Off Grid Solar Power - How to Calculate Your Needs
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- Опубліковано 24 сер 2015
- Are you trying to figure out how much power you'll need from an off-grid solar power system? This video shows you how to calculate your energy needs to figure out exactly how many watts you need from your panels, what size of inverter and battery you should buy.
Solar Sizing Calculator Link: www.renogy.com/calculators
You can also check out how we installed our 300 Watt system in this video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEdSl...
and this blog post:
www.exploringalternatives.ca/w...
Thanks for watching!
Mat & Danielle
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STAY IN TOUCH!
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Blog: www.exploringalternatives.ca
Facebook: /exploringalternativesblog
Instagram: @exploringalternatives
Music & Song Credits:
All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat Dubé of Exploring Alternatives.
This was useful. It's started me on my next level of confusion.
lol
Heh. Very funny!
Maxid1 😂😂😂🤪
Easy to understand thx !
😭😭😭
Finally someone is putting in the missing information. Lots of videos about solar energy and components, but not so much about how to choose the right amount of power. You've made it so much simpler. Thanks.
Good vid, but be careful going only by *output* wattage. The reason those adapters get warm when in use is because they aren't 100% efficient. Older wall ac/dc adapters may be based on linear tech that can be as bad as 30%-40% efficient, meaning that 10W at the output requires more than 20W on the input. These old adapters would run very warm. Newer adapters likely use DC-DC switching converters after smaller transformers and be from 65% to 90% efficient, so even in the best case a10W output requires about 11W on the input. The lost 1W will make the adapter warm. A good rule of thumb is if all you have is output wattage is to multiply by 1.2 to estimate the input required as being 20% above output wattage.
The best thing to do is to avoid converting the DC from the batteries to AC in the inverter then back to DC using an adapter. Get mobile adapters designed to run on 12VDC and run them straight from the battery then you avoid the inverter inefficiencies altogether. As a rule of thumb, avoid energy conversions as there will always be conversion losses no matter what the device just as with the wall adapters. But similar losses occur for converting wind or sunshine to electricity and also for converting that electricity to chemical arrangements in the batteries, then again when when drawing the electricity out of the battery (why batteries get warm when used or charged). This is why the best fan is open windows on a breezy day; no energy conversions. :D
@ferkemall All Marty G. wants to say is: avoid using these small transformers if their output is 12Volt and your system voltage (i.e. your battery) is 12V. In this way, by feeding your loads directly from your battery, you are using the otherwise energy loss most effectively as there is no energy transformation introducing losses. There are many AA battery chargers in the market that use an external 12V power supply. These can work directly from a 12V system battery instead of the inverter output using an adapter. And finally your question doesn't make any sense because simply there is no photovoltaic system based on 5V. They start from 12V, in their simplest form, and (usually) go upwards in multiples of 12V. (24, 36, 48 etc). This has to do with the nature of the lead acid battery (12V per battery as minimum) which was the permanent companion of these systems up to now, used as power backup. But today this type of battery has some other competitors...
Stop and watch this one, folks! If you're like me and you've watched literally hundreds of solar how-to videos you're probably confused and frustrated. The buck stops here. This was the most helpful video on the subject that I have seen and the ONLY one that shows you where to find the info you need from your various devices. Bravo!
this is the best video I've seen on UA-cam so far explaining solar power. expescially for a newbie like me. THANK YOU
Dangerous TEJ kjpp0
I'm going off grid like you both and this information is the best explanation I've heard since I've been looking into it for six months now. I had a Traumatic Brain Injury, and I generally don't understand how some people explain things. I got everything you said the first time. I like how you teach. Thank you so much.
Wow this is the most helpful off grid solar video
i've seen. Thanks and keep the great videos rollin.
No one has ever explained solar that I could understand until now. Thanks so much for sharing.
I'm glad you added that bit about the inverter, I hadn't thought of that before. Thanks for the links as well.
WOW I learned so much. This is the BEST video about off grid solar that I have ever seen. Thank you
I've been searching for the longest how to do this. I love it when a video gets me the exact answer I've been looking for. Bravo!
Thanks for the clear & simplified explanation. I've watched a lot of other people talk about their installations and so some of the terminology was familiar but I didn't understand where it really fit into the whole system. Bravo! So glad you spent the time and energy to find out what you really needed and then shared it with the rest of us.
That was amazing. Everything else I've seen on YT has been a dissertation on electricity. You made it so easy to understand. Thanks!
Oh thank goodness you made this .. your foot pump for the sink actually explains it in such a way that even the least handy person can completely get it ! I knew EXACTLY where to look for a solar set up thank you!!
amazing information. clear and easy to follow. I appreciate it. thank you.
Thank you very much. I bought a system from a guy I trust, but had no idea of what I have purchased, and how I may use it without blowing it up!
Happy to say I am in good shape, and now I know why.
Puzzling why others introducing this technology don't think of making such basic explanations. Thank you very much.
Really good explanation. Thanks for laying it out so cleanly. Cheers!
I am exploring my options for powering my mobile salon. Very nice explanation of how to calculate what I need. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much Mat. I listen to sooooo many explain these solar system and you were the best. Thanks again
The inverter explanation at the end was especially useful. Thanks for another great video.
Thanks for speaking slowly and not bouncing the camera around all over the place! I learned a lot and it has lessened some of the confusion!
Thank you SO much for this in depth video! My family and I are hitting the road soon and were feeling very intimidated by the whole solar panel step. I would love to see a video on how you both travel without a cell phone. My husband and I share one now, but would love to feel confident in not having one at all. Everything you guys do here on UA-cam is so appreciated by me! YOU ROCK!
Kristen Minix Thanks so much for the great feedback! That's a great idea for a video and we'll add it to our list for sure! Hopefully we can get it done before you start your travels. Thanks for sharing :)
Glad you made the point that even if the inverter is running anything, if its ON, its drawing power. Ian amazed at how many people DON'T realize this! I have a 2000 Watt Inverter that just "idling" is pulling about 50 Watts. NICE JOB, SIR!
I've watched TONS of solar videos, and this is definitely the most helpful one I've seen. Thank you very much!
What a relief. I watched a couple good videos on off the grid planning but they left me wondering how to calculate the power needed and in Watts. Thanks.
What a blessing this video is! Thank you for explaining it so well.
Thank you! I haven’t seen anyone else explaining how to calculate what’s needed! This is going to be a very big help when I put solar on my trailer!
Man... I wish I'd found this vid like 2 months ago. This was the info/summary I needed then, before weeding through miles of data (that I probably wont need for my application.. lol). Well put together :D
I agree with +Jessamy Garder. Both of you have your own ways of explaining ideas to us, the viewers, and my anxiety levels are reduced regarding money, solar power, clothing, space, and other issues. You also provide links/information to taking the next steps to implementing whatever issue about which we have concerns. I have felt like a mouse regarding solar energy, like it was a huge concept over my head. Yet, I have seen so many people install it themselves that I knew I could learn and do it. Thank you Matt for your help. I don't need solar energy yet, but I save pertinent UA-cam videos for my tiny house in the future. 😊
Exactly what I was looking for.. Simply explained. Can finally get my head around what I need now. Thanks a million!
Man thank you SO MUCH for making this video...This is by FAR the most helpful video I've ever watched on anything camper van/van life related and I've been researching for about a year. Your explanations were easy to follow incredibly thorough and VERY WELL thought out. You just gave me an incredible boost in confidence. I hope I can find a good deal on a van soon as financially I'm not able to quite afford what I'd need. I'm 6'4 and need to be able to stand in the van and I'm not sure it's gonna be possible based on most of what I've seen so far. But man this was great 👌🏽
Best video I've seen on using solar energy for off grid living! Thank you for sharing!
The best explanation until now, very nice !!
Best regards from Portugal.
you are the best! just mentioning the capacity of inverter need was all I needed to know.
*Hugs
The best explanation of off grid calculation I have seen so far. Thx!
You are fabulous! You are a real earth warrior. We need more like you. You have given me options/ choices that is freedom. I can't thank you enough. You make me think I can do this.
This is the best explanation of solar calculations I've seen... Now I finally understand it! Thanks.
This is the best explanation I have seen for sizing a solar power system. Thank you!
Wow, This is the best by far. Very informative and the speed of presentation is not too slow and not too fast either. Just perfect. Keep Up the fantastic work. Thank You.
Good job. I'm looking for real life situations and you just explained one. Thank you.
Solo Roamin' You're very welcome, happy it was helpful!
I no longer feel intimidated by solar thanks to your video! Thank you.
There are many components to average cost to install solar power system . One plan I found that succeeds in merging these is the Ewans energy roadmap (check it out on google) it's the most incredible blueprint that I've seen. look at the unbelievable information .
Thanks for the great video! Now that I have the calculation to generate 1.21 gigawatts all I have to do is get it all moving at 88 miles per hour...
+John Norris seat belt on
+John Norris lol
+John Norris Make sure you have enough road
Lol!!!!
I trust you remembered to put it in reverse....
Best video I’ve seen on solar power to date. Well done sir👍
I always come back to this video for guidance on solar!
Thank you for showing and explaining the details of what's involved in calculating the power needs.
The first video that helps a newbie like me to understand wattage calculations. Thank you!
This is just what I needed. Excellent overall information, with links to resources.
Thanks a lot, and Happy Trails!
+Allen Hare glad it was helpful!! Thanks for watching :)
Wow Matt, that was well inform and very helpful.
Jackson O'Neil Cool, I'm happy it was helpful, thanks for watching :)
Thanks for making it super simple to understand. Well done.
not sure if it's the best vid out there but it's been the first good informative vid for me .. and im more than grateful
the best video on this subject so far. thanks alot.
very informative and scalable. i appreciate you taking the time to make this video.
Great tutorial! Very detailed and easy to understand. You do fine work :-)
NoProGoPronto Thanks so much!
+Exploring Alternatives you are great please contact us seaworthy@vsnl.com
+Fraser Holmes
+Matt Carrasquillo I will give you the pleasure of hitting the "Report spam or abuse" button in oreder to clear it away from the comments. The button is in the menu marked by a gray, encircled upside-down triangle icon that pops onto your screen when your mouse hovers above the comment that you want to report. Go for it. It's fun.
No kidding........Even if you hit the button it doesn't magically make the comment disappear the person that posted the video has to do that genius. Till the scam is taken down others can get taken for a ride that's why I posted the warning.
Great video and to the point, no useless rambling. Subscribed.
Great Video! Matt thanks for sharing and educating people so they can have a better life! Very well done. Thank you for sharing and I will be watching all your other vids.
+zzheyuh00 Thanks for watching, very happy you found the video helpful :)
Thank you for making this so easy to understand!! 😃
Exactly what I was looking for - simple and informative. Thanks.
Wow... someone finally made all of this ridiculousness about solar power really easy to understand. Matt, you da man.
and one more thing!! I know you're a musician and i was wondering whether that was you every time we hear music on the channel. I also play and have just noticed that the soundtracks to your videos are always really fitting!! either way, awesome work and great channel!
Alex Pinnix Thanks! Yeah I had a really hard time making sense of this and finding good info when we were setting up our system so I decided to make this video.
...and yes, good guess. I do all the music for the channel now, it's just easier than dealing with copyright issues and stuff like that. It's a bit limited cause I only have a few instruments with me but I guess it's only for background music. Thanks for your feedback and for watching :)
The best video on solar I have seen. Thanks
OUTSTANDING presentation!!! Appreciate your educational video!
The best video in this subject so far. Thanks alot .
Nice job, Matt! Great explanation and step-by-step guidance. Thanks!
can't get enough with this video.. very helpful.. great job!
This the clearest explanation I've come across. Thank you.
Great video! so many times I have looked into these kits and found them confusing with all the details, however you have just explained in minutes what has never been understood to me!. Keep up the great videos!
paul dolton Thanks so much for the feedback and thanks for watching!
This is EXACTLY what I needed!!! Thank you so much!!
great video for a beginner off gridder like me. Thank you for your clear explanations!
The best video that I've seen. Especially the info on the Renogy calculator. Thanks
very informative I like how you broke it down step by step unexplained everything it was very helpful.
Excellant video, thank you for bringing this to the front line
+New Beginnings with Budhi and Cyndi You're very welcome, happy it was helpful :)
Thanks for the video. You did a great job explaining it.
Thank you!! You had some tips that I had never heard before. Great job of keeping it simple.
Best explanation I have seen. Clever, clear and concise. Thank you so much
Good work, this was well explained and easy to understand.
I'm just starting to learn about solar systems and this tutorial was incredibly helpful.
Excellent video. Thanks for sharing all the great info!
Hey Matt, really enjoying your video series.
Keep up the great work dude.
Ian Miller Thanks so much for the feedback and for watching :)
Thank you for the very useful information!!
been trying to figure this out for a long time and keep getting confused. Lovely clear video.
Cheers!
Fantastic tutorial...really. I find the whole thing confusing, but you have cleared up a lot!! I added this vid to my 'watch again' list :)
Great video!! Simple and concise!! Answered all of the questions I had about figuring the size of the system I need!!
this is very useful video, thanks for the information about solar power.. great job.
Thank you so much for this walk through. The detail is perfect. Much appreciated.
+Kieren Britton You're very welcome, I'm happy to hear it was helpful :)
I was like staring into the sun but despite that, really detailed explanation. I learned a lot!
I have often wondered how to figure this out!! Thanks for the very informative video!!
Great video friend. Peace from Loveland, CO!
Very well presented - thanks for posting.
Thanks for the thoughts you have provided here.
love the video! I love watching you two. I am planning on getting a van and doing some traveling around the US. your videos are very helpful and fun to watch! keep it up!
best video ever...I watched many videos about solar system and allways end up with questions...until I find yours...nice...
+Regis Signor Thanks so much! I'm really happy to hear it was helpful :)
Great video. Answered my questions with ease after spending ages looking at options for my T4 and living in Portugal. Thank you
Thank you for this informative video! This really helped me out!
Awesome. Thanks for such clear explanation & great link with the calculator.
Really well explained! Thank you! :)
Wow, dude! I don't feel so much like a total idiot now. I am in the planning stages of hitting the road and there is so much to learn. It is a little overwhelming. Thanks for the wonderful info!
Thank you so much! Of all the videos i've seen on solar sizing , your video was the most precise and easily understandable one. Thank you! :)
THIS WAS A GREAT VIDEO AND HELPED ME WITH MY FINAL YEAR PROJECT TQ SO MUCH BRO
Very nice video... Clear and concise!
+RV Triking Thanks so much :)
one of the best explanation on ytube great job
Man, you are very good!!! Perfect explanation, many thanks! I am researching a few bits to setup my system at the farm. Perfect start!