Want To DIY Solar For Your Home? Start HERE!

[@brandonkanthack]

Great job with this video! In the interest of safety, everyone please note the ball on top of the inverter. Its called an automatic portable fire ball extinguisher. Its recommended to grab a couple of these and place one on your battery bank and one on your inverter. They're cheap, and can add an additional layer of safety.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Thank you Brandon. Good idea mentioning that fire ball. I forgot.

[@banditdog1338]

@@CountryLivingExperience , yea I was wondering about that ball more explanation about the fire extinguisher would be helpful thanks.

[@CharlieArehart1]

Thanks for the heads up. For those who missed it, see. For example at 1:00. And it seems his is the AFO or Auto Fire Off brand, about $20-30 depending on size. To you both/all, l would ask: for the kind of fire that could happen here, can we really put much hope in this sort of product? It seems focused on removing the oxygen to out out the fire. I'd fear that whatever caused it could happen again, whether due to battery or pc still pumping in power constantly. Sincere question.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

@@CharlieArehart1 It is the best solution that I have. It is better than nothing.

[@CharlieArehart1]

@@CountryLivingExperience thanks, and let's hope that proves to be so.

[@bruceevans341]

Thank you so much. I have learned a lot from Will Prowse's videos, but often feel like I have a jigsaw with some pieces missing. You have given me a puzzle with a few large pieces that fit together easily.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

You’re welcome. Glad the video was helpful.

[@robert4027]

My 12v 800 watt off grid system is awesome I just love it. Next year will be 1600 watt 24 v system . I love how you can continuously expand . Don't have to break the Bank to start out. Start small and expand out to fit your needs

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Awesome

[@anthonymoser1243]

Can these systems be permitted? California

[@robert4027]

@@anthonymoser1243 honestly I have no clue about California....but I wouldn't be surprised... California is broken

[@shaybee22]

Thanks to ppl like you and Will Prowse putting out this info you have demystified solar and made it possible for the layperson to do it themselves! Unfortunately most solar installation companies are so outrageously expensive the only way to go solar in a financially viable way is to do it yourself. I can now install similar systems, solar mini split AC's etc with the knowledge and understanding I have gained from your videos and Will's. Thanks again! Wish I lived that close to Sulfur Springs TX so I could just go and pickup stuff, lucky you lol

[@CountryLivingExperience]

You're welcome. Honestly glad I can help! Solar installers have their place but there are too many scam artists out there and the labor cost is quite high.

[@TheGoodguy68]

I'm 9 months into my first Solar system and absolutely love it. I built a simple 1 bed home with all the luxuries of a modern home. I went with a 6000 watt inverter and 8 lead acid batteries because I'm just not comfortable with the Lithium batteries because of fires.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Awesome! Glad you have something that works for you.

[@outhereliving6809]

You really do a great service here! This is very helpful! Thank you!!

[@CountryLivingExperience]

My pleasure!

[@lynnhudson838]

Very well done!! Thorough, yet not completely overwhelming. Thx!!

[@CountryLivingExperience]

You’re welcome

[@ToddDesiato]

Great job man! I need to do one of these videos because I help a lot of people DIY their solar systems. I'm a retired electrical engineer who can design anything. You covered a lot of topics in a 17-minute video!

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Thank you. I appreciate it.

[@DAT.N8V.MISTERBALL]

@ToddDesiato let me know if you make that video. I would love to tap into your electrical expertise.

[@brendanelson1027]

Very good video! This is one of the best & most complete descriptions we have seen. Thank you for sharing your expertise! My DIY husband basically did this process creating his plans.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Thank you. Glad your husband was able to do it.

[@mimic1035]

Thank you so much. I started looking into solar power within the past couple weeks. My familiarity with electricity from residential construction and automotive electrical helped me tremendously in understanding the basic concepts behind solar power. But your video has motivated and inspired me so much. And I learned a lot in 20 mins. Thanks again

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Awesome! Glad it was helpful.

[@lrigdrenlrigdren2147]

Thank you for being specific about several things - including close-ups and proper names of different parts and pieces. I have none of this knowledge, and it helps so much to have clear explanations.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

You're welcome. Glad it was helpful.

[@ervintaylor6508]

Can you tell me what you paid for this system not including the racking that your panels are on

[@colormaker5070]

Where did you get the metal work for your larger array? I also have a few of the SS brightmount but I would like to mount on a pole with an adapter plate to mount the 4 hole base. i just don’t want to pour a concrete pad just in case I decide to move at a later date. Great video you covered all the basics.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

It is made by a company called...powerssolarframes.com/. They are in AZ. I originally got mine from Signature Solar but they do not sell them anymore.

[@banditdog1338]

Nice video gives a good picture of the whole process. I had a similar system installed but I didn't trust myself with the wiring so I hired an installer to wire my system. Better safe than sorry but I wish I had done more to get a better understanding of how things work. Everything is working but if something stops then I'm in trouble.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Thank you. I think you can do it. By observing the installer, I am sure you learned a lot.

[@spiritualprepper7]

Good morning! I truly appreciate this video because I really want a solarHome system. This helps me to know the equipment that is needed & be knowledgeable. So, when I'm involved when speaking with an professional to help me get mine installed. 😇🙏 Keep up the great work, one if your faithful subscribers!

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Thank you so much and I am glad that I am being helpful! Glad to have you here!

[@robertselvig8835]

your have been so helpful thank you for your time. GOD bless you

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Glad I could help. God bless you too.

[@Moes_Prep_and_Tech]

The One thing I've always hated about my House Layout is the fact that my Main Breaker Panel is in my Bedroom Closet along with the transfer switch, I'd love to have all the Solar Stuff in the Spare Bedroom I don't use instead, and I agree with you Off-Grid is the Way to go. It feels great to make your own power

[@CountryLivingExperience]

That is the exact same thing that we have.....back bedroom closet breaker panel.

[@Moes_Prep_and_Tech]

@@CountryLivingExperience I'm currently using a the Bluetti AC300 system, it's nice but needs to take more volts. (also more expensive than DYI) since it's in my closet it keeps me up at night when the fans go off, I had to take my clothes out the closet to put this system in it because it stakes up high taking up space.

[@Moes_Prep_and_Tech]

I really need to emulate what you did because I personally don't feel comfortable having a "Powerwall" next to me when I go to sleep every night. I'm no medical expert but I'm quite sure there is some kind of negative of having it so close. Did you Reroute your transfer switch or just kept it as a separate system all together. I want mine separate. I'm in Michigan. We have Bipolar weather here. One last question has all those batteries ever almost depleted on you due to bad weather? I know you have an awesome setup but I have to ask

[@CountryLivingExperience]

@@Moes_Prep_and_Tech I wouldn't want it near my head either. It worked out that the new room we built is as far away from all of the bedrooms as possible. Coincidence, I grew up in Michigan. I remember the bipolar weather. I think your comment was partially cut off. Looks like you were going to ask a question at the end.

[@Moes_Prep_and_Tech]

@@CountryLivingExperience Nah it looked like it was cut off but I was basically asking have you ever had to resort to Grid Power with your current setup. Do All the Batteries hold you thru extended bad weather times like overcast days and winter?

[@katiebradford9751]

What temperature do you have to keep the equipment room at? In a room smaller that 10x10 (will build a room for the equipment) will a window unit (average sized) be enough to cool the room? I’m in CenTex too so it’s hot anyway but was curious how much heat these put off. Yes I know there are lots of parameters so a precise answer isn’t expected just wonder how much heat your sized system puts off.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

A window unit will be perfect for that. The inverters just need to stay below 130°f. The batteries need to stay above freezing. The inverters can put off some decent heat but not enough to elevate a room temp more than about 95°f I would say. Many try to put them in an uninsulated metal sheds and that is the issue.

[@katiebradford9751]

@@CountryLivingExperience thank you for your input. We are fixin to build a detached garage with the solar on the roof and the equipment in a room in the garage. We will make sure it’s insulated and we’ll have a window to that room now to accommodate a window unit. Can’t wait to say bye bye to TXU and Oncor. 😁 Again, thanks!

[@jasongrinnell1986]

Awesome video! That place is only 1hr 45 min from my house. Never knew it existed.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Thanks. They are a great resource.

[@hamilton0526]

Super excited! We are on open land in Az & want to go off grid with our RV. Thanks for making this video

[@CountryLivingExperience]

You're welcome. Glad you are getting off grid.

[@RichardSmith-ze3vx]

Good morning Eric, hows the sick chicken doing? Good advice on installing solar! God bless you and your family 🙏!

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Good morning. Thanks for asking. We got to her too late. She died.

[@clarencewiles963]

Thumbs up 👍 a good place to start

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Thanks

[@trytobetheballpeople]

ugh. I'm going to have it professionally installed. Great job to you man!

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Thank you. I appreciate it.

[@jasperthomas8048]

Are you using any surge protection on the solar dc side? Thanks - you have done a great job.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Thank you. We do not have any dc side protection at this time but may add it in the future.

[@kristineb993]

Very helpful, thank you! For your system, would you pls give us a ballpark of cost?

[@CountryLivingExperience]

You're welcome. We spent about $17k on the original system and installed everything ourselves so we did not have any labor costs besides our own blood sweat and tears.

[@TroyannosaurusRex]

Great video. Thank you. 💪

[@CountryLivingExperience]

You’re welcome

[@goodtimeknowledge3188]

which solar panel best for use?

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Depends on your needs. Many are good.

[@tonyzeni9186]

Can keep batteries system etc. At proper temps cause my heating and cooling bills to be higher then normal and offset solar savings

[@reem46490]

Can you share what the permitting and 'up-to-code' process for you was like? What permits were required for you? Who came out to give it the approval to turn on?

[@CountryLivingExperience]

No permits for me. I live out in the countryside in Texas.

[@andrehunter1295]

Suspect that electric dryer and large water heater are something that require a really large system if you don't are hooked up to grid, a really large system if you live in cold north. I think people are getting fooled if you think you are able to use all modern electric equipment year around with only off grid system 🤔🙂 Great video about basics 👍

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Thanks. Each place is going to be different for sure. The water heater is the most unpredictable load since it cools off during the day and randomly comes on. The dryer is no issue since it only runs twice a week for 1.5 hours. I can do it in the South on this medium sized system. But yes, people are led to believe they can run a lot on smaller systems even grid tied.

[@ThomasKJ101]

Great info! Can't wait to see more installation videos on the barn. How do you disconnect those mc4 connectors? Mine mc4s are enclosed like yours. I don't seem to be able to disconnect the solar panel mc4 from the cable extension. Do you have a tool that can fit yours and that you can recommend?

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Thanks. Our mc4 connectors came with a little blue tool. Some connectors are a slight bit different so you will have to find one that fits yours. I think they are only a couple bucks on Amazon.

[@imag555]

Great presentation! well explain and easy to understand.👌

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Thank you

[@nojalexander864]

How much did your system cost? How much battery storage and how much maximum watts?

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Total system cost was about $27k. That includes 11k watts of pv and 900ah/46kwh of batteries.

[@samuelpierce9191]

Can you share the list of questions that you asked th people

[@ziggyd3114]

Grid tie-in allows you to send excess electrify back to your utility for a credit. You’ll then use that excess electricity at night or on cloudy or winter days. In a sense, your utility company acts as your battery. This is less expensive than installing batteries on order of magnitude.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

I know exactly what it does and how it works. I don't recommend pure grid-tied for many reasons including the fact that when the grid is down, you don't have any power. It is useless sans the fraction of a penny you receive back for power generation.

[@ziggyd3114]

a. The utility is your battery, each excess watt you push to the grid is available to you free whenever you need it. It could be a fraction of a penny or it could be hundreds of $$$ when you’re generating but not consuming. b. Even if you live remotely, like I do, power outages are very rare and usually relatively short. If you want to double your system’s cost for those rare occasions by installing batteries then knock yourself out. Personally I think batteries are a waste of money.

[@ziggyd3114]

Otherwise, good informative video - thanks

[@anthonymurphy2540]

what do think about micro inverters?

[@CountryLivingExperience]

They are a good option. I think they have their place.

[@usafshorts]

Hello sir, I wonder if you can give me any setup recommendations to install a EV fast charging using solar panels, how many panels and batteries also which inverters are better, thank you?

[@CountryLivingExperience]

It really depends. Is that all you are going to use the system for or will it power part of a house? Which EV? Which EV charger? What is the fast mode on that charger rated for in amps and volts? What time of day are you going to predominantly charge the EV? Where do you live? There are a lot of factors to consider.

[@usafshorts]

@@CountryLivingExperience Thank you for your quick response, I am new to this world of solar, The system not gonna power a house only for charging the EV, the idea is during day hours, this is the charger I am planning to buy from Alibaba, AC 22 KW EV Charger 7 KW 22KW Wallbox Charging Station 22KWH Type 2, rated power 400v 30A, I am planning to install this in Cuba and the vehicle Geely Panda Mini EV and electric tricycles with battery capacity around 5 kw Thank you so much. the vehicle

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Very interesting. I have friends from Cuba. May I ask how you are able to afford such equipment living there?

[@usafshorts]

@@CountryLivingExperience Ohh, I don't live there, my family does and I want to help them because the situation is critical.

[@BePatient888]

Shop Solar gives you literally everything you need, after answering a few questions. The only thing they don't provide is the materials for your panel stands for a ground mount system.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Same with Signature Solar

[@BePatient888]

@@CountryLivingExperience Thanks. I'll look them up to compare.

[@mcdaniel236]

I have 4 of the EG4 6500 and see that nobody uses the current sharing cables. Maybe I don’t understand the use for them. So why not?

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Current sharing can only be enabled when you are using multiple inverters in a single phase (120v). Do not connect them if you are using multiple inverters in split phase or 3-phase because they can damage the equipment.

[@mcdaniel236]

Ok, great knowledge! I am going to run 4 inverters in split phase. Thanks for the update.

[@jasperthomas8048]

Thanks for all the great videos! Since you have both the Growatt and the EG4 Inverters, do you think the flickering issue is important enough in your experience to affect the decision on which manufacturer to go with? I know the price and simplicity of the EG4 Inverters is a great selling point, but like cheap out of round tires, will I hate myself later on for purchasing them? Wondering how watching tv after dark with flickering lights is going to affect me.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

You’re welcome. I had a slight flickering with the Growatt as well. It is the cheaper led bulbs that flicker. The EG4 have been great. You would not regret getting them. The owner of Signature Solar did a video showing that even an expensive inverter like a Schneider or Solark will make a cheap bulb flicker. You should check out his video.

[@willbass2869]

☀️👍 Video well put together. No "hmmms" or "likes" ( or worst of all, "duhs"). Can you comment on your panel anchoring? How deep and how attached. Thx

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Thank you. This is a different type of racking system that has built in rails. They are anchored from the bottom with a special clip that attaches to the rail. Did you see our video on how we built it?

[@KevinByrd-t8z]

I may have missed it, but what’s the rough cost for a system like yours?

[@CountryLivingExperience]

We did a video on that here.....kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJ_KXnZ3eLWirZI. We also did a video on hidden costs in a system here......kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWialJ6dpq6CbqM

[@lewisreford8552]

Perhaps you knew a little about your home's main breaker panel before you embarked on your solar journey, but many do not. A few questions on your "off-grid" system: (i) you show the inverters go to a sub-panel (why is this needed?), which then presumably sends 240Vac to your main panel . . pls describe sub panel-main panel connection; (ii) you mention still having the utility connected to your main panel, please confirm you have an "either/or" manual transfer switch that allows you to re-connect the grid/dis-connect the PV (like a backup generator as you described) and how is that transfer switch installed?; (iii) does the utility or electrical safety bureaucracy need to be informed when you retrofit an off-grid solar system to your panel? (ie. when they see your grid consumption drops to near-zero, do they send out a posse with handcuffs?)

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Learning about the breaker panel was part of the first section on learning and gaining knowledge. I did not know much before that. My inverters are 120v each and are connected in split phase. They need to combine on a double pole breaker in the sub panel to supply 240v (120v to each leg). This is sent to the main panel via 4awg wire to another double pole breaker. That breaker is isolated via a generator interlock kit so that the grid main breaker and the solar breaker are not on at the same time. This is set up like a manual generator type connection. I have many other videos that show the connection and setup process. I always recommend that people check with their local utility company before starting.

[@daleatkin8927]

Nice video. Have you seen the Enphase products. They have a pretty neat looking “sunlight backup” solution with the iQ8 inverters, allowing you to run from your solar when the grid is down. Good intermediate solution if you aren’t ready to pull the trigger on batteries. Also nice system for those of us a bit concerned about high voltage DC, plus you don’t have a single point of failure like you do with a string inverter.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

I am not familiar with the technical aspects of those Enphase products.

[@daleatkin8927]

@@CountryLivingExperience they are pretty neat, and how I’m planning on building my system. Also really nice is they have some good (free) online training to learn about their products.

[@burhanajmal1295]

We live is other side of the world. People living is US use gauge system to measure their wire. Which is very confusing for us because we use mm to measure the thickness of the wires.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

There are easy conversion charts you can look up.

[@no-name-u9k]

Can you do this in California?

[@CountryLivingExperience]

You need to check your local codes and laws.

[@roberrbush5446]

How do you get your EG4 6500 to work right a lot of people have problems with them

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Mine works fine. Not sure who you are talking about. I have heard of some problems but not many. I am sure the group that is having issues is loud and vocal because they are upset so it seems like a larger group. I suspect it is a very small fraction of total EG4 owners and units sold.

[@roberrbush5446]

@@CountryLivingExperience I like SS and EG4 ButI seam a little work need to get them right. For now I stick with my Growatts No problems at all with them but they been out for a few years and have most of the bugs out of them. Thanks when are you going to do your Little PV setup. And you said you was going to put your old Growatts on your well pump or barn. do you have footage of that. Enjoy you and watching you You do a fine job with your videos THANKS

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Thank you. I totally understand. I am working on those new videos now. I am still working on building the shed to house the equipment. I have put out two videos in the past few weeks on that process. I appreciate it.

[@acefire4050]

East and West roof has the most space is pitch for more winter style or early Sun and late Sun of the day and actually seems to get more Sun than the Southside at least in the summertime in the winter time the East pretty much gets about her almost as much as a Southside does Southside Roor more pitch for winter. And in the summertime the Southside of my house it's about six and a half hours of Sun. Which is more than what the four and a half hours to say I need to get or five and a half hours to see I need to get. And surprisingly myself side gets about the north roof gets five hours of Sun. I think I'm going to put solar panels on all sides of my house on the roof. I also have 3 ground mounts small ones that I put solar panels on and I'm making two more to put solar panels on.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Do what you think is best for your home.

[@erinmuetz8771]

Thank you

[@CountryLivingExperience]

You're welcome

[@jonthompson4747]

About how much do you think it all cost you?

[@CountryLivingExperience]

We did a video about our original system cost: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJ_KXnZ3eLWirZI. We also did a video on hidden costs here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWialJ6dpq6CbqM

[@78ss53]

I would shorten your battery cables as much as possible as the longer they are the more resistance they will have and more voltage drop, not a good thing.

[@abdelhamedali9596]

Can I build a solar system that it's enough to provide electricity to change an electric car?..thanks

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Yes, that is easy. Just do the calculations.

[@SavvyOrganicsFarm]

Hey! Nice video about solar power. We did not DIY ours but it works well. We would still like to meet you guys and do a collaborative video sometime. Did you get our email? Did the egg bound chick survives?

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Hello and thank you. Our chicken did not make it. We did a community post about that on our channel page. I am sure I answered an email if you sent one. I get about 150 a day so it is hard to remember exactly when it was. Send another one and we can chat.

[@SavvyOrganicsFarm]

@@CountryLivingExperience Sorry about your chicken. We have not read your community post page. That is a lot of emails! I sent another one this morning.

[@anthonymurphy2540]

I want to do mixed of solar and natural gas, but don’t want to sell my electricity.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Awesome. You will need an off grid inverter or a hybrid inverter then.

[@lynnhudson838]

I kinda always wanted a stripper, but my wife nixed the idea every time!!😂😂😂

[@cooltrkin]

The best is to eliminate the power company all together.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Meaning what? Being totally off-grid?

[@ban80]

I tuned out when you said you recommend an off grid system when most people don't need this.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

lol. Ok, bye

[@coziii.1829]

Why can’t you get a big one and just use what you need and if you use more later you have it .

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Cost

[@scotlandsforme1]

Excellent video, BUT your whole video is aimed at people with a sun rich all year round country. Here in Scotland we have 4 months that you have more chance of winning the lottery than seeing the sun and for country's like mine you need at least 60watts before your Hybrid system will start to work.

[@marlenepearson9724]

Man you talk to much! Just go to the point..

[@CountryLivingExperience]

lol. Move along.