Yes please do a complete solar tour. As you go thru the system tell us what you've learned and what you would have done differently. What are the plans for the future with your solar?
I was formerly a nuclear operator on a submarine. I find your explanation quite easy to follow and very well executed. You should consider helping/selling systems to others. You have an amazing understanding of how this system works and your honesty serves you and the rest of us well. Blessings and Mahalo nui loa from Hawaii...
Nice update!! Victron is top-shelf. Super great products. I have a couple of suggestions if you like. Generator to Inverter: I think you might be restricted on the Amps by using the house style outlet (NEMA5-15) out generator. That is a 15 Amp rated outlet and you are using the correct size wire (white 14 AWG). You might feel that cable while charging to ensure it is not getting too warm. 45 Amps is a lot for 14 AWG wire!! I would like to see you switch over to that 30 Amp receptacle to the left side of your generator. I believe that is a twist-lock NEMA L5-30. BigBox stores will have that plug. Then you can push more Amps. Of course, you will need the male plug and 10 AWG (orange) wire. You *could* drop to a #8 AWG wire with the short run you have. #6 AWG is rated for 70Amps but that generator will not push that. With a big wire, lots of room inside the wire for current to flow but #10 is what the RV outlet should be rated. Looks great. I like the addition.
@@manolisgledsodakis873 Oh that's right. That monitor reads the shunt on the negative cable. So DC to batteries if monitor has a positive number or out of batteries if negative number. Thanks.
Martin, I appreciate your style - curious, wanting to improve your own world and not stuck on yourself as you readily show you don't know everything. Thank you for this video tour. I'll always be tied to the grid, but I do seek to be less 'interrupted' by power outages in the Michigan countryside in the winter.
We really appreciate you sharing your projects with us! It's always uplifting to see you guys working together and enjoying the process. My wife and I are building an off-grid garage (I say WE are, but we hired a local team to build the base structure! LOL). I completed the electrical, plumbing and insulation myself and the last two things on my check list are water catchment / storage and our Solar power system!! I can't wait to get started. After watching your journey with solar power I've decided to go with Battle-Born batteries and Victron charger/inverters/accessories. I haven't decided on PV panels yet but the Solaria Parallel Sub-String design looks great. Thanks again for all your great content! It's been a great learning experience for us. Oh, and my wife gets a huge kick out of Tux! :)
There is a setting in the Victron which tells it the size of the AC supply and it will not draw more than that. That could be limiting your charge current. 70A is the maximum it can charge at, it will only charge at 70A when the batteries can take that much. If the batteries are at, say, 70% 70A would push the voltage up too high. It charges at a lower rate the higher battery level is.
Yes the Multiplus has a setting for the charge current and detects 'weak' AC supply from the generator, this setting can be changed with dip-switches or by software. (Or by the "Digital MultiControl" remote panel.)
Wow this video is so informative, I’m currently doing research for a skoolie conversation and the way you have explained things really made it comprehendible for someone like my self. Thanks Martin!
great videos. thank you... by the way, who else noticed that he put those 4 screws back in the inverter charger cover and didn't even drop one.. what a hot dog ;) ;)
Your setup has become quite sophisticated considering where you started. It is proof that going off grid can be done slowly and still be quite successful.
@@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving - Just watched it too. It is an impressive setup for sure. Plus, the video was just in time for someone else I follow who is stuck at just what he should order. I shared the video with them and let them know that your parts list is in the description.
Hi Martin. Yes a complete system talk through will be a good video and possibly helpful to others taking a similar path as you however. As others may be using the information you give, which you do very well by the way, I suggest waiting until you have finalised your system. Keep us updated obviously as upgrades or alterations take place and then when you have your final desired set up give us the grand tour. There are many reasons for progression, cost of equipment being high on the list. I think that your experiences as you progress through the solar system build are very good learning for others. You explain in simple terms rather than the complications of a sophisticated system so people will listen and understand. Great video thank you for sharing.
I’m glad you know all that stuff on your solar system. It’s way above my head! Lol. Still watch you every episode though! You’re a good explainer. Great video.
I am surprised seeing your comments on Life unconnected , I followed them from day one created interest in off-grid home learned a lot from both the Chennai I must appreciate you motivating others , keep it up and HAPPY XMAS FROM INDIANS
If you read the Manual. You will probably find that the default For your Transfer Switch is 50 amps. The Transfer switch controls the INCOMING Amperage). The 70 amps refers to the Amperage maximum that the Inverter is charging FROM THE INVERTER TO THE BATTERIES ( i.e Charge rate of 70 amps at 24 volts). Neat installation!
@@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving Hi Martin, I have been watching your videos for a few months now. They are pretty well DONE ( easy to follow, clear explained and concise). I've learned a lot from you. Wonder if you've used any website/software to identify the best position for your panels. How did you figure your watts needs out? In your experience, What are the best panels for winter areas, Calgary?
This is exactly the same setup as I have on my RV, but I have 12 volt 50 amp setup with 2kw solar on the roof. Great video explanation of how it all works!
I would absolutely love a complete guide from start to finish on solar setup and install and everything needed. A how to and all I need for my homestead build. God Bless.
Good to see that you stick with Victron. And even better that you use a breaker for the batteries! Put one on the solar panel side as well while you're on it 😉 Nice vid! Thanks 😃
I would really like to see your whole set up in detail if possible. I really thought that I knew what I was doing the first time that I tried to setup my solar array 4 years ago. Thanks for all your videos about your solar system...
Exactly. The generator looks to be about 1Kw or thereabouts so it cant support the charge controller's full capacity which is is about 1800 watts assuming charging efficiency of 90%
If you pause the video you can see that he has a generator that's rated a 3000W (3500W Peak). My guess is he would probably max that generator out at around 2300watts. My old 800w EX800 Honda generator maxes out at 600 watts when I charge my 12v battery bank with it. 43amps at around 14.5v. Any more than that and it overloads the engine and rpms drop way down along with output watts. I'm using a 12awg extension card. I can see all this happen in real time through the Victron Bluetooth app on my phone. I just cleaned the carbon off the head/piston/valves, changed the oil, and spark plug so it's running pretty fresh. My
@@SpoonerTuner Ultimately it doesn't really matter how large the generator once it is above 1500watta since the battery charger is being fed by a singe 120 V outlet which is breaker protected at 15 amps.
@@68Jaguar420G 15 amp × 120 volt = 1800 watts. I was thinking it was probably a 1250 watt gene but someone noticed 3000. Maybe you only get 1250 running per outlet? Predator generator? Chinesium? Just noticed 70 amp × 24 volt is 1680. Hmm?
Full tour would be amazing. Just starting out. Don’t really know where to start. Don’t really know much and wanted to expand my knowledge before I buy. I like in the uk so I know things will vary but I’m interested so much in this!!
yes I would love to see the full system and everything that you are running off of it, and also how you go about calculating what size of system is needed to run everything!
Nice setup. One quick tip to make your battery bank have a longer service life is to wire your batteries a bit different to create balanced charging. You did a better job than most people by having your inverter/charger battery leads come off opposite ends of the bank, but doing so actually doesn’t fully balance the discharge and charge rates of the batteries in your bank. The two end series are still doing more work compared to the middle two series because the total resistive load associated with the intervening battery leads is affected by how linkages you pass through. Lead batteries are resistant to this issue, but lithium’s hate it. There are some good websites on “balanced battery bank wiring” that are worth checking out. Indeed, if you moved your positive inverter/charger lead down one battery, and your negative lead up one battery, you would likely solve the whole issue and have identical draws and charging all of those nice battleborns. Not sure why battleborn does not educated people on this wiring method on their website rather than just showing the old lead acid method for series and parallel wiring.
Nice job of explaining your off grid solar system, I like that you strapped down your batteries. Suggestion: Put a piece of plexiglass in front of your batteries and other open connections to prevent inadvertent contact with tools or other items that you may be wielding in your storage building.
Nice upgrade. You won't regret going all Victron. Wait until you get all your Victron items networked. So cool. Plan to run an Ethernet cable from the house to your solar shed so you can plug your CCGX (or similar) into your home network switch. Once on your LAN, you can pull the display up on a computer. And if your network is on the Internet, you can access the CCGX from Victron's remote portal.
Your right. You really should install a combiner box with breakers. Not only will you have circuit protection but a way to disconnect that can be used over and over without wearing it out.
I would definitely like to see a video on your entire solar system. Even a video on your "solar shed"! Size and layout of the shed. What you would do different on the shed. Thanks!
I like your solar setup and would love for you to go into depth about it. I'm looking into setting my own up and think your's would be a great model to follow.
does your solar panel wiring go into a combiner box with breakers? if so, instead of disconnecting the panel wires, could you just throw the breakers instead to disconnect from the electronics?
@@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving thank you for the reply. I'm just learning about off grid solar and your vids have been very helpful. I too am using Victron products and hope to install my 3k system next summer.
These are great! Can't wait to see if you go to the 220v with the same setup. I got 2 of the Multiplus to do that and working on figuring out how to hook it all up... I think all i really need more than what you have is 2 cables, an extra fuse and 2 busbars.
Going to install our own solar at our off the grid house and thank you for your videos. I have installed solar and electrical systems in vans and houses seem easier! Spend $50 and get a proper hydraulic crimper that will crimp tighter around the cable.
I noticed you went outside and unhooked your solar panels, don't you have a combiner box with breakers> If not don't you have a fuse inline to protect your system? Just wondering. Also Victron does make high quality products, good choice. We use wind generators in the winter to help pick up the load when it is cloudy. Haven't had to use the generator at all since installing them. Good luck and very informative video thanks for sharing.
One of the best systems i have seen which also powered a 8k btu AC uses a propane powered generator to supplement charging when solar was unavailable due to weather or in brief high load demands. You can multipurpose propane as a cooking and heating fuel. A 20 lb propane tank will run a 1000 watt Alp propane generator for 40-50 hrs. You can also buy a high capacity propane tank and install it on site.
on the TIme-line on your Video showing the Generator 17:44 mins, it looks like just to the Left of current Plug you have a 120 Volt 30 Amp Round Plug that should provide ~3600 watts. Make sure to scale wire size up to handle the 30 amps. Good Luck, Love the videos!
@@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving Thanks for sending me the link to the new video! I greatly appreciate it and I will definitely watch it! Your video series on solar has been extremely helpful! Thank you very much for making it!
Thanks Martin! This was a really good walk-through. Fun seeing a glimpse of what it was before we saw it the other day, post-upgrade. And yes! A complete tour of your system would be awesome! 👍
I like what you have done ; would like to convert our entire small farm to solar; but all this is foreign to me- I am an Accountant, not any kind of engineer. I am afraid of electricity but also tired of very high electric bills every month. Thanks for educating me.
Hello Mr Johnson, I would like to see a complete run through of your system, I am planning on doing the same thing in Haiti. Please let me know if you will be able to, thanks.
I found your generator online. It looks to me like you are using the NEMA5-20 outlet rated for 20A (not 15). To the MAX amps you should be able to pull across the 14 AWG wire is about 18-20 Amps before the breaker on generator trips. Using the L5-30 receptacle will permit up to 30A. You will not get more because the breaker on generator will trip. Overload protection. I think the monitor was reporting generator + battery maybe. Best way to know is put a clamp-meter on one leg of the generator cable to measure the Amps.
Yes please. I’m interested in the house panel. Like once you go from the solar portion, what it looks like coming into the house and if there is anything special you need.
@@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving i would recommend an enclosure & the use of an RV water tank warm/heating pad to ensure you don't charge the batteries when they go below freezing cause you in cold climate mate
Hey Martin, these are very good videos. Thank you for taking the time to set them up and explain what's installed, very helpful. I have a comment on something I noticed in minute 15:25. I might be missing something out so I think you can help me clear it out. I see that the Inverter charger's cabinet is bonded (green wire) to the charge controllers cabinets. But I also noticed that the Inverter's AC output has a bare copper wire connected to the grounding terminal. My understanding on this is that the grounding terminal in the inverter is already bonded to all of the Inverter's metallic components that are not to be energized, if this is the case, then it would be redundant to bond the metallic enclosure with the green wire and it would be enough to connect the bare copper wire to the grounding terminals in the breaker box and take the green bonding wire that connects the charge controllers enclosures directly to the grounding terminals in the breaker box as well. Please let me know if I'm missing something. I want to understand the entire connection since I'm making a little design. Thank you!
I would love to have a solar system like you have there but following the wiring around as you talk about how it's hooked up, I wouldn't know where to start. Seems way over my head. lol Nice system :)
I would love if I could have the old inverter charger I am fixing up a old trailer and I don’t have much money to do it and would love a inverter charger Love the videos keep up the good work
I really appreciated your video it was really informative and helpful. I would also like to see the whole tour of your solar system, please and thank you.
That's what I said, I don't know how that's possible without overloading the 110v breaker. It must step up the amperage through the inverter going from AC to DC. I'm not sure how that works.
@Martin Johnson - Off Grid Living - For your own good i would advise to make an electrical schematic of your solar system. First you can explain much better and 2nd when someone from your family have todo something when you are not at home, why ever, they can work based on your words and the schematic. ALso an electrical engeneer can read it and can possible help out. There are more tips for that but at the end it helps for sure.
You have to be pulling more than 20 amps into the house. Do you ever trip that breaker? Would also think about separating the positive and negative lines to and from your batteries, rather close, one crazy squirrel.... Its awesome what your doing, i tinker with solar too and so far haven't blew anything up :).
I would love to see everything.We are going to be building my husband a shop this summer and the plan is to put it on solar. I am still pricing inverter chargers and solar panels. I have to find something that can handle a table saw planner and miter saw. No he won't be using the at same time but it has to be able to handle the start up of the miter saw; it draws a lot of amps at start up.
You should run a 220 volt system, and run everything you can 220 because it reduces the amperage. We converted my buddies table saw to 220v, and it performs so much better!
Yes please do a complete solar tour. As you go thru the system tell us what you've learned and what you would have done differently. What are the plans for the future with your solar?
We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system. Here is the video ua-cam.com/video/MeaANzjzwf0/v-deo.html
I was formerly a nuclear operator on a submarine. I find your explanation quite easy to follow and very well executed. You should consider helping/selling systems to others. You have an amazing understanding of how this system works and your honesty serves you and the rest of us well. Blessings and Mahalo nui loa from Hawaii...
We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video ua-cam.com/video/MeaANzjzwf0/v-deo.html
I can't tell you how much this has changed my off grid system. Thank you very much!!!
Yes! Whole set up tour would be great. Also would like to see how you earth grounded the system. Thanks for all the demonstrations!
We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system. Here is the video ua-cam.com/video/MeaANzjzwf0/v-deo.html
Hello from South Florida!! Looking super fantastic. I like the level of details in the review. Good job!
Thank you very much. I’m glad you liked it. Would you mind helping me out a little and share this video?
Nice update!! Victron is top-shelf. Super great products. I have a couple of suggestions if you like. Generator to Inverter: I think you might be restricted on the Amps by using the house style outlet (NEMA5-15) out generator. That is a 15 Amp rated outlet and you are using the correct size wire (white 14 AWG). You might feel that cable while charging to ensure it is not getting too warm. 45 Amps is a lot for 14 AWG wire!! I would like to see you switch over to that 30 Amp receptacle to the left side of your generator. I believe that is a twist-lock NEMA L5-30. BigBox stores will have that plug. Then you can push more Amps. Of course, you will need the male plug and 10 AWG (orange) wire. You *could* drop to a #8 AWG wire with the short run you have. #6 AWG is rated for 70Amps but that generator will not push that. With a big wire, lots of room inside the wire for current to flow but #10 is what the RV outlet should be rated. Looks great. I like the addition.
It's 46 Amps at 27 volts not 120. The generator produces 120v (I assume) so do the math: 10.35 Amps ?
@@manolisgledsodakis873 Oh that's right. That monitor reads the shunt on the negative cable. So DC to batteries if monitor has a positive number or out of batteries if negative number. Thanks.
What is the difference in using a Victron inverter or a SolArk inverter?
Martin, I appreciate your style - curious, wanting to improve your own world and not stuck on yourself as you readily show you don't know everything. Thank you for this video tour. I'll always be tied to the grid, but I do seek to be less 'interrupted' by power outages in the Michigan countryside in the winter.
We really appreciate you sharing your projects with us! It's always uplifting to see you guys working together and enjoying the process. My wife and I are building an off-grid garage (I say WE are, but we hired a local team to build the base structure! LOL). I completed the electrical, plumbing and insulation myself and the last two things on my check list are water catchment / storage and our Solar power system!! I can't wait to get started. After watching your journey with solar power I've decided to go with Battle-Born batteries and Victron charger/inverters/accessories. I haven't decided on PV panels yet but the Solaria Parallel Sub-String design looks great. Thanks again for all your great content! It's been a great learning experience for us. Oh, and my wife gets a huge kick out of Tux! :)
There is a setting in the Victron which tells it the size of the AC supply and it will not draw more than that. That could be limiting your charge current.
70A is the maximum it can charge at, it will only charge at 70A when the batteries can take that much. If the batteries are at, say, 70% 70A would push the voltage up too high. It charges at a lower rate the higher battery level is.
Yes the Multiplus has a setting for the charge current and detects 'weak' AC supply from the generator, this setting can be changed with dip-switches or by software. (Or by the "Digital MultiControl" remote panel.)
Really nice job. Am a Nigerian, I have an empowerment training on Monday and I will definitely play this video for the trainees
Yes, please go over your whole system and all appliances. That would be a cool video. Thanks for making good content!
We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video ua-cam.com/video/MeaANzjzwf0/v-deo.html
Hi ! From morocco , we thanks so much on this video , take care my master .
Wow this video is so informative, I’m currently doing research for a skoolie conversation and the way you have explained things really made it comprehendible for someone like my self. Thanks Martin!
We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video ua-cam.com/video/MeaANzjzwf0/v-deo.html
great videos. thank you... by the way, who else noticed that he put those 4 screws back in the inverter charger cover and didn't even drop one.. what a hot dog ;) ;)
Your setup has become quite sophisticated considering where you started. It is proof that going off grid can be done slowly and still be quite successful.
We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video ua-cam.com/video/MeaANzjzwf0/v-deo.html
@@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving - Just watched it too. It is an impressive setup for sure. Plus, the video was just in time for someone else I follow who is stuck at just what he should order. I shared the video with them and let them know that your parts list is in the description.
Hi Martin. Yes a complete system talk through will be a good video and possibly helpful to others taking a similar path as you however.
As others may be using the information you give, which you do very well by the way, I suggest waiting until you have finalised your system. Keep us updated obviously as upgrades or alterations take place and then when you have your final desired set up give us the grand tour.
There are many reasons for progression, cost of equipment being high on the list. I think that your experiences as you progress through the solar system build are very good learning for others. You explain in simple terms rather than the complications of a sophisticated system so people will listen and understand. Great video thank you for sharing.
I’m glad you know all that stuff on your solar system. It’s way above my head! Lol. Still watch you every episode though! You’re a good explainer. Great video.
My wife and I are going off grid in the U P I love your solar system great great great
Sounds cool! We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video ua-cam.com/video/MeaANzjzwf0/v-deo.html
I am surprised seeing your comments on Life unconnected , I followed them from day one created interest in off-grid home learned a lot from both the Chennai
I must appreciate you motivating others , keep it up and HAPPY XMAS
FROM INDIANS
If you read the Manual. You will probably find that the default For your Transfer Switch is 50 amps. The Transfer switch controls the INCOMING Amperage). The 70 amps refers to the Amperage maximum that the Inverter is charging FROM THE INVERTER TO THE BATTERIES ( i.e Charge rate of 70 amps at 24 volts). Neat installation!
Yes, please lets do the complete electrical tour. GREAT VIDEOS, GREAT DETAILS
We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video ua-cam.com/video/MeaANzjzwf0/v-deo.html
@@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving Hi Martin, I have been watching your videos for a few months now. They are pretty well DONE ( easy to follow, clear explained and concise). I've learned a lot from you. Wonder if you've used any website/software to identify the best position for your panels. How did you figure your watts needs out? In your experience, What are the best panels for winter areas, Calgary?
I would definitely like the "completest" tour. Great layout of your solar power system. Love it!!
We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video ua-cam.com/video/MeaANzjzwf0/v-deo.html
This is exactly the same setup as I have on my RV, but I have 12 volt 50 amp setup with 2kw solar on the roof. Great video explanation of how it all works!
Full tour please. You are doing great job. We can learn a lot from you. Thank you very much.
Testing that glass table to the MAX 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣👍🏻
I love how you weighed it! 😂 So informative!
We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video ua-cam.com/video/MeaANzjzwf0/v-deo.html
I'm always watching you sir , thanks for sharing information from 🇵🇭
Yes, I’d like to see the complete electrical system tour.
Nice setup. Informative video. I vote for the complete video with the PV setup as weel.thanks
I would absolutely love a complete guide from start to finish on solar setup and install and everything needed. A how to and all I need for my homestead build. God Bless.
We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video ua-cam.com/video/MeaANzjzwf0/v-deo.html
Good to see that you stick with Victron. And even better that you use a breaker for the batteries! Put one on the solar panel side as well while you're on it 😉
Nice vid! Thanks 😃
We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video ua-cam.com/video/MeaANzjzwf0/v-deo.html
@@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving just watched it - looking reaally good! Thanks for the update!
I would really like to see your whole set up in detail if possible. I really thought that I knew what I was doing the first time that I tried to setup my solar array 4 years ago.
Thanks for all your videos about your solar system...
We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video ua-cam.com/video/MeaANzjzwf0/v-deo.html
I love your house ! And a complete, detailed full explanation would be awesome!
Yes sir sturdily is a word. That is one serious system you got going on there. Very nice.
I’m pretty sure it is the generators limitation as to why you are not charging at a full 70 amps.
Exactly. The generator looks to be about 1Kw or thereabouts so it cant support the charge controller's full capacity which is is about 1800 watts assuming charging efficiency of 90%
And 14awg pushing 46A continuous should increase conductor resistance? Double rating at 30A will be warm, triple should be getting toasty.... I recon.
If you pause the video you can see that he has a generator that's rated a 3000W (3500W Peak). My guess is he would probably max that generator out at around 2300watts. My old 800w EX800 Honda generator maxes out at 600 watts when I charge my 12v battery bank with it. 43amps at around 14.5v. Any more than that and it overloads the engine and rpms drop way down along with output watts. I'm using a 12awg extension card. I can see all this happen in real time through the Victron Bluetooth app on my phone. I just cleaned the carbon off the head/piston/valves, changed the oil, and spark plug so it's running pretty fresh. My
@@SpoonerTuner Ultimately it doesn't really matter how large the generator once it is above 1500watta since the battery charger is being fed by a singe 120 V outlet which is breaker protected at 15 amps.
@@68Jaguar420G 15 amp × 120 volt = 1800 watts. I was thinking it was probably a 1250 watt gene but someone noticed 3000. Maybe you only get 1250 running per outlet? Predator generator? Chinesium?
Just noticed 70 amp × 24 volt is 1680. Hmm?
Full tour would be amazing. Just starting out. Don’t really know where to start. Don’t really know much and wanted to expand my knowledge before I buy. I like in the uk so I know things will vary but I’m interested so much in this!!
I’ll plan on making that video. In the meantime Would you mind helping me out a little and share this video?
yes I would love to see the full system and everything that you are running off of it, and also how you go about calculating what size of system is needed to run everything!
We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video ua-cam.com/video/MeaANzjzwf0/v-deo.html
It would be great to get a complete tour to see what runs from the solar array. Great job
We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video ua-cam.com/video/MeaANzjzwf0/v-deo.html
Magic as usual I enjoyed that. Let us know when you get it to 70 amps and what the company says
Yes please im getting ready to invest! I need to know
Nice setup. One quick tip to make your battery bank have a longer service life is to wire your batteries a bit different to create balanced charging. You did a better job than most people by having your inverter/charger battery leads come off opposite ends of the bank, but doing so actually doesn’t fully balance the discharge and charge rates of the batteries in your bank. The two end series are still doing more work compared to the middle two series because the total resistive load associated with the intervening battery leads is affected by how linkages you pass through. Lead batteries are resistant to this issue, but lithium’s hate it. There are some good websites on “balanced battery bank wiring” that are worth checking out. Indeed, if you moved your positive inverter/charger lead down one battery, and your negative lead up one battery, you would likely solve the whole issue and have identical draws and charging all of those nice battleborns. Not sure why battleborn does not educated people on this wiring method on their website rather than just showing the old lead acid method for series and parallel wiring.
Battleborn is stagnant and the their CS has gone to sh!t! No consistent info on settings from various MPPTs. Victron or nothing.
Nice job of explaining your off grid solar system, I like that you strapped down your batteries.
Suggestion: Put a piece of plexiglass in front of your batteries and other open connections to prevent inadvertent contact with tools or other items that you may be wielding in your storage building.
Nice upgrade. You won't regret going all Victron. Wait until you get all your Victron items networked. So cool. Plan to run an Ethernet cable from the house to your solar shed so you can plug your CCGX (or similar) into your home network switch. Once on your LAN, you can pull the display up on a computer. And if your network is on the Internet, you can access the CCGX from Victron's remote portal.
Such a great system and clean set-up...you clearly did your homework on what your needs would be and which systems are the quality systems.
We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video ua-cam.com/video/MeaANzjzwf0/v-deo.html
Have learnt so much in this video but, I will have an interest in the complete tour you mentioned in this video
We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a *full tour!* Here is the video ua-cam.com/video/MeaANzjzwf0/v-deo.html
Your right. You really should install a combiner box with breakers. Not only will you have circuit protection but a way to disconnect that can be used over and over without wearing it out.
separate solar charges is to prefer, when one fails you still have the other one working.
Nice set up. This is a great help for people that want to go off grid. Thumbs up
I appreciate these videos - thanks for taking the time! Oh, and YES to the complete tour. That would be amazing.
We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video ua-cam.com/video/MeaANzjzwf0/v-deo.html
I would definitely like to see a video on your entire solar system. Even a video on your "solar shed"! Size and layout of the shed. What you would do different on the shed. Thanks!
the shed in 8x12. We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video ua-cam.com/video/MeaANzjzwf0/v-deo.html
YES!!! Please do a complete tour and also tell the VOLTS that you are running the panels at. You tell the AMPS but not the Volts. Thanks dude!
I like your solar setup and would love for you to go into depth about it. I'm looking into setting my own up and think your's would be a great model to follow.
Yes would love to see your full system. Also, thanks for your super easy to follow video. Best ever!!!! Keep up the great work!!!!
We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video ua-cam.com/video/MeaANzjzwf0/v-deo.html
YES! I would like a complete Solar video. Thanks, Your Loyal Fan & Subscriber, Art in Calif.
😂😂 awesome, I had just asked about a battery disconnect in the first install video! Great work!
does your solar panel wiring go into a combiner box with breakers? if so, instead of disconnecting the panel wires, could you just throw the breakers instead to disconnect from the electronics?
No it does not, yet.
@@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving thank you for the reply. I'm just learning about off grid solar and your vids have been very helpful. I too am using Victron products and hope to install my 3k system next summer.
These are great! Can't wait to see if you go to the 220v with the same setup. I got 2 of the Multiplus to do that and working on figuring out how to hook it all up... I think all i really need more than what you have is 2 cables, an extra fuse and 2 busbars.
Great video.. Every time I watch someone upgrade their solar setup, 6 months later they change everything again..
It is a fun hobby.
Going to install our own solar at our off the grid house and thank you for your videos. I have installed solar and electrical systems in vans and houses seem easier! Spend $50 and get a proper hydraulic crimper that will crimp tighter around the cable.
We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video ua-cam.com/video/MeaANzjzwf0/v-deo.html
Well done in buying decent controllers - Victron are the best....
"French cleat" ( a metal version here) to mount equipment, is very often a good solution!
Going Victron a smart choice, have never had problems with my 5 kW Multiplus and other Victron stuff.
Glad to hear that! Would you mind helping me out a little with is video and share it?
@@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving where can I find you're email address ?
It is on our channels about page. Visible on a computer. Or our website contact page down to earth homesteaders.
@@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving found it, send you an email with my setup
@@martijnheeroma5492 Most channels have an ABOUT tab on the channel home page.
1.21 giggawatts!!! Great Scott.
I noticed you went outside and unhooked your solar panels, don't you have a combiner box with breakers> If not don't you have a fuse inline to protect your system? Just wondering. Also Victron does make high quality products, good choice. We use wind generators in the winter to help pick up the load when it is cloudy. Haven't had to use the generator at all since installing them. Good luck and very informative video thanks for sharing.
One of the best systems i have seen which also powered a 8k btu AC uses a propane powered generator to supplement charging when solar was unavailable due to weather or in brief high load demands. You can multipurpose propane as a cooking and heating fuel. A 20 lb propane tank will run a 1000 watt Alp propane generator for 40-50 hrs. You can also buy a high capacity propane tank and install it on site.
on the TIme-line on your Video showing the Generator 17:44 mins, it looks like just to the Left of current Plug you have a 120 Volt 30 Amp Round Plug that should provide ~3600 watts. Make sure to scale wire size up to handle the 30 amps. Good Luck, Love the videos!
Awesome installation!
We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video ua-cam.com/video/MeaANzjzwf0/v-deo.html
@@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving Thanks for sending me the link to the new video! I greatly appreciate it and I will definitely watch it! Your video series on solar has been extremely helpful! Thank you very much for making it!
Thanks Martin! This was a really good walk-through. Fun seeing a glimpse of what it was before we saw it the other day, post-upgrade. And yes! A complete tour of your system would be awesome! 👍
We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video ua-cam.com/video/MeaANzjzwf0/v-deo.html
@@MartinJohnsonOffGridLivinghow long does it take your generator to charge your battery bank?
I am following the solar energy system because I am curious. I hope it will continue. nice setup, thanks for showing us.
We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video ua-cam.com/video/MeaANzjzwf0/v-deo.html
@@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving thanks
Thanks for the update
I like what you have done ; would like to convert our entire small farm to solar; but all this is foreign to me- I am an Accountant, not any kind of engineer. I am afraid of electricity but also tired of very high electric bills every month. Thanks for educating me.
Great choice, used portable generator ... 👍👍
Nice video! Thanks!
We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video ua-cam.com/video/MeaANzjzwf0/v-deo.html
Hello Mr Johnson, I would like to see a complete run through of your system, I am planning on doing the same thing in Haiti. Please let me know if you will be able to, thanks.
I found your generator online. It looks to me like you are using the NEMA5-20 outlet rated for 20A (not 15). To the MAX amps you should be able to pull across the 14 AWG wire is about 18-20 Amps before the breaker on generator trips. Using the L5-30 receptacle will permit up to 30A. You will not get more because the breaker on generator will trip. Overload protection. I think the monitor was reporting generator + battery maybe. Best way to know is put a clamp-meter on one leg of the generator cable to measure the Amps.
I’ll try that next. Hope that is it.
Would love to see the complete tour please
Yes please. I’m interested in the house panel. Like once you go from the solar portion, what it looks like coming into the house and if there is anything special you need.
A complete solar tour will be deliciously delicious
Thank you for your videos.
A tour would be awesome 👌
Amazing setup and very well explained. And I also vote for you to do a quick tour of your electric setup in your house.
We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video ua-cam.com/video/MeaANzjzwf0/v-deo.html
How are you keeping batteries warm so as to not ruin them @ or below freezing?
They are fine so far.
@@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving i would recommend an enclosure & the use of an RV water tank warm/heating pad to ensure you don't charge the batteries when they go below freezing cause you in cold climate mate
Yes, I need a complete, full details, tour of all the solar details so I can figure out how to put a system together for my place.
We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video ua-cam.com/video/MeaANzjzwf0/v-deo.html
God Bless you
Hey Martin, these are very good videos. Thank you for taking the time to set them up and explain what's installed, very helpful. I have a comment on something I noticed in minute 15:25. I might be missing something out so I think you can help me clear it out. I see that the Inverter charger's cabinet is bonded (green wire) to the charge controllers cabinets. But I also noticed that the Inverter's AC output has a bare copper wire connected to the grounding terminal. My understanding on this is that the grounding terminal in the inverter is already bonded to all of the Inverter's metallic components that are not to be energized, if this is the case, then it would be redundant to bond the metallic enclosure with the green wire and it would be enough to connect the bare copper wire to the grounding terminals in the breaker box and take the green bonding wire that connects the charge controllers enclosures directly to the grounding terminals in the breaker box as well. Please let me know if I'm missing something. I want to understand the entire connection since I'm making a little design. Thank you!
mantab.lh,...impian sy mau bikin solar power, good pk martin
A lot of good information. You do nice neat work.
I would love to have a solar system like you have there but following the wiring around as you talk about how it's hooked up, I wouldn't know where to start. Seems way over my head. lol Nice system :)
We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video ua-cam.com/video/MeaANzjzwf0/v-deo.html
@@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving Thanks. :)
I would love if I could have the old inverter charger I am fixing up a old trailer and I don’t have much money to do it and would love a inverter charger
Love the videos keep up the good work
Generator cooling could be used for warm water. Even less waist. Good videos, thank you!
It is air cooled. How would you set it up.
I really appreciated your video it was really informative and helpful. I would also like to see the whole tour of your solar system, please and thank you.
Wow! that predator putting out 46 amps, impressive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That's what I said, I don't know how that's possible without overloading the 110v breaker. It must step up the amperage through the inverter going from AC to DC. I'm not sure how that works.
@Martin Johnson - Off Grid Living - For your own good i would advise to make an electrical schematic of your solar system. First you can explain much better and 2nd when someone from your family have todo something when you are not at home, why ever, they can work based on your words and the schematic. ALso an electrical engeneer can read it and can possible help out. There are more tips for that but at the end it helps for sure.
That is a great idea. I could make it a downloadable pdf. Would you mind helping me out a little and share this video?
@@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving Already shared
@@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving yes and yes
Please and thank you.
You have to be pulling more than 20 amps into the house. Do you ever trip that breaker? Would also think about separating the positive and negative lines to and from your batteries, rather close, one crazy squirrel.... Its awesome what your doing, i tinker with solar too and so far haven't blew anything up :).
Great video Mr. Johnson
I’m glad you liked it. Would you mind helping me out a little and share this video?
Great video. I’m in the process now of upgrading my system to this exact setup. 👍🏽
We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video ua-cam.com/video/MeaANzjzwf0/v-deo.html
@@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving I just watched it and checked out your site. Great video and thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge 👍🏽
I would love to see everything.We are going to be building my husband a shop this summer and the plan is to put it on solar. I am still pricing inverter chargers and solar panels. I have to find something that can handle a table saw planner and miter saw. No he won't be using the at same time but it has to be able to handle the start up of the miter saw; it draws a lot of amps at start up.
You should run a 220 volt system, and run everything you can 220 because it reduces the amperage. We converted my buddies table saw to 220v, and it performs so much better!
We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video ua-cam.com/video/MeaANzjzwf0/v-deo.html
Very good video, thanks for sharing.
You need to put a weatherproof cover on that outdoor outlet.
Subbed. This is an awesome channel.
thanks! We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video ua-cam.com/video/MeaANzjzwf0/v-deo.html
Love it brother. God Bless.
Would definitely like to see your entire setup cuz I'm trying to find out whether or not you can run a central heating and cooling unit off batteries