I did very close to what you have done here. My first motivation was a backup generator. I watched many friends putting generators in their homes. $12,000-$25,000 was what they spent depending on size and requirements. I spent$11,238 and I can run my entire home. No refueling and no noise. Yes, I did it myself, so no labor charge.
Hi Jeff- My thoughts exactly. I am not solar powered, but am studying what my country home can do to be independent of the Texas Power Grid. I was considering a whole house generator and I was seeing the same cost. Of course I could use a small generator to supplement battery charging and that is planned in the future, but not a whole house generator. All the best!
Fantastic break down of how to start. Debt free %100. When the utility company goes down they aren’t running out to make sure you have heat. Self reliance calls for personal responsibility.
Well you gained a new sub and a lot of respect. Excellent job simplifying it, and breaking it down to real numbers everyone should be able to easily understand. Hope y’all have a blessed weekend!!
Hi Eric, my husband and I have been glued to your off grid videos and are inspired to do what you've done. We're going make a questions list and get back with you soon. God bless and keep up the good work. Maria & Clay
God bless you as well. I am happy to answer questions. The best way for me to do that is by email. Please send them to my email address listed in the about section of our channel page.
Living the dream! I was talking with a cousin yesterday about this very thing. They live in FL and last year started making better preparations for his family. He apparently was gifted a solar generator and was asking questions about right sizing and what should be priorities for backup power. Great information as always.
Keep the videos coming. Considering this for the last 2 years. Been saving, maybe another year. And we will have it. Really enjoy your videos. God bless
My issues with grid tie systems is that they don't work if the grid goes down. I was quoted some outrageous prices from national companies for a full system. One was $70k and that included no batteries. I really would like a system for emergency backup that I can tie into my home panel to run important parts of my home. I have a small system out at the barn that I can use to charge marine batteries that can run freezers, lights, etc. I have bought a solar generator that can run pretty much everything in my house except the water heater and AC. I went with the Bluetti AC200max and will add the extra batteries as I can. Solar panels are the cheap part of any system. We have had 5 straight days of clouds. That's why we are still counting on our gas generators for backup to my backup.
Great point about grid tie. There are ways to have them still work when the grid is down but it more expensive and complicated. WOW, those are ridiculous prices for a full system. Batteries are the most expensive part for sure. Sounds like you are diversified and building up continuously....nice work.
I started small and learned as I went. Started yet around 600 W of solar with lead acid years ago. Then I transitioned to lithium and 1200 W of solar, then added and got 2400, and now at 7.5 kW. All the time I learned more about solar as I went along. And yes I did most of it myself except for the main panel hook up. And I am off grid about 75% of the time. Living in the Pacific Northwest is a real challenge with solar. Also I suggest first insulating your house, because that is where you lose most of your heat and why you have to power up your gas or electric heaters. My back ups are a gas generator and soon a mini wood stove. I got my mini wood stove from Canada. This should help in the winter time when I’m using mostly gas to heat my house. I didn’t know anything about electricity when I first started, barely understood how the battery in my car worked. So if I can do it anybody can do it, just put 1 foot in front of the other and go! 🖖
@Ben Jones: Good sensible approach. You pointed out the value of insulating your house. This perhaps should be stressed more often as it is less expensive and cuts down power requirements.
I think it's awesome that you are trying to educate people in this area. We are going to be needing either alternative power or fierce survival skills in the not too distant future. I would rather thrive than just survive.
I agree. Dave Ramsey and his wise financial steps are freeing. I'm grateful I almost had a 6month Emergency Fund and a bit for vehicle repairs etc, before losing main job because I wouldn't take the jab. I decided to dip into saving to prep for... if things go downhill fast. My baby solar journey is in a box still. Thank you fir your encouragement. #1, the Lord is my Provision and portion,... ...., .... Our all in all.
My wife and I, through many obstacles, just became debt free. We bought 27 acres and are going g to be completely of grid. I will.be relying fully on the system we build ourselves. I have no idea how to build the system. I'm pretty intelligent but your videos are helpful . I may have lots of questions soon. Help 🙏 lol. Great videos, God bless
@@CountryLivingExperience Also your point about debt. In about 3 months all CC's will be paid off no car payment the only thing I will have is a mortgage.
Love you videos thanks for making them I am in the UK and your info on solar is still very educational for me. I'm still considering setting up a small system as a project for myself although havnt got the enormous space you have living in town centre terrace house. Even if I don't your vids have been of emmence help to me
I built a 21 kW solar system DIY, I have a 45 kW Lifepo4 battery system… I built then I added more, I built some more and I added some more… lol 😂 you don’t have to do it all at once… I started out with just being able to run a little 12 V pump some lights etc…. Now I can run a complete modern 2000 square-foot home with two Mr. cool split mini systems… no problem..I am completely 100% independent from the grid and like this awesome brother stated! it is absolutely liberating to be free! STICK IT TO THE MAN!!!
So much WIN in this video. Great news about the payback and how the system is working. Really liked what you said about paying off your debt. Been snowballing for 3 years and when I'm done I want to build a system. For an older guy, hearing about a quicker payback makes it more appealing. Looking forward to seeing your updates and your updated system. Thank you for the great videos.
I am in the planning stages of starting a small grid-tie system to do exactly what you said, supplement and diversify sources. Thank you for all of this straight-talk on the subject
It amazes me how un-free we can be do anything on our own land. You have a video on what to look out for so I can build something like this? New to your channel and love this solar content. God Bless!
God bless you as well! The freedom to do anything on your land really depends on where you live. We are out in the countryside in Texas so there are not really any rules sans septic. I don't have a specific video on that topic. Where do you live?
@@CountryLivingExperience I'm looking at OK, TX, or FL .. I want to move to a less restricted state and have seen cheap per acre TX land in the west near Mexico border but it still sounds subject to HOA or other restrictions. Do I need to just call up country tax office?
I was thinking about starting a panel system for just my well pump for emergency use instead of a propane powered generator. It seemed like solar was a better option, with the added plus of reducing my electric bill.
Having cash, to pay for things like this is so freeing. I paid off my last debt, (my house) almost a year ago. I can't tell you how much progress I've made since then on my off grid cottage, just starting small and expanding as I save. That and I bought a used car with cash. Totally the way to go.
I did the wood but the wood turned out to be shockingly expensive at $898 for just a few 2x4s and 2x6s. But I got my 40 panels up in two separate arrays one facing south one facing Southeast in between all the trees here. And it seems to be working pretty effectively.
Hey my man new subscriber here. Interested in your solar stuff. I'm a spanking new homesteader. We picked up 122 acres in NC 2 years ago ish. We are seling 45 of it and everything will be pretty much paid off. That being said I want to save up and do something like this myself. For us being off grid is of EXTREMEM value. The power grid is scary these days. I can't rely on that. I wouldn't mind some help if you ever get the time. I initaly was searching for a system to just run our well. So we have water if the grid goes down. Thanks and enjoy your videos. Let's get our hands dirty and get to work guys.
I am glad to see someone who tells it like it is. So many point people in the wrong direction. Signature solar is an awesome place they will help you design a system. I loved having solar till this morning. We had a few inches of snow.
I think if you can start off with changing out all of your lights to LED lights and you get just what you can afford in solar adding more to it as you can; you'll soon be on your way. Being more aware of energy consumption is a good thing too. Thank you.
I’ve had solar on my house for years s here on Oahu . Can you believe the electric bill in my neighborhood averages between 700 - 900 a month? It’s because of the heat in the day.. the ACs run. We are saving all of that every month as we have solar! So grateful
We started a new business this past year, Miracle On 134th St, a Christmas festival, obviously a lot of lights! Even though we used led there are other electrical needs involved , mainly heating in our individual out buildings. Could you please share with me what it would look like to have a system to power individual 12x24 lean to type concession booths . We are definitely DIY big time. You can see what just five of us created inside our 5,000 sq ft barn ( was wedding venue for 8 years). Thank You and God Bless
I also follow Dave Ramseys principles. I bought some land with cash after saving for 2 years and I am going to go solar as I build my house as it would cost about 7-8 k to get tied to the grid and then pay monthly.. All I need to run is a fridge and freezer lights and occasionally a laptop so I think I can get away with a nice small system for around 5 k. Currently saving up but it's taking awhile can't wait till I get my house built and can stop paying rent lol!
Awesome! You will surely get a small expandable system set up for $5k as a backup. We could have started small but Sig Solar had some great parts for great prices.
Just found your channel... I gotta tell ya it's like watching someone do exactly what I have just started to do.I don't have a homestead but rather an offgrid lake house out in the middle of nowhere! Our plan is the same to be free of the grid/ratrace.I totally agree about being debt free!I close on my lake lot and begin construction on the Dec 29th.I have done exactly what your talking about.I have been buying parts for the house I call non perishables...wire/water heater/pipes/insulation several thousand $$ worth stuff.Carpenter by trade so the house build will be very economical!lol Anyway your solar setup is exactly what I am building.Will be ordering from signature solar as well.The new property is near Corsicana so yeah definitely driving to signature solar and having that relationship is critical to my plans.We are on what we call a 5 yr plan.My son graduates this year and I own 2 houses now and are setting up to retire at 55... no retirement in construction but I've been very fortunate over the past 7/8 yrs and hopefully have planned well. Invested a lil but can always pick up some jobs if needed.Just tired of chasing the almighty dollar and will soon have a simpler way of life!Maybe we can meet up one day or bounce ideas of each other.Maybe even go fishing or sumn. Anyways cool to find your channel and another Texan with same kinda idea!
That is awesome. So glad y'all are getting out of debt and out of the city as well. Smart planning ahead with buying things like wire and pipe. God bless.
@@CountryLivingExperience Yes its going to be a journey but it's worth it! And wouldn't ya know!just when I'm about ready to buy my inverters/transformer signature solar is sold out!I knew I should've just bought them last month but I was be a tightwod!tightwad! Look forward to more vids 😀 😊
I am just starting on my Homesteading journey. I am looking to install solar, I'm hoping this year. I have been looking at signature solar for a while using the EG4 6500 Watt system (2). I am laying out and drawing up and calculating the amount of solar just as you did. I have the spec sheets of the all-in-one inverters printed off. No one really shows an in -depth video of coming up with their panels sizes and wiring to meet those specifications. Would love some help with that.
I actually covered that in my Growatt 5000ES video install series. You should just have to modify it slightly for the EG4's. I can't remember which of these two videos I put that info in......ua-cam.com/video/kazwzLyKD2A/v-deo.html or ua-cam.com/video/NbEswd3KsD8/v-deo.html
Appreciate the accuracy around the controversy of solar panels being only green. They have to come from somewhere. Great video. This is a huge solar array! What are you powering? I'm thinking a 2.3kW solar system that will generate 336kWh of power every month.
Thank you. My array is actually a medium size system. I have friends down the road with 15.5 and 13.5kw arrays. I power the whole house which is all electric.
I enjoyed the fact you brought up the co2 pollution in manufacturing of solar systems. I've been trying to get an answer to that question for quite some time. I also included wind turbines. I live offgrid in washington state. I didn't do it to go green, solar allowed me to live on a piece of land I liked that had no power and to bring power in was cost prohibitive.
I worked overseas at a Polysilicon production plant for 3 years and the "foot print" just to make the Polysilicon is mind boggling.. It is hard to do a full carbon report on panels, but from my guesstimate is 6-10 years to offset the production, shipment and install, but what is still unknown is the offset to recycle them since they are considered hazardous and have radiation.. I would still install them just to get off grid (greed) power and be independent..
We did ours in phases. Installed the panels first in a grid tie - added the batteries (backordered) and changed it around once that was done. We finally completed installation at the end of October. 28KW total and we went from a $350/month electric bill to $69 the first full month (November). We live in the North so it rarely operates at peak efficiency (too many very cloudy days) but we live in the country so power goes out a few times a year. Two recent outtages of a few hours each and nobody in the house even noticed the grid was down... We only have about 15KW of battery backup and hope to add more as the money becomes available - All professionally installed and I expect the payback period to be about 10-12 years, assuming electric rates don't go up (which we know they will).
Good video. In addition to all your talking points is the over all life of the system if you live there or not.. your system might out last your life. Which just adds value to your property.. where I live I want to look into wind as well.
People you need to check out San tan solar. They have used pannels for a fraction of the cost of a new pannels. There from solar farms and only a few yrs old. Still 100 percent efficiency. I bought 20 - 250 watt pannels for 700 bucks instead of 4500.
Look at the inverters. If they are "stackable" or can be paralleled, then you can expand or scale your system. The Growatt inverters that we used are stackable.
Amazing payoff schedule! Great job brother. We were going to do it at our current house, but don't plan to own it long enough to justify the cost. With inflation, you are going to be even happier as time goes on.
I love your video! We have a small system similar to yours but after two months one inverter blew up(burned inside. No visible flame). Now we’re hoping to get it replaced soon(🤞🏻). I have high hopes for for it but it’s a rough road for us. Keep the videos coming!!!
Awesome video brother. I’m in planning and saving stages right now but hope to start within the next two yrs. About to be done with 1200 a month in child support so that should shorten my waiting time lol
I wish we were neighbors. Christian, Dave Ramsey, self reliant, no creadit, solar, homestead-farm. We live identical lives, in these respectives. Great channel 👍
For those who say your system is too expensive I'd say they need to do some more research. I know solar has gotten less expensive in the last couple of years but about 5 years ago I contacted a solar contractor in Ga. He goes all over the state installing systems. I got a quote to completely replace my power bill. The total with tracker racks to max out sun exposure time, panels, batteries, the whole nine yards was over $41,000. Having a reverse metering deal was not available through our utility so no selling power back to them. I can't recall the number of years it would have taken to pay for itself but it was a lot.
Awesome job,just bought an off grid home in the mountains in cochise county, I plan to build one about the size you have and would love to pick your brain or check out your system sometime
i have hear that high voltage more than 50v on solar panells in series can destroy them in less than 10years, but you can't connect the growatt with out high voltage, your minimum is 120v you can't connect parallel, have you ever hear that
Looking at a project myself. In south Texas, I’m a DIYer but nothing as big as this. Any extra info would be appreciated, struggling the decision on micro inverters. Any input? Great work, would love to pick you brain on my idea.
I think it is important to remember, no matter how bad it seems to say, is that people froze to death. kids... it is a tragedy and should be mentioned so that others can be reminded about the importance of being self reliant. At a minimum should have enough off grid power to run the heater.
I looked into the tax credit but unfortunately from all the information I could find online it only applies if you owe the IRS taxes at finally. So you can take 25% of your solar build expense and apply it towards your owed income tax and it will deduct. However if you normally get a tax refund in Haverhill this will not help. Because the government is not handing out subsidies for solar.
@@CountryLivingExperience that would be the case here too, except my wife has a regular job and has taxes deducted and we typically get a refund because my repair shop has expenses and test equipment deductions.
Hi, just discovered your channel. I live in Ireland where the "sun don't shine" too often a lot of the time, but I wanted to have some sort of backup system for when the grid goes down. My main concern was to have backup for the central heating pump (solid fuel range heating and winter cooking) and the well pump for water, filtration etc.. I have just completed my system (12 panels, 4.8kw lithium batteries) and I have to say I'm really impressed with the power I'm getting. The weather has been unusually sunny since completing and when it is it's generating over 2kw but even on overcast days it's still generating around 800w. I have the well pump and a backup chest freezer and a fridge connected full time to the system which drops the batteries by about 10% overnight but they're back up to 100% by around 9am next morning, and on sunny days I can boil kettles and use the washing machine during the day too. I'm actually looking for things to wash or things to charge up when it's sunny so as not to waste the free energy being generated? I honestly believe that if the grid went down permanently tomorrow with this relatively small system and the solid fuel range (and some frugal power management) I could easily get by. The total cost was around $8,000 (these components are more expensive here) with me doing all of the work (including building timber frames for the panels etc.) but for peace of mind alone it was well worth it. I am actually considering expanding the system at some stage in the future (when I have the funds but NOT on credit as you rightly point out) and going totally off grid. So if there's anyone out there who might be wondering if a system is worth setting up in a 'temperate climate' my answer would be yes, as long as you don't expect miracles and manage it properly. The fact of knowing that you can still function should the grid go down is worth it alone. Great video of the cost breakdown. Thanks.
We have several freezers. Looking into solar real soon. We have freezers on a timer at the outlets. Freezers are shut down at midnight and turn on separately from each other to not cause a surge. 30 minutes apart. Food stays good overnight.
@@lindaferguson593 I've read reports stating that freezers will be okay for up to 3 days without power, provided they're not opened, or very sparingly opened and quickly closed again.
@The Wild Goose , yes but, when your freezer has already been off that long, you may need to consume its contents. I'm talking about just conserving electrical usage without harm to contents inside of freezers.
We are using the PowMr MPPT controllers and have to mod them to get the rated output. They work their little butts off though! One has been going for a year and a half at 110%. I'm running 60v or 90v of panels into a 12v battery and then into a 220V PowerJack inverter. We are still on the grid for the range, oven, and dryer. Everything else can switch back to the grid via a Moes switch once the batteries are drained to whatever voltage we set. This is incredible! We bought used panels and have spent about $4000 total. We still have a power bill every month, but the system has paid for itself in two years!!! Running 12v batteries is inefficient... so is every other part of the system. But it works and we could be completely off grid if we really wanted to.
I wonder if a solar panel system like this has a structure in place that will protect it from damages caused by large hails (say, golf ball size if you live in North Texas in the spring time).
I am with you on the “green” aspect of solar/battery power. Good advice on searching out the total “greenness” of the system. I too am in the Dallas area and we had rolling blackouts where we lost pipes last year. I was able to run my CPAP with a portable battery I had purchased. This made me motivated to do as you are doing - sort of. I may be grid tied initially and use the grid to keep the battery bank topped off, not necessarily using the grid as a battery bank. So here is a Texas hello from Greenville (not too far from Sulphur Springs). Can we give you credit for the referral if we visit Signature Solar in person? Thanks for all your videos. God Bless!
Hey neighbor. Glad you are moving forward with some solar backup. Very kind of you to ask if you could give us credit. I think if you talk with the sales department when you are there, ask for Bruce. I have met him before. Tell him you watched the vids and to use my affiliate link when placing the order. Thank you so much and God bless you as well!
I know I will need help I'm not electrician I understand some things and I know there are some other people on UA-cam channels that I watch taking out on too I'm not asking for any money I don't want any money I want to try to do it myself but I might need some directions and time and when that time comes I'll ask again for help but not exactly at this time but good advice is always good.
Great video I have to ask why you didn't go with Micro inverters? If your main inverter goes out, no power With discreet inverters, you still have power even if a few fail
What size system would you suggest for a 4,200 sf home? Need maximum output for appliances etc. don’t want to mess with running some appliances and not others. Could use your expert advice.
That is a large home. It is going to depend on your heating and cooling. Are all your appliances electric? Dryer, stove, etc? You'll need to do some calcs on how much you are using each month. You can use an online solar calculator and your electric bill to determine your energy usage first.
Like your ideas. Being 63 years old, I have to pencil it out to see if it works for me. I have to sell myself more on energy independence too. I notice you have 210K plus followers so I would imagine you derive some sort of income from that exposure. What is your plan for an off the grid internet connection where you do not have to rely on anyone else for it?
Thank you. I don't know of an option for off grid internet connection. If we get to the point where we don't have the internet, we are probably beyond the point of money mattering anymore. I do derive a small income from this channel but it is certainly not my only source. I am diversified. I also am trying to accumulate as much as I will need (tools, equipment, repair parts, etc) so that I can be self sufficient.
Thank you for a sane description of a solar system. Every time I try to get information the companies out there want to sell me a complete system. But since my Electric bill is $100.00 +/- It doesn't make economic sense and they don't call back. But if my grid goes down than I would be in trouble except we heat with a wood stove. We live in North Georgia mountains on 8 acres. I would like Solar to run my well pump, run my refrigerator and maybe a little lighting at first. Later maybe a water heater direct wire from a panel and a small AC unit for cooling in the summer. I am on a fixed small income but I will be earning some extra money the hard way through inheritance in a year or few. I want to install the panels on my roof but first want to install a Standing seam roof across the front of my house. Advice is indeed appreciated.
You're welcome. Yes, most solar companies are only interested in themselves most of the time. They make special bracket for standing seam roofs but you will have to shop around. Some of those systems can be expensive.
Honestly it was my budget that drove the initial purchase. I knew that buying these types of components, I could expand upon it easily when I had more funds. I did some online calculators to help me get a ballpark. Then I confirmed that when I went to Signature Solar to purchase the equipment.
15K seems like a deal to me. I got a cost (2 years ago) for a standby backup generator system wired to my home that only kicks on when the power goes out. I live in hurricane state of Florida. Cost 2 years ago? $16K. Also it would require 2 big propane tanks which costs approx 700.00 to refill. I’d much rather invest in a system I could use to help offset my monthly electric bill AND be covered if we have a hurricane taking down the power. Thanks so much for the info… and for the Dave Ramsey shout out… I’m a Ramsey fan who follows his recommendations and am debt free. Thank you!
Propane is expensive compared to? Buying it now will probably be cheaper than it will be in 3 years. And, unlike gasoline, it stores almost indefinitely.
I would love to create a system on my house. My biggest problem is my physical disability. I got a price for a company to install a system that would still be connected to the grid but it would run me $17k. That isn't with any batteries or growatt inverters. Plus I don't fully understand everything and how it all sets up. Feeling overwhelmed. Joe
Keep studying. It took me two years to gain all the knowledge to do it myself. I started with UA-cam but also asked friends who are electricians and called solar companies and read books. Most medium sized whole house systems usually cost on average $30k. I am no sure what they quoted you for exactly.
Just my opinion, and I know it’s more costly. But there’s no way I would build a roof system, such as your rig, without elevating it and using it as a shelter, barn, shed. Love your content
Just found your channel. You have earned a new sub!! I have many questions, but the one that rings the bell hard is, why didn't you take advantage of the tax deal for solar?? I am a handicapped Vet. with a wife who is also handicapped. The tax credit is not available to us even though we paid A LOT into the system before having to end our careers. It honestly kills me that we cannot afford to do this and we really are the people who NEED IT!!! Thanks for great videos. I've seen two now and will get caught up.. Ps. We live in Tampa Bay. Plenty of sunshine here... ;)
Thanks, I appreciate it. I actually mentioned the tax credit in another video. I did forget to say it in this one. Not sure why you cannot get the Federal credit. It should be available to everyone.
QUESTIONS. I have a small home. Almost a tiny house. My electrical drop is at the barn. I am thinking of just a 24 v DC system for the house. Lights, solar fridge, a fan. The barn at the drop is z panel so I can run the pump. Heat will be wood and hot water and cooking is propane. That's my idea. Any suggestions? Btw. My big sin is this. AC. I have to AC the house. I can run a simple circut from the barn for a AC. Any ideas... I need simple and affordable. Money is low. However. I own my home and car outright. Just 200,000 in student loans I can never pay. Lol. So, this is the forever house
That sounds like a good idea to me. The nice thing with the system I put in is that you can start small and scale it up. You can do a small mini-split. The one I am about to install is super efficient. It was $1200. We did a video about running our house AC here:ua-cam.com/video/PY5BdZXTR0g/v-deo.html You can knock out those loans. I paid off $90k just a little while ago.
You mentioned that you have a propane tank as you're backup. What is wrong with the strategy of simply keeping/having your power company hookup as your backup knowing that you might never or would rarely ever need it? As an insurance policy so to speak. That way you're not having to invest some additional money up front for something that you might never or hardly ever use anyway?
I do still have the power company hookup as backup. I never said I got rid of it. I like redundancy hence the gas and solar and dual fuel generator and wood stove.
If I may say also please: excellent playlist. I live in New York City, in a high-rise apratment, so far away from green trees, grass, dogs, cats, chickens, birds, rabbits, and the lot. I miss it all. In a few years I'll retire. I plan to go back to waking up to cleaner air, a crowing rooster, barking dogs, wind rustling through the trees, and to look forward to using my hands, legs, back, and my aging body to produce the food I'll eat. Thanks for your edifying and inspiring how-tos. Cheers.
you may want to look up a methane digester, it will make you natural gas (Slightly lower btu/cu^3 then utility supply) and it makes you very high quality fertilizer in 1 go! so gas n fertilizer from left overs and the toilet!
Hey there! Found you by accident and I'm now watching all your solar videos. My question is.... are you an electrician, or is this set up one that an average DIYer could do? Thanks, and nice hat! -✋️
Thank you. Go Green! I am not an electrician but I have a lot of experience and practical knowledge. It is not that hard. Just educate yourself and you can do it.
The other cool thing you can do with that large propane tank and a battery pack, is you can run a small generator(2 or 3kw) and charge the batteries if for some reason the sun didn't shine for a while.
I came across your videos and have thoroughly enjoyed your honesty. We live in Washington State where it snows. What happens when the panels don’t get enough sun to keep your batteries topped off? Thanks. God bless you. Have a happy new year!
I appreciate that. We will always tell it like it is. We purchased a 48v battery charger that can run off of a small generator in the event we don't get sun for a week. That should be a rare event here though.
You don't have to match the size of the inverter(s) to the PV panel output, most of the time the panels deliver less than rated output due to weak sun. If you think you need 10kw, then you might want a 10kw inverter with perhaps 15kw of panels.
I'm 68 and most likely could not do this on my own. It would take too long for someone my age to pay for itself when I consider labor costs. However, if I was younger, I'd go this route. We may do as you suggested and start out with a backup system though. We are totally electric, would these run a 220 volt heat pump and our stove temporarily?
A backup system is always good. If you put in a smaller system, you will need to calculate how big it need to be to run the loads you want. Small solar systems don’t usually run large central hvac systems without additional equipment like a soft start.
We got all of our SOLAR equipment at www.signaturesolar.com/?ref=countrylivingexperience . Everything else we obtained form Home Depot or Lowes.
Im hoping to go to sig. Solar next week.. Wish I could talk to you before dropping the $
@@blainecelestaine4543 send me an email. You can find our address on our main channel page in the about section or contact me on facebook
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I did very close to what you have done here. My first motivation was a backup generator. I watched many friends putting generators in their homes. $12,000-$25,000 was what they spent depending on size and requirements. I spent$11,238 and I can run my entire home. No refueling and no noise. Yes, I did it myself, so no labor charge.
That is awesome. Yes, large whole house generators are very expensive and use a finite resource.
What brand generator did you get? How was it powered?
Hi Jeff- My thoughts exactly. I am not solar powered, but am studying what my country home can do to be independent of the Texas Power Grid. I was considering a whole house generator and I was seeing the same cost. Of course I could use a small generator to supplement battery charging and that is planned in the future, but not a whole house generator. All the best!
Awesome video and encouragement!! Love that you plug DR and getting debt free too!! God Bless!!
Glad it was helpful. God Bless you as well!
Fantastic break down of how to start. Debt free %100. When the utility company goes down they aren’t running out to make sure you have heat. Self reliance calls for personal responsibility.
Thank you
You speak a lot of truth. We have been living totally debt free since 2017. I really is liberating as you said.
That’s awesome. So glad y’all are debt free.
Well you gained a new sub and a lot of respect. Excellent job simplifying it, and breaking it down to real numbers everyone should be able to easily understand.
Hope y’all have a blessed weekend!!
Awesome! Welcome to the channel. Glad I could present the information well for you.
Hi Eric, my husband and I have been glued to your off grid videos and are inspired to do what you've done. We're going make a questions list and get back with you soon. God bless and keep up the good work. Maria & Clay
God bless you as well. I am happy to answer questions. The best way for me to do that is by email. Please send them to my email address listed in the about section of our channel page.
Just found this guy. Concise, informative, clean editing. Also, really like this guy's overall attitude. Great stuff, keep it up.
Much appreciated!
Living the dream! I was talking with a cousin yesterday about this very thing. They live in FL and last year started making better preparations for his family. He apparently was gifted a solar generator and was asking questions about right sizing and what should be priorities for backup power. Great information as always.
Absolutely! I appreciate it.
Keep the videos coming. Considering this for the last 2 years. Been saving, maybe another year. And we will have it. Really enjoy your videos. God bless
Thanks Jason. You can always start small with these types of components and then scale up.
My issues with grid tie systems is that they don't work if the grid goes down.
I was quoted some outrageous prices from national companies for a full system. One was $70k and that included no batteries.
I really would like a system for emergency backup that I can tie into my home panel to run important parts of my home. I have a small system out at the barn that I can use to charge marine batteries that can run freezers, lights, etc.
I have bought a solar generator that can run pretty much everything in my house except the water heater and AC. I went with the Bluetti AC200max and will add the extra batteries as I can.
Solar panels are the cheap part of any system.
We have had 5 straight days of clouds. That's why we are still counting on our gas generators for backup to my backup.
Great point about grid tie. There are ways to have them still work when the grid is down but it more expensive and complicated. WOW, those are ridiculous prices for a full system. Batteries are the most expensive part for sure. Sounds like you are diversified and building up continuously....nice work.
I started small and learned as I went. Started yet around 600 W of solar with lead acid years ago. Then I transitioned to lithium and 1200 W of solar, then added and got 2400, and now at 7.5 kW.
All the time I learned more about solar as I went along. And yes I did most of it myself except for the main panel hook up. And I am off grid about 75% of the time. Living in the Pacific Northwest is a real challenge with solar.
Also I suggest first insulating your house, because that is where you lose most of your heat and why you have to power up your gas or electric heaters.
My back ups are a gas generator and soon a mini wood stove. I got my mini wood stove from Canada. This should help in the winter time when I’m using mostly gas to heat my house.
I didn’t know anything about electricity when I first started, barely understood how the battery in my car worked. So if I can do it anybody can do it, just put 1 foot in front of the other and go! 🖖
@Ben Jones: Good sensible approach. You pointed out the value of insulating your house. This perhaps should be stressed more often as it is less expensive and cuts down power requirements.
Thank you Ben. Great advice and great approach!
I think it's awesome that you are trying to educate people in this area. We are going to be needing either alternative power or fierce survival skills in the not too distant future. I would rather thrive than just survive.
Thank you. Amen to that.
I really appreciate all your videos in this series. Solar is the next goal at our place. We have watched these and saved them for reference as we go.
You’re welcome. So glad we are making content that is helpful.
Glad you talked about the plan. Dave ramsay plan is a great thing. Thanks for sharing solar. I love the videos.
You're welcome and thank you.
Our roofs were damaged from the weight of the ice. Busted pipes...still waiting on insurance to agree to fix the damage here in Houston TX.
Great, clear presentation.
Thank you
Impressive... Genuine interest helping humanity... Thank you
You're very welcome.
Very good comments on "green" aspect of these systems. Few understand this relationship to the environment.
Thank you
I agree. Dave Ramsey and his wise financial steps are freeing.
I'm grateful I almost had a 6month Emergency Fund and a bit for vehicle repairs etc, before losing main job because I wouldn't take the jab.
I decided to dip into saving to prep for... if things go downhill fast. My baby solar journey is in a box still. Thank you fir your encouragement. #1, the Lord is my Provision and portion,...
...., .... Our all in all.
Amen and Amen!
I like diy solar set ups it's cheaper and faster payback periods. Great information. Love it.
Thank you. I agree.
My wife and I, through many obstacles, just became debt free. We bought 27 acres and are going g to be completely of grid. I will.be relying fully on the system we build ourselves. I have no idea how to build the system. I'm pretty intelligent but your videos are helpful . I may have lots of questions soon. Help 🙏 lol.
Great videos, God bless
Congratulations. Glad we could help.
When you do it yourself you understand it and you can support it yourself. Within reason.
Yes, absolutely. Great point.
@@CountryLivingExperience Also your point about debt. In about 3 months all CC's will be paid off no car payment the only thing I will have is a mortgage.
Awesome!
God bless you for speaking truth.
Absolutely my friend! Always will.
Love you videos thanks for making them I am in the UK and your info on solar is still very educational for me. I'm still considering setting up a small system as a project for myself although havnt got the enormous space you have living in town centre terrace house. Even if I don't your vids have been of emmence help to me
Glad we could help. Hope you have the opportunity to put together a system for your home.
I built a 21 kW solar system DIY, I have a 45 kW Lifepo4 battery system… I built then I added more, I built some more and I added some more… lol 😂 you don’t have to do it all at once… I started out with just being able to run a little 12 V pump some lights etc…. Now I can run a complete modern 2000 square-foot home with two Mr. cool split mini systems… no problem..I am completely 100% independent from the grid and like this awesome brother stated! it is absolutely liberating to be free! STICK IT TO THE MAN!!!
That is awesome! Glad you got yourself off the grid.
So much WIN in this video. Great news about the payback and how the system is working. Really liked what you said about paying off your debt. Been snowballing for 3 years and when I'm done I want to build a system. For an older guy, hearing about a quicker payback makes it more appealing. Looking forward to seeing your updates and your updated system. Thank you for the great videos.
You’re welcome. Glad we could offer some helpful info. Keep that snowball rolling!
I am in the planning stages of starting a small grid-tie system to do exactly what you said, supplement and diversify sources. Thank you for all of this straight-talk on the subject
That's awesome! Keep it up. Glad we could help.
Thanks for the video. Great info.
Glad it was helpful
It amazes me how un-free we can be do anything on our own land. You have a video on what to look out for so I can build something like this? New to your channel and love this solar content. God Bless!
God bless you as well! The freedom to do anything on your land really depends on where you live. We are out in the countryside in Texas so there are not really any rules sans septic. I don't have a specific video on that topic. Where do you live?
@@CountryLivingExperience I'm looking at OK, TX, or FL .. I want to move to a less restricted state and have seen cheap per acre TX land in the west near Mexico border but it still sounds subject to HOA or other restrictions. Do I need to just call up country tax office?
Be careful near the west Texas border. It’s cheap for a reason. Yes, you can call the tax office or a realtor.
Great video and awesome channel.
Thank you very much!
I was thinking about starting a panel system for just my well pump for emergency use instead of a propane powered generator. It seemed like solar was a better option, with the added plus of reducing my electric bill.
Solar is a great option for a well pump for sure.
Having cash, to pay for things like this is so freeing. I paid off my last debt, (my house) almost a year ago. I can't tell you how much progress I've made since then on my off grid cottage, just starting small and expanding as I save. That and I bought a used car with cash. Totally the way to go.
Amen to that! Love the debt free life.
Very nice break down of everything
Thank you
Thanks for sharing 😍😍all the best from Romania
You're welcome
I did the wood but the wood turned out to be shockingly expensive at $898 for just a few 2x4s and 2x6s. But I got my 40 panels up in two separate arrays one facing south one facing Southeast in between all the trees here. And it seems to be working pretty effectively.
Wood prices are out of control for sure! Glad you got yours up and running.
@@CountryLivingExperience 800% increase on lumber for housing construction! HOme Depot was advertizing 2x4 four foot lengths for $47 each!
Hey my man new subscriber here. Interested in your solar stuff. I'm a spanking new homesteader. We picked up 122 acres in NC 2 years ago ish. We are seling 45 of it and everything will be pretty much paid off. That being said I want to save up and do something like this myself. For us being off grid is of EXTREMEM value. The power grid is scary these days. I can't rely on that. I wouldn't mind some help if you ever get the time. I initaly was searching for a system to just run our well. So we have water if the grid goes down. Thanks and enjoy your videos. Let's get our hands dirty and get to work guys.
Welcome to the channel.
Great advice…especially living debt free! Thanks again!
You're welcome!
I am glad to see someone who tells it like it is. So many point people in the wrong direction. Signature solar is an awesome place they will help you design a system. I loved having solar till this morning. We had a few inches of snow.
I always like to tell it like it is. They have been helpful for sure. Luckily I don't live where it snows often.
Excellent content. Thank you for all that you do!
My pleasure! Thanks.
Thank you for explaining this, you the man...
Glad I could help.
I think if you can start off with changing out all of your lights to LED lights and you get just what you can afford in solar adding more to it as you can; you'll soon be on your way. Being more aware of energy consumption is a good thing too. Thank you.
Great point.
I’ve had solar on my house for years s here on Oahu . Can you believe the electric bill in my neighborhood averages between 700 - 900 a month? It’s because of the heat in the day.. the ACs run. We are saving all of that every month as we have solar! So grateful
Glad you have solar. That elec cost is out of control.
We started a new business this past year, Miracle On 134th St, a Christmas festival, obviously a lot of lights! Even though we used led there are other electrical needs involved , mainly heating in our individual out buildings. Could you please share with me what it would look like to have a system to power individual 12x24 lean to type concession booths . We are definitely DIY big time. You can see what just five of us created inside our 5,000 sq ft barn ( was wedding venue for 8 years). Thank You and God Bless
It depends on how many booths, how many and what size heaters, how many lights, etc. It is hard to determine without specifics.
I also follow Dave Ramseys principles. I bought some land with cash after saving for 2 years and I am going to go solar as I build my house as it would cost about 7-8 k to get tied to the grid and then pay monthly..
All I need to run is a fridge and freezer lights and occasionally a laptop so I think I can get away with a nice small system for around 5 k.
Currently saving up but it's taking awhile can't wait till I get my house built and can stop paying rent lol!
Awesome! You will surely get a small expandable system set up for $5k as a backup. We could have started small but Sig Solar had some great parts for great prices.
Just found your channel... I gotta tell ya it's like watching someone do exactly what I have just started to do.I don't have a homestead but rather an offgrid lake house out in the middle of nowhere! Our plan is the same to be free of the grid/ratrace.I totally agree about being debt free!I close on my lake lot and begin construction on the Dec 29th.I have done exactly what your talking about.I have been buying parts for the house I call non perishables...wire/water heater/pipes/insulation several thousand $$ worth stuff.Carpenter by trade so the house build will be very economical!lol Anyway your solar setup is exactly what I am building.Will be ordering from signature solar as well.The new property is near Corsicana so yeah definitely driving to signature solar and having that relationship is critical to my plans.We are on what we call a 5 yr plan.My son graduates this year and I own 2 houses now and are setting up to retire at 55... no retirement in construction but I've been very fortunate over the past 7/8 yrs and hopefully have planned well. Invested a lil but can always pick up some jobs if needed.Just tired of chasing the almighty dollar and will soon have a simpler way of life!Maybe we can meet up one day or bounce ideas of each other.Maybe even go fishing or sumn. Anyways cool to find your channel and another Texan with same kinda idea!
That is awesome. So glad y'all are getting out of debt and out of the city as well. Smart planning ahead with buying things like wire and pipe. God bless.
@@CountryLivingExperience Yes its going to be a journey but it's worth it! And wouldn't ya know!just when I'm about ready to buy my inverters/transformer signature solar is sold out!I knew I should've just bought them last month but I was be a tightwod!tightwad! Look forward to more vids 😀 😊
I am just starting on my Homesteading journey. I am looking to install solar, I'm hoping this year. I have been looking at signature solar for a while using the EG4 6500 Watt system (2). I am laying out and drawing up and calculating the amount of solar just as you did. I have the spec sheets of the all-in-one inverters printed off. No one really shows an in -depth video of coming up with their panels sizes and wiring to meet those specifications. Would love some help with that.
I actually covered that in my Growatt 5000ES video install series. You should just have to modify it slightly for the EG4's. I can't remember which of these two videos I put that info in......ua-cam.com/video/kazwzLyKD2A/v-deo.html or ua-cam.com/video/NbEswd3KsD8/v-deo.html
Appreciate the accuracy around the controversy of solar panels being only green. They have to come from somewhere. Great video. This is a huge solar array! What are you powering? I'm thinking a 2.3kW solar system that will generate 336kWh of power every month.
Thank you.
My array is actually a medium size system. I have friends down the road with 15.5 and 13.5kw arrays. I power the whole house which is all electric.
I enjoyed the fact you brought up the co2 pollution in manufacturing of solar systems. I've been trying to get an answer to that question for quite some time. I also included wind turbines. I live offgrid in washington state. I didn't do it to go green, solar allowed me to live on a piece of land I liked that had no power and to bring power in was cost prohibitive.
Cool. Yes, alternative sources of energy are about freedom of movement/etc for sure. That was a big factor for me.
I worked overseas at a Polysilicon production plant for 3 years and the "foot print" just to make the Polysilicon is mind boggling.. It is hard to do a full carbon report on panels, but from my guesstimate is 6-10 years to offset the production, shipment and install, but what is still unknown is the offset to recycle them since they are considered hazardous and have radiation..
I would still install them just to get off grid (greed) power and be independent..
@@FJB2020 People don't often think about these aspects of solar at all.
We did ours in phases. Installed the panels first in a grid tie - added the batteries (backordered) and changed it around once that was done.
We finally completed installation at the end of October. 28KW total and we went from a $350/month electric bill to $69 the first full month (November).
We live in the North so it rarely operates at peak efficiency (too many very cloudy days) but we live in the country so power goes out a few times a year.
Two recent outtages of a few hours each and nobody in the house even noticed the grid was down... We only have about 15KW of battery backup and hope to add more as the money becomes available - All professionally installed and I expect the payback period to be about 10-12 years, assuming electric rates don't go up (which we know they will).
Wow, that is big system. Glad you did it in phases. That is still a really good payback time considering is it so large.
How much was the professional installation?
Dave Ramsay’s financial freedom plan rocks! You’re good stewards of your freedom and wealth.
Awesome! Thanks
Awesome Video
Thank you
Good video. In addition to all your talking points is the over all life of the system if you live there or not.. your system might out last your life. Which just adds value to your property.. where I live I want to look into wind as well.
Thank you. Absolutely. The increase in property value is big.
People you need to check out San tan solar. They have used pannels for a fraction of the cost of a new pannels. There from solar farms and only a few yrs old. Still 100 percent efficiency. I bought 20 - 250 watt pannels for 700 bucks instead of 4500.
By the way I've been off grid for 28 yrs.
how do i know which brands are expandable?
Look at the inverters. If they are "stackable" or can be paralleled, then you can expand or scale your system. The Growatt inverters that we used are stackable.
Amazing payoff schedule! Great job brother. We were going to do it at our current house, but don't plan to own it long enough to justify the cost. With inflation, you are going to be even happier as time goes on.
Thank you! It is just common sense to me ;-)
@@CountryLivingExperience I see what you did there! 😆
@@commonsgiant lol
Hey thanks for the information about solar panels I subscribed to your channel.
You're welcome. Glad to have you here.
I love the video
Thank you
I love your video! We have a small system similar to yours but after two months one inverter blew up(burned inside. No visible flame). Now we’re hoping to get it replaced soon(🤞🏻). I have high hopes for for it but it’s a rough road for us. Keep the videos coming!!!
Thank you! Hope you get that inverter replaced. Not sure what could have been wrong with it.
No warranty on that inverter? I think the complexity and the liability for breakage makes solar a lot more of a risk that many want to admit.
Awesome video brother. I’m in planning and saving stages right now but hope to start within the next two yrs. About to be done with 1200 a month in child support so that should shorten my waiting time lol
Thank you. What is nice about the components I bought is that you can start really small and scale up.
I wish we were neighbors. Christian, Dave Ramsey, self reliant, no creadit, solar, homestead-farm. We live identical lives, in these respectives. Great channel 👍
Thank you Darren. I appreciate it.
For those who say your system is too expensive I'd say they need to do some more research. I know solar has gotten less expensive in the last couple of years but about 5 years ago I contacted a solar contractor in Ga. He goes all over the state installing systems. I got a quote to completely replace my power bill. The total with tracker racks to max out sun exposure time, panels, batteries, the whole nine yards was over $41,000. Having a reverse metering deal was not available through our utility so no selling power back to them. I can't recall the number of years it would have taken to pay for itself but it was a lot.
I agree. When you factor in everything it is quite inexpensive. My grid electricity costs almost doubled this year too.
Awesome job,just bought an off grid home in the mountains in cochise county, I plan to build one about the size you have and would love to pick your brain or check out your system sometime
Thank you. Feel free to email me or contact me via facebook messenger.
Please list all the solar products you purchased and the companies. Thanks Bret
Every part is verbally listed in this video....ua-cam.com/video/vng-CACPow0/v-deo.html
@@CountryLivingExperience I would think you would provide a list of the solar products if you say you spent $15k, to prove it. Provide a list
i have hear that high voltage more than 50v on solar panells in series can destroy them in less than 10years, but you can't connect the growatt with out high voltage, your minimum is 120v you can't connect parallel, have you ever hear that
That is not true. They are designed to handle very high DC voltage. They come with a 25 year warranty too.
Looking at a project myself. In south Texas, I’m a DIYer but nothing as big as this. Any extra info would be appreciated, struggling the decision on micro inverters. Any input? Great work, would love to pick you brain on my idea.
You can do it. We have a lot of videos on our installation. Micro inverters are great. I may get some someday as well.
I think it is important to remember, no matter how bad it seems to say, is that people froze to death. kids... it is a tragedy and should be mentioned so that others can be reminded about the importance of being self reliant. At a minimum should have enough off grid power to run the heater.
Exactly.
I looked into the tax credit but unfortunately from all the information I could find online it only applies if you owe the IRS taxes at finally. So you can take 25% of your solar build expense and apply it towards your owed income tax and it will deduct. However if you normally get a tax refund in Haverhill this will not help. Because the government is not handing out subsidies for solar.
I always owe taxes so I guess I didn't investigate through those details about it.
@@CountryLivingExperience that would be the case here too, except my wife has a regular job and has taxes deducted and we typically get a refund because my repair shop has expenses and test equipment deductions.
Thanks
You’re welcome
Hi, just discovered your channel. I live in Ireland where the "sun don't shine" too often a lot of the time, but I wanted to have some sort of backup system for when the grid goes down. My main concern was to have backup for the central heating pump (solid fuel range heating and winter cooking) and the well pump for water, filtration etc..
I have just completed my system (12 panels, 4.8kw lithium batteries) and I have to say I'm really impressed with the power I'm getting. The weather has been unusually sunny since completing and when it is it's generating over 2kw but even on overcast days it's still generating around 800w.
I have the well pump and a backup chest freezer and a fridge connected full time to the system which drops the batteries by about 10% overnight but they're back up to 100% by around 9am next morning, and on sunny days I can boil kettles and use the washing machine during the day too. I'm actually looking for things to wash or things to charge up when it's sunny so as not to waste the free energy being generated?
I honestly believe that if the grid went down permanently tomorrow with this relatively small system and the solid fuel range (and some frugal power management) I could easily get by.
The total cost was around $8,000 (these components are more expensive here) with me doing all of the work (including building timber frames for the panels etc.) but for peace of mind alone it was well worth it. I am actually considering expanding the system at some stage in the future (when I have the funds but NOT on credit as you rightly point out) and going totally off grid.
So if there's anyone out there who might be wondering if a system is worth setting up in a 'temperate climate' my answer would be yes, as long as you don't expect miracles and manage it properly. The fact of knowing that you can still function should the grid go down is worth it alone. Great video of the cost breakdown. Thanks.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience. Many people have not looked beyond cost as you have to see all of the benefits like peace of mind.
We have several freezers. Looking into solar real soon. We have freezers on a timer at the outlets. Freezers are shut down at midnight and turn on separately from each other to not cause a surge. 30 minutes apart. Food stays good overnight.
@@lindaferguson593 I've read reports stating that freezers will be okay for up to 3 days without power, provided they're not opened, or very sparingly opened and quickly closed again.
@The Wild Goose , yes but, when your freezer has already been off that long, you may need to consume its contents. I'm talking about just conserving electrical usage without harm to contents inside of freezers.
We are using the PowMr MPPT controllers and have to mod them to get the rated output. They work their little butts off though! One has been going for a year and a half at 110%. I'm running 60v or 90v of panels into a 12v battery and then into a 220V PowerJack inverter. We are still on the grid for the range, oven, and dryer. Everything else can switch back to the grid via a Moes switch once the batteries are drained to whatever voltage we set. This is incredible! We bought used panels and have spent about $4000 total. We still have a power bill every month, but the system has paid for itself in two years!!! Running 12v batteries is inefficient... so is every other part of the system. But it works and we could be completely off grid if we really wanted to.
Very cool!
I wonder if a solar panel system like this has a structure in place that will protect it from damages caused by large hails (say, golf ball size if you live in North Texas in the spring time).
They are all made to withstand large hail impacts. They are made with tempered gorilla glass. No issues at all.
Nice hat...GO GREEN!
Thank you. Go White!
I am with you on the “green” aspect of solar/battery power. Good advice on searching out the total “greenness” of the system. I too am in the Dallas area and we had rolling blackouts where we lost pipes last year. I was able to run my CPAP with a portable battery I had purchased. This made me motivated to do as you are doing - sort of. I may be grid tied initially and use the grid to keep the battery bank topped off, not necessarily using the grid as a battery bank. So here is a Texas hello from Greenville (not too far from Sulphur Springs). Can we give you credit for the referral if we visit Signature Solar in person? Thanks for all your videos. God Bless!
Hey neighbor. Glad you are moving forward with some solar backup.
Very kind of you to ask if you could give us credit. I think if you talk with the sales department when you are there, ask for Bruce. I have met him before. Tell him you watched the vids and to use my affiliate link when placing the order. Thank you so much and God bless you as well!
I know I will need help I'm not electrician I understand some things and I know there are some other people on UA-cam channels that I watch taking out on too I'm not asking for any money I don't want any money I want to try to do it myself but I might need some directions and time and when that time comes I'll ask again for help but not exactly at this time but good advice is always good.
Great video
I have to ask why you didn't go with Micro inverters? If your main inverter goes out, no power
With discreet inverters, you still have power even if a few fail
Cost at the time I purchased.
@@CountryLivingExperience Good reason
Still designing my system
For backup power only if the grid goes down
Thanks
What size system would you suggest for a 4,200 sf home? Need maximum output for appliances etc. don’t want to mess with running some appliances and not others. Could use your expert advice.
That is a large home. It is going to depend on your heating and cooling. Are all your appliances electric? Dryer, stove, etc? You'll need to do some calcs on how much you are using each month. You can use an online solar calculator and your electric bill to determine your energy usage first.
Wow, Great info. I will contact you on few questions about the system I am putting together.
Glad it was helpful. Sounds good!
Like your ideas. Being 63 years old, I have to pencil it out to see if it works for me. I have to sell myself more on energy independence too. I notice you have 210K plus followers so I would imagine you derive some sort of income from that exposure. What is your plan for an off the grid internet connection where you do not have to rely on anyone else for it?
Thank you.
I don't know of an option for off grid internet connection. If we get to the point where we don't have the internet, we are probably beyond the point of money mattering anymore. I do derive a small income from this channel but it is certainly not my only source. I am diversified. I also am trying to accumulate as much as I will need (tools, equipment, repair parts, etc) so that I can be self sufficient.
Thank you for a sane description of a solar system. Every time I try to get information the companies out there want to sell me a complete system. But since my Electric bill is $100.00 +/- It doesn't make economic sense and they don't call back. But if my grid goes down than I would be in trouble except we heat with a wood stove. We live in North Georgia mountains on 8 acres. I would like Solar to run my well pump, run my refrigerator and maybe a little lighting at first. Later maybe a water heater direct wire from a panel and a small AC unit for cooling in the summer. I am on a fixed small income but I will be earning some extra money the hard way through inheritance in a year or few. I want to install the panels on my roof but first want to install a Standing seam roof across the front of my house. Advice is indeed appreciated.
You're welcome. Yes, most solar companies are only interested in themselves most of the time. They make special bracket for standing seam roofs but you will have to shop around. Some of those systems can be expensive.
How did you determine how large of a system that you needed?
Honestly it was my budget that drove the initial purchase. I knew that buying these types of components, I could expand upon it easily when I had more funds. I did some online calculators to help me get a ballpark. Then I confirmed that when I went to Signature Solar to purchase the equipment.
15K seems like a deal to me. I got a cost (2 years ago) for a standby backup generator system wired to my home that only kicks on when the power goes out. I live in hurricane state of Florida. Cost 2 years ago? $16K. Also it would require 2 big propane tanks which costs approx 700.00 to refill. I’d much rather invest in a system I could use to help offset my monthly electric bill AND be covered if we have a hurricane taking down the power. Thanks so much for the info… and for the Dave Ramsey shout out… I’m a Ramsey fan who follows his recommendations and am debt free. Thank you!
Awesome! Yes, the propane generator can be expensive but are pretty reliable. Solar is the way to go.
Verrry interesting! 😁❤️
Cool
Propane is expensive compared to? Buying it now will probably be cheaper than it will be in 3 years. And, unlike gasoline, it stores almost indefinitely.
I would love to create a system on my house. My biggest problem is my physical disability. I got a price for a company to install a system that would still be connected to the grid but it would run me $17k. That isn't with any batteries or growatt inverters. Plus I don't fully understand everything and how it all sets up. Feeling overwhelmed. Joe
Keep studying. It took me two years to gain all the knowledge to do it myself. I started with UA-cam but also asked friends who are electricians and called solar companies and read books.
Most medium sized whole house systems usually cost on average $30k. I am no sure what they quoted you for exactly.
Just my opinion, and I know it’s more costly. But there’s no way I would build a roof system, such as your rig, without elevating it and using it as a shelter, barn, shed. Love your content
Thank you. I actually looked at the car port but they are way too expensive. This is a typical ground mount.
Just found your channel. You have earned a new sub!! I have many questions, but the one that rings the bell hard is, why didn't you take advantage of the tax deal for solar?? I am a handicapped Vet. with a wife who is also handicapped. The tax credit is not available to us even though we paid A LOT into the system before having to end our careers. It honestly kills me that we cannot afford to do this and we really are the people who NEED IT!!! Thanks for great videos. I've seen two now and will get caught up.. Ps. We live in Tampa Bay. Plenty of sunshine here... ;)
Thanks, I appreciate it. I actually mentioned the tax credit in another video. I did forget to say it in this one. Not sure why you cannot get the Federal credit. It should be available to everyone.
@@CountryLivingExperience We are both handicapped and do not have taxable income, so NO SOUP FOR ME...
@@SteveP-vm1uc Ah, I understand. Sorry.
QUESTIONS. I have a small home. Almost a tiny house. My electrical drop is at the barn. I am thinking of just a 24 v DC system for the house. Lights, solar fridge, a fan. The barn at the drop is z panel so I can run the pump. Heat will be wood and hot water and cooking is propane. That's my idea. Any suggestions?
Btw. My big sin is this. AC. I have to AC the house. I can run a simple circut from the barn for a AC. Any ideas... I need simple and affordable. Money is low. However. I own my home and car outright. Just 200,000 in student loans I can never pay. Lol. So, this is the forever house
That sounds like a good idea to me.
The nice thing with the system I put in is that you can start small and scale it up. You can do a small mini-split. The one I am about to install is super efficient. It was $1200. We did a video about running our house AC here:ua-cam.com/video/PY5BdZXTR0g/v-deo.html
You can knock out those loans. I paid off $90k just a little while ago.
You mentioned that you have a propane tank as you're backup. What is wrong with the strategy of simply keeping/having your power company hookup as your backup knowing that you might never or would rarely ever need it? As an insurance policy so to speak. That way you're not having to invest some additional money up front for something that you might never or hardly ever use anyway?
I do still have the power company hookup as backup. I never said I got rid of it. I like redundancy hence the gas and solar and dual fuel generator and wood stove.
@7:20 >> owing nobody anything is extermely liberating
amen
Amen to that!
If I may say also please: excellent playlist. I live in New York City, in a high-rise apratment, so far away from green trees, grass, dogs, cats, chickens, birds, rabbits, and the lot. I miss it all. In a few years I'll retire. I plan to go back to waking up to cleaner air, a crowing rooster, barking dogs, wind rustling through the trees, and to look forward to using my hands, legs, back, and my aging body to produce the food I'll eat. Thanks for your edifying and inspiring how-tos. Cheers.
@@turbopro10 Thank you, I appreciate that. I hope you can get to that homestead soon. Have a great day!
you may want to look up a methane digester, it will make you natural gas (Slightly lower btu/cu^3 then utility supply) and it makes you very high quality fertilizer in 1 go! so gas n fertilizer from left overs and the toilet!
Cool
Hey there! Found you by accident and I'm now watching all your solar videos. My question is.... are you an electrician, or is this set up one that an average DIYer could do? Thanks, and nice hat! -✋️
Thank you. Go Green! I am not an electrician but I have a lot of experience and practical knowledge. It is not that hard. Just educate yourself and you can do it.
@@CountryLivingExperience thanks for the reply. Appreciate all your videos.
The other cool thing you can do with that large propane tank and a battery pack, is you can run a small generator(2 or 3kw) and charge the batteries if for some reason the sun didn't shine for a while.
Absolutely! That is the plan actually. I have a 48v battery charger.
Is that a Michigan state hat? Excellent video thank you
Thank you. It is. Go Green!
Good bugger 👍
Thanks
I came across your videos and have thoroughly enjoyed your honesty. We live in Washington State where it snows. What happens when the panels don’t get enough sun to keep your batteries topped off? Thanks. God bless you. Have a happy new year!
I appreciate that. We will always tell it like it is.
We purchased a 48v battery charger that can run off of a small generator in the event we don't get sun for a week. That should be a rare event here though.
Like what you say and do.👍
Thank you
You don't have to match the size of the inverter(s) to the PV panel output, most of the time the panels deliver less than rated output due to weak sun. If you think you need 10kw, then you might want a 10kw inverter with perhaps 15kw of panels.
I understand that.
Great video!
Thank you
I'm 68 and most likely could not do this on my own. It would take too long for someone my age to pay for itself when I consider labor costs. However, if I was younger, I'd go this route. We may do as you suggested and start out with a backup system though. We are totally electric, would these run a 220 volt heat pump and our stove temporarily?
A backup system is always good. If you put in a smaller system, you will need to calculate how big it need to be to run the loads you want. Small solar systems don’t usually run large central hvac systems without additional equipment like a soft start.