We made our lighthouse solar powered! | Project Lighthouse EP 5

[@thelighthousecenters]

Hello all!! Our mission is to save decaying lighthouses and use them as education centers to preserve history, promote new technology, and help the environment. Please visit our website thelighthousecenters.org We are hoping that this channel will fund some of the work and help us get volunteers and corporate sponsors. Please like, comment, share, and SUBSCRIBE for more content. We are just getting started and already crazy things are happening. With your support, we can save the lighthouses and bring you interesting videos in the process. THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!!

[@PROUDNativeAMERICANgarbageDJT]

I wish I had that little one for my house IT would definitely save me TONS of money and I could use it and keep my BGE on just for a few things, I know they don’t like use doing this without notifying them, because they can not make money off of you. I have a flat roof and imma look into this 1000 to start ISNT bad because adding seems fair easy

[@pjccwest]

Hello. Love what ye are doing. IMPORTANT. Batteries like so-called lithium ion batteries are a fire hazard and require special equipment/extinguishers to extinguish. I recommend an exterior sealed fire proof container.

[@misterwallace3479]

How far down does the lighthouse go? How deep is the ocean floor at that point? Thanks

[@markrickel1632]

@@misterwallace3479although I haven’t been to this light. I imagine probably about 10-20ft tops. They used these light houses to warn ships to where there are dangerous shallow areas.

[@n40tom]

@@misterwallace3479 It sits in approximately 18 ft of water in the Chesapeake Bay not the ocean . The ocean is approximately 100 Mi south of here . Take care

[@sspRkk]

Please more long form videos and time lapses of you guys doing your work. Can't wait to watch the transformations!

[@thelighthousecenters]

It will take a little time, especially now that winter is here, but we will show it all. Thank you!

[@24mbronc]

Im really excited to see the progress as well!! Great job fellas!

[@themaster2202]

Yes time-lapse are great! Glad you will share all

[@ProFriend]

If you haven't figured it out yet, running 12vdc lighting directly from the batteries is far more efficient than converting it to 120vac. The inverter wastes a lot of power as heat. There are tons of 12vdc options in the off-grid, RV and marine lighting worlds.

[@thelighthousecenters]

Yes. We have looked at that. We actually have an excess of energy right now and will be adding more solar, wind and wave generation as we increase our usage. I think we are switching to 48 volt energy production soon. Thanks!

[@davidlucas6701]

Great to see your enthusiasm guys! I am in the UK but if i lived nearby i would be up for volunteering! Looking forwards to your next instalment.

[@rct3533]

Looking forward to more videos about the renovation of Hooper Island Lighthouse. I've been by this lighthouse so many times when I tonged for oysters around that area.

[@garyhills2336]

Excellent job, and looking forward to seeing your completed solar and wind turbines as it's great to see also for the environment. I know you have a long way to with the restoration of this lighthouse but already its clear it's going to look amazing. Preserving its history and making something usable again is well worth the effort, thanks to all for saving it.

[@thelighthousecenters]

Thank you for watching. We are doing so much behind the scenes. Please keep following as we share what is going on! 😊

[@georgemccoy219]

Brilliant!! I like the set-up you guys went with. Looking forward to more updates on the lighthouse.

[@rayherriott6517]

When you upgrade your inverter be sure to a 'pure sine' model - more efficient and right for more sensitive loads.

[@karenolson5556]

Just found your Videos....the lighthouse is the Coolest Project...im hooked! I cant wait to see your Progress Renovation of it!!!!

[@thelighthousecenters]

Welcome aboard! 😊

[@davehollingworth5537]

I cheered when the light came on at the end. Great job!

[@thelighthousecenters]

I wasn’t quite sure what was going to happen because of the way we had to wire it into the panel 😁 Thanks!

[@haakonsteinsvaag]

Nice job, looking forward to se the finished work.

[@someoneelse7629]

I am goinf to argue in the comments for the algorithm. Skip the inverter and wire the light for 12V, there is always some losses in inverters. Arguing finished, great jov saving it, please invite your local Ham-radio club for lighthouse weekend, when ham radio opertors go out to as many lighthouses as possible all around the world to set up radios and communicate with each other. A great way to spread awareness about old lighthouses

[@thelighthousecenters]

We can’t wait to invite groups like that out there. The lighthouse was all wired for 120 so we just went with that. Thanks for your comment!

[@35manning]

Electrical components like wires and switches are rated on maximum voltage and amperage. Switches, relays, breakers etc will normally have a lower rating for DC vs AC power. The only reason you don't want to use larger, higher rated cables than necessary is because copper is expensive, so smaller cable means cheaper. Switches and anything that connects / disconnects electricity by means of a contactor that can arc (spark) react differently to AC and DC power. AC power's voltage dropping to 0 volts 100-120 times per second can break an arc whilst DC will just hold it, leaking power and generating heat which may then cause a fire. 120v light switches SHOULD be more then capable of handling 12v DC led lighting of the capacity needed to light a room, but double check the ratings on the switches to be sure.

[@Golden_SnowFlake]

Subbed! can't wait to see the journey! Solar to keep tools charged and operational without running off for fuel will make this renovation a cinch! Cannot wait to see the timelapses, and the Wall cleaning and various renovation events!

[@24mbronc]

I cant wait to see the progress!!! Awesome idea!!

[@thelighthousecenters]

Thank you! Sometimes I wonder if we are crazy. 😁

[@KarlVerick]

The batter jumpers could be larger wire 750 watts divided by 12 volts = 62 amps. Proper wire size on the DC side takes some getting used to. I've been off grid in the redwoods for 38 years. Temporarily, have some 12 volt DC LEDs bypass the inefficiency , and need of a transfer switch for lighting. The tape is a great idea, just be aware that any shadow, even a small taped section, of the PV crystal surface will disable the panel. All those little cells within the panel are in series.

[@jcautec]

I was going to point out the same thing, Wiring is severely inadequate in size for that possible load.

[@adddude7524]

I immediately thought: Perfect location for wind power. But then I wondered if you guys would even consider that, because of the aesthetics. BUT then you mentioned wind power in the future. Exciting stuff!

[@thelighthousecenters]

Yes it is a perfect location for wind power and attaching the wind generator at the top of the lighthouse will be easy! We can’t wait!

[@randyhome1544]

You can use battery charged tools like a grinder.

[@ricdale7813]

Solar makes complete sense. The water reflects the light so you should have optimum conditions most times. Wind power is Also brilliant for such remote operations. Your key priority should be consolidated marine and RV series battery backups. Today's Solar and wind technologies offer many,many options for piece by piece custom owner built too complete all in one charge,generator,convertor and solar solutions. You would be surprised how much renewable ability you can get for sub 4k. Folks living in their RV's off grid have as little as a few hundred invested and get by reasonably well.

[@timothygodfrey4950]

MAKE SURE YOUR CHARGE CONTROLLER IS MPPT

[@kimkrebs451]

Can’t wait to see the finished product

[@gackaret]

Looks like you are parallel and 12V. The slight resistance of the jumper needs to be balanced between the two batteries. Make one closest on + and the other closest on -

[@z50king29]

You mean one connection on close + and one connection on far -. Share the batteries

[@maxschon7709]

Great Work.

[@thelighthousecenters]

Thanks!

[@battlehymn6389]

I saw some activity out at Wolf Trap, then this popped up in recommendations. Your solar here, though temporary, leaves a lot to be desired. I hope you put the panels on the south side of the lighthouse. You can run your batteries in parallel up until you get to around 3000 watts, then you'll want to look at running them in series (you'll probably need to change your charge controller and inverter at that point). Saw it mentioned in the comments quite a bit ... look at the RV and boating communities for Solar/Wind appliances, just about anything you would want already has a 12v solution. Then get yourselves a Starlink, might even consider an AIS.

[@thelighthousecenters]

Yes. It was a quick solution as I mentioned in the video. It’s on the South side and producing well! Thank you for following. Please subscribe! 😊

[@semosancus5506]

I don't think it leaves a lot to be desired at the moment. He's just bootstrapping up right now and he got enough power to run lights and do some work on the place. Perfect solution for this phase.

[@TooManyHobbiesJeremy]

Nice! The lithium batteries sure surprised me. Thanks for the new content.

[@petercortez3412]

Thanks for the Great videos.90's vibe😎Ps solar solar solar solar solar.Solar

[@thelighthousecenters]

Glad your enjoyed it! What’s the 90’s vibe??? 😊

[@spencerhulme1203]

I just stumbled into this channel and have to say i love what you are doing with the lighthouse, the restoration you should all be commended. There are Diesel Generators out there they cost somewhere around $120 bucks where people online have upgraded to work more efficiently, but was thinking in terms of your own projects for keeping costs down you could perhaps get one to help or dry a room you have painted and warm yourselves at the same time.

[@thelighthousecenters]

Thank you! We do have a generator that was featured in a short video

[@spencerhulme1203]

@@thelighthousecenters That is great, all the best for the xmas period and keep us all updated "thank you very much" 💯

[@shannonwarren6809]

Not sure where you are finding Diesel generators for $120 or even small diesel generators. Most are really large and several hundred pounds and in the thousands $.

[@spencerhulme1203]

They are like space heaters sorry - but they would warm your lighthouse and cheaply - I live in the UK where it is cold all the time, @@shannonwarren6809

[@streamtabulous]

Replace all the incandescent / Filament globes with LED Globes, Lower power draw and brighter get more out of the solar set up.

[@thelighthousecenters]

We did. Thank you!

[@thedevereauxbunch]

We have an old school bus converted to an RV sleeping 7. We have 24v system with six batteries. Works well. We do convert some power to 120v for a fridge & washing machine but we also have a 24v fridge freezer in there. My advice is get good advice. Saves a lot of money

[@charlesjohnson4933]

There r similar lighthouses on the Delaware Bay. Always been interested in them. Good work. ❤

[@jacobhn2]

Good project interesting to see the development. Good little starter electrical system, some batteries have a built-in heater, so when charging it heats up the battery and starts the charging, an idea is to make a box that is insulated really well and put the batteries in there maybe sand as an insulator. I am eagerly waiting for the next video.

[@bobm2331]

Just fyi, might be good to wear a contact inflated vest while you're outside. Light weight and life saving. Great video.

[@cherieleeishere]

Its great to follow along 🙋🏻‍♀️🇦🇺🦘

[@thelighthousecenters]

Thanks for following! 😊

[@z50king29]

Your made a great choice by spending a little extra on the lifepo4! Just don't charge them under freezing temperatures and don't let them sit dead for too long and they'll last a looooong time 😊

[@RexSkittles]

Just stumbled upon this channel and immediately subscribed! I love what you’re doing! Preserving history and making an ultimate retreat home at the same time! Why get a cabin in the woods when you can get an historic lighthouse?! I could see getting away for a weekend with the family or friends and having a nice peaceful retreat. I’m jealous!

[@thelighthousecenters]

Welcome aboard! Maybe you will visit us some day 😊

[@brentisaacson]

Are your leads between the batteries up to the load? 750W at 12v is about 62 amps. The battery leads should be at least as thick as the cables to the inverter, otherwise they could overheat and melt.

[@thelighthousecenters]

Thank you for the info!

[@teeanahera8949]

@@thelighthousecentersI think in the US you call wire gauge by AWG (unlike the rest of the world) so a decent cable size for your connections between those two batteries over a short distance is about AWG6 but I’m guessing you already know that. 😊

[@rexclay2231]

Wow lots of work

[@catatonicbug7522]

I noticed the "rails" that you set the batteries between on the floor. The rails look very similar to the floor at Wolf Trap when you asked what they might be for. Have you figured that out? Why have those rails on the floor as a standard feature?

[@thelighthousecenters]

Ahhhhhhh! 😊

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

If you can add more of those same panels, and a few more batteries, you might be able to have all the power you need since you’re probably not there every day.

[@thelighthousecenters]

Exactly! We really don’t need more panels because we are only there a day or two per week so the batteries can easily charge while we are not there. Plus we don’t use a lot of power. Just lights at night, charging devices and occasionally a microwave or something. Although we will be adding water pumps, water desalination and some other stuff that will use a good amount of power so like I said 800 amp hours would be nice. Also we are going to be installing a wind generator that will make power 24/7 out there where it is almost always windy!

[@the_retag]

@@thelighthousecenters desalinator need loads of power, more panels i'd say

[@arnoldpainal5885]

As long as you practice good battery maintenance and don't over charge or run the batteries too low solar works as long as there is sun shining. It's when people run their batteries to zero charge or over charge them or there is no sun shinning that solar is an issue. That and capacity (usable hours required).

[@anyagetman8596]

​@@thelighthousecenterstalk to universities like u of Nevada at reno about best wind generator design for your needs ...

[@n8fancy]

hey guys , on those panels , consider wrapping them in cling film to make for easier .....bird cleaning.

[@thelighthousecenters]

Yeah we came back 3 weeks later and it was pretty dirty. We will show that on a video. It’s going to be a constant battle!

[@mrtraumaboyy4098]

Awesome place!! Thank you for sharing. The BMS on many of the 100 amp hour batteries that I have looked for won't support more than 4 in series and/or parallel. I have chins batteries and that is all they will support. Double check. Keep up the great work!!

[@thelighthousecenters]

Thanks for the info! Good luck with your setup 😊

[@ChileExpatFamily]

Ya gotta get the batteries off the floor with some wood strips under them or they will get killed. Jim in Chile.

[@fraaggl]

3:01 basic mistake here, converting 12v to 120v so you can light up led that could perfectly work with 12v... I strongly advise you to consider staying in 12v, it's cheaper, safer, simpler. You can find almost anything you want in 12v instead of 120... Just look on the Van life side. And you an keep the 120v cable system with 12v it work fine with light load (under 100/200 watts for 1.5 electric wires).

[@digitalsparky]

You're also changing from 120V AC to 12DC, so they're dealing with losses they could better use for more lighting or something :P. Let it run a bit longer :D. With a small system, those little inefficiencies add up.

[@vihreelinja4743]

Campers have been using 12v systems for decades and they haver all the apliances that one could need. as you say. no point in converting to 120

[@thelighthousecenters]

The only reason we converted was that it is already wired for 120 and we have a few 120 tools. We are also running 12V for other things. It’s kind of a dual system. But thank you for the advice! We will keep it in mind!

[@fraaggl]

@@thelighthousecenters as I said you can totally keep the 120v wiring for 12v... The best way is to put positive on the red and black and negative on the earth wire. With this method you can use normal 120v plugs !

[@W122ard1]

@@vihreelinja4743 You cant compare lighthous with van. Wire length is way bigger, and to compensate it they should use THICK wires, so its more efficient to convert to 120v make 30 meter wire to basement and convert there back.

[@ZeddRepresents]

It's so cool, thanks for the video 😊👍

[@donaldmesserschmidt3890]

I would recommend placing your batteries on a non-conductive surface, like a rubber mat or plywood. System looks nice.

[@lithgowlights859]

Whats the reason for that? The cases themselves are plastic and completely non conductive. The only reason I would consider adding a rubber mat would be if there is vibration on the floor and the floor itself is rough and could cause physical damage to the battery case over time. If there is no vibration then I would pot them directly on the flooring

[@NamelesshunterGaming]

wow those flexible panels look actually nice, If they weren't that expensive you might use them for around the whole wall .

[@Chalkyboy]

Wouldn’t be much use on the north side as it will get little/no sun!

[@Emily_M81]

SOLAR WOOO F YEAH!!! (for the algorithm)

[@thelighthousecenters]

No. Not woo. F NO! (Arguing for the algorithm)

[@Emily_M81]

@@thelighthousecenters How dare!!

[@ceoaaron9]

a light house getting solar light energy . I love it

[@thelighthousecenters]

We will be adding wind power too! The wind out there is perfect for it. Please subscribe 😊

[@Hansen710]

the lighthouse should also have a bit of lightshow to atract attention and look pretty.. the right light setting/show could create a new landmark out of a old one in a spot like that many people enjoy the building when they pass by, why not let them enjoy it at nighttime also lights on bridges and so on helps to set a mood for people that are out enjoying their boat

[@thelighthousecenters]

We have thought about this 😊

[@JimmyJinky67]

Fingers crossed the tape holds because if even a little section gives way a strong wind will get behind the solar panels tearing them clean off.

[@thelighthousecenters]

So far so good! We inspect them regularly and now that the heat of the summer is over I really don’t expect them to come off. Thanks!

[@maverickflint1991]

Cool. Now you have power that is awesome!!! 😊👍

[@thelighthousecenters]

It’s so nice to not have to start a generator at night 😊

[@RecordingStudio9]

Have you checked the charge rate? Solar panels need to be at a certain degree facing the sun to be efficient. You may find you end up using more than the sun can charge the batteries.

[@teeanahera8949]

It’s temporary so facing sth is all that’s needed right now. I am sure he knows that, this is not his first rodeo.

[@suecollado8696]

💕You should also look at wind turbines that they have on boats which are a brilliant sources of power because if there’s a breeze they will give you power 24 hours a day, solar panels are good but when the sun goes down they stop charging your batteries but if there’s a breeze for 24 hours they continuously charge them💕Maybe try having both if you’re unsure of what’s best💕

[@teeanahera8949]

He mentioned wind turbines in another vid so it is on their mind. I am also sure you don’t need to remind anyone that solar panels don’t work at night. Wind power is noisy and extremely poor at making power so most yacht owners don’t bother with them.

[@motoprofessor3546]

Great work. Where did you get those flexible solar panels?

[@thelighthousecenters]

These we just ordered from Amazon. They are pretty much available from most solar manufacturers. They do work well and are perfect for curved surfaces

[@rollieb8944]

How about a couple vertical axis wind generators in conjunction with your solar set up? They'll work whenever there's a slight breeze

[@thelighthousecenters]

Adding a wind generator is definitely something we are doing but I heard bad things about the vertical axis ones. I heard they really don’t work well at all

[@nancywyatt821]

@@thelighthousecenters You need the ones that change shape as the wind intensity changes.

[@teeanahera8949]

@@thelighthousecenterswind power is noisy so be prepared to have your solitude affected. They don’t make much power either.

[@merlinonline67]

When you say lithium batteries do you mean LiPo? If so for the longer term I would swap them for LifePo4 batteries, as LiPo can be extremely dangerous (catch fire - blow torch effect), really interesting video and it is great to see these old lighthouses get a new lease of life, did notice that you had a weather station already up :) This would make a great place when finished for ham radio operators to visit, maybe a potential revenue stream there!

[@markfriedel1]

He said Lithium iron phosphate in the video.

[@teeanahera8949]

You need to put your hearing aids in. Not once, not twice but a bunch of times he said Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries = LiPo4. I was going to put that in caps so you’d hear it better…..

[@voiceofreason7530]

I would recommend an isolator under the batteries, like a rubber mat. Love the content. Stay safe out there guys.

[@TomatoWithARifle]

1+

[@35manning]

The plastic housing of the batteries is an insulator. If you are thinking it needs a vibration dampening system, then I'd say if brick and concrete lighthouse is vibrating to such a level that you are concerned for the safety of batteries, then you have much bigger issues to worry about.

[@stoffes]

solar power!

[@BernieWimmers]

Nice job.

[@LoganJohnson-lm2bh]

One thing you could do is use low voltage lighting they do make 12 volt lighting in this way you could have more light thru out the whole light house or keep what you have already but it would last longer between charging

[@LoganJohnson-lm2bh]

either way good job.

[@brucel399]

Just remember that cold weather (32 degrees and below) and lithium batteries dont mix well. Hopefully those batteries have a cold temperature sensor so they don't get damaged now that the colder months ago approaching. Nice video though. CHEERS from Colorado

[@thelighthousecenters]

Good point! I think we will add a little heater or move the batteries to the basement where the temperature is much more consistently above freezing. We will be monitoring the situation and learning as we go 😊

[@brucel399]

Was looking on Amazon, and they have 12 volt heating pads for RV holding tanks with automatic thermostats that you probably could wire up to the batteries to keep them warm while charging in cold weather. Might be worth looking at. CHEERS from Colorado

[@thelighthousecenters]

@@brucel399 great suggestion. Thanks!

[@HepCatJack]

@@thelighthousecenters a compost pile surrounding a hot water tank outside on top the rails are could be used to keep the basement warm, if the water is circulated on the basement floor by a pump. The tank would need an opening on top so that it wouldn't blow if it got too hot.

[@norsefan3276]

Doesn’t it almost make you cry when you flip the switch and lights come on?

[@thelighthousecenters]

Yes it does! Did you watch our Falcon video? That one still gets me choked up!

[@archerbob6847]

Have you considered mounting a VAWT?

[@thelighthousecenters]

We have done some research and read a lot of mixed reviews. What do you think?

[@danielmkubacki]

I HAVE THE POWER!

[@thelighthousecenters]

He man?? 😆

[@merlinonline67]

You have listed the music as credited to Thomas Cucé, could you actually tell us what has been used at 4:12? As Shazam doesn't recognise it, thanks

[@thelighthousecenters]

Thomas is an audio engineer and an incredibly talented musician. He wrote and recorded all of the music you hear in our videos, which we think is awesome! He has a catalog of original music that you can find by searching his name on the popular music sites. Thanks!

[@The_DuMont_Network]

If you have a moment, how about putting the parts list in the comments. Amazon part #s would be sufficient. Restoring the lighthouse is a really nice project!

[@thelighthousecenters]

That’s a good idea but we just grabbed some random cheap stuff so we want to see how they hold up before recommending! Thanks!

[@The_DuMont_Network]

@@thelighthousecenters I'm thinking of beginning experiments such as yours. My HOA trying to forbid solar on roof. Legal battle on horizon again. I won years ago when they tried to outlaw my ham antennas, satellite dish, even my DirecTV dish. All behind fence, not visible from he street!

[@austin62halo]

LiFePO4 batteries nice.

[@BenP-jg7jp]

In my world you would be fitting those solar panels to the north side of the building but im guessing that you fitted them to the south side of your lighthouse. Question? Why are you fitting an inverter to run lights etc at 120vAC and not just running 12vDC LED lights, pumps and phone chargers which are far more efficient, Then run an inverter for the big items that run best on AC?

[@nebu7777]

I hope you aimed the panels the right degree / direction heh

[@thelighthousecenters]

Facing South my friend 😁

[@MrSiraque]

As someone who played sub náutica, this is super satisfying

[@thelighthousecenters]

😮😁

[@jacobhendrickson8935]

Where are these lighthouses at?

[@thelighthousecenters]

Chesapeake Bay. Please subscribe to see future videos including ones that will show exactly where we are 😊

[@ashleypierce8500]

Making the obligatory argument for the algorithm: I think the electrical system will be underappreciated by the birds.

[@thelighthousecenters]

They don’t appreciate it at all 😞

[@PerryArt420]

OK, why are there lighthouses, in the middle of the ocean, where there is nothing to crash into, except the lighthouse?

[@davidlucas6701]

Rocky outcrops and ledges beneath the water that don't show above water,sink ships! That's why lighthouses were put there.

[@35manning]

The ocean isn't a sudden drop off 500 metres aware from the coast line. What you see on land, exists underwater. Except that you can't see it because it's underwater. And depending on the tidal range of the area and exact obstacles, they may be above water part of the time, or always just below the water. There are some obstacles that present zero danger at high tide, but a huge risk at low tide.

[@Fixin-To]

Wow.

[@randyhome1544]

Thanks.

[@thelighthousecenters]

Thank you for watching 😊

[@trkrla5113]

6:37👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@thelighthousecenters]

It worked!!!

[@billpar]

Awesome

[@n40tom]

You might want to look into purchasing Interstate Batteries size 8-d . 450 hrs reserve capacity @ 25 amps. I have used them on my larger boats and I swear by them. Interstate batteries last longer than any other battery that I have ever used in over 60 years of being in boating. They're a little pricey probably $300 each but they last for a long long time and they have more capacity each than two of yours so it winds up to be a bargain. Good luck

[@garymathena2125]

Not a really, really long extension cord?

[@thelighthousecenters]

No 😁

[@matthewwalker6621]

Guys if you need any advice on solar I can help we have lived off grid for over 30 years

[@Krause_transport_garage]

What powers the light if there’s no power?

[@thelighthousecenters]

The actual lighthouse lamp has it’s own little solar system that is maintained by the coast guard just for the light. We will put out a short video showing it. Thanks for following!

[@Krause_transport_garage]

@@thelighthousecenters is there a way to have hydroelectric power? Was the light ran off kerosene or something prior to electricity?

[@The_DuMont_Network]

@@Krause_transport_garage "Standard" hydro needs a fall. There are tidal systems using "propellers", but that's getting into serious coin.

[@mgkleym]

​​@@Krause_transport_garagepre electric lighthouses were generally oil fueled. You would have a big oil tank in the base of the lighthouse and a smaller day tank up in the top that feeds the lamp and has to be refilled by the keeper.

[@35manning]

​@@The_DuMont_Networkactually, it's not THAT big of coin. 2,834 Euro will buy you a 300w (at 5kt) hydro generator. Its even cheaper if you DIY your own solution.

[@sspRkk]

I'm here to f*n argue about solar 😂

[@thelighthousecenters]

No you are not!

[@ldlink3935]

Not too bad though!

[@thelighthousecenters]

Our wimpy solar system is pretty bad though 😂 Subscribe to see a full installation and wind power when we do that!

[@rayherriott6517]

A note of caution - lithium batteries do not like to get down to freezing temperatures.

[@thelighthousecenters]

Yeah. We are going to move them down to the basement. Thanks

[@clivemacken552]

Try tesup they have 7kw wind turbines that can sit on top of roof ideal around £1250 for full set not including batteries and cable but all controllers etc are in. Plus you wired the batteries wrong positive goes to negative on second battery then you have a positive on one battery and negative on the other to connect your solar panels otherwise

[@thelighthousecenters]

We will look into Tesup. We are definitely installing wind turbines. It’s an ideal place for them! Thanks. Please subscribe!

[@clivemacken552]

@@thelighthousecenters I have subscribed now I worked in construction all my life in fact from 7 year old I worked for dad we did plumbing and heating then went into building side with kitchen extensions before we then built his and my mums house 4 bed detached only thing we did not do is dig out foundations, we then went on to build 12 bungalows again we did everything. If you need help ask and i will advise as best I can

[@dennisbronzert5915]

Very cool

[@lawrencejneuser8801]

I think you should insulate the batteries from the concrete floor with wood. That's what my dad always told me.

[@johnfetzer9637]

great idea ... I'd go 100% olar , and back generator... so you don't have to listen to a gen.

[@The_DuMont_Network]

Phil Swift approved solar panel mounting?

[@thelighthousecenters]

😉

[@DaviidHallman]

Praise the sun🗿

[@sypoth]

Not an expert but you should have larger cables between the batteries. I would also run the solar into one and the inverter off the other.

[@jerrygaguru]

I would recommend that you hook a trickle charger up to the batteries and keep it plugged into the generator that way anytime you’re using the generator. You can also charge your batteries it will not affect the performance and will not change how much gas you use when you’re using machinery because it’s such a small amount.

[@teeanahera8949]

A DC to DC charger would be better. All beside the point though, those batteries get charged every day while they’re not there. He said this is temporary so it’s ridiculous to start making more work out of it.

[@jerrygaguru]

12v to 12v would not be good, Until you have a good lightning rod in place. I would disconnect the solar panels when you're not there. When you are there, you're probably finding. You need to add a trick or charge, especially on cloudy days. You've dropped a 100 foot stinking corridor over the side of the lighthouse and plug it in as needed when you're on-site. Using electricity from both sources. Those batteries really need to be trickled. Charge not twelve volt chathe same as the solar panels do.

[@Bills_Bicycle_Rides]

I would like to see content on actual refurbing the lighthouse....

[@thelighthousecenters]

We are just getting started, and it takes time, but please follow and we will show it all. Thanks!

[@The_DuMont_Network]

And now it's time to replace the incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs! Hope three comments helps with the algorithm...

[@thelighthousecenters]

Yes it does lol! Actually we replaced them in all the other levels but ironically I couldn’t get the fixture open in the watch room! I knew someone would notice and that is you haha

[@rkeantube]

replace those 120v light bulbs with LEDs , should be a simple screw in replacement, more power to tools vs lights

[@thelighthousecenters]

On it! That one in the watch room was the last incandescent in the lighthouse. The fixture was rusted shut 😁

[@rkeantube]

@@thelighthousecenters nice, just found your videos, very cool

[@systemchris]

if the salt water does that to the metal wall, i wonder how long the panels last!

[@tinkeringwithmark1186]

Get one of the ecoflow packs. You'll be set!

[@irishpiecute]

👋👏👏👏👏💙🇬🇧

[@maverickflint1991]

Maybe at some point you can put in some kind of light at the top at some point.👍

[@thelighthousecenters]

Sarcasm detected 😁

[@ysw2000]

For the money you spent, you could’ve built a much more efficient solar system. Traditional solar panels cost around $1 per watt. For $600 you could’ve gotten some high efficiency solar panels that produced around 600W of power.

[@thelighthousecenters]

I don’t think that would include batteries, which is the bulk of this solar system cost

[@bryansimms2434]

You should look into a gasifier, it will run a massive generator on wood pellets

[@35manning]

And where is a light house going to obtain wood pellets? The same boat that brings petrol / diesel fuel for a regular generator? A septic biogas generation system would make more sense, HOWEVER they produce limited amounts of gas based on occupancy levels and do require regular "refuelling" or the living bacterias producing the gas can die. Solar, wind and hydro / wave power generation make lots more sense.

[@thelighthousecenters]

Yep. I appreciate the recommendation but we will have more power than we need with solar and wind without bringing out fuel by boat. On a scale of 1 to 10 it’s probably a 9 location for wind 70 feet above the water. Will generate almost 24/7/365

[@mgkleym]

Fyi i would be very hesitant to invest much in flexible solar panels. I've seen so many instances of them failing after a few years.

[@thelighthousecenters]

I couldn’t resist because they fit so perfectly on the round exterior walls! I guess we will find out 😊

[@slickniner]

HOW COULD YOU?!?!??!??!? Just kidding, I'm just commenting to help out the numbers.

[@thelighthousecenters]

How DARE you… help the numbers 😂 thanks!

[@Kevin_D1]

I would have went with something a little more simpilar like a Bluetti.