I Tested a $1,000 Solar Generator Setup

[@footprinthero]

Hope you liked this little 'mini-series' of me testing solar generator setups. 😄 Go watch the other 2 videos if you haven't already! $250 Setup - kzbin.info/www/bejne/e33Vgpitfd2doJI $500 Setup - kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5S1i4eqi7Jke8k Thanks for a great 2024 y'all 🙏. Got lots of fun stuff planned for next year!

[@myself-tp2my]

you can exceed the amps since it is the power station that dictates the amps taken from the solar panels. Voltage is given by the solar panels and the amps are asked by the power station. Always the same no matter what you use. A power supply to power a laptop may give 20volts but it is the laptop that asks for the current (amps). But of course, the solar panels volts cannot exceed the max voltage that the power station can receive otherwise you will damage the power station.

[@bespey]

Right! It’s the load not source that pulls current

[@johnsader8811]

Can 12v panels be put in series to produce 24v?

[@shelley131]

I do like the DELTA 3 dual solar charging ports. One thing you failed to mention is that if you connect the Fridge to the Delta 3 for use in EPS Mode or UPS mode and it drains to zero in an outage, when the power comes back on the Delta 3 now has the memory to turn on the AC ports once it reaches 5% charge. Basically I would have bought the Delta 2 since it was on sale for Black Friday for $399 with the same capacity as the Delta 3 and you can program it in the lab features on your app and switch to AC mode always on when used in EPS mode when I am out of town. So if the power goes off and discharges the ecoflow to zero when the power comes back on and the unit reaches 5% charge also it will automatically turn on the AC plugs and fridge back on. For a thousand bucks I bought the Delta 2 Max for $899 during Black Friday. As always I enjoy your videos.

[@jake-mv5oi]

I ordered a bluetti 200 v2 on cyber Monday. Been playing around with it the last few days. It'll run my house fridge for about a full day with no panels. If I turn down the settings on my stick welder, I can weld with it at 90A. It has a lot of power for its size.

[@a-iu9zO]

What about the defrost cycle?

[@jake-mv5oi]

@a-iu9zO that's actually something I've been looking for information on how to disable temporarily. Some suggest adding a switch to the heating coil. When I first plugged my fridge into the bluetti, it automatically started defrosting, pulling 600w for ~10 min, dropping the battery to 94%. The compressor only draws 120w when running, so disabling auto defrost would probably extend the power station's capacity significantly. FYI, my fridge averaged 1.64KWh per day over a month. It's 25CF & about 8 years old.

[@IrnBruNYC]

I paid around $150 for a single 300W foldable panel that so far tops out at about 180W on my Bluetti (but I haven't tested in summer weather yet). Yes, I had to use Temu, but the prices on Amazon and places like that for solar panels are still way too high.

[@woodlanditguy2951]

for smaller setups, I find the 100W panels are better in the long run. They are less expensive and are more resistant to shade, damage resistant and give a better over all wattage compared to larger panels. You could also do a $1000 build using a 1500W (3000W peak) pure sine wave inverter for about $150, a 20Amp MPPT controller for less than $100, two LiFoPO4 100Ah batteries for less than $400 and four or even five 100W solar panels for about $350. 150 + 100 + 400 + 350 + 1000. This requires more setup and doesn't have the ease of use of using one of these pre-built solar generators, but the advantage is you get 2 times more energy storage by building it out yourself.

[@angelocardoc]

Where can you get two LiFoPO4 100Ah batteries for less than $400??

[@woodlanditguy2951]

@@angelocardoc I posted a reply to you but it didn't take... Just search for "LiFiPO4 100Ah" batteries and you will find many that are below $200.

[@woodlanditguy2951]

@@angelocardoc I'm sorry, but every time I reply to you my reply gets taken down. Looks like I can't tell you how to do what you ask.

[@Ulbre]

My choice would be the Eco Flow because it can handle up to 1000w of solar input as opposed to only 500w for the Bluetti. Which means that you have double the chance of getting it fully charged on a less sunny day. You'll be grateful for spending the extra coin if those less sunny days are at the same time as an extended power outage.

[@butoikaruga]

one of the best videos so far, perfect explanations, and perfect budget

[@gildardo]

The ecoflow feature at 11:11 is dope. That's something I would like to set up at my home.

[@thispod]

It basically is an UPS function in a device that can also get solar charged

[@TBKHomeworld]

Great job on this video series. I've been watching them all and I really like the concept behind them and how you show off how long different things can run, etc. On this one I really appreciate you showing off the different settings w/the EcoFlow vs. Bluetti. Putting together videos like this is expensive and requires a lot of time and energy, thank you and job well done!

[@CherrieMcKenzie]

I have a smaller Bluetti EB3A and an Ecoflow Delta 2 and Delta Max along with two 100 watt panels and I have to say I swear by the Ecoflows. I also came in around $700 with the Delta 2 and solar panels that I got on sale. Prices have come down dramatically so your experiment really points to what you can do!! I'm now looking into getting a couple of deep cycle batteries to add to the mix.

[@clintonelliott340]

Thanks!

[@footprinthero]

You're welcome! And thank you for the super thanks!

[@montyjones111]

Awesome video! I'd like to see a DIY unit with a $1000 build compared with the factory ones.

[@cruikshank]

Thank you for this video. I think you hit a true sweet spot between affordable & usability. I have to look to see how the warranty compares to each unit and expandable with ext batteries. I thought the Delta 2 which sold for $399 a few weeks ago was the comparable unit. I’d be interested to see if it’s worth it to try to build your own at these price points. I do think I’d go with used panels. I see 230W every day for $35-40 each and $65 for 330-370W panels. Some even new. Either of those setups could be a life saver in a blackout. Thanks again. Dave in PA.

[@AndronicusKomnenos]

Renogy panels are among the better ones I have used. Huge fan of the EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus.

[@darekmistrz4364]

6:00 I think you should NOT connect same panels in series with series-parallel configuration. This is because smaller panels will not reach the voltage that big panels make. You should connect big and small in series, and only then connect combinations like that into parallel. This will allow for similar voltage between parallel combinations.

[@stevemack7270]

Probably one of the best comparison videos I have seen. I have a Bluetti but nothing to compare it with. I recognize the Ecoflo App is a more comprehensive App, but for my usage, those things have no value in my view. So, I have to admit I love my Bluetti, but have gained more respect for that Ecoflo for sure. Thank you. Great video.

[@jessicaalvarez273]

Your videos keep getting better! I always learn something new 😊

[@ndiggadee2663]

Great video I’m looking into having a full set up done on my property next year 10 or 12 panels. Was great to see small scale set up

[@johntate5284]

Nice review and comparison. The EcoFlow Delta 3 plus is new and replaced the now discontinued Delta 2 whereas the Bluetti AC180 has been out about a year and a half. You could have saved about $250 and the EcoFlow setup by going with the older Delta 2. Both the Delta 2 and the Delta 3 plus also have battery expansion, which is something the AC180 does not have. I have both the AC180 and the Delta 2 and they are both very noisy when charging! The time of use function with the Delta 3 plus is really quite novel especially for such a small and relatively inexpensive power station. I look forward to you testing this function as there are quite a few rooms of a typical home that could go off grid. I use this approach for my wifi as my router / modem hasn't seen the grid in almost 3 years now:)

[@fastmotoring3102]

Yo I got question for my Jackery you think I can plug in those 2 200 watts for mine it says this I’m so lost don’t want to buy the panels and I can’t add them cuss it’s to much voltage 2 x DC 8mm Ports: 12-16V(Working Voltage) - 8A Max Double to 8A Max; 16-60V(Working Voltage) - 10.5A Max. Double to 21A/400W Max

[@BradLouver]

I would love a more in depth video on how it could be used as a grid tie system. Could even go into the cost breakdown formula for people to calculate themselves. It took me awhile to decipher how the formula worked for myself. It may help some newer people

[@user-rg1lx8yt6g]

I love this series. I have a van and I feel this set up would be perfect I don’t wanna break the bank for technology that will be out dated I. 5 years 1k I feel it’s solid price and you get a nice bang for your buck

[@stevem7736]

Excellent video Eco Flow it is.

[@iiinsaiii]

I have a whole house battery backup and two Goal Zero Yeti 3000x. I would never run any electric heater to my system. It will suck the power out your unit so fast. If I need to heat my house during an emergency, I will use Mr Buddy heater flex with 20lb propane tanks. But the main you you need to understand with these portable units is what do you want to run on them? The problem with people don’t understand is if you’re using it to run your fridge, but it will only run it for 8 hours. Then how are you going to charge it when there’s no sun? You need a plan B & C to charge your unit when it’s been over cast or been raining for days.

[@deanharris7149]

What would be really cool? A video showcasing equipment optimized for grid down time. Such as, if your power is out for 2 days how big and what equipment? How about for 3 weeks? Meaning if for 3 weeks you’ll transfer the important food to a small chest freezer instead of continuously powering your fridge. Which of these products are most efficient? And so forth.

[@clintonelliott340]

Love your videos as always!

[@gebraset]

8:03 Why are the time lengths for different devices written in hours for the Bluetti (where decimal notation is required) compared to minutes for the EcoFlow (where whole numbers are used)?

[@vadnegru]

It's how the station reported

[@CDISBETTER]

You will get better solar charging with the Ecoflo if you use the XT60i connector instead of XT60 that limits the input current.

[@lowbarb]

Vert cool feature for using the smart meter app!!!! Now it's time for the $2,500 setup ;)

[@DrekiTech]

On the black friday sales the Delta 2 was much more price competitive with the ac180. I would love to see a comparison of customer support from the brands you have tried!

[@ClaudeBohls]

Battery charge/discharge issues increase with use and battery life is also a critical factor. For short term maybe.

[@CityOfTinyLines]

Could these charge from a small wind turbine as well as solar?

[@justgivemethetruth]

On average across the United States, you can expect to get around 4-5 hours of usable sunlight per day to drive solar panels, with this measurement often referred to as "peak sun hours" which represent the time when sunlight intensity is high enough to generate significant electricity from solar panels. Assuming peak power, 400 watts input for 5 hours that is 2 just kW of energy storage. Not really enough for any kind of heating or cooling climate control. Not even enough to run a typical home refrigerator ... A typical home refrigerator uses 4 kWh of electricity a day.

[@fabsenbmx]

amazing video. Thanks for all the info. Does the eco flow starrt solar charging automatically in the morning when you leave it plugged in or do you have to connect it every morning?

[@1GREATDANE]

Eco Flow hands down, 5 year warranty, Customer Service, App and offered accessories and Design caught My Money 💵 2 Delta EF3 Pro 1300's and 1 Delta 2 and Xtra Battery and 1 River 2 Pro and 2 160 watt portable solar panels and a 110 watt that came with The River 2 Pro Bundle - over a years worth of use and Not 1 Cliche in the Matrix in All Departments = 110 Charging, DC and Solar and a 24 Volt 100ah Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery with XT60i Cables is a Gem of an Add on

[@br01234]

How comes you selected the 2 renology rather than a 450w single panel?

[@michaelsaine]

These are just alot of plug and play. To avoid all these weird bits, can I cut and solder the wire to make everything more direct

[@UltimateBigChill]

was legit watching ur vid on the $500 setup lol

[@davef.2329]

Nice, Alex. Thanks.

[@jasonbroom7147]

Very good video, with excellent explanations all around. My question is...when are you going to move some place where you have decent solar potential? :)

[@gunrunner5095]

So... There is a bastard version of the Ecoflow Delta 3 called the Delta 3 1500. It's in the 2nd gen case, which is bigger, and has a 1500wh battery and one solar connection. Guess they had too many 2nd gen cases left. Lol Picked one up from my big membership store and used it to replace my old solar generator to charge my scooter and run my WiFi. One used residential 370w panel in my backyard and it's producing more solar then I have connected to it! "Free" transportation for 90% of my transportation and more than enough backup to run my fridge if the power goes out... Indefinitely... To keep medicine cold that one of my family needs. Plus the Ecoflow can add an extra battery to make it up to 5kWh of storage!

[@miketrav]

The problem with those all in one set ups is, they’re extremely unreliable. They rarely last more than a year or two before the computer blows up inside them, especially on the Ecoflo. They’re not bad to have for a back up situation or camping but for an actual house off grid situation you’re better off getting batteries with an inverter professional system. It’s also easier to fix when something breaks.

[@TheMaverickq]

how fast does it pay back?

[@thomasabney4898]

He goes into watt hour production at 8:45

[@happycamper010]

$200 more just for an extra 60v port that cost less than $5 on Amazon and less battery with the ecoflow no thank you , am a bluetti fan ive got ac180 , ac70, 2 - ac2a , eb3a. Ecoflow is like harley Davison you pay for the name. Been in this solar power station game for two plus years now tested many devices jackery , runhood, lion energy etc etc bluetti always done me right and proven it deserves a spot on my shelf aka rack.

[@venky1777]

Can someone use this to power their pool pump ?

[@bboyswoosh87]

That app is game changer even though i love my Bluetti max200

[@frankenstein3163]

Great shearing. TY very easy to comprehend. Sub'd I have a Delta 2 and its max input is 500 I think. How do I make shuer it receives 500w on a cloudy day ? Is there a way of setting up an insane amount of panels ? like wat happens if you have over kill on wats? Keep in mind I'm a wear of the active current volt thing having to be under 60. Or would I have to constantly unplugging and re-plugin based on the day/light % ? The problem I ran into was my pc set up takes the battery to 0% in about 5hr's. I since than plan to have greatly reduced my pc setup. Fingers crossed.

[@celorenzo]

I chose EcoFlow, I have 5 of them. Just my preference! Your mileage will vary😅

[@vigglesworth216]

do a video about what you need to charge an EV to the max recommended charge every day

[@onetwowontoo]

Great! Thank you!

[@ashinigamirises]

I paid 3k and I got 5 100ah batteries and 12 100 watt panels

[@tonyromano8337]

Lithium batteries or LiFePo4 ?

[@viyusavery248]

You probably overspent on the batteries

[@ashinigamirises]

Lifepo4

[@chimpo131]

lol got ripped off 😂 ​@@ashinigamirises

[@quack5108]

@@viyusavery248prolly? Sounds like they def did. I can get 5 100ah batteries right now…. Good ones with Bluetooth for about 200$ per battery. That’s 1k right there. 100$ per panel for 12 panels. Where the hell you spend 3k at???? lol

[@Ghostjam1]

Very good I'm interested now 😅

[@Raym17]

Great video!!

[@abrahamdelarca2939]

Regálame el ecoflow con los paneles

[@craftymulligar]

Some will control the inverter generator. By turning on and off.

[@MatthewBayard]

Stop teasing us and spill the tea on the possible payback time for taking a room "off grid"😁

[@ulyssesmelendres504]

Good info.

[@bigguyprepper]

If you wanted plug and play, sure. But for this price I could have double the capacity

[@kentpachi143]

with 1000$ i could set-up that can run pc electricfan all the lights fridge tv thats 24/7 non-stop

[@Ahmet-k8v8x]

Panels are way too expensive.. you get 6-7 450wp Panels for the price

[@parodoxale1756]

On the my shop solar site you have for 135 € a sharp 425 w

[@footprinthero]

Nice! Yes you can find 400W panels for great per-panel prices, but all the US-based sites I looked at had order minimums of around 10 panels. So the cheapest route I could find was still to buy from Amazon.

[@parodoxale1756]

@footprinthero ohh okay it was à good vidéo like to see what you are going to do next ( sorry for the english french guy here 🇨🇵 )

[@chimpo131]

​@@footprintherothe delta 2 was $350 refurbished for Cyber Monday, figure that's the sweetspot

[@avflyguy]

NO.. Didn't like either one, or any of these so-called _power _*_generators_* None of these will handle any significan't load and if they could (by stacking them), the investment could never be recouped. This is like a P.T. Barmun sales pitch on steroids. In just a few years, these will tucked away in the garage, attic, basement, or whatever with dead batteries. Where my 4000 watt inverter generator with gas or propane will *always* be ready to go for whatever load I throw at it. I've got a 7500 watt non inverter I use for the heavy lifting in dire straigths that doesn't get run very frequenty, but I've had it for over 25 years. Put some gas in it and start. It'll still be working just fine in another 25 years. Where are these junk _solar generators_ going to be, hum?

[@ele.zer0696]

SEGS

[@gusmueller4413]

the math isn't very advanced to figure out how long these devices will run given a fully charged battery with a known watt-hour capacity without even making a youtube video. the fact that you didn't lead with the battery capacities tells me all i need to know about your intended audience, some of whom likely give a thumbs-up to perpetual motion machine videos on facebook

[@maggew]

Savage.

[@honumoorea873]

You already wasted money on a bluetti....

[@Mr.SuperDuper-idk]

30amp outlet or no go.