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Excellent video, just what I was looking for. Got inspired by the solar setup on my campervan, and looks like you went for something that is quite similar. Plus I also have a flat roof that is barely used so great to see that, too - roof is too intense for me as well!

is this no neutral setup stable network on your zigbee switch especially when it is in off state?

don't say kw PER hour; the NAME of that unit is KWh, just KiloWatt-hour edit.. another one towards the end... don't say "a thousand watts of ENERGY" , watts is NOT energy; watts is POWER; Wh ( watt-hour) is ENERGY EDIT 2: oops, i just saw your next video, about the kw per hour, now you make sense; back to the video

Great video. Out of interest, what size solar array do you have? Could I use 2 of these units, one on the incoming power form the smart meter and one on the power from the inverter? (My inverter is old and not smart)

A good video but it would have been appreciated if you had posted in the description the config yaml code needed for Consumption/Production to work. You showed it in the video but trying to copy that produces errors in the editor. Would be nice if you could update this in a reply and either a link to the code or the code itself.

Bimble Solar are the go to folk for all things solar. Cheap and good quality.

A quick one to point out - a correction on your side (but a good one at that) - you mentioned that 42.x degrees which was the best you could get (with your restrictions) BUT angle alpha isn't the angle the righthand side is referencing for optimal angle to sun. Rather, it is the angle beta (against the vertical) which in your case is 47.5 degrees. So, you are better off that you made out. 🙂 Probably better for UK positioning as we'd rather get better power generation from the longer, brighter 'warmer' months than the colder ones. Thanks for the very informative video!

17:13 Go for Parallel The way solar panels are connected to an inverter-whether in parallel or in series-can significantly affect their performance, particularly in terms of output voltage, current, and overall energy production. Let's explore the differences between parallel and series connections, which can impact earnings: ### Series Connection 1. **Voltage Increase**: In a series connection, the voltage increases while the current remains the same. For example, if you connect four 250 W panels rated at 30 V each in series, the total voltage would be 120 V (30 V × 4). The total output power remains the same (1,000 W) as the current from each panel is limited by the panel with the lowest output. 2. **String Length**: The number of panels that can be connected in series is limited by the inverter's maximum voltage rating. If one panel is shaded or underperforming, the entire string's output current is affected (due to the current being equalized), which can reduce overall energy production. 3. **Higher Voltage**: Higher voltage can be beneficial in reducing line losses over longer distances between the panels and the inverter, but it may also require more expensive equipment or specific inverter models designed for higher voltage inputs. ### Parallel Connection 1. **Current Increase**: In a parallel connection, the voltage remains the same while the current increases. For four 250 W panels connected in parallel, the voltage would remain at 30 V, but the total current would increase, potentially allowing for higher total power output (up to 1,000 W if each panel produces at its rated capacity). 2. **Improved Performance**: If one panel gets shaded or is underperforming in a parallel configuration, the other panels can still operate at their maximum capacity, which reduces the impact of shading or inefficiencies on overall system performance. 3. **Easier to Manage**: Parallel connections can generally be more flexible because they allow for easier integration of additional panels without worrying about total voltage exceeding the inverter limits. ### Impact on Earnings - **Performance Under Varying Conditions**: If you have a scenario with shading or varying panel performance conditions, a parallel connection tends to perform better, resulting in potentially higher energy production and therefore higher earnings. - **Optimal Configuration**: In a well-designed system without shading or other factors affecting performance, the differences in output may be minimal. However, most real-world situations may benefit from the more resilient performance of parallel connections. ### Conclusion In summary, using a parallel connection generally offers improved performance and reliability under varying environmental conditions, which can lead to higher total energy production and increased earnings over time. The best choice between series and parallel connections ultimately depends on the specific installation conditions and design characteristics of the solar power system.

The need for energy storage solutions like batteries can be seen as increasingly important, especially when combined with factors such as rising electricity prices and stagnating wages. Let's break down the reasoning behind this perspective: ### Key Factors 1. **Rising Energy Costs:** - As electricity prices increase (in your example by 10% annually), the cost of relying solely on grid electricity becomes higher over time. This trend can significantly impact household and business budgets, necessitating alternative solutions to control energy costs. 2. **Stagnating Wages:** - If wages have remained stagnant for an extended period (around 15 years, as you mentioned), people may find it more challenging to absorb rising costs in daily life, especially for essential services like electricity. Stagnant wages mean that any increase in expenses (like energy) has a more significant impact on personal finances. 3. **Energy Independence:** - Investing in solar panels and battery storage can provide more control over energy consumption and costs, reducing dependence on utility companies. This can mitigate the risk of energy poverty, where households cannot afford to keep up with rising energy bills. 4. **Long-Term Savings:** - As illustrated in your calculations, while the initial investment in batteries may seem substantial, the long-term savings and benefits can outweigh these costs, especially with rising energy prices. This makes energy storage not just an alternative but, in some cases, a necessity for better financial management. 5. **Environmental Considerations:** - Aside from financial implications, there is also a growing recognition of the importance of sustainable energy solutions to mitigate climate change. Investing in renewable energy can play a critical role in transitioning to a more sustainable energy future. ### Conclusion Given the context of increasing electricity costs and stagnant wages, the move towards energy storage solutions like batteries can be seen as a necessary step for many households and businesses. It helps to control costs, achieve greater energy independence, and potentially offers long-term savings, making it an attractive option for securing financial stability in uncertain economic conditions. As energy markets evolve and the impact of climate change becomes more pressing, the push for renewable energy and efficiency measures is likely to continue, further cementing the relevance of such technology in daily life.

15:52 Nice and solid but a little brush of epoxy resin would help protect the softwood from the rain. It’s a cheap alternative way instead of the treated timber. Solar Panels,can stay efficient for up to 25 years according to AI. Update. A 3.7kwh battery is the most efficient system for value for money

I followed up by asking, “Can you tell me the amount of solar panels needed if I placed all 9 panels on an average pitched roof facing about 100 degrees, based on North being 0 degrees?” It replied, “To determine the optimal number of solar panels you would need based on your specific roof orientation and electricity consumption (3,500 kWh per year), we should consider a few important factors, including the efficiency of your solar panels, the pitch of your roof, and the overall solar potential of your specific location. ### Factors to Consider: 1. **Orientation and Angle**: - In the UK, south-facing (180 degrees) is typically the ideal orientation for solar panels, as it receives the most sunlight throughout the day. However, an orientation of 100 degrees (which is slightly east of southeast) can still be effective, though it may lead to slightly lower energy production compared to a south-facing installation. 2. **Estimated Solar Production**: - Solar panels produce less energy when not facing directly south. The output can be estimated using the orientation correction factor. A rough estimate suggests that an east-facing orientation might reduce solar panel efficiency by about 10-15% compared to a south-facing orientation. ### Calculation: 1. **Daily Electricity Use**: As calculated earlier, your daily usage is approximately **9.59 kWh/day**. 2. **Adjusted Daily Output for Orientation**: If we assume a 10% reduction in panel output due to the 100-degree orientation: - The output of a **410W** panel in optimal conditions (previously calculated as approximately **1.146 kWh/day**) would be reduced: \[ \text{Adjusted daily output} = 1.146 \text{ kWh} \times (1 - 0.10) \approx 1.031 \text{ kWh/day} \] 3. **Number of Panels Needed**: You can now calculate the number of panels needed to cover your daily electricity use: \[ \text{Number of panels} = \frac{9.59 \text{ kWh/day}}{1.031 \text{ kWh/panel}} \approx 9.3 \] Since you generally cannot install a fraction of a panel, you would need to round up to **10 panels** to be self-sufficient in your energy usage. ### Conclusion: In summary, based on a roof orientation of 100 degrees and a slight decrease in efficiency, you would need **10 solar panels rated at 410W** to cover an electricity usage of 3,500 kWh per year. This ensures you account for the reduced output due to the orientation while still achieving self-sufficiency. As always, it’s wise to consult with a solar professional who can assess site-specific conditions and provide a tailored solution.” So I just needed 1 extra❤

I also asked AI the following “How do i generate my solar power? I know a few things that I need, but I am not 100%, so could you giver me clear advice where necessary? So I believe I need 9 Solar panels from what you’ve mentioned. So I’m assuming I need about the 4GW inverter, a DC isolator, an AC isolator and what else? Cable of some sort…” It replied, “Generating solar power for your home involves several components beyond just the solar panels. Here's a clear breakdown of what you'll need to set up a typical solar power system based on your requirement of 9 solar panels rated at 410W each. ### Components Needed for Your Solar Power System: 1. **Solar Panels:** - You’ve already decided on **9 solar panels**, each rated at **410W**. 2. **Inverter:** - You're right in thinking you'll need an inverter to convert the DC electricity generated by the solar panels into AC electricity for use in your home. - A **4 kW inverter** would be adequate for your setup (considering you're using around 3.5 kWh per day). Ensure it can handle the total output of your panels (9 panels x 410W = 3,690W). 3. **DC Isolator:** - A **DC isolator** is required to safely disconnect the solar panels from the inverter. This is an important safety feature for maintenance and emergency situations. 4. **AC Isolator:** - An **AC isolator** is installed on the output side of the inverter to disconnect the inverter from the household electrical system. This is also important for safety. 5. **Mounting System:** - You will need a **mounting system** to securely install the solar panels on your roof or on a ground structure. The mounting system will vary depending on your roof type (flat, pitched, etc.). 6. **Cabling:** - **Solar cable**: Special cables rated for high UV exposure and high temperatures, typically Solar PV rated cabling, will connect the solar panels to the inverter. - **AC cabling**: Wiring that will carry the AC current from the inverter to your household electrical system. - Make sure to have appropriate connectors, junction boxes, and disconnect switches as needed. 7. **Fuses and Circuit Breakers:** - You may need **fuses and circuit breakers** to protect your system from overload or short-circuits. 8. **Monitoring System (Optional):** - A monitoring system can be helpful to track the performance of your solar panels. It can give you data on how much energy your system is generating and help you optimize its performance. 9. **Battery Storage (Optional):** - If you want to store excess electricity generated during the day for use at night or during cloudy days, you may consider adding a **battery storage system**. ### Installation: - **Professional Installation**: Installing a solar power system involves electrical work, which can be complex and requires compliance with local regulations. It's recommended that you hire a certified solar installer to handle the installation. - **Permits and Approvals**: Before installation, you may need to check with local authorities for permits and to ensure compliance with building codes and regulations. - **Grid Connection**: If you plan to connect to the grid or take advantage of feed-in tariffs, ensure your system and installation comply with any utility company requirements. ### Conclusion: Setting up a solar power system can be a complex process, but with the right components and professional help, you can successfully generate your own electricity. Make sure to consult with a local solar provider to assess your specific needs, obtain accurate costs, and ensure the best configuration for your setup.”

I asked AI the following “How many 410WP SOLAR panels do I need to be self sufficient based on 3500kw of electricity use per year in the ******* area of the UK?” It replied “To determine how many 410W solar panels you need to be self-sufficient with 3,500 kWh of electricity use per year in the Hemel Hempstead area of the UK, you can follow these steps: 1. **Estimate the Solar Panel Output:** The output of a solar panel depends on several factors, including its wattage, the number of sunlight hours in your location, and system efficiency. The average solar insolation for the UK is about 3.5 to 4.5 kWh/m²/day. For this calculation, let's assume around 3.5 hours of effective sunlight per day as a conservative estimate for Hemel Hempstead. 2. **Calculate the Daily Electricity Use:** Divide your annual usage by the number of days in a year (365): \[ \text{Daily electricity use} = \frac{3500 \text{ kWh}}{365 \text{ days}} \approx 9.59 \text{ kWh/day} \] 3. **Determine the Daily Output of One Solar Panel:** A 410W solar panel would produce approximately: \[ \text{Daily output of one panel} = \text{Panel wattage} \times \text{Sunlight hours per day} \times \text{System efficiency} \] Assuming an efficiency of around 80% (which accounts for losses): \[ \text{Daily output of one panel} = 410 \text{ W} \times 3.5 \text{ hours} \times 0.8 \approx 1.146 \text{ kWh/day} \] 4. **Calculate the Number of Panels Needed:** To meet your daily electricity needs: \[ \text{Number of panels} = \frac{\text{Daily electricity use}}{\text{Daily output of one panel}} = \frac{9.59 \text{ kWh/day}}{1.146 \text{ kWh/panel}} \approx 8.37 \] Since you can't have a fraction of a panel, you'll need to round up. Therefore, you would need **9 solar panels** rated at 410W each to be self-sufficient based on your usage of 3,500 kWh per year in the Hemel Hempstead area. Keep in mind that this is a rough estimate. Local conditions, such as shading, roof orientation, and panel efficiency, can affect actual output. It's advisable to consult with a local solar provider to get a detailed assessment and design.” Clever computer

7:47 Makes sense, had to give credit for this comment by the narrator

Hi, could you tell me where you got your vented soffits from please or give Me a link, that’s just what I’m looking for. Lovely build

Is it possible to set up grid tie with hybrid inverter without batteries for the first couple months and still gain benefits?

What was the cost of the electrician?

All video's excellent wish I has seen them before I started building my system, I have an issue my ct clamp it reads the same as PV output, how did you connect and program yours?

got a 2024 update?? how much did this end up saving you?? what is the price difference between the now and before.

Great video. So for a 3 phase system, I guess I would need 3 of these and then make changes to the yaml to combine the power of the 3 clamps to get a whole house energy import/export data. Would that work?

Haha chop saw with bear feet lol…,

Whats the bureaucratic process for tying these to the grid like? Id always assumed DIY solar in the UK would be very difficult to get tied to the grid.

When you say you are “wasting” solar power, are you not able to sell it back to the grid? Or is certification required to achieve this?

Should call you the barefootedtech

no mention of how he got the grid-feeding application approved and cost involved are they MCS certified ?

How you getting on with the switch does it still work ok?

What about an off grid system but with an AC input to charge the batterys in winter.

Bedankt 😊

Put my inverter under the panels, of course mine are installed portret mode and I have acces from below. Plus I've only connected 5 panels out of six as they were way more powerful than I thought, used the 6th panel to power some fans and lighting, and to charge a 500wh battery for night lighting.

Do you need a smart meter for this system?

Very informative and food for thought.

Hi, I thought KVM hypervisor is for a Linux machine and Hyper-V for windows desktop? I was thinking of doing something similar. I had home assistant running on a raspberry pi, but it packed up on me. So was going to switch to running on a vm. I never got to the point you have though, well done.

Nice. I haven't used HA for a few years - - -wow how it is come along. Must dust off my raspberry pi server. Do you use Unifi protect in HA?

interesting to see your Home assistant setup you have used. Great video

didn't you need a special permit to connect to grid? MCS certificate SEG and the like? You couldn't have just wired your inverter directly into you consumer unit?

You can buy Tuya MCB with energy metering to have your own monitoring system.

Done this same install about 2 years ago, same inverter, 6 X 385W panels 29 degrees on the same kind of flat roof. Connected only 5 panels to inverter and using one of the panels to charge a 24v battery and to run some fans and lighting to the inverter. Fans will go faster or slower depending on the sun brightness, exactly as they are needed.

Apparently you shouldn't install a DC isolator. I think Efixx have done a video on that.

Hello, Can I measure the energy that my solar panel are producing by placing the clamp in the positive cable that comes from the panel to the inverter? Does this appliance work with DC?

So does the electric company compensate you in anyway for any unused electricity that goes back into the grid

Great playing! I have tried slide… find it impossible!

That's why 10,000 watts of solar is a minimum for the uk to cover winter

The ~45° where the frame hits the roof, you may want to put some extra asphalt shingles under them to protect your roof. Just a thought. The wind may cause some wear there.

put more panels on roof

Have you considered getting your self home battery This is one got recent 15.5 kwh for only £2500. Bargain. th-cam.com/video/ClpOLsLU_ms/w-d-xo.htmlsi=HRuOIsc53bO3Vr9l

do another video in two years time of the insulation finished 🤦🏼‍♂️😂

Those panels are now only £82 each :)

If I have decided on a grid tie-in but not interested in exporting surplus once my batteries are full, but using it to heat water in a thermal store, would I need to have a smart meter fitted by my provider?

I’m starting an energy company with a USP, that no other company provides. I am doing lots of research and your videos are helping! FYI, I am not the electrician etc, I am the person putting everything together business wise

Was it worth it?