I respectfully disagree with Kanisha. Your uploads provides VERY VALUABLE, and appreciated information, especially for the novice like me. Keep up the good work Joshua!!!
Josh... Thank you for sharing your project. your explanation of azimuth and inclination was very good. the only draw back is finding and maintaining the position and also keeping them from being stolen.. I recently spent the fall to late spring in south Georgia. and putting them on an elevated platform with a compromised angle towards south and one that pivots on north south axis can maximize the amount of light hitting the panels. I have four Renogy 100 watt panel that I run as series-parallel into one of two Renogy Tracer 40amp or 20amp MPPT Charge Controllers. The MPPT gives me the most power to the two sets of DCM Batteries (4-DCM74s) I also am able to actually average between 275and 325 watts equivalent to the batteries. I am using a HFT 2K-4K 12vdc inverter. (the inverter will run my shallow well pump, coffee pot, lights, fans, freezer, 5Kbtu A/C unit...Just it will not run them at same time (I have a 3200/4000w HFT Predator generator for back up. (I will be adding 4more panels this fall when I return to south GA. Note ( I run two sets of dual batteries as I have two shipping containers and a outdoor shower that use 12vdc. For Refrigeration I have a six cubic foot Dometic RV Fridge. (12vdc for control power) and 20lb cylinder will last 1month in winter months and about 2-1/2 weeks in May June. I will be upgrading to Anderson Power Pole Connectors for the battery banks and the inverters. Amazon is a good place to look for connectors (Ham radio or marine connector types have the least dc resistance). also 8 gauge wire as a minimum gives the best service. Back to the panel placement. Consider adapting your frame to mount on-top of the trailer and put a couple of lifting arms or rods. This is what a lot of people who are making Cargo Trailer Campers are doing. (an added benefit is that the roof mounted panels will also shade the roof from the direct sunlight. Final comments ... Keep learning and keep growing in knowledge. Oh I am very pleased with RENOGY Products and Monocrystaline panels and Tracer Controllers the MeTer remote works well to. I bought mine on EBAY (make offer)
Hi Josh, here are a few tips and tricks to add to your system. I plan on making my kit fairly portable also. I will put wheels on one end of the panel cart in order to move it easily rather than drill holes and mount anything to the roof of my toy hauler. No worry about leaks, wind resistance, parking direction, and higher center if gravity. Do weigh it down or anchor one end if weather looks questionable. I like your idea of the different type of plug but it has little contact surface for electron flow ( most flow occurs on the outside surface of a conductor ). I suggest ANDERSON power pole connectors. I use red paint or nail polish to mark + positive side of wires and connectors - even when polarized....just to be sure if in a hurry. Lastly, keep the panel direction / alignment simple...no smart phone needed. Just buy a standard rubber/ wood handled toilet plunger, place it on the panel in the morning and aim the panel so the least amount of shadow is noted. Then move it about noon and toward sundown. This gives you a general idea of placement for the best sunlight track with little hassle and technology anywhere and easily re-adjustable throughout the year. It cost much less than a smart phone too ! Whats next ? J K
Enjoyed your video. I do like the design you have with the plug to connect the panels to your system. I plan on using this for my system. You broke the tab so the individual plugs works independently of each other. One for the panels and the second for the battery. That's where you lost me. What would the plug to the battery used for? Thanks Charlie
If I duplicate your outlet set up can I plug in a 300 watt inverter into the bottom plug instead of plugging into a typical DC outlet? I've already converted the DC male plug into a two prong male plug for wall outlet application.
Yes! I did this because of the voltage requirements. My battery is 12V and my solar panels are 12V. If I hooked up my solar panels in series, they would add up to 24V (2 x 12V solar panels). But since I wired them in parallel, the voltage will stay at 12V and will match my battery.
Thanks Josh. can you recommend a quality basic book(s) about solar panels and the batteries, controller and inverter needed so that I can gain a solid understanding of the complete system. I've learned about the four parts: panel, battery, controller and inverter, from watching UA-cam videos. And I know there is a difference between series and parallel circuits, but not what the difference is. I'd also like to understand the difference between volts and watts and how to figure out the energy requirements of specific household appliances, should I ever be able to afford an off grid solar system (in my tiny home dream). I love how you showed by using that tool how to adjust your solar panel angles for maximum energy gain (I'd really like to understand what you did there), and I like how you showed how to use your smart phone to help you. Before you used them, I had no idea such tools existed. Any books you can recommend, I'd sincerely appreciate. And I'd love to see any more videos on this subject you'd care to make. Thank you again for sharing and best regards.
If you really go so detail as to find the true south, you will also need to compensate for magnetic deviation. Very small differences one may argue and at the end of the day, it all depends on the weather.
I do not understand really lol although it seemed well explained may have to rewatch a few times but i plan on making a cob house it would be nice if you made a video explaining even details like how you put a power outlet in the house with it connecting to solar panel and battery if it's possible to access the solar energy through outlets . did you buy a solar panel kit?
Great setup Josh. I'm starting a small expandable system which I will micro grid tie. But the one thing you need to add is a cutoff or disconnect just after solar comes inside before the controller.. Just in case of emergency or maintenance. You're dealing with 10+ amps and need quick shutoff. Great otherwise
Interesting choice on solar panel inlet connector. While I agree that proper labelling is important, in your case I would like to point out that *if* you did accidentally connect the solar panel plug into the socket intended for battery out then no immediate damage would occur whatsoever. The solar panels would simply begin to charge the battery. It's just they would be doing it without governance of the charge controller so of course if left like that for an extended period they would eventually overcharge your battery, but that's the only real risk.
What's funny to me is this low subscribed you tube channels.... With diy or how toos...... Think they are to important or to good to answer any curious based questions. It's not like u got 1000z of comments. Cant
Finally. Thank you. The very very only one with the "Sockets" I understand
I respectfully disagree with Kanisha. Your uploads provides VERY VALUABLE, and appreciated information, especially for the novice like me. Keep up the good work Joshua!!!
That inplix web site is a scam they hit all solar uploaders with the same unhelpful comments.
Thanks this video is very important for the Diyer.You are doing a great job and will be well rewarded blessed abundantly.
Josh... Thank you for sharing your project. your explanation of azimuth and inclination was very good. the only draw back is finding and maintaining the position and also keeping them from being stolen..
I recently spent the fall to late spring in south Georgia. and putting them on an elevated platform with a compromised angle towards south and one that pivots on north south axis can maximize the amount of light hitting the panels.
I have four Renogy 100 watt panel that I run as series-parallel into one of two Renogy Tracer 40amp or 20amp MPPT Charge Controllers. The MPPT gives me the most power to the two sets of DCM Batteries (4-DCM74s) I also am able to actually average between 275and 325 watts equivalent to the batteries. I am using a HFT 2K-4K 12vdc inverter.
(the inverter will run my shallow well pump, coffee pot, lights, fans, freezer, 5Kbtu A/C unit...Just it will not run them at same time (I have a 3200/4000w HFT Predator generator for back up. (I will be adding 4more panels this fall when I return to south GA.
Note ( I run two sets of dual batteries as I have two shipping containers and a outdoor shower that use 12vdc.
For Refrigeration I have a six cubic foot Dometic RV Fridge. (12vdc for control power) and 20lb cylinder will last 1month in winter months and about 2-1/2 weeks in May June.
I will be upgrading to Anderson Power Pole Connectors for the battery banks and the inverters.
Amazon is a good place to look for connectors (Ham radio or marine connector types have the least dc resistance). also 8 gauge wire as a minimum gives the best service.
Back to the panel placement.
Consider adapting your frame to mount on-top of the trailer and put a couple of lifting arms or rods. This is what a lot of people who are making Cargo Trailer Campers are doing. (an added benefit is that the roof mounted panels will also shade the roof from the direct sunlight.
Final comments ... Keep learning and keep growing in knowledge.
Oh I am very pleased with RENOGY Products and Monocrystaline panels and Tracer Controllers the MeTer remote works well to. I bought mine on EBAY (make offer)
Hi Josh, here are a few tips and tricks to add to your system. I plan on making my kit fairly portable also. I will put wheels on one end of the panel cart in order to move it easily rather than drill holes and mount anything to the roof of my toy hauler. No worry about leaks, wind resistance, parking direction, and higher center if gravity. Do weigh it down or anchor one end if weather looks questionable. I like your idea of the different type of plug but it has little contact surface for electron flow ( most flow occurs on the outside surface of a conductor ). I suggest ANDERSON power pole connectors. I use red paint or nail polish to mark + positive side of wires and connectors - even when polarized....just to be sure if in a hurry. Lastly, keep the panel direction / alignment simple...no smart phone needed. Just buy a standard rubber/ wood handled toilet plunger, place it on the panel in the morning and aim the panel so the least amount of shadow is noted. Then move it about noon and toward sundown. This gives you a general idea of placement for the best sunlight track with little hassle and technology anywhere and easily re-adjustable throughout the year. It cost much less than a smart phone too ! Whats next ? J K
Enjoyed your video. I do like the design you have with the plug to connect the panels to your system. I plan on using this for my system. You broke the tab so the individual plugs works independently of each other. One for the panels and the second for the battery. That's where you lost me. What would the plug to the battery used for? Thanks Charlie
Batteries are for when there is no solar available (i.e. night time). I believe he stated the bottom plus was for a generator.
there's a half-hour of my life I'll never get back...
Good info! Ill have to look into that solar pathfinder...
If I duplicate your outlet set up can I plug in a 300 watt inverter into the bottom plug instead of plugging into a typical DC outlet? I've already converted the DC male plug into a two prong male plug for wall outlet application.
Thank you for the video. Can you say why you chose to wire your solar panels in parallel versus in series?
Yes! I did this because of the voltage requirements. My battery is 12V and my solar panels are 12V. If I hooked up my solar panels in series, they would add up to 24V (2 x 12V solar panels). But since I wired them in parallel, the voltage will stay at 12V and will match my battery.
Thanks Josh. can you recommend a quality basic book(s) about solar panels and the batteries, controller and inverter needed so that I can gain a solid understanding of the complete system. I've learned about the four parts: panel, battery, controller and inverter, from watching UA-cam videos. And I know there is a difference between series and parallel circuits, but not what the difference is. I'd also like to understand the difference between volts and watts and how to figure out the energy requirements of specific household appliances, should I ever be able to afford an off grid solar system (in my tiny home dream). I love how you showed by using that tool how to adjust your solar panel angles for maximum energy gain (I'd really like to understand what you did there), and I like how you showed how to use your smart phone to help you. Before you used them, I had no idea such tools existed. Any books you can recommend, I'd sincerely appreciate. And I'd love to see any more videos on this subject you'd care to make. Thank you again for sharing and best regards.
Inverter comes off batteries, not load off of CC. You can use load off CC for a led light
If you really go so detail as to find the true south, you will also need to compensate for magnetic deviation. Very small differences one may argue and at the end of the day, it all depends on the weather.
Hey there awesome video. how much for everything?
hello i will appreciate some more info on placement of the panel with regards to the sun
Where did you find the solar panel stands? I'm looking for something just like those!!
I do not understand really lol although it seemed well explained may have to rewatch a few times but i plan on making a cob house it would be nice if you made a video explaining even details like how you put a power outlet in the house with it connecting to solar panel and battery if it's possible to access the solar energy through outlets . did you buy a solar panel kit?
Great setup Josh. I'm starting a small expandable system which I will micro grid tie. But the one thing you need to add is a cutoff or disconnect just after solar comes inside before the controller.. Just in case of emergency or maintenance. You're dealing with 10+ amps and need quick shutoff. Great otherwise
in Idaho...born and raised in Syracuse area. Marcellus high school grad..😁
Interesting choice on solar panel inlet connector. While I agree that proper labelling is important, in your case I would like to point out that *if* you did accidentally connect the solar panel plug into the socket intended for battery out then no immediate damage would occur whatsoever. The solar panels would simply begin to charge the battery. It's just they would be doing it without governance of the charge controller so of course if left like that for an extended period they would eventually overcharge your battery, but that's the only real risk.
Nice trailer what state you in , I just sub you
The project like this step by step is described on the Avasva website and many more plans you can find on that website.
in a practical sense altitude has more to do with anti-theft.
I'm sure that you will find good way to make it on Inplix Website.
is that just a car battery?
Absolutely not. Car batteries are very different from Deep Cycling batteries
What's funny to me is this low subscribed you tube channels.... With diy or how toos...... Think they are to important or to good to answer any curious based questions. It's not like u got 1000z of comments. Cant
Stop smacking ur lips