Workshop solar conversion project PART 2: Adding the AC500

#solar #solarpower #solarpanels #offgrid #brianwatersoutdoors #bluetti #bluettiAC500
Thanks for tuning in to another random video of mine. Hope you enjoyed and stick around for more updates as I grow this system to eventually run my entire workshop off this setup! Stay tuned for more episodes with upgrades
Bluetti AC500/B300s
shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=220739...
BWOAC500 - $200 off (long-term validity)
NEMA L14-30P to 5-15R twist lock adapter
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4 prong 30 amp to 15amp splitter
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Amazon affiliate links can provide the channel a commission if used to purchase, but at no cost added to you.
Music provided by: Epidemic Sounds

[@Dan.W.05]

I think I am going to start calling the Bat Cave...Where does he get those wonderful toys?” - The Joker

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

😂👍🏻👍🏻

[@mrp55net]

Oh yes. It's addictive. My truck camping setup is ongoing. Yesterday, I tested the Renogy 30A solar charger and the Renogy 40A DC-DC charger simultaneously charging a 12v 200AH LFP battery. It was an excellent solar day and i was getting 58A of charging power with the engine at idle. Check out the CIGS panels - they are pricey, but they will give a vehicle rooftop hail protection as well as excellent partial-shading charging capability.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@jasonbroom7147]

Connecting panels to inverters and batteries to power specific loads is definitely exciting and addictive. It's also quite sobering, when you realize just how much power some things need, either in short bursts or over the duration of a day or a week. Then you do the math on how much (or how little?) you're saving at any given time, which forces you to address the topic of ROI, or return on investment. For most folks, meaning those who aren't paying ridiculously high rates for power, especially those with time-of-use premiums, the ROI is going to take a long time. This is true even for those who DIY a solution, let alone paying a lot more for a commercial product like the AC500 and its expansion batteries.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Very well said. For me, this setup is not to try and recover my money, but more as a means to eventually get my main circuits tied into this to use in the event of a power loss.

[@jasonbroom7147]

@@BrianWatersOutdoors - Afer a while of waiting for a power loss, seeing a very capable system sitting there idle 99% of the time, I became motivated to see it utilized on a more regular basis. That's when I built the "OGO" - off-grid office. It's nothing more than a basic solar setup with a couple of dedicated outlets that are not part of my home's wiring. I've been enjoying it and slowly realizing an ROI, whereas before the stuff was just waiting for the power to go out for more than a few seconds.

[@carlkeiser3924]

Love this video. I am following along with you and learning at the same time. I'm starting small with 200 watt panels to charge my Bluetti Eb30. Thanks Brian, keep these videos coming.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@susancordova3744]

Enjoyed watching this. It makes me want to get one. Just had a 2 hour power outage at home.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@soniayoung7531]

Heyy Brian nice setup your garage is amazing, it's great all your ideas are coming together perfectly thanks for sharing

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@jakemcclellan8399]

Brian another successful video very interesting and nice setup you have there however way above my head thank you for sharing Jake McLaughlin the Oregon boy

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Jake👍🏻

[@farside87]

Brian, I've been offline for a few months selling a house and moving back down to Texas. Missed a lot of your antics, but have noticed something as soon as I tuned in today....You've lost weight, or I got a smaller monitor. Keep up the good work.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

😂 has been a while! And yeah, down about 50lbs so far

[@Steve-Goff]

The output is pretty crazy on that. Very impressive to be able to run all that at the same time.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@kevinriley7834]

Nice setup. Nice to see all your ideas come to fruition👍

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@jkwithlove8180]

I can't wait to have a workshop like The Waters. I don't know what I'm going to bulld, lol, but yours looks so cool.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks😂👍🏻

[@clarencewiles963]

Use an engine lift, they are on wheels, you can get up to the wall with a load. Also Auto Zone has one that can lift up to 80+ inches. I would rent one to check out.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@orangepowerguy]

I have been researching this exact project with a transfer switch as well. Can’t wait to see yours finished. Maybe find an electrician that is ok with being filmed?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@retnav92]

😎👍

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks👍🏻

[@stevenseigneurie5073]

Great set-up, why not 24v set-up ?....I see on your other channel you said 24v opened up your eyes

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

This is a much smaller form factor than building a “DIY” 24v system, and eventually down the road will be easier for me to tie into my home circuits.

[@esiebert7625]

Dude watch Jesse Muller’s latest videos, he’s a master electrician and a jack of all trades and just did some super detailed videos on putting a EG4 battery and hybrid inverter system in the house he’s building. Much better and more efficient than putting in that portable system.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@ryanlongino6505]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@mikeanslave1797]

Hey Brian check out the Kelly’s county life he’s has some serious solar setup on his channel.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Just saw one of his videos. He’s got a beast of a setup👍🏻👍🏻

[@MiCamping]

How long has it taken you to get you shop setup and organized like that?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

About 5 years

[@rlucerin28]

Is there an advantage to running 2 PPTs as opposed to one?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I like it because I can have 2 different solar arrays connected directly to this instead of just one large array

[@mrp55net]

@@BrianWatersOutdoors Yeah and that's why I kept my Bluetti AC200 MAX. I can draw power from two solar panel arrays using the D050S Charging Enhancer. The Bluetti AC200L and AC200P don't support the D050S so they only support one array. I know Bluetti wanted to cut costs, but not supporting the D050S was a mistake in my opinion.

[@seymourwrasse3321]

how much have you spent so far to save on your electrical bill?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

lol. Too much. But really doing it for backup just in case, not so much to “save” on the bill.