Finally, powering our homestead with the sun

After two years of building our dream homestead from the ground up, we're taking a big step forward by installing a new solar power system.
Today's video is sponsored by Bluetti:
#Bluetti #POWER_STATION#BLUETTI_EP600
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The EP600 Whole Home Energy Storage System by BLUETTI offers a customizable power solution to reduce electricity bills and carbon footprint. Its modular design allows for tailored capacity and output, ranging from 4.9kWh to 39.6kWh and a maximum output of 12,000W. With easy installation and a robust IP65 rating, it ensures durability and optimal performance. The system harnesses solar energy, enabling peak load shifting to save on energy costs. By using stored renewable energy, it contributes to a greener future, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing carbon footprints. Safety features include LiFePO4 battery cells with a 10-year warranty and advanced control technology for efficient and long-lasting performance.
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[@holgerheckler9003]

Dear Dutch Farmer, I'm an experienced electrical engineer from Germany, with a lot of experience in the field of PV systems. At least at what I saw in the KZbin video, I noticed that the aluminium rack, on which you mounted the PV panels, doesn't seem to be grounded and doesn't seem to be connected to the Protective Earth (PE) conductor(s). In your case it seems that there is only one PV sting, with many PV panels connected in series. The total string voltage of such a string is usually at a voltage level which can be lethal for people. Therefore it's stipulated by electrical safety codes (all over the world) that the PV inverter (in this case a BUETTI inverter) is capable to monitor the insulation capacity of the PV string and that it's able to detect ground faults. This will only work, if the PV panels and the PV racks are properly connected to the Protective Earth (PE) conductor. It is very normal that the insulation of PV panels is ageing after a couple of year. This means that there might be dangerous touch voltages at the front or at the rear of a PV panel. Without having a proper connection to the Protective Earth Conductor, the insulation monitoring device, which is an essential safety component of the BLUETTI PV inverter, the BLUETTI PV inverter is not capable to detect such faulty insulation or gound faults. Please be aware fact that, in the case of one or more faulty panels, the front, the rear or the frame of a PV panel or the aluminium PV rack can be at a voltage level which might be dangerous or even lethal for people (and especially children). For safety reasons of electrical safety, it's very very important hat the PV panels and the PV stings are out of the reach of persons. Therefore all commectially used outdoor PV systems are surrounded by a fence! This is not just for the protection against burglars, this is an essential measure for electric safety. If you want to make sure that nobody gets a lethal electric shock (somewhere in the future), you should thoroughly consider to put a fence around your outdoor PV installation and to install a proper PE system and a proper grounding system. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. I'm glad if I can help (to save people from electrocution). Best regards Holger

[@TheDutchFarmer]

Hi Holger, thanks a lot for the thorough comment. I appreciate it. As I mentioned at the end of the video, this system isn't entirely done. We're still going to install all the necessary bits and pieces to make sure everything is safe and sound, including the copper ground bars and PE's. Next to that, we will let a certified electrician double-check everything and make sure everything is up to code and safety. I haven't thought about the fence, but thanks for the idea. I'll definitely install it as soon as possible. I appreciate that you took time out of your day to warn me of any issues, so, thank you for that. Have a great weekend.

[@joeyhandles]

just did some googling on this 'germany' place. its real but I wouldn't trust this guy.

[@tonisee2]

Looking at those quite long (how many meters?) DC cables from panels to Bluetti inverter, I was thinking - is the diameter of conductors indeed sufficient to prevent significant losses in cables? Or even - supporting nominal consumption+charging under full Sun. Edit: I checked the parameters of Bluetti inverter and played around with an calculator and looks like that the voltage drop + dissipated power is most probably not very large.

[@Kahudan]

Dear Dutch farmer, thanks for keeping us posted. Happy to see you are keeping well. Are your online courses still on?

[@darinbennett3638]

Moreno, the flashback pictures to when you first got the property compared to today is amazing to see! Your work ethic is second to none and your determination to learn along the way is encouraging for all of us trying to expand and maximize the resources of our own property. Looking forward to seeing more updates and progress reports on your property.

[@colenip5384]

Might be worth considering removing the weed suppressor: having vegetation underneath the panels keeps them cooler and more efficient in the hot sun.

[@samanthahancox8726]

Would be nice to have an upstate on the swale system and the farm. It’s been a while! 😊

[@TheDutchFarmer]

Hey Samantha, yes! That's pretty much all the content I will cover in the upcoming months from now on! See you next week ;)

[@MrAllstar]

There's a new puppy! The farm is looking great, an inspiring video as normal, thank you 🙏💪

[@TheDutchFarmer]

Thank you! Yes, new addition to the family ;)

[@debmiskiw1839]

Where is the other dog?

[@hillbowdenishd.....5274]

I learn a lot from this channel following silently you're definitely my mentor creating my off-grid homestead back here in Africa soon good luck good health and prosperity 🙏🙏🙏

[@jamesodilao8141]

I watched all your videos, I learned a lot from your channel... watching here from Philippines

[@TheDutchFarmer]

Glad you like them!

[@jamesodilao8141]

@@TheDutchFarmerI just not only LIKE ur channel... I LOVE IT my friend... 11:33PM Philippines.... timecheck

[@AnneHeyns]

Your homestead is looking amazing!

[@TheDutchFarmer]

Hi Anne, thank you!

[@ianvonmemerty6502]

Another Swale update would be great, and some stats in water management. As usual I leave with a smile having watched a video. 🎉

[@travellingarts93]

Brilliant addition to the homestead looking great ,thanks for sharing.

[@edelknecht]

Cool setup! Time to cut down that tree that will create shade when sun is low. Noticed in your app that the extension battery packs have not been installed. The bluettie allows another string of panels. If you setup a second string of panels in the future it would make sense to setup the panels for winter sun so you don’t have change angles for winter and summer time. If I were you I would directly invest in another 5 panels and the second winter setup string. Great Panels now only cost 70€ because China is flooding European market.

[@kathleenmead9259]

thank you for sharing!

[@nobody39699]

I sure did enjoy this video. You are an inspiration Moreno.

[@glomontero6011]

U 2 did a good job. Conrats !

[@abrahambensaad505]

Amazing, congratulations!!

[@taimourtahir3920]

Love your work ... Good job ... Nice ..

[@wimgrondman5542]

you can get a little leveling bubble that can clip straight onto your line always handy

[@TheDutchFarmer]

I lost mine! Next time I'm in town I'll get a new one!

[@ghulamabbasawan7175]

Extreme hard work and dedication for this transformation. Great achievement.

[@kassap118]

You are really a wonderful family ,happy to see your courageous journey to success .May god bless you all.

[@jonathanriego7462]

Great job my friend.

[@dnavehiclewraps]

Inspirational video as always!

[@TheNewMediaoftheDawn]

Well done, the place looks amazing,,,🍀🎯🚀

[@johnmcnichol8330]

Nice spot…u guys do good work!

[@bsbllclown]

Love the channel and thought I'd share a thought about something ive seen for the future. Ive seen folks start to mount their panels a few meters above the ground and the ground underneath can be used for sensitive plants that need protection from the direct sun/hail/harsh weather. Just an observation for the future.

[@geralddegraaf6148]

Seeing an aluminum extrusion sticking out like that reminds me of working in a greenhouse, you might want to take a couple rags and use electric tape to secure the ends sticking out. You'd rather walk by and scrape a cloth then an aluminum extrusion.

[@TheDutchFarmer]

100%. I'm going to attach rubber on the ends. It's an accident waiting to happen.

[@EricOnYouTube]

Pretty awesome. When I have my house, I want that too.

[@arjanvogel6444]

Thanks for your vid 😇💟💟💟 Love and bless you guys, good work.

[@SAGFGIMOB]

When I started watching the video I was in a heap of worry because I hadn't heard about the copper bar (for the discharge connection to earth). But, in the end I was rested!!! Ufa!!!

[@boringsoftware2093]

also a hint: make shure the MC4 connectors are dry so bind them UP below the framing of the panels = dry cable connectors, it will be interesting how the system performs in winter u might want to build a wind turbine as well

[@joannecalcutt6724]

This is absolutely amazing video and channel. ❤

[@simonpannett8810]

It is all looking so organised! You and your family must be very proud! Do you plan for the kids to go to Portuguese Schools?? Is that far away?? Looking green and still soft earth! The shade from the panels will be good for summer greens (and the dog!)

[@TheDutchFarmer]

Thank you! No, school is not far, but they are homeschooled. For now it's still green! Not for long anymore ;)

[@simonpannett8810]

Really impressed with your homestead skills! We did the same in the Alentejo in the 1980's with no power or mobile phones etc but still some neighbours (closest 1 km) living and trading XS produce. Wonderfull but tough times! Getting the language will open more doors to the local community! Wish your family best of luck! @@TheDutchFarmer

[@andresmith3308]

Solar system looks amazing. Just add 6 mm earth wire from your solar structure to your DB earth and earth of the inverter.. Then run cables in Flexi ducting lay it 400 mm below ground. Then it's safe for lighting strike.

[@HansKeesom]

great system that you will certainly enjoy more and more with summer coming. When you go into the winter again you will see production from solar go down to half the production of the summer. For those periods you might want to figure out out hw to connect your generator to the system to have some extra kWh’s. Or just swith the washer and or dryer to the generator when the battery is low. Depending on how low the sun gets where you are and how snowy it s, you might want to tilt the panels a bit more to the winter sun, so with a steeper angle to the ground.

[@majofi2879]

MC4-Connectors are really simple to open, you just need the right tool for a few cents.

[@TheDutchFarmer]

It's definitely not the case for all of them, but with some of them, even a crimping tool won't work. But of course, everything is doable ;)

[@juliadoula1104]

Nice one 🎉🥰 seems Like you can start to build your House this year 🎉

[@tigercasey1554]

I am so amazed what you and your wife have achieved.

[@TheWilbaune]

Great ad thanks 🙏🏻

[@Picci25021973]

Great setup! I suggest some more clear (white would be best) gravel in front of the PV panels... it will add watts when you need them more... mornings and cloudy winter days.

[@shanekawallace-graham2190]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 So happy for you

[@MaartenAnna]

Great stuff guys. I was thinking the following: You can use the panels as well to collect the water that runs off during rain. Perhaps divert it into that swail? Or dig another swail, starting from the panels, going the other direction.

[@TheBereangirl]

🙎🏻‍♀️🤨It's always "nice" when family and friends give you their vote of confidence when they tell you that you are "crazy" for wanting to do something challenging yet rewarding. It's a true testament as to how well they know what you are capable of.😏

[@Extranjera76]

Yes!

[@kezwall4506]

I love how your place is coming along, already looks soo productive! I love solar and have it at my place. Did I miss a new puppy video?

[@Annazelfvoorzienendleven]

Mooi dat jullie dit samen met hulp al zo ver hebben kunnen aanleggen. Wij hebben hier in Nederland ook ons eigen systeem aangelegd met hulp van een paar ervaren mensen. Ook onze eigen accu er tussen, dat was niet zo gebruikelijk, maar dat wilden we wel graag.

[@sighheinrich]

I wish some company would sponsor me with 14000 euro solar system. Looks great that Bluetti! Only downside is the app. In 10 years does it still exist for the phones we use then? Would be better with a simple panel with info, or having possibility to connect to Home automation system.

[@zeberday1]

New puppy!!!

[@russneedham5234]

What’s the puppy’s name and what breed is it?

[@jimdotcom1972]

how did you chose the location for the pannels? will they get bloked by any future swale or tree plans? do you have a layout of your property boundary and what your end goals might be for the property? id love to see it.

[@diederickvoskuil2154]

Hey Dutch farmer, I'm going to say this in Dutch as is is Easyer for me Kleine tip: is zowel deze video als in andere valt me op dat als je dingen tilt of bijvoorbeeld op de kar verplaatst dat je dat vaak vanuit je rug doet. Je buigt je rug inplaats van door je benen te gaan. Dat voelt misschien comfortabeler dan door de knieën gaan maar op lange termijn beschadigd je daarmee sterk je ruggenwervels. Probeer als je zwaard dingen verplaatst dat vanuit de boven boven te doen met een holle rug. Door je bekken naar achteren te kantelen fikseer je je rug in een kom en kan er geen beweging inkomen. Je bovenbenen doen dan het lift werk. Niet alleen zijn die veel sterker van nature dan je rug spieren en slijten ook minder snel. Aanvullend hierop zou je ook moeten kijken naar lift riemen als je vaak zwaare stenen of beton gaat tillen. Dit wordt in veel opslagplaatsen en de bouw ook verplicht gesteld ter bescherming van je onderrug. Op deze manier voorkom je dat je rug snel kapot gaat. Succes verder de homestead ziet er erg goed uit.

[@TungLam1996]

Khung cảnh thật đẹp 🎉

[@Greentrees60]

That system is VASTLY simpler than ours - I guess itd true that in Europe the home solar systems are a lot more available.

[@imderder7486]

Ik ben zojuist geabonneerd op jou kanaal vriend! Toffe lifestyle. Geniet ervan!

[@red464]

can you explaine why you chose that spot for the solar panels, did you do a solar analysis or land use planing?

[@mornaistar]

Very nice! How far are you from Castelo Branco?

[@pluki1357]

3:48 ❤🐶❤

[@Ninek13]

Well done 👍 how much energy does this mini solar station may generate?

[@NooberTrOlL]

would be interesting to know how you guys managed school for your children :)

[@halfabee]

I would run those cables in a flexible conduit. The sun will break down the insulation of the cables.

[@artinos_nikolas]

hey, just wanted to note that having one or two co2 fire extinguishers near these butteries is a good idea

[@TheDutchFarmer]

We have them in the corners of the structure! Thanks for the heads up.

[@engelkep504]

@@TheDutchFarmerLithium Ion batteries are very hard/impossible to extinguish and produce very toxic (Fluor!!) smoke. When inhaled need at least 24 hour hospital for observation as hart fails are possible... Non professionals should never try to extinguish battery fires. (This might sound exaggerated , but this is whats we learn at BHV (Bedrijfs Hulp Verlening)

[@holgerheckler9003]

Dear Dutch Farmer, in your KZbin video you mentioned that the electrical connectors for the PV string cables are difficult to open. That is exactly how it’s supposed to be. … just because of considerations regarding electrical safety. If you have a alternating-current connector, like the 230 V AC types for household appliances, then it’s not dangerous to open the AC connector when it’s electrified or if a current flows through the 230 V AC connector. Disconnect a 230 V AC plug not be good for the 230 V AC plug/receptacle, but it’s not dangerous for people. With direct current it’s totally different. Direct-current connectors, in our case an MC4 connector for PV strings, special safety measures have to be considered! If you open a direct-current connector under load (when current flows), you will draw a long direct-current electric arc, and you can get an electric shock.! Important to know: NEVER open a PV connector as long as any DC current flows through the respective PV connector! To make sure that people don’t open MC4 connectors by accident, a special unlocking tool is needed, to unlock MC4 connectors. Before you unlock a PV connector (MC4 or other types), you always have to verify that there is no current flowing through the PV sting cables. But, first of all you have to switch off the PV input (MPP tracker) of the inverter. Then you have to verify that that no current flows in there respective PV string cable. This can be done with the help of a clamp-on ampere meter, which is suitable for PV strings. Keeping all this in mind, it’s easy to understand why PV panels, all the PV cables and the PV connectors need to be kept out of the reach of children (and adults without suitable knowledge in electric safety). A PV installation and all associated components have to be out of the reach of children. A PV installation has to be a no-go area for children (and stupid adults)! That’s why I recommended to put a proper fence around the site with the PV panels. Best regards Holger

[@kodabear3304]

The thing that concerns me and I have yet to see anyone address, is that it doesn't have an interface to see and adjust settings independent of a phone app. Internet and phones etc are not reliable. I hate things that run on a phone app. Kind of defeats the purpose of living off grid.

[@TheDutchFarmer]

I agree. The other system that we have from them, the AC500, does have an interface. And I prefer that 100%. No need for phones or internet.

[@vincentt667]

Pourquoi êtes vous partis de France ? C'était compliqué le bio ? Merci à vous

[@luisduarte4490]

Is it me or you have a Serra de Estrela mountain dog? By the way nice video!😊

[@TheDutchFarmer]

Hi Luis, you're right! New addition to the family ;) Thank you.

[@user-jj7mc6li6p]

Молодці!

[@kmshahul]

I love farming. Is there any job opportunity

[@jatooronss.3266]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@AliCousins-uu8xm]

I live in Cyprus and have a photo voltaic system to the grid. However the grid is getting overloaded with so much solar and I am looking to install a battery. What is the cost of the battery pack and is it Lithium based please.

[@MartyParty94]

Hei I just love your home.

[@glenpryce]

Why such a high output? 20kw. Where do you use that much power?

[@nicholasdemarest4254]

What is the total cost of a system like that minus labor to install?

[@ivanjurisic9383]

20.000$ minimum

[@MsCaterific]

💖

[@whatelsewouldyoudo]

What if there's a thunderstorm? Will that explode?

[@PizdaRuskim]

Hi Moreno. I’m looking for guidance on selecting the perfect piece of property in south of Portugal. Seeking for your contact details to agree on terms and conditions to work together. Thank you 🙏

[@AfricanSouthernCross]

I’m not sure that it’s great to use the solar panels as a form of bracing the solar panel supports, I would prefer to use independent bracing bars to firm those aluminium panel supports.

[@annaschmanna1]

Do your ogs chew on wires? Ours does. Nice job! 😅

[@Kaygu_]

Is that a new dogo?

[@TheDutchFarmer]

Yes! Local breed. Perfect guard dog in the making ;)

[@AlexAlex-gj4jd]

Someday, it would be great to be introduced to your wife and family, when and if you feel comfortable! The homestead is looking amazing!

[@TheDutchFarmer]

Hey Alex, thanks! Although we do include my wife every now and then, we do avoid showing the faces of our children, simply for privacy. We don't want them to be influenced in any way or shape by the camera and want to provide a safe environment for them to grow up. Once they're older, they can decide what they'll want or do. Hope you understand. Have a great day!

[@antoniomarques4693]

​@@TheDutchFarmer That's the best decision

[@lidijabirsa7768]

​@@TheDutchFarmerYou are responsible parents, I had no doubt! Never expose your kids on SM! 👍

[@peperillon]

No we don't want. Keep your privacy.

[@ninemoonplanet]

Far better choice ensuring your children aren't photographed, videos and find out years later "Dad took a picture that's (embarrassing, disgusting, humiliating)" and have the pain of a rift in the family. The Internet is dangerous for children unless parents are responsible adults.

[@swampy6194]

😃

[@SuperBoy.Greenhouse]

L'autre jour, j'ai semé des oignons pour les semis.

[@UmaAuroville]

👍🙏

[@Davyfb75]

Excuse me but when are you going to build a house? Or have I missed something.

[@TheDutchFarmer]

Hey Davy, would love to! Simply don't have the budget required to build a house. They're expensive these days ;)

[@paesDalmeida]

👋👋👋👋👍👍👍👍

[@LighthouseShine]

😎👏🏾👏🏾💪🏾 peace

[@carlosribeiro5887]

😟

[@tronik2011able]

Türkçe dil desteği lütfen

[@boringsoftware2093]

Hello u probably won't read this but: if you NEED A REMOTE JOB LOOKING FOR A PYTHON DEVELOPER RIGHT NOW! ARE YOU IN? WOULD VISIT U THEN X-D

[@Bernie5172]

Bluetti let me down very badly. I wouldn't recommend them to anyone

[@Ur-quan]

this integration is sucks. sorry man