DIY Hurricane ready solar array build, part 2! Off grid power!

I add on to the off grid hurricane ready solar array that I built at my shop. I am need of more power as I upgrade my solar equipment to more powerful components.
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[@GaHullbillyRanch]

Everyone give the video a like, comment & please share the video. That pile of steel is $$$

[@TKCL]

Lol yep!

[@JuanSanchez-ik7wx]

Putting up plywood for hail storms is an option too. Simply standing the panels up is all you need to do for hurricanes or hail.

[@chrisy939]

Your ingenuity and attention to detail never gets old!

[@TKCL]

Thanks Chris!

[@BB_usmc]

Very neat, tidy, and stable. Love it.

[@TKCL]

Thank you!

[@michaelhardy500]

Good idea EMP - proof

[@TKCL]

Not necessarily, those wires coming inside can bring that to my equipment. I'm not sure the surge protector helps in that situation.

[@Aceman597]

Ferrites also help around wires.

[@joebufford2972]

Overdue is what you do, and one more set of panels and those extra batteries would put you right over the top as to never need power for your shop 🥇

[@TKCL]

Agreed, working on that. Trying to scrape up the funds.

[@ausnorman8050]

Love it mate, Watching from Hobart Australia.

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching

[@jameshattub351]

Andrew , is one smart cookie.

[@johnthomas5806]

thanks for added input concerning amps vs watts...not being electrician I get confused at times and your explaining in detail helps me....

[@TKCL]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@rongray4118]

I am the same way! Every new video I wonder if I am doing more damage than good! LOL!!

[@jeremiahs45]

Awesome addition to the solar panels. Finally got caught up to the video

[@TKCL]

You've been busy!

[@HalfPint5811]

Multi use deer skinnin rack. 👍💪

[@TKCL]

Yep!

[@geraldfoon6283]

For the long-term life of your 6x6 pressure treated support poles, please cover the 45-degree angle cuts at the top of the poles with some kind of rain protection such as metal, roof shingle, or waterproof sealant like rubber etc. Every house in my subdivision has a three-rail pressure treated fence with 6x6 pressure treated support poles cut at 45 degrees to shed rainwater and entire fence painted. A majority of support the posts have rotted out from the center out even with the painted 45-degree top angle cut because the end grain over the years soaked up the rain into the center of the post. The internal rot was so slow that it wasn't noticed until many years later. Then it was too late for any kind of repair so the only solution was to replace the entire post.

[@TKCL]

Not a bad idea

[@electro2606]

yea or some metal post that sits in the concreed i don't know if they make them so big

[@johnjensen5540]

I love this series, keep them coming! Have you thought about a small windmill generator? I'm asking out of curiosity, not so much a suggestion. I know almost nothing about them but would be interested in seeing if they would help cover over night and over cast periods.

[@TKCL]

Yes it's on my future radar. I need to research it more.

[@fladave99]

Great job. I like that you did not put it on the roof.

[@TKCL]

Me too! A barn roof is fine, but I do not like attaching to insulated roofs in case of a leak

[@rongray4118]

Andrew - glad I was able to reconnect with your channel on youtube. This array that you have constructed is fantastic!

[@TKCL]

Awesome, thank you!

[@humbleredneck8816]

Now that's gonna catch some sun! Looks awesome! And I'm totally gonna steal that technique with the clamp on the drill! That's a new one for me

[@TKCL]

It's a back and arm saver for sure.

[@rrr92462]

Great vid! Loved the idea with the clamp driving the drill. Never saw that before. Welding is one of the most useful skills to learn.

[@TKCL]

That tip definitely helps

[@muchlightandlove4312]

You made it look so easy, and I loved that you built a bed under it, weed control. 🙌🏼⭐️🌟✨ You made it look professional and very clean.

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching

[@roadblock952]

Once i got the trees out my backyard i will start on one . Nice video

[@natmorrow1]

Great professionally done video! Thank you for what you are doing!

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching

[@James-ib2kp]

Love your solar frame.

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching

[@mantooth680]

I love that idea with the clap and drill

[@TKCL]

It sure saves your arm and back.

[@phil18751]

I like the Clamp trick, will have to remember that.

[@TKCL]

It's works very well for drilling like that.

[@theElderberryFarmer]

I was about to post the same comment - the clamp trick is GENIUS! I plan to shamelessly steal it. Take care and God Bless.

[@TKCL]

Use it, that's why I show and record things. It's very helpful when drilling like that. Sure saves your muscles.

[@phil18751]

@The Kelley's Country Life I definitely pinching it 2. I can't believe I've never seen it before... been commercial pipe fitting for 20 plus years and never clicked... question is, do I tell the apprentice when he's drilling all the angle iron for brackets or let him suffer like I did..

[@TKCL]

Lol share it!

[@Tripring2000]

Andrew, another fantastic build.

[@TKCL]

Thank you

[@darrensager2516]

Great video, very informative.

[@TKCL]

Glad it was helpful!

[@teveler]

As always well done Andrew.

[@TKCL]

Thank you

[@shep6123]

You’re the man I will like it trying to figure out what I wanna do my soul panels thought about putting on on a.m. cart with wheels on it because the sun and a bunch of trees I’m trying to get everything hooked up I don’t have a stove I live in a trailer I remodelled it like a log cabin am thinking having two different types instead of altogether one for the well pull the water up to the house and then one to the house I’m thinking I’ll probably need 200 votes for panels 200 W for the well and 200 W for the house because that’s what I have for the trailer 200 W box and I think my water well is it because the sun in the area I don’t know I’m just trying to figure this out I do like your brackets were you done that I miss welding things like that up used to build stuff but then I came a pipe welder and I’m trying to live off grid I’m retiring early retirement in April but just trying to learn to watch learn all I can about solar panels already got a hunter want set up but I got to get a better power inverter I only have a 400 and I have a 375 I think converter it’s not enough to run what I want to run off of it so I got to get it 2000 watt

[@familyman8439]

Setting up this awesome system, and still had time to Play kickball with your dog, that was very cool💪👊

[@TKCL]

That's my buddy!

[@pampilgrim2274]

Hi, Andrew! Excellent video. Ruger is a good companion.

[@TKCL]

He sure is!

[@rongray4847]

Love your how to videos Andrew. Man your good at what you do, very interesting. Love your videos and content. 👍👍❤️❤️🇨🇦

[@TKCL]

Thank you very much

[@xzibit8614]

Looks awesome. Usually in an array I have the solar panel junction boxes all toward the center for east wiring

[@TKCL]

I thought about a single location.

[@MattLesak]

Part 9 of this series, I’m finally achieving my goal of 1MW 😂 Nice job brother! Great detail and keeping explanations simple.

[@TKCL]

1.21 gigawatts is my goal 😉

[@jwrhynejr.6689]

AWESOME! Thanks for sharing!!

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching

[@arp_catchall]

Great idea, thanks for sharing. As far as hail protection I will bolt angle iron on top edge on my setup.

[@lua-nya]

Seeing you work like this reminds me of how strict code is here in EU. Nice structure there!

[@JBROWN3830]

Great work making the steel frames!!!👍🏼 Easy to remove and adjust. God bless.

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching, God bless!

[@jacquesdutron9954]

Thx a lot sir for all your efforts. There's no more need for a combiner box when using the proper inverter. I'm talking about the newest EG4 18K-PV. This thing is a beast yet, very easy to install.

[@thisfloridagirl5280]

I've watched this video 4 times. I refuse to watch again. ❤

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching

[@CountryViewAcres]

The solar array looks great! 👍

[@TKCL]

Thank you, looking forward to your install. You got a killer price on those panels.

[@CountryViewAcres]

@@TKCL Yes, they have good prices. But you have to buy at least 10 panels.

[@jerrycurls88]

Awesome job! Love how much thought you put into your projects. Cant wait to see more solar going up and getting energy independent.

[@TKCL]

More coming soon!

[@Tripring2000]

Need to make sure you have your metal building bonded to both your panel frames and the ground system so all items will be at same potential.

[@outsidewithrodney8240]

Looks good

[@TKCL]

Thanks

[@JimmyHensley36]

Looks great Andrew and expensive .. Great job as always

[@TKCL]

Not necessarily.... About $2500 in the entire thing. Seems reasonable to me for what it provides.

[@hammerslap5639]

next project, pneumatic ball launcher for the star of the show.

[@TKCL]

It's actually been on my mind 😬

[@dilssongomez5908]

I would love to see that 😯

[@lua-nya]

Compressor, tank, two valves, bit of tubing and a few fittings? Let's go.

[@jeffreyvictor3678]

AWESOME design!

[@TKCL]

Thank you

[@eddluireg]

great video thank you !

[@TKCL]

Glad you liked it!

[@kevinshunney5503]

Just saw your video this morning. Cool idea!! Like the setup!

[@TKCL]

Thank you

[@shep6123]

Nice 👍 I love the way you build it awesome

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching

[@why-be-normal7014]

Great video . Great job on the solar racks too.

[@TKCL]

Thanks! 👍

[@leedavis5306]

Very nice and well explained. Thanks Bud

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching

[@PJ-uv9fr]

This is so versatile and looks very nice to boot! Always impressed 💜💜

[@TKCL]

Thank you

[@KFMEDIA_07]

i love the panels, but add some 10kwh to taht solar array, 2.4kw is a lot of power. add some AGm or LiFeSo4 and do some video. Happy follower from Africa-Kenya

[@TKCL]

Takes money, I'm saving up. Just got another 5kwh battery and 6500 watt inverter. I plan to be at 20-30kwh of battery capacity.

[@AdamDeal-KF0PRI]

nice redneck drill press! oh boy i see a solar farm in your future!🧙‍♂️

[@TKCL]

That drill press works great!

[@AdamDeal-KF0PRI]

@@TKCL beats the ol foot drill press! lol

[@RealitySurvival]

Excellent design! I may have to use that when I get my solar setup going. Nice work!

[@TKCL]

Thank you

[@woolval52]

Idalia really tested out your system. I'm looking forward to your future videos showing how your solar and home fared, hope you are good. If you don't have it yet, a Starlink might be great for you. My friend in Arkansas finally got his Starlink, it replaced his DSL which was his only option on the mountain he was on.

[@TKCL]

I need something as my cellular internet isn't work well after the storm.

[@jackonthefarm5540]

I went through a little different thought process for my climate. Deep snow is a problem so roof top solar installs are preferred. I have 54 panels at 345 watts each on a south facing barn roof top. The barn has a new standing seam metal roof... not exposed fasteners. No roof penetrations. Wires go through the eave. Racks clip to standing seams. No battery. We have a grid tied system. We get full credit for everything we produce up to the amount we use. We get paid only about 25% for over production.

[@TKCL]

I see a lot of people with those systems, I just prefer to have batteries and true backup power. Makes me sleep better knowing its there.

[@Stoutluvr]

Outstanding video! I just came across your channel and am impressed. Thanks for sharing.

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

HOWdy T-K-C-L, ... Thanks for the UPDATE & addition of 12 more Panels COOP the WiSeNhEiMeR from Richmond, INDIANA ...

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching

[@stevesrt8]

nice set up. well done Sir.

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching

[@sotexlawn]

Great job my friend!!!

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching

[@JustinsProject]

I'm all about solar. You did an amazing job with that design. It's one of my designs I have seen, actually. Practical and functional. I might have to borrow some of your ideas to build my own. I installed my 10kw system on my building, but now I am looking at building the ground mount system that I regret not doing from the start. Great video! Love the build!

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching

[@kevin3434343434]

Very nice install!

[@TKCL]

Thank you

[@SWFLBuckeye71]

Have you considered adding a wind turbine to supplement solar for charging your batteries when it's cloudy or dark? Obviously the effectiveness would depend on if your area has consistent wind.

[@TKCL]

It's something I'm looking into for the future.

[@rjbfreelander2]

Brilliant video and info. Not that I need that kind of power in or out but I find it really interesting. About to build a solar cart/trolley with 2x 174w panels for my small back yard in the UK to charge Ecoflow River Mini, River Max and Rive Pro power stations. Also have an OG Delta 1300. Will also be adding a 2nd array at my photo studio to run my laptop and monitor whilst shooting. Would love to have a land and property where I can build a larger array but all in good time.

[@TKCL]

I also have plans to build a trolly/cart panel array.

[@pedrogordils595]

Don't put anything on your roof I agree with you I have 20 panels on my roof not even a year I got a bunch of leaks

[@TKCL]

It makes me nervous for that reason

[@FRUGALWITHJOHN]

Nice setup, looking forward to more videos

[@TKCL]

Coming soon!

[@MTNmyMAG]

Nice

[@radmilamiljanic5977]

Best part of the project is playing with Ruger🤣

[@TKCL]

He gets quite bored with me working all day.

[@stephanstocker3717]

Great job! Love it

[@TKCL]

Thank you

[@Chipgillette]

Great follow up video. I appreciate it. 👮🏻‍♂️👍Chip

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching

[@EduardoRodriguezRocks]

nice video nothing better to watch some bolts going tru wood

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching

[@awbean5254]

I AM IMPRESSED WITH YOUR INGENUITY. WE ENVISAGE A PORTABLE FOLDING GROUND MOUNT THAT WE CAN COLLAPSE, LOCK & SECURE WITH BALLAST IN THE EVENT OF HURRICANES. YOU ARE GIVING ME IDEAS. THANKS

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching!

[@jp34604]

Sweet DIY double ground rack you have there! Have you ordered Net Metering yet? ... Interconnected service uses net metering, which routes power through a single meter that measures the TCEC delivered electricity you receive and subtracts the amount of electricity exported by your equipment. This saves you the expense of purchasing an additional meter and allows you to receive a credit for any surplus electricity generated by your equipment.

[@TKCL]

No, it requires permits, inspections and the payback is minimal. Once I add a few more batteries I don't expect to have much excess power to sell back unless I add a lot more panels.

[@jp34604]

They are forced to provide the option however they are not at all incentivised or equipped to do it so they make it completely impractical much the same story across the country. But in their defense the technology is not there yet for them to sense the bi-directional supply and demand in order to maintain the Ultra critical frequency balance required ... In the USA, the reference frequency is 60 Hertz. Grid operators must ensure that this frequency remains stable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The tolerance threshold is plus or minus 0.050 Hertz ... The phase frequency must be maintained at 50 or 60 Hz + 0.5 Hz. The value of any of the three phase-to-phase equipment voltages in the three-phase system must not differ by more than 2.5 percent from the arithmetic average of the three voltages Or the grid will actually shut down, but no one wants to pay for the "Smart Grid" upgrades. Also ... Consider making a stand up rack frame to hold the 4/8 removable PV frames inside when the shithitsthefan Think "Book Ends" like a "Hair Comb" with a chain or something holding them together can also work with 4×8 ft sheets, both ways plus make them store when meshed together.

[@TKCL]

You and I think alike, that rack has been on my mind so I can maximize space in my shop during a hurricane.

[@jp34604]

@@TKCL You can use cheap angle iron in a couple of different sizes, smaller on the splines even wheels if? a.co/d/ddR7wpT .

[@TheTundercat222]

Top class work very good job

[@TKCL]

Thank you

[@aday1637]

Nice rig, but, why use 100 watt panels? For not much more you can get 4-500 watt panels. More production on the periphery means more use. If you laid the 500 watt panels on the ground or flat against the garage, you'd get more power from them than the angled 100 watt panels, thus saving all the need for welding, moving, etc.

[@TKCL]

The cheapest 400 watt range penels I could find is over 3 times the cost of my 100 watt panels. So they are not a "little more" money. Yes they are cheaper per watt. The biggest reasons are weight, bulk, more expense to replace if damaged and they do not provide me the voltage, amperage and wattage flexibility that 100 watt panels do. I test all kinds of solar equipment on my channel and need flexibility from a single panel up to several thousand watts.

[@MrSamwise7]

Weld nuts onto each bolt hole location. Then you can just use an impact to run them in and out of any location. Minimized tools and increased speed.

[@TKCL]

About half are welded on. I should take weld the rest.

[@TheVaga9]

Brillant Again!!

[@TKCL]

Thank you

[@pedrogordils595]

I love the video especially this one great idea you have keep it up

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching

[@hrlee2381]

Great video.

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching

[@LatitudeSky]

Now you can add a motorized folding function so you can use an app from anywhere to change the angle or hit the retract and have them flip over and fold panel side flat against the building. Don't say no. Just needs a couple linear motors or even hydraulic could probably work. Chain drive. Did you see the story about the homeowners who lost their insurance because they had too much solar on their house? The ins company called it a risk. Maybe because of all the Amazon solar fires but they didn't explain what the risk was. Those poor homeowners are now scrambling to find other coverage. It's ridiculous.

[@TKCL]

I'm hearing more and more of insurance dropping people in my state because of this. My workaround...... Install solar in my shop and trench a line to my house for power. Don't think they can say much about that.

[@ryanzynda5114]

Awesome video. I love the content.

[@TKCL]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@mickeylewis8094]

Nice design but have you thought of putting a support arm at the front of the frame since the elevation arm is so far back?

[@TKCL]

I have, but it's not as heavy or stressful as it appears.

[@volrathy1]

awesome video great setup

[@TKCL]

Thank you

[@bubbajohnson7407]

Amazing frame build. Curious, can you tell me what those frame lifters/in the shop jacks are called or a link to them? Watching you work with those on this build vs on ground on 1st build…..made my back feel better. Thx in advance.

[@TKCL]

Those are actually camper slide out stabilizers, commonly found on Amazon.

[@Songomx]

Hi... Nice work on the steel structure for those panels!!! But, DIY doesn't mean you have to wing it... get yourself an inclinometer and look up the right angle for your solar panels at your location (whatever part of Florida that is) and set them up to maximize your solar production for the inverter inside. Also, I see your using a Voltronic-based inverter (even if it say Orient Power on the cover) with LiFePO4 Orient Power battery bank without a Inverter-BMS communication cable... that's a big mistake!!! You should definitely communicate your inverter with the BMS of your battery bank, so it doesn't overcharge your batteries... you will void it's guarantee !!! Voltronic-based inverters are known for not being very good on properly charging batteries... and LiFePO4 batteries are not suitable for voltaje-based charging/discharging, because they have a very flat line of charge/discharge voltaje, so the inverter will never know (based on their voltaje) it's actual State of Charge (SOC)... you could definitelity damage your batteries!!! Last but not least, don't know why you put in another combiner box as you already had one installed with 3 pairs of MC4 conectors available... it looks to me that you are not fully using the possibilities of the first combiner box... just seems a little bit overkill. Anyway, keep up the good work!!! Cheers!!!

[@RobertKohut]

Looking like sunny days ahead... :-) How about a cost break down so far, if I'm close it must be around 6 grand....🙂

[@TKCL]

Solar array, all panels and materials are close to $2500-2800. If you add the inverter and battery it's around $5500.

[@MichaelWakefield-mx6hg]

Hey Andrew, awesome video! I realise this comment is a year after this vid was released, but I just had to ask you something... At any stage, did you consider hinging the panel frames directly off the side of your building? That way, you could simply raise them up to the correct angle according to the season, and for hurricane protection, drop them back to the wall and fix them down. Protective covers (plastic?) could then be fitted over them to shield from hail and flying debris. Are there code regulations that would prevent this, being attached to a dwelling? Interested to hear your thoughts on this approach! Michael, Brisbane Australia

[@TKCL]

I have considered this, no code that I am aware of.

[@peternoone7902]

Easy to steal and carry away as well now.

[@TKCL]

Sure am glad I don't live in an area that I have to worry about someone unbolting and stealing heavy panels.

[@johnwashington9229]

I am curious for the solar panels absorption degradation overtime. Maybe you should keep a record and have a follow up of the degradation after a period of time. Also, when will be the threshold of degradation before you should replace the panels. I am only mention this because I recall looking at a manufacture solar panels specification and seen a chart showing the panels reduces their absorption once it is installed. To counter this, they would specify a lower panel rating as a buffer and the panels will show a higher absorption % at installing.

[@TKCL]

Here is the warranty specs from the manufacturer on these panels. 5 year 95% output warranty, 10 year 90% output warranty, 25 year 80% output warranty. Very hard to beat for the price, ease of replacement, weight and more.

[@azureyamu7652]

Usually, the batteries will die much earlier than the panels. Batteries most likely will only last around 5-10yrs, depending on usage and quality.

[@CAPTSTANLEY51]

Hey Andrew at 4:04 in the video is that the high tech Harbor freight drill press I need to get me one.......

[@TKCL]

Lol sure is! A simple clamp like that makes a cheap horizontal drill press.

[@shavedores9503]

Hello Andrew...nice, informative video. What is the wall thickness of the steel tubing with which you fabbed your ground mount? Thanks!

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching. It's 14 gauge.

[@user-sq9dv7ru7v]

If the storm is that bad, do you think that shop will survive?

[@TKCL]

It's engineered to 155 mph. I sure hope so.

[@jjcastleberry3662]

Kelley. will you be giving your audience the total cost of items minus the free labor? Thanks.

[@TKCL]

I haven't added it due to no one requesting it. Last I remember it's somewhere around $2800 for panels and materials.

[@bobflores]

The solar project is coming along nicely. Does your local power company offer an option to sell them your excess solar power? Thanks for the video.

[@TKCL]

I don't believe mine does. The one a few counties over seems to be phasing it out. Sadly people are not getting the solar support they once thought.

[@mdunbar04]

😎😎😎

[@brad6566]

Can we get an entire parts and price breakdown of this solar project you've done so far?

[@TKCL]

It's be a while before I can get a list together. My full cost for all materials and panels is in the $2800 range.

[@rongray4118]

At 18 minutes in is where I am trying to comprehend the value of using (2) MPPT Charge Controllers to supply 500VDC/100Amps to our Absolyte GX (VLRA) 48v/2,000AmpHour battery bank... and if it is possible to accomplish.

[@jgallo600]

Have you had any issue with where that angle brace/adjuster mount on the panel jig? I feel like mounting it in the middle would have been stronger, but maybe its just fine? That's the only design question I really have.

[@TKCL]

No issue, that square tubing is quite strong.

[@KathyAnnMoore]

Hi, just found your channel..love it! Can you tell me why you moved away from the Ecoflow Delta Pro to the wall mount?

[@TKCL]

I still have a my Delta pro, plus another and two batteries in the house. I did this because on the wall systems are cheaper and can be built out bigger, plus I wanted to show diversity on the channel. With that said you need an electrician or knowledge in wiring to build your own on the wall system. They both have there pluses and minuses.

[@lazarnikolov2077]

Why didn't you use the rest fuses on the existing power combiner box to connect the new array?

[@TKCL]

Because that would bring a single wire into the building and it would be over amperage for one of my charge controllers. I needed a second protected wire coming in for my second inverter.