My DIY Solar: Part 6 Enphase IQ6+ Microinverters and Q Cable

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ม.ค. 2019
  • This is Part 6 in my series following my Do-It-Yourself Grid Tie Solar System Install. In this video I am installing the Enphase IQ6+ microinverters and Q Cables.
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ความคิดเห็น • 182

  • @ICanDoItMyself
    @ICanDoItMyself  3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I did in fact mount the microinverters upside down in this video. They were promptly corrected and I mentioned that in following videos.

  • @t-wolftelevision1573
    @t-wolftelevision1573 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    First video series I've found, after searching and watching for quite a while on TH-cam, that clearly explains how all the Enphase components are installed. Nicely done! Thanks

    • @tombowen9861
      @tombowen9861 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Totally. Super helpful. Thanks!

  • @hvacmike1175
    @hvacmike1175 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    The best DIY video on solar I have seen so far.
    The only down side is your music blows out your eardrums. You have a huge difference in the speaking and music volume

  • @ut4321
    @ut4321 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    FANTASTIC info, sir! I'll be watching this one a few more times!

  • @skip1998
    @skip1998 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thank you for taking the time to show us. Well done sir

  • @bobbobbertson6525
    @bobbobbertson6525 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Best enphase install on youtube. Thorough, yet concise. Thank you.

  • @shandusa
    @shandusa 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just discovered your solar Enphase tutorials. They are awesome, exactly what I needed. Thanks so much.
    Ronnie
    Mechanical Design Engineer

  • @fredoman2683
    @fredoman2683 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great job amigo. Crocs looking comfy on the roof 👍

  • @jakeflo4215
    @jakeflo4215 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Amazing video thanks

  • @jadaliha
    @jadaliha 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Thanks a lot.
    It would be very useful if you create a list of all the components you used, and point to them in Video descriptions.
    Awesome works.

  • @kupertroopertv31
    @kupertroopertv31 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Well done!

  • @cristianmonsalves8132
    @cristianmonsalves8132 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just seeing this; great video. I'll look for the previous ones to see how did you do the layout (distance between rails and micro inverters. Thanks again

  • @Fritsvrolijk
    @Fritsvrolijk 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice video regards from Holland

  • @BadUncleIke
    @BadUncleIke 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice job!

  • @JosePerez-sv6pw
    @JosePerez-sv6pw 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love the music takes me to my happy place. aka Me encanta la música que me lleva a mi lugar feliz. wow im in love with your video amazing job.

  • @navyretired230
    @navyretired230 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This guy held my solar hand all the way through my job: I thought I would share some lessons learned from doing my own solar install. Date of install end of Dec 2021. 1. If you pay a company to do your solar install, I seriously doubt it would ever pay for itself over 20-25-30 years. I also doubt your electric bill will be zero in the summer months as most solar companies flat out lie. Being inform, you can have them put their expectations on legal papers for your future safety. 2. If you do your own solar one can expect a 4-7 year return on investment. You will have to get educated on permits with your local city and power company. If I can do it anyone can. 3. Power Company Billing was my biggest surprise from this entire venture. Rocky Mountain is NOT solar friendly to the average home owner. The excess power sent to the grid for storage comes at a great cost. I discovered after a few months of billing that We pay RMP .077 cents per KWH. When you generate excess solar power, the excess goes to the RMP grid but RMP only credits you .04 cents per KWH. So, in others words grid storage is not free or cheap. RMP skims nearly 50% off the top. WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN: 1. When you have your solar designed and drawings engineered you have to figure in 1/3-1/2 larger system to make up for the RMP skim ratio. I was lucky and added 30% more panels then necessary because I wanted an electric water heater. So far my last 3 utility bills have been $13 the minimum fee RPM charges and that includes free hot water. Jan-Mar our bill was $45-$60 due to winter clouds with a typical electric bill of $100-ish in the winter and $375 in Summer RMP resets the homeowner grid storage to Zero March to March. Of course, RMP keeps the excess storage when the clock is reset. We lost $15 storage credit. Yep RMP keeps your excess after Mar billing is closed out and you start your grid battery storage at zero. This feature does not encourage being "green", It flat out encourages running ones AC to 68 degrees in July and August and push less out to the grid. So during the day your system pushed out excess power to the gird at .04 cents and at night you buy your power back at .077 cents. Yah get the KY jelly ready. 2) Another big disappointment is RMP in Utah takes ALL the homeowner carbon credit rebates. Most states let the solar owner sell the Carbon Credit which can add up to $100-$300 per month passive income. If Utah is serious about encouraging Solar for Homeowners the laws need to be changed. Only serious pressure on our elected officials will we make strides in Solar. Conclusion: Overall I am happy with my solar only because we did all the labor ourselves. We expect near zero ($13) per month electric bills from here on out. Beware that many States like Florida have increased the $13 minimum to $30 now.... so that must be our near-term future for residential solar. This year the homeowner will still be eligible for a 26% IRS rebate and up to $1200 Utah rebate. The crazy part of the Utah Credit: You have to pay $30-$35 ish bucks to set up a Utah Rebate account in order to claim your solar rebate. Another shocker! The 26% Federal IRS rebate for DIY is only for cost of materials. Your Labor is not deductible. One can however hire out parts of the job like mounting the rails and running electrical inside the attic. You will need receipts for the rebates. Pros: We find that it is more cost effective if we run our home ac at 68-70 degrees during the day and raise it up to 73-75 at night. The heavy use during the day results in less RPM skimming off grid storage but just enough to run the ac at night and draw from our grid storage. Not very "Green" in my mind but it is what it is. Con's: One has to be aware to not have too much excess "Banked" on the grid when March comes a knocking. You lose all excess. So in others words crank up the electric heaters, electric blankets, leave all the lights on and dry ones hair more often. Excess storage is not a tax deductible loss but should be! So in other words you have to manage your usage. Does not require much time but it is another thing to do. About 10-15 minutes a month. Bottom Line: Would I do it again? Absolutely YES. I would not hire it out but if one uses their own elbow grease and fill in with some contracted work it is well worth it. Yesterday was 92 degrees and my total draw from the grid was zero. I actually pushed 40kwh to the grid. What is 40kwh? enough to run 40 100w light bulbs for 1 hour or 4 ton HVAC system for 6-8hrs

  • @franciscommontielrodriguez707
    @franciscommontielrodriguez707 ปีที่แล้ว

    Gracias Geat video!

  • @lile4146
    @lile4146 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Helps me understand how a system installed, then when I interview companies I will know who’s knows how it’s done or just bull

  • @sanchezcruz20
    @sanchezcruz20 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great series of videos! @ about 12:37 there's a long vertical run from the lower row that runs up to the top row with the Enphase Q Cable. Did you have to splice/modify that in order to get it to reach or was there simply enough to make it? Did you use the portrait or landscape variation of the Q Cable (I'm sure you mentioned it somewhere in your playlist, but I forgot)?

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I used the landscape Q cable. Otherwise, there would be wasted connectors. Wasted connectors increases the price. The landscape cable requires a little more cable management but is worth it to not waste any connectors.

  • @burntwirefl
    @burntwirefl 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Get Video Thank you! Can you advise on the box and components you used to join the trunk like to your line through the roof, shown below the enphase inverter

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I believe you're asking about the Soladecks. th-cam.com/video/ssKjw5-dXZY/w-d-xo.html

  • @kbob8424
    @kbob8424 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video thanks for documenting the journey. I'm doing something similar with multiple arrays as well. Question: the 2 single stands that come down seem to be joined parallel as you mentioned. That's the proper way to join 2 arrays?

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  ปีที่แล้ว

      I can't say that I know whether or not it's the "proper" way but I haven't had any issues.

  • @ronwallace53
    @ronwallace53 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love your videos! In your junction box you combine tow Q-Cables into one. If this is to code why can't you make the combination in the Soladeck box on the roof? Thanks much.

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I made the connection in the junction box because they are two different areas on my roof. They did not go into the same soladeck.

  • @trainingrevolution2031
    @trainingrevolution2031 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video, very comprehensive. Would you recommended the Enphase IQ Combiner Box? Do you feel as though it is required, or just makes for a cleaner install?

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      The box isn't required, but the Envoy is for monitoring and microiverter updates

  • @josephbrennan4622
    @josephbrennan4622 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Brilliant bit of education Sir. enjoyed watching you vids...? how many panels can you link together in parallel.

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      IQ6plus, 13 panels per breaker, 39 per combiner box.

    • @josephbrennan4622
      @josephbrennan4622 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you for the info. That's why I like your channel so much, you always answer any Questions, regards joe..UK

  • @charlesjames6812
    @charlesjames6812 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I enjoyed watching these videos. Great detail. One thing I noticed, you installed your micro-inverters upside down. Silver side with the Enphase logo should be facing up. Is that going to cause an issue when you actually mount the panels?

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I will have to check on that. Good catch!

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yep, you're right. I gotta flip em. Crap. Guess that's what I get for not thoroughly reading the instructions.

    • @charlesjames6812
      @charlesjames6812 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      ICanDoItMyself that sucks man! I’d give you a hand but......Chicago. Live and learn. Good luck. Can’t wait to see the project to its completion.

  • @timrice3602
    @timrice3602 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is a great video. Thanks for taking the time. Here's a few thoughts. I would've run the grounds uncut from the rails to the grounding rod. Connections corrode over time. Similarly, with a pool, you'd run the ground around all corners of the pool unbroken/uncut and then to the grounding rod. Next, If that 12ga run from the panels isn't too expensive I'd probably avoid having a connection outside, on the roof, that could fail. Then, you need to leave more wire slack inside the boxes, 6 inches minimum. Also, its a bad idea to mix high and low voltages inside a connection box. They need to be separate per code. There's always that chance they could short together. You wouldn't want to see your Panels or Inverter go up in smoke.

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      They are microinverters, 120/240 volt is the only voltage that is being dealt with other than the DC from panel to microinverter.

  • @cd-stephen
    @cd-stephen 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    wicked awesome - one question i cant find is what is the separation between the top and bottom rails - and does the 3 feet easment to the rail or the panel

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      The 3ft easement is to the edge of the panel. The spacing between top and bottom rail doesn't really matter. The panels were something like 65 inches tall so my spacing was around 40 inches with 1ft overhang top and bottom.

    • @cd-stephen
      @cd-stephen 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ICanDoItMyself awesome. Thanks. I love your Channel.

    • @Alan-gz1kx
      @Alan-gz1kx 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ICanDoItMyself This is also different for various AHJs. With mine, I have a 3' setback from the ridge too. That is a pain because it makes putting two rows of panels in portrait orientation rather difficult.

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Alan-gz1kx For my area, it's actually the fire department that requires the setback. I was able to file a petition and pay $250 to not follow it. There is still more than enough access to ventilate in the event of a fire.

  • @lancesilas2134
    @lancesilas2134 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is a good video. Just curious, you did not do a center branch circuit. Reading about voltage rise, it seems to be a good approach to reduce voltage rise.

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm not familiar with what you mean. Does that mean basically two sets of panels converging in the middle at the junction box/soladeck?

  • @japansh
    @japansh 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Amazing video with great details!!!! Again. I am planning very similar system with two arrays. Three questions:
    1. Since my sub panel is about 20 ft away from the arrays I am thinking to skip the junction box and run the two Q-cables and the grounds all the way to the panel.
    2. If I have to use junction box, can I use one in the attic? So getting all the wires in the conduit through the roof and then having junction box inside. I will have metal roof and try to minimize the penetrations. Is there a code requirements to have junction box or?
    3. On the side where you have 5+12 panels why did you put two separate Q-cables and didn't run one cable/string/trunk cable?
    Thanks in advance.

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The junction box is not required. I thought about locating it in the attic but decided this was the easiest. The 5+ 12 is because you can only connect up to 13 IQ inverters on one line. If you use the aggregator, you can combine multiple strings there and run a higher gauge wire from the aggregator.

    • @japansh
      @japansh 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ICanDoItMyself Awesome thank you.

  • @pondieify
    @pondieify 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    What size/partnumber bulkhead fitting did you use for the Q cable/Soladeck?

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Liquid Tight Strain Relief Cord Grip - 1/2" NPT w/ 7x12mm w/1 Oval Hole for Flat Cable (Pack of 2), Black, Hummel, P/N CD16NS-05-2 www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y2J7N6K/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_sb6SDbSS0NTAK

  • @navyretired230
    @navyretired230 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    did you have to put conduit in the attic or just staple the wires up out of the way? I was thinking of using romex...any concerns?

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      You could use romex. I used conduit for three of my own reasons. 1. I didn't want exposed romex from the ceiling to junction box in the garage. 2. Individual roles of wire is less expensive than romex. 3. I still needed a #6 ground wire that can't be left exposed in the attic. 4. (Less important, more OCD) Color coding. I want to maintain black and red for my hot wires, white for neutral, and bare for ground. Less confusion.

  • @t-wolftelevision1573
    @t-wolftelevision1573 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Does the Q-Cable come in predetermined lengths with the AC connectors already installed, or do you have to buy bulk wire and install all the AC inverter connectors on your own? Thanks

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      You order it by the number of connectors you need. 10 panels, 10 microinverters, order 10 connectors. It will come in a single length of cable with connectors installed.

    • @t-wolftelevision1573
      @t-wolftelevision1573 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@ICanDoItMyself Thanks for the reply - much appreciated.

  • @rickstrand3893
    @rickstrand3893 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    The City noted that I should use MC cabling for running in attic wires to the combiner as encased wires get to hot. Looks as though you're using something different. Can you enlighten me? Thx and Thank you for the video's, they've been phenomenally helpful.

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I ran individual 12 gauge wires inside 1/2" flexible conduit inside the attic along with the 6 gauge bare copper for equipment ground. It comes in 50', 100', and 500' rolls.
      www.lowes.com/pd/Southwire-100-ft-12-AWG-Solid-Black-Copper-THHN-Wire-By-the-Roll/1000774390
      www.lowes.com/pd/Southwire-100-ft-12-AWG-Solid-Red-Copper-THHN-Wire-By-the-Roll/1000774396

    • @groachslayer
      @groachslayer 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ICanDoItMyself You ran metallic or non-metallic in the attic?

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@groachslayer non metallic.

  • @mitchy02
    @mitchy02 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Did you run liquid-tight conduit from the Soladecks to the j-box? If so, what's the reasoning for that instead of romex?

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I did. The ground for the panels was 6 gauge bare copper wire and the microinverters was 12 gauge. I think 12 gauge romex usually has a smaller ground. Something like 14. So a ground for the panels would still be required and you can't run exposed bare copper through the attic.

    • @mitchy02
      @mitchy02 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@ICanDoItMyself OK thanks!

  • @navyretired230
    @navyretired230 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you again for your Enphase videos. We had a long delay with our city getting final engineering drawings approved the second time. I had a toilet roof vent in the way by 12" so had to move one panel above. All our racking, IQ7 inverters, grounding and solar decks are now in. My son will be my attic rat and we plan to run the 150 ft and 50ft 10/2 romex and #6 bare grounding copper home runs into the attic this weekend. Should be ready for the city rough inspection next week followed by the final panel inspection the week after. Then there is waiting on the power company to swap out the meter to a bi-directional meter. Question if you have time: do I really need to document all the inverter serial number? The envoy seems to load them all automatically when I get to the boot up stage. My enlighten seems to know when you system starts up and they seem to know everything about ones system. I could be wrong

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You will need to scan them into the toolkit app to properly track output and performance. Each microinverter has a sticker you can peel off and place them on a sheet of paper. I drew out my layout to help sticker placement make sense to me. It also helped when I had an issue with 1 microinverter. I knew which one was having the issue, contacted Enphase and they pushed an update to correct the issue. I could post some photos on Instagram if that'd help? You could also message me on Instagram and maybe we could plan some time to come do a video.....?

    • @navyretired230
      @navyretired230 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ICanDoItMyself Thank you for the information. Today is actually the day to do my final PV wire connections and map the inverters. then call the city for my rough inspection. hope they can sign off this week

  • @damon808
    @damon808 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Microinverters are mounted wrong side up. You reduce the clearance under the module which will cause issues with air circulation for cooling. Also noticed that some of your cantilever overhangs are really long as is the spacing between some of the flashed feet. Hope you don't have snow load or high wind potential. I don't think the IronRidge rails you used are designed for those spans.

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      th-cam.com/video/IhHbyEVk-es/w-d-xo.html
      I already took care of flipping the microinverters here. I'm aware of the Ironridge specs. The XR100 rails can span 8ft between flash feet and have ~3ft of overhang. Phoenix never gets snow.

    • @triksim5551
      @triksim5551 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      up you go

    • @inimic6900
      @inimic6900 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@ICanDoItMyself I'm in process of doing this myself. but as part of my engineering plans I am not to span more than 48 (due to wind/snow)". I'm in a hurricane and winter area so am likely to go even closer...

    • @SE-mq8tk
      @SE-mq8tk 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ICanDoItMyself Thank you for making mistakes and showing them!!! I learned from your actions. BRAVO sir!!

  • @jmanuelmanriquez7775
    @jmanuelmanriquez7775 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Can you sell the SRECs on a diy install?

  • @lincolnowens403
    @lincolnowens403 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Looks like you have the microinverters installed upside down. The aluminum plate should be installed facing up. Also the top rail and bottom rail of the rack system are not bonded/grounded.

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      th-cam.com/video/9ZVYQmX7yYs/w-d-xo.html
      They are bonded. With Ironridge, the ground wire is attached to one rail for each row, then the UFOs bond the panels to the rails with WEEBs. This bonds the whole group of panels.

  • @elvisgates
    @elvisgates 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Question for you and any other DIY solar installers. I installed my own system with Enphase M215 microinverters. Like their other microinverters these are designed with "anti islanding" safeguards to keep from frying a hardworking lineman if power is out. SO, the M215 required a "home run" 10/3 cable from the combiner box next to my electrical distribution\entry panel to the junction box at my array where the connections were made to the Enphase smart cable which connects all the microinverters together. The microinverters don't turn on unless they see that 240v. With that foundation, here's the question: do you see any harm
    eason why I cant take that 240 10/3 where it ends at my array and attach a subpanel for use at the array? The array I am talking about is 20 panels that comprise the roof of a pergola I built behind our house and having a subpanel would allow me to wire some 120v circuits for ceiling fan, television, stereo, whatever. Ideas? Pros\Cons?

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Not a good idea. You can overload the wiring and have a fire. If you pull 20 amps from the microinverters and 20 amps from the combiner breaker, you be pulling 40amps without ever tripping the breaker. I wouldn't add anything into my solar circuit but it would also be really easy for me to add other circuits by tying into my main panel with how my house is wired.

  • @cornelyu71
    @cornelyu71 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hello ! How is the AC connection connected to the microinverter, where is the phase connected and where is the neutral I can't see it writing on the plug from the Q cable?

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      See if this helps.
      th-cam.com/video/ssKjw5-dXZY/w-d-xo.html

  • @easttexashunts5645
    @easttexashunts5645 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    at 1:45 you are working on a Box, What is that and what is it for? I am trying to learn for my own installation.

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      It's a junction box, called a Soladeck. See if this video helps answer your questions.
      th-cam.com/video/ssKjw5-dXZY/w-d-xo.html
      The rest of this video also explains more of what that box is for.

  • @Ozzie4Para
    @Ozzie4Para 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    What's the breaker for on the lower left side in your combiner box?

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      It was for two IQ Batteries. I have since sold them because I have two Tesla Powerwall 2s.

  • @navyretired230
    @navyretired230 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Can you explain the red and black connections as far as polarity? The Fed and black of wire go into combined box breakers. Does it matter which side is red and black also the main house breaker panel. Which is red and black or does polarity matter?

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Both red and black are hot. White, neutral. Our homes are 240 Volt but they actually have two 120 Volt sides that make up the 240 volts. Black is line 1 and red is line 2. It does not matter which side is which.

    • @navyretired230
      @navyretired230 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@ICanDoItMyself Thank you so much. I figured so but just was not 100% positive. There really is no polarity it seems, just two hots/neutral/ground. My outside combiner box, disconnect is all set up now. waiting for good cool weather before i head for the roof and attic. My son will run the attic wires. we are also going to put in an attic fan at the same time. I figure with the panels shading 60% of the roof and the attic drawing out hot air the shingles will last many years longer and maybe the house will be more efficient to cool

  • @cutweldngrind
    @cutweldngrind 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    How long will it take to pay off since you saved a tons on installation fees. What's you kw rate. I am at 8 cents so think the ROI will be longer for me.

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      This may contain a few answers.
      th-cam.com/video/BV46Bstc2d8/w-d-xo.html

  • @inis2002
    @inis2002 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Tha is for sharing. I hope to one day also do a enphase setup myself. I noticed that some of your top rails so not have a ground running to them. Shouldn't they have a ground to them as well or did I miss something?

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      The top and bottom rails get bonded together once the panels are mounted so it's only necessary to attach the ground to one point in each section.

    • @inis2002
      @inis2002 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ICanDoItMyself so the panel is the bond? Not sure this will pass code where I'm at. I have a 2 step approval process, one for county and one for power company. County has to show mounting blueprints with wind loads.

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @inis2002 it should pass inspection just fine because it shows it on the iron ridge spec sheets which should be included in your permit application. Iron ridge uses, what they call, a UFO (Universal Fastening Object) to bond the panels together. It utilizes a WEEB. There are videos on WEEBs that can better explain it than I can here.

    • @inis2002
      @inis2002 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@ICanDoItMyself thanks I'll look this up. Good luck, I'll be watching your channel for more vids.

  • @sopspiritofpeace6029
    @sopspiritofpeace6029 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Would you share with us your decision of using Enphase Microinverters over Solar Edge Optimizer?

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I am planning on addressing that in a future video, but it came down to ease of installation.

  • @jarrelljulien5673
    @jarrelljulien5673 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Well done, but I would like to know if your local AHJ made you move the array for violating fire code with your placement of the system.

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I filed an appeal and paid $250 to the fire marshall to not follow it. I just had to show that there is still more than adequate access for ventilation operations.

    • @jarrelljulien5673
      @jarrelljulien5673 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Idk you could do that. Nice

  • @davileett1224
    @davileett1224 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Haha, saw that bucket of salt. You must be a fellow reefer.

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Haha! 300 gallon and now a 10 gallon Innovative Marine for my office. You can see the 300 behind me in this video: th-cam.com/video/utkExylOiZ0/w-d-xo.html
      Was thinking I should do some videos on it soon.

    • @davileett1224
      @davileett1224 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ICanDoItMyself Nice. I have a 250 gallon tank myself. I have been in the hobby for a while now. Would love to be a pilot also, lol.

  • @gregwilcox8288
    @gregwilcox8288 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice install, have you had any trouble with any of you enphase inverters i'm thing about installing the enphase inverters. thanks

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      No issues after 1 year. I've even over produced enough to zero out my bill and have a credit the last two months. I have added in 11 more panels since the original install series. I will be doing another video on that in the future.

    • @gregwilcox8288
      @gregwilcox8288 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ICanDoItMyselfThanks, who did your electrical plans I'm trying to find a company to draw some for me.

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@gregwilcox8288 www.dbmsolar.com

  • @bradleyhernandez8357
    @bradleyhernandez8357 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey bro you didn’t use any fire setbacks on your roof?
    I mean were are you located is no any issue if the city make a inspection on your solar system ???

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I was able to pay $250 and file an appeal to the fire marshall and get it approved. I had to show that there is still more than adequate access to the roof for ventilation operations by the fire department.

    • @groachslayer
      @groachslayer 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ICanDoItMyself Impressive, and lucky. In my area, I doubt they'd go for it, but maybe I should look into it. I noticed every single house out here struggles to get enough panels up due to limits 3ft from the sides (rake) AND at the top on the ridge, cuts out massive amounts of sq ft of otherwise usable panel space, foisted on everyone for irrational reasons.

  • @shandusa
    @shandusa 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I got a question about the micro inverters cables. I know that the each IQ8A come with a Q-DCC-2 Plug-n-play MC4 cable.
    Now for my project where I will have 16 panels (4x4) how many Enphase in portrait cables do I need to buy? It seems that in your awesome video you have a long single cable that connects up to 13 micro inverters. Is it that I need to buy 16 cables and they all connect together? Please help me resolve this dilemma.
    Thanks so much,
    Ronnie Shand
    Mechanical Design Engineer
    Jupiter, Florida

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Unless Enphase has changed it, you buy a cable with as many connectors as you will need. I went with landscape cables because with portrait, you have an extra plug that won't be used as you drop down to the next row. That's wasting plugs and money. With landscape cables, there's a little more cable management but worth it. It will come as a single cable with a many plugs as you order.

    • @shandusa
      @shandusa 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Now I understand, this cable needs to be custom ordered depending on the amount of micro inverters you’ll have in that group. Thanks so much for your prompt reply.

  • @CoreyRaines
    @CoreyRaines 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I thought with the IQ series grounding was not required? Or was that local code that required the extra grounding across the rails?

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That's code. Panels and rails need to be grounded.

    • @CoreyRaines
      @CoreyRaines 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@ICanDoItMyself Yea looked it up myself. I got confused when I read that the IQ Series did not need a ground.
      But the racking system still does and the iron ridges UFO clamps provide the ground (bonded) to the panels through the rail ground.

    • @IndiansAuto
      @IndiansAuto 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      They are internally grounded so that you don’t have to runs a separate ground like the m215 had, the newer IQs uses the ground from the rails that will be grounded at the panel.

  • @wtfg1
    @wtfg1 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    What are the connecters called and where did you get them for the q cables to go into the solar deck boxes?

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Soladeck terminal block. Here's an example:
      www.ebay.com/itm/264490968938

    • @wtfg1
      @wtfg1 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sorry i meant the connectors to go into the soladeck (water tight)

  • @thecommoncarpenter6544
    @thecommoncarpenter6544 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Are you allowed to run bare copper through conduit?

  • @keepanopenmindlookatallthe2540
    @keepanopenmindlookatallthe2540 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    What did you use for the fitting of the ground wire? I can't find a fitting that small.

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I used these:
      amzn.to/2XUbUDL

    • @keepanopenmindlookatallthe2540
      @keepanopenmindlookatallthe2540 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ICanDoItMyself I hope you get commission for that, you're a life saver!

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@keepanopenmindlookatallthe2540 It's an affiliate link, I do get a little! Thanks

  • @bigbullhitches2396
    @bigbullhitches2396 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Could you tell me the wire size that you used on your system ?

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      12 AWG from the roof Q cable to Enphase combiner box, 6 AWG solid for ground, 6/3 from combiner box to main panel.

  • @ctskidoo
    @ctskidoo 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    What size wiring did you use

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      12 awg from roof to combiner, 6 awg from combiner to main panel. 6 awg for ground.

  • @Duxa_
    @Duxa_ 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    What awg is your ground wire? #6?

  • @simeonsmith9112
    @simeonsmith9112 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You have more money than sense; if the panels don't face south in the northern hemisphere the panels don' have a chance generating the energy equal to the panels facing south.

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Ummm, I can't exactly rotate my house 90°. I have a very small section of roof that faces south. I'm fully aware that they are not as efficient facing East or West vs. facing South.

  • @bouchoupapapapabouchou470
    @bouchoupapapapabouchou470 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Microinverters are monted upside down ?

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ya, I addressed that in one of the videos following this one.

  • @Brmbaz1
    @Brmbaz1 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi where did you purchase the iq terminated where on eBay thanks

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      The caps I bought at Arizona Wind and Sun but here are ebay links to the two types I used.
      rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F253431893555
      rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F264229068182

    • @Brmbaz1
      @Brmbaz1 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for your reply Great video also.

  • @groachslayer
    @groachslayer 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Where did you get that junction box and what is it called?

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      th-cam.com/video/ssKjw5-dXZY/w-d-xo.html

    • @groachslayer
      @groachslayer 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ICanDoItMyself Sorry, I was referring to the box next to the Enphase combiner, not the Soladeck.

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@groachslayer amzn.to/3ndpM3B

  • @One.--
    @One.-- 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I couldn't help noticing the shaded area on the roof ? Maybe a branch or two are on there way out nice job but please if I may say put on some boots its safety

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I have a neighbor's tree just South of me that shades that part of my roof from about 1pm-3pm in a few of the winter months. But the neighbor to the West of me has an even bigger tree that shades my roof at noon for the rest of the day during the summer. I deemed summer production more important so I shifted the panels all the way to the South edge. Crocs are my grubby shoes, they're comfy, insulated and easier on the shingles, but they do look RIDICULOUS.

  • @unSTEVOED
    @unSTEVOED 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    8:19 = Din Rail..........Sorry, I had too.

  • @jraj2036
    @jraj2036 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    How Can I buy enphase iq6 for India use. Please suggest.

  • @terrytexas8257
    @terrytexas8257 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Interesting, Did enphase authorize you as an installer so you could get their toolkit app? You really need this app to properly set up your system.

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      You don't have to be "authorized" or "approved" to get the app.

    • @terrytexas8257
      @terrytexas8257 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ICanDoItMyself , I know you can download it, but I also have an enphase system, and they are very reluctant to allow anyone to have full access to the toolkit app. I've been talking to them for a while to get full access to the Toolkit App, which provides tons more info and setup features than the Myenlightened App that they allow anyone to use.

    • @Nataile553
      @Nataile553 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Toolkit app. are you going to answer Terry Texas's question?

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I had no issues using the toolkit app. Setup was fairly easy.

  • @ArcadiyIvanov
    @ArcadiyIvanov 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Why did you go with IQ6 and not IQ7/+/X?

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I don't think the IQ7s weren't out yet when I bought my equipment. Also, I think they're only better if you're going to use higher wattage and higher cell panels. .04 A @ 240V more with the IQ7. The biggest difference, size and weight. 38% lighter. You can save a few $ going with the IQ6s as well. The price on them dropped since the 7s came out.

    • @jraj2036
      @jraj2036 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      From Where I can Buy IQ6 for use in India. Please suggest

  • @georgec9590
    @georgec9590 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I believe that the microinverters are installed the wrong way up. I think you have to turn them upside down. Could be wrong though.

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      th-cam.com/video/IhHbyEVk-es/w-d-xo.html

  • @zwiftfrance
    @zwiftfrance 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice but what is missing is a schematic.

  • @richbenich2718
    @richbenich2718 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I believe your inverters are upside down?

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      You are correct.
      th-cam.com/video/IhHbyEVk-es/w-d-xo.html

  • @vineetkumar-sh7br
    @vineetkumar-sh7br 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Can you please tell me how to find the total number of water/Air tight cap?

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      That would likely be a difficult question to answer. Press going to be different depending on each installation.

    • @vineetkumar-sh7br
      @vineetkumar-sh7br 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ICanDoItMyselfok no problem i want to know something about Q cable. Microinverters connects through Qcable each oher in one row...then after row changing how to connect microinverters?

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@vineetkumar-sh7br the Q cable is in an "S" pattern. I went with a landscape cable instead of portrait. There is a little more cable management but you won't have wasted connectors and will actually cost less.

    • @vineetkumar-sh7br
      @vineetkumar-sh7br 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ICanDoItMyself i want to talk wih you about to this type query....would you please share any social media to communicate with you?

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@vineetkumar-sh7br my Instagram link is in the description

  • @IndiansAuto
    @IndiansAuto 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Sir those inverters are installed improperly! They need to be flipped 180 but i sure you dived that out and it cost you a lot of time with all that fancy wiring.

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I addressed that in another video

    • @IndiansAuto
      @IndiansAuto 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Lol i know because i did the same thing my first time🤪, nice workmanship though, it was really nice!!!

    • @gjones5153
      @gjones5153 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@IndiansAuto I thought they where too high and should be flipped over

  • @afbanales
    @afbanales 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hmmmmm ...solar under all that shade 🤔

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I had to choose, shaded a bit in the winter, or shaded A Lot more in the summer. That area is shaded for a few hours a day for 2 months in the winter but to the left of that, there is another neighbor's tree that shades the rest of the house for the rest of the year.

  • @N8Dogg1002
    @N8Dogg1002 ปีที่แล้ว

    Please..no crocks for roof work. Id hate see ya fall off.

    • @ICanDoItMyself
      @ICanDoItMyself  ปีที่แล้ว

      My Crocs are my work around the house or my "grubby" shoes. They actually have great grip on the roof without tearing up the asphalt shingles.

    • @N8Dogg1002
      @N8Dogg1002 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ICanDoItMyself just be careful..please. Take care my guy.

  • @bloodcarver913
    @bloodcarver913 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    The way too loud music is annoying.

  • @pedromorgan99
    @pedromorgan99 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    hate the music !

  • @Nicholas.T
    @Nicholas.T 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Why, why, why do so many TH-camrs INSIST on putting UNLISTENABLE, HORRENDOUS, EXTRA LOUD heavy metal music on their video clips ???? It truly, truly destroys what would otherwise be a very pleasant and enjoyable viewing experience. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE STOP DOING IT !!!!!!! I’m not here to listen to your music choice ! I want to see what information you have on solar panel installation!!

  • @mohammedibrahim1890
    @mohammedibrahim1890 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Your video is not helpful

  • @8894larry
    @8894larry 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Lot's of liquidtite in lieu of conduit. Expensive & not very professional!

    • @hvacmike1175
      @hvacmike1175 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Car flex not liquid Tite One. is all plastic the other is a metal flex with a integrated ground covered in plastic. With over 40 years in and around construction I can say this wiring is neater and looks better than many jobs done by state licensed electrical contractors. The fact is that he used a code compliant product.