I hadn't even thought about what a lifesaver having round the clock backup for stuff like keeping your insulin cold would be when the power goes out. That's brilliant.
Insulin storage is why I just ordered a Jackery. Our son (11) is a Type I Diabetic and I'd freak the hell out if something happened and I couldn't protect him.
@@Thewellshomestead I have the 1500 Jackery model with the Jackery 400 watts solar panels. If you don't have the outdoor solar panels for your Jackery the portable solar panels not good to leave in the rain.
LaMar...your a real kick in the pants buddy, I'd like to shake your hand ...120,000 followers...YOUR THE JOHNNY APPLESEED of off grid solar cabin...12 years you been preachen the gospel, your as down home folksy as it can ..🤠👍🤠👍🤠😍😍🐎🦌🐃🐄🐖🐇🐓🐣 your living the dream brother, where you are there is no politics, no covid, no monkey pox, no climate change....you can spend the day having a good chew and cooking some moonshine , rocking on the porch...YOU GOT THE LIFE Rielly 👍👍👍👍👍👍 keep up the gospel brother..🌞🌞 may the sun keep shining your way....
Put your refrigerator on a timer too. Most refrigerators will actually stay cool for 24-48 hours without power. If you put it on a timer it will reduce the number of times the compressor kicks on. This will reduce the power consumption of your refrigerator by 1/4 to 1/2. Remember to limit the number of times you are just standing there with the door hanging open.
Chest freezers hold in that cold much better than a fridge. There are conversion kits for those. In winter I have a big chest freezer full of food outside and no power needed.
@@solarcabin In winter I just use a plastic storage tote. lol No electric there either lol About 8 or 10 bucks at Walmart. Though look on craigslist or Facebook market and you can get the big chest freezers for free if you don't mind taking the trip to pick it up.
@@marymadalenem2351 Should know how the freezer is constructed first. Evap coils might be in the walls of the freezer. Puting insulation boards inside the freezer could prevent it from freezing the contents. If it did work, I'd think the manufacturers would have already done it.
Lots of good info in a short time. I have a solar-charged backup power system with a 420AH, 12 volt battery bank and typically 200-300 watts of solar panels to keep the batteries charged and ready for use. With a 2000 watt pure sine wave (PSW) inverter (and a spare), I consider the system my "Wait until daylight" system so I'm not out in a thunderstorm or shoveling 7" of snow in the dark at 30F to get a generator out of the shed. Depending on the season, we get 8 to 20 hours of power from the backup system - running the gas-fired central heat in winter takes it to the 8 hour end :-( Basically, we can power the fridge/freezer, some kitchen counter outlets and some LED lighting during our frequent but usually short outages (mostly under 12 hours, maybe averaging 2-4 hours). The freezer is OK for 16 hours if the door isn't opened. If there is sun the next day, I can add 1000 watts of solar panels and be able to handle those loads for another day or so. If there's no sun, there's a small inverter generator and enough gas for 2 weeks or a little longer. If power was to be out for weeks, we'd empty the freezer into the fridge/freezer and reduce the total daily power load. When all the frozen items were used up, we'd switch to the 4.4 cu ft counter height fridge that can run 3+ days on the power the big fridge/freezer needs for one day. With that reduction in power use, we'd be good "forever" with sun every third day. No, I don't have all this in my head ;-) I've spent a lot of hours working out a spreadsheet with just about every appliance on it, the battery bank size and maximum %DOD, the inverter's power (and peak power ability) and its efficiency to be able to predict the available backup time when using any given group of loads - probably to 30 minutes or so - and how much solar power is needed winter versus summer (we get 3.2 hours/day of useful sun in winter and 5 hours/day in summer). If I ever have the $$ for lithium batteries of some flavor, the allowable % DOD is just another cell on the spreadsheet and easily changed. From some charts on batteryuniversity.com, the longest cycle life for lithium cells (perhaps 5000+ charge/discharge cycles) is if you charge them to 75% and discharge them to 25% (the US military uses 80% and 20%). Basically you're using the "middle" 50% of the battery's range and that's the same power capacity as using AGM batteries to only 50% DOD. Using that scenario, 420AH of lihium cells would give 210AH of useful power, but with only one daily charge/discharge cycle the batteries should last 13+ years. This is extrapolating lab testing into the real world but possibly longer life than the AGM's that I replaced two years ago just before their 9th birthday - if you don't love your batteries, they won't love you ;-) A PSW inverter is a worthwhile upgrade. Some small electronics, some power tool battery chargers (often anything with a 20 volt or higher battery pack) and some newer UPS units will NOT work on a modified sine wave (MSW) inverter. The manual for my Ryobi 40 volt string trimmer specifically says to NOT use the charger on MSW power. In testing I did on the 4.4 cu ft fridge, it draws 55 watts on sine wave power (grid or the PSW inverter) but 80 watts on a good (made by Xantrex) 1000 watt MSW inverter. During a major power outage, you probably won't be able to get replacement devices or parts for them, so I consider the extra cost of a PSW inverter as "continuity of service" insurance - about $100 for an EPEver 30 amp controller that can handle 400 watts of solar panels. I have MPPT charge controllers because of limited full sun hours (some neighbors also might not be happy if I cut their 60 foot trees ;-) and the MPPT controllers squeeze a little more power out of the available sun - even when the panels are partially shaded. It's nice to check charge controller status and see 80 watts from a 100 watt panel in afternoon sun (well past the "2 hours either side of solar noon" that are the optimum time period for solar power production. If an apartment-dweller has a balcony that gets some sun, they might have space for two 100 watt panels - possibly more. If the balcony access is a sliding glass door, a single 100 watt panel can probably fit against the glass on the inside of that door - no landlord complaints about something added ;-) I'm in the southeast US, so humidity is a big part of the need for cooling :-( From some testing I did, a 5000 BTU window A/C (for cooling one room) uses about 425 watts when the compressor is running but you need enough starting capacity in the inverter to start the compressor (starting power is several times that 425 watts). One possibility would be to run the A/C for a few hours on a sunny afternoon (when the solar panels could be supplying most of the power) for cooling and dehumidifying and then use a battery-powered fan to keep the air moving during the night so you can sleep.
Great comment and I agree with what you said about pure sine wave (PSW) vs. modified sine wave (MSW) inverters. I'm researching LiFePO4 batteries right now, with a plan to buy two 100-amp batteries within the next two weeks. I'm leaning toard the Battle Born batteries because you can series or parallel connect them. But there are other options out there and I'm just trying to get the best bang for my buck.
I almost never get through a 30 minute video because I'm impatient to find the info I'm looking for. Your video had plenty of info I wasn't looking for, but your presentation was very good and you move along quickly. I really appreciate your effort here, it was very helpful. Liked & Subscribed
There is tons of information on the web but this guy explains this whole thing in such an easy way that even I can understand how this system works. Thanks
Wife and I are headed off grid... setting up a 48v Conext SW 4048 Inverter and a Midnite Solar CL150... thanks for posting your video. Blessings and hope this find you healthy and happy!
I am just getting started I bought my land then my shed home 8x16 and just got my shed turned into my cottage. I’m so proud I did all this work myself. We are told buying a house is impressive. No it’s just debt and a lot of space. I’m 45 and so grateful and feel I can breathe. I’m so thankful for people like you that make videos for all of us to learn. I can’t afford solar yet. I’m in the heat and had to many heat strokes and it’s been over 110 degrees and no rain for weeks. My electric bill is $1.55 a day. I use 11.5 kWh on a bad day. So trying to understand what I would need. Sadly I also leave whee it gets below zero
I'm an octogenarian who survived the 2021 Texas freeze. What saved me was my standby generator. Were I living in a wooded area away from an urban area I would definitely have solar panels and a standby generator. Don't look for much improvement from ERCOT in Texas. It is a state in name only. It is its own nation.
After seeing some photos of roofs destroyed with roof mounted panels from a hurricane, I am keeping mine on the ground. Two tornadoes later, I still have my panels.
Just do it, folks. I built my battery bank. I decided to build vs. buy. I now have the tools and the knowledge to repair and expand. It is two 100Ah LiFePo4batteries in series, so it’s 24v, 2,400 watts, 2,000 watt AC power inverter, AC charger, and DC outputs at both 24 and 12 volts, buck converter to step down further for charging radios. I also have a 5000 watt gas generator to run power tools or charge the batteries before my last phase of the build: adding solar panels and charge controller. Thinking 800-1200 watts of panels. I started with zero knowledge and It turned out to be easier than I thought. If I can do it, anybody can.
Just found your channel. Thanks. From. Sc I built a small off grids cabin 11 years ago. I to started with a harbor freight 45 w system. Not much to it. I set my cabin 12 volts lights water pump rv. 300 gal water tote. I would run the generator some to run my small water heater and extra battery charging Live in it five years saved every penny. Built my self a small home paid cash to build it. Old cabin is now storage. Great days humbled but lived well saved saved and saved. Any one can do this.
HEY There! Thank you. This is the best most direct and clearest information I've seen yet. I really appreciate it. I'm in Northern New Mexico and am just now beginning to learn about the basics. Thanks again!!!
A 400 watt system with 4 200AH batteries and an 80 amp mppt controller is around three thousand dollars and gives you a lot of pretty long lasting power. I remember being without power for 3 weeks after a hurricane and I would have paid twice that just to have lights and a few fans and these systems last forever and when the power goes out you’re family will say YOU DA MAN!!!
I got 12 boat batteries with 525 amp hours for about $1300, and I used an Aims inverter/charger 24 volts 2000 watts, and I have six 100 watt panels but I may get 2 more before winter...I got the 40 amp Epever controller so it can take four more 100 watt panels...I wound up with $2600 in mine but I can run a 1450 watt air fryer for short periods, and also my small air conditioning for about an hour a day...plus the other stuff ...by the time it gets hot enough for the air , the batteries are up from overnight and so it works pretty well...I haven't used the grid for four months ...I got a small fridge that uses almost nothing on power as long as it isn't too hot in here...I'm building a frame for each pair of 100 watt panels so if it hails, I just take them inside, and they're easy to move.., I used thin one inch square pipe and it makes the frame solid ...I've got a 410 watt inverter for the phone and light and fan ...It doesn't hurt to have an extra wood stove to cook on outside somewhere too...I poured a concrete pad for mine in the barn so I can cook out there to keep some heat out of inside, too...
The LORD had me begin gathering solar and wind power items to use. I have them wrapped in mylar currently. Im so glad to find you. I'm an old widow. I have no understanding about this. So now I have a place to go with watching you to learn! Thanks! I just got an answer to my dilemma, I could use a 100 watt panel battery etc and use it exclusively to be a recharge station while using the other panels to operate for my daily electric needs! YAY! Thank you. GOD bless you Sir!
You will probably want to do a test run for several days to become familiar on how it goes together. Better than waiting till you must have it and not know how to set it up or what it will run. I'm doing the same thing here. Best wishes❣
I have bought many USB rechargable items. They are awesome for emergency, camping and everydayy use just to reduce our electric bill! Small USB Battery banks are awesome!! If a rechargabe motion light in our hallway runs down, we leave it mounted and plug it into a 1000mah bank to recharge.
There's plenty of competition on Lithium batteries. It doesn't bring the price down because mining lithium (which is a rare earth metal) is still expensive and environmentally damaging. Lithium will come down in price meaningfully when solid states have demand, which I estimate to be 10-15 years away.
This very nice to see how you make this emergency set up for everyday use. Most of us are using more that we need. I'm lurning for your presentation. Thanks
When come to solar system I been thinking about trying some those little odd ball solar kits just mess around with few of them for good chuckle. Like the Eco Worthy green 84wh portable power station or the green Gvshine one. I personally been educating myself on all different types of solar products out their. From what been seeing definitely alot different solar products out there. From $20 to $2,000 and up . I know your videos have inspired me to research the different types of solar products out there.
One suggestion for those living in an apartment or HOA that does not allow solar panels to be placed is to get a power station, at the prices they are at the moment they are a life saver in a power outage if you cannot have a generator or solar panels, most of them can be charged from ac , 12v dc or a solar panel.
I have a dual power station/solar power generator. I'm going to charge it up in the hallway of my apartment block (using the AC socket that is for the cleaner to plug in her vacuum cleaner), and rip off the landlord.
I’ve just built a 500w system in the UK for exactly this reason. If Russia conflict expands to here, or the electricity goes off due to electricity rationing… I’m golden. Sunpower panels and 24v Renogy 2.4kw LifePo batteries, 40a MPPT and I can expand to 4.8kw. Love it
I first saw the LED light bulbs here. They`re all I use for light now...Onite warm white USB powered LED bulbs. Haven`t had any problems using them and with my power banks and solar power stations my lights never go out during power outages. You can power your lights in a dark camper or shed using an extension cable directly from a 30 to 100 watt portable folding solar panel too plus run a USB powered fan directly from these panels after hurricanes.
I have a gas tankless water heater for my house. It heats the water using natural gas, but does require AC to run it’s “brains.” The microcontroller that adjusts the temp, flow, etc…. It pulls on about 80 watts to start the ignition, then about 40 to run. Here in SoCal earthquakes and wind have caused power loss for hours, some cases days. So, no power = no hot water. At present I have a small jumpstart power back w AC for a quick fix. That why I keep a eye out for a better solar solution like this. Goos stuff thanks.
if you have the space you could use a vertical indirect tank. I have a gas heating unit to heat our house and this unit makes hot water in an indirect tank using a separate fluid circuit. The same tank has a second heat exchanger coil in the bottom where thermal solar could be connected. I will have it replaced by an electrical heating element (I went cold feet on thermal solar) and run it from excess PV i will have. That is a 80gal tank so it will take cca 13kWh to heat up water from tap water to shower. 3kWp PV installation can do that completely. If you only want some backup you can pick a 30gal tank with two heater elements and 1,2kW PV (that is 4pcs of 300W panels) no big deal.
I have a 400w system and can run my gaming computer on it, it has an 800w power supply, but it only uses around 300w when gaming, otherwise it's under 100w when doing things like youtube. Instead of a kit like that you can get 100w panels from HF ($400), a good MPPT controller(more efficient) from amazon for $100 and a 2000w pure sine wave inverter for $300.
i was thinking about kits too and the big advantage is (why I think Solarcabin recommended them too) ithat if you buy them bit by bit you have to know about solar - maybe not a lot, but some. Kits' components are fit to each other and you buy a complete system that is sure to work, for better or worse. Not mentioning the accessories like cables with pre-mounted lugs, fuses, fuse holders, busbars etc, they are all selected and sized properly. E.g. if battery cables come pre-assembled you can get away without buying a big crimper tool which cannot be avoided if you want to produce your own system - or you can order pre-assembled cables but you will have a lot of choices and it's easy to get the wrong size. If someone is good in these it can be done easily but it will get widespread faster if people don't have to become designers to go solar. Where I totally agree with you though is the MPPT. If someone spends 1700 buck on a system it makes all the sense in the world to add another 50 and get a decent controller.
I have been off-grid for 10 years. Now that I have a Tesla model 3 long range, I use the system to charge it so I no longer buy gas. Here is what I have: four 300 watt panels connected in serial-parallel, an MPPT charge controller, four Battle Born batteries (400 amp hours) and a 2000 watt inverter. It runs my house, sauna, koi pond and well when I am not charging the Tesla. Cost about $6,000 includes fuses, wires etc.
My system isn't big enough for an EV car but it handles the Ebikes just fine. It would be nice to have an EV you can use for backup power off grid. Those Ford lightning trucks look nice.
New residential modules are now in the 400watt range. A single mod at 400 watts!. 72 cell can go up to 440, 60 cell around 380 and 66 cell at 400. Available at any CED Greentech distribution center. Ask about damaged mods, might get a discount. Scratch and dent, still have output.
P.S. After buying all that stuff, I had to build a generator cheap...but I got a really good little tiller engine with low hours, and one of those old blue Winco AC generators that the highway department sold at auction because a semi hit the yellow light and tore the generator bracket half off of it...lol, I used a belt off from a wringer Maytag, and I had to make a 3 and a half inch pulley for the motor from three pieces of pulley welded together by putting welding leads on my battery bank and using a DC welding rod...so I got my generator going...I run my new inverter welder off of it now, it starts first pull...oh...I got a pot still so I can distill some battery water, but I have 3 gallons of grape juice fermenting this hot week to see how well the still works out in the barn on the old wood stove...got me a 20 gallon sandblasting tank for a new stove this year...I had to use the still last winter for distilling water from snow when it got down to minus 15 for two days and the water all froze... it's always something or other , you know it? But at least I've got twice as many batteries as last year lol...I started buying two a month in September but I skipped a month to buy a controller...I just paused to watch a couple episodes of Moonshiners ...I'm kind of new at all that but it's summertime and the fermenting is easy lol so it's this week's amusement...this off gridding is okay after you get all the parts , lol...oh I thought of something funny ...I left the ends on my cord and put a 3 way thing on there and put plug in things on the solar panels with a short cord so I can unplug and move them to mow or in case of hail...I just put a short cord with an outlet on the controller and plug in a 25 ft. cord to the panels...it works just fine, I had 440 watts going thru it today...I kind of got tickled when you said you cut the ends off but I see why you did there...you are right though, if you make more than just a bit of power it gets costly the farther you go that direction...I took the best route I could without having to buy another inverter later...so I decided to go 24 volts the first time, and after watching about 500 inverter videos I decided on the one I got, but I had to save up 3 months to get it...it weighs 44 pounds lol, so I figured it has to have some copper in there at least...it's good , .it's quiet...the idling watts is 19.2 but I turn it off sometimes or to " standby " ...well I guess I'm done commenting...let me know if I forgot anything...I've got food out the wazoo and I' m thinking about building a 3 horse steam engine maybe...kinda runnin out of projects for the pandemia thing...lol...
I love your videos. I'm a 62 year old woman living off grid in a mountain cabin as much as I can. I have solar panels on my roof installed by a solar company. But I have a question for you. I have 200 watts in panels, 200 amp hour lithium po4 battery, with 2000 watt inverter. I plan to add 200 more watts in panels. Renogy told me I needed their 2000 watt inverter because it is lowest one for lithium battery. I've been told by other people they use regular inverters with po4 lithium battery with no problem. But my big question is, "Does this system have to be grounded?" I get mixed opinions on the grounding issue. I have it on a utility wagon so it is portable. I go boondocking in my teardrop camper, and I would also like to use the system around my barn or chicken coups. But I don't want to have to pound grounding rods in all these places. I didn't hear you mention use of ground on your system.. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. God bless you
Hi Janice, you can use any inverter on the LIFPO and it runs smaller inverters like my 300 watt just fine. Most off gridders I know don't ground their systems BUT if the panels and wiring are high up where lightning could het them you can ground the panels or the battery. The controller and inverter all have a fuse that will blow if there is a short but you should have a fuse link on any direct DC wiring if you are using a 12 volt plug like the cigg plugs. Take care and have a great summer!
What's nice about a lot of 300 watt Inverters is they turn off when no load is sensed.. plus if your load can be handled by a 300 watt inverter then that will be much more efficient than a 1500 watt inverter.
if I went off-grid i had both - had a small 3-500W running all the time with load sensing and I would have a big one to run the washing machine or the well pump which I would turn on and off manually when needed
I am getting ready to go full time off great and I will like to know watt system I need to run: water hiter, 1 big frizer. 1 big refrigerator plus 2 mini split AC units. I will highly anticipated if you can help me out. Thank you! Sincerely Nelia!
According to your video this kit costs $1689.99 at the time you recorded it ON Amazon a year ago.......BUT I don't have $1700 to my name and I really want a back up power system!! Monthly (as I am on a very strict fixed income of $600 a month) I can spend around $300 a month for parts!! BUT waiting to "save money and buy stuff" in my world never works out!!!! Cars and homes break, kids and grand kids have needs and I DO have other bills to pay as well too!!! So even if I could save four months worth of $300 income, towards this solar array, SOMETHING in other words will always "come up"....because its life!! And trust me when I say I have no shortage of projects around here that need to be fixed!! And my total monthly income is actually $600 a month which doesn't go far in 2022/2023!! But again like I say I do have other bills to pay, and I typically cut my income in half to pay my bills and then the other $300 is for my "projects"!!
I hear you friend! Here is a 400 watt kit for about $1,100: amzn.to/3FPI4C2 Here is a 200 watt kit for abut $450: amzn.to/3jpAM0e You can always add more batteries and panels to either system as you get the money. Best!
KK-bol solar light bulb is just one generic brand of lights (exactly like that one) which comes with it's own tiny solar panel. You can put the panel on roof, outside wall, etc. And leave the bulb plugged in to charge and use or disconnect bulb and use. 2x for 20.00 with solar panel for charging.
Tap into batteries you already have in emergencies. Car, boat, lawn tractor.. anything with a 12V battery can be tapped to run a computer UPS. (they come with 12V gel cell batteries most times, just pull that and hook wires to the car battery) You skip buying the battery for the MOST BASIC Harbor Freight 100 watt solar kit as an emergency source and can run some stuff. Lights (the 2 LED lights in the kit) charging cell phone, running a laptop... Note that these small solar setups WILL NOT supply enough for heating a house to prevent pipe freezing. Heat uses a LOT of power. 1000 watt solar would not have been enough for the houses without power in that freeze event. 2500 watts might have prevented freezing, but not made the houses comfortable. (except super-insulated houses... which can be heated with a handheld hair dryer.)
Excellent video a recommendation you might want to put your panels in series depending on the open circuit voltage your charge controller can handle it will start charging earlier and stay on longer plus no need for all the y connection I running 3 panels in series 315 watts 40 volt open circuit voltage at 8 amps to the charge controller which can handle up to 145 volts DC putting in around 700 to 850 watts of power into the batteries let me know what you think
It's always dependent of the system design. But the general rule of thumb advise to have the highest voltage possible and also the minimum difference possible between systems! The smaller the conversions the best! Meaning that your inverter output of 120V or 230V will benefit from the highest input possible. Ex: 48v or higher input would be better, than 12V input. To "extract" your 120V or 230V AC output! So in principle what you said makes all sense. With this said for small, simple (and cheap) systems. One might prefer to keep it around the original 12v. Purely for general simplicity! ;-)
Only fuse needed is on a direct DC line if you are running DC appliances. A 30amp inline fuse works fine. Your controller and inverter all have built in fuses. A batt cut off switch is nice when you need to work on the system.
You da man! This has taken out the confusion of going off-grid. I have a property that has no power and I'd hate to hook up to the grid. So, the Hessaire won't work well in humid foothills North Carolina? Any suggestions for humid areas?
Of subject, but I remember when you put up a video a few years ago regarding a home made solar septic tank Curious to know if it’s still fit for purpose or have you made any modifications. It looked a really good idea
My solar system is restricted by budget, lets not pretend that this stuff is cheap. I have just bought 4 x 100w Renogy panels, 30amp solar controller MPPT, 2kw PSW inverter and a 200amp Renogy lithium iron phosphate battery. This clearly is not enough to go off grid, especially with the amount of sunshine here in the UK, but it is hopefully enough to keep the essentials running in the case of a power outage. Just the cabling and a couple of isolators to get and I can start the build. Its going to go onto a flat roof in a frame south facing, so hopefully I should be ok with that.
With the right appliances 400 watts can run an entire cabin like mine off grid and has for 20 years BUT you also have to invest in the right appliances and your house has to be designed for off grid living. You will still reduce your power bill and have a good emergency setup with that system.
Solar panels need pretty much full sun and the proper angle to produce the rated power. Just keep this in mind so your not disappointed with the performance when you place them in a door or window
I have finally completed my solar system. I have 12 solar panels that goes to a growatt 3000 all in one inverter. I have purchased 4 lithium batteries 24v 100ah. My question for you is how do I ground my panels to protect them from lighting strikes. I don't know how or where to attach my copper wire that will go to ground. Do you have any suggestions?
Right on, generally you don't need to ground the panels for off grid ground mount system and your power controller and inverter have fuses if their is a power spike. You can ground the battery as shown here: www.sunwize.com/tech-notes/grounding-in-off-grid-solar-systems/
In this video I explain my 400 watt system for off grid or emergency power for your homes and I show you the equipment I use and recommend. WindyNation 400 Watt (4pcs 100W) Solar Panel Kit + 1500 Watt VertaMax Power Inverter + AGM Battery Bank amzn.to/3frArWC Hessaire MC18M Portable Evaporative Cooler - Gray, 1300 CFM, Cools 500 Square Feet amzn.to/3p1YDSM Alpicool C40 Portable Refrigerator 12 Volt Car Freezer 42 Quart(40 Liter) amzn.to/3vvypKM Flyhoom Solar Powered Light amzn.to/34rd6hp NOTE: I am an authorized Amazon affiliate and I do make a little money if you order through one of my links- thank you! http:www.simplesolarhomesteading.com Best Off Grid Batteries and LIFPO4 Comparison th-cam.com/video/NzIJgikgFs0/w-d-xo.html Alipcool C20 12/24 110V Fridge/Freezer Review th-cam.com/video/mUwW0Fn-bNQ/w-d-xo.html
Batteries have come down a lot in price - even more than panels. Around 5 years ago, 100A 12V would cost around $900. Now you can get around 3X that capacity at that price.
@@solarcabin checked on Trojans and I see the same. Truth be told, LiFePo4 came down alright, but it feels like in the past it was 10x more expensive than I could afford and now it is only 3x more expensive. Still out of reach :(
I sent 6 Flyhoom LED lanterns to the Philippines this month. Amazon provides free delivery there. Four shipped December 2nd via USPS never arrived and cost over $40. That means 6 is less than 4. 😵💫
@@solarcabin, Yes. The Amazon purchase shipped directly to the Philippines was tracked. The items sent to me and then reshipped December 2nd via USPS had no tracking. Less than 14 days seems acceptable.
I been telling people for years since 2001 when we had that huge outage that hit canada and usa , to have power back up , i laughed at people in my apartment building when they asked me how i have power in building and no one else does , lol had an inverter hooked in my van , run a cord to my apartment lol , now i live in a forest and have 4 power supply back ups and 4 inverters , you know , incase one fails lol
I bought a 100W panel kit that was "on sale", and it didn't have the battery or anything but the wiring...Just the controller too...Can you please tell me what I need to get to have it be "SET UP"...I bought an extra cord to have the wiring reach into our house...I set it up outside the front deck...I now need to save up for the rest of the components...but NEED to have a person who knows about panels let me know WHAT EXACTLY I need to hook it up inside, from the outside cord...We live in Southern Alberta Canada 🇨🇦...HIGH CHINOOK WINDS/TORNADOES...The panel is set up right in front of our deck, away from the drips off the roof...And it's DEFINITELY STABLE W/METAL "TWIST" PEGS...I set it up before the ground FROZE...IT CAN get to -5O°C at times...NOW to learn about the REST...FOR MY situation....THANK YOU FOR YOUR SITE INFO, AND YOUR AWESONE SITE...GOOD'AY!!
Hi Linda, this video explains a basic 100 watt system: th-cam.com/video/9VPAGClfLaA/w-d-xo.html If you have a 100 watt panel and the controller you need a battery and I recommend a 100AH AGM like these: th-cam.com/video/9VPAGClfLaA/w-d-xo.html You will need an inverter like this: amzn.to/3oJKqeD And one of these: amzn.to/3rWE2Tk Connect your battery to the controller first and then the solar panel to the controller. Connect that cigg plug to the battery and plug your inverter in to that and you are ready to go. The inverter had 110 volt plugs for small appliances or USB plugs for recharging gadgets.
Due to circumstances I live in an apartment in Florida where the balcony faces east. I am unable to store fuel and limited space on the balcony for panels. The only thing I am looking to power during outages is my full size refrigerator. Would you have any suggestions on the best way I can do this? Great video with tons of information.
Hi Ray, you might be able to get by with a small efficient alpicool fridge and run that off a power station like the Generark for up to 3 days in a blackout. th-cam.com/video/P1QJHksH_Sg/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/wkVJUEtOm-0/w-d-xo.html
What about building a frame for the non-sliding patio door that could hold 2 100 watt panels you could get from Harbor Freight? This way, takes up little space, can use it now, and low profile..
Watching in 2023. Your's is excellent, informative video. However, prices have dramatically fallen by 2023. Myself, over the last 3 years have been acquiring pieces for my 400 Watt home emergency power systems. Harbor Freight 100 W panels on sale for $99. 4000/2000 Watt Pure Sine Wave Invertor 12VDC 120 VAC $80 China. 100 Amp Solar/Battery Controller $50 China Four Grp 24 (60 - 75 Ah) recycled auto batteries $20 to $40/ea Why? Recycled Auto batteries. The system is only for rare emergency use and batteries are cheap. It works too. I forwarded your video to two dozen friends too. btw - I have your Champton 1400/1200 generatir two. - Paul
I'm newbe and I'm viewing your videos and you said to one person you don't need a fuse for the controler and inverter but you would need a fuse in the line. So would you install a fuse from the solar panels line to the controler? I'm going to purchase the Hessair cooler. Do they make a small room heater. I have a 1500 watt room heater but that may not work for 400 watt system. I will keep watching and reading comments on your other videos. Thank you for your help.
Your controller has a built in fuse and so does an inverter. You need a fuse on any direct DC wiring to appliances and a 30 amp in line fuse will work.
6 volt golf cart batts. Do maint checks once a week. They last 10 years plus. Put them in a vented area... or not, I have never had a problem in 25 years. I get my GC6volts at Sams Club. One year free replacement. If it doesnt fail within one year, it will last 10 years IF you do basic simple maintenance. You do not need expensive super hero batteries.
Can I just run the solar wires into my camper to my mppt charge controller, 300 amp hour lifepo4, and 1500 watt inverter to power a small air conditioner without grounding or can it damage something or be dangerous? We have lightning here so the panels will be disconnected before storms or moved inside when I go to town. I don`t want to damage or fry a system that cost 2000 bucks. Don`t have money to replace an 1100 dollar battery.
You can ground the neg post on the battery to the frame on the camper but generally very low risk of lightning striking panels and your equipment all has fuses.
@@solarcabin Thank you. I have a bunch of stuff in my cart. The last of my disability back pay is going towards this. I`m basically stranded in the woods in Louisiana in a hurricane zone and want emergency power for a tiny Frigidare air conditioner.
Compact and small freezers that are 5 cubic feet can use around 1 amp or 100 watts while running. During start-up, however, they use approximately 6 amps or 700 watts. I recommend 400 watts solar and 200AH LIFEpo4 battery with a 1000 watt inverter.
I was wondering if it would be possible to set up some kind of swamp cooler, like a full sized cooler, with a motor that would start running when the solar panels started producing enough power. Basically dedicate some panels to the cooler and set it up so it would run slow in the morning light, run full blast during the mid day sun and slow again in the evenings.
They make small 12 volt evap coolers for RVs and I use this one at night when the big swamp cooler is too much: amzn.to/3Qqdsuv Those will run off direct solar or you can get a battery and inverter to run a larger swamp cooler an this hessaire takes only 85 watts and I use it every warm day at the cabin: amzn.to/3BEbG54
I have one of them In my garage I have been thinking of a hundred watt at Harbor freight. Now for power I have a sixty five hundred watt generator. a two thousand watt sprots man. and an a p i little inverter generator.I have three deep cycle batteries. and one new car battery. it is just there.
Gonna have to watch this MANY TIMES to absorb info !! I'm from Texass and can't listen that fast .
I hadn't even thought about what a lifesaver having round the clock backup for stuff like keeping your insulin cold would be when the power goes out. That's brilliant.
It really is and they are using those fridge/freezers for storing the covid vaccines in places like Africa and run off solar for remote villages.
Insulin storage is why I just ordered a Jackery. Our son (11) is a Type I Diabetic and I'd freak the hell out if something happened and I couldn't protect him.
@@Thewellshomestead I have the 1500 Jackery model with the Jackery 400 watts solar panels. If you don't have the outdoor solar panels for your Jackery the portable solar panels not good to leave in the rain.
LaMar...your a real kick in the pants buddy, I'd like to shake your hand ...120,000 followers...YOUR THE JOHNNY APPLESEED of off grid solar cabin...12 years you been preachen the gospel, your as down home folksy as it can ..🤠👍🤠👍🤠😍😍🐎🦌🐃🐄🐖🐇🐓🐣 your living the dream brother, where you are there is no politics, no covid, no monkey pox, no climate change....you can spend the day having a good chew and cooking some moonshine , rocking on the porch...YOU GOT THE LIFE Rielly 👍👍👍👍👍👍 keep up the gospel brother..🌞🌞 may the sun keep shining your way....
Put your refrigerator on a timer too. Most refrigerators will actually stay cool for 24-48 hours without power. If you put it on a timer it will reduce the number of times the compressor kicks on. This will reduce the power consumption of your refrigerator by 1/4 to 1/2. Remember to limit the number of times you are just standing there with the door hanging open.
Chest freezers hold in that cold much better than a fridge. There are conversion kits for those. In winter I have a big chest freezer full of food outside and no power needed.
@@solarcabin In winter I just use a plastic storage tote. lol No electric there either lol About 8 or 10 bucks at Walmart. Though look on craigslist or Facebook market and you can get the big chest freezers for free if you don't mind taking the trip to pick it up.
Yeah I always unplug when the sun goes down. Also someone just told me to get insulation board to put in side freezer, and will keep it cooler .
@@marymadalenem2351 better idea, build an insulated box to put your cooler in. That way you don't use up space in your cooler.
@@marymadalenem2351 Should know how the freezer is constructed first. Evap coils might be in the walls of the freezer. Puting insulation boards inside the freezer could prevent it from freezing the contents. If it did work, I'd think the manufacturers would have already done it.
Lots of good info in a short time.
I have a solar-charged backup power system with a 420AH, 12 volt battery bank and typically 200-300 watts of solar panels to keep the batteries charged and ready for use. With a 2000 watt pure sine wave (PSW) inverter (and a spare), I consider the system my "Wait until daylight" system so I'm not out in a thunderstorm or shoveling 7" of snow in the dark at 30F to get a generator out of the shed. Depending on the season, we get 8 to 20 hours of power from the backup system - running the gas-fired central heat in winter takes it to the 8 hour end :-( Basically, we can power the fridge/freezer, some kitchen counter outlets and some LED lighting during our frequent but usually short outages (mostly under 12 hours, maybe averaging 2-4 hours). The freezer is OK for 16 hours if the door isn't opened. If there is sun the next day, I can add 1000 watts of solar panels and be able to handle those loads for another day or so. If there's no sun, there's a small inverter generator and enough gas for 2 weeks or a little longer.
If power was to be out for weeks, we'd empty the freezer into the fridge/freezer and reduce the total daily power load. When all the frozen items were used up, we'd switch to the 4.4 cu ft counter height fridge that can run 3+ days on the power the big fridge/freezer needs for one day. With that reduction in power use, we'd be good "forever" with sun every third day. No, I don't have all this in my head ;-) I've spent a lot of hours working out a spreadsheet with just about every appliance on it, the battery bank size and maximum %DOD, the inverter's power (and peak power ability) and its efficiency to be able to predict the available backup time when using any given group of loads - probably to 30 minutes or so - and how much solar power is needed winter versus summer (we get 3.2 hours/day of useful sun in winter and 5 hours/day in summer).
If I ever have the $$ for lithium batteries of some flavor, the allowable % DOD is just another cell on the spreadsheet and easily changed. From some charts on batteryuniversity.com, the longest cycle life for lithium cells (perhaps 5000+ charge/discharge cycles) is if you charge them to 75% and discharge them to 25% (the US military uses 80% and 20%). Basically you're using the "middle" 50% of the battery's range and that's the same power capacity as using AGM batteries to only 50% DOD. Using that scenario, 420AH of lihium cells would give 210AH of useful power, but with only one daily charge/discharge cycle the batteries should last 13+ years. This is extrapolating lab testing into the real world but possibly longer life than the AGM's that I replaced two years ago just before their 9th birthday - if you don't love your batteries, they won't love you ;-)
A PSW inverter is a worthwhile upgrade. Some small electronics, some power tool battery chargers (often anything with a 20 volt or higher battery pack) and some newer UPS units will NOT work on a modified sine wave (MSW) inverter. The manual for my Ryobi 40 volt string trimmer specifically says to NOT use the charger on MSW power. In testing I did on the 4.4 cu ft fridge, it draws 55 watts on sine wave power (grid or the PSW inverter) but 80 watts on a good (made by Xantrex) 1000 watt MSW inverter. During a major power outage, you probably won't be able to get replacement devices or parts for them, so I consider the extra cost of a PSW inverter as "continuity of service" insurance - about $100 for an EPEver 30 amp controller that can handle 400 watts of solar panels.
I have MPPT charge controllers because of limited full sun hours (some neighbors also might not be happy if I cut their 60 foot trees ;-) and the MPPT controllers squeeze a little more power out of the available sun - even when the panels are partially shaded. It's nice to check charge controller status and see 80 watts from a 100 watt panel in afternoon sun (well past the "2 hours either side of solar noon" that are the optimum time period for solar power production.
If an apartment-dweller has a balcony that gets some sun, they might have space for two 100 watt panels - possibly more. If the balcony access is a sliding glass door, a single 100 watt panel can probably fit against the glass on the inside of that door - no landlord complaints about something added ;-)
I'm in the southeast US, so humidity is a big part of the need for cooling :-( From some testing I did, a 5000 BTU window A/C (for cooling one room) uses about 425 watts when the compressor is running but you need enough starting capacity in the inverter to start the compressor (starting power is several times that 425 watts). One possibility would be to run the A/C for a few hours on a sunny afternoon (when the solar panels could be supplying most of the power) for cooling and dehumidifying and then use a battery-powered fan to keep the air moving during the night so you can sleep.
Great comment and I agree with what you said about pure sine wave (PSW) vs. modified sine wave (MSW) inverters. I'm researching LiFePO4 batteries right now, with a plan to buy two 100-amp batteries within the next two weeks. I'm leaning toard the Battle Born batteries because you can series or parallel connect them. But there are other options out there and I'm just trying to get the best bang for my buck.
Nice write up king
I almost never get through a 30 minute video because I'm impatient to find the info I'm looking for. Your video had plenty of info I wasn't looking for, but your presentation was very good and you move along quickly. I really appreciate your effort here, it was very helpful. Liked & Subscribed
Awesome, thank you!
There is tons of information on the web but this guy explains this whole thing in such an easy way that even I can understand how this system works. Thanks
Thanks friend!
I love how practical you are
Thanks!
Wife and I are headed off grid... setting up a 48v Conext SW 4048 Inverter and a Midnite Solar CL150... thanks for posting your video. Blessings and hope this find you healthy and happy!
Great answer for emergency power, and rolling blackouts.!
Thanks Peter!
I am just getting started I bought my land then my shed home 8x16 and just got my shed turned into my cottage. I’m so proud I did all this work myself. We are told buying a house is impressive. No it’s just debt and a lot of space. I’m 45 and so grateful and feel I can breathe. I’m so thankful for people like you that make videos for all of us to learn. I can’t afford solar yet. I’m in the heat and had to many heat strokes and it’s been over 110 degrees and no rain for weeks. My electric bill is $1.55 a day. I use 11.5 kWh on a bad day. So trying to understand what I would need. Sadly I also leave whee it gets below zero
Right on Ginny! Always here to help with solar and send me some pics of your cabin: lamar5292@yahoo.com
I wish I could do that.
Would be great to see your progress!
I know things cost more now then back then but i am looking for solar system for off grid and you have explained great and thank you for sharing.
I just bought the Hessaire. Awesome works great. Only takes it down 1 watt. Doggies love it and me too!😃
I'm an octogenarian who survived the 2021 Texas freeze. What saved me was my standby generator. Were I living in a wooded area away from an urban area I would definitely have solar panels and a standby generator. Don't look for much improvement from ERCOT in Texas. It is a state in name only. It is its own nation.
Exactly!
A really good video straightforward simple to understand and practical thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
LOVE the way you mounted your panels on the ground! Thanks for sharing.
You bet!
After seeing some photos of roofs destroyed with roof mounted panels from a hurricane, I am keeping mine on the ground. Two tornadoes later, I still have my panels.
Just do it, folks. I built my battery bank. I decided to build vs. buy. I now have the tools and the knowledge to repair and expand. It is two 100Ah LiFePo4batteries in series, so it’s 24v, 2,400 watts, 2,000 watt AC power inverter, AC charger, and DC outputs at both 24 and 12 volts, buck converter to step down further for charging radios. I also have a 5000 watt gas generator to run power tools or charge the batteries before my last phase of the build: adding solar panels and charge controller. Thinking 800-1200 watts of panels. I started with zero knowledge and It turned out to be easier than I thought. If I can do it, anybody can.
Just found your channel. Thanks. From. Sc I built a small off grids cabin 11 years ago. I to started with a harbor freight 45 w system. Not much to it. I set my cabin 12 volts lights water pump rv. 300 gal water tote. I would run the generator some to run my small water heater and extra battery charging Live in it five years saved every penny. Built my self a small home paid cash to build it. Old cabin is now storage. Great days humbled but lived well saved saved and saved. Any one can do this.
There ya go- no house payments, no utility bills and freedom!
HEY There! Thank you. This is the best most direct and clearest information I've seen yet. I really appreciate it. I'm in Northern New Mexico and am just now beginning to learn about the basics. Thanks again!!!
Glad it was helpful!
A 400 watt system with 4 200AH batteries and an 80 amp mppt controller is around three thousand dollars and gives you a lot of pretty long lasting power. I remember being without power for 3 weeks after a hurricane and I would have paid twice that just to have lights and a few fans and these systems last forever and when the power goes out you’re family will say YOU DA MAN!!!
I got 12 boat batteries with 525 amp hours for about $1300, and I used an Aims inverter/charger 24 volts 2000 watts, and I have six 100 watt panels but I may get 2 more before winter...I got the 40 amp Epever controller so it can take four more 100 watt panels...I wound up with $2600 in mine but I can run a 1450 watt air fryer for short periods, and also my small air conditioning for about an hour a day...plus the other stuff ...by the time it gets hot enough for the air , the batteries are up from overnight and so it works pretty well...I haven't used the grid for four months ...I got a small fridge that uses almost nothing on power as long as it isn't too hot in here...I'm building a frame for each pair of 100 watt panels so if it hails, I just take them inside, and they're easy to move.., I used thin one inch square pipe and it makes the frame solid ...I've got a 410 watt inverter for the phone and light and fan ...It doesn't hurt to have an extra wood stove to cook on outside somewhere too...I poured a concrete pad for mine in the barn so I can cook out there to keep some heat out of inside, too...
The LORD had me begin gathering solar and wind power items to use. I have them wrapped in mylar currently. Im so glad to find you. I'm an old widow. I have no understanding about this. So now I have a place to go with watching you to learn! Thanks! I just got an answer to my dilemma, I could use a 100 watt panel battery etc and use it exclusively to be a recharge station while using the other panels to operate for my daily electric needs! YAY! Thank you. GOD bless you Sir!
Welcome aboard!
You will probably want to do a test run for several days to become familiar on how it goes together. Better than waiting till you must have it and not know how to set it up or what it will run. I'm doing the same thing here. Best wishes❣
I have bought many USB rechargable items. They are awesome for emergency, camping and everydayy use just to reduce our electric bill!
Small USB Battery banks are awesome!! If a rechargabe motion light in our hallway runs down, we leave it mounted and plug it into a 1000mah bank to recharge.
Excellent video and greetings from a Dane living in Bulgaria.
Thanks friend!
As always LaMar, you explained it great again. Thanks, Terri from Michigan 😁
Thanks Terri!
I'll be glad when there's more competition on the Lithium batteries to bring the cost down on them also. :)
I hear ya- still too expensive but damn good batteries.
Yes . It will be a good thing. I have 4 battleborn 100ah lithiums. Two 400w panels keep them charged pretty nice.
There's plenty of competition on Lithium batteries. It doesn't bring the price down because mining lithium (which is a rare earth metal) is still expensive and environmentally damaging. Lithium will come down in price meaningfully when solid states have demand, which I estimate to be 10-15 years away.
you have inspired me, I am building a off grid cabin, thanks for all the info
Right on! Be sure and take lots of pics and send me some as you progress please!
This very nice to see how you make this emergency set up for everyday use. Most of us are using more that we need. I'm lurning for your presentation. Thanks
So glad I found you here 🙂
When come to solar system I been thinking about trying some those little odd ball solar kits just mess around with few of them for good chuckle. Like the Eco Worthy green 84wh portable power station or the green Gvshine one. I personally been educating myself on all different types of solar products out their. From what been seeing definitely alot different solar products out there. From $20 to $2,000 and up . I know your videos have inspired me to research the different types of solar products out there.
One suggestion for those living in an apartment or HOA that does not allow solar panels to be placed is to get a power station, at the prices they are at the moment they are a life saver in a power outage if you cannot have a generator or solar panels, most of them can be charged from ac , 12v dc or a solar panel.
I am doing a review now of 2 small emergency power stations and here is one: th-cam.com/video/NHpDGHl96Nk/w-d-xo.html
i have solar panels in my backyard and 2 jackery.
I have a dual power station/solar power generator. I'm going to charge it up in the hallway of my apartment block (using the AC socket that is for the cleaner to plug in her vacuum cleaner), and rip off the landlord.
In a shtf situation the hoa can go to hell
:22 in... liked for the groovy Motorhead picture in the background. Now, on to watching the rest of the video about solar. 🤠
Thank you so much!!! Very great explanation..truly appreciate all your knowledge.. God bless you sir!!
Glad it was helpful!
Good info Lamar, I always enjoy your videos.
I appreciate that!
I’ve just built a 500w system in the UK for exactly this reason. If Russia conflict expands to here, or the electricity goes off due to electricity rationing… I’m golden. Sunpower panels and 24v Renogy 2.4kw LifePo batteries, 40a MPPT and I can expand to 4.8kw. Love it
Right on! That is a good size and enough to survive a blackout and reduce your power use all year.
I'm in the UK could you pm me any information about your set up.👍
I first saw the LED light bulbs here. They`re all I use for light now...Onite warm white USB powered LED bulbs. Haven`t had any problems using them and with my power banks and solar power stations my lights never go out during power outages. You can power your lights in a dark camper or shed using an extension cable directly from a 30 to 100 watt portable folding solar panel too plus run a USB powered fan directly from these panels after hurricanes.
Right on! I stared with halogens and they still used a lot of power. LED are so much better and affordable now.
I have a gas tankless water heater for my house. It heats the water using natural gas, but does require AC to run it’s “brains.” The microcontroller that adjusts the temp, flow, etc…. It pulls on about 80 watts to start the ignition, then about 40 to run. Here in SoCal earthquakes and wind have caused power loss for hours, some cases days. So, no power = no hot water. At present I have a small jumpstart power back w AC for a quick fix. That why I keep a eye out for a better solar solution like this. Goos stuff thanks.
if you have the space you could use a vertical indirect tank. I have a gas heating unit to heat our house and this unit makes hot water in an indirect tank using a separate fluid circuit. The same tank has a second heat exchanger coil in the bottom where thermal solar could be connected. I will have it replaced by an electrical heating element (I went cold feet on thermal solar) and run it from excess PV i will have. That is a 80gal tank so it will take cca 13kWh to heat up water from tap water to shower. 3kWp PV installation can do that completely. If you only want some backup you can pick a 30gal tank with two heater elements and 1,2kW PV (that is 4pcs of 300W panels) no big deal.
I have a 400w system and can run my gaming computer on it, it has an 800w power supply, but it only uses around 300w when gaming, otherwise it's under 100w when doing things like youtube. Instead of a kit like that you can get 100w panels from HF ($400), a good MPPT controller(more efficient) from amazon for $100 and a 2000w pure sine wave inverter for $300.
i was thinking about kits too and the big advantage is (why I think Solarcabin recommended them too) ithat if you buy them bit by bit you have to know about solar - maybe not a lot, but some. Kits' components are fit to each other and you buy a complete system that is sure to work, for better or worse. Not mentioning the accessories like cables with pre-mounted lugs, fuses, fuse holders, busbars etc, they are all selected and sized properly. E.g. if battery cables come pre-assembled you can get away without buying a big crimper tool which cannot be avoided if you want to produce your own system - or you can order pre-assembled cables but you will have a lot of choices and it's easy to get the wrong size.
If someone is good in these it can be done easily but it will get widespread faster if people don't have to become designers to go solar.
Where I totally agree with you though is the MPPT. If someone spends 1700 buck on a system it makes all the sense in the world to add another 50 and get a decent controller.
Very helpful video Brother. Thumbs up Sir~John ps I watched this at higher speeds just because of time constraints lol.
Thanks, did I sound like mickey mouse at high speed?
@@solarcabin haha,,nah not to much!
Very nice life style!
Love it…..!
Thanks for sharing
Nice setup, good video. Greetings from sunny Jamaica.
Big up
I have been off-grid for 10 years. Now that I have a Tesla model 3 long range, I use the system to charge it so I no longer buy gas. Here is what I have: four 300 watt panels connected in serial-parallel, an MPPT charge controller, four Battle Born batteries (400 amp hours) and a 2000 watt inverter. It runs my house, sauna, koi pond and well when I am not charging the Tesla. Cost about $6,000 includes fuses, wires etc.
My system isn't big enough for an EV car but it handles the Ebikes just fine. It would be nice to have an EV you can use for backup power off grid. Those Ford lightning trucks look nice.
Thank you for the recommendations and info. Much appreciated.
Happy to help, friend!
Great video, as always.
Conventional refrigerators typically have a starting wattage of 800-1200 watt-hours/day, and a running wattage of around 200-watt hours/day.
I use an Alpicool 12 volt fridge/freezer. 45 watts and only runs a couple times an hour. th-cam.com/video/P1QJHksH_Sg/w-d-xo.html
A lot of good information.
Glad it was helpful!
New residential modules are now in the 400watt range. A single mod at 400 watts!. 72 cell can go up to 440, 60 cell around 380 and 66 cell at 400. Available at any CED Greentech distribution center. Ask about damaged mods, might get a discount. Scratch and dent, still have output.
Thanks for EXCELLENT information!! 💕👍
Glad it was helpful!
Wow! Today you can get all that now, if not better, for half the price. 😃
You can get the 400 watt kit here: amzn.to/3PHLyKm
Your a great guy --- I wonder how many 1000s of people you have helped out? ---- when it comes time to answer to God he will be pleased
Thank you!
Yes, amen
P.S. After buying all that stuff, I had to build a generator cheap...but I got a really good little tiller engine with low hours, and one of those old blue Winco AC generators that the highway department sold at auction because a semi hit the yellow light and tore the generator bracket half off of it...lol, I used a belt off from a wringer Maytag, and I had to make a 3 and a half inch pulley for the motor from three pieces of pulley welded together by putting welding leads on my battery bank and using a DC welding rod...so I got my generator going...I run my new inverter welder off of it now, it starts first pull...oh...I got a pot still so I can distill some battery water, but I have 3 gallons of grape juice fermenting this hot week to see how well the still works out in the barn on the old wood stove...got me a 20 gallon sandblasting tank for a new stove this year...I had to use the still last winter for distilling water from snow when it got down to minus 15 for two days and the water all froze... it's always something or other , you know it? But at least
I've got twice as many batteries as last year lol...I started buying two a month in September but I skipped a month to buy a controller...I just paused to watch a couple episodes of Moonshiners ...I'm kind of new at all that but it's summertime and the fermenting is easy lol so it's this week's amusement...this off gridding is okay after you get all the parts , lol...oh I thought of something funny ...I left the ends on my cord and put a 3 way thing on there and put plug in things on the solar panels with a short cord so I can unplug and move them to mow or in case of hail...I just put a short cord with an outlet on the controller and plug in a 25 ft. cord to the panels...it works just fine, I had 440 watts going thru it today...I kind of got tickled when you said you cut the ends off but I see why you did there...you are right though, if you make more than just a bit of power it gets costly the farther you go that direction...I took the best route I could without having to buy another inverter later...so I decided to go 24 volts the first time, and after watching about 500 inverter videos I decided on the one I got, but I had to save up 3 months to get it...it weighs 44 pounds lol, so I figured it has to have some copper in there at least...it's good , .it's quiet...the idling watts is 19.2 but I turn it off sometimes or to " standby " ...well I guess I'm done commenting...let me know if I forgot anything...I've got food out the wazoo and I' m thinking about building a 3 horse steam engine maybe...kinda runnin out of projects for the pandemia thing...lol...
I use a bunch of Windy Nation's cables. They seem like really high quality. The rest of my system is mostly Renogy.
I have used both companies and no complaints. Windy Nation has better customer service for off gridders.
I love your videos. I'm a 62 year old woman living off grid in a mountain cabin as much as I can. I have solar panels on my roof installed by a solar company.
But I have a question for you. I have 200 watts in panels, 200 amp hour lithium po4 battery, with 2000 watt inverter. I plan to add 200 more watts in panels. Renogy told me I needed their 2000 watt inverter because it is lowest one for lithium battery. I've been told by other people they use regular inverters with po4 lithium battery with no problem.
But my big question is, "Does this system have to be grounded?" I get mixed opinions on the grounding issue.
I have it on a utility wagon so it is portable. I go boondocking in my teardrop camper, and I would also like to use the system around my barn or chicken coups. But I don't want to have to pound grounding rods in all these places. I didn't hear you mention use of ground on your system..
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
God bless you
Hi Janice, you can use any inverter on the LIFPO and it runs smaller inverters like my 300 watt just fine.
Most off gridders I know don't ground their systems BUT if the panels and wiring are high up where lightning could het them you can ground the panels or the battery. The controller and inverter all have a fuse that will blow if there is a short but you should have a fuse link on any direct DC wiring if you are using a 12 volt plug like the cigg plugs.
Take care and have a great summer!
@@solarcabin Thank you so much.
What's nice about a lot of 300 watt Inverters is they turn off when no load is sensed.. plus if your load can be handled by a 300 watt inverter then that will be much more efficient than a 1500 watt inverter.
if I went off-grid i had both - had a small 3-500W running all the time with load sensing and I would have a big one to run the washing machine or the well pump which I would turn on and off manually when needed
Nice overall review. Great information! Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
I am getting ready to go full time off great and I will like to know watt system I need to run:
water hiter, 1 big frizer. 1 big refrigerator plus 2 mini split AC units.
I will highly anticipated if you can help me out.
Thank you!
Sincerely Nelia!
According to your video this kit costs $1689.99 at the time you recorded it ON Amazon a year ago.......BUT I don't have $1700 to my name and I really want a back up power system!! Monthly (as I am on a very strict fixed income of $600 a month) I can spend around $300 a month for parts!! BUT waiting to "save money and buy stuff" in my world never works out!!!! Cars and homes break, kids and grand kids have needs and I DO have other bills to pay as well too!!!
So even if I could save four months worth of $300 income, towards this solar array, SOMETHING in other words will always "come up"....because its life!! And trust me when I say I have no shortage of projects around here that need to be fixed!! And my total monthly income is actually $600 a month which doesn't go far in 2022/2023!! But again like I say I do have other bills to pay, and I typically cut my income in half to pay my bills and then the other $300 is for my "projects"!!
I hear you friend! Here is a 400 watt kit for about $1,100: amzn.to/3FPI4C2
Here is a 200 watt kit for abut $450: amzn.to/3jpAM0e
You can always add more batteries and panels to either system as you get the money. Best!
Excellent vid!
Thanks Peter!
KK-bol solar light bulb is just one generic brand of lights (exactly like that one) which comes with it's own tiny solar panel. You can put the panel on roof, outside wall, etc. And leave the bulb plugged in to charge and use or disconnect bulb and use.
2x for 20.00 with solar panel for charging.
My 45 watt Harbor Freight system is still running... Appx 11 years old.
Tap into batteries you already have in emergencies.
Car, boat, lawn tractor.. anything with a 12V battery can be tapped to run a computer UPS. (they come with 12V gel cell batteries most times, just pull that and hook wires to the car battery)
You skip buying the battery for the MOST BASIC Harbor Freight 100 watt solar kit as an emergency source and can run some stuff. Lights (the 2 LED lights in the kit) charging cell phone, running a laptop...
Note that these small solar setups WILL NOT supply enough for heating a house to prevent pipe freezing.
Heat uses a LOT of power.
1000 watt solar would not have been enough for the houses without power in that freeze event.
2500 watts might have prevented freezing, but not made the houses comfortable.
(except super-insulated houses... which can be heated with a handheld hair dryer.)
Excellent video a recommendation you might want to put your panels in series depending on the open circuit voltage your charge controller can handle it will start charging earlier and stay on longer plus no need for all the y connection I running 3 panels in series 315 watts 40 volt open circuit voltage at 8 amps to the charge controller which can handle up to 145 volts DC putting in around 700 to 850 watts of power into the batteries let me know what you think
It's always dependent of the system design. But the general rule of thumb advise to have the highest voltage possible and also the minimum difference possible between systems! The smaller the conversions the best!
Meaning that your inverter output of 120V or 230V will benefit from the highest input possible. Ex: 48v or higher input would be better, than 12V input. To "extract" your 120V or 230V AC output!
So in principle what you said makes all sense.
With this said for small, simple (and cheap) systems. One might prefer to keep it around the original 12v. Purely for general simplicity! ;-)
So you have a mppt controller, most of these 12v kits have pwm controllers that can't handle higher voltage higher watt panels.
Very good information. Thanks
Happy to help!
Do you have any videos about how to get solar setups to work during winter, and for winter tweaks, changes, etc?
th-cam.com/video/8cUA96Bl0co/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/ZSrErumSxns/w-d-xo.html
Hey Lamar how's it going brother. Just got my second set of 100 watt panels last week. Waiting on a new charge controller now
Nice 👍 Going great Ken!
Great info. Thanks!👍🙂
Glad it was helpful!
Do you need any fuses or battery cut off switch?
Only fuse needed is on a direct DC line if you are running DC appliances. A 30amp inline fuse works fine. Your controller and inverter all have built in fuses. A batt cut off switch is nice when you need to work on the system.
@@solarcabin ♥️
Dude, great video
Thanks, friend!
On the little refrigerators, could you use a mini fridge in the same way? I suppose I would need to see how much watts it takes first.
Yes, the Alpiccool uses 45 watts when running and only runs a few minutes each hour. It will run fine off this small system.
Those kinds of questions are what I'm thinking about. I'm setting mine up myself as well so we learn together 🤗
You da man! This has taken out the confusion of going off-grid. I have a property that has no power and I'd hate to hook up to the grid. So, the Hessaire won't work well in humid foothills North Carolina? Any suggestions for humid areas?
You can run a 5000 BTU window unit or a mini split unit off solar without a big system. The mini split units are also heat units.
Of subject, but I remember when you put up a video a few years ago regarding a home made solar septic tank
Curious to know if it’s still fit for purpose or have you made any modifications.
It looked a really good idea
Yes, it still works great and no problems.
Is that video still up on you tube? I can't seem to find it.
good content buddy!
My solar system is restricted by budget, lets not pretend that this stuff is cheap. I have just bought 4 x 100w Renogy panels, 30amp solar controller MPPT, 2kw PSW inverter and a 200amp Renogy lithium iron phosphate battery. This clearly is not enough to go off grid, especially with the amount of sunshine here in the UK, but it is hopefully enough to keep the essentials running in the case of a power outage. Just the cabling and a couple of isolators to get and I can start the build. Its going to go onto a flat roof in a frame south facing, so hopefully I should be ok with that.
With the right appliances 400 watts can run an entire cabin like mine off grid and has for 20 years BUT you also have to invest in the right appliances and your house has to be designed for off grid living. You will still reduce your power bill and have a good emergency setup with that system.
I live in Puerto Rico and I only consume $13 of electricity. I was just charged $70 for this month 😵😵
More than ready for solar.
Solar panels need pretty much full sun and the proper angle to produce the rated power. Just keep this in mind so your not disappointed with the performance when you place them in a door or window
Yes, they need full sun and no shade.
I have finally completed my solar system. I have 12 solar panels that goes to a growatt 3000 all in one inverter. I have purchased 4 lithium batteries 24v 100ah. My question for you is how do I ground my panels to protect them from lighting strikes. I don't know how or where to attach my copper wire that will go to ground. Do you have any suggestions?
Right on, generally you don't need to ground the panels for off grid ground mount system and your power controller and inverter have fuses if their is a power spike. You can ground the battery as shown here: www.sunwize.com/tech-notes/grounding-in-off-grid-solar-systems/
I have some AGM batteries that are 400 amp hours each they are really tall like two batteries stacked on top of each other and they are very heavy
You can get huge batteries and AGM are good batteries. No maintenance.
In this video I explain my 400 watt system for off grid or emergency power for your homes and I show you the equipment I use and recommend.
WindyNation 400 Watt (4pcs 100W) Solar Panel Kit + 1500 Watt VertaMax Power Inverter + AGM Battery Bank amzn.to/3frArWC
Hessaire MC18M Portable Evaporative Cooler - Gray, 1300 CFM, Cools 500 Square Feet amzn.to/3p1YDSM
Alpicool C40 Portable Refrigerator 12 Volt Car Freezer 42 Quart(40 Liter)
amzn.to/3vvypKM
Flyhoom Solar Powered Light amzn.to/34rd6hp
NOTE: I am an authorized Amazon affiliate and I do make a little money if you order through one of my links- thank you! http:www.simplesolarhomesteading.com
Best Off Grid Batteries and LIFPO4 Comparison
th-cam.com/video/NzIJgikgFs0/w-d-xo.html
Alipcool C20 12/24 110V Fridge/Freezer Review
th-cam.com/video/mUwW0Fn-bNQ/w-d-xo.html
Batteries have come down a lot in price - even more than panels. Around 5 years ago, 100A 12V would cost around $900. Now you can get around 3X that capacity at that price.
The LIFPO4 have come way down but good AGM like the Vmax are still about the same as when I got mine 8 years ago,
@@solarcabin checked on Trojans and I see the same. Truth be told, LiFePo4 came down alright, but it feels like in the past it was 10x more expensive than I could afford and now it is only 3x more expensive. Still out of reach :(
I sent 6 Flyhoom LED lanterns to the Philippines this month. Amazon provides free delivery there. Four shipped December 2nd via USPS never arrived and cost over $40. That means 6 is less than 4. 😵💫
Well that's not good! Can you track it through Amazon?
@@solarcabin, Yes. The Amazon purchase shipped directly to the Philippines was tracked. The items sent to me and then reshipped December 2nd via USPS had no tracking.
Less than 14 days seems acceptable.
Thank you very much.
You are welcome!
so using 200A LiFePo4 HEADWAY 38120 HP 3.2 8AH BATTERY to make a battery pack would be nice to see them in series and pareall
I would check with the batt manufacturer as they are all a bit different in how many you can hook together.
I been telling people for years since 2001 when we had that huge outage that hit canada and usa , to have power back up , i laughed at people in my apartment building when they asked me how i have power in building and no one else does , lol had an inverter hooked in my van , run a cord to my apartment lol , now i live in a forest and have 4 power supply back ups and 4 inverters , you know , incase one fails lol
I have done the cord from the truck inverter a few times. Just make sure you lock the doors so someone doesn't steal the vehicle.
Hi, I am looking for something that will run two Heaters in my home back up if lights go out
You would need a huge solar power system to run heaters. I recommend getting a propane heater for backup: th-cam.com/video/1zFJNEffA7A/w-d-xo.html
I bought a 100W panel kit that was "on sale", and it didn't have the battery or anything but the wiring...Just the controller too...Can you please tell me what I need to get to have it be "SET UP"...I bought an extra cord to have the wiring reach into our house...I set it up outside the front deck...I now need to save up for the rest of the components...but NEED to have a person who knows about panels let me know WHAT EXACTLY I need to hook it up inside, from the outside cord...We live in Southern Alberta Canada 🇨🇦...HIGH CHINOOK WINDS/TORNADOES...The panel is set up right in front of our deck, away from the drips off the roof...And it's DEFINITELY STABLE W/METAL "TWIST" PEGS...I set it up before the ground FROZE...IT CAN get to -5O°C at times...NOW to learn about the REST...FOR MY situation....THANK YOU FOR YOUR SITE INFO, AND YOUR AWESONE SITE...GOOD'AY!!
Hi Linda, this video explains a basic 100 watt system: th-cam.com/video/9VPAGClfLaA/w-d-xo.html If you have a 100 watt panel and the controller you need a battery and I recommend a 100AH AGM like these: th-cam.com/video/9VPAGClfLaA/w-d-xo.html
You will need an inverter like this: amzn.to/3oJKqeD
And one of these: amzn.to/3rWE2Tk
Connect your battery to the controller first and then the solar panel to the controller. Connect that cigg plug to the battery and plug your inverter in to that and you are ready to go. The inverter had 110 volt plugs for small appliances or USB plugs for recharging gadgets.
@@solarcabin
THANKS SO MUCH for your HELP!! VERY MUCH APPRECIATED...GOD BLESS!!
Would Lithium batteries work with this system.? I’m concerned with the Charge Controller set up. I have zero experience with the life pro batteries
You can use either a PWM or MPPT controller as long as it outputs 14 volts to charge.
Due to circumstances I live in an apartment in Florida where the balcony faces east. I am unable to store fuel and limited space on the balcony for panels. The only thing I am looking to power during outages is my full size refrigerator. Would you have any suggestions on the best way I can do this?
Great video with tons of information.
Hi Ray, you might be able to get by with a small efficient alpicool fridge and run that off a power station like the Generark for up to 3 days in a blackout. th-cam.com/video/P1QJHksH_Sg/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/wkVJUEtOm-0/w-d-xo.html
@@solarcabin thank you
What about building a frame for the non-sliding patio door that could hold 2 100 watt panels you could get from Harbor Freight? This way, takes up little space, can use it now, and low profile..
Great video! I learned a lot.
Watching in 2023.
Your's is excellent, informative video.
However, prices have dramatically fallen by 2023.
Myself, over the last 3 years have been acquiring pieces for my 400 Watt home emergency power systems.
Harbor Freight 100 W panels on sale for $99.
4000/2000 Watt Pure Sine Wave Invertor 12VDC 120 VAC $80 China.
100 Amp Solar/Battery Controller $50 China
Four Grp 24 (60 - 75 Ah) recycled auto batteries $20 to $40/ea
Why? Recycled Auto batteries.
The system is only for rare emergency use and batteries are cheap.
It works too.
I forwarded your video to two dozen friends too.
btw - I have your Champton 1400/1200 generatir two.
- Paul
Hi Paul, yes prices have come down a lot. I am expanding my system now with another 400 watts and two 200Ah LIFEPO4 batts.
Hello. Would a small generator be ok for a van to start? Would the generator power a small USB ice chest and necessities for camping?
i am making a video of my 200 watt system that would work well for a van and run a 12 volt fridge/freezer. I will post the link soon.
Remember to add up your appliance wattage. That gives you a better idea how many watts you need.
I'm newbe and I'm viewing your videos and you said to one person you don't need a fuse for the
controler and inverter but you would need a fuse in the line. So would you install a fuse from the
solar panels line to the controler? I'm going to purchase the Hessair cooler. Do they make a small
room heater. I have a 1500 watt room heater but that may not work for 400 watt system.
I will keep watching and reading comments on your other videos. Thank you for your help.
Your controller has a built in fuse and so does an inverter. You need a fuse on any direct DC wiring to appliances and a 30 amp in line fuse will work.
@@solarcabin Thank you for the fast reply and all of your videos.
What wood stove do you use I was raised in Colorado I Live off-grid Now in another state
Any of the newer double wall stoves are pretty good. Depends on your state and needs but I like the vogelzang double wall for a smaller cabin.
Need a backup power for a 240 v 30 amp system . Have any ideals? The knee you
Have You checked out the olight
obulb light ? ( they're about $30 )
6 volt golf cart batts. Do maint checks once a week. They last 10 years plus. Put them in a vented area... or not, I have never had a problem in 25 years. I get my GC6volts at Sams Club. One year free replacement. If it doesnt fail within one year, it will last 10 years IF you do basic simple maintenance. You do not need expensive super hero batteries.
Can I just run the solar wires into my camper to my mppt charge controller, 300 amp hour lifepo4, and 1500 watt inverter to power a small air conditioner without grounding or can it damage something or be dangerous? We have lightning here so the panels will be disconnected before storms or moved inside when I go to town. I don`t want to damage or fry a system that cost 2000 bucks. Don`t have money to replace an 1100 dollar battery.
You can ground the neg post on the battery to the frame on the camper but generally very low risk of lightning striking panels and your equipment all has fuses.
@@solarcabin Thank you. I have a bunch of stuff in my cart. The last of my disability back pay is going towards this. I`m basically stranded in the woods in Louisiana in a hurricane zone and want emergency power for a tiny Frigidare air conditioner.
I have a question.would something like this be able to be set up on a balcony of a high rise?
For a balcony I would recommend the flexible panels. Less weight and danger: th-cam.com/video/ujCJ8rstFsQ/w-d-xo.html
@@solarcabin ty.
Trying to run a 5 cubic foot freezer on solar... how many panels and batteries...
Compact and small freezers that are 5 cubic feet can use around 1 amp or 100 watts while running. During start-up, however, they use approximately 6 amps or 700 watts. I recommend 400 watts solar and 200AH LIFEpo4 battery with a 1000 watt inverter.
I was wondering if it would be possible to set up some kind of swamp cooler, like a full sized cooler, with a motor that would start running when the solar panels started producing enough power. Basically dedicate some panels to the cooler and set it up so it would run slow in the morning light, run full blast during the mid day sun and slow again in the evenings.
They make small 12 volt evap coolers for RVs and I use this one at night when the big swamp cooler is too much: amzn.to/3Qqdsuv
Those will run off direct solar or you can get a battery and inverter to run a larger swamp cooler an this hessaire takes only 85 watts and I use it every warm day at the cabin: amzn.to/3BEbG54
Thanks....tony
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Do you know what the difference in price would be if I ordered the lithium batteries?
About double the price but also double the capacity.
I have one of them In my garage I have been thinking of a hundred watt at Harbor freight. Now for power I have a sixty five hundred watt generator. a two thousand watt sprots man. and an a p i little inverter generator.I have three deep cycle batteries. and one new car battery. it is just there.
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