A DIY Solar Install YOU CAN DO!! - 1000 Watts of Power - Off Grid - Power Outage - Reduce Power Bill

In this video I finish my DIY 1000 watt solar panel install on my shed roof. This would work great for any off-grid setup. My shed faces south so it's a great option for solar performance as well! Using glass rigid solar panels is the best option for long term power in all climates.
BUILD COMPONENTS:
Aluminum Solar Clamps:
amzn.to/3t4gmvZ
EZ Solar Junction Box:
www.stellavolta.com/ez-solar-...
Channel Strut 10ft 12gauge
www.lowes.com/pd/Adamax-Adama...
Cone Nuts
www.lowes.com/pd/Adamax/50028...
Square Washers
www.lowes.com/pd/Adamax/50028...
I found these 325 watt panels locally for sale, you can find something similar using Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or another local classified!
You can see my Portable Solar Array video HERE:
• DIY Solar Backup Power...
You can see how I use these panels daily HERE:
• Keep the Power On Duri...
The use of one Amazon affiliate link can provide a small commission for me when you use them. Thanks for supporting my channel content and allowing me to do future comparison videos! More videos coming soon!

[@PeaceChanel]

Thank You folks for All that you are doing for our Planet Earth.... Peace.. Shalom.. Salam.. Namaste 🙏🏻 😊 🌈 ✌ ☮ ❤

[@nevv8581]

I always enjoy your diy vids. Thank you for taking the time to do this. Great job!

[@Jasonoid]

Thanks Nev!

[@hmfem3656]

Well done Jason, you had advised us of your plan & I'm glad that it's done.

[@Jasonoid]

Good to have them finally installed!

[@sksupply]

Going to show this to my friend looking to build an array for his pump house. Always good to have water in a grid down situation.

[@Jasonoid]

Sounds like a fun project!

[@litnoregrets7551]

Nicky done. This will be a handy reference. Thanks.

[@loucinci3922]

Nice setup - good job. Thanks for sharing

[@larrybell4599]

I liked your video. It’s simple and well explained. I really liked the links to your materials.

[@mfeltster]

Sweet! thanks for posting this….super simple and straight forward

[@hitsonthehill]

Wow Jason, I need you to come here!! That was awesome.

[@Jasonoid]

It feels great to finally have them mounted and producing power!

[@MrCornelius1973]

Once again great job Jasonoid!!

[@Jasonoid]

Love your KZbin name! Thanks :)

[@RedCornStudios]

Thanks for your video! It totally helped me successfully mount my panels. Only changes were ones bases on my panel specs/size.

[@Jasonoid]

That's what I like to hear! I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@johnperry5960]

Great video as always.

[@lessstuffmorefreedom-livin6886]

Great video Jason

[@research903]

Also, add that sealant all the way around the hole both UNDER the flashing and on top of the flashing. Use a fender washer under the head of the bolt and put sealant on both sides of washer then cover the head with sealant. I second that idea to thoroughly apply several coats of water repellent to the blocks and place them with the open grain to the sides.

[@valster6254]

great build

[@JimRobb44]

I love the mounting! To keep power losses at a minimum I would suggest installing your batteries and inverter in the shed, then running the AC to the house.

[@Jasonoid]

I've thought about that but I live in quite the extreme climate. Below 32F in the winter, about 100F in the summer. Too cold and hot for Lifepo4 chemistry unfortunately.

[@zigzagluck]

This is awesome Jason! I'm planning on doing a similar setup on my garage, with 6 panels.

[@Jasonoid]

Good luck on your project. It's a fun one for sure! 😁👍

[@Sonoma_Coast]

Great video. Great effort.

[@paul_dz]

Nice and simple - and looks very secure. I would have applied a good water repellant to the 2x4 blocks before installing though - much simpler and easier. And it might be a better design to rotate the blocks so that the end grain is to the sides to minimize contact with runoff.

[@ruzziasht349]

You'd think so, right? pretty dumb not to.

[@TK-123]

Well done. Love the details…

[@Jasonoid]

Thanks TK!

[@lynnbb]

Thanks Jason🌷🐾🐾

[@powernab8457]

You done a fine job

[@drneedles7093]

Perfect timing. I just bought 4-270 watt 60 cell poly panels. I didn't think of using blocks or flashing. I may use square tubing instead of 2x4s.

[@Jasonoid]

There are so many ways to do it, I'm sure you'll find a great option. I totally recommend that solar junction box. Super easy to work with!

[@jpayne8096]

Great install..... only thing is the length of the cable runs. DC power is not very efficient over long runs. If you live in a climate that you could keep the power units inside the shed, it would be a lot more efficient to install the units in the shed, then run AC wiring into the house. Anytime you run power for DC, the wiring should be as short as possible to combat voltage drop.

[@Jasonoid]

If I had these wired in parallel I'd be more worried about the voltage drop. These panels are wired in series at 120VDC so there's not much voltage drop since it's a higher voltage / low amp combo. I did use 12awg wire for the whole run to try to limit the resistance. Will both arrays I usually see around 1600 watts on my AC300 power station.

[@dan32one44]

Nice 👍

[@azclaimjumper]

You revealed a lot about yourself when you told about coaching girls & providing ice cream for them after the game in one of your other videos. I'll definitely use your discount code when Bluetti comes out with their EB7A or EB8A if it has all the goodies their EB3A has. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada - Home of Battle Born Batteries &, of course, Tesla manufacturing plant.

[@Jasonoid]

Thanks Claimjumper, I hope to see a future EB7A, maybe an EB10A? That would be sweet!

[@Moes_Prep_and_Tech]

6:47 I like the Bluetti power station you have on top of your AC300, lol. Amazing setup by the way, I'm about to Emulate it

[@Jasonoid]

Yeah, pretty much a Bluetti haha

[@johnaugsburger6192]

Thanks

[@solarindependentutilitysystems]

I prefer the yard mounted system best if your skyline is available so the solar pathfinder is the best tool to see your solar potential

[@user--PM]

Thanks for sharing how you put the solar panels on top of the shed roof. I hope they work as well as the ones on the ground. Maybe a comparison comment in the future.

[@Jasonoid]

In the summer they will get pretty good performance, in the winter the ground mount will be more beneficial because I can tilt them up more. The biggest thing is they are out of the way now 👍

[@tweedeldee8122]

Thanks!

[@Jasonoid]

Very much appreciated :) Thank you!

[@locascioantonino]

Nice

[@BeeBumbo]

I love the set up but how would I hook it up up batteries/an inverter?

[@campbellsoup4910]

Hey Dr J' Very nice setup, looks real sturdy and well put together. I also like the portable setup as well, which would probably be the route I take. Is it possible for you to do a vid comparing the solar output from rooftop setup vs the portable one you have?? Thanks again for diy vids

[@Jasonoid]

They both have the same potential, just all depends on which panels you decide to go with in your build. The ground mount system does have the tilting feature so you'd get more solar power in the winter for the lower sun angles.

[@campbellsoup4910]

@@Jasonoid Yes sir, yes sir! Appreciate that info

[@chrissinclair8705]

Just to be safe I'd paint the top of that junction box white to reflect the sun. Why it didn't come in white is a mystery considering it's in the sun all day. I know it's just a junction box but it costs you only a little paint just in case. Good build. In Toronto we have crappy weather all the time. If I did the build I'd probably even have to seal up around the wood blocks as well we get so much bad weather. Since you're in the desert it probably won't matter. Good build

[@Jasonoid]

Good thought on the white paint, the wiring inside can handle 90C before it melts, I hope that would be enough haha

[@chrissinclair8705]

@@Jasonoid True, but it's cheap insurance. They should have made it white in the first place really.

[@johnroyer3191]

Nice job. You can get and cut steel with holes in it at the lumber yard. Might last longer than the wood. Wish I had your skills.

[@Jasonoid]

Thanks John, it just takes planning and then you just jump in haha.

[@johnroyer3191]

@@Jasonoid It really is inspiring, watching what you are accomplishing.

[@davef.2811]

Nice plan and beautiful work you do there. Is grounding the array necessary, or considered optional where you are? That is mandatory here in South Florida.

[@Jasonoid]

It wasn't completely finished in this video. I still had to ground the array and trench the wires after the filming. Thanks for watching :)

[@davef.2811]

Again, beautiful work you do there.@@Jasonoid

[@farceadentus]

Nice build! What’s the total cost of everything?

[@SetitesTechAdventures]

Nice. I want to DIY a ground mount that is not portable. I also want to add seasonal tilting. Do you have a good idea on a way to combine unistruts with a single row of ground mount poles?

[@Jasonoid]

I have seen a few videos online about tilting ground mounts. I'd love to have the space for a ground mount system, I'd convert my whole house to solar if that was the case. I'm sure you can come up with something simple. A cheap grinder and welder could accomplish a lot in that type of project.

[@markgonsowski921]

Awesome video, have you gotten any leaks? I'm about to mount six panels on my house roof, but am VERY hesitant to drill a big 2 inch hole, I may run it down the roof in conduit and up through the eve.

[@Jasonoid]

No leaks at all. If you install this roof flashing properly it's designed to protect against water and ice.

[@treviskingston8858]

Very impressive! Question: Would high winds "feather" or try to lift panels ? ( And would a wind dampening shield around the panels help ... or would it "overheat" panels?

[@Jasonoid]

These panels have been super strong ever since they were installed. No issues at all. I'd rather have the airflow vs the windshield.

[@paul_dz]

I take back suggestion to rotate the 2x4 blocks - probably less likely to crack from weight of struts in your design. I would just add small piece of flashing to the top exposed end grain.

[@Jasonoid]

I'm sure either way would have been okay, these wood blocks will never see the sun and hardly be exposed to the elements since the panels overhang so far.

[@rcguymike]

Or use a composite such as trex

[@FishtankandDIY]

Hi do I need breaker box install before connect to bluetti?

[@drrobotnikmeanbeanma]

Where can I get me a 50 Amp solar panel with a charge control and something that can detect a short circuit. Can a 2,000w solar panel work for a jumpstarter to get more watts to power stuff ?

[@hodaddy2]

Great video! Question: Can I use Z brackets to mount just 1 260W panel to my shed or do I need more room between the shingles and the panel?

[@Jasonoid]

It's best to have an airspace for airflow to cool down the solar panel. If the panel is directly on the roof it will get quite warm. Heat is not your friend when it comes to solar. Cooler panels equal longer life and more watts.

[@PWoods-cd6tk]

Good job. I'm doing the same. I installed the Reliance Controls 4 circuit switch and checked it with a generator, but I do not have a solar generator yet. I was going to use an inverter but am confused about the Neutral Ground Bond issue since my panel has a neutral ground bond. It appears to not be an issue if you use something with charging capabilities. I'm leaning toward a Bluetti at this point.

[@Jasonoid]

Have you thought about a LiFePO4 server rack battery and an all in one inverter charger like a EG4 or Growatt? Similar performance for much less cost!

[@PWoods-cd6tk]

@@Jasonoid Yes. I saw that some of the Growatts are actually California approved. The benefit of a portable solar generator would be that it is portable. I was shooting for about 2,000 total with the transfer switch, panels, batteries, and all. I'm already 900 into it with an inverter generator and the transfer switch, so now I'm considering pushing it up over 3000 and buying something like a Bluetti. With our rates here going up around 40 cents a kilowatt hour, it'll pay for itself within 3 years.

[@rcguymike]

@@Jasonoid Or victron as it has a relay to toggle the grounding automatically as needed👍

[@zondoisraelmbuzeni1030]

I want to have what I must do

[@richardjordan8479]

Great Content, do I need to worry about sending to much solar power to my portable power station? Cheers 🍻 🔋

[@Jasonoid]

The only thing to worry about is the voltage being to high, just following the voltage specs on the power station charging input.

[@richardjordan8479]

@@Jasonoid Thank you for your reply. New subscriber

[@sephystar]

Could you share how the array was grounded? I’m looking to do pretty much the exact setup as you with a Bluetti AC500 and transfer switch.

[@Jasonoid]

Grounding lug on the panels, ground wire ran down with the other wires to the ground. Edit*, I did do that AFTER the video was filmed haha

[@MrMarineGomez]

Do you have a video showing how to tie these into the grid to save on the electric bill?

[@Jasonoid]

These panels feed batteries that I run some of my appliances off of. You'll want to look for a video about "grid tie solar".

[@baneverything5580]

So should I buy a larger Bluetti or try to build a system from a 300 ah LiFePo4 battery for emergency cooling after hurricanes? I have a tiny Frigidaire window unit with manual controls. The one everybody recommended for its low wattage. I need a few hours cooling at night and continuous daytime use for at least 8 hours. I can possibly spend 2000 and need help. I currently have three 100 watt poly panels and a 190 watt mono plus 100 watt and 120 watt folding panels.

[@Jasonoid]

I'd recommend a DIY solution so you don't have to deal with a touch screen breaking. Most solar setups require matching solar panels for the most power if you want to make a larger array of parallel or series connections, so you may want to keep that in mind.

[@pilinke11]

I just got the oupes 1200 and I'm satisfied with the results so far but now I want something bigger and probably fast recharge time in case need of gas generator during the day, I was thinking about getting oukitel p2001 of pff brand which is cheaper, any good recommendations for a 2000w power station/ solar generator

[@Jasonoid]

You usually get what you pay for. The FFpower P2001 seems to be pretty decent but it charges slower and has less 'actual' capacity than the other 2000w units. I love my Bluetti AC200P and it's not priced much higher. If you want something expandable maybe look at the Bluetti Ac200Max.

[@budmartin3344]

Great video. @4:40 so you do not use the screw and the piece for the channel clamp and use the new screw and the cone nuts instead? It is great that you put the links for all mounting hardware that I did not know they have at Lowes, thanks! Looking forward to see how much power your panels produce in real world, I am guessing about 800W?

[@Jasonoid]

The stock solar clamp hardware isn't compatible with super strut so you have to purchase 1/4th inch stainless bolts /washer / locking washers. Lowes has just a tiny section of super strut hardware.... Pretty hard to find unless you are looking for it haha.

[@budmartin3344]

@@Jasonoid I see, thanks.

[@imxaxninja1]

About the bouge rv panels. Are those panels ok to mount to the roof, shed or patio?

[@Jasonoid]

Yes, any glass rigid panel is fine to mount up. They all have durable aluminum frames.

[@davidpatrick1813]

Those look like fine panels. I come down on the poly side not the mono

[@Jasonoid]

Poly panels take up a little more space for the output since they aren't as efficient... but for the price I got them for, I couldn't find a better deal :)

[@nickpike1000]

I know the c channel has holes in it but it looks like if it rains, you would still have alot of standing water in the lower edges. Is it maybe possible to flip the c channel over?

[@Jasonoid]

That might be the case, I haven't thought about that issue. I live in a dry climate so I doubt it would be a problem with mine.

[@ellemarta]

Hi nice video I have question about solar panels.. can I install 3 x 400w each solar panel (equal) 1200w ...instead to Instal 12 x 100w each (equal) 1200w ... I hope you understand what I mean thank you

[@Jasonoid]

Yes, that is basically the same thing. However there are MANY different factors to think about. I recommend you check out this video to learn how to put together solar arrays for different sized power stations: kzbin.info/www/bejne/anuqaX-sf9-hgrs

[@rrr92462]

Were any inspections by the county or city required for this?

[@Jasonoid]

If the system was a 'grid tie' attached to my home, it would require that. Since this is an off grid setup charging batteries attached to my shed I did not need inspections.

[@solarindependentutilitysystems]

Do you like these power stations? I don’t for numerous reasons… building your own system is by far best !

[@Jasonoid]

I like both DIY builds and power stations. I have built a few small DIY systems and tested many power stations. Larger DIY projects are more affordable than these large off the shelf options.

[@davemack7740]

👍

[@joelc9439]

So how much does each panel produce.. am assuming it's around 330? 330 x 3 is around 1000 watts.

[@Jasonoid]

each panel is rated at 325 or a total power of 975 watts. I usually see around 850 watts from the array.

[@toviyalovelightlife6180]

Do you have to ground the panels?

[@Jasonoid]

I still need to finalize a few things on this project. Trenching the power back to my house and grounding the panels. I've heard it's a good thing to do for safety in case a lightning strike.

[@zigzagluck]

@@Jasonoid Hi Jason. How do you plan to ground the panels? Do you have a sub-panel in your shed?

[@gwashburn39]

To funny, I just about used all the same equipment. Only I made it a ground sled out of uni strut. hahahah. I used gate hinges so I can change angle to sun during each season. Nice nice!!

[@baneverything5580]

I`m still arguing with my relatives about WHY I need solar power for my camper. As soon as I won my disability case and received the stimulus checks, while living with my sister, the whining began when I started buying solar panels, solar power stations, and many other prepping tools. We`d just been hit by two hurricanes a couple of months before. But my sister said, "I think you`re gonna regret buying that solar stuff!" Now she`s trying to convince me I need gravel hauled in, my nephew has dreams of helping me buy a fancy fence, etc. They watch home improvement TV shows. LOL! After I put a cover over my camper I want to install a larger solar system for Winter heat and Summer air conditioning if I have enough left. "Well your bill won`t be very high!" That isn`t the point. The POINT is...what if I LOSE my SSI and can`t heat or cool my camper? I want SELF SUFFICIENCY because I was homeless before without anything. One time when I had a home I couldn`t pay my bills after copper thieves destroyed my business. It was a nightmare. Then copper thieves got my house and I had to live in a moldy camper van. Stole my truck too. I want my own electricity, my own food, my own clean water, and if it`s POSSIBLE to do NOW while I can it`s the only SENSIBLE thing to do. Then I can save money on my bill to buy FOOD in the future, or not die if I lose my tiny check. Right now I can cook with solar, keep my freezers cold, run a dorm fridge, and the smaller wattage things like lights and fans. But my freezer and fridge batteries MUST be recharged daily. No sun...no freezers. I do have a cheap 2 stroke gas generator but no transportation to the store for the gas I can`t afford. A folding solar panel can power a USB fan during power outages and charge a small power bank or two for nighttime use. If you live in a dangerously hot area this is very important. I tested a 30 watt panel and it powered a fan while it was raining!

[@Jasonoid]

Family can be on a different page sometimes. Keep up the good work and I hope things start to get better before they get worse! (but I have a feeling we are just getting started with inflation...)

[@baneverything5580]

@@Jasonoid If I have 1500 to 2000 to spend, what can I get for powering a manual Frigidaire air conditioner? It`s the classic one everybody recommends with soft start that runs between 300-400 watts. Any recommendations? I have just 490 watts of glass panels at the moment.

[@Jasonoid]

@@baneverything5580 I'd consider a DIY setup. You get the extra reliability, cheaper cost and you can expand it easily. You could even throw it all on a dolly to make it portable. 100ah battery for 1280wh is around $350, an Xantrex 2000 watt high quality inverter for $400, and then you just need wiring to connect them together. Solar charge controllers are cheap too.

[@Moes_Prep_and_Tech]

But if the Main Reason of Putting it on the Shed was to transfer it to the House I would have Had the wires go down the side of the Shed , then trenched underground instead of poking a hole thru the roof. but putting it thru the roof gives you the option of having a setup inside. I just personally feel more secure having all my batteries inside my house instead of a shed or garage

[@Jasonoid]

My house roof has multiple layers of shingles and needs to be replaced, my house roof also doesn't face south for the best performance. I built this garage a few years ago and I have always wanted to put solar on it since there isn't any shade to block the sun.

[@Moes_Prep_and_Tech]

@@Jasonoid I get that but you didn't have to make a large hole in the Garage if the main setup was in your house

[@Jasonoid]

@@Moes_Prep_and_Tech I might have a battery system in the shed some day so it leaves me that option I suppose. Also, Im not a huge fan of external wiring so going through the roof, inside the shed, and through the ground allows the wiring to remain unseen and out of the way. So many options though.

[@TableWalkLake]

I don’t understand how many volts 1000 watts is. I need 120volts.

[@Jasonoid]

This video will teach you how to put solar panels together to get the voltage you need: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYvZo4erna-bjtU

[@Mike-.]

For the algorithm

[@elibaltodano1538]

Now you have a roof leak 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@davidjames1684]

They should sell sheds with solar panels already mounted on them for people that don't want to fuss, or maybe just have the mounting rails already installed on them so the solar panels can be added later. Also, why do people butt the panels up together? Why not leave gaps between them? That would allow someone to walk between them and clean them easier.

[@Jasonoid]

It's easy enough to clean them from the top and bottom, at least in my case cool idea with the "built in solar panel" idea. As solar shingles become more popular that would be a very simple solution!

[@davidjames1684]

@@Jasonoid They could offer the sheds with the option of having the solar rails preinstalled... you just tell them the spacing you need and they do it for you, so then people will have assurance that it wont leak (or at least if it does, it would be under warranty), and they wouldn't have the worries about messing it up.

[@oscardiaz-kq8wq]

all good but aluminum and iron oxidizes aluminum eats it thank you.

[@Merdulac]

Thanks