Saving Money By Adding SOLAR Panels To Our ANKER SOLIX F3800....

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

This telescoping bracket kit works great for mounting these panels: Amazon Affiliate Link amzn.to/3Xt5AOn

[@user-yj9tj4px5m]

Well done! We've had our F3800 for about a month now and would highly recommend it to anyone thinking of purchasing one. We use it daily to power our garage including our freezer.

[@OneEyeCustoms]

You appear to be learning this solar stuff pretty quickly! I’m impressed!

[@travismccarthy4338]

I have ZERO APTITUDE for electrical work but these videos are super informative and downright hilarious. I’ve almost spit out my juice in the middle of an explanation due to a random but well placed joke. SUBSCRIBED!

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Thank you! I like to catch people off guard.

[@mikeru9920]

This is the best description of what Anker recommends for ridged solar panel usage on the Solix F3800 thank you!

[@jonphanspromotions]

Gotta love the visual demonstration. :)

[@TKCL]

I'm just now getting around to watching this. You did a great job! Nice clean, solid install!

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

@@TKCL thanks buddy! I still have to do some clean up work but it should look good when its done.

[@chitza3270]

I’ve been 100% solar for six years now, using a hodge podge system while I build the house. Can’t wait to get the upgraded system installed there. I have not missed the high electric bills all my friends are reporting 😁 Nice job, Kyle!

[@loluog]

Very jealous

[@buildlife]

That's a pretty awesome setup! I wish they were around when we put our generator in!

[@Egleu1]

Great video! If you're looking to save money on your power bill it might be worth replacing that old AC unit.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

I already have a new one and furnace. Im going to set the new one on e i finish up the landscaping. Almost done

[@davesauerzopf6980]

I usually do not watch videos over 20 minutes but, you had my attention for the entire time. Very well done. Something I am considering is an add on solar hot water heater to my electric hot water heater. Considering you have 4 people living in your house it may be a nice savings on electric as well. Happy Labor Day to you and your family.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Thank you! I appreciate it. I will check into that water heater. Great suggestion.

[@WindRidgeWoodCrafts]

I also have an Anker F3800 and use it with a pair of Anker’s portable 400 W panels. In my case, I’m using it with an underpowered garage as well as a pole barn. This has been a great way for me to get enough power for the CNC and woodworking tools. Thanks for sharing your setup and the installation details as you worked through it.

[@Tubeagrutis]

Cool stuff!! Learning a lot from you on various things. Much appreciated!

[@markrich6878]

Thanks for a very informative video. Really enjoy your comedic content intertwined with useful content!

[@larryterrell8458]

I’m with you on solar for a back up and/or harnessing cheaper power.👍🏻

[@DamianDaniels]

insanely helpful video. great video. surprised you don't have way more views here

[@realsircambridge]

i love the ground mounted panels! I'm going to try something similar. I have an existing 6x 400w panels on top of a patio pergola that im going to try to hook up to a F3800+smart home panel like you did. except i might try using my existing solar inverter+battery to charge the F3800 through its 240V wall plug, instead of the XT60 solar panel port. im not sure if it will work or makes sense, or if it will be "smart" also thanks for the discount code! i put it in ankers site and it totally works!

[@clilesny]

Great video, definitely interested more solar content. I have seen a few different battery systems and it seems the Anker SOLIX is leading the pack as far as integration and end use customers go.

[@ChadCyr]

Great video! Now you really have me contemplating this Anker setup for our new house build. Thanks.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Not a bad route to go. Definitely do your research though.

[@jasongrinnell1986]

I like the idea of producing my own electricity. In a few more years the prices and the product will be so much better. I enjoyed the video. Cheers

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Great job! This is a very interesting system.

[@kiotimike]

Pretty sweet setup! You always do great work! Cheers 🍻

[@RichtonRenovations]

I have a gas powered Generac generator at my house that I have yet to hook up. This actually makes more sense than hooking up to the gas line. Thank you for sharing. Might be in my best interest to sell my setup and put that money towards what you’ve got going. 🤔

[@richardsink9198]

Thank you for your content, Now go enjoy good time with your family. Great people you are. !!!!

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

@@richardsink9198 thanks Richard! We appreciate that.

[@soonerjoose]

Great video! I've been kicking solar around for the last few years, but I must get a water well first. After that expense, then solar. Love your stuff, minus the Keystone. 😆

[@charliemurphy2523]

Nice job on the solar array. My electrical project is ongoing. I will send pics when I get a chance. Didn't know you could bend conduit like that, good to know.

[@waynecreech]

Thanks, I got a lot of info from this video.. and a closeup of the Keystone girls can too hahahha :)

[@mr.c6674]

This is a great video for "normal" people.

[@fluffywarhampster]

Honestly the ecosystem here looks on par with something like tesla but the cost is a fraction by comparison. Additionally the option of ground mounting could save a ton in terms of the fire protection like you mentioned and permiting.

[@roberta4989]

Very powerful episode. MACHINE! Aunt Joanie's here!

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

@@roberta4989 lots of power!

[@phototristan]

Would be better on the roof as that would not take anything away from your usable outside space.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

@@phototristan that wasn’t a usable space for me. Id also rather clean them on the ground than climb around on the roof. Plus more code requirement ls on the roof. Ground mount is most efficient way to do it if you have the space.

[@jimjensen1414]

GOOD job, Kyle....looks cool !!!!

[@viewer92759]

WE LOVE UNCLE KYLE!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Den-nu6pv]

Great place you have and nice family.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

@@Den-nu6pv thank you! I appreciate that.

[@k6outdoors]

Good stuff man, I have a 28-panel ground mounted array of 405-watt panels myself which is being used to offset my normal $250 a month bill. My guess is you will see a $50 -$60 dollar improvement in your utility bill but am very interested to see how it all goes. I am a big fan of the technology Anker is developing.

[@jameshoien1563]

Great video! Very informative. If I am seeing correctly, you have two F3800s connected to a home power panel. I have just one F3800 connected to a home power panel. Just to verify, you have had no issues connecting solar panels to the solar charge inputs on one or both of the F3800s? I am wanting to do the same thing, but I am having trouble getting information from Anker on whether that is sure to work.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

@@jameshoien1563 thank you! No issues so far. I will be making an update video soon with some data. Everything is working as it should though.

[@curtbernard755]

Well those well definitely help power up your place. Interested to see how much tho… decent sun light should power up that AC unit atleast ?

[@biggieb400]

I really like the integration on the Anker system with the TOU model offered by some utilities. When you do the cost savings, I’d encourage you to give an overview on what you have tied into the backup panel or what’s using power during peak TOU

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

The TOU counters power to the whole panel. Not just the back panel. It uses the amp probes in the main to measure usage and discharges the batteries to counter. I made an install video where i did a step by step install of the power panel too if you havent seen it.

[@OldIronAcres]

Sweet setup Kyle... I think the girls need their own nickname like the keystone girl... maybe the coolaid kids... LOL Best, -- J. Andre. / Old Iron Acres

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

@@OldIronAcres weve been calling them the Juice Box Girls. They seem to like it. Cool aid kids is a good one too. E

[@KenMrKLC]

Fun fact of the day: DEF fluid can be used to fertilize your lawn

[@Barc7580]

New to the channel, glad I found you. Was looking for a backup system recently. I think you sold me on the Anker F3800. It was down to either that or another brand. Thank you.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

@@Barc7580 thanks for checking out the channel. Hopefully you stick around for some more content.

[@fromcitytowild]

We just bought one f3800 the other day. We'll definitely need to buy expansion batteries though to go fully offgrid.

[@johnwillenburg1586]

@@fromcitytowild you sure will more panels& batteries.

[@fromcitytowild]

​@@johnwillenburg1586 Yeah I'll see how many expansion batteries I'll need. I'll definitely max out solar input too.

[@JupiterMoJo]

Nice! Coincidentally, we've finally bit the bullet and started a full off grid set up this week. 32 Jinko 420w panels on a huge ground mount. Paired with 2 Tesla PW3s in the garage. Looking forward to no electric bills and peace of mind having well water for our boarder's horses. I guess a Tesla EV may be in our future next year to take advantage of it. 👍 🍻🍻🍻

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Oh wow. That's a serious setup. Email me some picture when you get it done.

[@JupiterMoJo]

Will do. They are close to max wiring run distance from panels to PW3s. 260' one way. The trenching is for real...

[@Saculmit]

We also just did 42 405w Qcells on our roof and 2 PW3. We have well water and septic and 2 electric vehicles. I would have liked to have done more panels. We just bought the house in January and immediately started the process of getting solar (planning on this being our forever home, no reason to wait). We didn't have historical data to know how much we really needed. I'm in no way a "prepper", but with a stocked pond and deer/wildlife coming up to our back door, I feel like we're in a pretty good spot if the need ever arose. All of that said, without trying to be energy frugal (living life to it's fullest), we still have an electric bill each month. While something is better than nothing, I'm afraid the handful of panels in the video will not make as big of a dent as hoped for.

[@williamszczepaniak6165]

Thank You! This is the video I’ve been waiting for. Just got my F3800 and Smart Panel and I plan a similar ground mount system (but using balllasted PVC solar ground mounts since I have a flat concrete deck). I understand that the F3800 is very picky about the specs of the solar panels it likes in order to achieve optimum performance. (I also understand that there has been a recent firmware upgrade that allows a somewhat wider range of panels to be used.) With that in mind, since Anker supplied you with the panels, could you please share the make and model number of the panels that Anker provided. If Anker provided the panels, I would think they know best in terms of what works with the F3800. Thanks again. Great Video! (Oh … my electrician also thanks you …. I shred your Smart Panel / Critical Loads panel install video with him.)

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

I will find the solar panel info and add it to the description.. I should have had that in there in the first place

[@nateturesdomain2599]

@@SpicerDesignsLLC Only 3 of the 6 panels got used?

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

? I have all 6 in the video. How are you getting 3?

[@nateturesdomain2599]

​@@SpicerDesignsLLC When you reviewed the wiring connections, I only saw you go over the connections to just 3 of them. After watching the video again, I now see you had two F3800s. So, just 3 panels per machine. I'm currently trying to figure out what kind of array I can build with the F3800 using 3rd party 370Wpanels, 41V and 10.8A. I'd like to get as close to the 2400w max solar input. I'd be just a tad over on AMPs with those panels though if I ran 3 of them in parallel to each of the two solar inputs as I'd be trying to get 6 panels on each machine. Amps would be about 33 compared to Anker's 27 per input. I've heard people say you can go over with amps a little bit.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

@nateturesdomain2599 id imagine you would be fine if your that close. Its rare to get the full output of every panel too. And yes you are correct…three panels per f3800. Sorry for the confusion.

[@michaeleagle30]

Any chance you can provide the amazon or other vendors information on the panel connection/brackets you used for attaching the panels to the unistrut? Thank you!

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

@@michaeleagle30 the links are in the description

[@dcmotive]

Nice job! Been trying to figure out how Im going to get my solar working for 2 barns, a pump house and the house either partially or all together. Its pretty confusing. Ill have to watch your video again to hear all the anker options, also a bit confusing.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Ya it can start to get complicated with multiple buildings.

[@Thingsmyfathertaughtme]

Kyle, good video on solar backup. Ground mount code requirements was helpful. After running the wire would you have use different conduit? Seems like more girth would have helped. You must of watched Adams safety video. Proper cutting tool and PPE to protect the nipples.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Ya hes way too lenient with his nipple safety. It was a tough pull mostly because i didnt have any help feeding the cable. I also used some lube on the second pull and it was waay easier. Bigger would have been better though.

[@JohnSmith-tv5ep]

No comment! Just thought 😂

[@tlteal]

That's a very nice, ahem, cabin.......

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

@@tlteal hah! I agree

[@chumanji9]

For the grounding. Do you just pound a grounding rod next to the solar panels?

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

No, it will go back and tie into the panel ground. Good question.

[@jamesporter2626]

Checking in a month later to see if you've been able to do a bit of a cost analysis

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

@@jamesporter2626 not yet. Im getting close though. Trying to get the landscaping done around it and gather some more data.

[@alanbierhoff6831]

I honestly didn’t think I would find this interesting but, I was wrong

[@SometimeIsNow]

Hey Kyle, Great video. Did you purchase those solar panels locally or off a website? Thanks and keep up the great work 👍🏼

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

@@SometimeIsNow thank you. Anker actually sent those out to show how they hook up the f3800. You can really use any panel. Just can go over the max wattage.

[@mikeanonymous669]

ROI---- NEVER!

[@mikesnifferpippets3733]

Doesn’t look like you used lube on running the cables. It would have helped pull through the last elbow. Check it out for the next time you have a similar job.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

I actually did use lube. I just didnt use enough on that first pull. I should have snagged some of the good stuff when i was still working as an electrician. I used dish soap for this. Still works. I just needed a hand feeding the cable. Would have made the job way easier.

[@mikesnifferpippets3733]

@@SpicerDesignsLLC well, maybe the struggle made for a good laugh anyway 🤣

[@kentjohnson3071]

Waiting to see what you realize for usage change/savings. 🤔

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Its definitely going give me some savings. Just not sure how it looks on the bill yet. I will share soon.

[@Assassin1959]

I believe that if you're interested in selling your excess energy back to the power company, you should reach out to them to inquire about the possibility. They would likely need to replace your current power meter with a different one that allows for energy feedback in order for you to sell it back to them.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

This setup that I have in the video won't send power back to the utility company. Its just charges the batteries

[@rcode71]

@@SpicerDesignsLLC Howdy! Have you tried that AC coupling mode out yet? Curious if you need a bidirectional meter for that? I plan on building out the exact same system! thanks for all the knowledge!

[@tthxpx]

Are those gas and diesel tanks with pump handles behind you in your garage? What brand are they? Would like to find them for sale. Thanks!

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

I threw the links for them down in the description.

[@Assassin1959]

Do the panels come with individual micro-inverters?

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

They do not. Everything you see in the video is what it comes with. Not sure if you watched the whole video or not but I go through all the connections and talk about the operation of it.

[@johnqsak]

If you had to do it again, would you make your conduit larger diameter?

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

No 1” was plenty. If i had another person it would have pulled right in. I didnt use soap on the first pull either.

[@johnqsak]

@@SpicerDesignsLLC Cool. Thanks for letting me know. :). I used wrong size for my Ethernet cable running conduit from basement to garage and pain of 3 hours pulling that wire, but it's done and in ground hopefully I'll never have to mess with it again. lol

[@Assassin1959]

I noticed in the video that you received the second F3800. Did you run the A/C? Is there a video showing that? I am curious to see how long the A/C will run.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

The AC was added to the back up panel originally. The single f3800 can power the ac by itself. It will just wear the battery down faster like any large load.

[@ghostdog662]

10:38 giving the people what they want

[@dddsqd]

🤣

[@simon359]

Grid Tide system? If the power company’s grid goes down, you go down with it. Better to have a hybrid system or a complete off grid system.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

That's why I like this system. Grid tie would be nice to have just for utility savings.

[@simon359]

@@SpicerDesignsLLC You should still put in a transfer switch, when the power is out for longer periods!

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Im lost. The system im showing does have an automatic transfer switch.

[@simon359]

@@SpicerDesignsLLC Is this for your main system? Not the Anker.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

This connects to the anker only to charge the batteries. Did you watch the video?

[@Tim4111]

Lynn wants to know if you ever had acting lessons ???😅

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

@@Tim4111 hah! No, cant you tell.

[@VanguardSys]

how much money spent? longevity? to save how much in electric? we did something similar cost over $30k - STILL had to be on grid at nite when u use most electric - was not worth expense - it has its place but not everywhere - show us before / after stats on cost usage etc.. like to compare

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Cost varies with the system you chose and how many expansion batteries you want. I like this system because its automatic home back up power too. The backup aspect is the equivalent to a whole home gas generator system. Adding the solar is nice because i can save some money too. Ill have more info as far as saving once i get a month or two of data.

[@JohnSmith-tv5ep]

Kyle,... So,... got ANOTHER project goin on! 🤔(Which added another project!... landscape restoration!) 😂😂😂 So at least you don't have to work on the log splitter project to split wood😳, cuz you have that cute lil solo stove that uses kindling to keep yinz warm this winter!❄️☃️😂😂 So have a Keystone, ( that you mentioned that you were going to slow down on!) and ENJOY LIFE!🤗 Good content, Good information, Good stuff! Stay healthy Bud(wizer)!

[@scottwaynewootton731]

Can you share exactly which panels you’re using? Is it a secret?

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

I just added it to the description. Sorry, I meant to add that info a while back.

[@DodgyFPV]

if you don't already wind turbine

[@Will-No-Co]

Nice job .👍

[@Mr.S7R4WM4N]

When did this turn into a yoga channel lol!

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

The NYA (National Yoga Association) actually banned that move. Its too difficult and people were getting hurt….Easy for me though.

[@Mr.S7R4WM4N]

@@SpicerDesignsLLC That’s hilarious 😂!

[@juanmedinar20]

So Anker says that you can add up to 3800W of solar panels if you have the Anker Smart Panel and one Expansion battery. Do you need an additional solar inverter or how does it get wired? I want to use it as hybrid system because I already have a small solar system grid tied but I want to add about 3000w of solar but not connect it to the grid/ground mounted and use the battery and solar during the day and then at night If I need use the grid. Thanks.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

@@juanmedinar20 im not sure exactly what your asking. Might have to get more details from Anker. My setup in the video is a pretty basic setup. Its solely to charge the batteries in the f3800 and work with time of use mode for daily power consumption.

[@juanmedinar20]

@@SpicerDesignsLLC with a single F3800 you have 2400w solar input for charging but with the smart home smart panel they say that it gets bumped up to 3800w. How does the solar panel get wired for 3800w of solar panels? Also, I assume the internal invertor of the Anker unit acts as the solar inverter? That's where I am confused.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

@juanmedinar20 its all spelled out in the video. Theres a diagram with all the details in the video. Did you watch the whole video?

[@Bigsparky710]

@@juanmedinar20have you figured this out yet? This was not answered at all and I am trying to figure this out myself . I do know you get 4800w if you have 2 f3800, but I wanna know what you can output with the home panel as well. I’m going to call anker tomorrow and figure out this question.

[@johnwillenburg1586]

I wish they would send me some free panels, I bought the f3800 with 400 panel can't even get one of there coolers with it.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

@@johnwillenburg1586 id love some free panels too

[@johnwillenburg1586]

@@SpicerDesignsLLC yes right

[@namename1]

If this Hiluckey powerbank is solar and has wireless charge + usb a,c that means a large panels can be made without xt60 cables or what are direct 1 side panel other side wireless charger with usb ports or hub 220v ports or invertor with usb connected to it

[@IndyFarmLife]

You acting like a solar panel is what did it for me!

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Hopefully that cleared things up for you.

[@IndyFarmLife]

@@SpicerDesignsLLC DEFinitely did. See what I did there? 😎

[@andrewwylie9259]

Get that left ankle strengthened up.

[@SGerbs]

Are you a ham radio guy?

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Never heard of ham radio

[@SGerbs]

@@SpicerDesignsLLC also know as armature radio, saw the radio tower near the AC

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

@SGerbs ahh ok. No thats just for the tv antenna. Going to mount Starlink to the too soon.

[@SGerbs]

@@SpicerDesignsLLC Thanks for the videos, keep up the great work.

[@bryanschaffer2100]

Lol, killer setup but 8k in batteries and solar for a home back up system? let us know when you start”saving money”

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

@@bryanschaffer2100 it is a lot of money. The gas generators are anywhere from $10-$12k installed.

[@joshuamartinez970]

You could build a similar system DIY for about 5K and have be able to connect allot more solar panels

[@michaelgonzalez8863]

👍🏽🦾

[@Kenny-c1n]

Is all this worth it

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

We’ll see when i get my next bill. There are a lot of benefits. I mostly just want the backup power.

[@Kenny-c1n]

I meant how long will it last when the power goes off. I know it depends on the load.