BIG Solar Array Build! Emergency Power!

[@radmilamiljanic5977]

Wow! This isn't just a regular lesson, it's an entire course! Well done, prof!

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching!

[@JoelCowanJr]

The plywood hurricane cover is genius!! Gives me confidence to proceed. Thanks

[@TKCL]

You can do it!

[@dmv_p]

I like your Implementation of adding the upper and lower ledges to assist with protect them during hurricanes. Nice work man

[@LearningToLiveTexasHomestead]

A tip for others, you can take a piece of toilet paper or paper towel, ball it up, tie a long enough piece of twine or kite string and tie it around your little paper ball and the other end to your cable. Stick the ball into an end of your already assembled and glues pipe, take an air compressor and blow the ball with the string attached to it to the other end or use a shop vac and suck it towards you. Using the string, pull the cable through towards you.😁

[@TKCL]

That's correct or use a plastic bag and shop vac is what I use. However you cannot pull 4 strand 10 gauge through 3/4 conduit on a 125ft run like this. That's why I had to do one piece at a time. Once I got up to 2-3 pieces I couldn't push the wire through no matter how hard I tried.

[@k6outdoors]

The array turned out great, we love our solar power!

[@TKCL]

LOL I won't be trying that.

[@greggbala6686]

I live in SW Florida I have a home solar system on a 80 foot steel rack with 36 325 watt panels since 2017 hooked to the grid they are insured as an out structure two hurricanes one major no issues with wind no damage!

[@jimanon5681]

That is Absolutely Impressive Andrew. I'm glad you got to show us a series and parallel as we are watching it. You explained it so well throughout all your videos that I have confidence that I can do my own array and I'll definitely be re-watching your videos.

[@TKCL]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@joshhartin78]

I’ve had a lot of problems, running network wire like that in the past wireless bridges or just running a piece of fiber in between work so much better. You won’t have to take a lightning hit for it to just get induced and take out whatever either side is plugged into so definitely use surge protector on either side before it gets to a network switch or router.

[@UnkyjoesPlayhouse]

He speaks the truth, for data do Fiber between buidings and not copper wire, "induced current from lighning will fry your data circuits" fiber is probably only 10% more expensive than copper, perhaps less. Great install.

[@MichaelP-ns]

Yep, fiber between buildings is the way to go

[@jimmyg6215]

I agree. I have several customers that I ran 200-300 ft fiber underground in 1” conduit. Much safer than having an antenna in the ground connected to susceptible electronics easy influenced by inductance. I would highly recommend replacing that copper and getting fiber. Or look into ubiquity equipment for long distance wireless bridging. Also a great solution vs running fiber or copper.

[@jp34604]

🤔

[@TKCL]

I did just order two quality arresstors, I didn't know they made them. Tons of positive reviews claiming they protected equipment AFTER known lightning strikes to buildings that damaged other equipment.

[@kerrydyas1386]

Looks great, Andrew

[@TKCL]

Thank you

[@ChrisEpler]

I'd highly recommend doing fiber between buildings vs. copper as you're likely to run into things getting fried from ground differential between buildings, especially when storms hit and you have lightning strikes near by...Have had clients lose their equipment multiple times before we moved them over to fiber (Church with school building also on property).

[@pampilgrim2274]

Hi, Mr. Skinny! You and Tiffany are looking great! This is a great video. You are helping many people with videos of this type. Your project is well planned and well executed. Your choice of placement for your solar array is genius! It’s perfect.

[@TKCL]

Thanks

[@shaneherman8906]

Someone may have said this but in case they didn't. The extra hotleg to the pool pump could be used as another 110 circuit. You can feed to 110 circuits using the same neutral. Just make sure the got legs are on separate phases. It's the same principle as a 240 circuit with a neutral. Just a thiught to have a future circuit since you have it there.

[@TKCL]

Exactly, I've seen that done in homes before. I already have a dedicated 12 gauge run to the pool deck, so I technically don't need another circuit.

[@jaysonstebbins2539]

I love these renogy blue cornered 100w panels. I built my 1800 watt array in the 6 series but 3 sets in parallel. I use it on my delta pro and consistently see 1600 watts! I mixed in 6 hqst panels into the mix to bring the voltage down. When I had my 12 renogy panels in 6S2P (1200 watts) I was getting 1250-1300 watts but the voltage would apike over the limit of 150v and the mppt would shut off. So I added 6 more and mixed in those lower voltage panels in. I have 9 panels over 9 panels like you do and like how you utilized the the top and bottom mounting holes. I used the side holes and put the mounts on top of each other and screwed them down together to get closer. I'm ready to rebuild my array and may do something close to this. But I'll leave enough room for more panels for hopefully another Delta pro soon for a smart home panel 2!

[@ChuckClaunch]

Andrew I love how you overbuild everything! You could probably jump your Roxor off that thing!

[@chuckspencer5296]

So.... my thoughts on the cover for the panels... just get some metal roofing material... would probably be lighter and would be less likely to be messed up when not in use. No rot, no problems...

[@TKCL]

Very true!

[@ryanzynda5114]

Awesome video. Those panels will save you a lot of money. 😊

[@bfa178]

These longer videos just make my day!!! Your knowledge on solar systems is beyond my comprehension. I wish I could borrow you or your knowledge for a few days to get a system started. Great work as always!!!

[@TKCL]

Glad you like them!

[@waylonhartwell]

A few suggestions first for your plywood idea. I would put in a steel bracket either on the top or the bottom piece of wood where you can just set the piece of plywood in and then let it drop. So you're not having to hold the plywood up while you're screwing it down. Then it will also help hold it and cover up an edge just a piece of steel bracket to hold the piece of plywood for you. And then I would have actually ran an extra wire between the shop and the house to be able to run power from the shop to the house to use the excess power inside the house during normal operations and then you could also set it up where you could charge the battery Bank through the inverter from the garage inverters. It's a little bit inefficient, but if you're creating that much power, who cares if you're losing a little bit of efficiency. Plus I would have run an extra solar cable and empty conduit from the array to the garage for future plans and if you plan to test other products you could have had an extra test array set up behind the shed. Then there would have been an extra set of wires for you to play with but too late for the underground stuff unless you want to dig it up by hand and put it in

[@TKCL]

I have kicked around the holding lip idea. As for tying the house and shop together, I feel that's starting to push the limits of my setup. My shop is a heavy user, 2 freezers, refrigerator, AC, a lot of lights, fans, 240 compressor, tools and a lot of work goes in out there. Not to mention the new pool pump. I do have a cord where I can tie the house in during an emergency if I have any equipment failures.

[@robertmorris3919]

This was an excellent video Andrew! Very interesting to watch your idea come to life! No telling how much this will save you now that your pool pump is off grid. And, I love how you overbuild everything too!

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching! Make sure you check out this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGaUlqF3e9t6l5Y Your Ultra just got a sweet update!

[@robertmorris3919]

@ oh, that’s great to hear!

[@nickk05281982]

Should add emergency disconnects at the socket they are required

[@TKCL]

I did mention those in the video. Being able to manually throw off power at the combiner boxes works well for me.

[@Jasonoid]

Excellent build. I think that fence and solar array is the strongest I have ever seen. Nice work!

[@TKCL]

Thank you very much!

[@jameshattub351]

You are one smart dude.

[@5parky57]

I'm so jelly, love watching your videos

[@larryatkins4512]

Great video Andrew and of course well built to hold up to mother nature

[@TKCL]

I hope so! Thanks

[@PJ-uv9fr]

That should definitely make you feel better now that it's done! The build in place with protection was a great idea - I was wondering how you would handle this build.👍👍👍

[@TKCL]

Thanks for watching

[@christopherpridmore]

I love my TEMCO wire very good quality and price.

[@TKCL]

Right on

[@toddwhite8149]

Maybe you could screw pool noodles on the plywood for cushions protection, between your support beams, that a 100yr array build😊 👍.

[@TKCL]

Not a bad idea

[@ramiroleal8902]

You are amazing.

[@dougdavis4439]

That came out great Andrew! I really like that array design. The power company is going to miss that pool pump revenue! Lol!

[@TKCL]

I am not going to miss paying them.

[@johnw7587]

I don’t know anything about social media so I probably am wrong in posting this. I watch your videos and the one on the rear discharge deck for your grasshopper is that all I have to for my 725D front mount mower.

[@TKCL]

If you want that deck all you need to do is order it and the grass deflector kit. It will hook right up to your 725D

[@johnkirby6547]

Hi Andrew, the long awaited solar panels addition is amazing. Like the design of your mount and the idea of covering with plywood for storms is easy, predrilled holes and number the boards and you'll be done in less than an hour. Not sure if the middle support will give you shadow across the array of panels.. you should put lighting protection on each end of the cat6 cable, I've seen those take out modems and switches.

[@TKCL]

I just ordered two arresstors, thanks.

[@kevinmahon4460]

What great content! Well worth the wait! Maybe for the plywood...a little stop at the bottom will help with quick 1 person install

[@TKCL]

I have thought about making a lip to stop the plywood from sliding down.

[@josephcampbell007]

Andrew i haven't seen a Ditch Witch in a long time. we used to use one along time ago for irrigation work. i love the solar panel array. great video 👍

[@TKCL]

Thanks for watching!

[@kewpiefan72]

Looks like you thought of everything!

[@TKCL]

I'm sure I'll wish I had done something else . I can always dig another trench if needed.

[@daniellanning115]

​@@TKCL just wondering if you were going to close the ends off to keep animals out from underneath the panels and potentially destroying the wires or leaving them open.

[@eworks9828]

Make someway to store your disaster plywood under the array and you got it.

[@TKCL]

That's a good idea!

[@Hal-wk3ks]

I have been waiting on this one. Excellent job! Very well thought out.

[@TKCL]

Glad you liked it!

[@UnkyjoesPlayhouse]

Love those Renogy panels, they do produce, wish my more expensive 400 watt panels performed as well.

[@TKCL]

These panels consistenly produce what they claim, they are great.

[@dropshot1967]

I love these videos. I think the array will be strong enough, but I also think you make a mistake in what forces the array will have to endure. The way it is set up now if the winds blow towards the fence, the majority of the air/wind will blow over the panels and in a hurricane at high speed. The air under the panels will almost be still. Now apply the Bernoulli principle to that situation. The faster-moving air on top of the panels reduces the air pressure on that side of the panels. The slow-moving air below the panels stays the same. The result will be, that the panels generate lift / an upward force. So I hope the feet/bracket construction of the pannels is strong enough. I think that the gaps between the panels will help reduce the upward force

[@TKCL]

Don't disagree with your logic, but I do feel quite confident that 10 6x6s in concrete should hold this down with no issues. I hope I don't get to find it out, we have went through enough hurricanes in the last year.

[@LanceParkhurst]

Great job! I really wish I had the land and legality to do something like that here. Really clean setup.

[@TKCL]

Thanks!

[@HalfPint5811]

Awesome video Buddy! Great build 💪💪

[@TKCL]

Thanks

[@markdeeb7734]

I know this will sound crazy, but it would be cool to see a rail system built beneath the panels that you could sit a rolling platform on. That way when you need to get under the array to work on the cables you could just sit or lay on the rolling platform and roll yourself down the row like a rolling ladder at a bookstore.

[@TKCL]

I like the idea, but I doubt I'll ever be going back underneath.

[@hellinabucket3]

I like the "storm shutter" idea. I would definitely run a full 2x as opposed to blocks, and screw it from the back as well as the top. Plywood and even tin, as some else suggested, will flex in high winds. While most of the wind will be diverted over the top, you will still have uplift issues just like a roof. It looks like you have venting at the top, which will help relieve some of that pressure that will build up because you have the fence in the back. Blocking off the ends and blocking the bottom could help as well? I wish I had a good suggestion, but I just did the building and not the engineering. I wish I could go solar, but I simply do not use enough electric to pay for it.

[@TKCL]

I'll definitely be securing the center blocking.

[@hellinabucket3]

@@TKCL That is good, but do not forget about the uplift. your structure should stay solid, but the panels are not as sturdy. That little space at the bottom might not seem like much, but after the wind bounces off the fence it will build up. That is how roofs get blown off of buildings. Hopefully we will not see that kind of wind again, but I would not put money on it and you have a good amount invested.

[@nickk05281982]

Most your pumps will run off of 240v. I don’t know how that will help with solar but it would make use of that fourth wire and have even less voltage drop

[@TKCL]

4th wire is only needed for two 120v runs. I still only need 3 wires for 240v operation, I need to see if my pump can be wired that way for more efficency. Thanks

[@markfletcher4933]

Hate to keep repeating myself but I love that chainsaw!!!!

[@TKCL]

It's handy!

[@ChrisEpler]

If you change the pump to 240v that'll reduce losses too...something to consider if/when the current one dies...especially since the wire is there now...

[@TKCL]

I checked the pump specs, says 115v only on the wiring diagram.

[@jake-mv5oi]

I like that design. Don't think that's going anywhere unless you get a direct hit from a tornado.

[@TKCL]

Can't really build for a tornado. We hope to never experience another one.

[@s13ef9]

We are finally dipping our toes back into solar on our property here in central Fl. Just picked up the Anker f3800 and 1 expansion battery. Setting up a subpanel to run the fridge, office and garage off grid. Excited for the fun to begin. I have several Ecoflow products but for split phase the anker beats everything Ecoflow current offers.

[@TKCL]

Happy to hear that you are getting into it. But I have to majorly disagree with the Anker comment. They have extremely low pv input specs (unless something has changed), that's what you desperately need for a bigger 240v system designed to run homes.

[@s13ef9]

@ I will really only need the true 240 from the unit for the occasional car lift operation. They have updated the firmware to help with the solar input issues but it’s still severely limited compared to Ecoflow. All that said, the Ecoflow DPU really struggles with a car lift and some other things with high inrush current. I don’t need a massive amount of power for long durations but I need reliable power when it’s time to put in the work. I expect Ecoflow will resolve their split phase struggles with updates but I’m not willing to spend the big bucks until they sort it out.

[@RobertKohut]

Time for more batteries.....Nice work! 🙂30 KW wall mounted or rack mounted would be nice $$$$$

[@TKCL]

I am wanting to get at least one more battery, but my wallet is hurting lol.

[@rongray4847]

Hi Andrew, great thought and Job as usual. I still don’t understand a lot of this solar stuff but I am getting little bits from you. 👍👍❤️❤️🇨🇦

[@TKCL]

Thanks for watching

[@AdamDeal-KF0PRI]

right on! ita about time aye!

[@TKCL]

No kidding!

[@The812ryan]

19:05 that’s an expensive saw horse you got. 😂

[@TKCL]

No kidding

[@johnnunez17]

Way over my head but I like your thinking through it all👍🏻

[@TKCL]

Thanks for watching

[@macclark4112]

I was thinking it was a huge array.

[@TKCL]

It's big for me, but for sure others have much bigger ones.

[@llN3M3515ll]

With low voltage you typically want to run 2 cables when you can, so if one gets cut or gets fried you can just swap over to the other. Cables cheap in comparison to having to run another cable.

[@TKCL]

I've got plans for a trencher in the future because I use one often. If anything happens I'll run a big conduit so I can pull anything I want.

[@mrjshark]

Make sure to put ethernet lighting arrestors on each end of that burried ethernet, and properly ground them on both sides. Lighting has a nasty habbit of frying networking equipment like your setup. If it was me, i would have run fiber since that wont carry electricity to your sensitive routers and switches.

[@TKCL]

Good point, I am ordering two of them now.

[@sks1024]

Great build, but you should have run single mode fiber between buildings instead of copper.

[@tacticalsnoopy]

Awesome set up

[@TKCL]

Glad you think so!

[@Tripring2000]

Is your pool pump a dual voltage pump? If so you should convert it to 240 volt. A trencher takes longer to go pick up, off load and re-load than it does to actually cut the trenches you need.

[@TKCL]

You got that right about the trencher. I need to check on the pump.

[@Tripring2000]

@ if the motor is dual voltage, you can get a double pole GFI breaker and change the voltage to 240. The motor will run more efficiently and use less energy. That way you can squeeze all of the efficiency out of your solar system.

[@TKCL]

@Tripring2000 correct! Sadly these breakers are outrageous!

[@ter450]

Looks great! Gate to back through fence for easy access? Consider translucent 4'x8' hurricane poly panels. I imagine power generation through them would be poor. They store well in non-direct sunlight area and much easier to work with then plywood. I bought some from Lowes several years ago for $72 each, though price has probably gone up and hard to find them in stock.

[@TKCL]

Never seen those, I'll have to look into them.

[@ter450]

@@TKCL search for "POLYCARBONATE STORM PANELS"

[@SouthernMedicRN]

I would like to have some solar but where I live in Alabama it's illegal. Laws to establish rural electric we're written to force you to use them.

[@TKCL]

That's crazy! I don't see how they can get away with that.

[@markrymer2908]

Great build! Maybe I missed it somewhere but what are your plans for maintaining the lawn underneath the panels? Seems like it would be a pain to weed wack. Maybe installing fabric and landscape stone underneath would help minimize weed / grass growth.

[@TKCL]

Thinking weed fabric and rock just like the rest of the house landscaping.

[@timothyyoungman2020]

Awesome setup - how long is that setup?

[@TKCL]

32ft

[@4heitjer]

you may experience data transmission degragation from burring the network cable that close to high voltage power lines. Would be good to do test before and after and report to the community!

[@TKCL]

This was days ago. Speeds and transmission has been excellent. The cat 6 is shielded and the solar power is DC current if that makes any difference? Thus far I don't see any complications.

[@filjohn81]

Looks awesome! Is the bottom board for the plywood protection sloped any to prevent water buildup?

[@TKCL]

No but there is enough gaps that it will drain. If I see any issues I'll drill some holes.

[@jarredmitchell6164]

Hope you didn't put that ethernet cable directly on top of the electrical. it can cause interference and introduce data packet loss and other issues. Few inches of separation should suffice. Looking nice Andrew! Your probably ok though. something to keep in mind if you encounter issues in the future.

[@TKCL]

I purposely bought shielded cable in hopes that would be ok. Keep in mind solar is DC current if that makes any difference for interference? So far I've been streaming in the shop for days with zero issues and super fast speeds.

[@exploitthechildless1510]

With your plywood covers, what is the wind rating for your array? Clearly, you need to prepare your property for annual 75+ mph storms. Also, why 100 watt panels? I'm building an array for my farm, it will produce at least 12 KWH array with 500 watt bifacial panels. Ground Mounts are expensive (Ironridge) and I want the highest wattage array I can get. What is the reasoning behind your approach? Costs between the 100 watt panel and the 500 panel are within 20% of each other.

[@TKCL]

I fully trust that array to handle any of our hurricanes, I'll just make sure I screw in the plywood really well.

[@xzibit8614]

Did you say you can flip it to run the EcoFlow Delta pro ultra?

[@TKCL]

Yes, all I have to do is change a few wires at the combiner boxes.

[@matthewbauer89]

The new EG4 bossgrid and flexboss setups look really interesting. Is that something that you would be looking into? I understand the bossgrid probably not but the flexboss could be very useful.

[@TKCL]

I'm honestly not familiar with them, my Orient system has worked so well over the years I've just left it alone and not researched much.

[@jerrydemas2020]

I am waiting for others to comment on the PVC conduit run , wire pull and fill requirement.

[@TKCL]

So far you are the only comment.

[@Sillybird41]

Just a question. Why did you choose to put the panel down low and not on top on the house or shop?

[@timbrown1240]

How long do you run your pool a day, we run 8-10 hours a day and the pool water is great. If you run it 24 hours a day,that a lot. Maybe that will help you

[@TKCL]

During the summer we run 9-10 hours a day. My pump is 1.5 hp. It's very hungry!

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

Suwannee county Fla. here, been considering such, Does the array ITSELF have to be permitted?

[@TKCL]

If you are tieing to a home or permitted structure then yes. Also if you are putting it on your insurance, you are for sure going to want to permit it.

[@CWBKC]

Heck in North Missouri we lose power 3 times a week just because the infrastructure is crap. I see you use the EcoFlow as your batteries & controls. Is this a cost effective way to buying batteries, charge controllers and inverters? awesome video as always.

[@TKCL]

No, it's actually more expensive than building out your own system. But the EcoFlow setup is far easier to use for someone wanting portability and no wiring or building. It's more of a set it and forget it type of system.

[@grumpysdiy]

Hey great build, another youtuber here and about to build a racking system for my solar panels. How far apart are those 6 x 6's on your fence. Sorry if I missed that answer in the video.

[@TKCL]

They are 8ft

[@bobbikuhn3496]

Is there any kind of equipment you can't run?

[@TKCL]

Sure, but I will still try it.

[@rockyhighwayroad7365]

Solar system. Lol 😂 you got a mini sun and planet in there ?

[@TKCL]

Lol

[@chrisavila2073]

Omg

[@TKCL]

Shouldn't you be working at this time of morning? LOL

[@miketiong8441]

No good output from shadowing .

[@TKCL]

Luckily most of the day I am in the wide open.

[@Brett-l4y]

Kelley not told us all about him probably has win the lottery

[@TKCL]

I wish, hard to win it when I don't play it.

[@John-qc8yy]

2 words - line loss.

[@TKCL]

I could care less honestly. I don't want to see ugly panels in my yard, this was a good hidden location and I am not putting holes in my roof risking leaks. I'll take the small drop by running a few extra feet. Based on the input I am seeing on my inverters, there isn't much loss going on.

[@joebufford2972]

Has Elon contacted you yet?

[@TKCL]

He's too busy being a new politician lol.