DIY - 3kW Solar Panel System Detail Cost

DIY 3kW Grid Tie Home Solar Panel System Detail Cost Breakdown
Find More information for this project and others on my website: projectswithdave.com
Parts lists with Cost Link: drive.google.com/file/d/18fJJ...
Watch the Install video here: • DIY - 3kW Solar Panel ...
K2 Systems Racking: www.santansolar.com/product-c...
NEP BDM600 Microinverters: signaturesolar.com/nep-2-pane...
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Check out my other projects: projectswithdave.com/#projects
Recommended sources for Bifacial and Discounted Solar Panels: projectswithdave.com/solar-pa...
Solar & Off Grid Materials & Components: projectswithdave.com/components/
Recommend Tools For Solar: projectswithdave.com/tools/
Learn how to do your own DIY Solar System: projectswithdave.com/#edu-video
Sources for LiFePO4 batteries: projectswithdave.com/batteries/
Inverter Solutions: projectswithdave.com/inverters/
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For great prices on used and clearance solar panels use SanTan Solar: www.santansolar.com/product-c...
For large orders and pallet pricing fro SanTan, contact Alex (480-360-6203; or [e-mail] ) and mention EverydayDave for 5% off.
Best Value Source For Solar Panels and Batteries - Signature Solar: signaturesolar.com/shop-all/s...
Quality & Service Source for Batteries and Inverters- Current Connected: www.currentconnected.com/?ref...
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I used Energy Sage to research solar and receive multiple competing quotes for my install.
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Disclaimers:
This video is for information purposes only, and does not constitute professional advice. Solar systems can and do involve dangerous electrical connections. If you do not have experience with electrical wiring, please seek professional support.
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Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
03:46 1st Option Cost Summary
04:57 System Payback Prediction
06:50 2nd Option Cost Summary
07:58 Combiner Box Materials
08:30 Optional Components
09:08 Parts List Link Info
09:21 Income Comment Answered
10:02 Battery Backup Sneak Peak

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Related Videos: DIY - 3kW Solar Panel System Installation - Step by Step: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2myeKuaf56Wi5o 9kW DIY Ground Array Install: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lamkZ6SFrNOMmK8 9KW Array cost Vs Quote: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hn-3gGtpe9uUgpY 9kW Array first year performance results: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJLXhZiJppVoqLc Bifacial Solar Panel Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4S7f52piNigp5I Super Cheap Solar Panel Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6aXmnqud82ksNU And How to size your solar system here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJOpn42ndpV6eas 4 Things to Know About Solar in the Snow: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIqWgaicr7WIpKs Ground Vs Roof Mount Solar: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rV7MhJJumpyhbJI How to Get A Permit For Your Solar System: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n57Mdox6fbF6aqM 3 Solar Panel Wiring Issues Answered: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2jZeXh-d5iUY68 Net Metering Explained With Actual Data: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6i4fGSag69mpJo

[@wills2262]

Really well done video. This type of content takes a ton of time to make, really appreciate it.

[@genosails2]

Very impressive video presentation. Reminds me of the TV program, This Old House.

[@brianandbarikelly5349]

Great videos Dave! New to the channel and have looked at solar for decades, but have yet to pull the trigger. Living in AZ now and was looking to do a solar shed as a starter project. Used panels from San Tan Solar, just down the road from me, looks like a no brainier. Thanks for all the awesome content!!

[@ProjectsWithDave]

You shouldn't have a hard time justifying solar in AZ. : )

[@ramonalvarado9503]

Great videos.. thanks for every detail.

[@godhandshadow]

Looking forward in doing one soon east

[@derekleclair8787]

Another great video! Thank you for the mounting info, I have found it a bit difficult to ascertain mounting hardware descriptions or cost breakdowns anywhere and it can add up fast. Also the fact you can get it all from San tan solar is awesome!

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Everything except the EJOT bolts, they are still working on getting those in stock. Meanwhile, the link in my document is from another supplier.

[@Cephas373]

Thank you so much.

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

thanks COOP ...

[@greenfrog58]

Great video! 🇸🇪

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Thanks! 😃

[@jefftiefenthaler8816]

Nice job Dave! I installed an 18-panel system 2 years ago and am thinking of expanding it. Let me know if you would be up for talking. Thanks and take care.

[@SEANRMZ]

Love you vids, one thing missing the inverter? Keep the awesome content

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Thanks! This install uses micro inverters, one for every 2 panels.

[@timphillips4072]

GREAT PRICE KEE P UP THE GOOD WORK

[@seekersees693]

I know there a variety of solar panels. From researching this, some perform better in the cold/winter while others work best in the heat/summer. I do understand how the heat/cold affect the voltage. I'm not sure where you live since I just subbed to you the other day. Still watching videos. What type of panel would you recommend being in south TX between San Antonio and Houston. It gets hot and humid here but we have had some freakish cold weather over the past 3 years. I'm still watching the video and you may have covered this topic. I just paused since I just thought about it. Thank you!

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Heat negatively effects all panels. Even though it effects some more than others the bigger factors are cost/watt for the panel, the orientation of the array, and bifacial or mono-face panels.

[@Tim_Gravy]

@projectswithdave Your also not adding the 30% towards ur shed as the tax credit says STRUCTURES also... If ur to build a shed just for this system lol, if it costs 1k or 4k for ur shed, thats 30% back on that too. Also if you house ur batteries in the shed vs ur home you have no code issues and ur home insurance wont go up. I plan to build a shed and house everything in it, and just buy a cheap heat pump system that will keep the shed around 60 in winter and 75 in summer. Best part thats part of the shed!!! 30% lol, also if u own a sole property ship/llc, u can bill urself for ur time, thats 30% too!!! As labor is included...

[@igorkvachun3572]

Yes👍☀ ⚡🔌💡

[@dennisp2805]

Would it make sense to have done your 9kW ground array with these microinverters instead given the price of the inverter+optimizer is about double and it would have solved your clipping issue? I think the reduction in parts and decentralized inversion means less things that can fail and cheaper to replace/repair (especially if the SolarEdge inverter fails). Is there a significant benefit in keeping everything in high voltage DC before reaching the panel, besides charging a car or storage batteries?

[@ProjectsWithDave]

High voltage runs can carry the same power with smaller conductors. Micro inverters are limited to 240V. I plan to do some back to back comparisons in the future and present some data that answers those questions.

[@vanglorious585]

Hi. I want to know how you installed the micro inverters? E.g made a string of 2 panels in series and wired a micro inverter for it ? Or it is 1 micro inverter for each panel ? What is the purpose of installing separate inverters instead of 1 single inverter ?

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Each microinverter can handle two solar panels. Here are just a few reason you might prefer microinverters over a string inverter: 1) You essentially have many small systems. If one inverter or panel fails it does not affect the rest of the array. 2) Your solar panels only have to match in pairs. So, you can have two panels facing south, two facing East, and two facing West if you want and each pair could be different panels entirely. 3) The system size is very flexible. You can start with one microinverter, then add more as your finances or needs grow without investing in a large string inverter to support possible future expansion.

[@Jo3splace]

im building my array on a steel cable that I will tighten stiff to hold the panels off the ground. Kind of like a rope bridge but at a 30 degree angle for best efficiency. my total cost comes to around 120 for mounting hardware.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Do you have any pictures posted? I'm having a hard time picturing what you did.

[@johnlabernik4599]

The problem with solar "net even" calculations is they don't take into account the time value of money. If you weigh the system investment against a 6% return in the market you basically double the net even time. The solar tax credit vs pre-tax retirment contribution is basically a wash as well.

[@benchoflemons398]

And you have to keep in mind that a 6 percent nominal return at 1 beta is a bad risk adj return. The 100 year nominal average is over 10% in the USA and the real (inflation adj) is over 7%. Glad to see a comment looking beyond the obvious :)

[@ProjectsWithDave]

There are other things to consider. Not every investment is about finding the mathematical optimal return. Some other things to consider: 1) There is something to be said for diversification. 2) I have direct control over this investment. 3) This income is tax free. 4) Producing my own power reduces my monthly expense and allows me to function much longer If I lost my job. 5) It makes me more prepared for emergency situations. 6) It protects me from rapidly rising energy costs. 7) I get to learn something new. ... to name a few...

[@johnfitbyfaithnet]

​@@ProjectsWithDave#6 can also improve ROI if energy costs go up

[@CorwinPatrick]

@@johnfitbyfaithnet The ROI calculation is a red herring. There is not a single home improvement project other than solar that requires a "payback period". The assumption is always that you get to use the improvement, then you get something for it when you sell the house (invested equity). The value of improvements is malleable. Usually a new kitchen is the best return. Back when Solar started being a thing, it was unclear that it was actually an improvement to the house. These days, there are communities in the US where having solar on the house commands a higher sales price. You can ague what that residual value is, but that it exists at all changes the "ROI".

[@GETREALLYRICH]

Hello, just getting into the research but does that mean you're producing around 3kw of power every hour for the shed? Is that a lot more than needed? Also where do you find the cheapest batteries? Thanks for the video!

[@ProjectsWithDave]

I'll break down the performance in a future video. But, if the current at the AC end is 9A the total output at that moment would be 2,160W. If that continuous steady for 1 hour, that would be 2.2kWh. Some months the additional power is not needed, but most months I will still underproduce. I'm installing a battery backup now using SOK 48V server rack batteries from Current Connected ( I would say, the highest quality one on the market). Here is a link to the ones I'm using in the upcoming video: www.currentconnected.com/product/sk48v100/?ref=pwd Signature Solar carries a slightly cheaper one with less features but still good quality, here is a link to their options: signaturesolar.com/eg4-lifepower4-lithium-battery-12v-400ah/?ref=SALE

[@GETREALLYRICH]

@@ProjectsWithDave thanks for the reply. My tiny house calculations (if my math is write) that I'll only need about 5kw(Mr cool hvac, mini fridge, 6 light bulbs, TV) on the shortest sunlight day(9 hours of sun, about 5 direct sunlight ) with highest power use so I'd only need. That means I'd probably only need about 1.5kw of panels with 5kwh battery pack correct?

[@ProjectsWithDave]

You said you need 5kW, did you mean you need 5kWh per day? You need to understand your daily consumption in kWh and your lowest production days in kWh.

[@sociopathmercenary]

I'm in Ohio and I'm definitely interested in setting up some solar. My monthly usage ranges from 1,500 kWh in the summer to 4,300 kWh in the winter with my all electric home. With the lower solar energy and an electric rate of $0.11 a kWh, I need to DIY and grid tie as the storage requirements and system size would be prohibitive. Your videos have been great.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Glad I could help! The utility rates are going up, so it is probably going to get easier to justify.

[@FuncleChuck]

So this is basically everything you need to grid tie? I'm still worried I'd get this all up on my shed and then the utility would come along and tell me that I didn't install some XYZ whatever and that I'm not allowed to turn it on.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

That is why you need to talk to them before you install your equipment. I have a video that outlines the process, you can watch it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n57Mdox6fbF6aqM

[@garys6898]

If you do it thru a transfer switch you don't have to tell them nothing

[@optionstrader9637]

Im so happy i locked in a low kw cost of .04/kw makes for a smaller electric bill

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Locking in a rate that low in this climate is quite good. I hope you locked in for a long time. 😀

[@SteveP-vm1uc]

So,,,, you added a Square D disconnect below your meter. I understand that is to keep from backfeeding the grid, but,,, does this also mean you can use the solar during an outage if you shut this disconnect off??? I haven't been keeping up for several years, but last I knew, the power companies all over the US were making it so if there is an outage, you CANNOT USE your solar to power your house!! I am not 100% sure if that included if you have a battery back-up or not, but I remember solar peeps in protest and that the system itself needed to see power coming in to allow the solar system to turn on..... Is all this gone now??

[@ProjectsWithDave]

In some locations the disconnect is required so the utility can separate the solar system from the grid manually if needed. I know there is a push to eliminate them since the grid-tie only systems automatically shut down if the utility power fails. They have to see grid power to operate. You can get hybrid systems that can operate on and off grid. They usually have internal automatic transfer switches to disconnect from the grid when it shuts down, and most require batteries to operate in that mode.

[@adassociates8235]

can microinverters be hook up with batteries to completely become off grid system? we did not see you doing it😢

[@ProjectsWithDave]

These ones don't have a battery backup package. Enphase makes a microinverter with battery backup. You can however install an independent battery backup system like this one I installed: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKuwcopuoLxjebc

[@FuncleChuck]

I recognize this thumbnail 🤣

[@Fritsvrolijk]

In europe you pay 2 time more for the same product

[@ProjectsWithDave]

That seems strange, I wonder why.

[@markjackson6829]

Free equipment is the same as sponsard or paid?!

[@ProjectsWithDave]

There is some difference. I can't afford to purchase all the different things I review or experiment with, so receiving discounted, and sometimes free material allows me to bring you the variety of content you see on my channel. If a vendor is paying for an advertisement directly, there is more obligation to the vendor. Either way, I do my best to show you actual performance and use cases so you can judge the quality and usability for yourself. I do my best identify any vendor affiliations so you can take them into account as you do your research. Hope that helps. Thanks!

[@markjackson6829]

@@ProjectsWithDave While I agree it is not exactly the same as being sponsored or paid in cash, It is still in the end valuable items being given to you. And this gives you, an effectively paid, reason to slant the review, this should be disclosed up front not at the end! Even if it does not actually effect your review. And as you just said you cannot afford all the other equipment you wish to review. This would mean even more reason to be overly positive about the products, that some manufactures send you. Thus making it so that you keep getting more products for free, and for more videos, views, money, a large incentive? I would much rather view a video from someone who did not get a free item but actually purchased themselves, even if the video was not as good of quality. That is the only way I have a good probability of them not being effectively salesmen for the product and their channel?

[@markjackson6829]

@@ProjectsWithDave But also thanks for the video I still appreciate it and found it informative!

[@markjackson6829]

@@ProjectsWithDave If you donated, to a charity etc, all products received for free, that would also make a difference?

[@markjackson6829]

@@ProjectsWithDave And I hope you do understand that unless you donate the equipment to a charity, or declare it as income on tour taxes, that is tax fraud? That is why it is almost the same as being directly paid, tax law!?

[@johnyquach]

How does a 3kwh System Make 3677kwh per year???? ??????????????? i got 1095....

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Performance depends on many factors. To get a good estimate of production try using this calculator: pvwatts.nrel.gov/

[@johnyquach]

@@ProjectsWithDave To make 3677kwh total per year the systesm need to be at least 10kwh, how does a 3kwh max make 10kwh???

[@user-pi8us8dp3b]

$33.54 damb why are you still making videos.... HEAD to VEGAS WITH ALL THE CASH. Seems today for every one person with a brain there are three with out. The biggest problem is they all have internet connections and are sure their opinion matters. steady on sir.

[@scott5747]

A problem with your math. As I understand it, you can only get a rebate if it is professionally installed. So roughly double the price of your system and pay back period. Glory to Ukraine.

[@ProjectsWithDave]

Where does the IRS document require professional installation?