Solar Power on a Small Scale: Simple Solar Part 1

Solar power at home doesn't have to mean you cover the roof of your home entirely in solar panels. It's possible to start in a small way, including simply charging your mobile phone.
In this video we explain how you can be more sustainable with solar on a small scale. We also give simple explanation as to how solar panels work so you can adapt any solar panel to power any electric item from a laptop to an electric fence!
If you're interested in protecting your poultry using a solar powered electric fence, we can help with that! Our UK online poultry keeping shop (www.englishcountrylife.com) has both solar energisers and solar assisted panels to power your energisers. If you're not sure what you need, just ask us. Email us at [e-mail]
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Opening Music credits: Artist = Earth Tree Healing
Composer = Claudine West
Website = claudinewestmusic.com/earth-t...

[@tubegor]

As an electrician I know the topic, but the way it was explained is absolutely brilliant. I wish I had teachers like that at school. Thanks Hugh!

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thank you so much, you made my evening!

[@lindaoostmeyer4637]

Anybody else wish that Hugh was your science teacher in school? So easy to understand!

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thank you Linda ☺️. My father used to train science teachers!

[@OldNavajoTricks]

He has that Bill Oddie vibe 🤘🙂

[@leowatkins3718]

Showing my age but reminiscent of TV programme "How"

[@OldNavajoTricks]

@@leowatkins3718 How2 :-D And that's 'How..for now!'

[@lynetteharris961]

This video has been the most easy to understand information on solar so thank you. I knew all of the components needed but now I understand what they do. I've watched alot of content on solar but the information didn't sink in like it did on yours. Really appreciate the information 🙏

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thanks Lynette - it has to be simple for me to understand 😊

[@Chris-hf2sl]

I'm a retired electronic engineer and was impressed by how he simplified things for non-engineers. The only thing I would add is that if you just want some lighting in an outhouse or shed, you don't need an inverter. The inverter changes 12 volts dc from the battery to 230 volts ac (in the UK). But LED's work on a few volts dc (depending on the type), so modern household LED lamps have to convert the 230 volts down to a few volts dc. (Yes, slightly simplified, I realise.) So, why invert the 12 volts up to 230 only to drop it back down again within the lamp? These two processes are not only expensive but they're also inefficient - they waste valuable power. Fortunately, you can buy 12 volt LED lamps for use in vehicles and yachts. Therefore if you want lighting in a shed, run everything on 12 volts. The only thing you need to watch is that since the voltage is (about) one twentieth of 230 volts, the current will be twenty times as high to compensate to get the same power and bulb brightness, so make sure that any cables and switches can handle the higher current. (For small systems this is unlikely to be a problem.) Finally, one VERY IMPORTANT tip: Car batteries can deliver thousands of amps, so it's vital to incorporate a fuse as close to the battery as possible in case something goes wrong with the wiring. Without a fuse, if there's a short circuit somewhere, the wiring WILL catch fire, along with your shed. A vehicle fuse designed for 12 volts is the best type to use and it should be rated at a current no higher than the cable rating.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

All excellent points. I plan to incorporate DC use & fusing, wiring, terminal covers etc. in future videos. The next episode will touch on series vs parallel for multiple panels which inevitably leads on to current! It's quite the juggling act to make something approachable but include as much information as possible

[@sehtihrdenhutdortaufdersta3857]

Thank you for your point. If I got you right then cables and switches as used in the normal 230 Volt net should be fine?

[@EnglishCountryLife]

@@sehtihrdenhutdortaufdersta3857 This very much depends on the setup & we will cover it in future episodes, however with a larger setup normal domestic wiring may well be not only inadequate but dangerous. Even a few 400W panels can produce 40A which is a much higher current than domestic wiring is rated for.

[@Chris-hf2sl]

@@sehtihrdenhutdortaufdersta3857 As EnglishCountryLife points out, it depends on the size of your system. A single solar panel and a few LED lamps will not be a problem with mains cable. The 'correct' way to proceed is to add up the currents in each of the LED's or other devices and then to ensure that the cable is rated to handle such current. UK domestic lighting cable is rated at 5 amps, which is more than enough for a few LED lamps, but it might not be enough for the feed from the solar panels to the battery (via the controller), so a heavier cable will be needed. You can buy higher amperage cable. The other thing that you need to watch is that domestic switches are intended for use on ac circuits. In the presence of any moisture in dc circuits, contacts such as those found in switches can corrode (the 'battery' effect). This is not a problem with ac because the current keeps switching direction, so any corrosion is reversed when the current reverses. So, whilst domestic switches will work, they might not last as long as you would hope in a potentially damp environment like a shed. Switches designed for use in vehicles are therefore probably a better choice.

[@sehtihrdenhutdortaufdersta3857]

@@Chris-hf2sl Hi Chris, thanks for your explanations, which are clear so far. I guess that the heavier cabel is only needed up to the distribution point, from there lighter cabel will be sufficient since they lead then to individual devices (lamps and other utilities)? Wish you a nice weekend 😊

[@angelahodgson2212]

Wow that’s the first explanation that I’ve actually understood

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thanks Angela. If I can understand it, anyone can 😁

[@kneedownbrown]

I learnt and understood more in these few minutes than I have watching many other similar videos online. Thanks so much for making it simple without dumbing it down. I’m hoping you will be able to recommend some specific products in future videos for people to set up something small scale as a starting point. Really looking forward to more on this topic!

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thank you so much. I'm happy to do more "bite sized chunks" if people are interested - including recommending specific products

[@andrewarthurmatthews6685]

Yes an instructive video on how to source , set up and run / maintain a solar panel system to provide energy for a domestic home . I suggest this as I think this is where the majority of people consume and pay for their ever increasing electric bills. Yes I have installed solar powered outdoor lights etc but that is due to the ease of installation, not running cables , fused spurs , CCU etc. can be made

[@niwty]

@@EnglishCountryLifeOne specific product you could mention perhaps is a “Pure sine wave” inverter. This prevents some issues with laptops and things that are a little choosy about the kind of electricity they consume. Other than that great video. 👍

[@EnglishCountryLife]

@@niwty I will do in future episodes! Interestingly modern laptops with transformers run happily on modified sine wave, but certainly anything with a pump (e.g. central heating) or compressor (e.g. freezer) definitely do better with pure sine wave so point taken 😉

[@donnamarshall8349]

Oh my! Thanks for sharing your experience, I would’ve had no idea how simple solar panels are to set up 😁😁

[@EnglishCountryLife]

They really are Donna! I'll do a few more episodes with more details but it's all straightforward stuff

[@user-vc2bx5qb6b]

More videos like this please! Really enjoyed it and looking forward to the next one - sending thanks from Lincoln 👍

[@EnglishCountryLife]

I will do a few more on Solar 🙂

[@hel1copter]

@@EnglishCountryLife You mention scaling. In my greenhouse I’d like to be able to run a pair of infrared heater panels from a 12v leisure battery, but I can’t work out the size of PV array I would need. So any help on scaling would be immensely useful.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

@@hel1copter I'll definitely do a video on that. Do you know what wattage your heaters are?

[@hel1copter]

@@EnglishCountryLife I’ll look and let you know in a further comment. Thanks.

[@rubygray7749]

Love seeing another exhuberant, edumacational tutorial from you!! I've been without power for 3 1/2 years now, and the novelty is seriously wearing off. But I have discovered just how little power is really necessary. Most folks are thoughtlessly extravagant with it. I do have most components for a small system, but lack the confidence to put it all together. I'm all eyes and ears for your next instalments!!

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Honestly it really is super simple & these days amazingly cheap. I saw a 400 Watt panel for £70 this week

[@ronburgundy3719]

This is exactly what I wanted to see. Made things simple and incredibly well explained. Well done fella, you are skilled at breaking down tech to make things simple. 👏

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thanks Ron - that's kind of you to say

[@sailor67duilio27]

Please more videos on solar panels on budgets. Very useful. Thank you.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Will do!

[@TheFarrierphil]

Talking to my neighbour, who's a spark, he's mentioned that solar voltaic cells have improved so much recently its well worth considering solar power even on an overcast day. Loved your explanation of it all Hugh, reminds me of the awesome Johnny Ball👏👏👏

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thanks Phil - PV panels are getting SO much cheaper now too. A 400W panel can be had for £70 now!

[@martydav9475]

The David Bellamy of Lincolnshire.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

@@martydav9475 He had an even better beard 😁

[@bill-2018]

@@EnglishCountryLife Wow! The costs have reduced.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

@@bill-2018 They really have!

[@DavidCase-ov5uo]

Good warning about overcharging. I accidentally left a Solar charged powerbank on a window sill in the sun for a week. The battery expanded and forced the screwed plastic case apart. The water analogy is brilliant.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Bit scary with the powerbank 😳

[@nickpridding3435]

What an excellent video. Clear , concise explanation. Thank you for producing such fabulous content.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thanks Nick, that's very kind

[@JJR-373]

Thank you for the wonderful explanation. My mind is whirling with the endless possibilities of how this could be used.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thank you - would you like a future video on all the ways that we use it?

[@JJR-373]

@@EnglishCountryLife Oh yes please.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

@@JJR-373 Perfect, I will break out the solar powered chainsaw!

[@edithhorgan3733]

Thank you for explaining about solar power. Please teach us more about it. You really helped me understand it. I will watch for more of your videos about it. Plus I love seeing your chickens. I pray Fiona is feeling better with her leg. Praying for her. Keep the videos coming. I am in USA & I truly love how you both teach us with each video I watch. God bless you both.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thank you so much Edith - we appreciate it

[@garyhalsey7693]

Very good video. Clear, concise and most importantly, understandable!! I would love to see more Solar power related content! You’ve got yourself a new subscriber today!! Keep it up!

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thanks Gary!

[@lukeyetsterjones]

I would loveto see more videos on this sort of thing you explain it in a really easy to understand way thank you so much for making these!

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Will do Luke and thank you 🙂

[@BrewDoGParaDoX]

Been looking at installing solar power and this video makes it look easier than i thought Would like to see more of this on a larger scale you explained it so well

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thank you 😊. We are going to make a small series covering each component in more depth. This will show different types of set up (small & large, fixed & portable). We filmed the panels element today (which included me lugging massive 6' x 4' rigid panels around 😁)

[@terryvince321]

Great video. For the beginner.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thanks Terry

[@patriciajones395]

Thank you, first time I've understood, you made it so simple

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Glad to hear that!

[@neilfoster814]

Hmmmm, very interesting. I have a couple of decent 2sq ft solar panels, and I've just been clipping them straight to the batteries. It does work, but will now fit a charge controller into the circuit. Best wishes from a fellow rural Lincolnshire resident!

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Hello fellow "yellow belly" (which does sound rude, but isn't) 😁👍

[@davidwillwill5697]

Great video. Would definitely like videos on adding more solar panels to the system, on the roof of my shed, so that I can pump water and charge my electric chainsaw, hedgetrimmer screwdriver etc.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Righto David, will do

[@garethwynlewis402]

just had a £3000 lecy billy for my flat this is just the info i need thanks

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Ouch! Glad it was useful!

[@stevewilson6390]

I'm hooked ? I was having a browse and youtube delivered you! I've watched a few of your tutorials and advice contents and find them so interesting and useful. New subscriber here I'm off to look at more of your content👍

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thanks Steve & welcome 🙂

[@mikhailkalashnikov4599]

I'm just beginning to learn about solar systems and this video helps tremendously, thanks.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

I'm so glad, we are filming a series on solar that will become more in depth over time

[@ozyrob1]

Great channel. I subbed after watching the first video.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thank you & welcome 🙂

[@CasualInventor]

A brilliantly clear explanation, great stuff.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thank you!

[@anthonyosborne1089]

This was just my cup of tea, and I learnt a lot from this one video alone, so have subscribed and would welcome much more content on this and all the other useful things you can pass on.Many thanks!

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thanks Anthony & Welcome

[@andrewarthurmatthews6685]

I bought and installed a very good value and well built and well designed solar energy set comprising 4 LED bulbs on long leads , the solar panel and steel boxed control box with internal battery. From Amazon and used to provide internal lighting for a 30’ foot Dutch cruiser boat . Brilliant kit with each bulb having its own on / off in line switch. They provide plenty of light and the screw type bulbs are replaceable . Obviously the amount of hours of light depends on usage and this control box has the facility to charge its internal battery via 240 v ac supply should you need to . All in all i highly recommend this kit and was so impressed I purchased another for my sheds at home .

[@EnglishCountryLife]

I think kits have a very good place as someone has taken the trouble to match all the components properly. Some of the new power stations and solar generators are superb

[@philsmith5208]

Looking for something similar for my market stall, is there some way to share the details?

[@martin-davidson]

Do u have the link Andrew?

[@lucylong3468]

Thanks. I now know what my Summer project will be!

[@EnglishCountryLife]

It's so much fun 😁

[@sswan5271]

More please, loving it!

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thank you! Will do

[@simonbell6745]

First time I’ve understood this stuff. What a great explanation.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@IndikaDeFonseka]

Brilliant video! Entertaining, informative and a joy to watch! Thank you!

[@EnglishCountryLife]

We are do pleased!

[@martinhunt6004]

Most splendid advice Hugh!

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thanks Martin 🙂

[@sidweazel2883]

More of this please, very worthwhile topic skilfully presented 👍

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thank you - working on the next one now 🙂

[@michaellewitke5314]

Thank you! I like your "doesn't have to be all or none" approach.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Honestly Michael a lot of us can't afford a whole house system (although they are becoming more affordable), but we have enjoyed understanding the technology and it's capabilities & are expanding our set up. One day we will go "whole house"

[@patohagan5903]

Pure class the way you explain everything and easy to understand I learned quite a lot in the few minutes you showing what to do I will try it out with a few larger panels and see how I get on thanks for your help

[@EnglishCountryLife]

@@patohagan5903 Thank Pat, we are adding more episodes with larger components

[@BHARATCHAUHAN-cr9zm]

Thank you from Africa ....learnt alot

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Im very pleased

[@mhouslay7281]

Brilliant video. So clear and inspiring. Love the demos / analogies. Terrific stuff. 😊

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thank you kindly!

[@jodalry]

Thanks Hugh! Love the channel and really enjoyed this video. 👍🏻😎

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Cheers Jon - the sun is out today so hope to make a start on episode 3 😉

[@stephenterry6262]

Excellent Hugh. I have been looking to create this setup here in my home in case of a power cut. Thank you very much for the perfect presentation.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thanks Stephen - stay tuned for future episodes when we go bigger!

[@callewretstrom689]

Amazing video so easy to understand! Thanks a bunch.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thank you, glad you liked it!

[@richa1147]

fab video - love to see more of what you have setup

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thanks - we will do more!

[@demogirlsworld]

Thank you Sir, explained really well, so much so, I will be using this YT for my kids homeschool science when we work on building a Solar power system for the greenhouse.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

That sounds like a great project

[@jonskinner3590]

Great video well presented and explained, please continue the series, can’t wait for the next video

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thanks Jon - I'll do more detail on types of panels next...stay tuned!

[@redpillnibbler4423]

Simple explanation for simple mind like mine - lovely👍

[@EnglishCountryLife]

You and me both 😁

[@pauldymott8991]

As a further comment, personally yes, I would like to see more off grid videos. Having found you I will go through your older videos. Thank you for putting stuff into a basic form. I agree that many find, what we think simple, a complex issue. Great stuff so far.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thanks Paul - more this Friday

[@jimbanda]

Real good demo 👏👏👏

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thanks Jim 👍

[@nxesr]

My goodness I couldn't help but subscribe and thank you, you are a legend 👍🏼

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Wow ☺️. Thank you & you are most welcome!

[@timdougall5415]

Very talented teacher thank you for sharing

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thanks Tim, that's kind of you 🙂

[@steveadal4735]

Simplicity is Awesome indeed you Are the BRUCE LEE of what u do bless ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@EnglishCountryLife]

I've been told that Icm simple before 😁

[@stevek517]

Incredibly good explanation! Thanks. Subscribed : )

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thanks Steve!

[@DeliberateOfficeSlave]

Great video editing quality. It looked like a TV show! Also great explanation, thank you.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thank you!

[@wideyxyz2271]

I'm dabbling with a small system for my pond pumps. Just waiting on the different parts to turn up. Subbed.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

That's a perfect use for a small system!

[@SeanByrne-vo1kf]

Hi New subscriber, I watched a lot of KZbin videos as new to solar, yours is the best explanation I have seen and I would love to see more content like this. We just recently moved to rural Lincolnshire and are loving it, wish we had discovered a lot sooner, many thanks

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Hi Sean & welcome to Lincolnshire 🙂. We are building the Simple Solar series over time & have created a playlist for those with an interest in the topic. There's more coming soon! kzbin.info/aero/PLDluIIoNPslensVXgIZS7Rdgk8aCpRzR2&si=wAqojv6_7C-6p8ws

[@markleslie9505]

Brilliant video, thank you!

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Glad it was helpful! Next episode on Friday

[@tonymatthews445]

Thanks for this. I've watch a lot of vids about the subject, but never bit the bullet to start sorting a system out.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Hopefully we can get you there Tony. I've put small systems together but I want to end this series with several "step by steps" for small, medium & large setups.

[@tonymatthews445]

I'd like to have at least a back up for my chest freezer, but theres surge startup and on and off running. Cables running around the house? I look forward to seeing the future vids :)

[@EnglishCountryLife]

@@tonymatthews445 That's definitely achievable (almost no cables too)

[@stuartroberts4544]

Liked and subscribed from all the way over in West Norfolk! Great, easy to follow video, very useful

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thanks - we will wave to you over the Wash 😁

[@schollferns2680]

Solarstic Fantastic explanation. Thanks

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thank you!

[@paulbond1518]

Nice one,explained very well,thanks

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Cheers Paul 👍

[@shamblesman]

Superb explanation and subscribed too. Thanks.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thanks! We've got a detailed look at solar panels coming on Friday

[@gideonlapidus8996]

Very simple good explanation

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thank you

[@redzed40]

wonderful explanation

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thank you

[@jockwalker24]

Ibe juat set up something very similar for camping. Using an old toolbox to store the battery in and the inverter etc while travelling. Happy to find ive done it correctly. Trying it out for real in a few weeks

[@EnglishCountryLife]

That's great Jock - making something like that is fun as well as useful I find!

[@doreensoutar5130]

This is what I am looking for. This i can start with. Thank you

[@EnglishCountryLife]

I'm so glad, should we do some more with extra detail?

[@doreensoutar5130]

@@EnglishCountryLife personally I find this sufficient....I have some knowledge of mechanics and electrical systems through osmosis...but I will give it thought and come back... Although as I write, how to connect several batteries together to level up would be good 😁

[@EnglishCountryLife]

@@doreensoutar5130 We will certainly cover that 👍

[@normancoutts]

yes, more please. very helpful.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Will do Norman!

[@regd.2263]

I just discovered your channel great information will be watching your other videos it will mean saving lots of money thank you.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thanks Reg & welcome!

[@user-ye7sj7gm3f]

Brilliant vid friend and easy to understand. I wish my physics teacher at secondary school could have explained things half as well. Goodness this could change SO MUCH of what one does around one's house and garden, glad that I found this channel 👍

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Wow, thanks!☺️

[@srh1101]

That was a very interesting video Hugh, extremely easy to follow along.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thanks - I think it's something us rural types need to latch on to

[@GMP69]

I like this video and would love more.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thank you, episode 2 is now live kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6O8omubhdx_fLc episode 3 is bring filmed!

[@K_a_r_l_o_s]

As someone who has built an offgrid system for my house, this was very well explained. The only caveat would be, you should not connect an inverter to the load output on the charge controller. It is only meant for small 12v loads, lights etc.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Indeed, inverters should run from batteries as shown

[@stephenwhittle7451]

Very good instructions, great video 😊

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thank you 😊

[@jamiejohnson8176]

Best explained video i ever seen

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thank you ☺️

[@grant3470]

Excellent video, thanks

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thanks Grant 👍

[@healthchannelmartinconnolly]

Thank you very clear explanations.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

You're very welcome ☺️

[@thornwarbler]

Very good presentation...............Cheers

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thanks - it's easier than many make it sound!

[@pauldymott8991]

As a former trainer i would have to say thats a good explanation of power law. Well played sir

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thank you 😁

[@user-xb5ws6il8d]

I love hear more like this as u made it easy for me to understand and I like know more so I hook up lights

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Lights are easy, I'll cover them in a future video

[@thegolem797]

Extremely interesting presentation, and certainly reduces the mystery of solar power. I foresee some experimentation in my near future.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

It's a lot of fun & very interesting too 😉

[@andrewarthurmatthews6685]

Oh and I meant to add that another great aspect of this video is that is presented by an Englishman! Well done you

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thanks! 😃

[@Sandysocks303]

Brilliant explanation.. thank you!

[@EnglishCountryLife]

That's really kind of you Sandra - thank you!

[@SprocketN]

Excellent presentation. Thank you. Subscribed.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

That's kind of you - thank you

[@thomasjcahill2798]

Brilliant.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thank you

[@tacca2747]

Great video.I'm very interested in incrementally incresing battery backed solar for my home, gradually adding more circuits as I can afford more solar. Please continue on this theme as I think it can benefit many who haven't got thousands to spend on large systems.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Will do. Next episode looks at portable power stations

[@nswinoz3302]

Installed an adjustable temperature controlled exhausted rooftop ventilation (12v radiator fan) for forced extraction and forced air input under the eaves with the largest old PC Desktop fan I could find. Fitted over ventilation holes about 7-8 years ago. I went through two(2) charge controller and one temperature controller to switch it on/off on requirement ( +~40-50 Degrees) which would run into the night to cool the roof space down. 70 deg is not impossible in an Australia 🇦🇺 roof areas The batteries have died so I’m going to relocate these three key items (hobby) and stumbled across this explanation just to remind me what to do.. Excellent is all I can say! NSW in Oz

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thank you! Temperature control on batteries is vital. Interesting to note that it's against building code here to put LiFePO4 batteries in roof spaces now because of the fire risk

[@MonikaMundell]

Liked and subscribed. Great video. Loved the visuals.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

@@MonikaMundell Thanks Monika

[@phantasytv5878]

Need more of this content

[@EnglishCountryLife]

@@phantasytv5878 We're working on it!

[@mattgoodwin-king2228]

Superbly explained. More solar vids please!

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thanks Matt - will do!

[@mattgoodwin-king2228]

Forgot to say I've subscribed, from neighbouring Nottinghamshire. Great channel, I'm going through your back catalogue 👍

[@EnglishCountryLife]

@@mattgoodwin-king2228 Thanks Matt and welcome! New dolar stuff coming soon!

[@reepham39]

Great video

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thanks!

[@peterconiglio446]

More videos like this please 🙂

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Will do Peter

[@TheDervMan]

Brilliant video. Thank you 😎✅🔋

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Glad you liked it - more detail in future videos?

[@sjdyt]

Head is now full of ideas 💡

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Excellent 😁

[@markemmerson9406]

Brilliant

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thanks Mark 👍. Episode 2 went live on Friday

[@carlsmith8815]

Excellent

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@brightantwerp]

Great info! I started with a camping solarpanel like yours and a powerbank. Now I also have a large daylightpanel (which charges with daylight, not just sun) and a large powerbank. With that I can charge anything with 220 volt.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Powerbanks and power stations are a game changer from a simplicity perspective - are they worth their own video do you think?

[@brightantwerp]

@@EnglishCountryLife Yes I think so. As a woman knowing nothing about electricity I could do this, by reading the input and output numbers of the panels and the power stations. If you can explain it in the understandeble way you do, it would be helpfull for many. Thank you!

[@EnglishCountryLife]

@@brightantwerp Happy to do it!

[@michaeljamesdenniss2716]

Hi great love to see more only just found your channel

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Welcome! Episode 2 just went live kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6O8omubhdx_fLc We are filming episode 3 right now 🙂👍

[@carlksykes]

Great video please give us more on solar power.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thanks Carl, episode 3 should go live Friday at 5pm BST - Fiona is editing it as we speak!

[@chrisbarnes2823]

A great video about solar for beginners. I have messing around with solar for years, starting small and cheap and adding as I go along. It’s mostly for backup power for our house, currently running 350 watts of solar, 30 amp MPPT controller, 200 AH Lithium ion battery and a 3000 Watt inverter. A freezer runs off it all the time and I recharge all my batteries for tools as well.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

I have a similar back end Chris, 200AH of LiFePO4 into a Renogy 3000W pure sine

[@chrisbarnes2823]

@@EnglishCountryLife only difference is 240v 50hz to my 110v 60hz. It took me a while to understand why English kettles boil so much quicker.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

@@chrisbarnes2823 Ahh yes - 3kW kettles!

[@chrisbarnes2823]

@@EnglishCountryLife we only run 220v for heavy appliances, dryer, stove, water heater and Air Conditioner, I’m in Ontario Canada originally from Derby in the East Midlands.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

@@chrisbarnes2823 That's quite the journey! I knew the US was 110V didn't know Canada was

[@rorymax8233]

Well explained.

[@EnglishCountryLife]

Thanks, that's kind of you