Great summary, I always enjoy when people put the real struggles on videos (the solar connections) and when they call out the negative comments from people who couldn't possibly have any idea how sturdy your pergola solar set up is. Now I just need to set up my appointment to get my solar panels installed on my RV.
Jim, Im sure you know but you can add extenders to the MC4 connections on bluetti unit. I understand d your point but this would resolve your connection/disconnect issue
i could maybe 50 reason why i think bluetti the best out there not sure if you can sell back electric back to the grind with the ep800 ..but yea i buy some rec 470 watt panels i mean $15 a panels a good deal but thats $15k maybe more i go big out put panels maybe even bi-sided panels...i dont work for bluetti and i like james and all his streams thanks again
I agree, more is better and your most precious asset is the amount of roof space you have. A big gotcha when you install solar, they don't tell you that in the summer the panels get very hot and produce less electricity so you don't get the panels rated output when you need it the most for cooling. This year in round two we ended up adding and filling the roof completely with the newer higher output panels. I designed our system with dual inverters and dual batteries so we could run the heat pump with a soft starter when the grid was down. When it is over 100 every day AC is a must. The ICM 870 soft start now comes in a model that will handle 5 tons and costs less than 3 hundred dollars. It also saves wear and tear on the compressor. This summer in Tucson when there were power outages all over town we could run AC day and night without worrying when the grid was coming back on. Yes it was expensive to install, but worth it for peace of mind.
Hi James. Thank you for your valuable feedback. We appreciate your support and patience as we address the concerns raised. 1. Regarding the app issues: We sincerely thank you for your honest feedback. Your comments have been forwarded to our R&D department. For advanced settings, please note that we will be removing the Working mode and only keeping the Custom Mode. 2. Regarding the difficulty in installing the AC connection: We recommend purchasing a junction box and junctions. Please connect the EP800 backup terminals to the junction box, then connect the junction box to the sub-panel. Similarly, connect the EP800 grid terminals to the junction box, then connect the junction box to the main panel. 3. Regarding the MC4 connectors: Please use the matching tool to press and pull it out with the other hand. For solar installation, it's essential to consult with your local solar panel installer to plan the installation route and identify any additional units needed. For example, adding a combiner box between the solar panels and the EP800 should include a DC breaker and other necessary components. Make sure to connect everything properly before finally inserting the MC4 connectors. 4. Regarding the PV cable connection: It is necessary to install a DC breaker or DC disconnect for safe operation. 5. Regarding PV input voltage: The EP800 does not require 260V. If the voltage of the solar array is more than 200V, it can charge the batteries. The EP800 is a home energy storage system and requires more solar panels to match its batteries due to its high capacity (3000W/6000W), which differs from portable power stations. Additional Tips: 1. Installation: The EP800 must be installed by a professional electrician to avoid installation errors or safety hazards. 2. Installation Materials: Please ensure to review the installation materials thoroughly to avoid improper installation and potential product issues that could lead to safety incidents. You can find various supporting documents on the BLUETTI website under the EP800 page - Supporting Documents. Quick click to EP800 page: www.bluettipower.com/pages/ep800 3. Technical Issues: For technical support, please email the BLUETTI customer service team at service@bluettipower.com. We are here to assist you. Thank you once again for your cooperation and understanding.
Thank you for the updates. It was a struggle to find real issue or any dissatisfaction with the EP800 and I think the fact that the main issues are my fault either in design of the array or my impatience with the app speaks volumes about the quality of your product too!
I purchased a pallet of new "B" grade solar panels, heavily discounted, from SanTan Solar. They supposedly were blemished, but they looked perfect to me. And they perform the same as "A" grade panels. Installed them myself, so they paid for themselves in just a few years.
As a solar nerd, I highly recommend bifacial solar panels for your upgrade. With your situation, you'll get a significant benefit from reflected light coming off the concrete below. Plus, let's be honest, looking up at the bottom of the bifacial panels is pretty cool. You should be able to get 400+ watt panels pretty easy from SanTan Solar, they're right in your neck of the woods.
I was second born, and far exceeded my first born older brother for many years. However, in our latter years, my older brother is now exceeding me, and I am so happy. God is great.
Suggestion on the solar connection, can you make a pigtail connection that is short, plug that in and you will never need to unplug it, then you can plug/un-plug your solar on the other end of that short pigtail connection? I know its hacky but it may be a good solution.
Totally not related to this video, but posting on the most recent hoping for an answer. Remolding a 2000 Minnie Winnie over cab area. Can I use 1/4 plywood if I can't find 1/8 Inch ANYWHERE? Please help? I love your channel BTW you have taught me so much!
James, You have found why you should oversize your strings. You need to get enough modules in a string to get very close to the “max” voltage. You are just barely over the minimum voltage. That limits your on time big time. There are free String Calculators online that will assist you to get the best bang for the buck. You didn’t mention it, but Dirt and sand are your solar enemy. They must be occasionally cleaned. It doesn’t take much dirt to stop electrical production. I used to design utility solar where production was profit or loss for the investors. They demand profit.
I think that's why I said I broke the first rule on solar. When it comes to dirt, I have seen no affect from dusty panels after running my own test on the roof mounted system. The panel I used on the pergola are well over 20 years old and still working just not as well as the first day :)
Hi James good to see again, hey I have a theory You know we here in tucson we've been experiencing lots of glitches with the WI-FI due to the monsoon storms if your programming your setting through the grid I would think that this would cause your dissatisfaction with the functions of the bluetti . that would be my guess.
I have a BougeRV mc4 disconnect tool that has prongs inline with the tool and at 90 degrees to the tool. Pretty sure the prongs at 90 degrees would work in the restricted space that you're working with.
still don't understand what a solar generator is? solar array? the batteries? the battery charge controller? inverter? electronic monitor boards??? hmmm.. sounds like the bluetti is all of them in one box. at a dam these are called "power stations"... enjoyed the video and the honest review.... I still don't completely under stand how the pergola panels don't require a permit but the mysteries of city electrical codes is always entertaining!!!
power station is not a great description from my POV. The panels provide the fuel for the generator to make usable just like diesel or gas is fuel for a generator to make usable power which is why I think generator is a fair term.
Love your stuff! I hate the term solar generator. The power is "generated" (if you must) at the solar panels and "stored" in the unit with batteries and inverter. IMO the term solar generator is just bad grammar and contributes to the dumbing of the population. The unitized storage can be charged by any number of sources and calling them solar generators misses that point. Thanks for all the great videos, I've learned a lot from you james.
I disagree and think generator is the correct term, any other generator still needs fuel: gas, lp, diesel, steam, water, and they are still called generators if the fuel supply is empty.
@@AZExpert Am I missing something or do you put electricity into the magic box to get electricity out? A gen set generates electricity from fuel. A piston, turbine, hydro, wind motor/engine is the generation /creation/excitement of the electrons. Simple really, a gen set "is the source" and the electricity produced is typically not stored unless connected to batteries of some kind, for RV'ing as an example. In the case of solar, the electrons are excited at the solar panel and then sent to the magic box to be "stored" or distributed to the grid, another circuit or grounded. The panels if anything are the only part of the system that could loosely be called a solar generator and the magic box, like the batteries in your coach can only accept electricity. It would be silly to call those beauties solar generators. Nobody does that, do they? On another note James, You gotta write that book on RV repair.
@@toddswenson you put chemical energy into those boxes using a motor generally. Without the motor attached, the actual generator does not make power. To say it's simple is just special pleading for your pov, the source of energy of a fuel generator is still the sun with a lot more steps
@@AZExpert So, does your solar generator supply power if you charge it from the grid? It's far from useless without solar power. Solar isn't exclusive or needed to benefit from that setup you have. Lots of people will miss that point when you use the term solar generator. Many can benefit from having just the storage capability especially in areas with on demand/surge pricing from the grid, rolling brownouts and emergency reductions in service during critical events. The added solar is nice but not necessary in all cases. Thanks James, I understand your point. I owe you lunch sometime, you've shared a lot.
0:03 If you had a purchased outback power technologies, you would have a lightning fast app that you can access via any location including your phone through the internet. Your MP PT charge controllers would not be doing what they're doing because outback. Power technologies has that solved for you. My. Entire home is powered by solar. I am grid tied and supply power to my neighbor's homes. I live in Kentucky. There are many, many storms and power outages all the time. The only power in my area that stays on 100% of the time with the outback power technology hybrid system that I built is my home. Next. Time do a little more research before you spend that type of money. Your friend in Kentucky, big Jim. 10kw.
excellent to see real world & real truth experiences thankyou
@ 13:13 it reminded me of the old PBS Red Green Show. Love it!
hahaha, but no duct tape used in this design, though I am sure a duct tape pergola would get many more views :)
James you get a Thumbs up 👍
thank you!
Great summary, I always enjoy when people put the real struggles on videos (the solar connections) and when they call out the negative comments from people who couldn't possibly have any idea how sturdy your pergola solar set up is. Now I just need to set up my appointment to get my solar panels installed on my RV.
Jim, Im sure you know but you can add extenders to the MC4 connections on bluetti unit. I understand d your point but this would resolve your connection/disconnect issue
yes, that's a good idea too, but I also like minimal connections, but I may just do that too.
i could maybe 50 reason why i think bluetti the best out there not sure if you can sell back electric back to the grind with the ep800 ..but yea i buy some rec 470 watt panels i mean $15 a panels a good deal but thats $15k maybe more i go big out put panels maybe even bi-sided panels...i dont work for bluetti and i like james and all his streams thanks again
I agree, more is better and your most precious asset is the amount of roof space you have. A big gotcha when you install solar, they don't tell you that in the summer the panels get very hot and produce less electricity so you don't get the panels rated output when you need it the most for cooling. This year in round two we ended up adding and filling the roof completely with the newer higher output panels. I designed our system with dual inverters and dual batteries so we could run the heat pump with a soft starter when the grid was down. When it is over 100 every day AC is a must. The ICM 870 soft start now comes in a model that will handle 5 tons and costs less than 3 hundred dollars. It also saves wear and tear on the compressor. This summer in Tucson when there were power outages all over town we could run AC day and night without worrying when the grid was coming back on. Yes it was expensive to install, but worth it for peace of mind.
You can thank Agile software development processes for the app quality.
Hi James.
Thank you for your valuable feedback. We appreciate your support and patience as we address the concerns raised.
1. Regarding the app issues: We sincerely thank you for your honest feedback. Your comments have been forwarded to our R&D department. For advanced settings, please note that we will be removing the Working mode and only keeping the Custom Mode.
2. Regarding the difficulty in installing the AC connection: We recommend purchasing a junction box and junctions. Please connect the EP800 backup terminals to the junction box, then connect the junction box to the sub-panel. Similarly, connect the EP800 grid terminals to the junction box, then connect the junction box to the main panel.
3. Regarding the MC4 connectors: Please use the matching tool to press and pull it out with the other hand. For solar installation, it's essential to consult with your local solar panel installer to plan the installation route and identify any additional units needed. For example, adding a combiner box between the solar panels and the EP800 should include a DC breaker and other necessary components. Make sure to connect everything properly before finally inserting the MC4 connectors.
4. Regarding the PV cable connection: It is necessary to install a DC breaker or DC disconnect for safe operation.
5. Regarding PV input voltage: The EP800 does not require 260V. If the voltage of the solar array is more than 200V, it can charge the batteries. The EP800 is a home energy storage system and requires more solar panels to match its batteries due to its high capacity (3000W/6000W), which differs from portable power stations.
Additional Tips:
1. Installation: The EP800 must be installed by a professional electrician to avoid installation errors or safety hazards.
2. Installation Materials: Please ensure to review the installation materials thoroughly to avoid improper installation and potential product issues that could lead to safety incidents. You can find various supporting documents on the BLUETTI website under the EP800 page - Supporting Documents. Quick click to EP800 page: www.bluettipower.com/pages/ep800
3. Technical Issues: For technical support, please email the BLUETTI customer service team at service@bluettipower.com. We are here to assist you.
Thank you once again for your cooperation and understanding.
Thank you for the updates. It was a struggle to find real issue or any dissatisfaction with the EP800 and I think the fact that the main issues are my fault either in design of the array or my impatience with the app speaks volumes about the quality of your product too!
I purchased a pallet of new "B" grade solar panels, heavily discounted, from SanTan Solar. They supposedly were blemished, but they looked perfect to me. And they perform the same as "A" grade panels. Installed them myself, so they paid for themselves in just a few years.
As a solar nerd, I highly recommend bifacial solar panels for your upgrade. With your situation, you'll get a significant benefit from reflected light coming off the concrete below. Plus, let's be honest, looking up at the bottom of the bifacial panels is pretty cool. You should be able to get 400+ watt panels pretty easy from SanTan Solar, they're right in your neck of the woods.
👍 Maybe take your heat gun to that disconnect tool and make a 90 degree tool out of it.
I was second born, and far exceeded my first born older brother for many years. However, in our latter years, my older brother is now exceeding me, and I am so happy. God is great.
Hi James, first is that your videos are awesomely informative. Second where can someone buy used solar panels if I may ask?.
San tan solar on gilbert arizona
Suggestion on the solar connection, can you make a pigtail connection that is short, plug that in and you will never need to unplug it, then you can plug/un-plug your solar on the other end of that short pigtail connection? I know its hacky but it may be a good solution.
Totally not related to this video, but posting on the most recent hoping for an answer. Remolding a 2000 Minnie Winnie over cab area. Can I use 1/4 plywood if I can't find 1/8 Inch ANYWHERE? Please help? I love your channel BTW you have taught me so much!
How much did that cost?
James, You have found why you should oversize your strings. You need to get enough modules in a string to get very close to the “max” voltage. You are just barely over the minimum voltage. That limits your on time big time. There are free String Calculators online that will assist you to get the best bang for the buck. You didn’t mention it, but Dirt and sand are your solar enemy. They must be occasionally cleaned. It doesn’t take much dirt to stop electrical production. I used to design utility solar where production was profit or loss for the investors. They demand profit.
I think that's why I said I broke the first rule on solar. When it comes to dirt, I have seen no affect from dusty panels after running my own test on the roof mounted system. The panel I used on the pergola are well over 20 years old and still working just not as well as the first day :)
Hi James good to see
again, hey I have a theory
You know we here in
tucson we've been
experiencing lots of
glitches with the WI-FI
due to the monsoon storms
if your programming your
setting through the grid
I would think that this would
cause your dissatisfaction with
the functions of the bluetti .
that would be my guess.
I have a BougeRV mc4 disconnect tool that has prongs inline with the tool and at 90 degrees to the tool. Pretty sure the prongs at 90 degrees would work in the restricted space that you're working with.
You must have not signed the Bluetti positive reviews only agreement 😂
still don't understand what a solar generator is? solar array? the batteries? the battery charge controller? inverter? electronic monitor boards??? hmmm.. sounds like the bluetti is all of them in one box. at a dam these are called "power stations"... enjoyed the video and the honest review.... I still don't completely under stand how the pergola panels don't require a permit but the mysteries of city electrical codes is always entertaining!!!
power station is not a great description from my POV. The panels provide the fuel for the generator to make usable just like diesel or gas is fuel for a generator to make usable power which is why I think generator is a fair term.
How well do solar panels handle hail?
much better than dropping a drill bit on them :)
Love your stuff! I hate the term solar generator. The power is "generated" (if you must) at the solar panels and "stored" in the unit with batteries and inverter. IMO the term solar generator is just bad grammar and contributes to the dumbing of the population. The unitized storage can be charged by any number of sources and calling them solar generators misses that point. Thanks for all the great videos, I've learned a lot from you james.
I disagree and think generator is the correct term, any other generator still needs fuel: gas, lp, diesel, steam, water, and they are still called generators if the fuel supply is empty.
@@AZExpert Am I missing something or do you put electricity into the magic box to get electricity out? A gen set generates electricity from fuel. A piston, turbine, hydro, wind motor/engine is the generation /creation/excitement of the electrons. Simple really, a gen set "is the source" and the electricity produced is typically not stored unless connected to batteries of some kind, for RV'ing as an example. In the case of solar, the electrons are excited at the solar panel and then sent to the magic box to be "stored" or distributed to the grid, another circuit or grounded. The panels if anything are the only part of the system that could loosely be called a solar generator and the magic box, like the batteries in your coach can only accept electricity. It would be silly to call those beauties solar generators. Nobody does that, do they?
On another note James, You gotta write that book on RV repair.
@@toddswenson you put chemical energy into those boxes using a motor generally. Without the motor attached, the actual generator does not make power. To say it's simple is just special pleading for your pov, the source of energy of a fuel generator is still the sun with a lot more steps
@@AZExpert So, does your solar generator supply power if you charge it from the grid? It's far from useless without solar power. Solar isn't exclusive or needed to benefit from that setup you have. Lots of people will miss that point when you use the term solar generator. Many can benefit from having just the storage capability especially in areas with on demand/surge pricing from the grid, rolling brownouts and emergency reductions in service during critical events. The added solar is nice but not necessary in all cases. Thanks James, I understand your point. I owe you lunch sometime, you've shared a lot.
Did they give you all that stuff for free or you have to pay for it?
🤛👍🦅🙏😎🇺🇸
0:03 If you had a purchased outback power technologies, you would have a lightning fast app that you can access via any location including your phone through the internet. Your MP PT charge controllers would not be doing what they're doing because outback. Power technologies has that solved for you. My.
Entire home is powered by solar. I am grid tied and supply power to my neighbor's homes. I live in Kentucky. There are many, many storms and power outages all the time. The only power in my area that stays on 100% of the time with the outback power technology hybrid system that I built is my home. Next.
Time do a little more research before you spend that type of money. Your friend in Kentucky, big Jim. 10kw.
outback are fine inverters and components. Your system sounds great, I don't understand your point
Extreme weather, and extremely poorly written software
Eeew your panels are dirty, cuts down on efficiency, I have my panels cleaned twice a year!
Then you are wasting your money if you pay for that. It doesn't change the output enough to warrant it.
I don't like the Name - BLUE is Cringe - Should be Redetti