigan as well, do you know how much you spend annually for maintenance?
@@gingabred2898 no money on maintenance, just labor to keep the panels clean
Awsome video. About half of my home is powered by solar, i started building my system about 15 years ago i upgrade as i can afford it. i really enjoy it and it gives me security knowing that if the grid goes down i can still have most of the comforts i enjoy. thank you for shareing your knowledge with us.
Glad to hear you enjoy it as much as I do....it is a really rewarding thing.
Thanks for this guys. Very informative. We are getting closer and closer to making big decisions about solar. Step one....sell the house and get going! Lol I will be making note of this video to go back and watch again. Cheers!
You got this! I've been dreaming of going off grid for 9 yrs, finally bought the land. Only regret not doing it sooner!
Hi guys, what an absolutely fantastic and informative video. It makes change to listen to someone that doesn’t give you the bull thank you both very much from the uk
I'm not off grid but converting as much as I can over to solar in a regular house. I'm in hurricane country (FL) and the last two big ones left us without power for three days. With my power stations and solar, life was pretty much normal (yes, we had to watch what we used) while the neighbors where complaining and hoping for power to return. You gave me several great ideas... Thank you!!
Yes, Exactly, Solar can be used, for not spending a ton of money. I've been using solar for over 3 years, not whole house, but have 12 volt lights, throughout my basement & main floor if my house, that is in the city, also have 2000 watt, Renogy pure sign wave inverter, run washer, when have good sun, being i just have 2- 100ah agm batteries. It is nice to get a email every month from Consumers, saying that my Electric use is less than efficiency houses in my area, and my house was built in 1946, with original windows.
Love hearing stuff like this.....awesome job
I used those type of panels to feed my 15 group 24 wheelchair gel batteries on my "in line" in my system. I get a new set (batt's) every year and the old ones that are good go to my power wall and connect to their own $10 charge controler from china and controlled with battery bank 1&2 switches that bring their power to my inverter feed line "going out". My batteries only touch each other when switched onto the feed line "going out". I only use it when the grid is down to power my home like early this month when the hurricane went through my power was out for a week. I live in Texas and the power been out multiple times already this year. I have yet to find anyone doing what I do but I'am glad to see someone showcasing the smaller systems and a viable solution for the regular person that doesn't have deep pockets.
Wow that is so awesome . Is there a way you can show a wire diagram or drawing I love the sound of your setup but i can't figure out the bank 1 and 2 switches . I would appreciate any help and thank you for the information you have already provided.
That roof mounting method will save me a lot of holes in the roof. Securing the panels to a board that's spaced off the roof instead is a great idea. Less holes in the roof are less chances that the holes leak.
Very true. I have 4 lag bolts holding on the larger 2x8s and that's it..the 2x4s are all just screwed to those. 😊👍
It’s wonderful to see you guys reach 50k subs. Thats absolutely outstanding….cant wait till you guys make 100K👍
@@3hwoodworks thanks :D
Awesome budget system you've built.
I'm off grid in north Washington 40 miles from the Canadian border.
I started my solar journey 12 years ago with a pair of 12 volt agm batteries 1200wh...
With 2000 watts solar, a 30 amp mppt charge controller, and a 2000 watt 120 volt inverter...
Then 6 years ago. When the agm batteries died I upgraded to 14Kwh 48 volt LIFPO4 batteries and a 4000 watt split phase inverter.
Like you, there's plenty of power in the summer to run things like an espresso machine and air fryer and my batteries are usually fully charged by 11am...
However, come winter. Even under very conservative power use, we need to run a generator a couple times a week to charge the batteries.
My next planned upgrade will be the solar. My 12 year old panels are beginning to show significant degradation. I'm only 1300 to 1500 watts in full cloudless summer sun...
The plan is to get 5kw to 8kw of solar, which should eliminate the need to run the generator more than a couple times each winter.
Appreciate you sharing your personal experiences......this will help some people I'm sure. We are a few days away from a similar upgrade as well to our solar shed. Not a necessity, but some welcomed upgrades for sure. Best wishes
Hello from my northwest Florida homestead. I been a viewer for years but don't comment often. Thank you for sharing this information. I need to check out the other videos I missed. Every time we have a near miss hurricane here I think about investing in a solar system. We do get a lot of storms and lose power often so that's what I was researching today when your video popped up and I realized, oh I remember them, I been subscribed.
Appreciate you my friend
Thank you Jay and Jen 👍🏻 Hope all is going well my friends 🤞🏻 God Bless 🙏🏻 Appreciate you always 🫶🏻
Thanks appreciate you sharing this info. We are just beginning our first solar set up and this was helpful!!
Awe, thank you for this...not necessary, but very much appreciated. I am happy this helped and make sure if you decide to build your own system you check out Will Prowse and his older build videos with simple solar blueprints.....it was a huge help for me.
@@OffgridwithJayandJen that’s awesome!! We will look up Will. It all seems simple then it doesn’t! lol!
Very informative! Thanks for sharing!
Every once and awhile you come across a site where the guy gives you an idea, often simple, that kills it. The one suggestion of building a woodshed to support your panels for me, was just brilliant. Thanks!
I'm glad you appreciate that my friend. I was just sitting outside watching the sun shine patterns and it hit me.....two in one. 😃👍
My house is between two mountains and in the woods. I've had a 2000 solar panel system running my cabin for 15 years now. Flawless
Nice
It just needs to work! And building up the energy storage over time is the way to go when you are on a budget. Always build with an option to add power in the future.
Yep, this is what I am doing.
I just want enough to keep a well going and 1 room in the house with lights and internet going this going to be my next project over the next few months
You can also buy solar pumps
I want to build a small Harbor Freight tralier into an easy to move PV system that's plug and play. I'm better get started. 👍
Good luck my friend
@@OffgridwithJayandJen I'll need it. Thanks for the inspiration.
Great info…. Everyone needs to figure out what’s best for their needs. Research combined with some trial and error will teach you a lot . After all we are in it to become more SELF sufficient. Keep up the videos
Hows the new air conditioner working for you guys?
I've always been a fan of "solar cabin" channel,he was rocking it with 400w of solar. I went with that,and I can do everything except for a washing machine and dryer,I can get lower watt ones,but they're sooooo small
I just bought a solar generator. With the LFP battery technology where it is now I finally felt that solar was worthwhile to do. I really like your setup, I am thinking of doing a similar setup on a trailer.
Great advice,I get by with a little less but your system is more powerful,my long term plan is to have another separate small system,thanks
Something else I would like to see people experimenting with especially in places that doesn't have a lot of groundwater is using the solar to condensate the air there are systems out there being developed to bring water out of the air because of the humidity although you don't want to use an air conditioner you can employ one to make water and they can make a lot of water something in a very short amount of time
Sure is, my first year in my cabin I "lived on a 100W panel and a lead acid deep cycle. It was enough to run my biga$$ Dometic chest fridge/freezer, nature's head compost toilet and charge my devices
I've been watching Solar Off Grid system videos recently and I am torn between building a DIY system versus something like EcoFlow, Jackery, etc. As you mentioned in the video, I also want to know the intricacies behind how it all works because I want to be able to maintain the system myself. However, I also don't really want to do trial and error. My situation is as follows: Cabin just north of the Wisconsin border, only go up maybe 30 days during the year, but plan to expand that once I get power up there to maybe 90 days during the year so still not a lot, am looking at installing something like a 10 kw inverter with 20 kw battery bank and 8 kw of solar panels. I know getting an EcoFlow Ultra and adding batteries can get me there, but the cost seems excessive. Anyway, great video ... enjoyed the matter of fact details and explanation. Good luck with your next projects.
Lol Jay. Enjoyed the video as always. Can't wait to see the shed build series 🙌
Video should be up Wednesday! .are sure your notifications are turned on!
Great info. I’m looking at a combo solar controller / 5500 watt inverter. You can set priority to generator/ utility or solar or battery. It’s either that along with a lithium battery bank and solar panels with a 3500 watt inverter generator for backup, or the largest power station with an add on battery bank for our off grid family lodge. Thanks for all you do in getting real world info out.
I use epever charge controllers.
I has 3. 20 amp 40 amp 100 amp.
Never had any issues with them and the small controllers are used in the field. Works very well.
Great video
Thank you
Thank you for a Solar Video for the common man. We aren’t off the grid and don’t have a lot of money. But feel strongly to have a system for when the SHTF. Even if just from system being taxed by a week of 95-100 degree days, the grid will go down. I just need to start collecting components.
I’ll share what many may know already. Amazon Prime Days are in a week or so. Solar equipment prices will be at their lowest until Black Friday. Great time to buy new.
All Good information. You are right about Prime Day....this is when we bought out batteries originally and you save big. We also have two or three sponsored videos coming this week to help push great deals on Prime day. Power Stations at fantastic prices
Love and enjoy your videos. May the lord bless and protect you and Jen and working on the homestead. As long as you are happy with your solar system that's all that matters
Over a year ago I decided that I needed to build an off grid emergency power system. I initially built a simple 400 watt system on a small frame in the ground. This year I built a firewood shed that has my new 600 watts of pannels mounted to a hinged frame on the south facing wall of the shed. All the wiring passes through conduit into the house where I built a rack to hold my (4) 4DLT tractor batteries. I OPTED FOR lead acid as lithium freaks me out to be in my home. Granted lead acid has there own safety concerns, and Maintance requirements but I'm ok with that for now. Hopefully, in a few years I'll upgrade. My inverter is a 2k pure sign inverter and my charge controller is the Renogy rover 40a. Oh my complete setup is Renogy.. eventually my 12v setup will be upgraded to 24volt when I save up for a new 24v inverter. I had thought of putting pannels on my whole roof but I decided simpler was better.
Sounds great my friend
Thank you for bringing the reality to the his conversation!
👍
😀👍
Thank you for the video! I just bought my first solar panel and battery/converter. So far so good.
Awesome
New follower, great video. I would be very curious to see how you have the transfer switch actually wired up and also how everything feeds into your house and gets distributed in there. We are getting ready to build, currently in an rv and totally on solar using a 3000 watt growwatt, 10 panels and 4 batteries and its been great!!
Have a bunch of videos, but I think the one that shows it the best is where I did a review and hook up of some dabbsson power stations.....it kind of explains and shows our set up inside.
This is inspiring. I have been wanting to go solar for years but couldn't afford $30-35k for a professionally installed system on my roof. But starting small on my shed roof is definitely possible. Anyhow, thanks for what you are doing.
Very happy I could help and inspire.....good luck my friend
Hello from remote rural off grid solar and wind Australia its taken me 10 or so years after moving from the coast and the cities and started with a very small system and not much knowledge was an interesting learning curve indeed. Now three bedroom house workshop and sheds 240V through inverter 24V , separate battery bank for 12V LEDS 4 lighting , good people its doable and not for tens of thousands of dollars but I digress, have been told I do so good people, I will see myself out. May I add you can never have 2 many panels its like 1 can never have 2 many clamps in the workshop. My system main cost is batteries but they are coming down at a rapid rate does solar and wind work? only those who have never look outside of the box will gather the shadow of their social programming and never try It , it works has been an interesting journey left the cities on the coast 10 year's or so ago have not looked back and doubt not doubt but know I never will, total outlay for the system I run now if I was 2 build it from scratch 2moro 4K plus change .
Good work guys. Right now, since we are weekend warriors, I take my power station (Ecoflow Delta Pro) home and charge it from the grid and it usually lasts the weekend when I go up. Eventually I'll get panels when we spend more time up there.
Charging with the sun makes it really fun. Great to have portable and convenient power I bet
I appreciate your information, thanks...David
Great video. Appreciate the honestly and simple approach. Fellow northern midwestern.
Nice video! Everything looks great and the solar tracker is really neat. only the loose wires near the inverter kinda gave me anxiety but great build overall!
I love your setup. I feel that most anyone who has some space should make use of solar where possible. There are lot of off the shelf solar battery banks and so on that can get you and your family through a longer power outage. I always have one or two generators handy but that can be a deep backup option if you get serous with soler first. I'm just getting into it and look forward to learning!
Totally agree
Thanks Jay this was very useful information, good to know that one doesn't have to spend an arm and leg for a set up like yours.
Possibly looking to move to our tiny off grid cabin in the Yoop! Just trying to get some ideas and solutions Thanks for the quick response
Cool. Thanks for the info & expeience shared.
You bet!
Jay, you're solar looks really good. Please remember to insulate the doors of your power shed.
I have a pole barn and its big.All I really care about is ac in summer because I live in the piney east,tx woods and it gets hot!!! I need my fridge and I dont give a hoot about lights.Im a simple girl but I hate the heat here! Im tryin to figure out now how much solar I need.
awesome - trying to build a system of our own.. just had geothermal heating/cooling put in.. and want to use the solar to offset the electricity cost.
very cool man. I appreciate what y'all have done there. thanks for sharing :)
Thank you.....glad you enjoyed the video. Do you make garden videos? I love me some gardening videos
Thanks for sharing. Especially appreciate that you are in a cold region and relating your experiences. I live in South Dakota and am just getting started with solar. I feel that getting a bunch of panels on a roof is not smart because of snow covering them. I am gladto see a plan for a set up on the ground. I live in town and have regular electricity but saving money on utilities is an investment in yourself. What brand of mini split system have you installed? That is truly cool if you can run it on solar. Thanks. The Clark family.
Ground mount is the way to go in snow country, I have seen too Many folks on ladders and using long handle brushes to clear snow on You tube, dangerous stuff. Here is the video of the mini split install so you can check it out. Thanks for watching ua-cam.com/video/YTBEBXOVWR4/v-deo.html
Can you summarize what's needed for a complete solar system and where you recommend getting the items at the best prices?
Got my Ecoflow 2 with panels for little over 600 with 3yr warranty. And 250 watts panels $ 50 each brand new off Fb market.
@probingmatters
You need solar modules best to go with “strings” of 3 if you can get a charge controller that can handle the input voltage. (A string is a circuit of modules connected in series)
Victron has 150V and 250V models as well as Outback FM60 & 80 can handle 150V, Magnum PT100 can handle 200V and MidNite Classic come in 150, 200 and 250V models. You need a racking system. Off grid solar arrays should not really be installed on a roof but rather on a ground mount of some sort. A TPM is what normally use. Top of pole mounts are tiltable for the seasons.
You will need a combiner box and 1 breaker for each circuit. 20A DC is typically what you would use. You need PV wire to go from the modules to the combiner box. You would be better buying a quality pure sine inverter/charger. Magnum, Outback, Schneider, Victron, Samlex all make good models. The charger part of the inverter allows a generator to be used to charge the batteries when the sun isnt cooperating. You should get a power distribution panel for the inverter. Either a Magnum or Outback or Schneider brand if you go with their inverter. It makes a nice neat installation and has the required AC breakers and bypass assembly as well as places to install DC breakers for incoming solar PV and also the charge controller output. It also has a main 250A breaker for the battery to inverter feed. You need batteries. We use primarily AGM batteries. Battery interconnect cables and battery to inverter cable set. A surge protection device is nice. MidNite makes the best. Most systems need a human/machine interface ie a system controller or system remote. This is used to program the system and monitor what’s going on. Make sure you install the battery temp sensor for the charge controller and inverter. Programming is super important. Not hard if you read the manual or ask someone that knows.
A lot of people do not know this but that was a great idea to stay with the lead acid with the cold temperatures in Michigan... You absolutely cannot charge the life po4 lithium batteries when it gets into freezing temperatures without an alternative heat source keeping them warm...
@OKLAHOMAOFFGRID very true.....if set up inside your full time residence then you are fine.....but many are part timers and vacation or hunting camps.....so it just doesn't work.
@@OffgridwithJayandJen you took the words right out of my mouth
good stuff. i will be getting one of those solar battery tenders to heat up my outdoor aviary.
Great information at a perfect time for us... we spent a few days up at the woodlot in our trailer... found out quickly that our propane fridge used up a lot of electricity from our small setup (2 rv batteries 300watt inverter and 40watt panel), having a system quoted by a local company Cabindepot on a system... hopefully, I'll be here back from them soon.
Thanks for sharing
You Need to watch 10 Of Will Prowse's older videos buddy. He has all the blueprints so you can learn and do it yourself. More Solar Panels and you will be happy
@OffgridwithJayandJen at the moment, I'm probably gonna do the plug and play route for now. What do u think of that idea?
@@denislosieroutdoors plug and play is a great option....DIY Build is great if you have the time to spend building it.....but for a lot of situations the little extra cost for an all in one system it is worth it.
@@denislosieroutdoors make sure the system you buy can accept a good amount of solar input, up to 150 volts of it, makes solar charging way better.
@@OffgridwithJayandJen 150 watts? Or 150 volts?
as a new person to this idea (for my camper) what books would teach me everything I need to know to set this up...I'm also interested in wind turbin setup.
please and thank you for your help.
Check out Will Prowse here on YT. His older videos give very basic amd useful information for beginners. My whole system is a copy of his.24 volt solar blueprint
We have 12/425w ..48 v. System have lots of sun and we need a generator in mid winter which that part sucks.. But great spring summer fall and some winter
And I am in full agreeance with you on lead acid there are so many headaches associated with lithium of any sort versus the Simplicity of lead acid if you're drawing your lead acid down to 50 or 60% that is going to dramatically increase the life of them you just have to have more of them so your storage capacity will have to be bigger I can get four lead acid batteries and have basically the same capacity of 100 amp hour lithium and I can do that for 3 to 500 dollars
great information ty and its ok to not comment lol, your a busy guy. I love my Bluetti power stations so I think I will go with it when time comes.
We love our bluetti too Lisa......Best wishes my friend
Great summary and good information - I liked the important sun nugget at 8:42
Silly I know, LOL. I giggle when I see solar projects from other deep in the woods and heavy tree canopy......Sun trickles through the leaves and people wonder why their solar isn't working well, =)
Thank you, I'm glad I took the time to watch this.
Glad it was helpful!. 😊👍
I also stick to a 12 v system, have a small property with 3 different small solar setups for sheds. Good video.
Awesome....thanks
Can you do a video of your electronic system in your house? I've never had an RV. How are you running your mini split....i think i was talking while your talking mini split. I would appreciate that.
Very informative. Thank you. Any thoughts on vertical mounted panels, especially during the winter when snow cover is an issue?
I think in winter they are a great option and if using bi-facial even better. I do know the two I have on my barn do not produce very well, but it all depends on your needs.
Thanks for the info. Keep up the good work.
Thanks, will do!
Have 2 roof mounted wind turbines 150 watts each. They are loud and dont produce much but whenever the wind blows Im producing some power. Its sparatic power but it pairs with solar nicely.
Awesome video and job . Nice place you built .Sweet
Thanks Randy
When are you installing that wind generator they sent you ? Do you have to get solar system inspection and did they all pass ? Thank you when are you doing the barbecue having us over ? lol . Thank you ❤ Jay & Jen ❤
=) Ha......I think the companies that make wind turbines won't send us one.....because they don't work real well, LOL.
Crazy how much and fast the battery and power bank prices are absolutely plummeting. Which is awesome.
Are you guys planning on upgrading to or adding any of the half cut cells or the bifacial panels to your setup at all?
That's overkill....but that's how it needs to be done! You may need to use extra tools do something around the cabin or in the garden/ property. At least it's doing a great job running a normal house say. Plus side it's great it's at MAX power/charged....if the odd day it will be overcast/cloudy you can & will still power everything at ease. I'm well impressed with your set up & video....watching from the UK.
Thank you
Theres so many numbers involved how do you know you have the right equipment for spacific wattage needs. I feel like i need a diagram. What electrition books would be good for learning?
If you are currently on the Grid you can simply see your energy comsupmtion on your bill. Maybe buy an inline power reading device and see what all your appliances use for power and find a way to reduce use. Start watching GOOD YT solar videos...lots of them
Good point about how important sun is to a solar system.
Greetings from Tug Hill NY.
My array is in the woods & gets exposure from approximately 11 - 5. And so yeah it's not pointed directly south. I don't think I would trust a tracker system given the winters up here. But I do adjust the angles about 3-4 times a year. AGM here as well.
The snow might be a problem for you there....we get 110-140 inches on average per winter.....so we get good snow here too, but we are here to brush them off
Informative, thank you, also greetings from TN
Glad it was helpful!
I just stumbled on your video. I like the way you explain things. I have a system in the carraibean, which consists of 4 k watts 24v magnum inverter. an outback MPPT 80A controller, 2k watts of PV power, and 8 6v flooded led acid batteries. I would like to upgrade tonLifePO4 for more storage power and mostly the no maintenance part. How many of those batteries will I need
Hey, thanks Paul.....glad you enjoyed it. Your battery needs depend on you power needs to be honest. But if you have a amount of AH of those batteries....then replacing with equal AH of LifePo4 should do you just fine
Which power station is the best one to use? I'm wanting to get us one so my husband can use it for his electric air compressor, but we also need it to air up tires on our vehicles, riding lawnmower, and utility trailer. We live in the southern portion of New Mexico where we get a lot of sun year round.
Thanks for your video and explaining your solar system. Where did you get those batteries for that price ?
we bought them on prime day three to four years ago.....the price has gone up a bit since then, but you have to shop for good deals. There are also WAY BETTER prices on Lithium batteries now....so check those out
@@OffgridwithJayandJen thank you
I use a normal 40w light bulb in the lifepo4 battery enclosure. Great ! heater. With sensors glued to the batteries, it comes on below 15°C, turns off at 20°. In the winter, I use the sunlight to warm the enclosure.
Nice
Great video 😮😮. Thanks 😊
Get lots of sunshine in a good location and you will be good man.
Nice vid bro, all well said.... I have the same thoughts, how much do we need, let's find a monetary number that serves in all directions...I get it... peace...PS, I need to clean and maintain panels, a rooftop system is tough on everything involved including people... Dude, you got your mojo down...enjoy
Thanks buddy.....I was addiment in having my panels close to the ground......roof top clearing was not something I was interested in. Really appreciate you watching. 😊👍
I have begun my foray into solar power. I picked up a 100w monocrystaline panel from Harbor freight, a solar charge controller and a 12v 35ah battery, I already had a small inverter. I also just traded a gaming laptop off for an ecoflow delta 1300 with 2x 160w solar panels (the panels aren't working though sadly. :( though I still feel the trade so far has been decent as I felt the solar panels where just bonus. ) I'm trying to slowly curb my electric bill and with the hopes of going offgrid someday. For now I feel I have a decent backup power for power outtages and can run smaller items when the sun is out. I'm gonna replace the solar panels for the ecoflow with a couple more maybe 3x 100w panels so it will be able to recharge off grid soon. The eco flow delta can support upto 400w, 60v and 10a solar charging . Then I may use them and the ecoflow to power some of my devices when the sun is out and monitor the charge until I can start going a bit bigger. The nice thing is the ecoflow has given me ideas on just how much power I use and need with it's watt usage reading and I've been going around checking different items out for power draws etc. I'm excited to begin working on this project and do hope to one day become self sufficient from the power grid here. We get a few outtages here and there where I live, but it's the brief ones that are more annoying. Ones that last a couple minutes. Or the flickers that just cause everything I have to shutdown in the middle of something.
Anyhow, thank you for showing that solar can be attainable! You got another sub from me! :)
Woot won't my friend..Great work
I live remotely in the Phils, with no solar stores or installers available. We have blackouts almost daily. I started with a small power bank, now just bought a bigger one 400W lithium "solar power bank". But that does not even allow my tv to turn on. Anywhose, since there seems to be no person I can pay to set me up solar here where I live, I am forced to find myself the skills on UA-cam😂 Thanks for your videos
You can figure it out Brian if you keep at it.
I live in the deep south U.S. - our skys are vary rarely clear like yours are - I worked in the power generation field for decades in the offshore and remote mountain oilfields -
Down here if a solar panels average out put is 20% on a good day that's concidered excellent lol -
But it will be followed by many days of 5 or 10% out put -
Solar works well in many areas of the country put very poorly in other areas of the country -
This is a surprise to me.....I know out west they work well, but lots of sunshine in the desert as well as clear skies, all things to keep in consideration
Yes in the south west at times at noon day they generate 100% of there rated out put at 15% humidity -
Even at 4 pm with panels laying flat on the ground I've seen them generating 80% of there out put during summer - there often used on microwave repeaters that pipeline company's use -
In my area to use solar it can get deep and expensive for it to worth while -
Most know little about battery technology -
There have been many battery technology's over the decades -
AGM batterys down here at best will last about 10 yrs of daily service -
That's about 3700 cycles at a 10% discharge rate - the acid will normally eat away at the positive terminal and it will will loose it's seal and the first cell tends to dry out after 10 yrs - so that cell is lost -
In the industry we bend toward Gel Cells - they can hold up to 20 yrs of service and 10000 cycles at a 10% discharge rate -
An AGM uses a acid strength of 1.350 gravity - so the acid is stronger in a AGM battery than In a Gel-Cell -
The acid in a gel-cell is about 1.250 strength - so it's a weaker acid -
They have 10 to 20% less capacity than AGM batterys but double the service life -
Many that live on sail boats prefer that type of battery - also it's preferred in the telecommunication industry -
There superior to AGM batterys in cycling and stand by service - many AGM batterys can handle minus 90° - were as Gel-Cells are good down to minus 50° F
Beautiful simple system..
Thank-you
thank you for your smart info’s
regards paul from germany
My pleasure!
Great information! There are two types of people, those who know and understand electricity, and those who don't. This video would cause my wife to turn it off and go watch stuff about medicine which I don't understand.
I use AGM batteries in both our vehicles and our camper for similar reasons to yours, however, the most recent info I can find says that AGM can now be drained down to 80% and I have drained my camper to 70% once when boondocking with no obvious issues... "The amount of Depth of Discharge is also greater for an AGM. This is the amount a battery can be run down without damaging results to the battery. An AGM has a 80% depth of charge versus 50% for a lead acid. In summary, an AGM is by far superior for marine applications (and likely all other) than Lead Acid. Jan 29, 2024" The most recent one I bought three months ago for my hemi Ram was 100 Ah for 125 at Advance Auto Parts
Nice
GREAT VISEO !!!!!!! Ive been thinking can i start small Id shur like to knock off $150.00 off my bill ! God Bless Brother !
You most certainly can buddy. I started learning and experimenting on our single battery and single panel down on our bath house......it is still sitting there just charging the battery, no problem. Work your way up my friend
Very nice simple system!! Are you still running the warming mat under the batteries during the winter? J & C
Honestly last winter was pretty mild so I never really felt the need to turn them on guys......I kind of set then up to use if it was in the single digits or lower and it never really got that cold last winter so I didn't bother