DIY $300 Grid Tie Solar System

Have you been put off by the high initial cost of solar panels? It often takes 10-20 years to make your initial investment back. This to me is too long and makes the investment return a bit risky. If you want to try solar out to test its potential, you could consider to buy a small system that is only enough to supply the typical constant usage and not the peak usage. This creates a system that does not require a battery. This in combination with doing it yourself allows for an extremely low cost of only $300 for the system I built.
DISCLAIMER: Before purchasing any products, know that in order to feed power to the grid, it is required to have a contract in place with your utility company. Since solar products generate live electricity, these things require proper installation for safe usage. Improper usage and even not installing a breaker at the power output of this system could cause fire and/or death in rare cases. Please use these products at your own risk. Just because it is sold on the market does not mean using them guarantees safety.
Solar Panel: amzn.to/2xnhXQ7
Grid Tie Inverter: amzn.to/41mDFAI
*edit 7/7/2019: I tested this inverter and if you unplug the output AC cord from the wall, the inverter will also cut off powering it. Hence it will NOT power the grid if it ever goes down so that utility workers will be safe. Therefore, I have put the link back.
Note that a grid tie connection to your utilities typically requires a contact with your electric company. Check with your utility company before attempting any grid tie system installation yourself.
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Ending Song: Rondo Brothers, Mr. Tea

[@BeatTheBush]

Many asked how this all connects. I made the video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6bXenWuh6-Ar80

[@cristianocostadasilva293]

Sou uma empresa de instalação de placas solar e vendas. Gostaria de entrar no no mercado com a melhor preço

[@mjk8019]

BeatTheBush Thanks to you I installed mine as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJXImJWHm7VqedE

[@iwaraiwara9442]

I love your video I am interested i learning more pls

[@miguelrebolledo6291]

Appreciate Video clip! Excuse me for the intrusion, I would love your initial thoughts. Have you thought about - Schallingora Computer Reconstruction Scheme (probably on Google)? It is an awesome exclusive guide for saving money on your electric bill using this simple technology minus the headache. Ive heard some amazing things about it and my work buddy at very last got excellent results with it.

[@a-niqazmi2913]

the best vid i've ever watched on solar panel! i've been surveying these for couple of months now. the huge initial cost seems ridiculous as u said. grid tied no battery, genius idea!

[@WookieSenshi]

Yeah, I have solar system on the van that I live in. 3 100 watt monocrystalline panels. Eventually once my family comes into a bit more money I would like to help my grandma set up solar at her house. DIY is definitely the way to go.

[@Practice_Kindness-1st]

Thank you! I'm more interested in OHM because I live in Texas. Can't wait to read more about it. Thanks btb!

[@dhickey5919]

Thank you. You answered all my initial questions about on-grid solar systems!

[@Call-me-James]

I did a similar DIY setup, and my experience was the same - it is MUCH cheaper than what you would get from a commercial solar company. I used an inverter from China, and even though it isn't officially UL approved, it still functions according to the UL 1741 specification. I really believe that people are profiteering from solar, and making it much more expensive than it should be. I don't think people should be setting up solar systems without knowing what they are doing, but setting up solar should be something that any electrician could do without having to charge a lot of money.

[@ajarivas72]

I completely agree with you

[@ShorTyPC909]

The backpack turn just made my day. 😂

[@BeatTheBush]

You’re the only one that caught my favorite part!

[@jlina]

I laughed!

[@sprinkhole58]

@@BeatTheBush, I bet that back pack was full of stuffed animals. No wonder you were so happy with it on your back.

[@richard1113]

He should have put a lens flare on one of his teeth with the "ting" sound though. :)

[@chidude]

I liked that stylish move too :-) (1:16)

[@ChavezDIY]

Thanks for making this video! I've been wanting to do this. I like that you added that caution about the inverter powering the house even if power to the grid is off.

[@jahnkaplank8626]

if the power is off due to a storm, then you should just turn off your main breaker. That way your power doesn't back-feed into the system that's down due to a fault, but you'll still have some daytime power in your house, although with only 2 panels, not enough to run anything besides a few lights, or charge your phone.

[@ajarivas72]

@@jahnkaplank8626 And you will need a different inverter, battery and charge controller.

[@nulledrust9809]

Solar is Terrible honestly. We spent over $20,000 on a full system and I wish I had my $20,000 back. Don't listen to all these liars. Solar is VERY Expensive and NOT Reliable at all.

[@harrison298]

This is exactly what I'm trying to do! Thanks so much for making this video.

[@whatfayesay6607]

Thank You BTB for this video, I have always wondered about this.

[@BeatTheBush]

=D Please read my pinned comment about the legality and safety of this.

[@chidude]

To shorten your ROI, claim the 30% federal tax credit for the cost of your system. Also, there were a lot of comments about potential issues with connecting to the grid. One alternative is to add a charge controller and battery, and use the output to power a new electrical outlet for your refrigerator. That outlet would only be connected to your small system, not the existing house wiring. That way your fridge runs for free, even if the utility power goes out.

[@alexanderrodriguez6305]

You can also expand on it over time, double up on panels every 1-2 years. Next upgrade power up the hvac system

[@denisbbb218]

I have that setup - separate off grid solar to battery bank with transfer switches and Wemo timer. Free power from 9-6 in the Summer. The downside to a battery bank system is that they go bad every 2-3 years due to over-draw. A low voltage battery auto-disconnect was installed to mitigate this issue but I still need a fresh batch of batteries every 5 years or so. I'm wondering if those Tesla or Enphase battery banks will last longer since they are made of Lithium cells, but at the same time, don't want to burn down the house with Lithium batteries.

[@davidhamilton8984]

@@denisbbb218 check out lifepo4 prismatic cells, long stable life and way safer than lion or lipoly cells.

[@jasongrinnell1986]

There is no problem connecting to to the grid when using the style of grid converter that he mentions. Don’t seem real smart to buy expensive batteries when you can let the power grid be your battery. Unless you are wanting an off grid system.

[@davidhamilton8984]

@@jasongrinnell1986 I don't wanna be the guy with solar panels but no batteries when the grid goes down and i cant charge my phone or watch tv.

[@ChristieNel]

I've been off grid for a year and run everything off solar and lithium batteries. I am developing a product that proportionally diverts excess solar to heat my water, so all my hot water is free. I'm over the moon with my solar.

[@BeatTheBush]

NICE! ... like... if there is extra, it will use the electricity to heat the water. What if it' is hot already?

[@ChristieNel]

@@BeatTheBush It works with a standard hot water cylinder, so the thermostat just turns off. Unfortunately nothing else to do with the extra solar after that.

[@michaelgrodecki4159]

@@ChristieNel use excess power to mine crypto. Even just one gpu and can add up as needed. Even use storj storage uses mininal power

[@geoffreycintron4471]

Be careful about what your power company knows about your system. Most do not allow you to send power back to the grid without a contract. Also; if you install the panels permanently on your roof you will be getting a surprise visit from your local building inspector. If they find you used substandard wiring like speaker wire you will get a hefty fine and have to pull it all down.

[@jamess1787]

I don't pitty the poor lineman who has to work on the distribution lines next time it's sunny... in his area. 120v + transformer == cooked lineman (potentially) :(

[@geoffreycintron4471]

@@jamess1787 These small grid tie units can't operate without the sine wave from the line power so if the line goes down they stop putting power back in. I hear ya though, pushing power back into a wall receptacle with a sketchy electrical device that was never UL rated is throwing dice IMHO. There's no way that this unit is made to any US electrical code.

[@jamess1787]

@@geoffreycintron4471 that's what I thought, but thinking about it more: how does it tell if the sine wave it's 'receiving' is not the rectified sine wave that it's producing? I'm thinking this protection is only from cold-start but can't be trusted in the event of an actual outage? There's reasons the prosumers have a separate panel for isolation :). Less sketchy and less risky :D

[@geoffreycintron4471]

@@jamess1787 I have experimented with these and they do shut off when the line voltage is removed. However they are still attached to the solar panels so where all that solar power current is going is not certain. I could see one of these going up in smoke with a loss of line current.

[@deadbolt91765]

This is why residential power systems have warnings near the electrical panel and utility disconnects that linemen can operate while doing work nearby. Warning the power company that you have a system gives linemen the knowledge that there is a PV system on the circuit they they’re working on.

[@SirenaSpades]

I *SUPER* love the idea of this stuff! I've been researching this for the past months and weeks. I do need some batteries. I'm in an area without a huge amount of sun so need a storage (batteries). Please do more videos like this, especially geared for dummies :)

[@LoveMyAbeshaWomen]

Sirena Spades watch AltE basic solar. They have a whole series of it starting from the basics :)

[@ajarivas72]

Sirena: Fossil fuels are solar batteries.

[@nulledrust9809]

Solar is Terrible honestly. We spent over $20,000 on a full system and I wish I had my $20,000 back. Don't listen to all these liars. Solar is VERY Expensive and NOT Reliable at all.

[@thisISaPENn]

This video inspired me to make my own setup at home. Its been a year so far and i love it! I own many lizards and they need lighting during the day so its been great!

[@BeatTheBush]

That is awesome! Be sure to follow safety precautions and add a circuit breaker between the output of the grid-tie and the grid. Also, this is not solar installation advice for disclaimer.

[@gerry2345]

I like this vid.. I was just thinking about solar panels this week. Perfect timing..

[@ajarivas72]

Google reads your mind

[@BrianLindahl]

Thanks much for doing all this work and sharing the great information. Trying to do the same thing on my end for fun and with the kids.

[@goahnary]

Excellent video! Thank you! This is a great place to start. Sending love from Kentucky!

[@argstudio]

Thanks for posting this. We have wanted to get into solar for a long time, and your setup really opened our eyes! We already bought the linked inverter (what a cool discovery!) and are ready to invest in panels -- 400 watts seems like a good bet. I like your style; you’re doing a good job with your channel. :D

[@BeatTheBush]

Make sure to install a circuit breaker box for this because the danger is the panels providing electricity to something in the same circuit without the protection of 'breaking' the circuit if there is a short. This is also not approved so attempt at your own risk!

[@jamesadieze9537]

thanks for demonstrating that one does not really have to have batteries to get electricity from solar panels.

[@mjmbishop]

You should look into grid tie inverter with limiter. That way you can use more power when needed. It won't send power back to the grid, some electric companies charge for that. The limiter sensor reads how much power your using and supplies that power minus 5 watts so you never feed the grid

[@loungelizard836]

Can you provide a link? Thanks!

[@korishan]

Or go with a full on hybrid-inverter. That way installation of batteries later on is possible and easy to connect.

[@CroatianNinja]

Yes please provide a link that would be awesome are they difficult to install

[@jayc9003]

Very well explained. It answered my question about grid tie setup. Thank you!

[@MrTespro]

You've described exactly what's been in my mind as an experiment. I had already concluded that battery storage - even if buying used batteries - would run the cost WAY up! At 1000 KWH per month, my rate goes up. Here in the SE USA, we pay some of the highest rates in the country and I've been thinking about how to try to keep the peak usage down and this may do it. Here in Florida, I'm sure I can't match your already-low usage since I HAVE to use air conditioning. Great video!!

[@BeatTheBush]

Only works when the sun is out though. But then it only gets hotter when the sun is out. Idea is to only have just enough panels to provide what you use. =D

[@ajarivas72]

Financially speaking is better just to invest in better insulation and a better energy efficient AC. And proper maintenance to the AC unit.

[@MLFranklin]

Interesting video and very useful information. Well documented. Thanks for doing that. But it's also kind of freaking me out because I used to have a living room with that exact floor plan back when I lived in Pinole.

[@Whatsthis1do]

BTB OMG! I have been trying to do off grid forever but the cost is crazy (getting cheaper by the day). I never thought to just plug it into my wall *head smack* I will now have more than just my shed using solar. Thank buddy from your friend in who pays through the nose for electricity.

[@tywarkentin]

Whatsthis1do I could probably help you get an off grid system if you’re interested 👍🏻

[@BeatTheBush]

Technically, you have to have a contract with your power company to do this. So I guess I cannot recommend doing exactly what I am doing.

[@Whatsthis1do]

@@BeatTheBush DAAAA. I thought you needed a net meter account. I was thinking/hoping the electricity may take the path of least resistance which would be in the walls rather than from the power lines. I will look into this further

[@Whatsthis1do]

@@tywarkentin Thanks for the offer. I believe you are in the US, I'm in Canada which complicates costs a little bit. I may or may not be selling this house in less than 5 years. My next property will be my coffin house so that will be the off grid project. Appreciated!

[@TheCodesterr]

Best solar panel video. I’d want to build stands that go on the ground to mount them in the direction of the sun instead of on my roof.

[@BeatTheBush]

Thanks!

[@najirban]

I'd do this but no capital and more importantly no house! I'd charge my hypothetical electric commuter vehicle as well. Thanks

[@artisticagi]

I learned so much from your video, thank you! I hope they don’t take it down

[@BeatTheBush]

Yeah... it might have some people not feeling 100% about this.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

I’m going to give this a try. Since your using a 110 outlet to feed back into your home, is it only powering one side of your panel? So if most of my daily electric usage comes from circuits on the left of my panel and I feed back with the inverter on a circuit on the right would that be a waste?

[@pigtailsboy]

You could always consider becoming a local utility and sell via contract to your neighborhood at a cheaper rate than they receive.

[@ThomasBomb45]

Becoming a utility has much higher responsibility than generating power for your own personal use. Not a small task

[@ajarivas72]

@@ThomasBomb45 Hi Lily. I agree. Additionally he won’t be able to sell the power at a lower price. You can only make money selling the power 5 times the price during power outages.

[@apex007]

I'M GOING TO TRY THIS!!!

[@robindas1207]

Great analysis dude keep it up

[@jamesthacoolcat9926]

I would totally try this on the roof, if i had a house. Or replacing roof shingles with mini solar panel shingles.

[@toysareforboys1]

mini solar panel shingles are less efficient and more expensive. better to just stick up some ugly panels instead ;)

[@jamesthacoolcat9926]

toysareforboys good point. Maybe the price will go down by the time im looking to buy a house; years away, if not decades

[@OnlyMyOpinion]

I'm already in the process of installing a 500 watt solar panel system. I bought 2 used solar panels off CL, one cost me $20 because the glass was shattered. I just cleaned it and covered it with polyurethane which will keep water out. It worked and the panel is producing the correct amount of electricity. Both panels are around 250 watts each. Total investment in panels $120. I had a 500 watt grid tie inverter that I bought years ago off Ebay, not sure what I paid for it though but it was cheap. I can't wait to test the results. Wish me luck!

[@BeatTheBush]

Is it water tight? Might be a real issue when it rains if not. Maybe spray some water on top to test?

[@OnlyMyOpinion]

Yes, its absolutely water tight. We live where it rains quite often. Another way I believe I could have fixed it was to use clear epoxy. But it's just fine the way it is for now.

[@michaelcloresandersm.d.7050]

Great video, thanks for the novel approach.

[@chachingfm]

This is a pretty intriguing topic

[@ajarivas72]

Right. If you want to save money. Stick to the power company. Invest the money on better insulation and better energy efficient equipment. Or buy a gas ⛽️ generator and feed power to the electric company

[@Kyle-gq7tk]

Meters typically have two channels one for grid to house and one for house to grid. This is called net metering. If you call your utility they can enable this feature. They’ll also install what is called a solar disconnect which will prevent you from back feeding the grid when utility working are working on lines. This help to keep utility workers safe.

[@CroatianNinja]

But then they would have to send somebody out to check out the installation right I'm guessing that would be big bucks to get it completely to code

[@Kyle-gq7tk]

@@CroatianNinja Some utilities do the programming over the air and do not check certificates. Other utilities program the meter manually and double check your electricians permit. You could probably call your utility to inquire. At any rate - i thoroughly enjoy your videos. Please keep them coming :)

[@shanemike3070]

I have large solar panels hooked to a grid- tie inverter (1000) watt and just pluged it into a outlet and it really makes a big change on your electric bill, easy to set up and safe, I did not tell the power company but I should so I get money back from them. My meter runs backwards most of the winter, but my AC unit is always running in summer. My summer bills are one third of what my mom pays. One thing about grid-tie inverters when the power goes out they dont work so people working on the power lines dont get electrocuted.

[@CroatianNinja]

So I just bought two thousand Watts worth of solar panels and I'm going to split it up using a cup low grid-tied inverters my only concern is PG&E knocking on my door asking me where I'm getting all this power phone and is it hooked up properly do you think they would do that? As we speak I only have two panels that are hooked up and it does run into the negative when I have very little load this weekend going to hook up to 2000 Watts can't wait

[@shanemike3070]

@@CroatianNinja Depends on where you live, here in New Mexico is OK, but my Sisters in Arizona say they are not allowed or the power company could cut your power. Some Power companies are greedy ass holes. I also have close to 2000 watts with grid tie inverters, our power company does nothing, our state State promotes going green so the power company just increases rates.

[@JeremyCook]

How is the inverter able to sync up with the phase angle of your normal electricity? Is it able to sense this?

[@grannygoes7882]

Thanks! Just right after we put in our solar system lol! It won't take 20 years, more like 12 years to break even and you get a pretty big tax credit, about a third of what the system costs so that helps too. I would have loved to do it ourselves but we didn't even think about that. We did it because my husband is getting ready to take early retirement and we wanted to reduce our bills for when we lose his paycheck. Actually I guess how long your ROI will be different for everyone. We felt like we have the money now just sitting in the bank so this was a good use for it.

[@BeatTheBush]

12 years to break even is with the tax credit or without? Yeah... it's around 10-20 years depending on what you get. I think the installers get a huge amount, same with roof installations, or water heater installations.

[@jouman450]

I had a closer look at my cheap grid-tie inverter. Protective ground was not connected to the chassis. Inside the insulation creepage distances were too small (not up to standards). It generated a lot of radio frequency distubances on both connection sides. It also consumed about 15 watts at night when on standby. I do not recommend to use it without modifications (proper grounding, additional RFI filters and a timer).

[@jeta45]

Which smart meter are you using to measure usage at 2:43?

[@Eric-xj4qj]

I’m going to do this!

[@greggeryssolarpower8520]

Great advice! It did recently and saved money on energy bill! I just uploaded some videos where I'm using drywall lifts for the panels. I'll definitely be watching your videos.

[@BeatTheBush]

Drywall lifts to secure it you mean?

[@nulledrust9809]

Solar is Terrible honestly. We spent over $20,000 on a full system and I wish I had my $20,000 back. Don't listen to all these liars. Solar is VERY Expensive and NOT Reliable at all.

[@Naturenerd1000]

Nice knew you would eventually try solar pannels. Great video.

[@BeatTheBush]

Fun little project.

[@motolifts]

Few comments: first, power workers ground the lines when the work on them if they are turning off the power. This would create a line to ground short and instantly blowup your inverter if it doesn’t have self protection. So while the sensing for grid tie power is important safety feature, it will just normally destroy your equipment. Second, a little known fact about smart meters is that they count for electricity in both directions as electricity billed. Such as without the proper “solar meter” from the power company, you will be putting power back into the grid, but you will be charged for the power as if you used it, not generated it. This is a default as many people used to steal power by rewiring the meter socket. So first half of the month run the meter forwards, second half, run it backwards. I suggest a system that charges an off grid battery and runs certain high power appliances consistently, such as your fridge, your washing machine and drier (if it is a gas drier only) with about 300-500 watts and two 6v batteries in your latitude, you should be able to run all of that fairly well. I used to be a design engineer for a solar company who designed commercial installations. I have a similar system at my house. 900w of solar (3-300w panels) 4-6v batts in series. I run my washing machine, drier, deep freezer, fridge, whole house fan, and run everything in my garage. It’s not a true off grid system, as I still can’t run my AC off the solar system entirely. But buying the panels used, and finding good deals, I have about 1500$ into the system. Just another line of thought.

[@C45PE12]

Nathan Polt spot on Nathan! Not sure if he has a Net Meter installed by his local utility because I wouldn’t approve of that DYI set up if I worked at his power utility (I’m an engineer at another power utility) since the inverter is not IEEE 1547 and UL 1741 and no physical disco switch. So if he’s backfeeding into the grid without a Net Meter, his AMI meter will signal a back flow to the utility and if they see he doesn’t have a Net Meter account, they can flag him and disconnect his service until he get the proper permits or tell him to remove his solar.

[@aedgvv6095]

i have the 1000w tie inverter like the ones you showed.. what is the best DC circut breaker do you recommand, and the housing for it, and the AC side, how should it be wired? just directly to the plug?

[@brianwilson7217]

Your inverter is not UL listed so if a fire starts insurance will pay nothing. Also grid tied systems have to be designed to shut down when the power is out so you don't shock and kill a lineman. if caught you could be fined.

[@toysareforboys1]

All of these types of grid tie inverters shut down automatically when the power goes out.

[@WorldtravelerEve]

@Beatthebush can you do a diy video or a video or the actual setup cause I'm very interested in doing the same thing at my home. Not clear how you tie it into your home

[@BeatTheBush]

I just plugged it into the wall.

[@Practice_Kindness-1st]

@@BeatTheBush - Heck! That's worth making a video for! lol

[@MIKE-il6mu]

You can also run those grid tie inverters on batteries so you can produce power at night. $10 for a charge controller and $50 for a small deepcycle battery. Or you can use the micro inverters that attach to the panel ad run the ac output from the roof. These are more efficient better bank for the buck

[@christophercudia8354]

what is the volts on grid to keep grid tie inverter running as i going off grid

[@jeffescortlx]

A grid tie inverter with limiting might be a good option. It monitors the power your house is using and makes sure it doesn't feed back into the grid.

[@glendakillough6726]

Thank you.

[@Almamater8888]

Love it!! Be very careful getting on your roof.

[@BeatTheBush]

They have these safety harnesses you mount but for a DIY thing, that might not be easy to do.

[@WoodUCreate]

I learned a lot and have always been interested in solar. I never knew how the inverter tied into the grid, by simply plugging it in makes the whole experiment much easier to give it a try.

[@dauntiekay2768]

I'm very interested and curious about solar but my knowledge is limited as to how to set up a system like this--I would love to see how you go about setting up this system--as always your videos are so interesting!!!

[@BeatTheBush]

Seems like I cannot make further video on this because most laws does not allow the tie in without power company approvals.

[@johnwyman6331]

@@BeatTheBush Guerilla solar for the win!

[@robertpryor7225]

Great project

[@jamesmoore6003]

Great information and very simple to do. Thanks for the video. I'm looking to do something like you have done.

[@BeatTheBush]

Just remember, when you mess with your electricity like this, there are liabilities involved in case anything happens. This means you may need a circuit breaker right after the inverter to isolate it from everything else.

[@nulledrust9809]

Solar is Terrible honestly. We spent over $20,000 on a full system and I wish I had my $20,000 back. Don't listen to all these liars. Solar is VERY Expensive and NOT Reliable at all.

[@sernanpalisoc7610]

Is it possible to do this if i already have a solar system in my house. Just got an ev and was wondering if i can add more pabela to my system using this method.

[@ShichaoChenhongyu]

woo, this is my looking for idea. Thx!

[@jeffneal1518]

So instead of turning off the main breaker in your breaker box, you just turn off the breaker that supplies power to that particular room right when using the solar panels for power?

[@larryteslaspacexboringlawr739]

please do more energy videos (solar or wind or geothermal or home insulation or cooling or heating or off grid)

[@kevindouglas8768]

Loved your video:)

[@jason-white]

Isn't it illegal in California to backfeed into the grid? Do these gridtie inverters cut the power if the PGE power goes out to protect linemen?

[@johnb56112]

Im glad you posted this, im getting ready to do my home. I would suggest getting rid of the speaker wire it will burn up fast you would be better off splicing an old extention cord or something of that nature.

[@BeatTheBush]

What do you mean burn up? Like literally catch on fire? Or melt from the sun? I think it will more likely get brittle from UV.

[@johnb56112]

@@BeatTheBush more then likely melt the wires

[@ShyRage1]

My friend who works in solar told me that if it's directly plugged into a wall socket to make sure nothing else is on that line (dedicated outlet). I forgot to ask him what size of the amp is acceptable and wire size. ANy help would be appreciated

[@insan18]

I am wondering if this will negatively impact the cashback/rewards you get from ohmConnect.Basically if your expected usage is already closed to zero (based on the historical trends), won't it result in less ohmConnect points/credits.

[@alexanderrodriguez6305]

Depends on how it is connected, if you have batteries to use overnight powering up everything than yeah there will probably be no points. But if there are no batteries you will still use the power companies electric during the night

[@alfckchung]

Is this setup still working after a year.

[@stewartlim1867]

do you need a permit to install solar system in your backyard and connect to the grid?

[@djpuplex]

600 watts of solar, 400-500 amp hour batteries system deep cycle (lithium if you can afford them) only draw the batteries down 75% max before recharge, 1000 watt pure sinewave inverter, good quality solar charge controller, or grid no more power bill. Should last 6-10 years. Will more than pay for it self.

[@BeatTheBush]

Yup.

[@djpuplex]

@joe 90 renogy panels non flexible are always recommend, a good quality mppt controller with the amp you need for your system or one that allows you to grow your system. Batteries many people wire 6 volt golf carts in series Costco used to have great ones not sure if the do anymore. Litihium ions are the best but pricey, somen swear by battle born. See will prowses channel he is like solar Jesus.

[@joewilson2258]

K Roodie actually lithium batteries are cheaper in the long run because they provide the power a lot longer than even deep cycle batteries .

[@dragan3290]

Anyone have any positive comments on Low frequency inverter?

[@mhamen2]

Ehhh, off-grid will generally have the highest cost per kWh. If you want to use solar and the grid is an option then grid tie will be cheaper than off-grid. 600W of panels will generate about 1000kWh per year in California. That would only save most people about $100 a year.

[@weldercamaro]

exactly what i want to do. a house runs on 220v and your only feeding one side.so ,does it only work on 1/2 the phantom loads in the house?

[@trwsandford]

double up, and feed both legs

[@toysareforboys1]

what @trwsandford said, in places with 240v split phase (Canada/USA) use one inverter in an outlet on each side of the panel (each phase) and your 240v appliances will draw from both. Wouldn't work on true single phase systems like ones on the other side of the pond.

[@epicbomb2]

Summer time in Texas this would really help out a lot

[@WesTpaintninjagc]

Hi mate. Just letting you know I had a good mate about 3 weeks ago wired his own solar, and had a reasonably good idea what he was doing worked fine for years. Then about 3 weeks ago he went to maccas for breakfast came home to a smouldering wreck. Lost everything. I wouldn’t risk it unless off grid, even then his was off grid as well.

[@Handlebarrz]

What was the fault. A million things can go into play and can go wrong if you don't know what you're doing

[@WesTpaintninjagc]

tripple-d 2146972 if you don’t have an electrical trade fair bet you don’t know what your doing. He says he isolated it before he left who knows.

[@johnwyman6331]

Was he telling the newspapers or social media about it? Sharing the facts that he doesn't need to pay one of those huge multibillion-dollar monopolies? If so, then I wouldn't doubt if one of those monopolies made sure the place burnt down. I've heard of it happening before through a good friend of mine that it happened to.

[@indamud2006]

Ok so basically you have the solar panels hooked directly to the inverter? You're using 12 volt panels what voltage is the inverter? Would it be anyway possible for a video of your setup?

[@BeatTheBush]

12V panels with 2 in series for 24V. Inverter outputs 110V. People keep on asking for the setup. I am surprised because it's exactly I described it. I should make a diagram I guess.

[@fabian987m]

@@BeatTheBush don't you need a controller to regulate the voltage before it gets to the inverter

[@regor2102]

Tesla Roof $150,000 a comparable Solar System using panels $88,000 so for those of us without the big bucks its nice to see there are alternatives, thanks.

[@BeatTheBush]

What current are you using? That sounds expensive in USD.

[@C45PE12]

You should inform people to see their power utility’s regulations on grid interconnecting using a distribution energy resource (DER) or also known as Distributed Generation (DG) for their Net Meter program. I see a lot of critical mistakes here. First. you don’t have a disconnect switch (lever action or whatever the utility allows) to isolate any fault downstream of the meter if a linemen is working on a fault. Second, I’m glad you’ve caught the inverters you’re using since they are not IEEE 1547 and UL 1741 compliant, thus they don’t shut off during a fault and can backfeed and electrocute a linemen working downstream if he doesn’t have ppe on thinking the line is de-energized. Mainly all utilities require those 2 criteria for inverters. Third, installing the solar on your roof by yourself is risky, not only is a safety concern but also you risk damaging your roof and cracking it. Not sure how PG&E (assuming you’re in CA) was able to approve your set up and installed your Net Meter. Love your videos but this one is rough since I’m an engineer at a power company lol

[@wangwooodhead8900]

If you read how GTI works, you will realize your mistake. A GTI (Grid Tie Inverter) will shutdown definitely during power outage, a disconnect switch is not necessary, let me explain it. From Wiki: To inject electrical power efficiently and safely into the grid, grid-tie inverters must accurately match the voltage and phase of the grid sine wave AC waveform. From the product description:Important note: on grid tie inverter, it need to plug into your home grid, CAN'T power your device directly. Conclusion: During power outage, the GTI can not detect the voltage and phase of the AC, so no output will generated, the linemen is safe.

[@C45PE12]

wang wooodhead bruhhhh not sure if you work at a utility or not but please go check your local utility’s net meter program and see their requirement on the single line diagram and I can guarantee you that a disco switch is required lol. If a linemen is working on a fault and see a DG system in mappings, they will manually pull the disco switch down to prevent any backflow if the consumer is over generating and what if the inverter failed to operate? How are you gonna isolate the backflow? How would the linemen know if the inverters operated successfully? That’s where the disco switch comes in to isolate everything.

[@wangwooodhead8900]

@@C45PE12 My bachelor's degree is EE, but I am full time software engineer after graduate. Let's move to an IEEE 1547 compliant product: the Enphase IQ7, which is widely used in rooftop solar system. Here is the manual: enphase.com/sites/default/files/downloads/support/IQ7-7plus-7X-Micro-Manual-EN-US.pdf The last page is an sample wiring diagram, there is only standard circuit breaker between the IQ7 and meter. I believe they will clearly show all the safety equipment in their sample diagram. Again, the GTI rely on the AC voltage and phase to work correctly, without input AC, there will no output. I think the chance of GTI failure to output without AC even lower than hits by thunder, just skip it.

[@C45PE12]

wang wooodhead I’m Masters in T&D Engineering lol, but what I’m saying does not require a degree to know. I am aware of endphase micro inverters and how they operate, but like I said, the disco switch is a utility requirement because at the end of the day, if you want to interconnect to their grid, it’s their regs you have to follow. If they want a physical disco switch after every equipment, you’ll have to do that too. I’m speaking from real life experience since I work at a utility. If you’re doing this dyi stuff and not connecting to the grid, then you can do whatever you want. Once you tap into their lines, it’s their regs. Attached is what utilities SLD are mainly composed of. www.sceg.com/docs/librariesprovider5/pdfs/netmeteringsingleline.pdf

[@wangwooodhead8900]

@@C45PE12 I watch some video about "legal" solar system, the regulation do need a disconnector (like the one they asked for AC system). But the most interesting part is they need METAL label instead of PVC label. Well, regulation is regulation. lol:

[@pyrocra]

Hello! I have a question. If your street has a power outage, does your inverter send that amperage out to the main line? If the city comes to repair the damage but your house is stil sending enough amps to kill someone; is there something you can add to prevent this?

[@pyrocra]

Nevermind the question! I just started your linked video and see you answered haha. Thanks!

[@user-ef2ul3xv3w]

sir if grid denied to accept our extra electricity then what should we do .............................we are not going to work on other hybrid or simply off grid ....plz ans me

[@jamesthacoolcat9926]

Very interesting about solar. I see it greatly reduces you electric bill. Just when i thought beat the bush covered everything, he further reduces his expenses.

[@BeatTheBush]

Lol... you noticed the double dipping? Ohmconnect + Solar. I am getting more back than my electric bill.

[@jamesthacoolcat9926]

BeatTheBush Yes i see youre using both and gaining. Youre very efficient in different expense categories, basically wiping out electric.

[@SkylerF]

Although you are probably not allowed to feed power into the grid when the power goes out, the power company always assumes a line is live, and someone at their home may turn on a generator at any time. They make sure to ground the wire before they work on it. It will however possibly damage your own equipment if they ground the line.

[@BeatTheBush]

True. But you wouldn't want things shorting out and possibly causing some damage or fire.

[@czarrevs3616]

Great video. When are you going to install the system on the roof? Are you going to increase the number of panels?

[@1jasonover]

I LOVE LOVE my Ridge!!

[@alexbright7735]

I want one looks good

[@helixlee9778]

im interested in doing this, sounds like a fun project!

[@BeatTheBush]

Its like a little hobby. It's fun to monitor the power.

[@dauntiekay2768]

I see you updated your title to this video--lol. We love your little "fun" projects!

[@jad1176]

I was talking with a friend about a DIY solar system and he, (who is commercial a contractor) discourages them as he said they need to be permitted due to safety reasons. So much for me sticking it to PG&E!! 🙁

[@johnwyman6331]

Just simply do an off grid system and fire PG&E

[@Daniel-qj3tp]

My RCDs on my board might trip, will have to give this a go, thanks

[@BeatTheBush]

I have to add, in order to do this, you need to sign a contract with your power company to tie into their grid. Therefore, this video is just for entertainment, do not try this at home! Do not try this. The danger here is the power company intentionally powering down your part of the grid to work on while your solar panels did not turn off.

[@Daniel-qj3tp]

BeatTheBush yea cover your ass, I’m a registered electrician so I be alright thanks

[@JamesTomlinson2]

Great stuff brother thank you I plan on doing something close to the same just looking to save a little.

[@benjiandmckenzie8269]

Great job. Would it make a difference if you buy a cheap lead acid battery, and set on a timer where it discharges when Ohm hours are max? Makes sense if it's similar to time of use

[@BeatTheBush]

You would need an inverter and an automatic switch. When you have this kind of system, it gets much more expensive than this.

[@surenbono6063]

...i run the same grid tied as you...only 2 deg north of the equator...it is summer all around , right in the middle of both tropic change every 6 months....malaysia

[@vampire64]

I notice what no one talks about is the life of the existing roofing system. If you have a roof made of asphalt shingle it usually last up to 10- 15 years. Which means when it comes time to re-roof your home it will be more expensive because now the roofers will need to remove the solar panels, conduits, and mounting equipment to re-roof. Your solar system will take 20 years to break even but roofing system will fail before that. Also its not including the add extra cost of re-roofing and continuous maintenance of the solar panels. Dirt gets stuck on the solar panels which you will need a long window washer handle or climb the your roof to clean the solar panel. Blasting it with a water hose and soap won't get the panels truly clean.

[@Gary65437]

Excellent project/hobby for an electrical engineer. You could start a business installing the system in your area. Like a guy that makes outdoor TV antennas and installs them for people that want free TV and no hassle of making and installing it themselves..

[@BeatTheBush]

Seems like there's too much liability for power the system when the grid is intentionally off.

[@rossmacintosh5652]

@@BeatTheBush -- I'll repeat myself from an earlier posting because I hope you'll see my idea: "Mr. Beat - please see the comments in the posting by "TheRainHarvester" where the safety issue is discussed and I try to steer you towards a solution. "

[@доброум]

Great video, thanks! Do you think it's possible to plug a grid-tie inverter into a UPS when there is a power outage? This may trick it to think it's plugged into grid. I assume the UPS needs to be plugged into itself as well. And then you can plug devices into it and they will be powered by UPS which is being charged by the solar inverter.

[@BeatTheBush]

This may mean you have to plug the output of the UPS back into the input. I have no idea if the UPS will support this.

[@ajarivas72]

@@BeatTheBush Great videos. I just discovered your videos. From now on, I am your # 1 fan on KZbin. Regarding the power outage, it is more convenient to get a normal 12 volts inverter and hook it to the car 🚘 battery 🔋 and turn on the engine when needed to recharge the car battery 🔋. He should get a deep-cycle battery for his car.

[@castingcauldron6578]

Thank you for this good video Francis! I am back from Cancun!I love harnessing nature and the power of the sun. I had solar lights all around my house to light it up at night. Electric companies have needed competition for a long time I hope to have solar panels in the future. 😎😆🤸

[@BeatTheBush]

Nice! Solar lights? Oh, like ones for the yard I think.

[@ywan1]

Do you regard your 500W inverter? Or you wish you have a bigger size, so you can put more panels when you have $$? I am thinking to start this project in next few weeks.

[@gedw99]

Got a link to this inverter ? I was just thinking of doing this. Also you should buy a diverter - it prioritises heating the watrr on you boiler and so making the boiler a battery ! Pretty smart and easy since you boiler is on its own fuse

[@toysareforboys1]

Link is in the description.

[@thomashardin911]

YOU ROCK! 🤘🤘🤘

[@grugnotice7746]

I wouldn't install on the roof as there is a significant chance you could fall to your death, in addition to the other problems caused by roof installations. I would just install at an angle on the ground, or better yet, put it on top of a pergola and enjoy some outdoor shade!

[@BeatTheBush]

Noted.

[@dfnope]

@@BeatTheBush Yeah, I was going to say, electricity and roofs don't mix well, see Notre Dame today. Your homeowner's insurance won't cover fire damage to your house or your neighbors. 100Ws is enough to power a tungsten bulb, which is basically a small fire. To be fair, the inverter you bought does seem to stop when the grid goes out completely, but I still wouldn't recommend because many 'outages' are brown outs where the power is somewhere in the mushy middle, and it's not clear what the inverter will do then, because the seller himself says it is not UL-1741 certified: www.amazon.com/conversations/1-ab68756b-812b-a113-5a22-3abd389fa9dc/ref=ask_ql_vc_hdl_hza www.amazon.com/ask/questions/Tx9ZFLTN0GBKR2/ref=ask_ql_ql_al_hza

[@doneyandassociates]

When the synchronized phase inverter power is fed back to the mains power, wouldn't that increase the voltage of the mains?

[@johnwyman6331]

Slightly, but well within spec.

[@gsk9s]

Awesome Video!!

[@BeatTheBush]

=D

[@ABM261-zi2gl]

Nice video. I have one question though. On the converter you have can how many 100 watt panels I connect? Also, how would I connect them together? I believe you use the word “tandem”. Thank you and can’t wait for your response

[@BeatTheBush]

Some grid tie inverters are built for 24V, some 12V. Mine is 24V so it means you wire two in series. It's a 500W inverter. Each panel is 100W so technically, you can use at most 4. Two sets of two in series. And the two sets you connect them in parallel.