UPGRADES To Off Grid Solar - This Should Have Been Done Sooner - Double The Solar Panels

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  • Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
  • The Days are Getting Shorter. The Easy Days of Summer are behind us. Our Off Grid Solar Power needs some improvements. Let's Prepare and Improve our Solar for the Darker Days of Winter. #solar #offgridsolar #offgridpower
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 141

  • @KeithStormo
    @KeithStormo Рік тому +14

    With 100 V max and 40 amps on your charge controller, you would be better off having 3 panels in series and then two of those series strings in parallel. You can parallel them at the panels and just need the two wires you have in the conduit. That will utilize all 6 of your panels and keep below the 100V and the 40 amps of your charge controller.

    • @OffgridwithJayandJen
      @OffgridwithJayandJen  Рік тому +4

      So smart, lol.....I honestly didn't even think about that for some reason. Silly considering my original array is set up in a similar way. Thanks for helping Keith

    • @OKLAHOMAOFFGRID
      @OKLAHOMAOFFGRID Рік тому +2

      This is exactly what I was thinking if you cannot handle the v you should be able to at least handle the w so run the other two in parallel to 2 of the other panels.. definitely going to be better off with all six of them pushing into the system.

    • @LeviWritesBooks
      @LeviWritesBooks 7 місяців тому

      Keith is right.

  • @sandrawray542
    @sandrawray542 8 місяців тому +1

    this guy here seems to know what you need Jay, and just know you are doing awesome.. dont give up.. you are fun... at least you try

  • @nourltuber
    @nourltuber Рік тому +3

    I'm lost when it comes to solar! I'm so glad you made it work! I probably would have burned down the shed! Great job, Jason! Hope it really makes a difference. 😁👋

  • @ThisOffGridLife
    @ThisOffGridLife Рік тому

    Nice upgrade

  • @MILife45
    @MILife45 Рік тому

    Tad bit chilly Jen? Lol next few days are supposed to be warmer 😊 nice job on the fixes and "upgrades " ❤

  • @irenel.m.3238
    @irenel.m.3238 Рік тому +1

    Money well spent

  • @ineverhadthemoney7857
    @ineverhadthemoney7857 Рік тому

    cut down that tree and use for firer wood //you need volts and AMPS TO LIVE

  • @ross-owen
    @ross-owen 9 місяців тому

    Great video! I need to learn more about this stuff. I set up a set of panels on my shed originally off-grid. I eventually ran power out there, so my solar panels don't really do anything. I need to learn how to make them useful again.

  • @Revelation22-13
    @Revelation22-13 Рік тому

    4 He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.
    5 As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. Gods blessings over you

  • @debbieshort9660
    @debbieshort9660 17 днів тому

    👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

  • @phildzuro8285
    @phildzuro8285 Рік тому +1

    Definitely what Keith said, 3 panels in series, two sets hooked parallel. Should give you about 70 volts max , but your watts will be high at 1200. Although with losses you'll probably never see over 960 ish watts. Love the video, keep up the good work guys !

  • @kevinmckinzie
    @kevinmckinzie Рік тому +2

    Having two battery banks and two charge controllers can add a massive level of safety to your homestead. One bank can be used solely for refrigeration and pumping water, while the other can be used for every thing else.

  • @marthaturki4891
    @marthaturki4891 Рік тому +1

    I cannot believe it is already turning cold there. We are still in a drought and 97 degrees. I love four seasons.❤🐾🐾. Jay you did an awesome job!😍

  • @sandypratt8951
    @sandypratt8951 Рік тому +1

    ❤️👍👍👍

  • @carson2646
    @carson2646 Рік тому +1

    Jason I'm curious what was your profession before UA-cam?

    • @OffgridwithJayandJen
      @OffgridwithJayandJen  Рік тому

      If you give me an honest guess first and why you think so, I can tell ya lol

    • @carson2646
      @carson2646 Рік тому

      @@OffgridwithJayandJen I would guess electrician. The reason I think so is you had a level of comfort with this solar project that you usually don’t have with other tasks

    • @OffgridwithJayandJen
      @OffgridwithJayandJen  Рік тому

      =) I am somewhat familiar with electrical but not my profession. I actually spent the last 20 years repairing hot tubs. So I know a little about a bunch of things. Hot tubs have electrical, plumbing , and computer boards in them....I had to teach myself a little bit about it all. =)@@carson2646

  • @mg9510
    @mg9510 Рік тому

    OMG. ....I saw a lot of Hoddies in this vid....making me sweat just watching....91 at 7:00 with a feels like 99°.... 😮

    • @OffgridwithJayandJen
      @OffgridwithJayandJen  Рік тому

      Lol, Michigan is crazy this time of year......45 degrees in the morning and 80 in the afternoon.

  • @ineverhadthemoney7857
    @ineverhadthemoney7857 Рік тому

    they make good stuff for the money //it last long .

  • @mariemcgillen7401
    @mariemcgillen7401 Рік тому

    And let there be light. Don't love it when it works. 👍

  • @ejtakach
    @ejtakach Рік тому

    All right guys. Jen, you look cold!

  • @Chahtawarrior31
    @Chahtawarrior31 Рік тому

    That why I switched to the Victron Energy SmartSolar Charge Controller 100/ 50 and 150/35 from the Renogy Rover 40a. Not enough detailed info and also to monitor away from my home too!!! Good job, I am going to try the TRacking mount from Eco worthy soon! OORAH Semper Fi and Can Do

    • @OffgridwithJayandJen
      @OffgridwithJayandJen  Рік тому +1

      Nice.....I didn't know this about the rover......I just kind of assumed they all shared enough info to figure it out. Not sure if you saw our video about the tracking system but I was pretty happy how it turned out. We might still have an active discount code there too. It is a little bit of a bugger to mount the panels on, but you only have to do it once, lol

  • @PearlDecastro-dn4sc
    @PearlDecastro-dn4sc Рік тому

    Hello po good morning, watching from biñan city laguna Philippines,, stay safe, god bless ❤

  • @ruslanwel
    @ruslanwel Рік тому

    I learning English using your video :) I like your English, I don't know why but very clear to me

  • @watavuemountain481
    @watavuemountain481 Рік тому

    Looking good y'all. You're really making great strides and pulling way, way ahead of us. We will get there someday. Thanx for sharing. Be Safe and God Bless!!

  • @SJC49
    @SJC49 Рік тому +1

    Is that framing I see in the background for the new entry? You’re making such great progress getting ready for winter!

    • @OffgridwithJayandJen
      @OffgridwithJayandJen  Рік тому +1

      😊 maybe lol....making a little more progress before sharing the project

  • @jboog1971
    @jboog1971 Рік тому

    Great video guys! Very informative, I like the glimpse of the other project in the background .. looking good 👍🏼

  • @karlsoffthegrid1378
    @karlsoffthegrid1378 Рік тому

    Thanks for showing us the tracking system. I would love to have one of those.

    • @OffgridwithJayandJen
      @OffgridwithJayandJen  Рік тому

      Thanks buddy. Give eco-worthy a call and see if you can work something out. Doesn't hurt to ask.

  • @dupre7416
    @dupre7416 4 місяці тому

    "take this, put it on your nuts". I wasn't watching when you said that and I had to do a double take. I assumed this was safe for work. hahaha

  • @Le_Comte_de_Monte_Felin
    @Le_Comte_de_Monte_Felin Рік тому

    Alright! Never knew you could run two charge controllers onto a single battery bank.

    • @OffgridwithJayandJen
      @OffgridwithJayandJen  Рік тому +1

      Everything I searched said it was OK, and this was been working fine with issues. Someone here mentioned Will prowse had a video about doing this, and I plan to go find it and watch it soon

  • @WanderingWiley
    @WanderingWiley Рік тому

    Always cool to kearn more about the solar guys, still looking into for mine

  • @maryhollins5876
    @maryhollins5876 Рік тому

    All I see is a man job is never done ,weathering his property for the bad winter to come 👍🏼👍🏼

  • @kristingrounds4163
    @kristingrounds4163 Рік тому

    Can't wait to see if that helps during the gloomy months....fingers crossed!!

  • @lizfry9305
    @lizfry9305 Рік тому

    All of the off grid solar systems in the colder climates do good insulating as the batteries don't like the cold & drain a lot quicker and other than the mat warmers under the batteries the solar shed has no insulation & airflow right through it they normally incase the whole shed then put the solar system onto it there are UA-cam videos of them show before insulation and after in cold water and it's a big difference in the batteries performance are you going to do this with your setup and love water your doing with the rain catchments around the property and the pole barn is going to be a blessing this winter and your indoor shower & there's a chanel call a boulder life that also put some metal strip across the bottom of his roofs about 6ins or so to stop the snow sliding straight of the roof as it melting to help with water catchment jst a thought it might help you out take care both of you & the pups😊

    • @OffgridwithJayandJen
      @OffgridwithJayandJen  Рік тому +1

      Hey liz.....lots of things on the list I need to try and do before the Temps drop. Appreciate your support my friend

  • @ScottsLifeOffGrid
    @ScottsLifeOffGrid Рік тому

    question for you Jay, could you have put the battery in the shed and ran connections to the motor for the panels?

    • @OffgridwithJayandJen
      @OffgridwithJayandJen  Рік тому +2

      Ha.....you know I thought of that after I glued and buried everything. Think my new plan is to build a little box over the battery and attach one of those tiny solar panels that trickle charge batteries

  • @LineUpTheStars
    @LineUpTheStars Рік тому

    This will be great peace of mind going into winter-always a good day when you get to improve your solar set up!

  • @lorettaandjasonoffgrid
    @lorettaandjasonoffgrid Рік тому

    Awesome information! Thanks for sharing. I'm sure we'll be coming back to this video several times in near future to help us figure out our solar. Hopefully that happens soon! Gas is soooo expensive! 😁✌️

    • @OffgridwithJayandJen
      @OffgridwithJayandJen  Рік тому +1

      Glad it could help guys......pick up yourself up an all in one system or power station and some panels and call it good until you get a bigger system. 😉

    • @lorettaandjasonoffgrid
      @lorettaandjasonoffgrid Рік тому

      @@OffgridwithJayandJen that's the plan for bunkies for now. We are really so on the fence about batteries vs power stations and blah blah blah. Lol. We'll figure it out! 😁

  • @patriciamontague6035
    @patriciamontague6035 Рік тому

    Looks a little cool there.😀

  • @lcook0825
    @lcook0825 Рік тому +1

    Good job Jay and Jen. Smart way to run the wire.

  • @richhoward596
    @richhoward596 Рік тому

    Well done. Guess you are one step closer to becoming a master solar electrician. Stay safe and dont harm the maple trees. Syrup is way too important. lol

  • @lynnmorrison6435
    @lynnmorrison6435 Рік тому

    no expert here, but you should be getting alot more watts, with the amount of panels you have

    • @OffgridwithJayandJen
      @OffgridwithJayandJen  Рік тому

      It's not the number of panels it the size and wattage. They are producing just fine

  • @criostoirashtin11
    @criostoirashtin11 5 місяців тому

    Add a wind generator

  • @meelusine
    @meelusine Рік тому

    Well done, once again !

  • @jeffreygilchrist1330
    @jeffreygilchrist1330 Рік тому

    100 volt max means you can’t put higher than 100 volt panels in your array using that regulator the amps is what you have to total up of your panels so not to exceed the maximum amps your regulator can handle

  • @SeanInAlaska
    @SeanInAlaska Рік тому

    A future project for me as well! Will Prowse is so freaking smart at this stuff lol

  • @jackmanfredo1215
    @jackmanfredo1215 Рік тому

    Nice solar upgrade guys! Just in time for Fall/Winter. You could teach a class on off grid solar systems Jay, great video my friends. Take care

  • @mantramtuyettrangTMLLTTTT
    @mantramtuyettrangTMLLTTTT Рік тому

    I heard that clean the solar panel everymonth will maintain its working efficiency really well

  • @daveh7137
    @daveh7137 Рік тому

    Great job and you explained everything so well!

  • @JohnWick-xz9tc
    @JohnWick-xz9tc Рік тому

    Will has a video on the mixing charge controller worked good

  • @philrodger2716
    @philrodger2716 Рік тому

    I have 2 renogy 40amp. systems. .Your renogy is working fine for reading as far as i can see. .when it get to your batts full you will see the top light for your panels. flash which mean full battery.I wondered when you were going to conect your new set up,up. well done mate.

    • @OffgridwithJayandJen
      @OffgridwithJayandJen  Рік тому +1

      Hey, Thanks buddy. I have been using the tracking system all summer for charging portable power stations....which it works great for. I appreciate you letting me know that my Rover is doing what is should. Just like anything It takes me a little while to figure things out, but I know enough to get in trouble most the time, LOL. Thanks Again

    • @philrodger2716
      @philrodger2716 Рік тому

      So far i have to say that I,m quiet pleased with the system i have. but I would love that one the moves with the sun. dont have the money ,as things in the uk are always more expencive. Please keep us informed on how things are going. they other thibg is . Buy a few more batts. the more storgae the longer it will last for you . when the weather is realy bad.
      @@OffgridwithJayandJen

  • @dnhman
    @dnhman Рік тому

    What is the Kolhler box on the right side of the power shed?

  • @cindyfeh
    @cindyfeh Рік тому

    GOOD JOB young man 😄😄😄.........another task ticked off the to do list.......the progress must feel rewarding.....cheers

  • @QuietCottage
    @QuietCottage Рік тому

    How are you going to keep the batteries warm in the winter?

    • @OffgridwithJayandJen
      @OffgridwithJayandJen  Рік тому +1

      Little heater pads under the batteries....hoping to insulate them as well this year

  • @rienlamberts6661
    @rienlamberts6661 Рік тому

    Is there no neede for insulation the battery shed??😮

    • @OffgridwithJayandJen
      @OffgridwithJayandJen  Рік тому

      It is something I hope to add before the winter, but so far the batteries and equipment have been fine the last 2 years. The AGM batteries we have claim to be safe from freezing until minus 75 degrees Ferenheit as long as they are charged up. Along with that they are under a constant charge from the solar panels so they are continually getting pumped with power. Although it is not ideal for them to be below freezing, they have held upfine so far.

  • @kimnelligan9820
    @kimnelligan9820 Рік тому

    Good job I know nothing about solar you did good!!!

  • @AnnCarolGrant
    @AnnCarolGrant Рік тому

    Good to see you shoring up your solar system! Can’t wait to see your progress on the entryway/mud room. ♥️🙏🏻

  • @mortenmyhrmoen7592
    @mortenmyhrmoen7592 Рік тому

    🇳🇴👍👍👌

  • @trailcampete5119
    @trailcampete5119 Рік тому

    great video jay and jen ...cheers

  • @gailbrault9251
    @gailbrault9251 Рік тому

  • @OldHickoryReincarnate
    @OldHickoryReincarnate Рік тому

    if you're on UA-cam you're not off grid 🤣
    These click bait channels are what worst

    • @OffgridwithJayandJen
      @OffgridwithJayandJen  Рік тому

      People like you bore me. You have nothing better to do or say than start some silly argument that has no right answer. Maybe you can find some one to discuss that with on Facebook, lol. Take care of yourself my friend

    • @OldHickoryReincarnate
      @OldHickoryReincarnate Рік тому

      @@OffgridwithJayandJen click bait channels show up on my feed? I call em like I see em 🍻
      Bushcrafters and "off gridders" are the worst of the bunch. You keep using that word, I do not think it means what you think it means 😂

    • @OffgridwithJayandJen
      @OffgridwithJayandJen  11 місяців тому

      @DIYMVE like I said.....you bore me. There are thousands off grid folk living great lives.....like us, and we deal with millions of lame folk, like you, that have nothing better to do but say dumb stuff like you did. Best wishes to you, but consider keeping your thoughts to yourself, rather than spreading your joy....it's just lame.

  • @jimdelong949
    @jimdelong949 Рік тому

    Hi you two
    Jay
    Thanks for all the explaining.You did a great job
    It's still like another language to me.😊
    Glad you were able to upgrade your system.
    Hope you have great success with it this winter.

  • @chrismorris9035
    @chrismorris9035 Рік тому

    Hey , Jay good job with the array.

  • @airman6822
    @airman6822 Рік тому

    Great video! Lots of good information as we plan our new off grid cabin. Couple questions, how do those batteries hold up in the cold weather? Do you disconnect the cabin when you leave to eliminate any stray power consumption? Also, does the snow melt off the panels in the winter by itself?

    • @OffgridwithJayandJen
      @OffgridwithJayandJen  Рік тому

      good stuff buddy....batteries are doing well. as long as they stay charged they will not freeze. I turn off the cabin power when we are gone, but leave the solar panels charging them....that way they don't freeze in winter and charge while we are gone. The snow needs to be brushed off of them in the winter, but it melts off easily if the temps go above freezing.

  • @JonOffgrid
    @JonOffgrid Рік тому

    ,😎👍👍 hi there I am form Brighton

  • @CampfireExploring
    @CampfireExploring Рік тому

    You guys are awesome, though I always seem to hold my breath when you are working with electricity 😊. Enjoy the extra power! Stay safe!

    • @OffgridwithJayandJen
      @OffgridwithJayandJen  Рік тому +1

      Thanks Pam.....I kind of cringe a little at times too....lol. It is part of the reason I stuck with 24 volt.....a little less dangerous

  • @FunfindersX
    @FunfindersX Рік тому

    Excellent job
    Cheers

  • @mariafongoul
    @mariafongoul Рік тому

    Hey I like the haircut!!

  • @patriciamontague6035
    @patriciamontague6035 Рік тому

    How your garden doing?

    • @OffgridwithJayandJen
      @OffgridwithJayandJen  Рік тому

      The Garden grew Really well, but with the cooler temps and being later in the year now somethings have died out, like the cucumbers and yellow squash, but the peppers and tomatoes and other squash are still doing well.

  • @brendahogue5487
    @brendahogue5487 Рік тому

    Love your videos and enjoy watching. May the lord bless and protect you and Jen and preparing for the dark days

  • @lisarmurphy
    @lisarmurphy Рік тому

    Hope this helps you have lighting from solar thru the dark winter months.😊☀️💡

  • @IfImaysayso
    @IfImaysayso Рік тому

    Jay you are a real Jack of all trades! You seem to be able to put your hand to any task and succeed! I’m amazed 🙂

    • @OffgridwithJayandJen
      @OffgridwithJayandJen  Рік тому

      Hey, thank you my friend. 😊 I find it as one of life's joys to learn and figure things out. Thanks for my morning smile and your kindness

  • @johnkirby6547
    @johnkirby6547 Рік тому

    Yes, for sure you should be able to connect all the panels in a series parallel configuration..

  • @redneckways1617
    @redneckways1617 Рік тому

    Pretty sure those are NOT GFCIs…and they could be a fire hazard…better to have a DC breaker

    • @OffgridwithJayandJen
      @OffgridwithJayandJen  Рік тому

      Bought them online......that's what they are labeled as and work correctly.

    • @Li0rE
      @Li0rE Рік тому

      Jay they will work in the sense that they still interrupt the circuit.
      The point hes making is those are not GFCI breakers as there is only the positive conductor being switched there.
      That is a resettable fuse, looks like the marine ones commonly sold on Amazon. It will still work but not as ground fault protection.

    • @OffgridwithJayandJen
      @OffgridwithJayandJen  Рік тому +1

      @Li0rE that makes sense.....I have experience with hot tubs and true GFCI breakers so I guess that makes sense. I was simply sharing what they were labeled as on Amazon. They do work, as I originally had a 40 Amp breaker on this 40 Amp charger and it tripped a time or two. I also had one fail on me as well. But once I stepped up to a 50 Amp breaker, which is the proper size, they have been fine since. Appreciate the comment and info

    • @Li0rE
      @Li0rE Рік тому

      @@OffgridwithJayandJen yessir. Looks like it will be fine in this application.
      Look up DC circuit breakers sometimes called isolators. They have 2 poles for positive and negative and cost about the same as the marine breaker you use in the video.
      I've seen people use them both together - the resettable fuse as a kind of battery disconnect/safety device and the dc breaker as the isolator for the panels.
      Looks awesome, hope you are enjoying the fruits of your labor things look great over there!

    • @OffgridwithJayandJen
      @OffgridwithJayandJen  Рік тому

      @@Li0rE Thank you so much.....Very much appreciate the help and sharing your Knowledge...it is my favorite part of having this channel and making these solar videos. Thanks for that

  • @AE-lk3uc
    @AE-lk3uc Рік тому

    If you have lithium batteries it needs to be set to Lithium not sealed.

    • @OffgridwithJayandJen
      @OffgridwithJayandJen  Рік тому

      Right.....I wasn't super clear that we have AGM batteries......my bad for being a little unclear

  • @melinda5777
    @melinda5777 Місяць тому

    ❤❤😊😊

  • @canajian
    @canajian Рік тому

    🖐😎👍

  • @phildzuro8285
    @phildzuro8285 Рік тому

    Also I was wondering, do you think the eco solar tracker would hold 6 x 300 watt panels ? I'm really interested in these.

    • @OffgridwithJayandJen
      @OffgridwithJayandJen  Рік тому +1

      The sizes and measurements to the tracking system are on their website......I can try and find them for you if needed, but I'm on my phone at the moment....so it is a little tough

    • @phildzuro8285
      @phildzuro8285 Рік тому

      Ah, I see now I can only do 3 x 300 w panels. Darn. I hate following directions though 😅, does it look strong enough to Jerry rig additional racking to hold 6 x 300 w panels ??

    • @OffgridwithJayandJen
      @OffgridwithJayandJen  Рік тому +1

      @@phildzuro8285 I feel it would be strong enough, but getting the weight evenly distributed so it doesn't cause issues, plus the wind catching it might cause some issues.

  • @wipatriot510
    @wipatriot510 7 місяців тому

    RTFM...

    • @OffgridwithJayandJen
      @OffgridwithJayandJen  7 місяців тому

      The manual sucks

    • @wipatriot510
      @wipatriot510 7 місяців тому

      @@OffgridwithJayandJen Yeah I know, that's why I only buy Victron these days, not only do they have an outstanding product, their documentation is supreme...

    • @OffgridwithJayandJen
      @OffgridwithJayandJen  7 місяців тому

      @wipatriot510 the Renogy stuff isn't terrible actually. But the Eco-Worthy stuff might at well be written in Chinese. I was kinda being lazy with the rover 40, lol.