What Can Direct DC Solar Power Do? Mini documentary and demonstration!

PV-to-Load (Direct DC Solar Power) is powering useful loads and appliances directly from the solar panel array itself. The option to disengage from batteries, charge controllers and inverters could save costs and reduce wear and tear on critical and expensive components.
In a grid down and battery famine scenario for example, batteries might be scarce, and too expensive to replace. You may want to prevent unnecessary cycles and continue operating your appliances. The same logic might also apply to inverters and charge controllers. The sky is the limit, and there are many other reasons why the PV-to-Load concept can be useful.
I believe that sometime in the future, direct DC solar power will slowly become more commonplace. Going back to at least to 2012, I have been experimenting with various ways to directly utilize DC solar power from the solar panel array in various appliances and devices.
This concept is far from new. Solar powered well and irrigation pumps are already an established lifeline in many places around the world.
In this video, I document a small subset of the direct solar powered ideas I have been experimenting with. This concept is part of my daily routine and has been for a long time. It has provided considerable value to me and I intend to continue my research into these ideas.
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🟢 12V Mini Oven DIY - Build Your Own!
• 12V Toaster Oven Build...
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🟢 Mini Solar Electric Oven - PV-to-Load
• Mini Solar Electric Ov...
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🟢 Cooking an Egg with only a 20W (14w) DC Solar Panel
• Ultra efficient solar ...
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🟢 Cooking an Egg with 100 Watt Solar Panel
• Boiling an Egg with a ...
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🟢 Mini 18V Oven
• 100W Solar Electric OV...
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Ryobi Solar Charger Project
Part 1 - • Solar Powered Ryobi 18...
Part 2 - • Solar Ryobi 18V Batter...
Short video: • Ryobi Solar 18V Batter...
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🟢 Full Size 18V Ryobi Toaster Oven PV2L Hybrid
• My Cordless 18V Toaste...
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🟢 Pure 12V DC Off Grid Cooking - No Inverter
• Pure 12v DC Ovens & Co...
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🟢 Ryobi DIY SuperCharger Project PV2L
• Building a Ryobi 18V S...
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🟢 Solar Powered Tools!
• Ryobi videos
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🟢 Direct PV DC Solar Powered Shed Ventilation DIY
• Solar Shed Ventilation...
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Check out our blog - Solar Thoughts Blog!
solarpoweredge...
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Like this type of video? Please Subscribe: / @solarpoweredge
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#solar #offgrid #diy
#offgridsolarpowersystem
#offgridsolar
#offgridandongrid
#solar #solarelectric #solarelectricity
#inverter
#inverters
#solarlight
#solarlighting
#solarlights
Music credits: by TuneTank, Pixabay

[@davehimlin2374]

I have a 3/4 acre pond and wanted to put a aerator/agitator in it to keep algae away and keep fish healthy. They were priced around $500 and up and that was for 120 volt/240 volt systems. I decided to build my own. I purchased a 12 volt-10 amp DC blower motor and had a 200 watt / 10 amp 12 VDC solar panel. I had a broken vertical tower fan and took out the plastic long blower assembly. I attached it to the shaft of the 12vdc motor and wired it directly to the solar panel and it aerates my pond all day long when the sun is out. Total cost was around $220.

[@solarpoweredge]

Really cool!

[@gordon6029]

I am doing the exact same thing but on a bigger scale. I am also going to be running a dc well pump to help top off the lake through the summer. Also want to direct wire ceiling fans in the living room. Makes sense, as the sun comes out the fans start turning. End of the day they stop.

[@rittzbyitch3682]

You're my favorite solar guy just because of pure direct pv set ups and concepts. KEEP ROLLING WITH DIRECT PV MAN!

[@solarpoweredge]

@rittzbyitch3682 Mega thanks!! I appreciate the kind feedback, very encouraging... more stuff is on the way!

[@konkaragounakis5924]

Excellent I have similar in my garage direct solar battery lights. Now the solar heating is next level. Thoroughly enjoy watching your show/ideas/vision.

[@solarpoweredge]

@konkaragounakis5924 I love this kind of tech :)

[@pstoneking3418]

I used my solar power directly connected to my electric hot water heater. Since the heating coils are resistive loads, this works very well. I have emergency 12 volt led lightning throughout my home. I use my solar power to charge my Ecoflow Delta pros.

[@solarpoweredge]

@pstoneking3418 Excellent! Solar is awesome

[@xXAbdulBaqiXx]

What about thermostat?

[@timothyadams7599]

I would like to see your setup. You should do a video.

[@girlintheblueridge6529]

Yes, can you explain your setup? Thanks.

[@dee6816]

. Plus one for another person wanting to know set up

[@20G20]

This is where the world should be by now , solar power for everyone

[@solarpoweredge]

@20G20 Right on!!!

[@Prefer2Hibrn8]

I have thought about direct connects here and there over the years and am glad I watched this video and found your channel. Top stuff sir 👍

[@solarpoweredge]

@Prefer2Hibrn8 Thank you sir, glad you liked this :)

[@colin8532]

Well, finding this channel is like finding gold in my backyard! Definitely have a new subscriber here sir! Thank you for sharing your journey. If I manage to come up with anything new, I will be sure to share it as well

[@solarpoweredge]

@colin8532 Glad to hear that :) thank you sir for subscribing... I'm interested in any ideas, maybe I can even feature it here or collaborate if it's on a level I can reach. Keep on experimenting 👍

[@1kzrider]

I been messing with solar for over a decade now. Starting out with the harbor freight 5 watt amorphous garbage panels then 45 watt kit. Then on to better bigger and bigger panels. Going direct dc is truly a great benefit over using inverters. IF you setup everything to be off an inverter and it fails you are up the creek.. without a paddle as they say.. But, also having less devices on inverter also reduces the inverter size needed for your AC loads. I am at 48V in my setup now with 150V off panels. And use DC to DC reduction for 12V devices. I found trucker websites to host loads of 12V appliances. Cheers on your setup. I subcribed and liked.

[@solarpoweredge]

@1kzrider Thanks for subscribing and supporting :) I agree 100%... I think inverters are super useful and cool... but thinking in terms of grid-down scenarios, things can change overnight. Suddenly we might not be able to easily buy new equipment. If there's a simpler/cheaper way to run appliances we should not turn it down! Good preparedness strategy

[@InvisibleCitizen]

Keep it simple has always been my SOP. I lived in my RV for 7 years and learned how to live with 12 volts. I purchased appliances at truck stops and are all 12 volts! Even my coffee maker is 12 volt!

[@solarpoweredge]

@InvisibleCitizen Nice :) there is a certain freedom and independence 12v offers. No fuel, renewable, and it gets the job done. Those 12v coffee makers are very tempting, I'll probably end up with one soon enough

[@ronwest7930]

I found this channel while researching the use of supercapacitors with solar panels. stored energy for when the sun goes down, at least for a while. or as an assist for cloudy days.

[@solarpoweredge]

@ronwest7930 Glad you found it :) I've got a few videos on this topic, been using super caps quite a lot. Hope to post an update on these experiments soon

[@heathhill7802]

I made a cut in and cut out solidstate switch for my inverter and battery's tied to 1200 watts of panels. Runs directly through my outback charge controller. This runs my AC unit in the day time . Works well

[@solarpoweredge]

@heathhill7802 Awesome!

[@create54321]

I'm on a parallel journey, have had a love for DC current and a drive to find ways to use it for years. Although some see it as not practical, it really is.... especially if you just get creative. It's a fun challenge to make these things work and getting rid of a noisy inverter for many things is FANTASTIC. I could live happily in a tiny home with DC lighting, a laptop and DC appliances (with the help of a little propane *because I'm spoiled). Anyway, Fantastic videos I've subscribed. Love your channel.

[@solarpoweredge]

@create54321 Thanks a lot for subscribing :) for some reason clean direct DC solar running stuff for free all day with minimal complexity really checks a box. At the very least, I save wear and tear on my inverters!

[@stevenspencer9104]

Thank you so very much! That really blessed my socks off!

[@solarpoweredge]

@stevenspencer9104 Welcome, glad to hear it :) :D 👍

[@justinnewman5533]

I've been playing with these concepts also. one im trying is to make a solar only fridge from a fridge/freezer combo, where 2/3 volume is a fridge, and the remaining 1/3 volume is freezer on the top. these are often found cheap or free when people upgrade here in Australia. plan is to freeze a giant block of ice occupying the whole small freezer during the day, then activate a diy heat exchanger to cool the fridge during the night. because the freezer is on top, this may even be possible passively with convection and without any electronics. I've done the calculations and tests so i know there will be enough thermal capacity in the ice to keep the fridge cool for 2 days. now I'm working through the fiddley bit to make a heat exchanger modification powered by a small battery operated motor for temperature control of the fridge. hopefully will have a solar only fridge that keeps cool at night in the end, although it will still need a small inverter.

[@solarpoweredge]

@justinnewman5533 Right on, good thinking! I am playing with several DC compressor based systems, and have had a freezer running directly off PV for some time. Same idea, using ice. It brings a number of challenges, obviously such as the sun not always being out for 2-3 days. But these things are very relevant and need to be further investigated, we'll just keep experimenting :)

[@anonny2994]

If you could find a vintage refrigerator, the icebox is open to the fridge, as it used this same principle to cool the fridge.

[@miguelcanoe6774]

I did this for years with two 12v panels 175 w each. A buck converter voltage regulator thingy from an old van, an old chest freezer, and the cheapest 500w inverter in the world. No battery! The trick was to keep 10 gallons of water in bottles in the bottom of the chest at all times and to keep the freezers personal little inverter on a timer running only a few hrs a day during peak sun. The water would almost never fully freeze up and it would never fully melt either. I had an ice box for a refrigerator for years. I had to tweak the run time and the volume of bottles in there a little at first but hey, it was almost free. I once took it to the beach with friends, left it there and came back a week later. It was good as always. The trick is thermal mass. Ice in bottles is perfect as the sunnier it is the more you are welcome to grab a few ice bottles out of the bottom and use them all day for whatever. I had eventually settled on using a few old plastic bin lids as the divider between the ice frozen in the bottom and the refrigerator part up top. My juice almost never froze and my meat would never thaw down low. It is very doable. Once you have it set up you will play with it and get it tuned in. You can’t have too much mass and you can’t have too much panel. Plenty of extra insulation is good as long as you don’t cover the wrong part of the freezer, if you know what I mean. These days I dream of building a huge over insulated ice pit kind of walk in cooler with a separate dc run commercial grade freezer unit on the side. People do this on sailboats. The extra water frozen in the bottom being not just the battery of coolness for their food but part of their water supply rations if necessary. Good luck.

[@stefanosgeorgadakis4732]

So many years of thinking an trying and innovating. Really good stuff in this channel.

[@solarpoweredge]

@stefanosgeorgadakis4732 Thanks a lot!!! :)

[@lannyplans]

You’re applying the ultimate test: the test of time. Well done, creator!

[@solarpoweredge]

@lannyplans Thank you :D 👍

[@raymondpetersen3543]

I love this channel. I wish I could build the stuff he does. Most of it I can not do. I would really like to be able to do the heat projects. I am good at making sparks and blowing fuses though .

[@solarpoweredge]

@raymondpetersen3543 Thank you for the kind feedback :) if interested, this video explains basics of direct PV DC heating: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnqxaHqwoZWZnsk (I burned quite a few fuses too btw)

[@squatchburger1580]

Been heating water direct from pv to a domestic cylinder for a few years here in the UK .Great in summer ,not so good in winter but it still gives a tempreture boost .

[@solarpoweredge]

@squatchburger1580 Nice, it definitely helps with the utility bill

[@karimjedda]

Really cool, subscribed. Can't wait to experiment with this myself -- thank you for the inspiration.

[@solarpoweredge]

@karimjedda Welcome, Thanks for subscribing, happy experimenting!

[@WhatDadIsUpTo]

I've done pv to load for years. I connected a 12-18 volt solar panel to a small inline 12-volt water pump in my solar water heater loop. When there's enough sunlight to run the pump, there's also enough to heat the panel. Auto on/off with just a pv panel and a load.

[@solarpoweredge]

@WhatDadIsUpTo Cool setup 👍

[@Jerry-ko9pi]

Pretty cool system. I am thinking about doing something like this for my new home to charge up electric cars. Skipping or bypassing the AC/DC change. For those USB ports, make a mini shelf behind that board so that they point straight out. You could market some of those products. I guess anything set up for an RV would work too.

[@solarpoweredge]

@Jerry-ko9pi Great thinking :) If I had an electric car, I'd already have taken it apart by now and had solar hooked up to it, hopefully sometime in the future. Good points on the USB... I have the 5v boards just need to install

[@gor4988]

Thanks for sharing your experiences

[@solarpoweredge]

@gor4988 Most welcome :)

[@royberger1558]

Thank you SO MUCH for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@solarpoweredge]

@royberger1558 You are most welcome, I hope this stuff is useful :) :D

[@tombloemker9434]

nice work, I thought very similar to you. I want to maximize efficiency and run a seperate 48 volt bus for bigger loads that may require to be spread out across a structure. This is for things like a fridge, forced air furnace (converted), air conditioning, well pump ECT. As you demonstrate, 12 volt appliances are available and simple to implement, I wanted to regionally tap 48v bus for localized 12volt applcations.

[@solarpoweredge]

@tombloemker9434 Good thinking sir, right on :) there is an article on my blog about a 48v DC power grid... It's a bit too far out for YT. Could use a step down converter locally, that might be the quickest and easiest?

[@markeh1971]

Hi, for larger loads you would want to go to higher voltages, 48 being common and allowing you to get stuff that works off it. 12v is used a lot because there is so much 12 v stuff out there and it is available from cars, the system being 12v. Tesla have moved to 48v and it has all the advantages as above, so hopefully there will be more things that use it in the future. Take care M.

[@JamesGreen-gv4yn]

Loved watching this! For a long time now I have been trying to figure out a way to get rid of all the small "bricks" in my computer rack. Many of the devices I am using take DC and have the common wall wart or brick transformer. Because the devices are computer equipment and I have a battery backup system, I believe it would save some conversion loss to just convert once from AC to DC in the battery backup system and then somehow directly run the equipment off the battery. Providing me backup power and 0 transfer time when the grid goes down.

[@solarpoweredge]

@JamesGreen-gv4yn Glad to hear it :) you have some good ideas, ... incidentally I am building a system that can do exactly as you described, it's just not finished. It seems the ideas and potential options are too numerous. I'll get the project finished and uploaded for you as soon as possible!

[@-Rook-]

Great video, very well produced. The only thing I think its missing is an introductory section on the pros and cons of DC vs AC and some data on the savings of taking AC out of the loop.

[@solarpoweredge]

@-Rook- Thanks! Good points!

[@robertmuntz799]

You offer so many ideas ... gets me thinking about simple ways to passive power my trailer ventilation situation.

[@solarpoweredge]

@robertmuntz799 Right on... Solar ventilation is great

[@robharrop8929]

I am inspired by your projects. Thank you. Ryobi 18v tools, pumps and fans are amazing additons to home preps as well as shop projects. In this heat, the little Ryobi 4" fan is a godsend and lasts a long time on a 4 AH battery (almost 24 hours). My shop over time will eventually emulate yours. Bravo! BTW, the Ryobi 18v backpack sprayer is an amazing emergency shower.

[@solarpoweredge]

@robharrop8929 Excellent :D you're welcome... I love Ryobi everything. I really want one of those backpacks, I didn't know they existed. I have a 12v camp shower but gonna keep an eye out for a 18v backpack solution

[@robharrop8929]

@@solarpoweredge I got mine at Home Depot. There is also a Ryobi drill pump.

[@solarpoweredge]

@robharrop8929 OK will look for it, thank you 👍

[@robharrop8929]

@@solarpoweredge The baclpack sprayer is good for 11 pumps (4 gallons per) per charge (2 Ah). I also purchased the 18v sump pump. REALLY impressed- draws 10 feet suction and discharges 50 hose no problem.

[@keithej2]

Good work there sir. I have a similar setup in my home office. I'm going to steal a couple of your ideas and expand it.

[@solarpoweredge]

@keithej2 Thank you sir, I am glad people are considering this stuff, I think it's amazing!

[@dennisgoldman7160]

so you are using 100W panels which probably have a VOC of 17 volts which means you won't blow any normal 12v device up for an overvoltage. but if you go larger on the solar panel with a VOC of over 24 volts you would need DC to DC stepdown convertors to do what you are doing ....that might be something you want to point out

[@solarpoweredge]

@dennisgoldman7160 Hi, thank you for the feedback, I will mention the step-down DC converters ASAP. My 4 100w panels were chosen for their lower voltage, but hope to add a 250W~ panel to the system, probably will add a converter at that time

[@jamesrowlands8971]

@@solarpoweredge a quick note; I've seen a number of 12/24v rated appliances out there. That is they can run on either. This is something that can help with the issue described.

[@douglasarnoldakers]

Really good stuff. Thank you.

[@solarpoweredge]

@douglasarnoldakers Welcome!! :)

[@cyclemoto8744]

Happy to be corrected. Powering Lithium-ion chargers direct from solar will not guarantee a full charge cycle thus unnecessarily degrading the battery. Thanks for sharing. Cheers

[@solarpoweredge]

@cyclemoto8744 Hello and thanks for commenting :) 👍 You might have noticed the "fuel gauge" blinking on the battery - indicating the internal battery protection and balancing are active. The supply board used is CC/CV and won't allow too much current, even with a large 24v+ solar panel. I believe some people are connecting 18v batteries straight to a solar panel with no protective electronics - indeed that could degrade or potentially overcharge a cell. FYI all of my Ryobi charger projects re-used the OEM electronics which activate the battery protection circuits during charge cycle: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXiZlp6ueL5om5Y kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4PEq6qkrNuWsMk kzbin.info/www/bejne/iH6td4l-eLOqldU

[@LeswardsOP]

This is exactly what want to do with existing 240v internal wall outlets, that way an investor per room meets most needs, even battery management per room, most marine 12/24 volt systems are rock solid for direct solar, a deep cycle in between helps

[@solarpoweredge]

@LeswardsOP I like your ideas... currently looking at different outlets to test for DC stuff

[@budmartin3344]

10:51 I love your cute product validation engineer.

[@solarpoweredge]

@budmartin3344 Thanks! he's a real piece of work, that fellow :D

[@gor4988]

Recently purchased a cheap oil column heater to experiment with direct dc power. I'll report back when i get around to trying it

[@solarpoweredge]

@gor4988 Good idea! Feel free to share the results!

[@Racing2Learn]

Was just thinking about doing this in our workshop!

[@solarpoweredge]

@Racing2Learn Excellent, right on :) 👍

[@kaf2303]

Thanks for the food for thought!

[@solarpoweredge]

@kaf2303 Welcome!!

[@Techboxreview]

Awesome video mate. I have been using direct dc also from a couple of 250watt panels and a dc converter. Super cheap and simple. Just subscribed 👍

[@solarpoweredge]

@Techboxreview Thanks a lot :) appreciate the sub. Glad you're using direct dc, it's really awesome

[@petebuttons210]

Very interesting approach.

[@solarpoweredge]

@petebuttons210 :) 👍

[@petebuttons210]

@@solarpoweredge I have been toying with the idea of installing a DC heating element into my water geyser and supplying it with 12v wind generator directly and or solar panels.

[@solarpoweredge]

@petebuttons210 That would work, I've heard of a few folks doing that successfully. Btw I really need to get a wind turbine some day...

[@rockcrusher4636]

Excellent, as always. Cheers.

[@solarpoweredge]

@rockcrusher4636 Thank you :)

[@randylenart9674]

Love watching this stuff

[@solarpoweredge]

@randylenart9674 Glad to hear it :D 👍

[@paillart527]

I'm using my solar panels and they are connected to my electric hot water heater (heating coils are resistive loads) under 0 to 240VDC/3000Wp, dépending of the sun, but thru special HIGH voltage relays (relay for EV) and all safety as DC breaker, lightning arrester, electronics temp regulator, mechanical overtemp. This system has been installed 4 years ago, and works well. When in winter, the system can switch, if not enough sun, to the grid if the temp is under 55°C, and automatically insulating the DC from the AC.

[@solarpoweredge]

@paillart527 Nice!

[@ImASurvivorNThriver]

This is great‼️😃 Thanks for sharing

[@solarpoweredge]

@ImASurvivorNThriver Welcome!! appreciate the positive feedback :) :D

[@minualunel9629]

Eventually this is how I hope my house will be run. And some automation on top.

[@solarpoweredge]

@minualunel9629 Excellent! I hope to further develop this over time and run more stuff

[@Column1]

Awesome

[@solarpoweredge]

@Column1 Thanks :) 👍

[@edussantoz9034]

I use 7 550w panels that output 50v open in series it gives me around 350v open and 310 when in use, i use a modded inverter that gets the solar voltage and creates ac directly from it, the minimun energy it generates in rain is about 350W in cloud covered sky its 600W of power when the sun shines i can get the total 3500W out of it 😊, it works like a on grid inverter but its completely off the grid

[@solarpoweredge]

@edussantoz9034 Very cool!!! :)

[@stevencaskey8502]

A buddy of mone and I have tried to explane this to people. DC items last longer.

[@solarpoweredge]

@stevencaskey8502 DC is the way to go... if we can eliminate the power brick on the appliance (those burn out all the time) there is one less thing to go wrong too

[@pstoneking3418]

Nice video.

[@solarpoweredge]

@pstoneking3418 Thanks a lot :) 👍

[@oscarvogel2140]

In my van when I'm camping, the fans are hooked right to the panel, no batteries. Sun comes out, warms things up, fans go faster. Osterizer blender will work on DC,.. kind of slow on 12 volts, more than 12 volts makes it go faster.

[@solarpoweredge]

@oscarvogel2140 Excellent

[@couerleroi1]

Very creative

[@solarpoweredge]

@couerleroi1 Thank you :D 👍

[@Guishan_Lingyou]

I like the hepa filter idea.

[@solarpoweredge]

@Guishan_Lingyou Thanks, it's one of my favorite devices :D

[@solarforfuture]

nice just connected the same car radiator fan. for attic heat purge.. . next ? new element in 40 gal water heater.. keep me informed.. subbed

[@solarpoweredge]

@solarforfuture Excellent! and thanks for subbing :)

[@johnmeeks7320]

I have been using solar panels direct coupled to 12v car radiator fans for many years. To transfer air and to cool workshop in summer. They run slower but that is good as they would be too noisy and powerful if they had full voltage. Last for years.

[@solarpoweredge]

@johnmeeks7320 Right on... solar fans are awesome

[@mackychloe]

Great content.

[@solarpoweredge]

@mackychloe Thank you :) 👍

[@xXAbdulBaqiXx]

This is very common in Pakistan. Charge controllers are much cheaper than batteries thus it is installed in greater numbers. DC fans, lights and water pumps also make it worth an investment

[@solarpoweredge]

@xXAbdulBaqiXx It works really well

[@CSGATI]

I use 12v liFeO4 bateries for night use. I just got a solar direct AC. I love it. I have been wearing a coat and my bill has dropped.

[@solarpoweredge]

@CSGATI That works... I have a 40ah to run the workbench lights at night

[@girlintheblueridge6529]

Where did you get your solar direct AC? Thanks

[@omarsegura2847]

I really enjoy your content

[@solarpoweredge]

@omarsegura2847 Thank you sir, I'm glad to hear it :)

[@judo77422]

Just discovered your channel. I really like the content. In the back of my mine about solar. Why not direct. Now if I have the expertise to do the mods without burning everything to the ground.😂

[@solarpoweredge]

@judo77422 Thanks and glad you are here :) I also burn and melt things, but generally avoid recording it heheh

[@user-sr7fo5fe6x]

So good.. Love it. Subbed.

[@solarpoweredge]

@user-sr7fo5fe6x :D thanks for subbing!

[@thomascoleman7301]

Questions Are all devices self regulated? How do you handle low power, brownout conditions? How do you handle line interference, like from fans or other mechanical devices connected to the system? - exapmle a fan for filter is going and a 12v radio do you get speaker noises?

[@solarpoweredge]

@thomascoleman7301 All the devices I use (or make) for PV2W PV2L are self regulating. For example the mini oven doesn't care if it gets 15v or 17v. The Ryobi charger has circuitry to activate the BMS and limit current. I have had no line interference problems, if DC ripple is a problem one can use a filtering circuit etc.

[@mikejones-vd3fg]

Very cool, always wondered if this was possible after watching DC turned to AC only to be turned back to DC, nice to see it done. What about a 3.3v system, thats all we really need? jk maybe 5v

[@solarpoweredge]

@mikejones-vd3fg Heh...5V absolutely :) my other boards have 5v and USB built in, I will be adding that to the new setup very soon

[@twistedbydsign99]

We are on the same wavelength sir

[@solarpoweredge]

@twistedbydsign99 Thank you sir, it's fantastic to share with anyone who appreciates this stuff. I think it is really underrated. Could help a lot of people someday

[@taj-ma-haul9094]

I try to use/make all of my electric loads DC, and this takes things to the next level... I need to think about how to use my solar directly after the battery is charged. But also allowing any load to use the DC directly will also reduce the battery usage, at least during the day.

[@solarpoweredge]

Good thinking... there are lots of options you can leverage... I am trying to reduce dependency (and cycling) on batteries - reduce need of inverters and charge controllers too. Reduce costs and complexity. Who knows what is coming, having simple options to fall back on is a good thing 👍

[@taj-ma-haul9094]

@@solarpoweredge all of your goals apply, but the thing I was aiming for is efficiency. Using the energy directly will save a pretty decent amount of electricity over time, not going in and out of the Solar Charge Controller and Inverter.

[@solarpoweredge]

@taj-ma-haul9094 Right on! bypassing multiple voltage conversions is more efficient. Plus saves wear and tear on solar equipment. I still have an inverter, but more and more of my stuff is switching to direct solar power... working on direct DC air conditioning right now :)

[@taj-ma-haul9094]

@@solarpoweredgewhen I purchased my inverter mini split, I tried sourcing a DC version of it and because of the plandemic - it was not available. I plan on replacing it with A DC version with 2 handlers!

[@solarpoweredge]

@taj-ma-haul9094 That's gonna be really cool!!

[@josephpadula2283]

Originally many homes used 115 volt dc . I was on 1950’s tug boat that had the same power . It had a string of 12 volt batteries to make 110. Older brush type “ universal “ motor power tools can run on ac or dc. I went to an old non chain hardware store and bought a case of normal wall Switches , new old stock and they were 10 amp Leviton DC switches . Can I suggest you reproduce a 120 dc system in addition to your 12 volt one ? Any heavy amp load can benefit from the smaller gauge wire . There is no 120 Vdc outlet standard now as the Ac outlet Used that standard .! I used the Leviton 5032-I 20 amp 250 volt outlet in ivory , other colors were twice the price .

[@solarpoweredge]

@josephpadula2283 Hello, this is extremely fascinating. I had no clue any system like that was ever on a tug boat. I have researched Edison's early power grid setup it was around 100v DC with 2 phases. Actually wrote about it on my blog. Anyway good suggestions, thank you. Ordering some of those Leviton 5032-I for testing. Would like to see those Leviton DC switches you found in operation, can't believe they still exist. (Right now I am using 500v PV DC breakers) To avoid electrocution hazards, I've been testing 50-55vdc for distribution. I don't rule out 120v for professional and safe setups and will certainly keep an open mind and investigate it. The main obstacle has been making it "safe", and I am nervous to recommend stuff to DIY'ers unless it's "super safe". (I don't want to get them zapped with HVDC)

[@josephpadula2283]

Anything over 50 volts is not low voltage . That is why the solar battery systems are 48 volts ! There are other receptacles you can use also Nema 6-20 is one .

[@solarpoweredge]

@josephpadula2283 Those are great too, thanks.. and you're right... I have tried to stay with (and only recommend LVDC) for benefit of DIY'ers. That said if pushing past the edge, I'd rather get zapped by 54v vs. 154v :D

[@sciglassblower]

You have a fun project there! It seems that all you would need is DC to DC converters to get 12v for 12v devices, 24v,, 48v etc. Solar Panels put out much more voltage than 12v and the optimum Solar Panel setup is series keeping the wire small but voltage jumps way up. A DC converter that can take up to 500v and convert to 12v, 24v, etc would be great. My Laptop needs 19.5v dc. We need appliances, computers, etc to work on DC. That is the problem.

[@solarpoweredge]

@sciglassblower Wish there were more DC appliances! A laptop could have an MPPT DC input, 12v compatibility, why not? Hopefully just a matter of time

[@owenbruce4120]

​@@solarpoweredgea boost/buck converter locks well to fixed voltage for that application

[@solarpoweredge]

@owenbruce4120 Right on :)

[@daniellapain1576]

I am sort of doing something similar but I work with a normal solar setup and then convert things to DC but now I might consider using direct PV for some items. Though I do think that this method would benefit from a Capacitor attached to it. Specifically the Maxwell ultra capacitors. I am not sponsored by them but I do really like their products. I have one installed in my current system. Normally you would install them behind your inverter for anything that needs a quick spike in power

[@solarpoweredge]

@daniellapain1576 Hi, I have a bank of supercaps for that purpose. Since they are not mandatory for normal PV2W stuff like fans and lights, they were not connected in the video. Even my little inverter runs fine without them. I like those Maxwells too - they sure are expensive though!

[@jamesrowlands8971]

I'm setting up my off grid hut like this. I was surprised to see the Ryobi charger accept variable voltage. I wonder if my AEG charger will handle the same. I think I could test that. I also found that a lot of appliances rated for 12v like pumps work fine at higher voltages; but I generally run them off of

[@solarpoweredge]

@jamesrowlands8971 The ryobi charger has a DC-converter in it for safety, it properly activates the BMS and can also accept a 12v input. The build videos are here kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4PEq6qkrNuWsMk kzbin.info/www/bejne/iH6td4l-eLOqldU

[@sagecoach]

My many applications like yours have much faster return-on-investment because of fewer parts. Direct solar space heating tops the list. Now if we could get Tesla on-board charging cars with a direct solar charging plug I could range further into the wild. "The best part is no part."

[@solarpoweredge]

@sagecoach I love it! Wrote a blog article awhile back called "PV2EV - why isn't this everywhere". There is zero reason why electric cars couldn't be made to accept a direct solar input since years ago. I hope an electric car company will add this feature soon....

[@sagecoach]

@@solarpoweredge It is too expensive a car to play with. I do notice the portable home charging cord and adapters ease into the charge to find the ideal safe power level available. And that is intriguing if interfaced with a solar panel inverter. Perhaps Tesla could provide something like the available Tesla kit plugs.

[@solarpoweredge]

@sagecoach Definitely, I'd hate to short something out. I need a cheap electric car to develop with. Someday perhaps

[@NoelBarlau]

My first time to your channel, not sure how it wasn't recommended to me long ago by the KZbin algorithm. Just wanted to check to see if you'd seen Dacian Todea's (Electrodacus) work with turning solar panels into radiant heaters? I wish I could remember exactly what needed to be done to modify them to do this, but I think one of the three sections was disabled and then the diodes were modified as well before backfeeding power into them. But apparently this is a very efficient way to bring direct DC solar power into your buildings for radiant heating. Might be something you would want to look at and make a video on, as there isn't much information available on the subject that I can find.

[@solarpoweredge]

@NoelBarlau Yes I have always been very impressed with Electrodacus' work, been watching him for many years. Was not aware he was using solar panels that way. It's on the list to investigate. All these endless ideas outnumber me hehe

[@techguru6117]

42v voc 5 panel parallel good work my home 14 piece 12v9AH parallel battery

[@solarpoweredge]

@techguru6117 Fantastic!! :)

[@Kanuka-Forest]

Interesting, thank you for getting back to me. I like the concept for simplicity and cost effectiveness. Using an mppt like a programmable victron wouldn't add too much cost to a system and give a level of voltage control, although power will always fluctuate through solar panels I guess. So you find AC appliances handle DC ok?

[@solarpoweredge]

@Kanuka-Fores Welcome... A DC converter is a good idea, it could be added to the board... AC appliances generally don't handle DC well or very safe, especially the AC switches which can arc and burn. It's not suitable to shove 100+vdc into an AC appliance, very unsafe. I am modifying some AC appliances to be suitable for direct solar and use lower and safe voltage. Previous examples are space heaters, with good DC interruption capability and mods they can run safely off of 55v. Working on rebuilding several other appliances to accept solar input. Of course it voids the warranty and UL rating, but that's how it is

[@timclark7507]

I looked into something to make ice. I wanted to run a freezer from an inverter direct off the panel. Unfortunately the start up load was too much to get it going.

[@solarpoweredge]

@timclark7507 I've been running a freezer direct DC from solar panels for a while now, I'll try to get a video up about that as soon as possible

[@macguyver8698]

Something i can use... thank you. Got 4000 watts 40vlt.

[@solarpoweredge]

@macguyver8698 Nice!! welcome 👍

[@wojciechbedzinski9551]

I successfully use direct DC PV to heat tap water, support central heating system for my home and water my plants from water well. All from direct DC. About heating system you can find here. Im very sorry, description is in Polish, will try to update english subtitles soon. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6eciJyFn5qsj9ksi=Zs6I8G2Pwqp5TWNj I to power water well pump i need something more complex - i have to measure if there is enough power to start pump. Description here, sorry again, its in polish. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWTYfGCed5ermacsi=1jonFwg5HreEUkRT

[@solarpoweredge]

@wojciechbedzinski9551 This is amazing work, thank you for sharing!!

[@JohnSeaward]

What im worries aboutis costs, unfortunately im in middle of a couple needed builds and doing something like this wouldbe extremely benifucial and power savings but my issue right now would be costs !

[@solarpoweredge]

@JohnSeaward If you can find a board anywhere, the DC jacks are only a few bucks and add a 12v fuse for safety, solder on some wires and that will get you started on a budget. Over time can add other capabilities like a volt meter. I built other boards that way, just one piece at a time as I was able to order stuff

[@girlintheblueridge6529]

​@@solarpoweredgegenerally what size wire do you use? Thx

[@solarpoweredge]

@girlintheblueridge6529 Hi, 16awg for small stuff like USB and lights, 10-12awg for power applications like ovens and heaters. Unfortunately, there is a lot of wire for sale that is not true gauge (less copper than true gauge), something to be aware of.

[@girlintheblueridge6529]

@@solarpoweredge ok, thanks so much. And thanks for ur vids. I hope to experiment with this soon.

[@solarpoweredge]

@girlintheblueridge6529 Welcome! ps just subscribed to your channel. Good stuff and real DIY! 👍

[@brjplummer9415]

There must be a risk of damaging the solar pannels if you exceed their current rating. I am assuming they can not stand a short circuited load applied to them. Therefore you could protect them by fitting a current limiting device where your fuse board is located. Fuses by the way are defined by the current they are designed to safely carry without blowing. For example a ten amp fuse supplies ten amps and will not blow untill a realy exessive current is drawn such as caused by a short circuit. (e.g. Low or no -Ohms resistance) Therefore it is possible for a fuse to draw a reasonably a heavy over current for a time and so the fuse fails to protect you. A current regulator is more accurate. Hope this helps

[@solarpoweredge]

@brjplummer9415 Hi, thanks for the comment - I will use a current limited supply for some tasks. I tend to make a lot of mistakes and melt or short things out!

[@thienvu4503]

The best is to use universal motor for some appliances because you can use AC or DC to runs. No inverter needed but best use dc to dc converter to prolong the motor.

[@solarpoweredge]

@thienvu4503 Hi, ty for commenting, I've been working on building machines with DC motor setups for some time. I'll so some video about it when possible.

[@honeydavis5568]

I hope more people skip those inverters. 120 DC is great for toasters and heaters. Battery charging is the big one. Car charging really needs to match cars to rooftops.

[@solarpoweredge]

@honeydavis5568 Perhaps it will change over time... I really think e-cars should accept a direct solar input

[@Theoverthinker81]

What about connecting cigarette sockets directly to the pv and using 12v appliences? And or using stepup and stepdown circuits?

[@solarpoweredge]

@Theoverthinker81 Both I have tried: it turns out the step down converter is the safest. Sometimes you can use direct PV, but watch for over-voltage as it's not regulated. Here's a good example of unregulated 12 PV DC cooking kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4LXmYOFial_ibs

[@michaeld954]

What about directly powering a swamp cooler

[@solarpoweredge]

@michaeld954 Great idea!the skies the limit :D

[@ajaysunker3855]

Do you have a video for the PV to Load wall mounted 2.1mm plugs setup with the fuses?

[@solarpoweredge]

@ajaysunker3855 Here is a video where part of the work took place kzbin.info/www/bejne/hamxpHiJf7R5bNE

[@Purinelz]

Great ideas. What is that chrome connection you have on the back of the Ryobi bat charger? Do you have a link to it on Amazon? Thanks

[@solarpoweredge]

@Purinelz Hi, thanks you can find it here in the description kzbin.info/www/bejne/iH6td4l-eLOqldU

[@putheflamesoutyahoo1503]

buildings////or additions mist be user friendly according to location

[@solarpoweredge]

@putheflamesoutyahoo1503 Yes

[@philparks2589]

Thanks, good work. I also do some easy direct solar things. My current interest is charging my F150 Lightening direct from an array, I can match the 400 volt DC by stringing my 20k array correctly and generate however many amps it makes. DC slow charging but much better efficiency than AC same wattage. I haven't tried it because I don't know what signal the truck needs to start charging. Any ideas?

[@solarpoweredge]

@philparks2589 The signaling is one of the challenges, currently I don't know how to get around that. I need an electric car to experiment with, maybe someday

[@panospapadimitriou3498]

my shed has at least 2 lines of 51 volt even if i see bigger losses... i use dc converters and let inverter rest.... lights mini water pumps and some others like phone chargers and usb ports are from 51 to 12 or even 51 to 5 volts... and operate converters only when needed..... losses raise a bit but it is free energy and keep a 5k inverter fully operated for a phone charger is even worse!!!!!!!

[@solarpoweredge]

@panospapadimitriou3498 Yeah a 5k inverter charging a phone is pretty funny! Your setup sounds very cool :)

[@SEBTECHDIY]

Best channel around! Quick question, if i put a 60w ptc to a 100w solar panel (all in the 12v) , what can happens if the panel want to push 100w to the 60w ptc? Is there something to limit the wattage? Thanks 😊

[@solarpoweredge]

@SEBTECHDIY Hello and TY :D it's limited by resistance, it's generally not dangerous to hook a 60w PTC to a 100w panel. If the PTC goes way up over 12v maybe that's a problem. The biggest challenge is matching the PTC properly to a specific panel, as they're all different

[@SEBTECHDIY]

@@solarpoweredge Thank you so much for the fast response. I just subscribed to your channel. Your content is very informative, love it :)

[@solarpoweredge]

@SEBTECHDIY Welcome, thanks for subscribing :)

[@daemoncan2364]

Any issues with certain sensitive electronics not appreciating the high initial open circuit voltage? Love the "Ryobi" toaster oven....

[@solarpoweredge]

@daemoncan2364 Ty, I wish Ryobi would start manufacturing those ovens, I'd get one immediately.... or even two. To your question, yes, a good example is BLDC fans, I have smoked a few with voltage spikes. In fact it's risky using an unregulated supply. When I tested the laptop with a solar panel, I had to be very careful, but it worked. Not everything can safely operate on PV DC, but I believe there are workarounds for everything. Generally, if the device is expensive or irreplaceable, I don't risk it... might as well use a regulator for peace of mind

[@rittzbyitch3682]

​@@solarpoweredgehow do you regulate voltage to not burn up your usb devices or any devices that's outside the appliance safe volt range? I'm assuming the direct solar is pushing at least 12v.

[@subhobroto]

@@solarpoweredge We do know that PV panels have a VI curve. So what about simply using a heatsinked zener diode to clamp the voltage to the load? :)

[@solarpoweredge]

@subhobroto Sorry I do not remember getting a notification about your comment, just saw it here by chance. Good thinking :D actually I have experimented with this, but using a bunch of silicon diodes. I used it to hold the voltage supply and it seemed to work. Very unusual method. Hope to make some documentation about it soon!

[@subhobroto]

@@solarpoweredge that's another video that would be extremely valuable!

[@mirzafaisalbaig]

In india people started to use it.

[@solarpoweredge]

@mirzafaisalbaig Excellent

[@putheflamesoutyahoo1503]

solar attic fans...all made to replace parts if needed

[@solarpoweredge]

@putheflamesoutyahoo1503 Solar fans are awesome :)

[@ifedayooladapo8966]

Great stuff. How did you modify the inverter to take more than 12 v ?

[@solarpoweredge]

@ifedayooladapo8966 Thank you... modifying inverters is not recommended nor is it easy.... but I plan to present an easier option in a future video

[@whatever8846]

I m looking for some time to get a SLOW DC EV charger but have not found anything either in the Market or in the DIY space. Any ideas? My car is sititing all day under a solar pergola, Why not use DC to directly juice the battery but all it exists in the market is fast DC chargers...

[@solarpoweredge]

@whatever8846 Great thinking! I did a blog post on this, calling it PV-to-EV (my blog is solarpoweredge.com) As soon as I get an electric car, this research can start :)

[@SeekingBeautifulDesign]

Why did you choose 2.1mm plugs as your standard vs all the other options?

[@solarpoweredge]

@SeekingBeautifulDesign The 2.1mm sockets I use are an all-metal design, and carry a good amount of current. This plug type is extremely common on a lot of electronics, making them plug and play. The plastic 2.1mm sockets are usually not durable and can get very hot

[@SeekingBeautifulDesign]

@@solarpoweredge Thanks.

[@YeahTheOzzy]

​@@solarpoweredge how many amps are they good for?

[@solarpoweredge]

@YeahTheOzzy My first-hand experience was this.... the 2.1mm sockets with "good quality" and total all-metal design, I have pushed 7-10 amps. (most are cheap plastic). the 2.1mm plug must be a heavy duty type, hard to find. Unfortunately, the cheap plastic sockets and plugs can melt so I'd keep the current around 3 amps for those! #1 concern is if you're pushing amps through, check the socket and plug at 0-8 hours: warm is OK. Hot is NOT OK ever, something is wrong. Please don't leave them unattended. Also if it's a sloppy loose fit, eventually the connection will heat up, got to keep an eye on that. I'd like better plugs, but at least some of mine will always be 2.1mm... those plugs are absolutely everywhere and serve the majority of needs. I will later add a couple XT plugs for high power stuff like bigger ovens and appliances :)

[@robertshinazy3055]

So if I understand this correctly you can run something directly off a solar panel without a battery or inverter. What kind of special equipment do you need?

[@solarpoweredge]

@robertshinazy3055 It depends on the appliance, some need to be modified. Examples of PV-to-Load (PV2L) operation: Heating, cooking, etc. kzbin.info/aero/PL8a6nRTNyF9NZkjFgjfESLujgdZFTgdym

[@thedudefromU]

How many volts and amps come from your solar panels. How do you keep the solar panel volts matching the volts of the various loads you put on that bus?

[@solarpoweredge]

@thedudefromU They vary depending on how much sun and what loads are plugged in. For example, the small oven works fine at 14v or 17v. But it doesn't dim the overhead lights unless there is inadequate sun. 5-10 amps is no problem in direct sun. However some of the cheaper power plugs I use can only take 3a so have to watch what I plug in.

[@mr.makeit4037]

What is your shop led lights voltage rating? Is it directly wired to your 100w panels? Or did you wire in thru a dc to dc buck converter for voltage and current stabilization?

[@solarpoweredge]

@mr.makeit4037 All are wired directly to the 100w panels, they can take over 20v - but still run OK at 10v. They might dim if the sun goes behind a cloud, but it doesn't bother me for some reason

[@Kanuka-Forest]

How do you regulate voltage?

[@solarpoweredge]

@Kanuka-Forest The panels are actually completely unregulated. For this reason, sensitive electronics should not be plugged in. Some electronics (like the USB converters) have a DC converter so they are usually safe. The mini oven doesn't mind voltage swings at all. Certain power tools and motors are no problem. The small laptop I tested handled unregulated PV voltage, but I cannot recommend it. My intent is to show laptop designers that direct solar input would be an awesome idea

[@jugears1081]

I want to run a pond aerator (oil-free, air compressor)off of solar without a battery. Whatever hours I get, I will accept. Can you help me? Do you have any recommendations? There is no AC where my ponds are. I am in Texas at 30 or 31 degree latitude.

[@solarpoweredge]

@jugears1081 I will try to help... (dealing with a family emergency, keeping it short) 1) In my opinion the easiest route is probably a DC (not AC) compressor. Then use good size solar panels and a DC converter to drive the pump as long as possible. 2) There is actually a kit for sale that does all this out of the box, but it isn't cheap. 3) A lot of compressors are AC, that would require a direct solar powered inverter which can be very difficult to find. As of yet, I have not found a satisfactory inverter that can run on direct solar and handle big loads like compressors. These are just my thoughts and opinions, I hope they are of some help!

[@87xfute]

Just a quick question, 5mins 34secs and 9mins 10 secs, what is that charger thingy called and can you buy them or make them. Thanks for any help you can. Seeya Rob

[@solarpoweredge]

@87xfute Hello, it's often called a USB DC converter, there are many different kinds available. It's important to note the max input voltage, to make sure it will work properly with your solar panels

[@gwb8445]

Novice here. Isn't there a concern with damaging devices by over charging without having the solar power flowing through charge controller?

[@solarpoweredge]

@gwb8445 Hi, since there is no battery hooked up, there is nothing to overcharge, and no need for a charge controller. Many appliances and devices can run fine on direct solar power. For example, the miniature oven shown gets hot at 15v - but it still works fine at 17v. Sensitive and expensive electronics, probably should not plug those into a solar panel - it can be risky. Hope that helps! -Dave

[@gwb8445]

@@solarpoweredge Thanks! Guess the batteries in power tools, etc. can't overcharge. That's what I'm understanding.

[@solarpoweredge]

@gwb8445 Welcome - the 18v battery charger shown works the same as the Ryobi standard. It controls the voltage properly. The other battery I showed with a plug in the side, does not have any battery cells inside - it's just a convenient way to put direct solar power straight into the tool. I use this method sometimes to run certain 18v tools without any battery.

[@josephbierbusse2060]

how about micro inverters, as dc is very inefficient over long distances

[@solarpoweredge]

@josephbierbusse2060 True, at 15 volts or so, long distance is a problem. There are a lot of tradeoffs