UPGRADES To Off Grid Solar - This Should Have Been Done Sooner - Double The Solar Panels

The Days are Getting Shorter. The Easy Days of Summer are behind us. Our Off Grid Solar Power needs some improvements. Let's Prepare and Improve our Solar for the Darker Days of Winter. #solar #offgridsolar #offgridpower
OFF GRID with Jay and Jen Apparel
www.bonfire.co...
Amazon Store Front ( shop here for all your amazon needs, same exact Amazon we just get a Small small cut!)
amzn.to/2XkTVlO
IBC tote adaptors amzn.to/3sifHcH
IBC tote/pool Filter socks amzn.to/3YJNzeU
Hand hammered Copper Sink: amzn.to/3KBFZKX
*Zendure Power Station zendure.com/pr...
*Birch Living Mattress - birchliving.co...
*Renogy Solar Panels amzn.to/3IkaDah
*Go pro Hero 9 - amzn.to/3KDx4bY
*Renogy Deep Cycle AGM battery amzn.to/3pZoOLk
*Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @offgridwithjayandjen
*Become a Patron / offgridwithjayandjen
* Find us on instagram for daily updates! offgridwithjayandjen
*Find us on facebook for daily updates OffGridwithJayandJenMI
*Amazon Wish List
www.amazon.com...
We would love to hear from you!
5119 HIGHLAND RD # 221
WATERFORD, MI 48327-1915
(These are affiliate links. Any purchase made through these links will help support this channel- Thank you!)
Follow Us on Instagram at offgridwithjayandjen
Follow Us on facebook at / offgridwithjayandjenmi

[@sandrawray542]

this guy here seems to know what you need Jay, and just know you are doing awesome.. dont give up.. you are fun... at least you try

[@KeithStormo]

With 100 V max and 40 amps on your charge controller, you would be better off having 3 panels in series and then two of those series strings in parallel. You can parallel them at the panels and just need the two wires you have in the conduit. That will utilize all 6 of your panels and keep below the 100V and the 40 amps of your charge controller.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

So smart, lol.....I honestly didn't even think about that for some reason. Silly considering my original array is set up in a similar way. Thanks for helping Keith

[@OKLAHOMAOFFGRID]

This is exactly what I was thinking if you cannot handle the v you should be able to at least handle the w so run the other two in parallel to 2 of the other panels.. definitely going to be better off with all six of them pushing into the system.

[@LeviWritesBooks]

Keith is right.

[@richhoward596]

Well done. Guess you are one step closer to becoming a master solar electrician. Stay safe and dont harm the maple trees. Syrup is way too important. lol

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Great Minds Think alike my friend =)

[@ThisOffGridLife]

Nice upgrade

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Thanks guys.....😊 appreciate ya being here.

[@MILife45]

Tad bit chilly Jen? Lol next few days are supposed to be warmer 😊 nice job on the fixes and "upgrades " ❤

[@irenel.m.3238]

Money well spent

[@nourltuber]

I'm lost when it comes to solar! I'm so glad you made it work! I probably would have burned down the shed! Great job, Jason! Hope it really makes a difference. 😁👋

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Thank you my friend 😊

[@marthaturki4891]

I cannot believe it is already turning cold there. We are still in a drought and 97 degrees. I love four seasons.❤🐾🐾. Jay you did an awesome job!😍

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Thanks Martha.....autumn is amoung us

[@ruslanwel]

I learning English using your video :) I like your English, I don't know why but very clear to me

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

That's great. I'm glad to hear this. 😊 thank you for being here

[@meelusine]

Well done, once again !

[@patriciamontague6035]

Looks a little cool there.😀

[@mariemcgillen7401]

And let there be light. Don't love it when it works. 👍

[@lcook0825]

Good job Jay and Jen. Smart way to run the wire.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Thanks buddy

[@lizfry9305]

All of the off grid solar systems in the colder climates do good insulating as the batteries don't like the cold & drain a lot quicker and other than the mat warmers under the batteries the solar shed has no insulation & airflow right through it they normally incase the whole shed then put the solar system onto it there are KZbin videos of them show before insulation and after in cold water and it's a big difference in the batteries performance are you going to do this with your setup and love water your doing with the rain catchments around the property and the pole barn is going to be a blessing this winter and your indoor shower & there's a chanel call a boulder life that also put some metal strip across the bottom of his roofs about 6ins or so to stop the snow sliding straight of the roof as it melting to help with water catchment jst a thought it might help you out take care both of you & the pups😊

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Hey liz.....lots of things on the list I need to try and do before the Temps drop. Appreciate your support my friend

[@chrismorris9035]

Hey , Jay good job with the array.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Thanks Chris

[@kevinmckinzie]

Having two battery banks and two charge controllers can add a massive level of safety to your homestead. One bank can be used solely for refrigeration and pumping water, while the other can be used for every thing else.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

That's true....I like back ups....to back ups as well

[@trailcampete5119]

great video jay and jen ...cheers

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Thanks buddy

[@ejtakach]

All right guys. Jen, you look cold!

[@lorettaandjasonoffgrid]

Awesome information! Thanks for sharing. I'm sure we'll be coming back to this video several times in near future to help us figure out our solar. Hopefully that happens soon! Gas is soooo expensive! 😁✌️

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Glad it could help guys......pick up yourself up an all in one system or power station and some panels and call it good until you get a bigger system. 😉

[@lorettaandjasonoffgrid]

@@OffgridwithJayandJen that's the plan for bunkies for now. We are really so on the fence about batteries vs power stations and blah blah blah. Lol. We'll figure it out! 😁

[@WanderingWiley]

Always cool to kearn more about the solar guys, still looking into for mine

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

You know I'm always happy to help....just give me a call. 😊

[@dupre7416]

"take this, put it on your nuts". I wasn't watching when you said that and I had to do a double take. I assumed this was safe for work. hahaha

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Lol

[@LineUpTheStars]

This will be great peace of mind going into winter-always a good day when you get to improve your solar set up!

[@mariafongoul]

Hey I like the haircut!!

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

😊

[@FunfindersX]

Excellent job Cheers

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@IfImaysayso]

Jay you are a real Jack of all trades! You seem to be able to put your hand to any task and succeed! I’m amazed 🙂

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Hey, thank you my friend. 😊 I find it as one of life's joys to learn and figure things out. Thanks for my morning smile and your kindness

[@kimnelligan9820]

Good job I know nothing about solar you did good!!!

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Well thanks.....now you should know a little, lol

[@phildzuro8285]

Definitely what Keith said, 3 panels in series, two sets hooked parallel. Should give you about 70 volts max , but your watts will be high at 1200. Although with losses you'll probably never see over 960 ish watts. Love the video, keep up the good work guys !

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

It is pretty silly I didn't think of that, ha......thank you

[@watavuemountain481]

Looking good y'all. You're really making great strides and pulling way, way ahead of us. We will get there someday. Thanx for sharing. Be Safe and God Bless!!

[@ross-owen]

Great video! I need to learn more about this stuff. I set up a set of panels on my shed originally off-grid. I eventually ran power out there, so my solar panels don't really do anything. I need to learn how to make them useful again.

[@cindyfeh]

GOOD JOB young man 😄😄😄.........another task ticked off the to do list.......the progress must feel rewarding.....cheers

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

It does.....and Jen is a hoot eh? Lol

[@SeanInAlaska]

A future project for me as well! Will Prowse is so freaking smart at this stuff lol

[@ineverhadthemoney7857]

they make good stuff for the money //it last long .

[@Le_Comte_de_Monte_Felin]

Alright! Never knew you could run two charge controllers onto a single battery bank.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Everything I searched said it was OK, and this was been working fine with issues. Someone here mentioned Will prowse had a video about doing this, and I plan to go find it and watch it soon

[@PearlDecastro-dn4sc]

Hello po good morning, watching from biñan city laguna Philippines,, stay safe, god bless ❤

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Hello 😊 thanks for being here 😊

[@mantramtuyettrangTMLLTTTT]

I heard that clean the solar panel everymonth will maintain its working efficiency really well

[@JohnWick-xz9tc]

Will has a video on the mixing charge controller worked good

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Shot....I missed it. I'll go find it. Thanks

[@kristingrounds4163]

Can't wait to see if that helps during the gloomy months....fingers crossed!!

[@JonOffgrid]

,😎👍👍 hi there I am form Brighton

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Well howdy my friend. 😊

[@jboog1971]

Great video guys! Very informative, I like the glimpse of the other project in the background .. looking good 👍🏼

[@brendahogue5487]

Love your videos and enjoy watching. May the lord bless and protect you and Jen and preparing for the dark days

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Thank you Brenda.....lots of love

[@jimdelong949]

Hi you two Jay Thanks for all the explaining.You did a great job It's still like another language to me.😊 Glad you were able to upgrade your system. Hope you have great success with it this winter.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Thank you! 😃

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

Thanks for showing us the tracking system. I would love to have one of those.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Thanks buddy. Give eco-worthy a call and see if you can work something out. Doesn't hurt to ask.

[@Chahtawarrior31]

That why I switched to the Victron Energy SmartSolar Charge Controller 100/ 50 and 150/35 from the Renogy Rover 40a. Not enough detailed info and also to monitor away from my home too!!! Good job, I am going to try the TRacking mount from Eco worthy soon! OORAH Semper Fi and Can Do

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Nice.....I didn't know this about the rover......I just kind of assumed they all shared enough info to figure it out. Not sure if you saw our video about the tracking system but I was pretty happy how it turned out. We might still have an active discount code there too. It is a little bit of a bugger to mount the panels on, but you only have to do it once, lol

[@AnnCarolGrant]

Good to see you shoring up your solar system! Can’t wait to see your progress on the entryway/mud room. ♥️🙏🏻

[@SJC49]

Is that framing I see in the background for the new entry? You’re making such great progress getting ready for winter!

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

😊 maybe lol....making a little more progress before sharing the project

[@daveh7137]

Great job and you explained everything so well!

[@jackmanfredo1215]

Nice solar upgrade guys! Just in time for Fall/Winter. You could teach a class on off grid solar systems Jay, great video my friends. Take care

[@CampfireExploring]

You guys are awesome, though I always seem to hold my breath when you are working with electricity 😊. Enjoy the extra power! Stay safe!

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Thanks Pam.....I kind of cringe a little at times too....lol. It is part of the reason I stuck with 24 volt.....a little less dangerous

[@johnkirby6547]

Yes, for sure you should be able to connect all the panels in a series parallel configuration..

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Awesome.....I'm going to work on that today

[@philrodger2716]

I have 2 renogy 40amp. systems. .Your renogy is working fine for reading as far as i can see. .when it get to your batts full you will see the top light for your panels. flash which mean full battery.I wondered when you were going to conect your new set up,up. well done mate.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Hey, Thanks buddy. I have been using the tracking system all summer for charging portable power stations....which it works great for. I appreciate you letting me know that my Rover is doing what is should. Just like anything It takes me a little while to figure things out, but I know enough to get in trouble most the time, LOL. Thanks Again

[@philrodger2716]

So far i have to say that I,m quiet pleased with the system i have. but I would love that one the moves with the sun. dont have the money ,as things in the uk are always more expencive. Please keep us informed on how things are going. they other thibg is . Buy a few more batts. the more storgae the longer it will last for you . when the weather is realy bad. @@OffgridwithJayandJen

[@criostoirashtin11]

Add a wind generator

[@ScottsLifeOffGrid]

question for you Jay, could you have put the battery in the shed and ran connections to the motor for the panels?

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Ha.....you know I thought of that after I glued and buried everything. Think my new plan is to build a little box over the battery and attach one of those tiny solar panels that trickle charge batteries

[@sandypratt8951]

❤️👍👍👍

[@gailbrault9251]

❤

[@Revelation22-13]

4 He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. 5 As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. Gods blessings over you

[@maryhollins5876]

All I see is a man job is never done ,weathering his property for the bad winter to come 👍🏼👍🏼

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

This is very true.....always busy

[@patriciamontague6035]

How your garden doing?

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

The Garden grew Really well, but with the cooler temps and being later in the year now somethings have died out, like the cucumbers and yellow squash, but the peppers and tomatoes and other squash are still doing well.

[@lisarmurphy]

Hope this helps you have lighting from solar thru the dark winter months.😊☀️💡

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Thanks Lisa

[@jeffreygilchrist1330]

100 volt max means you can’t put higher than 100 volt panels in your array using that regulator the amps is what you have to total up of your panels so not to exceed the maximum amps your regulator can handle

[@dnhman]

What is the Kolhler box on the right side of the power shed?

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

I can hook it to a generator and charge the batteries manually

[@debbieshort9660]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@airman6822]

Great video! Lots of good information as we plan our new off grid cabin. Couple questions, how do those batteries hold up in the cold weather? Do you disconnect the cabin when you leave to eliminate any stray power consumption? Also, does the snow melt off the panels in the winter by itself?

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

good stuff buddy....batteries are doing well. as long as they stay charged they will not freeze. I turn off the cabin power when we are gone, but leave the solar panels charging them....that way they don't freeze in winter and charge while we are gone. The snow needs to be brushed off of them in the winter, but it melts off easily if the temps go above freezing.

[@carson2646]

Jason I'm curious what was your profession before KZbin?

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

If you give me an honest guess first and why you think so, I can tell ya lol

[@carson2646]

@@OffgridwithJayandJen I would guess electrician. The reason I think so is you had a level of comfort with this solar project that you usually don’t have with other tasks

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

=) I am somewhat familiar with electrical but not my profession. I actually spent the last 20 years repairing hot tubs. So I know a little about a bunch of things. Hot tubs have electrical, plumbing , and computer boards in them....I had to teach myself a little bit about it all. =)@@carson2646

[@melinda5777]

❤❤😊😊

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

😀

[@rienlamberts6661]

Is there no neede for insulation the battery shed??😮

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

It is something I hope to add before the winter, but so far the batteries and equipment have been fine the last 2 years. The AGM batteries we have claim to be safe from freezing until minus 75 degrees Ferenheit as long as they are charged up. Along with that they are under a constant charge from the solar panels so they are continually getting pumped with power. Although it is not ideal for them to be below freezing, they have held upfine so far.

[@QuietCottage]

How are you going to keep the batteries warm in the winter?

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Little heater pads under the batteries....hoping to insulate them as well this year

[@AE-lk3uc]

If you have lithium batteries it needs to be set to Lithium not sealed.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Right.....I wasn't super clear that we have AGM batteries......my bad for being a little unclear

[@mg9510]

OMG. ....I saw a lot of Hoddies in this vid....making me sweat just watching....91 at 7:00 with a feels like 99°.... 😮

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Lol, Michigan is crazy this time of year......45 degrees in the morning and 80 in the afternoon.

[@lynnmorrison6435]

no expert here, but you should be getting alot more watts, with the amount of panels you have

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

It's not the number of panels it the size and wattage. They are producing just fine

[@redneckways1617]

Pretty sure those are NOT GFCIs…and they could be a fire hazard…better to have a DC breaker

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Bought them online......that's what they are labeled as and work correctly.

[@Li0rE]

Jay they will work in the sense that they still interrupt the circuit. The point hes making is those are not GFCI breakers as there is only the positive conductor being switched there. That is a resettable fuse, looks like the marine ones commonly sold on Amazon. It will still work but not as ground fault protection.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

@Li0rE that makes sense.....I have experience with hot tubs and true GFCI breakers so I guess that makes sense. I was simply sharing what they were labeled as on Amazon. They do work, as I originally had a 40 Amp breaker on this 40 Amp charger and it tripped a time or two. I also had one fail on me as well. But once I stepped up to a 50 Amp breaker, which is the proper size, they have been fine since. Appreciate the comment and info

[@Li0rE]

@@OffgridwithJayandJen yessir. Looks like it will be fine in this application. Look up DC circuit breakers sometimes called isolators. They have 2 poles for positive and negative and cost about the same as the marine breaker you use in the video. I've seen people use them both together - the resettable fuse as a kind of battery disconnect/safety device and the dc breaker as the isolator for the panels. Looks awesome, hope you are enjoying the fruits of your labor things look great over there!

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

@@Li0rE Thank you so much.....Very much appreciate the help and sharing your Knowledge...it is my favorite part of having this channel and making these solar videos. Thanks for that

[@phildzuro8285]

Also I was wondering, do you think the eco solar tracker would hold 6 x 300 watt panels ? I'm really interested in these.

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

The sizes and measurements to the tracking system are on their website......I can try and find them for you if needed, but I'm on my phone at the moment....so it is a little tough

[@phildzuro8285]

Ah, I see now I can only do 3 x 300 w panels. Darn. I hate following directions though 😅, does it look strong enough to Jerry rig additional racking to hold 6 x 300 w panels ??

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

@@phildzuro8285 I feel it would be strong enough, but getting the weight evenly distributed so it doesn't cause issues, plus the wind catching it might cause some issues.

[@mortenmyhrmoen7592]

🇳🇴👍👍👌

[@ineverhadthemoney7857]

cut down that tree and use for firer wood //you need volts and AMPS TO LIVE

[@canajian]

🖐😎👍

[@wipatriot510]

RTFM...

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

The manual sucks

[@wipatriot510]

@@OffgridwithJayandJen Yeah I know, that's why I only buy Victron these days, not only do they have an outstanding product, their documentation is supreme...

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

@wipatriot510 the Renogy stuff isn't terrible actually. But the Eco-Worthy stuff might at well be written in Chinese. I was kinda being lazy with the rover 40, lol.

[@OldHickoryReincarnate]

if you're on KZbin you're not off grid 🤣 These click bait channels are what worst

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

People like you bore me. You have nothing better to do or say than start some silly argument that has no right answer. Maybe you can find some one to discuss that with on Facebook, lol. Take care of yourself my friend

[@OldHickoryReincarnate]

@@OffgridwithJayandJen click bait channels show up on my feed? I call em like I see em 🍻 Bushcrafters and "off gridders" are the worst of the bunch. You keep using that word, I do not think it means what you think it means 😂

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

@DIYMVE like I said.....you bore me. There are thousands off grid folk living great lives.....like us, and we deal with millions of lame folk, like you, that have nothing better to do but say dumb stuff like you did. Best wishes to you, but consider keeping your thoughts to yourself, rather than spreading your joy....it's just lame.