INFLATED COST Of Our 100% DIY Off Grid SOLAR SYSTEM 👍

Today we breakdown the cost of our complete solar system. We built our solar system 100% by ourselves, which saved us a ton of money but we didn't skimp on buying quality components. Our goal with our off grid solar system is to be completely independent when it comes to having power.
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[@aboulderlifeoffgrid]

We forgot to mention that the federal rebate is 30 percent, which brings the total cost down to $25,930. Kind of a big thing to leave out 😅. Hope this helps. We appreciate your comments and for taking the time to watch our videos.

[@adamd5013]

do you need a contractor to get the rebate?

[@aboulderlifeoffgrid]

@Adam D No actually, we don't. Thanks for watching. 🙂

[@Poorehouse]

Adam, no - but the equipment has to be new. If you didn’t pay enough in taxes to take full advantage of the tax credit, you can roll the credit over to a subsequent year. Oh and any tools you buy to do the work are also eligible…

[@adamd5013]

@@Poorehouse wow nice thanks for the details!

[@crislopes4518]

Great vid! Exactly what I wanted to see. Question though..does that make it so you are completely disconnected from power company?(im on California so pge for me and I know people that have gotten solar power but still have to be connected to them) looking to buy a piece of land and build a small cabin and that’s my main concern. Thanks

[@krisyoung447]

Cost of an awesome solar setup $37,043. Cost of a supportive wife, PRICELESS!

[@DrAlexanderHamilton]

I love her statement at the end about being COMPLETELY SELF-RELIANT and not having to depend on anyone.

[@Hamsquatch1973]

To run an electric line 1 mile is $75000 or more. Solar is coming down quickly, and is a great option for off grid country living .

[@DBRGB]

Your breakdown helps all of us understand how to pay for and build a system which allows anyone to have independent power. Some may baulk about the price, but the freedom of such an electrical unit is an absolute investment and, when the electrical grid fails (notice I said when) the investment is priceless. No down time. No waiting on big electric to come to the rescue. The independence: how we love to live. Free.

[@johnnixon1026]

Cheap cheap cheap! I am of course not talking about your incredible system, rather you cost! That amount of power for 37k is truly a testimony to your level of competence! Great job!

[@BuddyEllis]

23:50 "Self Reliant" - This is my biggest reason for installing solar. Making your own power and not relying on the electric company. Love the channel

[@drevil4454]

"We like power". Brilliant!! Nuff said!!

[@Beako157]

I built my system for about 30k. Consists of 11Kw panels, 56Kw of batteries, 8K sol-ark all in one. I built the batteries from raw cells. the mounting was unistrut and well pipe, 2 are set up to track 2 axis, 2 are seasonal tilt, nessassary in Minnesota. I have had no issues with the all in one inverter, but something to be said for separate components too.

[@rebeltoharriganjr6158]

I have schnieder SW+ dual and 4 victron 150V/ 100, battery bank is are tesla car batteries , 8 modules total storage so 43,152 watt hours, we plan to add 2 more batteries and expand to 10,000Kilowatt. So far price is right around $40,000. we have hurricanes to duck here..

[@barntt]

Nice! and Expensive! LOL! A suggestion and for your SAFETY add a Catastrophe fuse and disconnect at the battery box for redundancy! Don't just rely on the BMS system. And at the buss bars going to the batteries move your 4/0 wires from an end bolt to a center bolt on the buss bar to reduce further any chance of buss bar heating and even Amp draw during large voltage draws! Awesome system!

[@stevenrichardson6793]

Great video! I've had my Victron system for 4 years now. Mine consist of 4 - 3000VA Multiplus inverters and three MTTP 100 - 50 chg controllers, 12 - 320watt solar panels and 12 Battle Born 24V batteries giving me 600ah of storage. My house is under 1000 sq ft so it provides me with all the 240V power I need to run the house and power equipment. I do use propane for heating, but thinking of doing away with it... I had one inverter fail and Victron reacted immediately and got it to the repair facility in one day! Unfortunately the repair facility didn't provide very good customer service and took over two weeks to repair it. I'm just 50 miles from their facility... So I bought a spare inverter! I live in the Wet Mountain valley in Colorado at about 8000 ft so I get plenty of sunshine.. Keep up the great videos! Steve

[@chessman483]

Just finished our off grid solar, we did it ourselves. Did it for well under $3k . Be interesting to see how it goes. Got lithium batteries super cheap as the Government in Australia changed the contract on building electric buses. So was 1000 cheap batteries, we got our share. Solar panels (450 W ) for $25 each with all free railings, wire and clamps to join battery’s with a free case to house them in. Just got to meet people in the know.

[@natesdiysolar]

I'm surprised you didn't go for the lynx distributor.. no off grid system is complete without EMP shield. Nice touch! Love it!!

[@kellierebkowec625]

That is amazing! Just think, you never have to make another electric payment.

[@shaneheimanjr9178]

I would love to see an entire parts list so I can start picking and choosing once I get my house purchased. I fully intend to do something just like this and I'm big on lists and comparing costs of parts in a deep dive. Love to see this kind of video so thank you for all the current info

[@MiArtStuff]

It's a great tim to start a christmas list

[@healthfullivingify]

Thanks for a great video overview of your really nice solar system. The $37K was a fraction of what it would have cost if you hired professional installers to give you that MUCH POWER. You chose top-of-the-line equipment and really laid it out superbly. You can now enjoy it for many years to come. Bravo!

[@billm5433]

Your explanation was very informative. Thanks for taking the time to make the video. In my lifetime (74 years) I’ve found that quality equipment is worth the $$$.

[@sauletto1]

A very profound statement I heard that holds true in life : "How you do anything, is how you do everything." The attention to detail and thorough research done commands respect. The future planning along with allowing for a system that will be outputting far below it's true abilities extends it's life expectancy as well. This was truly enjoyable to watch, and easily earned my "Like" and "Subscribe" . Great video !!!

[@rustyneuron]

It is kindof another way of saying "Whatsoever you do unto the least of these, so also you do unto me." I'm not religious, but grew up that way and your comment reminded me of that. I usually say "if its worth doing it is worth doing right".

[@charlesg6195]

Look into adding the Victron smart shunt. It will monitor and report battery utilization and SOC to the Cerbo GX so it can control the entire Victron entire ecosystem based off of the battery data. Just a couple hundred more bux, but will prove very useful for you. Great work!

[@aboulderlifeoffgrid]

I'll have to look into that thank you.

[@norsk54472]

I second this suggestion

[@Juma.O]

This will be the best to help in monitoring your battery power. Victron shunt

[@car2069]

THIS 100%!!! Install a smart shunt between the two bus bars. It will keep track of the state of charge and perfectly report it to the Cerbo.

[@nbarnard]

@@aboulderlifeoffgrid did you check out the smart shunt from victron? I use a couple of them, for monitoring solar production (non victron charge controllers), and for battery levels. The built in relays are an integral part of my system too, shutting down various components when levels get too high etc.

[@maryjones6067]

You guys should be super proud of yourselves you did an amazing job

[@bobswanson8464]

You are the King and Queen of "Off Grid"...best I have seen. Well done.

[@jasonhensley947]

Great video! I am also on a DIY fully off-grid system and have upgraded all of my electric appliances and even have full AC and heat running off of my system. I will be adding videos soon but have not had time as of yet. Our system has 800ah of batteries and 13kw of inverters and runs our entire house with zero issues including electric range, oven, washer/dryer, 5x mini spit AC/heaters, etc. Thank you for sharing!

[@dawnvierra4063]

You guys are way ahead of the curve by the way you planned this solar array. Well done. So much work, you have to feel proud. You guys are so sweet together

[@Lee-pz6ef]

How long can it last

[@douglasspores4651]

Wow! That is a great looking system! Thank you for sharing your build, experience, and expenses.

[@IBMDOCTOR]

Price does not meter if wife helps to build it :) God bless you And you placed smile on my face :)

[@cindysturgell9557]

Very proud of what you are doing. The children are having the best life.

[@user-it7tr5rn9v]

I love how you put this system together fantastic job

[@darthraiderVt]

Fantastic job!! You BOTH should be very proud.

[@cknowles3980]

I think you’ll be glad you put in good equipment in the long run. That’s always the best.

[@unpluggedtexan]

Well done on doing your own rack for solar panels. I am just about finished with my 19kw off grid system, for the materials of a good metal solar rack it was going to cost $14,000. I decided to just build them out of pressure treated wood for less than $3k, this also gives me the flexibility to move each rack of 5 panels slightly to the east or west for testing which way is the most efficient for providing power throughout the day.

[@rubybirdseye1503]

Wow!! You two are amazing!! Yes it did cost a lot but worth every penny. And the amount you saved on all the hard, hard work you put in is incredible. Not to mention the knowledge you have. Great job!!

[@dontbanmebrodontbanme5403]

The knowledge is key, because systems break. When they do, they won't have to be paying someone an arm and a leg to come out and fix it for them. They know how to do it themselves.

[@rickharold7884]

love it, it’s beautiful. I love Victron and only use them as much as possible. Our off grid systems are completely self reliant. From Utah to Illinois. The key for us is the winter, clouds and snow and sunny angle. we have to design for that. Then summer is easy. And for us that cold is a big deal to as you recognize having to keep the batteries warm. Love all the details!!!! Awesome

[@oliviarichardson3286]

Thank you guys for this video, we very appreciate it, we have plans to built solar panels and how much it could be if it will be DIY , that’s amazing you did count it already and said it!

[@Eric-bh6ie]

The base bars lol that’s just nuts. Y’all did a really good job 👍🏻

[@richardk.3140]

Love what you did. Everything was neat and look to be very well installed. Really liked the EMP Shields as they are really needed...

[@MiArtStuff]

Thank you for the information. It is all so complex to me.

[@AdamDeLay07]

I know as I go through and make videos for my own system, I'm constantly reminded of the cost of my own system. It's hard to believe how much little pieces of metal and wire cost, but it's so gratifying to know that you're making your own power! In regards to knowing the state of charge of your batteries, one option would be to put a Victron SmartShunt in place which would give you the ability to monitor the state of charge of your entire pack of batteries. Voltage doesn't mean much in regards to LifePo4 batteries, but the smart shunt does a really good job of letting you know where you're at power wise.

[@aboulderlifeoffgrid]

Good to know! We'll look into one of those. Thank you!

[@solarandwindinsouthtexasda1473]

Yes your correct my. Battery are diy sow I use renogy shunt I have 3840ah on a12v and 960ah on a 24v have you look into a raspberry it made work for you

[@mangalisoxaba498]

Wow!! Well done.. "eesh", the price though is Mega! I'm sure though that you are very proud of undertaking the project yourselves & the system's capabilities. Literally a Power plant.

[@julianmonceaux476]

Thanks for the reply. I didn't think you could get to it, but you did, and I appreciate it. Good luck in all your future endevors.

[@nkraemer]

Awesome setup, great information. Thank you. keep up the amazing work.

[@scottfoster2487]

I fully get the cost of this set. We have a family house in AZ off grid ,we use 24 volt and we use split systems to spred the amp loading. Good video on what it truely costs. I would reccomenda shield on the battery buss bars to avoid a accidental arc from somethng crossing them.

[@sdavey10]

Really enjoyed this video. Many thanks for sharing your information. You guys are adorable and so cute together.

[@MagnusGuard]

this gave me, alot of ideas for my setup at some point.

[@scout4locations]

I just noticed that thos video wqs posted on my birthday. Thank you. Great job on the video too😁

[@DeanGuest1]

Great video guys. Really interesting and informative. Loving the fact that you wanted to go overkill with the energy levels, and not just stick with a system that only just meets your needs

[@rongray4118]

Subscribed... headed to the build videos! Thank you!!

[@sailorcto]

I was surprised that you didn't mention a shunt, which would allow you to see all the voltage in the batteries, in and out, etc. Victron makes a proprietary one and a generic one that would work for your setup. Very cool setup and I am envious! The other advantage of DIY is that you saved money but also understand your system completely. Well done!

[@fredberghoff9917]

Great Video!! I have not built mine yet, but will do so as soon as we move to the property, and this video is a fantastic guide! I want to make a suggestion. If you accidentally dropped a wrench down behind the battery case, you would have a nice firework show if it landed on those buss bars. It might add some safety if you put a wood or plastic cover above the buss bars to avoid a falling object shorting out your batteries.

[@laina6219]

KK, Very nice vid. Thank you. My new install is going to be 1/4 your size. I just need power for 2 freezers and 2 fridges, few lights and small power for laptop or radio if trees take out power lines/ black out conditions. All other stuff in my house is giant tank of propane for water heater, and cooking. Wood burning stove for house heat in winter. Nice vid...thank you again for current prices.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Wow that's a lot of power! Our inverter is 6,000 watts, and it does everything we need to live off grid, and to run all of the power tools to build our house. The propane for our gas stove will cost us less than $200 a year, and we can take the tanks in ourselves to have them filled.

[@Gardendreamsforme]

You owe nothing to no one! Great job

[@davidwiens2894]

Awesome video. Thank you.

[@kathybrunson2390]

I’ve enjoyed watching you guys build the solar system. What a great job! Looking forward to the next project!

[@aboulderlifeoffgrid]

Thank you so much for always joining us! It means so much.

[@rasras4749]

Love you guys and how you were able to put this together as a couple, wow! Well, I'm thinking of doing this to my house in the Caribbean and would love your help on installing a 10k system with 220v to power my ac and washing machine.

[@steelexpress_1]

Great job well done. Looking forward to your next step

[@ronleroy651]

Wow! But we’ll worth it, wonderful y’all ,love it!!!!!

[@CherokezPittman]

Comment: Wow, this Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series seems impressive! It's great to see a portable power solution that offers such a massive capacity and fast recharging time. The waterproof technology and comprehensive protections are definitely important features for outdoor enthusiasts like us. Thanks for sharing this recommendation!

[@kimberleylamoureux4969]

You have the good stuff…congratulations. You nailed it

[@Letsgobrandon790]

Thanks you two did a very good job

[@Bezzerkus]

First time viewer and loved your videos and personas!!! subscribed and home to see more from you two :D

[@SkyNoris]

I've got a similar DIY system solar myself. Instead of two Victron inverters. I went with a large 15K single phase 240v inverter. I'm able to produce 240V split phase with the use of an autotransformer. For your batteries I'd ditch the wood box and go with a server rack. You can buy them with bus bars from signature solar out of Texas.

[@canuckchris5733]

Now that’s impressive guys ❤

[@Val-xi4we]

Great work!! That $80k contractor cost sounds legit. Think about home contractors like a carpenter or AC installer. They normally charge labor rates at 100% of material costs.

[@johndoe-sz4iq]

Great Video Thanks, God Bless!

[@RONMAYS71]

Very nice, Thanks for sharing

[@007darryl]

Thank you! Your both so awesome...

[@Extranjera76]

You are a inspiration for me. Thanks. Give a hug for the kids.

[@aboulderlifeoffgrid]

Will do! Thanks for coming along on our journey.

[@Ayzee5363]

Congratulations!

[@niktak1114]

Also I recommend building your own batteries if you build more. A seplos 280Ah mason kit with grade A Eve cells runs about $3400 ($237/kWh) and they have communication and can automatically control battery heaters.

[@tribalncgaming1091]

my current estimate of a 10kw panel system with 20KWH at 51v (4p4s of 200ah 12v lifepo4) with 2x all in one hybrid inverters that are daisy chained together for 16kw is just under 20k usd (DIY) in NC, i save a bit by roof mounting.. since the house is in the open and facing north.. giving me a solid EAST / WEST sun exposure, I do appreciate your video, i have been checking the solar diy market on and off for a decade.. and with lifep04 prices dropping like a rock, and solar panels 300-330 range prices at 150ish new .. its seems to be a pretty optimal time to get in. with the hope of getting ROI in 8 or so years after the rebate ( basically assuming i save 1800 / year on utility, using my current monthly consumption as a guide, but 10 would still be fine, as the lifespan on these things should be 20+ years)

[@BigSkyMobileRV]

A Victron smart shut would give you that battery monitoring that you’re wanting through the Cerbo GX.

[@andrewbarkway1869]

Great video. Looking to follow your lead and get off grid completely. ❤

[@larrybell4599]

Thank you for sharing your journey. I have enjoyed following along and I’m very happy for you to have lots of power for your family.

[@aboulderlifeoffgrid]

Thank you Larry. 😊

[@jeremydumoit4487]

I have a very similar system. Same inverters, but 41x 455W panels, 70kWh of battery bank, 3x victron rs450/100 charge controllers, 2x victron power-ins, 2x victron lynx distributors, lynx shunt, cerbo-gx and sceen, etc. I DIY'd the batteries with EVE cells and Seplos kits (communicates with Victron fine). All-in I spent about $50k before tax rebate. The same system installed by a company here in Maine would have been $150k.

[@efrainaldana4534]

Excelente video...... 😀

[@roblesmetalart]

Awesome job breaking down the cost and details of your solar/electric system. It’s good to know what goes into being off grid and what it takes to diy. 🙏👏👏👏

[@aboulderlifeoffgrid]

Hey Robles Metal Art! Thank you Sir!

[@michaelcharge4783]

Awesome project, I am totally jealous. Great work!

[@8uhayat]

Incredible! DIY for such a large project and that too in a perfect manner, no words. Very well done, wish you well with the system

[@aboulderlifeoffgrid]

Thanks so much. It's been working out great. 🙂

[@donaldbolton84]

3:00 the showmanship. That is why I like and subscribe. I look forward to seeing what you become.

[@aboulderlifeoffgrid]

I forgot about that part 😅. Thanks.

[@lotechgreg]

As Bones says below get a SmartShunt you won't regret it. As for the batteries, I DIY'd mine, and, couldn't be happier, even after re-buying BMS's, 36 304ah cells - 4 8s 24v = ~29kwh + 1 4s 12v = 3.6kwh under $8k.... You're doing great, keep at it.... Congrats..!!!!.... FYI... My sys is 2.4k panels, 24/100w 6s4p - 150/85 CC - 24/3000/70 Inv - 4 batts, + 320w panels, 2/160w panels 2s1p - 100/50 CC - 12v Batt ALL .. Victron... this is in/on a 30' TT... There is no such thing as "TOO Big"........... Oh..... And, ... I'm adding more panels..........

[@justins3810]

Thats a nice system you guys put together! Those batteries are the way to go.

[@teunisvaandering3103]

Just add in a suitable Victron SmartShunt. You already have a nice split between the battery storage and charge/consume. It will fit in really easy and tells you the state of charge of your batteries accurately enough.

[@jerryblakely2312]

Freedom isn't free! Great job.

[@darthgbc363]

I talked to Jackery on Cyber Monday, & was super disappointed. I believe all these new pop-up solar generator companies are running off of false hopes. I completely understand why you did this as separate components.

[@GavinStoneDIY]

Nice work on the video. Someone else may have mentioned it above. But those inverters are technically 10k va. That isn’t the same as wattage. Technically they are around 8kw inverters. Which definitely isn’t a low amount of power. I just figured I’d point that out. Victron for some reason rates all their inverters in VA. Again, great job.

[@CookieManCookies]

Agreed, contractors are very very expensive, and tend to cut as many corners as they can. It's really a question on how much they can rip you off without you knowing better.

[@johnh8615]

They know you get a rebate back. So they charge like a wounded bull.😑

[@tropmonky]

For battery monitoring of knowing how much power is left, Put in a Victron Shunt and call it done! I love mine!!!!

[@dirtyminerapparel]

Nice setup. It makes me want to build portable powerhouse with deployable solar for mining. I think with double the batteries and a generator to offset needs we could run most of the season on solar.

[@Fulltimer]

You did a fabulous job.

[@jimalspach8528]

That's a great system 👍. Thanks for telling us about the federal rebate.

[@patriot7633]

Excellent Job. Enjoy it.

[@kentpengelly9896]

Guys did good I was looking at doing this and the batteries alone was 70k

[@Shermanbay]

For forty years, we have been hearing that solar is becoming more affordable each year. Looks like it will take another 40 before it works for the average homeowner. If you MUST be off-grid, your system is awesome! But for someone like me, a $150/month on-grid cost, including all maintenance, makes much more sense. Solar & wind power is sexy, but not practical for the average household.

[@geoffreysegarra3684]

Excellent video thanks!

[@rickracus3109]

great video Informative .

[@Earthmadegarden]

Amazingly awesome system! I have a super mini version of yours lol

[@user-uy5fk2hk2v]

Solar will be the way to go and it will eventually be cost effective. I keep up with the tech and just do small 100 watt panels for lighting and greenhouse fans. I will be prepared for when the tech price gets reasonable. But 25K put into Vanguard VTI one year ago when this came out would be worth 32K today, so I can’t see the savings yet, but it’s coming. Thanks for the vids and updates.

[@patrickmckowen2999]

Fantastic setup😍

[@jojoskunk]

with kids and because i live in canada i would need 2 time the power storage. you guys have really nice power inverter.

[@aboulderlifeoffgrid]

We have 4 kids. And we do need more power storage as well. Thanks for watching. 🙂