Well done! We've had our F3800 for about a month now and would highly recommend it to anyone thinking of purchasing one. We use it daily to power our garage including our freezer.
built an 8kwh system with diy lfp cells and 220v inverter for 500 bucks. currently using it as a portable destination charger for my phev which it charges at 2.5kw (level 2) weights 110lb. crazy that this costs $4000 for the plug and play version from anker.... lfp cells have gotten crazy cheap, ~45$/kwh delivered wholesale
I’ve been 100% solar for six years now, using a hodge podge system while I build the house. Can’t wait to get the upgraded system installed there. I have not missed the high electric bills all my friends are reporting 😁 Nice job, Kyle!
I have ZERO APTITUDE for electrical work but these videos are super informative and downright hilarious. I’ve almost spit out my juice in the middle of an explanation due to a random but well placed joke. SUBSCRIBED!
I want to like the F3800. It has outputs that look good along with 240VAC but I am disappointed with the low voltage on the solar ports (XT60). The 400W panels have about 38VDC (OC) which makes me parallel all my panels for this. This makes the wires from the panels to the F3800 very large due to voltage drop (due to the higher current when in parallel). I do love the functionality with the 20ms switch over. Thanks for the video and listening to my ramblings. All the best from north Texas.
I have solar hooked up to mine. Made a separate video on that. I thought it could take up to 60v for solar. Hopefully they make a change and increase it.
@ yes I think you are right. But 60V limits wiring to parallel since my solar panels will be 39VOC. But that might be okay for this business model. What am I complaining about when they have such a good portable packaging. Haha. I just had wanted to start with a F3800 and work into a bigger inverter. Yes I do want it all. All the best!
I usually do not watch videos over 20 minutes but, you had my attention for the entire time. Very well done. Something I am considering is an add on solar hot water heater to my electric hot water heater. Considering you have 4 people living in your house it may be a nice savings on electric as well. Happy Labor Day to you and your family.
I also have an Anker F3800 and use it with a pair of Anker’s portable 400 W panels. In my case, I’m using it with an underpowered garage as well as a pole barn. This has been a great way for me to get enough power for the CNC and woodworking tools. Thanks for sharing your setup and the installation details as you worked through it.
Honestly the ecosystem here looks on par with something like tesla but the cost is a fraction by comparison. Additionally the option of ground mounting could save a ton in terms of the fire protection like you mentioned and permiting.
If you changed that worn out old ac unit you would lower the bill and useage significantly. Also if you depend on solar and battery back up and you live in a high ac usage area (the deep south) and you don't have massive storage and the grid is down for an appreciable length of time as it is here in TX occasionally, a straight solar system will not keep you comfortable and if you want to be comfortable you're going to need generator back up
@@joecunningham3503 i mentioned in the video i have a new ac and furnace. Im changing it out this winter. The battery/ solar is just an option. Not for everyone. Same as a gas generator.
I have a gas powered Generac generator at my house that I have yet to hook up. This actually makes more sense than hooking up to the gas line. Thank you for sharing. Might be in my best interest to sell my setup and put that money towards what you’ve got going. 🤔
Great video! I've been kicking solar around for the last few years, but I must get a water well first. After that expense, then solar. Love your stuff, minus the Keystone. 😆
Great video, definitely interested more solar content. I have seen a few different battery systems and it seems the Anker SOLIX is leading the pack as far as integration and end use customers go.
Nice job on the solar array. My electrical project is ongoing. I will send pics when I get a chance. Didn't know you could bend conduit like that, good to know.
Sweet setup Kyle... I think the girls need their own nickname like the keystone girl... maybe the coolaid kids... LOL Best, -- J. Andre. / Old Iron Acres
I really like the integration on the Anker system with the TOU model offered by some utilities. When you do the cost savings, I’d encourage you to give an overview on what you have tied into the backup panel or what’s using power during peak TOU
The TOU counters power to the whole panel. Not just the back panel. It uses the amp probes in the main to measure usage and discharges the batteries to counter. I made an install video where i did a step by step install of the power panel too if you havent seen it.
i love the ground mounted panels! I'm going to try something similar. I have an existing 6x 400w panels on top of a patio pergola that im going to try to hook up to a F3800+smart home panel like you did. except i might try using my existing solar inverter+battery to charge the F3800 through its 240V wall plug, instead of the XT60 solar panel port. im not sure if it will work or makes sense, or if it will be "smart" also thanks for the discount code! i put it in ankers site and it totally works!
Great video, so essentially I can use this system to tie into my panel and not the grid so that I can use solar energy to offset the electricity that is used from the supplier?
Exactly. And you can leave whatever percentage of storage for outages too. Which will automatically transfer. I made another video installing the system.
@ awesome brother thank you soo much I have been curious about these. Love the videos keep up the great work and wonderful personality. I might try one of those keystones first 😂
Like your discussion style. Im just going through solar installations and looking into batteries. Got you a subscriber..!! Are you going to do a follow up video to this one?
Good stuff man, I have a 28-panel ground mounted array of 405-watt panels myself which is being used to offset my normal $250 a month bill. My guess is you will see a $50 -$60 dollar improvement in your utility bill but am very interested to see how it all goes. I am a big fan of the technology Anker is developing.
New to the channel, glad I found you. Was looking for a backup system recently. I think you sold me on the Anker F3800. It was down to either that or another brand. Thank you.
Thank You! This is the video I’ve been waiting for. Just got my F3800 and Smart Panel and I plan a similar ground mount system (but using balllasted PVC solar ground mounts since I have a flat concrete deck). I understand that the F3800 is very picky about the specs of the solar panels it likes in order to achieve optimum performance. (I also understand that there has been a recent firmware upgrade that allows a somewhat wider range of panels to be used.) With that in mind, since Anker supplied you with the panels, could you please share the make and model number of the panels that Anker provided. If Anker provided the panels, I would think they know best in terms of what works with the F3800. Thanks again. Great Video! (Oh … my electrician also thanks you …. I shred your Smart Panel / Critical Loads panel install video with him.)
@@SpicerDesignsLLC When you reviewed the wiring connections, I only saw you go over the connections to just 3 of them. After watching the video again, I now see you had two F3800s. So, just 3 panels per machine. I'm currently trying to figure out what kind of array I can build with the F3800 using 3rd party 370Wpanels, 41V and 10.8A. I'd like to get as close to the 2400w max solar input. I'd be just a tad over on AMPs with those panels though if I ran 3 of them in parallel to each of the two solar inputs as I'd be trying to get 6 panels on each machine. Amps would be about 33 compared to Anker's 27 per input. I've heard people say you can go over with amps a little bit.
@nateturesdomain2599 id imagine you would be fine if your that close. Its rare to get the full output of every panel too. And yes you are correct…three panels per f3800. Sorry for the confusion.
I believe that if you're interested in selling your excess energy back to the power company, you should reach out to them to inquire about the possibility. They would likely need to replace your current power meter with a different one that allows for energy feedback in order for you to sell it back to them.
@@SpicerDesignsLLC Howdy! Have you tried that AC coupling mode out yet? Curious if you need a bidirectional meter for that? I plan on building out the exact same system! thanks for all the knowledge!
What would be the feasibility of mounting the panels on a curved base, or multiple anchors so they can be reoriented throughout the day or the pitch changed throughout the year? Would the difference in charging efficiency justify the additional components / time required to adjust the position?
@@KH-vv5dq its hard to say. Im not that well versed with solar panels so i cant really give you a good answer. I would imagine on a larger scale it would make sense but for what i have it would be very minimal.
Great video! Very informative. If I am seeing correctly, you have two F3800s connected to a home power panel. I have just one F3800 connected to a home power panel. Just to verify, you have had no issues connecting solar panels to the solar charge inputs on one or both of the F3800s? I am wanting to do the same thing, but I am having trouble getting information from Anker on whether that is sure to work.
Is there a Solar generator where it has a very large capacity for solar input? Say over 1800 watts? But without too much of a battery? Would like to power an air conditioner when the sun is out and worry about extended battery use later
@@gregoryhirsch4595 yes. Those ct’s are critical to this setup. It determines how much power your using so the batteries can discharge to counter the usage. The panels them start charging the batteries as they discharge. Hope that answers your question.
@SpicerDesignsLLC I understand the need to have the standard CTs on the grid input, which you showed being clipped onto the wires inside the power panel. I just wanted to confirm the need for the single special CT, which Anker provided for the solar cable. Presumably you'd need two of them, since you're using both solar inputs. Since this is DC, the CT must have some non-standard design. You didn't show this on this video, so I was not certain about this. Thanks!
Thank you! That makes more sense now. I never understood why a CT would be needed on the XT60 input of the F3800. Not to mention that it is DC, so a standard d CT would not work anyway!
Kyle, good video on solar backup. Ground mount code requirements was helpful. After running the wire would you have use different conduit? Seems like more girth would have helped. You must of watched Adams safety video. Proper cutting tool and PPE to protect the nipples.
Ya hes way too lenient with his nipple safety. It was a tough pull mostly because i didnt have any help feeding the cable. I also used some lube on the second pull and it was waay easier. Bigger would have been better though.
Nice job! Been trying to figure out how Im going to get my solar working for 2 barns, a pump house and the house either partially or all together. Its pretty confusing. Ill have to watch your video again to hear all the anker options, also a bit confusing.
@@SometimeIsNow thank you. Anker actually sent those out to show how they hook up the f3800. You can really use any panel. Just can go over the max wattage.
@@SpicerDesignsLLC Cool. Thanks for letting me know. :). I used wrong size for my Ethernet cable running conduit from basement to garage and pain of 3 hours pulling that wire, but it's done and in ground hopefully I'll never have to mess with it again. lol
Doesn’t look like you used lube on running the cables. It would have helped pull through the last elbow. Check it out for the next time you have a similar job.
I actually did use lube. I just didnt use enough on that first pull. I should have snagged some of the good stuff when i was still working as an electrician. I used dish soap for this. Still works. I just needed a hand feeding the cable. Would have made the job way easier.
Any chance you can provide the amazon or other vendors information on the panel connection/brackets you used for attaching the panels to the unistrut? Thank you!
@@SpicerDesignsLLC I'm sorry, I'm not talking about the telescoping bracket kits (that mount to the strut and concrete stands) but the other brackets: the end and mid brackets that attach the panels to the struts. I don't see those listed in the description. Thank you!
They do not. Everything you see in the video is what it comes with. Not sure if you watched the whole video or not but I go through all the connections and talk about the operation of it.
how much money spent? longevity? to save how much in electric? we did something similar cost over $30k - STILL had to be on grid at nite when u use most electric - was not worth expense - it has its place but not everywhere - show us before / after stats on cost usage etc.. like to compare
Cost varies with the system you chose and how many expansion batteries you want. I like this system because its automatic home back up power too. The backup aspect is the equivalent to a whole home gas generator system. Adding the solar is nice because i can save some money too. Ill have more info as far as saving once i get a month or two of data.
Kyle,... So,... got ANOTHER project goin on! 🤔(Which added another project!... landscape restoration!) 😂😂😂 So at least you don't have to work on the log splitter project to split wood😳, cuz you have that cute lil solo stove that uses kindling to keep yinz warm this winter!❄️☃️😂😂 So have a Keystone, ( that you mentioned that you were going to slow down on!) and ENJOY LIFE!🤗 Good content, Good information, Good stuff! Stay healthy Bud(wizer)!
I noticed in the video that you received the second F3800. Did you run the A/C? Is there a video showing that? I am curious to see how long the A/C will run.
The AC was added to the back up panel originally. The single f3800 can power the ac by itself. It will just wear the battery down faster like any large load.
Great video, like your channel. I take it your in Indiana, nice to hear from another Hoosier, I am in Anderson. Wondering what area you work at for you electrical work, might need your profession.
Nice! Coincidentally, we've finally bit the bullet and started a full off grid set up this week. 32 Jinko 420w panels on a huge ground mount. Paired with 2 Tesla PW3s in the garage. Looking forward to no electric bills and peace of mind having well water for our boarder's horses. I guess a Tesla EV may be in our future next year to take advantage of it. 👍 🍻🍻🍻
We also just did 42 405w Qcells on our roof and 2 PW3. We have well water and septic and 2 electric vehicles. I would have liked to have done more panels. We just bought the house in January and immediately started the process of getting solar (planning on this being our forever home, no reason to wait). We didn't have historical data to know how much we really needed. I'm in no way a "prepper", but with a stocked pond and deer/wildlife coming up to our back door, I feel like we're in a pretty good spot if the need ever arose. All of that said, without trying to be energy frugal (living life to it's fullest), we still have an electric bill each month. While something is better than nothing, I'm afraid the handful of panels in the video will not make as big of a dent as hoped for.
So Anker says that you can add up to 3800W of solar panels if you have the Anker Smart Panel and one Expansion battery. Do you need an additional solar inverter or how does it get wired? I want to use it as hybrid system because I already have a small solar system grid tied but I want to add about 3000w of solar but not connect it to the grid/ground mounted and use the battery and solar during the day and then at night If I need use the grid. Thanks.
@@juanmedinar20 im not sure exactly what your asking. Might have to get more details from Anker. My setup in the video is a pretty basic setup. Its solely to charge the batteries in the f3800 and work with time of use mode for daily power consumption.
@@SpicerDesignsLLC with a single F3800 you have 2400w solar input for charging but with the smart home smart panel they say that it gets bumped up to 3800w. How does the solar panel get wired for 3800w of solar panels? Also, I assume the internal invertor of the Anker unit acts as the solar inverter? That's where I am confused.
@@juanmedinar20have you figured this out yet? This was not answered at all and I am trying to figure this out myself . I do know you get 4800w if you have 2 f3800, but I wanna know what you can output with the home panel as well. I’m going to call anker tomorrow and figure out this question.
@@phototristan that wasn’t a usable space for me. Id also rather clean them on the ground than climb around on the roof. Plus more code requirement ls on the roof. Ground mount is most efficient way to do it if you have the space.
Bro, I may not have paid attention if you said something about it but halfway through the panel area was shaded and 4 what seems like most of the day. You're basically wasting potential. You want to save on those bills? Get them in the sun all day.
@@doitlaynstyle bro, i showed the time span though out the day for sun exposure. Thats the only place on my property i could ground mount those panels. They get good sun in the prime hours.
If this Hiluckey powerbank is solar and has wireless charge + usb a,c that means a large panels can be made without xt60 cables or what are direct 1 side panel other side wireless charger with usb ports or hub 220v ports or invertor with usb connected to it
This telescoping bracket kit works great for mounting these panels: Amazon Affiliate Link amzn.to/3Xt5AOn
Well done! We've had our F3800 for about a month now and would highly recommend it to anyone thinking of purchasing one. We use it daily to power our garage including our freezer.
You appear to be learning this solar stuff pretty quickly! I’m impressed!
built an 8kwh system with diy lfp cells and 220v inverter for 500 bucks. currently using it as a portable destination charger for my phev which it charges at 2.5kw (level 2) weights 110lb. crazy that this costs $4000 for the plug and play version from anker.... lfp cells have gotten crazy cheap, ~45$/kwh delivered wholesale
I’ve been 100% solar for six years now, using a hodge podge system while I build the house. Can’t wait to get the upgraded system installed there. I have not missed the high electric bills all my friends are reporting 😁
Nice job, Kyle!
Very jealous
I have ZERO APTITUDE for electrical work but these videos are super informative and downright hilarious. I’ve almost spit out my juice in the middle of an explanation due to a random but well placed joke. SUBSCRIBED!
Thank you! I like to catch people off guard.
This is the best description of what Anker recommends for ridged solar panel usage on the Solix F3800 thank you!
I want to like the F3800. It has outputs that look good along with 240VAC but I am disappointed with the low voltage on the solar ports (XT60). The 400W panels have about 38VDC (OC) which makes me parallel all my panels for this. This makes the wires from the panels to the F3800 very large due to voltage drop (due to the higher current when in parallel).
I do love the functionality with the 20ms switch over. Thanks for the video and listening to my ramblings. All the best from north Texas.
I have solar hooked up to mine. Made a separate video on that. I thought it could take up to 60v for solar. Hopefully they make a change and increase it.
@ yes I think you are right. But 60V limits wiring to parallel since my solar panels will be 39VOC. But that might be okay for this business model. What am I complaining about when they have such a good portable packaging. Haha. I just had wanted to start with a F3800 and work into a bigger inverter. Yes I do want it all. All the best!
I usually do not watch videos over 20 minutes but, you had my attention for the entire time. Very well done. Something I am considering is an add on solar hot water heater to my electric hot water heater. Considering you have 4 people living in your house it may be a nice savings on electric as well. Happy Labor Day to you and your family.
Thank you! I appreciate it. I will check into that water heater. Great suggestion.
I'm just now getting around to watching this. You did a great job! Nice clean, solid install!
@@TKCL thanks buddy! I still have to do some clean up work but it should look good when its done.
You can save a TON of money on your electric bill. First, buy a Bobcat.
I also have an Anker F3800 and use it with a pair of Anker’s portable 400 W panels. In my case, I’m using it with an underpowered garage as well as a pole barn. This has been a great way for me to get enough power for the CNC and woodworking tools. Thanks for sharing your setup and the installation details as you worked through it.
I like the idea of producing my own electricity. In a few more years the prices and the product will be so much better. I enjoyed the video. Cheers
Honestly the ecosystem here looks on par with something like tesla but the cost is a fraction by comparison. Additionally the option of ground mounting could save a ton in terms of the fire protection like you mentioned and permiting.
Idk who this guy is but as a former EC I can dig it
I think that was a good comment. I worked 20 years out of IBEW local 697 up in NW IN.
Thanks for a very informative video. Really enjoy your comedic content intertwined with useful content!
If you changed that worn out old ac unit you would lower the bill and useage significantly. Also if you depend on solar and battery back up and you live in a high ac usage area (the deep south) and you don't have massive storage and the grid is down for an appreciable length of time as it is here in TX occasionally, a straight solar system will not keep you comfortable and if you want to be comfortable you're going to need generator back up
@@joecunningham3503 i mentioned in the video i have a new ac and furnace. Im changing it out this winter. The battery/ solar is just an option. Not for everyone. Same as a gas generator.
insanely helpful video. great video. surprised you don't have way more views here
Pretty sweet setup! You always do great work! Cheers 🍻
That's a pretty awesome setup! I wish they were around when we put our generator in!
I have a gas powered Generac generator at my house that I have yet to hook up. This actually makes more sense than hooking up to the gas line. Thank you for sharing. Might be in my best interest to sell my setup and put that money towards what you’ve got going. 🤔
Any updates to the savings?
Great video! I've been kicking solar around for the last few years, but I must get a water well first. After that expense, then solar. Love your stuff, minus the Keystone. 😆
I’m with you on solar for a back up and/or harnessing cheaper power.👍🏻
Great video! Now you really have me contemplating this Anker setup for our new house build. Thanks.
Not a bad route to go. Definitely do your research though.
Cool stuff!! Learning a lot from you on various things. Much appreciated!
Great job! This is a very interesting system.
Thank you for your content, Now go enjoy good time with your family. Great people you are. !!!!
@@richardsink9198 thanks Richard! We appreciate that.
Great video, definitely interested more solar content. I have seen a few different battery systems and it seems the Anker SOLIX is leading the pack as far as integration and end use customers go.
Nice job on the solar array. My electrical project is ongoing. I will send pics when I get a chance. Didn't know you could bend conduit like that, good to know.
Sweet setup Kyle... I think the girls need their own nickname like the keystone girl... maybe the coolaid kids... LOL Best, -- J. Andre. / Old Iron Acres
@@OldIronAcres weve been calling them the Juice Box Girls. They seem to like it. Cool aid kids is a good one too. E
Gotta love the visual demonstration. :)
GOOD job, Kyle....looks cool !!!!
Thanks, I got a lot of info from this video.. and a closeup of the Keystone girls can too hahahha :)
I really like the integration on the Anker system with the TOU model offered by some utilities. When you do the cost savings, I’d encourage you to give an overview on what you have tied into the backup panel or what’s using power during peak TOU
The TOU counters power to the whole panel. Not just the back panel. It uses the amp probes in the main to measure usage and discharges the batteries to counter. I made an install video where i did a step by step install of the power panel too if you havent seen it.
i love the ground mounted panels! I'm going to try something similar. I have an existing 6x 400w panels on top of a patio pergola that im going to try to hook up to a F3800+smart home panel like you did. except i might try using my existing solar inverter+battery to charge the F3800 through its 240V wall plug, instead of the XT60 solar panel port. im not sure if it will work or makes sense, or if it will be "smart" also thanks for the discount code! i put it in ankers site and it totally works!
Very powerful episode. MACHINE! Aunt Joanie's here!
@@roberta4989 lots of power!
Great video, so essentially I can use this system to tie into my panel and not the grid so that I can use solar energy to offset the electricity that is used from the supplier?
Exactly. And you can leave whatever percentage of storage for outages too. Which will automatically transfer. I made another video installing the system.
@ awesome brother thank you soo much I have been curious about these. Love the videos keep up the great work and wonderful personality. I might try one of those keystones first 😂
They’re comparable to a fine wine.
Like your discussion style. Im just going through solar installations and looking into batteries.
Got you a subscriber..!!
Are you going to do a follow up video to this one?
I am. Ill be working on that very soon
Good stuff man, I have a 28-panel ground mounted array of 405-watt panels myself which is being used to offset my normal $250 a month bill. My guess is you will see a $50 -$60 dollar improvement in your utility bill but am very interested to see how it all goes. I am a big fan of the technology Anker is developing.
Great video! If you're looking to save money on your power bill it might be worth replacing that old AC unit.
I already have a new one and furnace. Im going to set the new one on e i finish up the landscaping. Almost done
New to the channel, glad I found you. Was looking for a backup system recently. I think you sold me on the Anker F3800. It was down to either that or another brand. Thank you.
@@Barc7580 thanks for checking out the channel. Hopefully you stick around for some more content.
Follow up video indicating your power usage on grid vs now with solar supplement.
@@butchgreene coming soon
Great vids! Thanks!
Great place you have and nice family.
@@Den-nu6pv thank you! I appreciate that.
We just bought one f3800 the other day. We'll definitely need to buy expansion batteries though to go fully offgrid.
@@fromcitytowild you sure will more panels& batteries.
@@johnwillenburg1586 Yeah I'll see how many expansion batteries I'll need. I'll definitely max out solar input too.
Have you ever heard about lifepo4 batteries? Connect together 16 cells into 48V 100Ah ( or more) one battery and use with solar hybrid inverter?
Fun fact of the day: DEF fluid can be used to fertilize your lawn
Well those well definitely help power up your place. Interested to see how much tho… decent sun light should power up that AC unit atleast ?
Thank You! This is the video I’ve been waiting for. Just got my F3800 and Smart Panel and I plan a similar ground mount system (but using balllasted PVC solar ground mounts since I have a flat concrete deck). I understand that the F3800 is very picky about the specs of the solar panels it likes in order to achieve optimum performance. (I also understand that there has been a recent firmware upgrade that allows a somewhat wider range of panels to be used.) With that in mind, since Anker supplied you with the panels, could you please share the make and model number of the panels that Anker provided. If Anker provided the panels, I would think they know best in terms of what works with the F3800. Thanks again. Great Video! (Oh … my electrician also thanks you …. I shred your Smart Panel / Critical Loads panel install video with him.)
I will find the solar panel info and add it to the description.. I should have had that in there in the first place
@@SpicerDesignsLLC Only 3 of the 6 panels got used?
? I have all 6 in the video. How are you getting 3?
@@SpicerDesignsLLC When you reviewed the wiring connections, I only saw you go over the connections to just 3 of them. After watching the video again, I now see you had two F3800s. So, just 3 panels per machine. I'm currently trying to figure out what kind of array I can build with the F3800 using 3rd party 370Wpanels, 41V and 10.8A. I'd like to get as close to the 2400w max solar input. I'd be just a tad over on AMPs with those panels though if I ran 3 of them in parallel to each of the two solar inputs as I'd be trying to get 6 panels on each machine. Amps would be about 33 compared to Anker's 27 per input. I've heard people say you can go over with amps a little bit.
@nateturesdomain2599 id imagine you would be fine if your that close. Its rare to get the full output of every panel too. And yes you are correct…three panels per f3800. Sorry for the confusion.
Any update on the update video? getting ready to install mine just curious
Did you decide to get a 2nd F3800 ? If so, what are your thoughts ? If it, why ?
I did. I showed that in this video. I like it. More capacity and output wattage. You also can get more solar input with two.
Just saw it … Thanks so much for the humor and the information … not necessarily in that order …LOL
I believe that if you're interested in selling your excess energy back to the power company, you should reach out to them to inquire about the possibility. They would likely need to replace your current power meter with a different one that allows for energy feedback in order for you to sell it back to them.
This setup that I have in the video won't send power back to the utility company. Its just charges the batteries
@@SpicerDesignsLLC Howdy! Have you tried that AC coupling mode out yet? Curious if you need a bidirectional meter for that? I plan on building out the exact same system! thanks for all the knowledge!
For the grounding. Do you just pound a grounding rod next to the solar panels?
No, it will go back and tie into the panel ground. Good question.
This is a great video for "normal" people.
Lynn wants to know if you ever had acting lessons ???😅
@@Tim4111 hah! No, cant you tell.
Too bad the solar mppt controller has a garbage 60v input
What would be the feasibility of mounting the panels on a curved base, or multiple anchors so they can be reoriented throughout the day or the pitch changed throughout the year? Would the difference in charging efficiency justify the additional components / time required to adjust the position?
@@KH-vv5dq its hard to say. Im not that well versed with solar panels so i cant really give you a good answer. I would imagine on a larger scale it would make sense but for what i have it would be very minimal.
Great video! Very informative. If I am seeing correctly, you have two F3800s connected to a home power panel. I have just one F3800 connected to a home power panel. Just to verify, you have had no issues connecting solar panels to the solar charge inputs on one or both of the F3800s? I am wanting to do the same thing, but I am having trouble getting information from Anker on whether that is sure to work.
@@jameshoien1563 thank you! No issues so far. I will be making an update video soon with some data. Everything is working as it should though.
Man, you not slick. i see that mw2 house.
@@earthangelsounds844 hah! i have no idea what mw2 is.
Is there a Solar generator where it has a very large capacity for solar input? Say over 1800 watts? But without too much of a battery? Would like to power an air conditioner when the sun is out and worry about extended battery use later
10:38 giving the people what they want
🤣
That's a very nice, ahem, cabin.......
@@tlteal hah! I agree
Why not show us how you ground, the solar panels
sono tubes need tapping with a small hammer or buy /rent a small vibrater, coemetic
I did tap them
Great video!
I was wondering if the included solar panel CT was needed with the smart panel to get this to work properly? Thanks!
@@gregoryhirsch4595 yes. Those ct’s are critical to this setup. It determines how much power your using so the batteries can discharge to counter the usage. The panels them start charging the batteries as they discharge. Hope that answers your question.
@SpicerDesignsLLC
I understand the need to have the standard CTs on the grid input, which you showed being clipped onto the wires inside the power panel. I just wanted to confirm the need for the single special CT, which Anker provided for the solar cable. Presumably you'd need two of them, since you're using both solar inputs. Since this is DC, the CT must have some non-standard design. You didn't show this on this video, so I was not certain about this. Thanks!
Come to think about it, Smart Panel only has one solar CT connector...
That ct is for a grid tied system only.
Thank you! That makes more sense now. I never understood why a CT would be needed on the XT60 input of the F3800. Not to mention that it is DC, so a standard d CT would not work anyway!
Kyle, good video on solar backup. Ground mount code requirements was helpful. After running the wire would you have use different conduit? Seems like more girth would have helped. You must of watched Adams safety video. Proper cutting tool and PPE to protect the nipples.
Ya hes way too lenient with his nipple safety. It was a tough pull mostly because i didnt have any help feeding the cable. I also used some lube on the second pull and it was waay easier. Bigger would have been better though.
No comment! Just thought 😂
Nice job! Been trying to figure out how Im going to get my solar working for 2 barns, a pump house and the house either partially or all together. Its pretty confusing. Ill have to watch your video again to hear all the anker options, also a bit confusing.
Ya it can start to get complicated with multiple buildings.
Checking in a month later to see if you've been able to do a bit of a cost analysis
@@jamesporter2626 not yet. Im getting close though. Trying to get the landscaping done around it and gather some more data.
Waiting to see what you realize for usage change/savings. 🤔
Its definitely going give me some savings. Just not sure how it looks on the bill yet. I will share soon.
Hey Kyle, Great video. Did you purchase those solar panels locally or off a website?
Thanks and keep up the great work 👍🏼
@@SometimeIsNow thank you. Anker actually sent those out to show how they hook up the f3800. You can really use any panel. Just can go over the max wattage.
Nice job .👍
I honestly didn’t think I would find this interesting but, I was wrong
I doubt you will ever send power back to the grid unless you go on holiday
This system cant send power back. It only counters whats being used which is determined by the ct’s.
I'll 550 watts solar panels, okay to use with anker f3800?
I included a diagram in the video with all the input voltages and wattage.
Grid Tide system? If the power company’s grid goes down, you go down with it. Better to have a hybrid system or a complete off grid system.
That's why I like this system. Grid tie would be nice to have just for utility savings.
@@SpicerDesignsLLC
You should still put in a transfer switch, when the power is out for longer periods!
Im lost. The system im showing does have an automatic transfer switch.
@@SpicerDesignsLLC
Is this for your main system? Not the Anker.
This connects to the anker only to charge the batteries. Did you watch the video?
If you had to do it again, would you make your conduit larger diameter?
No 1” was plenty. If i had another person it would have pulled right in. I didnt use soap on the first pull either.
@@SpicerDesignsLLC Cool. Thanks for letting me know. :). I used wrong size for my Ethernet cable running conduit from basement to garage and pain of 3 hours pulling that wire, but it's done and in ground hopefully I'll never have to mess with it again. lol
Doesn’t look like you used lube on running the cables. It would have helped pull through the last elbow. Check it out for the next time you have a similar job.
I actually did use lube. I just didnt use enough on that first pull. I should have snagged some of the good stuff when i was still working as an electrician. I used dish soap for this. Still works. I just needed a hand feeding the cable. Would have made the job way easier.
@@SpicerDesignsLLC well, maybe the struggle made for a good laugh anyway 🤣
I LOVE YOU CABAN DAS INTERESTING OFGRID WET YOU ANKER SUCCES AND BE HAPY
Any chance you can provide the amazon or other vendors information on the panel connection/brackets you used for attaching the panels to the unistrut? Thank you!
@@michaeleagle30 the links are in the description
@@SpicerDesignsLLC I'm sorry, I'm not talking about the telescoping bracket kits (that mount to the strut and concrete stands) but the other brackets: the end and mid brackets that attach the panels to the struts. I don't see those listed in the description. Thank you!
@michaeleagle30 im sorry, i thought they were in there. I just added the ones i used. Thanks
Are those gas and diesel tanks with pump handles behind you in your garage? What brand are they? Would like to find them for sale. Thanks!
I threw the links for them down in the description.
if you don't already wind turbine
Do the panels come with individual micro-inverters?
They do not. Everything you see in the video is what it comes with. Not sure if you watched the whole video or not but I go through all the connections and talk about the operation of it.
They don't tell you that extra weight on roof tears it up
@@ric889 whos they?
@SpicerDesignsLLC ppl that sell solar panels. Ask anyone who has had on roof more than a couple of years.
@@SpicerDesignsLLC voids most warranty too
Makes sense. Definitely more advantages to ground mounting.
@@SpicerDesignsLLC easier to repair if on ground
how much money spent? longevity? to save how much in electric? we did something similar cost over $30k - STILL had to be on grid at nite when u use most electric - was not worth expense - it has its place but not everywhere - show us before / after stats on cost usage etc.. like to compare
Cost varies with the system you chose and how many expansion batteries you want. I like this system because its automatic home back up power too. The backup aspect is the equivalent to a whole home gas generator system. Adding the solar is nice because i can save some money too. Ill have more info as far as saving once i get a month or two of data.
Kyle,... So,... got ANOTHER project goin on! 🤔(Which added another project!... landscape restoration!) 😂😂😂
So at least you don't have to work on the log splitter project to split wood😳, cuz you have that cute lil solo stove that uses kindling to keep yinz warm this winter!❄️☃️😂😂
So have a Keystone, ( that you mentioned that you were going to slow down on!) and ENJOY LIFE!🤗
Good content,
Good information,
Good stuff!
Stay healthy Bud(wizer)!
I noticed in the video that you received the second F3800. Did you run the A/C? Is there a video showing that? I am curious to see how long the A/C will run.
The AC was added to the back up panel originally. The single f3800 can power the ac by itself. It will just wear the battery down faster like any large load.
Great video, like your channel. I take it your in Indiana, nice to hear from another Hoosier, I am in Anderson. Wondering what area you work at for you electrical work, might need your profession.
Thank you. Glad your enjoying it. Im south of Bloomington. Good 2 hours away
Yep quite far but still love the video and plan on watching
Nice! Coincidentally, we've finally bit the bullet and started a full off grid set up this week. 32 Jinko 420w panels on a huge ground mount. Paired with 2 Tesla PW3s in the garage. Looking forward to no electric bills and peace of mind having well water for our boarder's horses. I guess a Tesla EV may be in our future next year to take advantage of it. 👍 🍻🍻🍻
Oh wow. That's a serious setup. Email me some picture when you get it done.
Will do. They are close to max wiring run distance from panels to PW3s. 260' one way. The trenching is for real...
We also just did 42 405w Qcells on our roof and 2 PW3. We have well water and septic and 2 electric vehicles. I would have liked to have done more panels. We just bought the house in January and immediately started the process of getting solar (planning on this being our forever home, no reason to wait). We didn't have historical data to know how much we really needed. I'm in no way a "prepper", but with a stocked pond and deer/wildlife coming up to our back door, I feel like we're in a pretty good spot if the need ever arose. All of that said, without trying to be energy frugal (living life to it's fullest), we still have an electric bill each month.
While something is better than nothing, I'm afraid the handful of panels in the video will not make as big of a dent as hoped for.
When did this turn into a yoga channel lol!
The NYA (National Yoga Association) actually banned that move. Its too difficult and people were getting hurt….Easy for me though.
@@SpicerDesignsLLC That’s hilarious 😂!
Can you share exactly which panels you’re using? Is it a secret?
I just added it to the description. Sorry, I meant to add that info a while back.
So Anker says that you can add up to 3800W of solar panels if you have the Anker Smart Panel and one Expansion battery. Do you need an additional solar inverter or how does it get wired? I want to use it as hybrid system because I already have a small solar system grid tied but I want to add about 3000w of solar but not connect it to the grid/ground mounted and use the battery and solar during the day and then at night If I need use the grid. Thanks.
@@juanmedinar20 im not sure exactly what your asking. Might have to get more details from Anker. My setup in the video is a pretty basic setup. Its solely to charge the batteries in the f3800 and work with time of use mode for daily power consumption.
@@SpicerDesignsLLC with a single F3800 you have 2400w solar input for charging but with the smart home smart panel they say that it gets bumped up to 3800w. How does the solar panel get wired for 3800w of solar panels? Also, I assume the internal invertor of the Anker unit acts as the solar inverter? That's where I am confused.
@juanmedinar20 its all spelled out in the video. Theres a diagram with all the details in the video. Did you watch the whole video?
@@juanmedinar20have you figured this out yet? This was not answered at all and I am trying to figure this out myself .
I do know you get 4800w if you have 2 f3800, but I wanna know what you can output with the home panel as well.
I’m going to call anker tomorrow and figure out this question.
I wish they would send me some free panels, I bought the f3800 with 400 panel can't even get one of there coolers with it.
@@johnwillenburg1586 id love some free panels too
@@SpicerDesignsLLC yes right
ROI---- NEVER!
Would be better on the roof as that would not take anything away from your usable outside space.
@@phototristan that wasn’t a usable space for me. Id also rather clean them on the ground than climb around on the roof. Plus more code requirement ls on the roof. Ground mount is most efficient way to do it if you have the space.
Bro, I may not have paid attention if you said something about it but halfway through the panel area was shaded and 4 what seems like most of the day. You're basically wasting potential. You want to save on those bills? Get them in the sun all day.
@@doitlaynstyle bro, i showed the time span though out the day for sun exposure. Thats the only place on my property i could ground mount those panels. They get good sun in the prime hours.
If this Hiluckey powerbank is solar and has wireless charge + usb a,c that means a large panels can be made without xt60 cables or what are direct 1 side panel other side wireless charger with usb ports or hub 220v ports or invertor with usb connected to it
You never talked about the cost
The cost of what?
Are you a ham radio guy?
Never heard of ham radio
@@SpicerDesignsLLC also know as armature radio, saw the radio tower near the AC
@SGerbs ahh ok. No thats just for the tv antenna. Going to mount Starlink to the too soon.
@@SpicerDesignsLLC Thanks for the videos, keep up the great work.
Get that left ankle strengthened up.
You acting like a solar panel is what did it for me!
Hopefully that cleared things up for you.
@@SpicerDesignsLLC DEFinitely did. See what I did there? 😎