Installing all in one Solar Inverter with Battery Backup. The EP Cube from Canadian Solar.

We are installing the EP Cube from Canadian Solar. This system has a 7.6 Kilowatt inverter and 4 batteries, totaling 13.3 kilowatt hours of energy storage.
EP Cube all in one Solar Energy solution: bit.ly/47dLudA
Low Price Per Watt - Solar Panels: bit.ly/3Jx8EmQ
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We live in southeastern Illinois on a 41 acre homestead. We just finished building our log cabin in 2018. Now we are focused on trying to grow our own food and raise livestock. Follow us on our journey we continue to develop our homestead and farm, while becoming more self sufficient.
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[@AfterTheRains]

Looks like a pretty sleek setup and the design is a bit chic too. You are probably one the best channels they could choose to do an honest review and give an honest opinion on their products.

[@CountryViewAcres]

I reposted to Correct the Audio Issues.

[@hungryblackbear]

I glad it was only audio; I was worried it something much worst.

[@jmilleronaire]

I'm watching again to help the repost get views, thanks for fixing it!

[@brendanhessing9015]

❤ I like your sooler situm

[@colint]

The old version is still up - you should delete it.

[@CountryViewAcres]

The older version is "unlisted," and it won't show up to viewers anymore.

[@gregj2647]

Very clean setup. I know some of the equipment was provided at no cost so it would be interesting to see how much it would cost the average customer.

[@TKCL]

I've seen this somewhere before 🤔🤔🤔

[@duaneklein4924]

I enjoy your videos so much! A nice neat power room and well done and thought out. The back-up power is great when you live in the country, especially on a well. No electric, no water which means you cant flush your toilets. Nice job Evan. That’ll take stress off if power goes out. You still need to water your livestock too. Thanks for sharing.

[@johnclancy9860]

I think your explanations and projects are terrific. What a transformation over the past few years ! Beautiful work too. I like it when you discuss a failure or poor performance and keeping it real. That helps us the most I'd say. At some point can you talk about total cost of your solar system so us DIY folks can assess whether it fits for their application ? Thanks and keep up the great work.

[@CountryViewAcres]

I will discuss cost in a later video, after I see the real-world performance.

[@markpriddy1]

Excellent

[@jpeel2066]

Good to see you getting something back for all the hard work you put in. Thanks for showing us it all. All the best 🇬🇧.

[@andrewmaiden3738]

Bravo, You ticked every box, Beautifully installed, very neat outcome, well explained and honest thoughts, it looks like a very well thought out expandable system and almost trendy in its looks. EP Cube 100% picked the right channel for displaying the system. My hope is that the evaluation carries on for years because nearly all evaluation reviews (all products) focus on the first few months. With what is a undoubtedly a substantial investement most people want to see the long term picture. Can I also say, that I walk away from channels that get driven by commercial gain but so far you are not getting to focused on that and what you do do is low key. Been a follower for a long time and enjoy your channel.

[@Andy-2021]

Very COOL installation. You did the job all by yourself！！👍

[@michaelbedell6523]

No wonder you were chosen by them to demonstrate the installation and use. You are a perfectionist and you know your audience in thoroughly explaining each step. I know nothing about it nor in the market, but I wouldn’t hesitate to defer anyone interested to view your video. I definitely enjoy each video that you and or your wife share, sometimes over again in case I missed something.

[@batpherlangkharkrang7976]

Hi.... Evan, thank you for showing your video homestead 👋 bye 👋 bye 👋 bye 👋 👕🐔🐓🐣🐥🦃🐕🐈🐐🐑🐄🐖🐝🐠🐟🎣 🌱🌻🌼🌹🌸🌺🌷🏡🎥👍👍👍

[@bay9876]

All going to pay off with peace of mind and if selling back to the grid money saved. Nice installation.

[@MoeinEsther]

I have 5.7Wk solar panels and I can get over 500w when its raining ...... How you can get 400W out of 7Kw system with that much sun !!!! my best solar generation was 5.1Wk out of 5.7kw solar panels.

[@andyrobinson339]

For the last 10 years I have had solar here in VT. My electric bill is $0 even including charging my Chevy Bolt. Would never go back.

[@spb81]

14c per kilowatt is quite cheap

[@RabidRiddinRabbits]

Solar installer here. Just want to point out I've installed thousands of tigo RSS and they are HORRIBLE when it comes to temperature fluctuations. Be wary when keeping them outside

[@stevejohnstonbaugh9171]

Nice job Evan! You have your electric meter running backwards all the time pretty soon 😊

[@athloneduke]

Evan, you made it look easy and explained the process very well. Here in Ireland electricity can cost as much as .50c per kwh......so ye are lucky at 0.14c. Thankfully I too have solar and it helps reduce the cost.

[@JayAlexander-k1w]

Could you please describe or explain how you wired your emergency stop button? Wiring diagram if possible.

[@hankfacer7098]

Evan, can you write all that down, I think I need to lay down, brain overload, but always interesting when you do it.

[@JoeAroner-SIWAYTV]

Something tells me if a firefighter is pushing the “Rapid Shutdown” button, you probably don’t have a house and/or a shop left😢.

[@CountryViewAcres]

Yea, that probably a bad day.

[@sroberts605]

@@CountryViewAcres lol, be an idea to get a specific extinguisher for that room (it'll never happen I'm sure, but, peace of mind!)

[@CountryViewAcres]

Good idea.

[@michaelhardy195]

EMP proof

[@NormanSilver]

I'm using Solid State Batteries and having very good success.

[@davefroman4700]

Not a fan of proprietary setups. Especially in a new to market product but hey if someone is willing to give it to you for free to test it? Yeah I would that. And seeing its coming from a big and well established company that has been in the solar industry for a few decades? Chances are they tried their best...

[@mmanut]

THAT IS THE SLICKEST LOOKING SYSTEM I'VE EVER SEEN‼️ BEAUTIFUL INSTALL. HOPE IT WORKS OUT FOR YOU, GOOD LUCK GUYS, VERY IMPRESSIVE ‼️ ‼️ Vinny 🇺🇸

[@daddio7249]

Installing a different system but as a first timer watching the electrical hookups is invaluable.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Thanks for correcting the audio, makes for a much better presentation of the products. It went in well and seems to be what you wanted now if it meets all your expectations things will work out well for both . Stay safe and keep up the great videos. Fred.

[@kevinrtres]

Man! That's a great system. All the connections between batteries and inverter done and dusted. Plus rapid shut down prewired. Really great.

[@rogerr1296]

This maybe too much to ask in the comments but, do you have any general tips or things to keep in mind while building a house to make it as easy/convenient as possible to add solar and generator later? We are actually currently working with a designer and contractor to build our sunset years home but with construction prices the way they are, we won't be able to include everything at first so need to figure out what we can do to prepare. Thanks Evan.

[@CountryViewAcres]

Separate out your appliances and lights on different circuits so you can manage loads or easily move loads to solar. Leave enough space for solar equipment.

[@joeromanak8797]

Roger - We are in the same situation as you. We’d also love to do it all during initial construction of our retirement house but, $$ are a consideration. My advice is, talk to a reputable solar installation company even if you’re not buying the equipment now. I’m sure most would be willing to share a checklist for preparation. What I’ve learned so far is: Roof - Your roof must be proven to be capable of bearing the load of the solar equipment in addition to the other usual loads for your area. Mention this to your builder and they will engineer for the future additional load. Think ahead - You will need wiring chases to connect roof panels to equipment location(s). Building these in during construction will give you a neater finished install. Coordinate all the trades - Make sure that your designer, engineer, builder and electrician understand that solar may be in your future. Clear expectations now will put everyone on the same page for a seamless solar addition later. Good luck with your home. 🥸👍✅

[@rogerr1296]

@@joeromanak8797 Thanks. We have some acreage so the plan would be to put the panels in the yard instead of the roof. We should be able to put them out of the way so they are not that prominent. I'm thinking it will help keep the cost down somewhat. We will also have a walkout basement so I should be able to put in an electrical room something like Evan did in his shop. I don't know if I will be able to do as good a job as he did though...lol.

[@goldcountryruss7035]

If I need to place the gateway on the right side of the inverter/battery stack, is there room on the right side of the inverter (above the internal battery connector) to drill thru and run the two circuits? Is it still installed? You happy with it?

[@antronx7]

Neat looking setup. At $13k priced almost same as Enphase IQ10 battery but with better specs and warranty. Spec sheet has no mention of PV to AC conversion efficiency. For half the price you could go with Sunny Island inverter and 2x EG4 batteries but you would need another PV to AC inverter.

[@CountryViewAcres]

Yes, it seems to have a good warranty. It can input upto 15k of solar. I think it will do exactly what I want it to do.

[@davidfig6357]

I still don't get why everyone puts this thing on the ground. If you want to add another battery you have to redo it entirely. Why not mount it as if you are going to have the max number of batteries and then make a mount for the bottom. Then when you add a battery you only move the mount down without having to move all the wiring. No one thinks about upgrades.

[@vicki4578]

But are you now really off grid as you mention being tied to electric company with this new set up. I believe with the delta pro no connection to the power company needed.

[@lmrohr1173]

How do you know how to do all this Evan? Are you in the electrical field? Are you an electrician? Because I’m so confused about all this solar stuff!

[@CountryViewAcres]

Yes I have worked industrial maintenance on electrical and controls equipment for 25 years. And inhave studied up on solar for the last few years.

[@lmrohr1173]

@@CountryViewAcres so if I am having to go all solar what would you suggest I do?

[@christophercampbell5643]

I think it is better, cheaper just to pay your normal electric bill. That is a nice hobby.

[@vicki4578]

What made you move them to roof ? If you had to do it over would you just start here. Not to be rude this is all new to me but did you waste money going with those delta flow units first?

[@samfish6938]

cheaper batteries have come out you could double your batteries

[@JLC24]

Even my comments below were meant for Nathan in out of the woods but your channel also gets the tag of one of our favorites for the same reasons so i guess i got a two for one here. my wife and I like everything that you do you're like one of our families. It's so relaxing to watch you do your work whether it be building or just talking or sawing. You are very suited for this gig with a very pleasant personality. We subscribe to over 300 channels, you are one of the best. Up there with AL Lumnah, Mike Morgan, Shawn James, and Josh at Stony Ridge. 😊🎉

[@debrawild5326]

Kris Harbour is truly off grid and is amazing at engineering and building. You may already watch him

[@huhcom]

Any updates, problems?

[@garykersteiner4936]

Yep. Simple livin off the land. Nothing to it.

[@lynnelewis9605]

Hi u got looking so tidy it is so nice when u don't c the wires. X

[@jeffl.dillard8681]

I’m a general contractor and I would love to have a system like this but it’s pretty clear you need to be a master electrician to understand and install a system like this!!!

[@samfish6938]

i see you had one mistake extra whole still open

[@marydanen5220]

Cool💖

[@NavneetSingh-os7ve]

What is the purpose of transfer switch?

[@cheeseburger9232]

I wouldn’t sell them any power.

[@CountryViewAcres]

It will power the house and charge the batteries. If both of those are good. Then it sells back the extra if there is no where else to put it. So I don't think I will be selling much back.

[@barrytipton1179]

Or get some old storage heaters etc

[@Mike-01234]

Odd how AC 240V doesn't have to be in a metal conduit. Generally, have to use a critical load panel because when the power goes out, they don't want power going back on the grid, so your main panel has to shut off while you're on battery. Anything hanging off your main panel will not be working during an outage. What I did was add a 26KW Generac to a whole house transfer switch that connects between the main and the meter if I need entire house powered during a grid outage.

[@an_almighty_one]

Very professionally done video and installation! Best installation video I've seen so far. 👍 Great job. Thanks for sharing! 🙏

[@craigwiest772]

With banning of new natural gas hookups on new construction in New York it becomes obvious that the war on fossil fuel is increasing. For gasoline that has meant that producers have not increased production with the resulting high fuel costs. These types of laws will impact producers and suppliers of natural gas. The cost and capabilities of your solar efforts become very important to making a decision on what path to take going forward. Not everyone has your skill set nor energy so adding an estimate on having the installation made by a contractor is important. Normally parts cost equal labor cost but I’m not sure that will be true given the complexity and skills required to do it. We either begin converting or electing politicians that understand the costs of passing laws. Not all of us live in a city.

[@lawrencelipon8673]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👌Absolutely awesome system, very skillful installation great video!!!

[@shaniaa9287]

Super great video for us DIYers. Thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge with us. Love your channel ❤👍

[@jeffreyvictor3678]

On battery power it appears (on camera) that your lighting has a slow blink. Great system though job well done!

[@CountryViewAcres]

The cheap LEDs I installed in that room, do have a pulse every 1 to 2 seconds. But the LED light behind the camera didn't. Cheap LED lights tend to do that on solar inverters. Also the blink went away when the freezer kicked on. I think it is because the inverter was putting out such a low wattage, since it got better with more of a load on it.

[@jeffreyvictor3678]

@@CountryViewAcres Thank you for the reply. I'm in the planning phase for my home as well and heavily considering solar. Still trying to decide if I want to sell back to the power company. You've done an excellent job!

[@brentfrank7012]

I like the Canadian Solar set up. I’m not a fan of the inverter screen on the smart phone. Great system all together. Your work is ultra clean, great job.

[@GKuo-p1n]

very nice and clean installation ! love that "blink" of light to indicate the system had transitioned from on-grid to off-grid and running with just the battery. Thank you for the demonstration.

[@CountryViewAcres]

just the cheap LED lights I installed in the room had a pulse. The LED light behind the camera didn't pulse. And it seemed to go away when the freezer kicked on. So it may also be related to having such a small load on the inverter. We will really see how it effects lights, when we hook it up to the house.

[@moonflow3211]

agree Nice and clean installation

[@davidkraft3690]

Seems very unfair that your power Company pays such LOW rate and charges you such a High rate . Doesent make sence to me. You have done a great job of installing this system .

[@88ccrazy]

Dude your awesome and im late to see this like usual. Keep doing your thing. This video was smooth and informative.

[@edinbrgt64]

Very nice setup, I really love to see the way you work, may I have the bill of materials I would like to mirror your setup.. cheers for you.

[@ToddDesiato]

What a great job! This makes it look so simple. Mind if I share this with my group?

[@rickygreen1985]

You knowledgeable about elecrical system you must have electrical training

[@CountryViewAcres]

Yes, 25 years of experience of industrial electrical maintenance.

[@rickygreen1985]

@@CountryViewAcres I sure enjoy your video

[@barrytipton1179]

My brother has had solar panels for years he is on tariff he gets 45pence sell back and if he uses it still get 45pence he is a retired financial advisor and he is always crunching the numbers etc He went on holiday for a long break to Florida before he went took readings anyway when he got back he had sold back very little and had a big usage bill . He was phoning everyone up until his wife had to tell him in the rush to leave she left the hairdryer on this blow the solar breaker and eventually burnt the dryer out 6:40

[@davidorcutt9246]

Thank u fit this video. I’ve wanted to know more about this unit. How many minutes does it take to commission it? Thanks

[@jamessteffens8337]

What size in dimiminson are your solar panels.thanks jim80

[@waynegauthier155]

Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe Lumnar Acres does not have Grid power to their property, so they are strictly powered by Solar, with generator backup if needed. Your system is way different than others I have seen. Love following your videos and your homestead activities and all that you and Robecca do to be self sufficient.

[@petrusvandermerwe-ln7vs]

boy genius nice vid

[@rongordon36]

Audio is to low, I have everything on high. Thank you I enjoy your channel

[@ianmurray9201]

Gee evan no need to yell 😉

[@reax2237]

Very cool, am I correct in assuming you are an electrician?

[@CountryViewAcres]

Not a licensed electrician. I have an electrical degree and have done industrial electric maintenance for 25 years.

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Great setup

[@gosolxsolar]

It looks like you are running DC and AC through the trough. Maybe communication wiring too. Any issues with that? If the insulation rating is 600 volts for everything, probably ok. But, i'm fuzzy on that.

[@CountryViewAcres]

No problems. And Yes, the National electric code 300.3(C)(1) allows AC and DC to be mixed under 1000 volts. As long as all the wire is rated for the highest voltage present.

[@TylerTheCompiler]

Great video. What is the gateway I’ve never heard of that. Would be nice if it connected like a regular hybrid inverter instead of Canadian Solar making decisions for you. They are trying to govern all their equipment just like Canada does. Good luck with that! DIY solar people want less government control!

[@CountryViewAcres]

The Gateway is where all the AC power sources come together, grid power, hybrid inverters (max of 6), AC coupled solar, and standby generator. The Gateway allows 200 amp passthrough from the grid. So it can be installed right after the electric meter before any loads.

[@AgentOffice]

Fun

[@coyroberts8356]

Just a barn.

[@craigflatley7370]

🇨🇦

[@willglueck3156]

👍🌅

[@coyroberts8356]

If it ever catches on fire God forbid. Look out!!!!

[@simonpaine2347]

Excellent job. Thank you. I plan on using this to install my project. However, I'm going to leave enough extra cable in the wireway to cope with moving the inverter up higher in case I add extra batteries later on.

[@CountryViewAcres]

That's exactly what I did. I have 3 feet if extra wire I. The wire trough, so I can add batteries and make the stack taller.

[@v0r0b]

Looks great. My EP Cube should come in a few days, what software did you use to submit electric schematics for review?

[@BearFromTX]

@countryviewacres would also love to know as I plan my build. I would also like to see if you could share your diagram. I get confused on how you wired from service to both the gateway and transfer switch. Also confused on how you grounded your panels in the system… This video put me on my path so thank you for the excellent content.

[@petegraham1458]

Nice system !

[@coyroberts8356]

That room looks huge I know it’s small but.

[@jerrydunmire8653]

Hi Evan really enjoy the channel been watching for a number of years, wanted to ask about the battery power from your solar system is it “clean“ enough to not damage the electronics on your appliances .. I know with generators it can be a problem, appreciate how the two of you work together you are an awesome couple ..keep on keeping on …blessings to you and yours.Thanks

[@CountryViewAcres]

The output is pure sine wave. It is clean energy and safe for electronics.

[@coyroberts8356]

Usa? 🇨🇦

[@Michael-u5k9d]

Can it keep the central heat pump running during a power outage?

[@timmathewson3910]

Evan, Thanks so much for fixing audio.

[@EchoSong-t3m]

Good Job! But a all in one machine can be more easier to install and use

[@JimQuimby-u4k]

Wish I had your smarts..great videos!

[@dougiee6589]

Damn! I wish i could build one like this

[@adassociates8235]

can we configure it to use as complete off grid?

[@sroberts605]

Looks great, be very interesting to see the follow ups. Do you have an option to buy off-peak electricity at reduced price?

[@CountryViewAcres]

The EP cube can be set to use batteries during peak power prices. Thus using grid during lower prices.

[@sandippatel8584]

I didn't understand why you needed a manual transfer switch? Shouldn't the EP Cube controller have that functionality if you doing whole home backup?

[@CountryViewAcres]

The transfer switch is so I can work on the EP Cube and still power the house.. Or else the buss on the inside is always energized.

[@sandippatel8584]

So essentially it's bypass. In normal full backup you won't need it. I am really liking the EP Cube but not sure if I can install it by myself. Did you need permit and inspection?

[@CountryViewAcres]

@sandippatel8584 I didn't need a permit. And only the power company inspected it, so I could sell back power. I think it is fairly easy to install. No battery cables to mess with. Power in, power out, communication wires, and solar panel wiring. The only down side is the interface. There is only a few setting you can change. So if you are one of those people that want to play around with settings and customize how it operates, you can't do that.

[@sandippatel8584]

Thank you so much sir! I will attempt it one of of this week.

[@sandippatel8584]

@@CountryViewAcres Thanks for encouragement! I am working on getting this from Signature Solar. One question that EP cube themselves are not clear on is if the solar panels will continue to produce during grid outage since my system is AC coupled with existing Tesla inverter. I am assuming you only did DC coupling and no solar is going straight to the EP Cube Controller?

[@tylerbarrett6652]

So... I feel like I saw all of this already. Did you re-edit this thing and then upload it again?

[@CountryViewAcres]

The audio was playing out one side. So I fixed it and reposted it.

[@terrycastor8299]

Very professional installation, Evan. Hopefully your power company will be equally professional when inspecting it and issuing your agreement. A friend of mine had a large array installed on his property and had a lot of push back from our power provider, but he eventually got it done. Now his power bill runs a little over $10; a month which is the grid connection fee. I have no idea how much it cost him for his system but it was substantial. It powers his home, his daughter's home and his cousin's home.

[@CountryViewAcres]

So far my conversations with the power company have been positive. I think it will go fine. 🤞

[@richardlwellington]

Interesting I all ways thought that concrete drains batteries. But man that sure looks nice.

[@CountryViewAcres]

That was the old old batteries. Do a quick google search. And you will see modern batteries don't have that problem.

[@shaniaa9287]

You're just amazing Evan ❤

[@dano4572]

IF YOU ARE A ""TRUE"" ELECTRICIAN,,, RULE # 7.5-63.: DO NOT WEAR A WEDDING RING. (EVER) (OR PER WIFE).

[@stevenjones2097]

This might be a stupid question but will the bottom of the battery system being on the floor impact it?

[@CountryViewAcres]

No. The base is on the ground. The battery is on top of the base.

[@Dan-qy1rg]

I did watch this video last night, but for some reason it didn't show my comment. So if you have another comment from me, you'll know why. Anyways, I like what your doing, you have a lot more patience than I do, and you do such a great professional looking job. Love what your doing, thanks Evan. Have a nice week!

[@Dan-qy1rg]

I think I figured out why it showed again, you reloaded the video due to the sound issues! Regardless, loved what you did there! Thanks

[@davidpatrick1813]

my comment went away too but never came back .... there was some truth I mentioned and I have found tubers ... likely at instruction of sponsor ... tells them to remove... bad bad.

[@mattpeacock5208]

I thought the whole idea was having a backup in case of a SHTF scenario grid loss. If you need a cell phone to access this thing, you may SOL!

[@antronx7]

Access is local via bluetooth or wifi. Cell modem is included as an option but should not be necessary.

[@CountryViewAcres]

I have starlink, so I should still have internet during a grid down situation. The EP Cube has Bluetooth when next to the unit. And cellular if the wi-fi is down.

[@shaniaa9287]

Love how you have your coffee with you 😂

[@davidpatrick1813]

Keep truth out as much as you can ...

[@Fritsvrolijk]

All nice if you own a Goldcard