Disconnecting This House From The Grid | ØY11

It's not every day that a customer asks you to work on an off grid system they've practically designed and installed themselves! But I think he did a pretty awesome job! In this episode we take a closer look at what is in my opinion, one of the best off grid battery systems on the market right now - Victron. Along with Ted, we get the system up and running as well as vertically mounting some solar panels on the property. It’s an unusual solar and battery storage setup, but we feel it’s worth filming! Comment below on what you think of this DIY solar setup! Enjoy 😄
The links from the video, along with some merch n some big ol’ discount codes 👇🏼
linktr.ee/oyel...
Todays sponsor is Tradify! Use my Code CORYMAC50 to try it out!
bit.ly/3O9mts6

[@Christopher_S]

Cory, you can really tell that you're passionate about your job if you're taking on ones that aren't profitable, but interesting. You're a fantastic educator, and this channel is top notch. I'm always so excited to see a notification when you upload something. I never know what I'm going to get though haha! Each video is super different from the next. It's brilliant!

[@corymac]

I appreciate that! Thanks Christopher

[@ianlove3]

Cory your vlogs are the best on youtube. Please keep them coming. You found a good one in Ted.

[@corymac]

Thanks Ian!

[@metrotechguru5863]

Brilliant video. Outages and all. It was really interesting to see solar panels mounted on a wall instead of a roof, but it made good sense in this application.

[@corymac]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@forresteralex]

Use the suction cup handles for your panels mate easiest thing for ladder work keep up great vids

[@corymac]

Thanks for the tip

[@nitt3rz]

This video is exactly while I watch your videos; entertaining & very informative.

[@corymac]

Thanks Martin!

[@william1UK]

Great video again boys cannot wait for part 2 with it running with the battery power all the best for 2023

[@corymac]

Thanks! You too!

[@jk-8761]

Wooooo good to have you back!!! 🎉

[@jk-8761]

Got you up on the big screen 😊

[@CarlM_UK]

I'm about to do almost exactly this, I've 20kw of pylontech batteries being delivered next week and want local control/monitoring via Victron multiplus II and home assistant. Have 3.5kw of AC coupled (Microinverter solar) on a feed in tarrif ( Want more eventually) and Octopus go to charge the batteries. Can handle the configuration and coms, but will need a capable electrician to hook it up and help with the G99 Application!

[@corymac]

Happy to help! Fire me over an email - [e-mail]

[@timothyroper1897]

Thankyou cory for your ongoing push for new tec installs, informing sparks in the prosess on the of tec. All your vids are proper honist \ helpful and iv really enjoyed this one. All good mate keep getting the different info out there. T

[@flpsht]

the fact that the battery cables are "backwards" on the Multiplus can't be good.

[@WickedEngineer]

First thing that caught my eye

[@bloepje]

I came for the "click bait", but wow, this is just a tribute to the DIY that knows about programming and electronics. As far as I can see I would do it the same like that guy: design and do most of it myself, and let the certified electrician check my work (pure copper, cable width, etc), and do the really scary stuff like connecting that one inverter to the uplink. For my the idea is to go full off grid and in the future feed back to the grid during grid peaks.

[@electricaloneonone]

Gotta love homeowners doing electrical work 😉 great video Corey!

[@corymac]

True 🤣 thanks!

[@iainkay3630]

Doing a DIY Victron install myself. Happy to ping you some info if you’re interested. This is intriguing to see and pretty much my plan except almost all circuits on the AC Out 2 and parallel inverters.

[@corymac]

Cool, sounds good!

[@iainkay3630]

@@corymac you got an email? I tried the one on your site some months ago but got a bounce back saying it didn’t work.

[@John_vDongen]

A diode is a one way pass though shunt, also used to clamp reverse voltages from straying back to the solar panel. It isn't uncommon to insert one at every panel, just in case one shorts out... Though the reverse bias is around 0.06th of a volt. Diodes can also be used as rectifiers, signal limiters, voltage regulators, switches, signal modulators, signal mixers, signal demodulators, and oscillators. The fundamental property of a diode is its tendency to conduct electric current in only one direction.

[@saintofthesinners41]

Did any one else notice that the DC Battery Cables going into the inverter are backwards, They have the Black wire going to Positive and and red wire on negative @6:56

[@redsnappa7837]

Great video Cory, very interesting set-up. Presumably the diodes are neccessary to prevent any back EMF from one panel to another?

[@corymac]

Correct!

[@ForTheBirbs]

Another awesome video Cory and Ted! I'm loving the extra tech stuff. Is the change from current clamps to a true VA meter a general rule or just for the Victron gear?

[@corymac]

Thanks Jim!!! I believe it’s just Victron right now 😃

[@majofi2879]

Great job and great video. Love how you take the most interesting jobs, even if they might not pay well.

[@corymac]

Thanks mate! Means a lot 🤓

[@phillipwharam6785]

Thanks for all the Videos this year Wishing all the best. Happy New Year

[@corymac]

Thank you, you too!

[@jayr9361]

Cory you're definetely a good role model regarding work ethic for the young sparks coming through the industry. Your approach to problem solving is very dynamic and anyone is lucky to work alongside you, I appreciate the videos

[@corymac]

Thanks mate! I appreciate it

[@mihnea85]

Would optimizers be another option instead of diods? Great vlog Cory!Keep it up!

[@texciler]

Mayday! The battery cables on the multiplus are reversed?!?! Really? Correct that before powering this up ;-)

[@corymac]

I’ll get on this before batteries go in 😁

[@texciler]

@@corymac you should also check that all equipment has a persistent uninterruptible connection of the negative terminals before connecting any communication cables. If you need any assistance feel free to contact me

[@texciler]

The solar isolator has to go online with the solar cables and not the battery cables of the mppt if I saw it right in the video

[@L81ker]

@texciler there's actually two solar isolators between the panels and the mppt, one in the loft and one above the mppt. The DC side is not yet finalised, we were just focused on the AC side and the panel install. Only the cerbo is properly hooked up, and even that is just running on a 12v power supply for now to enable data collection. Thanks for the note on the DC negative side of the comms cables. Useful!

[@RaithUK]

I do love some Off-Grid stuff

[@tommymack3210]

Maan you are too funny/witty and smart Cory. Amazing content

[@tommymack3210]

Are the diodes there to make the currents the same? To equalize?

[@corymac]

You’re too kind!

[@seymourpro6097]

Victron do an absolutely fabulous book "Energy Unlimited" going through every combination of systems from small sailing yacht systems to bigger house systems. Even better it's a free download in several languages (as PDF) from their website. It may now be dated because technology is developing quickly, but it's a perfect primer for anyone wanting a good introduction.

[@corymac]

Thanks mate! I’ll definitely Look at that

[@mididoctors]

Could you install some sort of transfer switch that cuts off the mains and switches your consumer unit to island mode...just have a ups for your WiFi router ? I guess might need one for a pc I suppose

[@corymac]

It’s already there, check out the multi position main switch

[@robthomas7232]

He appears to have installed it in his dining room. Interesting choice!

[@jk-8761]

Kinda smart from a fire fighting point of view

[@corymac]

It was the smartest space in terms of fire risk and circuitry 😁👍🏼

[@robthomas7232]

@@jk-8761 I guess he's got lots of very small cut glass vessels he can fill up with water to throw on the fire ;-)

[@robthomas7232]

@@corymac I assume its a bungalow and putting this in the loft is not ideal due to the heat in the summer and cold in the winter?

[@loosecannon5813]

Yes,I don't think a wife is around, to instruct otherwise.

[@haldo691]

Under permitted development panels can be put on any surface of a house aslong as they don't protrude more than 200mm

[@sd-vc3wf]

What mounting kit did you use?

[@MrJacobbbo2]

AC1 on the MultiPlus II is is bi-directional (can charge batteries from AC or discharge into the house as traditional ESS) This information is irrelevant to this video but its pretty dificult to find so i hope it helps somebody who is just starting out with Victron. Also the drawing states Pylontech Batteries (Pylontech BMS) If you need to make up your own leads from the battery (CAN) to cerbo (ve.Can) you only need two cores for communication. Pin 4 and 5 on BMS side to pin 7 and 8 on ve.Can (no ground needed) Again took a while to find that info so hope that helps somebody.

[@corymac]

Thanks Jacob!

[@black.phoenix.]

Interesting application. I remember seeing an all Victron build but in a van conversion to a camper. Love the server cabinet as a battery cabinet. Did the customer said what kind of battery chemistry he's going to use? Also a Happy New Year for you and your loved ones.

[@corymac]

Im now completely on board with rack mounting batteries! He’s got pylontech I believe

[@black.phoenix.]

@@corymac rack mounting was how remote mobile telecom switching centrals had redundant energy if the main power failed. When I worked in telecom I had to test that system every year twice. Basically it had main power, in case of failure a system of 2 inverters and 48 prismatic gel batteries would support the central until the diesel generator (that was a volvo truck motor inside) would kick in after a minute of battery power. By itself the batteries could support the switching central for 4 hours and the generator had an extra tank of 10000L of diesel just in case. Funny thing is that that amount of diesel was needed once when a big power cut kept the region in blackout for 2 days. Unfortunately that central was decommissioned back in 2014.

[@thattoolguy9432]

Don't fit pylontech, utter garbage, had loads of failures and software glitches

[@a-aron2276]

You should have a load dump incase the battery is also full up during the surge, an immertion is a good way to dump load. It's a really nice setup though.

[@corymac]

Not a bad shout, will have to look into it. The MPPT can handle a surge pretty well, but worth checking

[@mfx1]

Guessing his photo frame controller was maybe a Nextion programmable smart screen. I've used them for a few things.

[@corymac]

I think it was a version of this yes. A raspberry pie controller screen

[@bedokelako8524]

Solid fan here, in Philippine👊🇵🇭

[@corymac]

Thanks dude! 😎

[@ericmcrae7758]

That was a beautiful piece of brickwork I bet the brickie was upset you screwed some panels over it.

[@corymac]

It was dead straight actually

[@DTech101]

Cory great videos I like that your a spark into tech. But what I really want to know is the earthing arrangement did you disconnect the DNO earth and just use the earth rod as earth?

[@corymac]

Thanks! We used the viktron specified earthing arrangement for the Quattro inverters, a more detailed video on this to come

[@DTech101]

@@corymac waiting with baited breath

[@tonyskilbeck8663]

Diode : Diode the Queen some money so, you know, Paris!!

[@markcrewe25]

tell him to use trunking in some areas along with the flex

[@Rfhdvcgf]

Hey I installed an off-grid system myself with 2 redundant inverters and 2 arrays just to get independence from the shitty unstable grid where I live

[@corymac]

That’s cool!

[@daves4026]

Awesome video. Totally get the linux metaphor that was helpful

[@corymac]

Glad it helped!

[@JC-jv5xw]

Surely if you are mixing two strings using passive diodes, in almost all cases, due to tolerances, one string (with a marginally higher voltage) will be providing the power and the other will be blocked. So you are only ever getting half power from the array?

[@sdgelectronics]

No, because the voltage on the panel decreases with load. The diode doesn't block the array from outputting power, it just prevents one of the arrays being reverse biased.

[@JC-jv5xw]

@@sdgelectronics Thanks. Sorry I was thinking from a control signal perspective, where you combine two signals with diodes to get the higher voltage. Very high input impedance so minimal load currents involved.

[@eliotmansfield]

Cory ac out 1 is the protected output - ac out 2 switches off with grid loss

[@corymac]

You’re correct, I figured out I misspoke after watching myself back 😅😅

[@eliotmansfield]

@@corymac I’ve posted a video on my channel showing the different ways to configure these units.

[@klaernie]

If Clive is up to it, I'd love a proper explainer of the setup he built there.

[@L81ker]

Andre, I think you might get just that in part 2!

[@corymac]

Wait for part 2 🤓

[@klaernie]

@@corymac I'm subbed anyway - I'll keep my eyes peeled

[@marymadigan9707]

Great video Cory your set up looks so cool nice job 😎👏🇮🇪

[@corymac]

Thanks Mary 😄👍

[@mattWallJsy]

Awesomeness as always 👍🏽

[@corymac]

Thanks Mate!

[@buixote]

Dunno if Growatt have made it to your neighborhood. I'm running a pair of ES5000s for 10kW of "inversion". The Rack has 30kWh of LiPo. Not enough sun for Solar here, but we can charge, off-peak. Unfortunately we're currently using a manual transfer switch... Since the Growatt can choose the source, we're thinking *that* will be the primary control, and that we can find a transfer switch to use the Grid when the inverter shuts off.

[@corymac]

I’ll have to check that out

[@MichaelPickles]

It's not about blackouts or brown-outs. Yes, there are at least 3 to 4 a year lasting for 30 minutes to 4 hours each. For me, it's ability to charge it on a off peak tariff. That will end up saving me about £2500 On electricity a year. With the plan to run a heat pump I will save another £4000 a year.

[@bluesolarmx]

Just wondering... why mount them in the wall and not the roof? We would have considered to mount them in the South-West side of the roof, much more sun during the entire day. ....

[@corymac]

The roof is covered 😁👍🏼

[@corymac]

The only available space would have fit around 2 panels on

[@richieh92]

Great video and interesting as always!

[@corymac]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@markusschwarz121]

Have you ever heard of Fronius Gen24, It can handle batteries and can make full back up

[@corymac]

I have! I believe Fronius are from the same parent company as Victron

[@wazza33racer]

Its not hyperbole..........Australia is one of the leading renewable nations in the world..........and in June 2022.......there was a wind drought (regular event,but unpredictable) and very overcast weather over much of the eastern seaboard (most of the population). The grid almost collapsed........the national grid regulator had to suspend the market because power prices went to infinity. Widespread blackouts were narrowly avoided. I have been off grid, in a grid supplied street for 5 years with Victron.........two inverters in parallel (single phase) for redundancy. Very happy with the features and software updates for the Victron devices........if its not Victron or SMA......dont use it for solar/PV/Inverters if reliability is your number 1 priority. Too many of these "solutions" for inverters and battery storage are highly integrated, no modular,proprietary,non serviceable cheap chinese junk using fire risk lithium batteries.

[@corymac]

That’s mad

[@three-phase562]

Interesting setup, is the changeover from mains to backup on the emergency board automatic or have the DNO specified a manual double pole changeover to ensure there is no backfeed? Sodium batteries do seem to have a lot of potential if they can be tweaked to improve number of cycles and power density.

[@eliotmansfield]

changeover would really be for maintenance/bypass of the victron. Ac out1 is live all the time - on or off grid, but if the victron failed or was under maintenance (even firmware upgrade) it would drop the protected output - so it’s handy to be able to bypass it and run straight from grid if you need. I still use a UPS between victron and my computer gear for extra cover

[@corymac]

What Eliot said ^^

[@joshbobby]

Really interesting video! Your comment about a portable power system reminds me of a thing AV and event production companies are doing, like Ingram AV and their NRG off-grid systems for encouraging the adaptation of green energy in the entertainment / events industry!

[@corymac]

It’s very similar! I just wanna make something more niche 😃

[@laurimakiharju5462]

is the diode so the panel in series wont supply each other?

[@corymac]

Correct ✅

[@newlinerealboi3434]

Hey Cory, did you use a double pole MCB for the ET112 meter ? Fitting similar soon and it looks like we need one.

[@L81ker]

The meter doesn't strictly need an mcb, but the circuit it measures does. Putting the ET112 on the protected side is just good practice. On the grid meter, the only "protection" is going to be the cut-out fuse, it is designed and type approved to be in that part of the circuit, i.e. on the meter tails. You could pass the neutral tail through too, but my thoughts are: firstly; if it faults you get no indication, so better to use the specified 315mA fuse to provide the neutral which the electronics need. Secondly, you have to add another 100A rated neutral link inside the CU which could be a tight fit.

[@MrButuz]

Great vid I am gonna be ringing you in the new year mate :D

[@corymac]

Sounds good!

[@samjburns07]

Great video mate - I've got a question. In Feb I'll be doing work experience for an electrical firm and I'm hoping to get an apprenticeship with them, have you got any advice? Cheers

[@corymac]

Keep your head down, soak it all up and be prepared to work long and hard 😄 - there are no shortcuts

[@samjburns07]

@@corymac cheers, will do!

[@swedishchefdave49]

I feel sorry for you withh the cold, but I also have to sufffer in Tanzania and it is 28C at night and possibly 36C in the day, mserabe christmas on the beach

[@corymac]

Oof 🌞

[@HAelec1]

Cory what are those MCS accredited facade mounts as I’ve got a client that wants wall mounted panels but struggling to find something. Good vid mate something different then most!

[@corymac]

They’re the Renusole Metasole 🤓

[@HAelec1]

@@corymac and where the diodes because the inverter can’t prevent the battery’s from discharging?

[@HSilver341]

Top vid we got Solar panels from the fit tariff we don’t get anything in payments ,but we got analogue meter still which is a billy bonus will a victron set up (I.r batteries)give me anything more

[@corymac]

It won’t create more power, the solar or other generation type will do that, the inverter will simply invert what is created into a useable and stable current

[@HSilver341]

@@corymac I get yer but surely a analogue meter going backwards when solar is generating lol is on par with battery storage or is the batteries saving more of the energy ,last summer my meter must have gone backwards about 10 units per day on the good days

[@dcallan812]

Interesting job. 2x👍

[@corymac]

Thanks 👍

[@OraEtLabora0]

🤔0:36 yeah, i have consumer-grade UPS, used under £30 off eBay, for that...🤔

[@corymac]

True for that function, but some brownouts last a while, this will power his home mostly in the mean time 😎

[@UKsystems]

I do not believe that this should ever really become an off-the-shelf solution. The reason is there’s going to be so many people who will try and install it themselves who will not understand it and create massive problems and extremely dangerous situations. It would be nice if it was streamlined into a few units.

[@corymac]

The units are quite safe really, if you do it wrong, generally it'll just break the units, or not work. The solar is of Course a risk, but that's the same on any inverter

[@SustainableGal]

Regardless of what state the grid is in, Off-grid is just amazing, I'd much rather be Off-grid running using my own renewable energy

[@corymac]

Me too!

[@fromthetoon1602]

Is that possible? 100% off grid using power in your home as you normally as if you were on grid? If so how much would that cost and what sort of floor space would you need for batteries?

[@SustainableGal]

@@fromthetoon1602 depends entirely on available roof space, how much garden you can put a solar array on, planning permission. Regarding batteries, you wouldn't need allot, 2*15kWh LiFePo4 batteries £5000 from FogStar. Then another £6000 for Victron equipment. But obviously this isn't including any solar arrays, probably about £5k worth of panels for my needs with EV, but average family like £3k worth of panels. and you could get away with one 15kWh pack. Wind turbine could be an option, depends on your area really. But for under £20k all in if you install DIY as much you can, then get an EICR

[@zulfqarali905]

Hi keep it up you are doing a great job and having fun making some brilliant videos superstar Ali Walsall west midlands england junction 10 m6 Walsall churckery you seem clever spark

[@raywelshman]

Hi Cory, or anyone that reads this, you mentioned that didn't want to touch the main Solar because of the FIT, I have 3Kw of solar and the FIT is calculated by the generation meter before it goes to CU. Far better to use the power as the value of the FIT is now worth very little, Regards from Ray in North Wales.

[@corymac]

He’s tied into the old FIT tariff which is very decent, hence why we left it be 🤓

[@raywelshman]

@@corymac Thanks for the reply Cory, we have had our3Kw solar system for over 8 years, at the start the FIT was very good I wonder why my FIT is not on the old system, any idea how long your customer has had the original Solar, my generation meter is connected straight after the Solar Inverter before it goes into the CU. Regards, Ray.

[@persona250]

@@raywelshman hi Ray the feed in tariff is a set amount for 20 years . Are you saying you are getting less money now ?

[@raywelshman]

@@persona250 Hi, we are getting about 25% of the amount we had originally about 8 years ago with Eon, they changed their name in the last couple of years to Eon-Next, they closed the original agreement and started the account under their new name, I was discussing it with Dave Savery and he said his tariff was also lower now.

[@persona250]

@@raywelshman that is naughty. The feed in tariffs are government backed guarantees legally binding over the duration of contract. What was the original pence/kw and what is it now ?

[@VincentMartens93]

Hello British Jay Leno

[@danyates6598]

Where can I buy the klein woolly hat

[@corymac]

I think Loadout sell them!

[@o.kgonzales6055]

I also want one 😮

[@crazyboy2006cashier]

Clive the geek? BigClive?

[@corymac]

Maybe 😝

[@crazyboy2006cashier]

@@corymac that’s why it’s up to a good standard. Did he give you a woofle :)

[@martinhansen6802]

Just a headsup. Your videos dissappeared from my reccomended / frontpage. The "bell" had been turned off after the recent youtube "what ever has it update." Not just your channel :/

[@S-Theo]

Sun doesn't come up its just an optical illusion. Sun comes closer to the observer.

[@msebasti15]

On 6:58 the battery cables seams to be switched, the black lead seams to be connected to + and red to -

[@allan80supra]

This.... not sure how someone could miss that!

[@L81ker]

Good spot! The batteries aren't arriving till mid January, and the cables were just anyhow in place for the video. Since the video was shot (2nd Dec) they've been put on properly and torqued into place. Thanks for commenting @msebasti15 - there's a few other things that aren't right yet so it will be interesting to see what else people spot!

[@corymac]

Good spot 😄 - battery cables will be done when batteries arrive

[@super2222sd]

@@L81ker From what I have seen, the solar disconnect is on the wrong side of the mppt, the fuse is also not needed on this side, should be on the other side (solar panel side).Cory did mention connect the load on AC2 but connected in AC1 witch is the good one (uninterruptable).That's what I did see in the quick peek that we did see a close up on your system that what i did see

[@L81ker]

hi @Steve, Thanks for your observation, all the comments are valued and appreciated! The two solar disconnects are on the panels side. One in the loft inside the wall the panels are on, and the other above the mppt. The cables at the mppt are not right yet. We need to figure the layout properly. It's not a circuit connection problem, but a mechanical turn radius one on the solar cable. Any suggestions here are welcomed! The battery side is switched and fused (40A)... fuse protects cables, switch is to isolate for maintenance and service etc.

[@marktubeie07]

Nice job Cory, very interesting set up. Home owner to visitor: _"Yes come in, would you like to see my dining room and my etchings and my crystal and my power set up!"_ Happy new year to you and Ted!

[@corymac]

😂👍🏼

[@haldo691]

To be honest I'd rather look at that than some old paintings

[@jns0071]

Your videos are brilliant. Victron are a superb company. We have lots of power outages, days a year and they are the only real alternative to a genset where modularity is key.

[@corymac]

Thanks mate!

[@neilbissett1240]

Great video mate as ever very interesting project maybe the big players will learn from it and the cost for solar and battery systems will change 👏😎

[@corymac]

Thanks Neil

[@meuk6929]

I've been waiting for a good island/prosumer renewables storage video.

[@corymac]

More to come!

[@jk-8761]

Me too! Trust Cory will be the channel to do it 😃

[@No3Snow]

@7:15 are the battery terminals backwards on the victron?

[@atkt62]

Really great video, and shows the true potential of domestic battery storage. Also love the choice of victron kit. Just goes to show what can be achieved with vision and experts working with quality tradespeople. Top video Cory But don't the panels already contain built in diodes? Otherwise here is your answer. They are one way valves for electric current to prevent reverse voltage flow during transient events such as switch over to island mode (unlikely in this setup btw)

[@geoffupton]

very nice work! 😊 cant think who that artisan lot are 🤪🤪😂😂 (i think jordan may be kicking himself!) but they missed a corker of a job there! so glad ur still on the tube of you, your both educating/pro and fun! the fact your working outside the box now and then (eg learning foreign electrics) really makes these vids interesting 😁 (no im not a sparkie! 😂)

[@corymac]

Thanks Geoff!

[@ronanotoole1973]

A truly talented lad who is super excellent at sharing his experience. And I'll say it again and again, TOP notch and SO passionate about QUALITY work - it's a breath of fresh air to see excellent work. Top Notch Corey 👌

[@remixedMind]

top quality Cory, good that you took that job not for the quick money but for the experience and know how, not like your former employer, and also for that you are working with Oli for his networking knowledge, like i said in many of the artisan videos if you dont know basic networking just dont do it and hire someone who knows, also dont sell out like the above mentioned parties :) keep up the great work

[@imraniqbal4447]

Great work as usual Cory. Do you work around the West Yorkshire area? Would love something similar setting up in the near future! @L81ker Clive - any recommended retailer to purchase the Victron equipment from? Thanks!

[@corymac]

Yes we do, ping me an email - [e-mail]

[@therealdojj]

if you have the time to watch the discovery channels Building Off The Grid, they cover all the solar stuff and batteries etc the only thing is that it's all available in the states everywhere, but not anywhere else that i've been able to find unless this is because they aren't allowed outside of the states due to reasons...would you be able to find out mr cory? thanks

[@therealdojj]

also, they do this gps solar array where you mount it onto a "mount" and it moves around and follows the sun to give you max power for max time all the time

[@corymac]

Hey mate, it’s allowed! It’s just expensive and also our distribution network are very fussy about it. It’s more common in remote places such as Scotland. I have a few off grid projects in the pipeline I’ll be filming and working on.

[@therealdojj]

@@corymac looking forward to it 👍

[@edc1569]

@@therealdojjpanels are cheap these days so tracking systems don’t really make much sense. Better off spending the money on more panels, less maintenance and you can have more panels in the same space

[@jamieblatantsparky]

your spot on about victron

[@o.kgonzales6055]

He is indeed. What I love with this channel is, Cory plays the bumbling blunder chap, and is very humble. But from someone in industry it’s very easy to see he is very switched on indeed, and talented, especially for his apparent age.

[@o.kgonzales6055]

Opposite to the usual showmanship I’ve come to expect from this corner of KZbin. Has more than he shows, speaks less than he knows. 😊

[@corymac]

Cheers Jamie 👍🏼 - I look forward to working with you soon

[@jamieblatantsparky]

@@corymac your is available, work TBC

[@bobbinbob]

Great video Cory - very interested in these types of videos - I've diy'd 3 victron setups, they really and extendable - if you need any help on the "geek" side of the victron Venus system happy to help 👌👍 also check out "off grid garage" channel for a huge resource of victron systems and battery tech tests 😊

[@corymac]

Thanks mate! Will check that out

[@upnorthandpersonal]

I'm off-grid here in Finland with 10kW of solar and 60kWh of battery - all DIY as well.

[@corymac]

That’s awesome! What setup do you have? Viktron?

[@upnorthandpersonal]

@@corymac I have one Victron device, my winter inverter (Multiplus II 3kVA), the rest is a combination of stuff (MUST inverter/charge controllers, JK BMS for the battery, EVE 280Ah battery cells, etc.). Heating is all done with wood (wood gasifier coupled to a 3000L buffer tank for the floor heating and domestic hot water). If you're interested, you can find a write up of the entire project online: "up north and off grid".

[@corymac]

Will check that out

[@manwithnovan]

I was off grid in my Transit van. It worked well

[@paulizz]

Diodes will stop the current from one panel feeding back to the other . nice simple solution, great video.

[@corymac]

You are correct!

[@streetwiztech5505]

@@corymac i would assume then that 2 series strings would have a diode on each before they get fed into the combiner box if you were feeding them in paralell (and yes i know this is a year old video but i'm working my way through your vids as they are the kind of stuff i like )

[@markb1487]

Now this is the video I've been waiting for...Absolutely on point..💯👍💯👍

[@corymac]

Thanks mate! More to come!

[@bernardgarrett3897]

Best independence is a generator. Works when the sun isn't shining. No need for expensive and inefficient batteries

[@corymac]

True 👍🏼

[@barrypritchard2306]

That was awesome to see you back and have a happy New Year 👍🎇🎇🎇

[@corymac]

Thanks! You too!

[@JohnDop]

Big Clive

[@meuk6929]

my thoughts also. If we get top down shots that will confirm. ha ha!

[@jk-8761]

I think it’s big Clive!!! He’s in much better shape than I thought

[@jk-8761]

More of an average sized Clive

[@robthomas7232]

Don't think Big Clive would need any help with this.

[@jk-8761]

@@robthomas7232 maybe he does if it needs AC electrical work, he’s more of an electronics dude. Very different discipline

[@TheManLab]

Hi Cory. Looking at the Victron inverter the battery cables look to be crossed. Red to - and black to +. Even checked the manual. Be sure to check it out before putting them battery’s online.

[@corymac]

You’re correct! Left it in for the eagle eyed among us. It’ll be corrected before power up in part 2

[@tehsimo]

What possessed that customer to install that monstrosity in his house beside a glass cabinet :D

[@RyanJ_]

It's nice to see panels installed like this. Maybe it's not perfectly efficient year round, but they will still get some good energy for some of the day and for some of the year

[@corymac]

I agree! Thanks

[@matthewwakeham2206]

It gives a more consistent power output throughout the year and can/will outperform roof mounted panels in winter. Also the panels will be generating power earlier in the day when you are more likely to be using it. Even if you can't use it, it's recharging your batteries early on in the day. It will give less annual power than a roof mounted array but more power in winter and the annual difference is not as big as you might think. A mix of both would be optimal.

[@andrewmercer3349]

Hi Cory. We do a lot of Victron Invertors/ solar and battery systems over in Nigeria, and I'm originally from Cambridge, so I was loving the Jollof video you released a few days ago, What I would recommend is that for the Invertor connections and the fiddly connections, use tri-rated cables for their flexibility and ability to use smaller CSA for the same current rating as standard cables. Also use ferrules on all the flex/ tri rated cables that you connect.

[@corymac]

Thanks for the info! Check the newer videos, I’ve found better ways since this video

[@WarwickIsSensible]

A quick clarification - AC Input 1 loads will automatically be backed up on grid failure and the default behaviour of AC Out 2 is to disconnect the output. It is programmable, though.

[@mattshadwell949]

I live and work in Zimbabwe where currently utility power is available between 4-6 hours a day in many parts of Harare. Victron is very popular here but is a premium product so a good price competitive alternative with similar functionality is the Sunsynk/Deye inverters. They are very popular in SA too. Well worth checking out for domestic applications like this and being an all in one unit it makes wiring and setting up a bit easier compared to the victron system.

[@corymac]

That’s cool!

[@craigdewick5649]

Going solar with batteries but NOT feeding back to the grid is the best way in my view but here in Australia there is a mad push for all homes to get solar, batteries, and grid-tied inverters to 'feed' power back to the grid with quite shit (under 10 c per kWh) feed-in tariff's. Solar installers incentivise with big 'rebates' but the end-user doesn't get the renewable energy credits - the installers do.

[@davidpenfold]

Quick question... Im looking at installing 18 panels vertically on my south-facing wall (an old stone house on a south slope). I've got a load of standard rails and was thinking of screwing under-tile rail connectors to the wall as the support. But looking at your video it seems that rails with incorporated wall-mounted screws are a better bet. Where can i find them? I live in France, but I'm sure i could find a supplier if you let me know the model/spec... Ta in advance.

[@BroughamBaker]

I'm going to guess these energy meters at 11:10 are ET112? Do they have type approval for that CU? I want single DIN with RS485 Modbus to monitor each circuit, looking at Chauvin Arnoux MD45 but need a CU to stick them in.