📄 *MAKE SURE TO READ THE SOLAR WIRING ARTICLE, TOO!* tinyshinyhome.com/diy-off-grid-solar-system ⚡️SOLAR WIRING DIAGRAM: tinyshinyhome.com/off-grid-solar-wiring-diagram
Thanks for sharing ... One point here onto parallel mounted solar array is that each string of solar panels absolutely need its own diode . So yours needs 6*10Amps diodes that you should be clicking in between mc4 connectors onto the combiner boxes ... It's just to avoid any failure in any solar panel string to back feed the others, or in case any difference in between production equilibrium ... Dare, care, ride safe, clean, have fun ... From France with .
@@bricelarie6527 Solar panels come with diodes built right into each panel ..... Are you getting panels without diodes in them somewhere ?? I don't even know of solar panels without diodes ... Please explain . I may not understand. I have 21 210 watt panels , there in 3 strings of 7 panels each . Each string has a 15 amp fuse , then each has its own 15 amp breaker before going into the smart solar charge controller , which is mppt 150/100- TR VE.can by victron energy
@@stevelamperta865 Hello, well i'm currently running 3 strings of 7*265w each photowatt solar panel ( it's Spanish cells and french panels ... the sandwiches are made in France, and cells in Spain ) which I don't know if they have an in built diode . So each string of 7 should have its own diode mainly cause they are not reacting the same ... I strongly recommend you put diode at least on each string of panels when connecting them to the same mppt . I don't intend to bother mostly cause I don't run victron ... But strings of 7 panels leads to a circuit voltage under load at approximately 210v Dc and an open circuit at 260v Dc . If you tied those 7 panels string to a victron 150/100 mppt you overloading it . Cause it is designed and sold to accept a max voltage of 150v under 100amps ... 150/100 ... The current unit I use start at 90v up to 500v Dc . It's A 7048max Mpp hybrid inverter . It's a dual mppt . I got 2 strings facing south and one facing west . Point stand ... If your don't have diodes on the tied strings, when the mppt boost the voltage to start the production, the non producting panels will kinda absorb the energy that could have been produced till all the string are able to produce ... It kinda "eat" the benefits . For instance try to have different string orientations on the same mppt without diodes, you'll be surprised to have almost nothing at all as an energy production ... Plus, in any case of a panel failure, you don't loose the benefit the others connected strings ... You will identify the faulty one easily if needed . ( we got case of overheated connecting encasing ... sometimes here ... ) I might be wrong, but I doubt all solar panels got their own diode . Most of common panels don't have integrated diodes by here . Please, check the info . Thanks.
Like Steve mentioned, any recently produced solar panel has bypass diodes built right in. Blocking diodes aren't needed anymore either because solar change controllers include them by default. But also the combiner box can have them as well. It's possible the Spanish and French panels are built differently, but here in the US diodes aren't some the we really have to think about much anymore. Check out this video from Will Prowse: ua-cam.com/video/-x_6OLdAods/v-deo.html
I am also making plans to use solar panels, but for use on fishing boats. The power required is about 40,000 watts. I'm still studying it. Because it is still a question for me about the safety of lithium in the fiber ship. I'm afraid, the battery will get splashed or there will be moisture that can make the battery burn in the hull of the fiber ship as a place for storing lithium batteries. Is there anything that can help me?
After having watched countless (I do mean countless) off-grid solar system videos, I must say that your video was the most informative, clearest and best presented video that I've seen. The production and graphics were excellent and engaging. Well done! This is the video that I will recommend my friends view when they're seeking information. Truly well done - thank you.
An excellent, entertaining,, well produced video with great desert sunset scenery shots, nice editing, great audio and entertaining commentary from your wife.
Its crazy with the number of videos out there on youtube, that THIS is the only one that takes us from start to finish (explaining all the way) to give a overall view of what's involved. And its under an hour long too!
24 years living off grid and 20 years as an off grid installation contractor and I have to say good job dude! That is technical stuff and you did a really nice job.
Watching this today from sub Saharan africa where the heat from the scorching 12hrs of sun light is rather intimidating... planning to try out this project for my off-grid power system and also spare some power to run water pumbs for my irrigation system
The look on your face Jonathan at 19:13 talking about the search for Alibaba lithium batteries is priceless! I am amazed how much you figured out to protect the system. I would have never thought about the protection factors you build into this. The pre-charge delay is great to protect the contactor hooked to the BMS and is brilliant! All the breakers and switches to turn off power to the various portions of the system makes working on the system easy without getting shocked! Getting across DC voltage is no fun. The A/C output you wouldn't want to get zapped by either because the alternating current will put your heart in filbrilation. Having the shunt to check for voltage is also brilliant. That's how a multimeter works too. With such a high resistance the voltage drop is huge but the current flow is low so voltage can be measured across the resistor. I assume that the REC Wi-Fi module is password protected! That is nice that you can use any device to look at the system. Thanks for including all the steps in turning on the whole kit and kaboodle! This seems so daunting and I give you lots of kudos for getting all this figured out! That's a bummer that the settings for your back-up generator is difficult to make in the Victron Quattro Inverter. I never even knew there were solar power controllers. So what does MPPT stand for? Too bad the voltage wasn't sensed at first when you turned it on. Wow, that's so much to think about. Nice to know that REC will help with the BMS settings. So glad you have a huge system for less cost! Congratulations! I loved that pesky T-Rex sticking his head out from behind the solar panel mount at 54:17! I loved this guys! Such a huge bunch of information but very well diagrammed and explained! Jonathan you should be very proud of yourself for creating this excellent video!
I don't have any plans of building a solar system but I thoroughly enjoyed watching this and learning. Thank you for putting in the time and effort to create something so useful.
This was one of the most valuable and amazing start to finish videos that I have ever seen! Bravo to you and your family for getting this done. I hope to follow your instructions and do the same in NC. Bravo!!!
This is one of the best-off grid solar and battery system tutorials I have ever seen, and I have seen a lot. I have seen some from many others and up to top universities with way less clear info. Good job. Good stuff.
We need more nerdy videos like yours. Your mistakes, corrections to the mistakes and shared knowledge helps educate people like me. It makes the process of wiring a solar system less stressful. Thanks =)
Love that you mentioned all the other UA-camrs who inspired you in your solar build. You’ve inspired me as well and I hope I’ll get the chance to thank you soon as I start working on my off grid home ❤️
This is the video I have been looking for these last 3 years. Thank you. And not nerdy. Very mellow and thorough. I'm in the Antelope Valley, so I will be imitating your work as much as possible. I got my 10 solar panels for free so that's one big expense dodged. 345 watt Jinko's. But what I am truly looking forward to watching are your construction videos. I'm starting out with a 20 foot cargo container which has been home since COVID hit. I have collected lots of building materials and lumber, mostly from abandoned pot farms in and around the valley. Every year, about 300 or so spring up, harvest a million bucks and then just split leaving most of the investment behind. Or they get busted and it all gets bulldozed and piled up. Either way they leave behind lots of stuff. Also, I have a feeling that I've met you before. Ever live in the Redondo Beach or Lancaster areas or worked in the movie business? I saw what I thought was Trona Pinnacles in one of your drone shots, so I figured out paths may have crossed. I was a location scout for 25 years.
Thanks so much for the kind words :) Well, we sure do have a lot of building videos for you to watch so that's good 😂. We've been to Trona a bunch of times, but just because we loved boondocking there when we traveled full-time.
I built my own off grid system over the course of 5 years . It took me that long due to lack of money. during my build I researched different video's for information on how to . I have to say I believe this video is by far the best ! Very well done.
This is the first video I've watched from your channel. Lots of useful info here. Thanks a million. Keep up the good work. I subscribed to your channel just because you put so much effort into helping folks with all the info. Not easy making videos like this. Respect.
When I was 10 years old in Tijuana, my parents rented a house but had purchased land on the way to Rosario. The rental house owner needed the house, so my father chose to build on the purchase land within the time frame given to him. We moved into a neighborhood that was not fully developed and lacking the electrical utility. Though we did not have electricity, my dad had had the tv connected and a few lights to a car battery. Today I am a CA certified electrician and I do not own a solar system. It is insanely stupid how many hands dip their hands to take a profit from an install. I was feeling pressured to make a choice due to our stupid high bills and reducing incentive of 26%. Your video is such an inspiration to me, because it reminded me from where I come from and how at 10 yrs old I already knew how to run my dads system, a simple one but when he was working and we got home early from school I would power it up to watch after school cartoons. Thanks guys for the beautiful work you have shared, feeling blessed.
I got a tell ya, I love you guys. I look forward every day to seeing your progress. I can go on and on and on about how much I’ve learned from you guys but I just wanted to say that you’ve become important in my life. The fact that you’re doing what you’re doing you’re living your life & that you’re so funny at times, thank you just thank you for letting us have a window in. It’s greatly appreciated!
I thoroughly enjoyed your video - it was very informative. You have a wonderful family. Everyone has a pleasant personality. Best wishes to all of you. Good luck!
As already said by others, this is an absolutely amazing presentation… such clarity & attention to detail… all delivered w/charismatic intelligence & production quality! Thank you!
Holey Moley! What an excellent video. This answered so many questions in an easy to understand, no nonsense way. I wish you guys all the very best in your future projects.
I did not understand and will not be able to build a solar system. But, I watched right through to the end. Your explanations are clear and detailed. If only I had some basic understanding of watts, etc. Your visual was superb!
Very Impressive - Apart from all the infinite techniques that needed to be mastered and put together to complete such a massive real life project - u folks are probably creating winners out of ur 4 kids by teaching them how to be builders/creators/thinkers/hardworkers........very nice indeed. Appreciate all the effort that went in to create such a comprehensive video.
bonjour la famille. so i spend my Saturday morning watching your 'nerdy' and yet, comprehensive vidéo. although technical, i'm about 70 percent sure of the terminology and how-to. thanks for the vidéo. i'll watch is again and again in order to fully understand what i must do to rig up my house in the south of France. cheers
I also have to compliment you on your video and production skills. At first I thought this video was a bit long and best be broken up into a group of smaller videos with links to each video but I realize people these days have a short attention spans and that they may not bother reading your texts or descriptions. I watched the entire video one sleepless night and realized how much effort you put into making your video a one-stop shop of information on building this whole installation. It was surprisingly complete despite a price sheet on all the parts and total cost, I realize alot of that would not be universal and would vary from installation to installation, and personal needs. Thank YOU for being So thorough. I enjoyed it and although I have researched and planned my own (simpler needs) installation, I really saw how complicated a proper installation can be if I ever wanted or needed a system with your level of needed capacity or greater would require.
Thanks for the kind words :) We did make that cost breakdown if it helps: We Saved THOUSANDS on Off-Grid Solar - Here's How! (Full DIY Cost Breakdown) ua-cam.com/video/u6DJFk0UsVA/v-deo.html
This is the best segment on installing a solar setup I have ever seen and I’ve seen a bunch. I’m just installing a small setup 10 240 panels to install on carport hopefully to run my shop unfortunately shop is in shade. But thank you very much
⚠️I recommend adding a nonconductive cover / case around the entire battery bank to avoid accidental shorts or electrocution (or at least nonconductive covers over the bus bars / terminals)
Watch our solar shed tour video. There’s a nice wooden box shelf around the batteries. Just wanted to make sure folks could see them in this install video.
Very nice, extremely informative video. Only thing different i would do is: build the panel array above the house as a "second roof" which would shade the house from heat and reduce cooling power consumption. However, you did an excellent job anyway. Greetings from sunny Jamaica.
I agree with the 'no dryer' thinking. I've been without one for the past 8 years and I don't miss it at all. You're fortunate to live in a state with plenty of sunshine and dry air. Where I live, there's rarely moist air (except when a summer storm is brewing), in fact, the temps here are ideal for people with arthritis. Our snow isn't filled with moisture. It's dry and fluffy - at least for the majority of winter - beginning we might get some heavier and towards spring with the milder temps, but otherwise, it's nice and dry. Makes fantastic Snow Ice Cream! Loved this vlog! Thanks for breaking it down for the visual that I am. Helps enormously!
Living in Australia we have mostly hot sunny days even in winter. There are still many families with dryers. Really not needed. We don't have a dryer...oh sorry yes we do my brother delights in telling people it's a solar powered drying system. Of course people ask further details about it. He tells them how it's really simple you just need two anchor points, e.g. 2 trees or across the yard between the fences to firmly tie a good rope, or you can go down to the local hardware store (Bunnings) purchase a clothesline. Best solar power way to dry the washing!!
ty guys 4 showing us the idea everyone have :) as long you dont live in germany ... i wish i could be ther to build a dream for my family and me ... greetings from germany and keep up with your livestyle its just beautiful.
Awesomeness. Thanks for breaking this down. I watch the UA-camr you mentioned. But you did the WHOLE enchilada! Thank you. I can’t wait to begin my build in Gila county Arizona.
yall are doing great work. I love the genuineness in your videos. Im a lic Electrician with my own company and im using this information to learn on thanks.
Like I mentioned in the video, this is DIY based. There are certainly all-in-one systems that are compelling to those that don't want to learn how everything connects together - but can make maintaining and understanding what's going on if something stops working incredibly difficult. In fact we know a few people here locally who have had issues with Sol-Ark all-in-ones for that exact reason. When you live off grid getting support and warranty work done can take a long time. My hope with this video is to teach people the full details of how and why all these pieces work together so they can maintain their system themselves.
A great run through Jonathon, perhaps a couple of small term cliches, but then hey, it is complicated stuff. I am grid connected, but have 5kw of solar and a Tesla battery system. I went with the Tesla as the gear could all mount on an external wall under a wide eave and would co-exist & integrate with an older solar system, was a hassle free install, and all done by qualified sparkies as it was grid connected. Wills channel is a great place to look at a whole range of DIY solar systems and processes.
@@TinyShinyHome I can't argue with that, but although I have an electrical tech background, I am 80 this year, so apart from climbing on the roof, etc, and the legal implications, tieing into my existing solar array, inverter, etc, was made much easier and the work was basically all done in 1 day. Needed another week to get the install passed by the authorities, but so hassle free, it was worth it.
Based on some folks I know that have some I’m not convinced their BMS software is the greatest, but if you can afford to pay extra they are definitely simpler to setup. Just realize they basically have the same batteries inside.
I have dreams of a solar setup like the amazing one that you guys have put together. This video is going to help me realize my dream setup, Thank you for sharing and as always keep building👍
Thankyou, this is a very informative docudiary production . I learned a lot of new info .. like hysteresis and tech suppliers and hardware issues not to mention the biggest headache of all , the supply of hardware batteries .. A big Thankyou to you all ..!! Regards Geoff ( Perth Australia ) (Probably more sun than Arizona and kangaroos 🦘 not grasshoppers 😆 Cheers guys )
Great informative video! Solar is one of the next things on our list to upgrade to remain off grid. We've been so impressed with our small ones we got in the mean time!
Wow…how did you figure that all out?! 👍 Good job! 👍. I guess I probably don’t have the time or brain capacity to build a BMS and battery system from scratch like that but glad to see someone figured it out from a much more detailed nuts and bolts level. Are you sure you are not an electrician and/or electrical engineer? I will probably go with an EG4 server rack system and hope that is good enough and still a reasonable cost for my level of understanding. But wow…you did it!
I found this really informative - even though I live in an ordinary suburbian house and will end up with a couple of Tesla Power Banks which are installed by people that do it for a living - this has given me an understanding of the how and why and alternates
I'm doing a similar size like you, but trying to keep it very simple. Two identical 4kW systems, each having 16x 250W 12V panels in series, which run directly into each Growatt 5kW offgrid inverter (or MPPSolar 5048MG). Each 48V battery bank is 4x 300Ah 12V LiFePO4 in series, which also plug directly into inverter. Each battery has internal BMS built-in apparently. Optional backup generator/grid can also plug directly into inverter. Across both $5k systems ($10k total), we get 8kW panels, 28.8kWh batteries, 10kW power draw, 30-50kWh daily generation. Ground mount is a breeze since it is just a single straight line all in series. No combiner box, no complex wiring, no charge controllers, no BMS, no displays. Just panels, inverter, and battery bank. I think I still need PV isolator, battery disconnect, and inverter breaker, but that's about it maybe? Keen for any advice if I missed something. Haven't completely set it all up quite yet.
Several of those numbers don't add up. A 250W panel would not be 12V. Closer to 37V. Multiply that x 16 in series and you're at like 600V which is crazy high (and dangerous) and unlikely the Growatt will be able to support. The reason we break up the panels into strings into a combiner box is to keep both the voltage AND amps at a safe level while also keeping wire size small. You should also have some sort of lighting supressor (another reason for the combiner box). Splitting the system into 2 inverters and 2 battery banks seems odd unless you're trying to run 220V split phase. You're kind of halving your system for no reason. If those batteries really do have a BMS, make sure it's not just a simple balancer. You need full protection for them (see the BMS section of this video). If you're buying Lithium batteries with a BMS built in, 32 panels and 2x inverters for $10k you probably need to double check that math. No way you can get it all that cheap, especially once you start adding wiring, conduit, breakers, etc... If you haven't already watch ua-cam.com/video/u6DJFk0UsVA/v-deo.html
@@TinyShinyHome I really appreciate your reply and guidance. My 16x 250W 12V panel specs (18.9V, 13.41A, 22.68Voc) would only be 360Voc in series, similar to 368Voc for 9x Jinko's 440W (33.82V, 13.01A, 40.92Voc), or 376Voc for 7x TigerPro's 580W (45V, 12.89A, 53.7Voc), or 427Voc for 10x Trina's 415W (36V, 11.52A, 42.7Voc), which are all under Growatt's 450Voc max for SPF5000ES. I will look into getting a lightning suppressor. Yes you're right, I'm getting this done in Australia where they have 220V as standard down there. Each battery has internal BMS that does every kind of protection, except balancing. So I'll probably go get a 4-way balancer. Panels in series just chain link MC4 together with no wiring, so its mostly just the wiring distance from PV to inverter, and only needs very thin wire for 13.41A. Cost $5.5k for 8 batteries 8x 300A 12V LiFePO4, $1.5k for 2 inverters, $2.7k for 32 panels, $0.3k for breaker/wiring, and just a couple rows of starpickets with battens for the mount. Total about $10k USD ($14.5k AUD).
📄 *MAKE SURE TO READ THE SOLAR WIRING ARTICLE, TOO!* tinyshinyhome.com/diy-off-grid-solar-system
⚡️SOLAR WIRING DIAGRAM: tinyshinyhome.com/off-grid-solar-wiring-diagram
Thanks for sharing ...
One point here onto parallel mounted solar array is that each string of solar panels absolutely need its own diode .
So yours needs 6*10Amps diodes that you should be clicking in between mc4 connectors onto the combiner boxes ...
It's just to avoid any failure in any solar panel string to back feed the others, or in case any difference in between production equilibrium ...
Dare, care, ride safe, clean, have fun ...
From France with .
@@bricelarie6527 Solar panels come with diodes built right into each panel ..... Are you getting panels without diodes in them somewhere ?? I don't even know of solar panels without diodes ... Please explain . I may not understand. I have 21 210 watt panels , there in 3 strings of 7 panels each . Each string has a 15 amp fuse , then each has its own 15 amp breaker before going into the smart solar charge controller , which is mppt 150/100- TR VE.can by victron energy
@@stevelamperta865
Hello, well i'm currently running 3 strings of 7*265w each photowatt solar panel ( it's Spanish cells and french panels ... the sandwiches are made in France, and cells in Spain ) which I don't know if they have an in built diode .
So each string of 7 should have its own diode mainly cause they are not reacting the same ...
I strongly recommend you put diode at least on each string of panels when connecting them to the same mppt .
I don't intend to bother mostly cause I don't run victron ...
But strings of 7 panels leads to a circuit voltage under load at approximately 210v Dc and an open circuit at 260v Dc .
If you tied those 7 panels string to a victron 150/100 mppt you overloading it .
Cause it is designed and sold to accept a max voltage of 150v under 100amps ...
150/100 ...
The current unit I use start at 90v up to 500v Dc .
It's A 7048max Mpp hybrid inverter .
It's a dual mppt .
I got 2 strings facing south and one facing west .
Point stand ...
If your don't have diodes on the tied strings, when the mppt boost the voltage to start the production, the non producting panels will kinda absorb the energy that could have been produced till all the string are able to produce ...
It kinda "eat" the benefits .
For instance try to have different string orientations on the same mppt without diodes, you'll be surprised to have almost nothing at all as an energy production ...
Plus, in any case of a panel failure, you don't loose the benefit the others connected strings ...
You will identify the faulty one easily if needed .
( we got case of overheated connecting encasing ... sometimes here ... )
I might be wrong, but I doubt all solar panels got their own diode .
Most of common panels don't have integrated diodes by here .
Please, check the info .
Thanks.
Like Steve mentioned, any recently produced solar panel has bypass diodes built right in. Blocking diodes aren't needed anymore either because solar change controllers include them by default. But also the combiner box can have them as well. It's possible the Spanish and French panels are built differently, but here in the US diodes aren't some the we really have to think about much anymore. Check out this video from Will Prowse: ua-cam.com/video/-x_6OLdAods/v-deo.html
I am also making plans to use solar panels, but for use on fishing boats. The power required is about 40,000 watts. I'm still studying it. Because it is still a question for me about the safety of lithium in the fiber ship. I'm afraid, the battery will get splashed or there will be moisture that can make the battery burn in the hull of the fiber ship as a place for storing lithium batteries. Is there anything that can help me?
As a Registered Professional Electrical Engineer in CA & NV, you built a spectacular solar system. Al Siniscal, RPEE
After having watched countless (I do mean countless) off-grid solar system videos, I must say that your video was the most informative, clearest and best presented video that I've seen. The production and graphics were excellent and engaging. Well done! This is the video that I will recommend my friends view when they're seeking information. Truly well done - thank you.
Maybe you should learn how to count 😂
Thank you for the step by step break down.
It was very informative.
I have subscribed and will continue to follw you. Thanks again. Roy
An excellent, entertaining,, well produced video with great desert sunset scenery shots, nice editing, great audio and entertaining commentary from your wife.
Very informative...
Its crazy with the number of videos out there on youtube, that THIS is the only one that takes us from start to finish (explaining all the way) to give a overall view of what's involved. And its under an hour long too!
:) glad you enjoyed it
Your videos beats a regular television program any day if the week. Cudos on your homestead.
In last 10 years, all the videos I watched didn’t give complete picture but your video covers all aspects with proper guidance. Great work!
Thanks :)
I'm just amazed that humans go through the effort to make such detailed videos
Your homestead "reality show" is the BEST.
You have a little piece of paradise, created with your own hands and minds.
24 years living off grid and 20 years as an off grid installation contractor and I have to say good job dude! That is technical stuff and you did a really nice job.
I do solar for a living and man that ground mount is awesome. That’s exactly how we build ours. Great work
Thanks man! It was a beast 😂
Watching this today from sub Saharan africa where the heat from the scorching 12hrs of sun light is rather intimidating... planning to try out this project for my off-grid power system and also spare some power to run water pumbs for my irrigation system
The look on your face Jonathan at 19:13 talking about the search for Alibaba lithium batteries is priceless! I am amazed how much you figured out to protect the system. I would have never thought about the protection factors you build into this. The pre-charge delay is great to protect the contactor hooked to the BMS and is brilliant! All the breakers and switches to turn off power to the various portions of the system makes working on the system easy without getting shocked! Getting across DC voltage is no fun. The A/C output you wouldn't want to get zapped by either because the alternating current will put your heart in filbrilation. Having the shunt to check for voltage is also brilliant. That's how a multimeter works too. With such a high resistance the voltage drop is huge but the current flow is low so voltage can be measured across the resistor. I assume that the REC Wi-Fi module is password protected! That is nice that you can use any device to look at the system. Thanks for including all the steps in turning on the whole kit and kaboodle! This seems so daunting and I give you lots of kudos for getting all this figured out! That's a bummer that the settings for your back-up generator is difficult to make in the Victron Quattro Inverter. I never even knew there were solar power controllers. So what does MPPT stand for? Too bad the voltage wasn't sensed at first when you turned it on. Wow, that's so much to think about. Nice to know that REC will help with the BMS settings. So glad you have a huge system for less cost! Congratulations! I loved that pesky T-Rex sticking his head out from behind the solar panel mount at 54:17! I loved this guys! Such a huge bunch of information but very well diagrammed and explained! Jonathan you should be very proud of yourself for creating this excellent video!
I don't have any plans of building a solar system but I thoroughly enjoyed watching this and learning. Thank you for putting in the time and effort to create something so useful.
You are welcome, thanks for watching!
This was one of the most valuable and amazing start to finish videos that I have ever seen! Bravo to you and your family for getting this done. I hope to follow your instructions and do the same in NC. Bravo!!!
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This is one of the best-off grid solar and battery system tutorials I have ever seen, and I have seen a lot. I have seen some from many others and up to top universities with way less clear info. Good job. Good stuff.
Solid informative video. All relevant content. No fluff. Nothing useless. Never too technical. I wish more people did videos like this.
Thanks!
We need more nerdy videos like yours. Your mistakes, corrections to the mistakes and shared knowledge helps educate people like me. It makes the process of wiring a solar system less stressful. Thanks =)
You are welcome!
Love that you mentioned all the other UA-camrs who inspired you in your solar build. You’ve inspired me as well and I hope I’ll get the chance to thank you soon as I start working on my off grid home ❤️
This is the video I have been looking for these last 3 years. Thank you. And not nerdy. Very mellow and thorough. I'm in the Antelope Valley, so I will be imitating your work as much as possible.
I got my 10 solar panels for free so that's one big expense dodged. 345 watt Jinko's.
But what I am truly looking forward to watching are your construction videos. I'm starting out with a 20 foot cargo container which has been home since COVID hit. I have collected lots of building materials and lumber, mostly from abandoned pot farms in and around the valley. Every year, about 300 or so spring up, harvest a million bucks and then just split leaving most of the investment behind. Or they get busted and it all gets bulldozed and piled up. Either way they leave behind lots of stuff.
Also, I have a feeling that I've met you before. Ever live in the Redondo Beach or Lancaster areas or worked in the movie business? I saw what I thought was Trona Pinnacles in one of your drone shots, so I figured out paths may have crossed. I was a location scout for 25 years.
Thanks so much for the kind words :) Well, we sure do have a lot of building videos for you to watch so that's good 😂. We've been to Trona a bunch of times, but just because we loved boondocking there when we traveled full-time.
I built my own off grid system over the course of 5 years . It took me that long due to lack of money. during my build I researched different video's for information on how to . I have to say I believe this video is by far the best ! Very well done.
This is the first video I've watched from your channel. Lots of useful info here. Thanks a million. Keep up the good work. I subscribed to your channel just because you put so much effort into helping folks with all the info. Not easy making videos like this. Respect.
When I was 10 years old in Tijuana, my parents rented a house but had purchased land on the way to Rosario. The rental house owner needed the house, so my father chose to build on the purchase land within the time frame given to him. We moved into a neighborhood that was not fully developed and lacking the electrical utility. Though we did not have electricity, my dad had had the tv connected and a few lights to a car battery. Today I am a CA certified electrician and I do not own a solar system. It is insanely stupid how many hands dip their hands to take a profit from an install. I was feeling pressured to make a choice due to our stupid high bills and reducing incentive of 26%. Your video is such an inspiration to me, because it reminded me from where I come from and how at 10 yrs old I already knew how to run my dads system, a simple one but when he was working and we got home early from school I would power it up to watch after school cartoons. Thanks guys for the beautiful work you have shared, feeling blessed.
You are the most awesome person in the world for doing this. All of this info you are providing is a ridiculous amount of work. Thank you!
This is the best video i have come across on off-grid inverter installation, simple and direct
I got a tell ya, I love you guys. I look forward every day to seeing your progress. I can go on and on and on about how much I’ve learned from you guys but I just wanted to say that you’ve become important in my life. The fact that you’re doing what you’re doing you’re living your life & that you’re so funny at times, thank you just thank you for letting us have a window in. It’s greatly appreciated!
Thanks Amelia 😊❤️
The more I study your battery build the more impressed I am.
Hats off for the video and for the system!
Outstanding shipmates. Press on. USS Kitty Hawk CV-63. Jan 1980 to July 1983. Solar power for life.
I have been looking at this stuff for years. I will be watching more of your videos.
I thoroughly enjoyed your video - it was very informative. You have a wonderful family. Everyone has a pleasant personality. Best wishes to all of you. Good luck!
the best solar panel explanation that I have received on youtube. Than you so much
Hard work pays off, your family is lucky to have great parents and such a beautiful backyard
You guys are SERIOUSLY THE BEST CHANNEL on UA-cam!
Aww thanks :) ❤️
The best solar DIY video I've seen! Excellent, thanks for posting.
Thank You for All that you are doing for World Peace and for our Planet...
Peace.. Shalom.. Salam.. La Paz.. Namaste ..
🙏🏻 😊 🌈 ✌ ☮️ ❤️ 🕊
Wow! Thank you so much for the video, info, and diagrams. You two are very kind to give us noobs a great starting point. 😁👍
This is not just for entertainment it a lecture, thank so much
Hands down, the absolute best video that I have ever seen on the solar and batteries (and the rest). Outstanding work, thanks for sharing.
Thanks Sean!!
I was just excited and asked before i forgot. Im still watching. Thanks
THIS IS FANTASTIC. Thank you so much for doing this, and explaining it so well. Best of luck in all your endeavors. Good healh and happiness to you!
As already said by others, this is an absolutely amazing presentation… such clarity & attention to detail… all delivered w/charismatic intelligence & production quality! Thank you!
Thank you!
Well done, this is a great watch and demystifies a lot of the technical issues that are very confusing to most.
Holey Moley! What an excellent video. This answered so many questions in an easy to understand, no nonsense way. I wish you guys all the very best in your future projects.
Shoutout to SanTan Solar. Panels from them are working great for me too. Great info here!
Best off-grid solar video ever. Thank you. I am a do-er and making the videos is harder than the actual work.
My husband plans on building a solar system and this is the best video out there, thank you for being a good CC.
Got it! I just ordered two 10.7kwh power walls for 12k with 10 year warranty and support.
Haha, I saw Rex! My husband loved this video. Thank you for sharing all of your experience!
I did not understand and will not be able to build a solar system. But, I watched right through to the end. Your explanations are clear and detailed. If only I had some basic understanding of watts, etc. Your visual was superb!
FANTASTIC VIDEO
Very Impressive - Apart from all the infinite techniques that needed to be mastered and put together to complete such a massive real life project - u folks are probably creating winners out of ur 4 kids by teaching them how to be builders/creators/thinkers/hardworkers........very nice indeed. Appreciate all the effort that went in to create such a comprehensive video.
Aww thanks 😊
In my bookmarks i mark you as 'Top of the top'. Very serious video. Bravo from Greece
bonjour la famille. so i spend my Saturday morning watching your 'nerdy' and yet, comprehensive vidéo. although technical, i'm about 70 percent sure of the terminology and how-to. thanks for the vidéo. i'll watch is again and again in order to fully understand what i must do to rig up my house in the south of France. cheers
One of the best vids I have seen on solar
Ditto Manny Mota. Great production! The layout represents an immense thoughtfulness, it's obvious. Just super great!
I also have to compliment you on your video and production skills. At first I thought this video was a bit long and best be broken up into a group of smaller videos with links to each video but I realize people these days have a short attention spans and that they may not bother reading your texts or descriptions. I watched the entire video one sleepless night and realized how much effort you put into making your video a one-stop shop of information on building this whole installation. It was surprisingly complete despite a price sheet on all the parts and total cost, I realize alot of that would not be universal and would vary from installation to installation, and personal needs. Thank YOU for being So thorough. I enjoyed it and although I have researched and planned my own (simpler needs) installation, I really saw how complicated a proper installation can be if I ever wanted or needed a system with your level of needed capacity or greater would require.
Thanks for the kind words :) We did make that cost breakdown if it helps: We Saved THOUSANDS on Off-Grid Solar - Here's How! (Full DIY Cost Breakdown)
ua-cam.com/video/u6DJFk0UsVA/v-deo.html
A great fan, and finally a clear and detailed description on solar. Other channels have had my head spinning. Thank you.
Thank you so kindly, as my Wifee and I are also going to be building Off-Grid too!!! Be Happy, be kind!!!
This is the best segment on installing a solar setup I have ever seen and I’ve seen a bunch. I’m just installing a small setup 10 240 panels to install on carport hopefully to run my shop unfortunately shop is in shade. But thank you very much
Excellent production of your system! Thank you and congrats!
Thanks for sharing you setup. It will help Manu people.
I needed this information so bad. Thank you so much 😊👍🌵🦖
Hope Mable gets well soon 💕
⚠️I recommend adding a nonconductive cover / case around the entire battery bank to avoid accidental shorts or electrocution (or at least nonconductive covers over the bus bars / terminals)
Watch our solar shed tour video. There’s a nice wooden box shelf around the batteries. Just wanted to make sure folks could see them in this install video.
Amazing instructional video dude. Amazing! It deserves millions of views...seriously. Top notch public service video! s2
Very nice, extremely informative video. Only thing different i would do is: build the panel array above the house as a "second roof" which would shade the house from heat and reduce cooling power consumption. However, you did an excellent job anyway. Greetings from sunny Jamaica.
I agree with the 'no dryer' thinking. I've been without one for the past 8 years and I don't miss it at all. You're fortunate to live in a state with plenty of sunshine and dry air. Where I live, there's rarely moist air (except when a summer storm is brewing), in fact, the temps here are ideal for people with arthritis. Our snow isn't filled with moisture. It's dry and fluffy - at least for the majority of winter - beginning we might get some heavier and towards spring with the milder temps, but otherwise, it's nice and dry. Makes fantastic Snow Ice Cream! Loved this vlog! Thanks for breaking it down for the visual that I am. Helps enormously!
Living in Australia we have mostly hot sunny days even in winter. There are still many families with dryers. Really not needed.
We don't have a dryer...oh sorry yes we do my brother delights in telling people it's a solar powered drying system. Of course people ask further details about it.
He tells them how it's really simple you just need two anchor points, e.g. 2 trees or across the yard between the fences to firmly tie a good rope, or you can go down to the local hardware store (Bunnings) purchase a clothesline.
Best solar power way to dry the washing!!
Ah, I love snow ice cream. Thanks for bringung up good memories!
This is absolutly the BEST BEST video EVER!!!!!!! Thank you so much for sharing
ty guys 4 showing us the idea everyone have :) as long you dont live in germany ... i wish i could be ther to build a dream for my family and me ... greetings from germany and keep up with your livestyle its just beautiful.
Thanks :)
Great video Jonathan! Quality production and information.
Awesomeness. Thanks for breaking this down. I watch the UA-camr you mentioned. But you did the WHOLE enchilada! Thank you. I can’t wait to begin my build in Gila county Arizona.
Thank you for sharing this long nerdy video! It was great.
yall are doing great work. I love the genuineness in your videos. Im a lic Electrician with my own company and im using this information to learn on thanks.
Awesome solar system! You're a fantastic family and those surrounding views are stunning!
Sol-Ark eliminates all that complication and saves money!
Like I mentioned in the video, this is DIY based. There are certainly all-in-one systems that are compelling to those that don't want to learn how everything connects together - but can make maintaining and understanding what's going on if something stops working incredibly difficult. In fact we know a few people here locally who have had issues with Sol-Ark all-in-ones for that exact reason. When you live off grid getting support and warranty work done can take a long time. My hope with this video is to teach people the full details of how and why all these pieces work together so they can maintain their system themselves.
My brain bulged with all the info, you are great for providing this information in such detail, thank you!
You’re welcome!
Not nerdy at all guys, thanks for the detailed info!
A great run through Jonathon, perhaps a couple of small term cliches, but then hey, it is complicated stuff. I am grid connected, but have 5kw of solar and a Tesla battery system. I went with the Tesla as the gear could all mount on an external wall under a wide eave and would co-exist & integrate with an older solar system, was a hassle free install, and all done by qualified sparkies as it was grid connected. Wills channel is a great place to look at a whole range of DIY solar systems and processes.
True, grid connected is a whole different thing that Tesla’s pretty good at. Still a lot more expensive, though :)
@@TinyShinyHome I can't argue with that, but although I have an electrical tech background, I am 80 this year, so apart from climbing on the roof, etc, and the legal implications, tieing into my existing solar array, inverter, etc, was made much easier and the work was basically all done in 1 day. Needed another week to get the install passed by the authorities, but so hassle free, it was worth it.
This is why I am a fan of the EG4...not as complicated to mess up.
Based on some folks I know that have some I’m not convinced their BMS software is the greatest, but if you can afford to pay extra they are definitely simpler to setup. Just realize they basically have the same batteries inside.
this is the best explanation i have ever seen . Well Done thank you
Best system description ever.
Presentation was really great.
I have dreams of a solar setup like the amazing one that you guys have put together.
This video is going to help me realize my dream setup, Thank you for sharing and as always keep building👍
You are welcome!
Thankyou, this is a very informative docudiary production . I learned a lot of new info .. like hysteresis and tech suppliers and hardware issues not to mention the biggest headache of all , the supply of hardware batteries ..
A big Thankyou to you all ..!!
Regards
Geoff ( Perth Australia )
(Probably more sun than Arizona and kangaroos 🦘 not grasshoppers 😆
Cheers guys )
Thanks! Make sure to watch the follow up battery video about getting them shipped way faster :)
Great informative video! Solar is one of the next things on our list to upgrade to remain off grid. We've been so impressed with our small ones we got in the mean time!
Wow…how did you figure that all out?! 👍 Good job! 👍. I guess I probably don’t have the time or brain capacity to build a BMS and battery system from scratch like that but glad to see someone figured it out from a much more detailed nuts and bolts level. Are you sure you are not an electrician and/or electrical engineer? I will probably go with an EG4 server rack system and hope that is good enough and still a reasonable cost for my level of understanding. But wow…you did it!
Thanks very much for the informative video my beautiful couple. Love all the way from Namibia 🇳🇦
Very knowledgeable and highly informative video. Thank you for taking your time in sharing your knowledge.
You two are the bomb. Best OG vid yet
Thanks for making the video guys.
Thank you for all this information. You, your family Amaze me.
Really awesome video!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to put this all together and share with us!
Legit solar video. Thank you.
This was a great video. Thank you for the enlightenment. Keep up that epic life!
I found this really informative - even though I live in an ordinary suburbian house and will end up with a couple of Tesla Power Banks which are installed by people that do it for a living - this has given me an understanding of the how and why and alternates
Very nice. Probably the best solar system article out there.
Always learn more when I watch your videos! Thanks, J
You’re welcome!
I'm doing a similar size like you, but trying to keep it very simple. Two identical 4kW systems, each having 16x 250W 12V panels in series, which run directly into each Growatt 5kW offgrid inverter (or MPPSolar 5048MG). Each 48V battery bank is 4x 300Ah 12V LiFePO4 in series, which also plug directly into inverter. Each battery has internal BMS built-in apparently. Optional backup generator/grid can also plug directly into inverter. Across both $5k systems ($10k total), we get 8kW panels, 28.8kWh batteries, 10kW power draw, 30-50kWh daily generation. Ground mount is a breeze since it is just a single straight line all in series. No combiner box, no complex wiring, no charge controllers, no BMS, no displays. Just panels, inverter, and battery bank. I think I still need PV isolator, battery disconnect, and inverter breaker, but that's about it maybe? Keen for any advice if I missed something. Haven't completely set it all up quite yet.
Several of those numbers don't add up. A 250W panel would not be 12V. Closer to 37V. Multiply that x 16 in series and you're at like 600V which is crazy high (and dangerous) and unlikely the Growatt will be able to support. The reason we break up the panels into strings into a combiner box is to keep both the voltage AND amps at a safe level while also keeping wire size small. You should also have some sort of lighting supressor (another reason for the combiner box). Splitting the system into 2 inverters and 2 battery banks seems odd unless you're trying to run 220V split phase. You're kind of halving your system for no reason. If those batteries really do have a BMS, make sure it's not just a simple balancer. You need full protection for them (see the BMS section of this video). If you're buying Lithium batteries with a BMS built in, 32 panels and 2x inverters for $10k you probably need to double check that math. No way you can get it all that cheap, especially once you start adding wiring, conduit, breakers, etc... If you haven't already watch ua-cam.com/video/u6DJFk0UsVA/v-deo.html
@@TinyShinyHome I really appreciate your reply and guidance. My 16x 250W 12V panel specs (18.9V, 13.41A, 22.68Voc) would only be 360Voc in series, similar to 368Voc for 9x Jinko's 440W (33.82V, 13.01A, 40.92Voc), or 376Voc for 7x TigerPro's 580W (45V, 12.89A, 53.7Voc), or 427Voc for 10x Trina's 415W (36V, 11.52A, 42.7Voc), which are all under Growatt's 450Voc max for SPF5000ES. I will look into getting a lightning suppressor. Yes you're right, I'm getting this done in Australia where they have 220V as standard down there. Each battery has internal BMS that does every kind of protection, except balancing. So I'll probably go get a 4-way balancer. Panels in series just chain link MC4 together with no wiring, so its mostly just the wiring distance from PV to inverter, and only needs very thin wire for 13.41A. Cost $5.5k for 8 batteries 8x 300A 12V LiFePO4, $1.5k for 2 inverters, $2.7k for 32 panels, $0.3k for breaker/wiring, and just a couple rows of starpickets with battens for the mount. Total about $10k USD ($14.5k AUD).
I love that you chose alternative diy lithium battery which can save you more money than those expensive battle born batteries.
you are really champions and inspirational. hope for you all the happiness
Super fun to watch guys. Congrats and greetings from Japan!