Plugged A Solar Panel Into My Home For 7 Days | Here's What Happened

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ธ.ค. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 961

  • @everydaysolar
    @everydaysolar  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Calculate Solar Cost For Your Home - geni.us/solar_reviews
    2 Panel Micro Inverter Unit (600W) - geni.us/Z4RdX
    4 Panel Micro Inverter Unit (1200W) - geni.us/A0AfAL
    EG4 BrightMount - geni.us/hbaYeE
    Original video showing Micro Inverter setup - th-cam.com/video/ut6LA5faRmI/w-d-xo.html
    DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.

  • @manolisgledsodakis873
    @manolisgledsodakis873 ปีที่แล้ว +55

    @Everyday Solar To answer your question about the electrolytic capacitors: they should NOT run hot or even warm. That would be a sign that they are incorrectly rated for the application. Electrolytic capacitors tend to have a short life in cheap inverters and charge controllers but failure is usually obvious because the top of the capacitor will fracture and vent smoke OR the rubber plug in the bottom of the capacitor will be pushed out. Yours look OK. More likely that a fuse has melted or a semiconductor has blown. It's hard to tell from the video but it does appear that the semiconductor immediately above the toroidal coil (top right on the lower PCB) has exploded.

    • @gpenrod5221
      @gpenrod5221 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      FYI, I am more familiar to much larger inverter systems. The semiconductors to which you are referring are likely SCR gates, a very common item in an inverter. They are the units that know when to feed the electricity back in and on which correct part of the AC cycle to feed it. And the SCR gates generally are the main source of failures in them. They take a beating. Could be a fuse if there is one.
      The pads on the capacitor, likely those are simply insulators to separate the aluminum body of the case from the metal part of the capacitor. Someone mentioned that electrolytic capacitors regularly fail. Yes, that is somewhat true. However, you need to consider the practical use to their implementation. If you used a same farad rated foil wrapped capacitor in that spot, it would have to be much larger in physical size and more expensive, that is if it is even available in the first place. Larger inverter systems use oil capacitors and with constant use it is recommended those capacitors be replaced every 7 or so years. Electrolytic capacitors actually hold up better/longer than oil filled, but can't match the rated capacity of oil filled for the physical size of the capacitor. It is basically the only real practical option you have in this type of environment.

    • @beforebefore
      @beforebefore 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      ​@@gpenrod5221 Inverters today don't use SCRs, they use MOSFET transistors, and sometimes GaN or Silicone Carbide transistors.

    • @beforebefore
      @beforebefore 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Yes, in high speed switching circuits used in digital inverters likenthis, electrolytic capacitors DO get warm and/or hot, because they are discharged/recharged very fast (thousands of times per second), and this causes heating due to internal resistance.
      The solar panel is providing energy to the inverter, but the solar panel has relatively high output impedance, so the large capacitors have a lot of work to do - to keep the DC voltage stable.

    • @backwoodsmodified
      @backwoodsmodified 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Looks like a burnt transistor. Probably an easy repair.

    • @gantz4u
      @gantz4u หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yeah those Transistors are going to try to dump alot of heat and theyre from CHYNA...Theyre all from CHYNA so thats not a critique on the quality of the unit. Im not seeing a major heat sink. Much less a fan cooled 1. Sometimes they have resistors associated with them that they take out too. It doesnt look like that here. To answer you question on caps. No. Sometimes they fail without visible signs of damage. I think very rarely have I replaced one that showed visible signs of damage, that wasnt my fault for trying to plug it in. If its old they usually fail with no signs of damage, outside of testing. Has nothing to do with this topic since its most likely that rail of transistors.
      If I was going to re engineer this I would add a push thru forced air cooled heatsink, mounting the transistors up right. put that fan as my intake and add an exhaust case fan. If that didnt solve it then figure out how to up rate the transistors on the power dissipation rating...Like anybody listens tho.
      Reminds me of Bass guitar amps. where you want max watts for max. loudness so alot of companies want to rate on the edge of what the transistor can safely do long term. Like solar since everyone wants to meek out max. powah. Safely? Long term? hear it looks like not even out of the box.
      From what Im thinking is if chyna says 3600watts you dont uprate that, you probably want to down rate by 20%. Obviously theyre playing fast and loose with numbers and not providing 20% head room. I dont know what peoples problems is.

  • @seymourpro6097
    @seymourpro6097 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +53

    I'd always prefer to have a solar backup to mains so I'd prefer batteries. Here in the UK feed-in payments have gone down, they were 100% at first but now it's about 5%. Most times I want backup power, it's already dark so a charged battery is more use than a dark solar panel.

    • @UKsystems
      @UKsystems 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      It’s worth knowing that batteries can raise the system cost by thousands and they have expenses of replacing them and maintaining them

  • @jimcarl4316
    @jimcarl4316 ปีที่แล้ว +59

    As an experiment, can you turn your breakers off so the home is not drawing power and show a video of your meter while it is backfeeding. Let’s see if it goes backwards, forwards or stay stationary. I hear lots of opinions, but I have never seen this experiment. thank you.

    • @ssoffshore5111
      @ssoffshore5111 ปีที่แล้ว +28

      I've done it several times. It depends on the meter. Many of the old analog meters will most definitely spin backwards. The new digital smart meters will throw an error code... and contact the power company. So don't try it with the smart meters, unless you want the power company to come knocking on your door!

    • @SamsDIY
      @SamsDIY ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes the old ones with the wheel will spin backwards, the newer ones are uni-directional, so if it doesnt give you an error, you will be paying for the backfed power you fed into the grid just the same as if you used it from the grid. The meter doesn't know what way power is traveling it only tracks the amount that passes through it, regardless of if it is going into the house, or being backfed to the grid. bi-directional meter is necessary unless you have the old style. @@ssoffshore5111

    • @RonaldDaub-xi5jz
      @RonaldDaub-xi5jz 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      Smart meters don't run backwards

    • @Denniss7420
      @Denniss7420 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

      @@RonaldDaub-xi5jz Smart meters, if they detect a reverse flow......will trigger a code to the Utility company, also they will bill you as Usage whether if the meter is running backwards or forward.

    • @Hohmies86
      @Hohmies86 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      Turning breakers off is will make your electric bill go down even if those rooms didn’t have anything plugged in and being used. The dissipation of electricity happens at every device, every wire nut or termination point dissipates electricity.
      So turning the breaker off actually greatly diminishes that dissipation.
      For 1 entire month, turn off every breaker to your house when you leave for work except the AC and the refrigerator.
      Then turn them on as you need them once home, do that experiment and report back

  • @9jmorrison
    @9jmorrison 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +102

    Permitting in my county is to complicated for a DIY, they talk green, but the use red tape.

    • @everydaysolar
      @everydaysolar  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

      Yeah, it can be a brutal process. I am super interested in these plug and play systems. More videos to come 👍

    • @mr.nuna916
      @mr.nuna916 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +11

      Just do it. How are they Really gonna know unless you have nosey neighbors OR you live in an HOA. Idk....this is America. I just have a hard time asking anyone to anything to my own home. I'd put that thing in my backyard and the county would never know.

    • @RichardDeal
      @RichardDeal 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      @@everydaysolarthere are NO plugin in inverters that meet code requirements in the USA, they are also not UL listed with a plug and adding a plug voids the UL listing.

    • @Nova-m8d
      @Nova-m8d 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      What are talking about permit? What do you need, a permission slip from your mom? Grow up.

    • @NoName-zz8nl
      @NoName-zz8nl 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@everydaysolar as am I, use to have plug and plays for TV when I was a child many games on them as well

  • @richj120952
    @richj120952 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    So, the little black devices in the middle of the unit are the things that need heat sinking. If there is a heat issue, it would be there, not the 3 capacitors. You would need to check on the type of devices there. You could also use a infrared camera while the unit is open to check if there is one of those that appears to be hotter than the others. I will bet it will not be easy to get a schematic with parts information, but if you see one or more getting hotter, you can look at the part and there usually is identifying information on them. If you have a warranty, I would not go further, if not and you want to repair, find those parts. desolder the hot ones, and replace them with new parts. Be sure to apply a heat sink compound.

    • @everydaysolar
      @everydaysolar  ปีที่แล้ว +8

      I should have ran it with the cover off that would have been a fun test with a FLIR camera 👍

  • @Zappy1210
    @Zappy1210 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    I use a 200w solar panel on top of my barn to keep mowers/ATV and tractor batteries trickle charged when not in use for long periods of time. Works pretty well, haven't had to jump start or replace a battery in the 7 years I've had the little system. Think I bought everything at Harbor Freight for like $125.00 and I do not have a single complaint. Other similarly sized systems at the time were at least twice that price.

  • @ncooty
    @ncooty ปีที่แล้ว +149

    Contraptions like these--especially ones that need to integrate with other systems--really make me appreciate standards and certifications.

    • @joefrisco
      @joefrisco ปีที่แล้ว +15

      I was waiting to see if he used a suicide cord to feed power back into his home distribution.

    • @richardferrao6933
      @richardferrao6933 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      An electrical suicide plug, also known as a male-to-male extension cord, is a highly dangerous device. These cords have male plugs on both ends, unlike regular extension cords that have one male (protruding plug) end and one female (receptacle) end. @@joefrisco

    • @Icehso140
      @Icehso140 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +12

      Right. I wonder why we even show these videos to DIYers. Someone is going to get killed someday...but the youtuber will still cash his check. We have electrician's licenses for a reason folks.

    • @hildacorea
      @hildacorea 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +27

      ​@@Icehso140you must be a government worker

    • @Icehso140
      @Icehso140 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +19

      @@hildacorea No...just an educated electrician that knows how dangerous electricity is. But be my guest. Electricity doesn't care who you are and when a DYIer hurts or kills someone I'm sure you'll blame the govt.

  • @jedics1
    @jedics1 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +36

    Had my 2kw solar/9kw battery system producing easily 80% of my needs 4 years now, the first year it produced 95% which was a bit of a struggle in winter but is still amazing for such a small system. Installed it myself so payback is already achieved. Since I did it, its even easier to do yourself with all in one boxes and is a no brainer for anywhere with decent sun.

    • @MrGigi-dz9cv
      @MrGigi-dz9cv 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Yes, but the winter there îs problem.

    • @stephencrowther524
      @stephencrowther524 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@MrGigi-dz9cv Whats your point ? Don’t use solar because it’s less efficient in the winter ?

    • @MrGigi-dz9cv
      @MrGigi-dz9cv 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@stephencrowther524 You need ellectricity in the winter too ...

    • @rashadwhite849
      @rashadwhite849 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I think that's where inverters come in and batteries

    • @edwinungerer7989
      @edwinungerer7989 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      i didn't know the sun doesn't exist in the winter ​@@MrGigi-dz9cv

  • @JanRademan
    @JanRademan ปีที่แล้ว +35

    It addtion to the pads on each of the 6 capacitors, it looks like they may have forgotten to remove the adhesive blue tape from the two big rectangular thermal pads on the components next to the capacitors. It might be resulting in less heat transfer to the case from those components. You can see they made allowance on the cover for those pads to also dissapate heat.

    • @ProsperousHobo
      @ProsperousHobo 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I just saw that too. You've got a good eye.

    • @beforebefore
      @beforebefore 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      And we can't see if there's sufficient excess thickness of the thermal transfer tape to be compressed. They shouldn't be using that kind of tape, it should be non-adhesive pads (or one-side adhesive) so the cover would be removable for servicing.
      It would also help if the main lower enclosure had wider lips allowing for more get transfer to the rest of the box. (sure isn't an outdoor weather-proof box, is it?)

  • @Fl4ppers
    @Fl4ppers 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    I have an old Y&H/ecoworthy inverter (I think they're part of the same company). What I found is that you cant run them a full wattage/full amperage. You need to halve that or it fails. They're coy with the specs on what tolerances their components have. I suspect the top wattages are the company being a little loose with the truth. Some of the ones I looked at inside had some quality control issues where connections had been reversed on the mp4 connectors. I'd strongly suggest checking your polarity on the unit (even the panels).

    • @UKsystems
      @UKsystems 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      They are not lying about the voltage. It can cope with the higher wattage but it has to be in a fairly cool environment with a breeze. Some solar erase can have fans mounted to satisfy this requirement.

  • @WesternIronwoks
    @WesternIronwoks ปีที่แล้ว +32

    this is an easy addon to an RV system without any wiring needed.

    • @jimbo5635
      @jimbo5635 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Has to be hooked to the grid to work. It can't be hooked to another inverter or generator. Grid tie inverters work by increasing voltage to push power.

  • @thesurvivalist.
    @thesurvivalist. 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +72

    I did grid-tie for years, now I just bought more poly solar panels, and went fully off grid!

    • @lasetlivingstin7752
      @lasetlivingstin7752 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      Are you able to do a video on your experience??? Explain your different set-ups for each stage...Would be much appreciated if you could...😁☺️

    • @mickwolf1077
      @mickwolf1077 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I did multiple grid-tie with the crypto mining boom a few years back. Really lowered imported electricity and Bill but my meter never registered/logged any exported electricity so they had a freebie at times.
      Now I'm semi off grid with LFP batteries and hybrid inverter. I just need to install more panels as what I do have won't maintain batteries on rainy winter days and switches back to grid. Once I'm certain to produce enough solar on the worst days ill get my electricity service disconnected and save $1.60 per day of service charges.

    • @bigdog911PAradio
      @bigdog911PAradio 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I have 38 panels on my roof and the company talking 20k to install storage setup, what numbers do I need to find out what I need to store energy?HELP!!!

    • @lasetlivingstin7752
      @lasetlivingstin7752 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I need to know the best beginner's package...Then each step there after to lead to a full up & running solar system...Someone noted that the companies have no true knowledge or experience, playing it by ear...I need to know...My local electric company has no program at this time...

    • @lasetlivingstin7752
      @lasetlivingstin7752 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@mickwolf1077 Any vital information will be much appreciated...

  • @Keith-j2m
    @Keith-j2m ปีที่แล้ว +5

    You exceeded the wattage Input. The power supply is only rated for 300 watts input as it states on the Amazon listing. So on a sunny day, it likely burned up that side of the inverter.

  • @mikelemoine4267
    @mikelemoine4267 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Wondering if the failure could be caused by condensation. If the unit is getting damp inside, any moisture could have dripped to the lower board and shorted it out. Maybe inspect closely and see if you see any signs of water.

    • @orionbetelgeuse1937
      @orionbetelgeuse1937 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      of course the condensation must be the cause. If the heat would be the culprit then the upper part would be damaged not the lower one.

  • @Kantuski
    @Kantuski ปีที่แล้ว +19

    Another informative video, thank you for taking the time to do this experiment. I have 4 GTI installed and on my 1300 watt setup I am getting right around 1 Kw per day and using over 20, so my ROI is over 9 years but offsets and fun are PRICELESS!

    • @everydaysolar
      @everydaysolar  ปีที่แล้ว +7

      There is just something about harvest the sun that sucks a lot of us in 🙌

    • @p.chuckmoralesesquire3965
      @p.chuckmoralesesquire3965 ปีที่แล้ว

      it just shows us how far people have to go to gesture the aesthetic of maintaining any sort of control over their lives and then woops, nope, thought you had a great idea to beat the system but now the bottom half of your inverter throws an error light and your idea of energy independence is a non-starter.

    • @ARLGD
      @ARLGD 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thank you for sharing your experience with solar panels! It's great to see people like you taking steps towards sustainability. If you're interested in a reliable backup power solution for your outdoor adventures, I highly recommend the Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series. Its massive capacity, fast recharging, and versatile sockets make it perfect for camping trips and RV use. Plus, its rugged design ensures durability in various weather conditions. Happy camping and enjoy the priceless moments with your family! 🌞🚐

    • @Kantuski
      @Kantuski 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@ARLGD While I appreciate your generic comments, and have looked at the Segway cube, it falls short of my needs and therefore will NOT become part of my options.
      This is the 3rd time you have commented on one of my comments, all on other sites and shows you are trying to market for Segway.

  • @RobertAnthony-m4q
    @RobertAnthony-m4q 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    I just added a two 400 watt panel "Plug and Play" system. Not so much to reduce my electric bill, but we had a power outage and I thought, OK, now what do I do? Bought an EcoFlow Delta 2 and extra battery to keep some electricity 'stored'. Another point is with all the storms, floods, etc. It makes good sense to have some autonomous power capability! I lived on the Gulf Coast for 30 years and we always kept food, water, and extra gasoline in case of hurricanes. My wife is from California and they do the same in case of earthquakes. They don't happen often, but a thousand bucks of insurance will help when they do!

    • @beforebefore
      @beforebefore 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yes, though this requires a completely different system design, using a hybrid inverter. Small micro inverters can not supply power when there is no grid available... guess it's something like the new Enphase iq8 series - which is capable of creating a micro-grid on just solar alone (very unique), or with a storage battery system. (but it's Solar alone mode can't be enabled without more components from them)

    • @RobertAnthony-m4q
      @RobertAnthony-m4q 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Yes I realized that after a bit of reflection. In my case I can easily disconnect the micro inverter and directly charge my ecoflow. So does that also mean that Thousands of homes with solar panels are useless if the grid goes down ?

    • @beforebefore
      @beforebefore 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@RobertAnthony-m4q Yep... unless they have a hybrid inverter... and solar-alone as a "grid-loss backup" isn't exactly reliable... ergo why people usually add a backup battery bank.

    • @uncrunch398
      @uncrunch398 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@beforebefore It may be better if everything that doesn't need to operate when the user is ready is smart controlled so they can be set to just operate when solar output is sufficient. Like a washing machine or dryer. Load it, delegate to the system to determine when the power is good and will be long enough and auto start it. Though a dryer could be a box with a window and clothes lines inside, vents for optimal passive flow, painted black outside, white or chrome/metalic/mirrors inside.

  • @the1andonly
    @the1andonly ปีที่แล้ว +26

    I'd be interested to get a used solar panel just to run some lights and chargers. Even if it doesn't feed into the grid, it would still replace some power we would otherwise have to pay the utility for.

    • @dfreadhoff
      @dfreadhoff 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      I do exactly that. I use a EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA 2 with 100w panel and charge my power tool batteries and if it hits 100% I plug it into the Tesla! All of it cost me $750 and I will never pay me for the cost and my time, but I love knowing that I am farming my own power:)

    • @swampcastle8142
      @swampcastle8142 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      Easy enough to do. Just beware of the cheap (Under $20 charge controllers) they are typically rated at 30A. I wouldn't trust them past 10A. Basically, 1x100W panel. I blew up 4-5 of them figuring this out. Hooked up to 2 panels they'd last anywhere from a month to six months.
      They are designed to be solar powered light pole charge and light controllers. Great for little setups, or you know, solar powered light poles. At this they work just fine.

    • @UKsystems
      @UKsystems 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@dfreadhoff terrible idea these premade solutions are really expensive and impossible to fix easily

    • @UKsystems
      @UKsystems 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The issue here is if there is not enough sun and something doesn’t charge you would have to probably invest in a transfer switch and stuff so that if it stops making powerful the charges the grid power can charge things so the grid time away makes sense here

  • @bowlampar
    @bowlampar 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    4X360W solar panel isn't it too much for a 1200W controller to handle?

  • @RiggerBrew
    @RiggerBrew ปีที่แล้ว +25

    For Safety and stability, you should be using a Growatt grid tie inverter. Can add an export limiter so you never back feed anything to the grid, thus does not require a net metering agreement

    • @Riceman-o1p
      @Riceman-o1p ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Why that one? There are 100 varieties.

    • @RiggerBrew
      @RiggerBrew ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Based on Availability and price. These tiny ones have lots of issues, even the ones from Enphase have issues. Using something more robust and active cooling will keep them working longer and some have UL Listings making them pass your home insurance requirements.

    • @Riceman-o1p
      @Riceman-o1p ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@RiggerBrew your information is old. Enphase had problems many many years ago. Today they are rocksolid reliable and active cooling would be a truly dumb idea. Cooling fans fail all the time, a large heat sink never fails.

    • @Riceman-o1p
      @Riceman-o1p ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@ericeric9208 well said, I am doing exactly what you just described. I had my own solar business for 10 years and I quit because I was sick and tired of permitting and dealing with the local electric utilities. So even though I did everything above board for 10 years I am now using my system behind the meter and I never back feed the grid and screw them! I am not bothering with a permit!

    • @ibenglish
      @ibenglish ปีที่แล้ว

      I have a grid tie inverter and pay 12 bucks for a connection fee. Once the warranty on the inverter is up i want to screw the power company also and go off grid since they give me nothing back in Oregon for my excess power. What system do you use? Finding an inverter that is reasonably priced but made to last seems like a suspect proposition currently. 5.44 kw and looking to add kw also in the future. @@Riceman-o1p

  • @solarcabin
    @solarcabin ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks for the follow up and I tried to warn people that microinverter is not going to pass code and does not appear to be safe. There are no heat sinks or fans on that unit. Don't recommend anyone buy one and look at off grid system components from reputable dealers not a plug n system that could burn your house down or cost you your insurance coverage.

    • @everydaysolar
      @everydaysolar  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      There is a 600 Watt with 120V out micro inverter made by NEP that looks to have all the certifications needed. I have an email sent out to my utility to get their feedback on this type of setup being approved for Net Metering. Not getting my hopes up but more curious than anything to see what they say.

    • @missreynolds3637
      @missreynolds3637 ปีที่แล้ว

      @ solar cabin I'd rather offset my usage by putting energy into a battery bank and inverter, using it to help lower our usage some. I did see an Asian guy do something similar to what this poster did, but he used a grid tie inverter, plugged into a power strip surge protector, plugged into the wall, to offset some of his usage. He also demonstrated that if there's no power it's not feeding back into the grid. I liked his set up better, but I still would rather offset some of my usage with a battery bank and inverter, or a larger solar generator, that can handle say a refrigerator, freezer, or small ac. For a little bit. Or whilst the sun is out with pass through charging.

    • @xxxxxxxxxx6903
      @xxxxxxxxxx6903 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      While I didn't look up the model of this inverter. Others responding to this thread stated it is a "grid tie" unit.
      If so, it monitors the grid line Fq, Phase, and Voltage. It will dynamically adjust to synchronize to the grid parameters to optimize load conditions.
      If designed to regulatory codes, it will also disable it's output if the grid voltage goes under a predetermined "Low Voltage Shutdown threshold". IE, is designed specifically not to back feed solar power to the grid during a grid power outage!
      There are a multitude of NEC, and Fed/State code and regulations pertaining to grid-tied solar installs.
      *(While not legal, or advised), and used only for testing on highways in Mexico. 🙄 Simple circuit Breaker(s), adequate sized AWG wire between the micro-inverter and the structure's load panel, and good Earth ground bonding, (is hypothetically) enough to protect from wiring fires from a single defective 1200Watt micro-inverter.
      Although, it is worth mentioning that many DIY residential solar systems do increase the likelihood of lighting damage to said structure and contents! 👀

  • @larrybruce4856
    @larrybruce4856 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    Taking into account: initial cost of solar panels, mounting panels, converters, installation permits, electrical permits, electrical inspections, testing, and HOA approval, I have concerns on maintenance. Snow removal from panels, dust removal, cleaning of panels, hail damage, and who do you call for repairs, maintenance, replacement of converter, electrical parts, or damaged solar panels, or worn damaged wiring over time ? ? ? Sounds expensive, a hassle and not worth the effort.

    • @DanielDTUBWeinberger
      @DanielDTUBWeinberger 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      It's not worth the effort in most cases I can think of, even excluding the permits, testing, inspections, approvals that you may or may not need.

    • @thefooshisloose
      @thefooshisloose 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      It is worth it if you are smart enough to figure it out and want to change the current polluted environment that we are forded to use from the fossil fuel industry. Otherwise you are at the mercy of the utility and oil companies to keep feeding you power that is still not 100% clean yet. Maybe one day it will be clean but not with the pace they are moving currently.

    • @thefooshisloose
      @thefooshisloose 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@DanielDTUBWeinberger Yeah only for the environment or if you know how to do it. If you don't know then yes it is not worth it, but like anything in life if you research and learn then you can do many things that seem impossible. You just have to want to do it for the right reason and then you can have a solar system that will have a full ROI in less than 5 years.

    • @UKsystems
      @UKsystems 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Mounting constant things like that are very low if you’re a bit clever how you do it but generally for ground mount array there are a lot less approvals due to the lower risk involved of a house burning down

  • @funnyfunny6842
    @funnyfunny6842 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I purchased the micro inverter mentioned here. I have 3x 100w panels plugged in (as a trial until I buy bigger panels) I have a solid red light on for bot leds. It says that it is islanding (i think that means it is not connected to the grid). I connected the out plug to a 50ft extension cord. Would that possibly the issue? My outlet is too far away to directly plug into the outlet.Also, is there an app that can connect to the mcro inverter?

  • @benkanobe7500
    @benkanobe7500 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Please provide the link to the other inverter you mentioned that you were trying to get approved by your Net metering service provider. Thank you!

  • @garhent
    @garhent ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It needs fans placed inside to bring in cool air and exhaust hot air OR much much better heat synchs to exhaust the heat.

  • @aznick102
    @aznick102 ปีที่แล้ว +170

    Looked into this, but was told by some TH-camrs that the power that they fed into their house actually ended up costing them because house meter couldn't tell that this energy was being directed into the house not used from the grid. Hope that makes sense.

    • @beholder4465
      @beholder4465 ปีที่แล้ว +25

      how? its not coming from the meter?

    • @ianswift8211
      @ianswift8211 ปีที่แล้ว +44

      I've been told the same thing; unless your meter is specifically set up for delivery back to the grid (ie net metering), you will likely get charged for the kWh you produce because the meter doesnt know if the power is coming or going.

    • @everydaysolar
      @everydaysolar  ปีที่แล้ว +56

      I think you get charged for the power coming in and also the power going out if you are producing excess power and don't have a net metering agreement. This should mean if your appliances are consuming 2 kW of power and you are producing 1 kW of power you would only be getting billed at the 1 kW power consumption. I also bet this is varies across the different utility companies.

    • @spartanpatriot3163
      @spartanpatriot3163 ปีที่แล้ว +32

      ​@everydaysolar-ps3xg well in California they are about to pass a law that will charge you for the power you get from your panels.

    • @lightdepsolutionssolutions4099
      @lightdepsolutionssolutions4099 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Only If you’re using more than it’s producing.

  • @bosdad7
    @bosdad7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The inverter type you are using is know for having over heating problems. I suggest the indoor type that is fan cooled or the larger more expensive type that is made to handle an entire system of panels.

  • @RyGuy67
    @RyGuy67 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Thank you for the video.. I was curious to see how this would perform.
    Regarding the failure...
    Is it possible that too much voltage/amperage got into the microinverter?
    Its a 1200W inverter hooked to 1440W of panels.
    Yes, I understand losses. But you mentioned that it was super cold when they failed.
    If they got some good light while cold, they could have produced over the 300W microinverter rating and harmed the (lets just says "sensitive") electronics inside the micro right?
    Thanks!

    • @britishtechguru
      @britishtechguru ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You can't force-feed an inverter. It will draw as much power as it's designed to. The rest will go to waste.

    • @roginutah
      @roginutah ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@britishtechguru You can certainly over-draw your inverter, so is it possible there was just too much passing through the micro?

    • @quademasters249
      @quademasters249 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I usually take Chinese ratings and divide them in 1/2. If they say 1200 watts, it's probably really 600 watts. If I was going to do this, I'd pick a 2400 watt inverter. Running things on the edge is asking for failure.

    • @Denniss7420
      @Denniss7420 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@quademasters249 Electronics seem to last much longer when they are not maxed out. Look at the Dubai LED light bulb. Longest lasting because it operates at 1/4 of the max rating.

    • @quademasters249
      @quademasters249 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Denniss7420 In the army all the ratings were doubled. If the design required a 1 watt resistor a 2 watt resister was used instead.
      With the Chinese it's just the opposite. When they say "600 watts" you know it's "300 watts".

  • @williamkreth
    @williamkreth 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I run my y&h older 700watt model with 780 watts 36v. Its been running for over two years still works even though its so hot you cant even hold your hand to it. It puts out about 2.5 AC kwh per day. My kwh cost is 30 cents so it produces 75 cents of power per day or around 22 bucks per month (4 months to payoff the inverter)

    • @everydaysolar
      @everydaysolar  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Not too shabby! Thanks for the feedback 👍

    • @someguy5035
      @someguy5035 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Bro, you could literally cut the neighbor's grass one day a month and make more than $22.
      I legit don't understand why people are chasing this solar stuff. The ROI is terrible unless you have a gigantic, underutilized system *and* you are in a state that favors solar.

  • @briansmith5469
    @briansmith5469 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    I was at a home show at Florida state fair. And there was a guy that was selling this thing that went between your meter and power panel and it would send power back to a through your house basically slowing your meter while not affecting your your neighbors on the lines. I kinda understood it made sense. Because ac power just goes from one house to the next with the meter just being the go between. But all three big eclectic companies shut his product down and it was on the news and they said it was working by slowing down your meter. But I ain't no electrician expert.

    • @xxxxxxxxxx6903
      @xxxxxxxxxx6903 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Just to clarify multiple houses, buildings may be on a single stepdown transformer from the grid.
      The power is NOT daisy chained from the first house/meter to the next, and so on. Rather, all loads (structures) are connected to said transformer in parallel.
      Now, I'm just guessing on the "band power-saver device". There were/are fake BS devices, purported to save energy sold on the Internet.
      And then there are real ways to trick power meters with electronics. They modify the way the load is presented to the meter. I won't go into details, as I don't want the feds knocking on my door.

  • @budslife
    @budslife 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I have a background in electrical. I've also installed my own 18 kW grid tide system. Can I can honestly tell you that that micro inverter is way under sized? Or those panels are way oversized for that inverter. You should only be using about 275 Watt panels max. On that micro inverter. That is why you are burning up that inverter. For 360 watt panels, you should be using a sixteen hundred watt micronuter.

  • @MtnXfreeride
    @MtnXfreeride ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This is the kind of setup I wanted to do to learn solar. Something like 8 panels on the ground to offset power use. Im at $0.30 a kwh here. Hoping you do a video with a functional setup.

    • @everydaysolar
      @everydaysolar  ปีที่แล้ว

      Dang, what state are you in?

    • @zf1316
      @zf1316 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@everydaysolarmost likely MA we are getting skinned alive

  • @nzmeateater
    @nzmeateater 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Need at least 4kw to come anywhere near running a normal house, inverters need to be rated at least 20-30% over what the max input and needed output are, so they last longer, same for batterys.

    • @everydaysolar
      @everydaysolar  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I have a new unit showing up this week with more capability. We shall see if it lasts 🤞

  • @Nova-m8d
    @Nova-m8d 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +182

    DO NOT give the power company any electricity, they are not your friend. They are profiting from your solar hardware expenses.

    • @jamestaylor9887
      @jamestaylor9887 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +28

      Yes, they do resell that power that feeds back into the grid, but you also profit from your own solar system in the long run. Besides, net metering is significantly better than standard metering with a solar system.
      Not all electrical companies profit from the power you produce either. for example the power company in Alaska pays you for the power you produce at the end of each year. It starts off as a credit like typically net metering, but instead of losing that credit at the role over period they pay it back to you. Personally, I feel this should be a mandatory change for all electric companies. In theory it's an even transaction where they pay you the same rate you pay for power. Then that power is sold to someone else meaning they don't lose money except in standard operational costs. So I could see them buying it back at a reduced rate to cover the cost of maintenance.

    • @chevy4x466
      @chevy4x466 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The power companies r the most corrupt organizations in the world. They will undermine personnel solar by paying off politicians.

    • @GadgetTopTips-u7e
      @GadgetTopTips-u7e 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +11

      That is not even half the problem...
      Power companies will charge you to charge the grid eventually they will charge you even more

    • @Nova-m8d
      @Nova-m8d 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@GadgetTopTips-u7e That's correct but millions of people need to find that out the hard way. They think they're saving the planet but the power company could care less when someone messes with their profit. That's why power companies have political fights to increase usage rates for everyone. Power companies are not anyone's friend, they are greed-driven.

    • @ibezag0
      @ibezag0 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      You
      Have to pay to use their equipment (the grid). Ask them to cut the lines going into your house

  • @benkanobe7500
    @benkanobe7500 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Have you done further experimentation to see if there is a quality MI that can do as you have set up here without failure?
    I am looking for a four-into-one 240VAC micro inverter that I will simply run a jumper off of my A/C condenser contacter to an identical contacter that controls the "On/Off" of the micro inverter to my A/C condenser. That way without Net Metering I am able to substantially offset my A/C load on my grid (I will keep the watts under what the A/C is actually using) yet I will never backfeed the grid as the contacter can only be closed when the grid is present.

  • @joestalin2375
    @joestalin2375 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    The most important tip is the installation of a -Anti - Islanding- circuit and a Manuel cut off to not energize the the lines while they are being repaired,for safty .

    • @UKsystems
      @UKsystems 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      An Island is always included in this type of inverter

  • @JackSht-lv2on
    @JackSht-lv2on 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Is the wiring to both inverters set up right? The boards are placed reverse to each other ?😮

  • @TheWickerShireProject
    @TheWickerShireProject 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    We make 8 to 12 Kwhrs off grid per day in the summer and 2 to 5 Kwhrs per day in the winter here in TN off grid. Whole house depends on solar as there is no utility. Starting in Nov,Dec, Jan and some of Feb we use 1/4 gallon of gas at night for those months when the suns not out or 1 gallon of gas per day if it continues the following day of no sun. So 21 days of the year we're burning a little fuel. Math thats roughly $3 a gallon x21 = $63 a year.

    • @tylercampbell6058
      @tylercampbell6058 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      What’s the ceramic heater you use? Sounds like a good solution. I’ve been looking for some good backup heat sources. I’ve got some buddy heaters just in case but wouldn’t sleep while those are running. I got some of those hot water bags too that I can heat with solar electric or with a jet stove outside. I was thinking of getting a backup merge by wood stove too but looks like they could be dangerous. Im in East TN.

  • @josephhoward2971
    @josephhoward2971 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Well if you are going to open it up and do the things, if you have a 12V source, install a chassis fan for cooling, you can also get heatsinks that you can stick onto the back side of the unit. They use a layer of sticky that is also a thermal conducting layer. Probably could do the same thing inside the unit, with some of those small heatsinks that you can attach to PI processors. Do that while pushing air through the unit, I'll bet you stop getting the overheating errors.

  • @mikedoingmikethings702
    @mikedoingmikethings702 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I'm all for the the alternative power source, but, unless I am located in the middle of nowhere, I really don't see the need for solar energy and it is confirmed with this video. Very informative and no biased review and for that, you earned my sub!!!

    • @Resist4
      @Resist4 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      The need comes in after the payback period where all the energy the panels produces is free, which can be significant considering power companies are always increasing the rates. And if your area has frequent power outages solar with battery storage system can be a life saver.

    • @frasercrone3838
      @frasercrone3838 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      In Australia every third house has roof top solar and the saving are quite dramatic across the board especially if you can afford a storage battery. There are government backed cheap loans available so payback time is reasonable. It used to be a lot better but the power companies have wound back their payments for your excess power . You do have to change your usage pattern a bit to do the heavy electrical use jobs during the daylight hours if you can. In the city of Melbourne alone the power produced from roof top solar equals the output of one of our old coal fired power stations. Night time hours will always be a problem with solar power but with better storage systems being developed and redesigning the power grid to take advantage of our time zones it will become more usable. My personal annual power costs have been cut by two thirds and when I upgrade from a 5 Kw to a 7Kw system by adding more panels the cost will reduce even more. If you have the sunlight put the panels on your roof.

    • @southsidetom
      @southsidetom 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@Resist4 Residential AC power rates with tax have been very consistent in Will County IL for years @ .13kw/h all in with taxes.

    • @Riceman-o1p
      @Riceman-o1p 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Well I'm not in the middle of nowhere and my solar system offsets my electrical consumption by about $200 per month. And I did it myself so I paid less than $10,000 for it..

    • @Resist4
      @Resist4 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Riceman-o1p I agree! I have had my system for over a decade, so basically I haven't had an electric bill in most of that time. And now I drive an EV and my system fills its tank for free too!

  • @karenbuckner1959
    @karenbuckner1959 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    We have a transfer switch box to run certain circuits off our generator during power outages. It has a 30amp receptacle. Could something like this connect to the 30amp as an alternative power source?

  • @bombasticbuster9340
    @bombasticbuster9340 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Put a set of aluminum fins on the back of the controller box. Use the computer paste for cpu. Put a sealed bag around that display.

  • @solarstacks
    @solarstacks 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You need a 2 way meter that your utility provides. A lot depends on how much power you normally use.
    I have a 4 kW grid tied system on Arizona. My home is all electric. It is a very efficient home. I make more than i use every month .

  • @robertlyman9789
    @robertlyman9789 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    Love the structure for holding the panels

    • @W00PIE
      @W00PIE 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I don't. The wooden fundament layout is poor und will wear out rapidly when the panels start to swing in the wind.

    • @ianmcnally8501
      @ianmcnally8501 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      We might need a stabilizer like stakes of some sort depending on the wind

    • @Elise-song
      @Elise-song 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@ianmcnally8501Why not use aluminum frames? My family uses aluminum, it is particularly sturdy.😄

    • @ianmcnally8501
      @ianmcnally8501 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Elise-song yes aluminum should be very strong - but where i live its very windy and you need concrete or Stakes to keep everything in place during storms.

  • @jimbarrett5930
    @jimbarrett5930 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Check to see where the inverter was manufactured. Various Chinese products claim to be certified (UL, NSF, Intertek) but are not 3rd party tested at all.

  • @mjmbishop
    @mjmbishop ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Just an FYI you might want to clarify with your utility some Smart meters charge you for putting power back onto the grid. Basically anytime power comes from the grid or from your house you get charged if it passes through the meter. It happened to me in an apartment Several months after I installed it they updated To a smart meter and they told me, Then I was able to track and verify it. If you don't want to be charged for the extra power you feed the grid you need a limiter on your inverter connected to One leg of your power box.

    • @mjmbishop
      @mjmbishop ปีที่แล้ว

      It looks like you have solar in your house so that won't make much difference because you already have a solar agreement

    • @davidater9
      @davidater9 ปีที่แล้ว

      Excellent Point! After my solar system was installed, the installer turned the system on prior to the utility approving net metering for billing. It took two months for the approval, so in July and August my solar production was billed to me ($400 per month) rather than being credited to my account.

  • @Grandassets
    @Grandassets 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I specked a whole system based on my use, 100W panels are a little smaller and easier to deal with, so I bought 4 but only put two on my controller for testing, Four 105 amphour deep cycle lead acid batteries in full sun in upstate N.Y I am putting 9 Amp to the batteries, thats not half bad, I can run a desktop and all my lights for 8 hours and not draw my Battery bank any lower than 12.1v I havent even added the last battery or last two panels, but even in Rain and clouds I am still getting 3amp charge
    well worth the setup for a SHTF situation!
    I have a 150/40 EPever charge controller I think I paid $89 I have been running well over a month on this setup and I like it
    my panels are HQST ($100 each) and my batteries are just cheap ass walfart 29dc 800amp about $100 each

    • @davidmann4533
      @davidmann4533 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Three AMP diddly shit

    • @thefooshisloose
      @thefooshisloose 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@davidmann4533 LOL, yes it is a small amount but not all us roll coal and have a 10000 foot house in texass like you do. So what is your point again?

  • @bill6732
    @bill6732 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +70

    I looked into this just deeply enough to come to the conclusion that I wouldn't live long enough to break even.

    • @HarmonRAB-hp4nk
      @HarmonRAB-hp4nk 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      depends if you diy or get a company to do it..... diy I make about 80 cent an hour.. being the panel thing isnt chewing up power... ours is straight into a charge controller.. batteries
      the panels were cheap, I bought 10000 off made in china, for about a doller a piece... kept 100 and sold the rest for $20 a piece.... storage is the only thing you need...
      of course they go fast if you sell $300 panels for $20 :-)

    • @Jamesthomas12187
      @Jamesthomas12187 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      ​@@HarmonRAB-hp4nk link on panels?

    • @jeffwelch1238
      @jeffwelch1238 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@HarmonRAB-hp4nk yes I second that. Need the link?😮

    • @MrEpanek
      @MrEpanek 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      you must be very old!?

    • @davidmann4533
      @davidmann4533 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      I burn so little electricity a solar system would never pay for itself😂

  • @AlabamaDad
    @AlabamaDad 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Just getting into solar but I agree on the Emporia energy monitoring system. Had it for about 6 months now and it really helps you see where your energy dollars are going. Good video.

  • @len8336
    @len8336 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +16

    I have 32 kW system at my house.I did myself.
    Middle of the summer I put back 130-140 kw a day.
    winter maybe 40.
    Summertime when it rains it still spins backwards😊

    • @williamkreth
      @williamkreth 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      How much do they pay you per kwh?

    • @181couto
      @181couto 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I have a system that overproduces.at the end of the year they pay you for the difference,and then you start afresh. Come come January. They usually pay me $03 which is nothing

    • @edwinungerer7989
      @edwinungerer7989 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      dang!!!

    • @UKsystems
      @UKsystems 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@williamkreth you have to check because it depends on local things and really what energy company you are with Austin they can change the meter out for free or at the cost. It depends on a lot of things but if it’s at a cost they can offer you the 30 year lower payback or you paying for that meter change

  • @MrBottlecapBill
    @MrBottlecapBill ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I feel like it may be easier and more code friendly to only use this setup to run specific devices in your home on dedicated wiring NOT hooked up to the grid with battery storage for use in the evenings. Maybe a washer and dryer that you'll only use during days on the weekend or something like that.

    • @Mavrik9000
      @Mavrik9000 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Dryer's requires thousands of watts.

    • @72CrossingRS
      @72CrossingRS ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Can alway hang dry the old way.

    • @makeitup3093
      @makeitup3093 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      This is why grid tie was designed but it's complicated

  • @BigGuy8059
    @BigGuy8059 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    If you want to add solar power without a grid connection, you need batteries, which are enormously expensive. But you could use a heat battery: Heat a tank full of water or sand directly with your solar electricity, and draw that heat to warm your house or water as needed when the sun is not shining.

    • @Nova-m8d
      @Nova-m8d 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      This is wrong, you do not need batteries.

    • @BigGuy8059
      @BigGuy8059 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Nova-m8d
      Of course not, but most people who put in off-grid solar want to have some of that electricity when the sun isn't shining.

    • @Nova-m8d
      @Nova-m8d 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@BigGuy8059 You're doing it wrong.

  • @mooseguyable
    @mooseguyable 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    The Y&H 1200W Solar Grid Tie Micro Inverter you've described is a specific type of inverter designed for use in grid-tied solar power systems. Here are some key features and information about this particular microinverter:
    The microinverter has a power capacity of 1200W, which means it can handle a maximum power input of 1200 watts from the solar panels.
    This microinverter is designed for grid-tied solar power systems. In grid-tied systems, the solar panels generate electricity, and the microinverter converts the DC power generated by the panels into AC power that can be fed into the electrical grid.
    MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking):
    The microinverter likely features MPPT technology, which optimizes the power output from the solar panels by adjusting the operating point to the maximum power point.
    The PV (photovoltaic) input range is specified as DC28-50V, indicating the compatible input voltage range from the solar panels. The AC output range is specified as AC80-160V.
    It comes equipped with a monitoring display screen that allows users to view data related to the inverter's performance. This can include information such as power output, voltage, and other relevant data.
    The microinverter has an IP65 waterproof rating, which means it is designed to be protected against dust and low-pressure water jets from any direction. This level of protection makes it suitable for outdoor installation.
    It's crucial to ensure that the microinverter is compatible with the specific solar panels and system requirements you have. Check the specifications and compatibility guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
    Installation:
    Microinverters are typically installed on or near the solar panels. The AC output is then connected to the electrical grid.
    Ensure that the microinverter complies with relevant safety standards and regulations in your region.

  • @mattthomson1689
    @mattthomson1689 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Nice information, but the part I am missing is understanding how you have provided safety for the utility linemen, whenever the ‘grid’ has been shut down for repairs?

    • @brianj9262
      @brianj9262 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      These micro inverters shut off when there's no power

  • @UKsystems
    @UKsystems 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Never plug inverters into any receptacle the circuit protection may simply not be rated such as gfci or rcd can get swamped by the pulsating DC that leaks from inverted back into the grid and they cannot operate correctly. You could even feed into a circuit and overload it because it has two power sources. This really should be hardwired in a proper manner or it has to be disconnectable in some junction box or something that is locked on its own circuit to minimise risk.

  • @anthonysinclair5721
    @anthonysinclair5721 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Interesting stuff!😎 Perchance is there a very small glass fuse (similar to old automotive fuses) soldered into the circuit like they have on modern fluorescent ballasts which are actually unserviceable?

  • @mjs28s
    @mjs28s 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    @5:35
    Just a clarification - the product doesn't have to be tested by UL but to the UL Standard governing that inverter/controller.
    There are a number of labs that can certify to that UL standard but it doesn't have to be Underwriter's Laboratories that does the actual testing. So if you don't see a UL mark, there could be a CSA / CUL mark PTL mark or any other number of lab markings along with the UL standard that the lab tested to.
    It might be marked with something like "UL Certified to UL1741" or it could also be marked "PTL Certified to UL1741" or "CSA / UL Certified to UL1471", etc.
    All the test labs are audited regarding their equipment and testing methodologies to make sure they are all testing the same and to the standards. A business can also self-certify which means that they have their own in house lab that is certified to test for whichever UL standard(s) their products need to meet.
    So, don't make it the UL that you are looking for, but the UL Standard, or IEEE standard or CSA standard, etc is marked.
    I can see one marking, top left, but I cannot see any specifics. The unit is marked CE, which probably means that it meets requirements for the European Economic Area, basically the EU.

  • @gregpochet4812
    @gregpochet4812 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Looking forward to you testing other 120v inventors . Question, do you have to plug this into a dedicated outlet?

    • @rupe53
      @rupe53 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes, technically these go to a dedicated circuit to prevent any possible screw up with overloading the wires before reaching breaker capacity.

  • @ironhead65
    @ironhead65 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Do you have thoughts about putting solar on a trailer? For example, I’d like to setup a workshop in a trailer, then have solar to power the trailer. Possibly implement the solar on an RV.

  • @WhitentonMike
    @WhitentonMike ปีที่แล้ว +4

    You can figure out what part failed by swapping the panels from the lower inverter one by one onto the upper inverter it might be a fault in a panel or the wiring from the inverter to the panels. Of course you could also swap the panels from the working inverter to the lower one and see if it goes green. A new system could have any number of faults. You might also try conecting your output to the 2nd connector. It is strange the left output is connected directly to bottom inverter that had the red light and the top one had the green light but it is connected directly to the right side plug. I think I would verify the internal wires between the inverters is solid the thick wire with the black shield.

    • @dannysdailys
      @dannysdailys ปีที่แล้ว

      It's nothing more than Chinese Junk. You can't fix junk.

  • @raoultesla2292
    @raoultesla2292 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    If the inverter is flashing, that means the MPPT is not accepting energy?
    The MPPT is looking for ideal conditions for the panels? To get/Receive the most power output? How does an MPPT "look" for ideal conditions to accept energy?
    Ideal point on what curve?

  • @WhatDadIsUpTo
    @WhatDadIsUpTo 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    I use compressed air to run generators instead of DIRECTLY sourcing solar for power, but what I do to get around all the rules is, I have "emergency" outlets in my house - not grid tied, so no problems with Code or power company rules.
    Also, I use cheap ($35) solar panels to run small compressors whenever there's sunshine, so my 2,000 gallons of compressed air is free.

    • @kalradic1252
      @kalradic1252 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      How much electricity can you store in 2,000gallons of compressed air? What psi?

    • @WhatDadIsUpTo
      @WhatDadIsUpTo 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@kalradic1252
      80 psig my electricity needs are minimal, but I can make enough to run my meat freezer 5 hours a day as a rule.

    • @beforebefore
      @beforebefore 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Compressed air powered generator system like that would be horribly inefficient... a battery bank would be far, FAR more efficient and reliable. There are so many great sources of "used" LiFePo4 batteries these days, with tons of life left in them... and needing no maintenance.
      You have so many losses in both directions.... electricity to compressed air, then compressed air back to electricity... and how do you regulate the electricity to correct voltage and frequency??

    • @WhatDadIsUpTo
      @WhatDadIsUpTo 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@beforebefore
      Hey, I have the perfect solution to this energy-storage conundrum: You do your thing and I'll do mine.

    • @WhatDadIsUpTo
      @WhatDadIsUpTo 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@kalradic1252
      How much?
      Enough
      PSI?
      40

  • @hayzeproductions7093
    @hayzeproductions7093 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The issue may be at the center of the board where all those little back squares are with Philips screws on them. Looks like they just sit on a thermal layer but that's blocking the chips from dissipating any heat to the outside of the box and the box being be air cooled. Those chips should be the same type you would see in a car amplifier, however decent car amps thermal paste each chip and direct mount them to bare metal inside of the amp. Maybe consider testing this as a fix.
    Pull the bottom board out, may need to re-solder the chips back on board, but you should consider cutting the purple color layer off the board, thermal paste the metal area and mount those chips with the Philips screws.
    Should solve the overheat issue,

  • @SolarInstaller7
    @SolarInstaller7 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Everybody has to start somewhere. There's nothing like making your own electricity.

  • @a.mirmousavizadegan7962
    @a.mirmousavizadegan7962 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I burred two of 300W before I figured it out how to keep this device cool, just install any kind of cooling fan....

  • @JohnDoe-jq1br
    @JohnDoe-jq1br 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    Your local inspector would red tag your installation within seconds. You are back feeding an outlet made to supply power. You have also installed a male plug on your system, when unplugged could become energized. Go to home depot and buy the correct outlet, and then wire a female outlet on your system. That would mean you would have to turn your extension cord to work the opposite way.

    • @everydaysolar
      @everydaysolar  9 หลายเดือนก่อน +15

      Actually on this one I called the inspector and he gave the green light. This micro inverter will not supply power unless it detects power at the outlet. So this will ensure no back feeding is the power goes out and also that the prongs aren't hot when unplugged.

    • @Denniss7420
      @Denniss7420 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Grid Tie inverters Do Not have what you think of as a "suicide plug".

    • @RtqoopbFl9WpIP9fULuihzt6Sk4t9u
      @RtqoopbFl9WpIP9fULuihzt6Sk4t9u 21 วันที่ผ่านมา

      It's a grid-tie inverter. It won't produce voltage if it doesn't sense any AC voltage. It only starts making power when it detects voltage from the grid or your outlet.

  • @morecowbell235
    @morecowbell235 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks for the video.
    I thought about solar for backup power needs, but because of where I live (Gulf Coast) and the weather here, I ended up going with a natural gas generator.

  • @kevintharp1496
    @kevintharp1496 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +40

    OVER HEATING BECAUSE U ARE PUTTING 1440 watts into a 1200 watt inverter. (360 watt solar panel x 4 = 1440 watts). That’s probably your issue.

    • @dannylatte415
      @dannylatte415 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Three is the magic number. But too late now.

    • @jamesadams5281
      @jamesadams5281 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +11

      I would be very surprised if the solar output ever reaches above 80 percent of the rating. It is common to see 400 watt panels mated with a 350 watt inverter such as Enphase.
      Even if the solar panels put out more that the inverter, a good inverter wouldn't see the excess output and would only process what it is rated for

    • @eraldorh
      @eraldorh 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      i would have stuck some old alluminium cpu heat sinks to the side of that panel to help discipate the heat from the inverter.

    • @beforebefore
      @beforebefore 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

      No, you could use a 1000 Watt "CAPABLE" solar panel on a 200 Watt Inverter, and as long as the panel "no load" voltage rating does not exceed the inverter input voltage rating, the inverter will not be damaged. The inverter will only draw enough power from the panel to achieve its rated output power.
      Just like an emergency generator... just because you have a 20kW generator and your house only uses 2kW, does not mean that the generator will force 20kWh into the house appliances and burn them up.
      The advantage of using panels rated for higher Power than the inverter is that it creates a "reserve" of excess energy that allows the inverter to maintain full. rated output power even when there's a drop in solar panel output due to cloudy conditions. Referring back to the 1000W solar panel on a 2p0 watt inverter scenario, that 200 watt inverter would still be maintaining 200W output even when there's only 20%(ish) light intensity hitting the panel from heavy cloud coverage.
      The inverter will always need slightly more input power than it puts out... because electronic circuits have losses... usually 5-15% per inverter... which is why High Voltage Series Inverters can be more efficient than a bunch of micro-inverters... IF there is no shading issues.

    • @jamesadams5281
      @jamesadams5281 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @@beforebefore I agree! Good explanation

  • @dailyrider2975
    @dailyrider2975 หลายเดือนก่อน

    If converter unit is protected from rain and hopefully sun you can buy some metal mesh, cut and screw on as new back, to allow heat to pass through.

  • @lordstevewilson1331
    @lordstevewilson1331 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    As long as your inverter produces less than your house base load you wont get charged.

    • @everydaysolar
      @everydaysolar  ปีที่แล้ว

      Right, but for the week I ran I few plenty back to the grid just because the load of the house is so low.

  • @napalmholocaust9093
    @napalmholocaust9093 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You can open any water sensitive electronics like the power display and spray the board and connections with 4 coats of krylon acrylic clear spray to make them resistant. Not saying skip the box but it will help.

  • @aday1637
    @aday1637 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +20

    $2800 worth of equipment to produce 84 cents worth of electric in a week?!#$ Nuff said. Solar payback in one's lifetime is very risky business.

    • @UKsystems
      @UKsystems 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      You need to realise that it’s not always about payback but the fact that’s it’s generally a one off investment is quite good as well because if the energy prices are very unpredictable that investment initially gives you some predictability

    • @rilakrilak5
      @rilakrilak5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      madness ! i was able to get a 10kw system complete was a tear off on a foreclosure. for $3800 (guy paid over 26K installed) i did the math i pay .08-.12 a kw hour. so it would of paid for it self in like 5 years or so. then i was like im not putting all this crap on my roof..... so i sold it all for $7000.... the 3200 profit was like 2 years of free electricty lo....

  • @trevortrevortsr2
    @trevortrevortsr2 20 วันที่ผ่านมา

    In my experience, you need to de-rate these grid-tie inverters for continual use by 50% or run a fan on them maybe with a temperature speed controller wich can be had for a couple of bucks

  • @JamesBrown-oo8gz
    @JamesBrown-oo8gz ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Pull A UL sticker off of a appliance and stick it on the inverter.😊.

    • @BigGuy8059
      @BigGuy8059 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      And thus have your insurance company refuse to pay out when your house burns down.

  • @JuanSanchez-ik7wx
    @JuanSanchez-ik7wx 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    how did you phase in your inverter to the grid?

  • @petergilchrist2805
    @petergilchrist2805 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    always run at 50 % never run at rated add fan

    • @everydaysolar
      @everydaysolar  ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah, I think there are better options for the Microinverter. Working on getting a more reliable solution.

  • @mb-3faze
    @mb-3faze ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You're in CA and only paying 12c per Whr? Which area/city do you live in? Just curious. Most rates in CA are far higher.

    • @everydaysolar
      @everydaysolar  ปีที่แล้ว

      Nope, I am over in Illinois.

    • @mb-3faze
      @mb-3faze ปีที่แล้ว

      @@everydaysolar Ah - it's at 5.53 you mention the California code requirement - so that's where I made my erroneous assumption. I have had problems with similar inverters - even running properly I have a fan system to dissipate some heat. Also, at 12c per kWhr that must make the calculation as to the economics of PV installation quite marginal. I'm glad you're giving it a go. Where I am, right now (in Europe) we pay approx 45c (US) per kWhr which makes a solar install a bit of a no-brainer. (Mind you, we can get brand new LONGi 405W panels for $100 each (inc tax and delivery). )

  • @mjrootz
    @mjrootz 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    FIRST: buy a real "Grid Tie Inverter" through a reputable solar supplier, not a cheap piece of Chinese equipment.. SECOND: Never plug an inverter (and I don't care what kind it is or what they say it can do) directly into an outlet..this is called back feed. ALWAYS go though a transfer switch. Have "one or the other but not both" functionality via a physical switch not through the inverter. Spend a little more and get good quality equipment and DO IT SAFE/DO IT RIGHT.. This is not only for your safety but others connected to the grid.

  • @ChuckYager-z3q
    @ChuckYager-z3q ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Your issue for the damage of the inverter most likely stems from the low temperature that you experienced. Temperature effects power output from the PV array. The lower the temperature the higher the voltage from the array. I would dare to say that due to the low temperature the array power output raised and damaged the inverter due to excessive voltage and power. Bear in mind that the power curve rating for the modules are given for standard test conditions (STC= 77 degrees F). When calculating maximum power input for the inverter, we need to take into account the minimum ambient temperatures that the modules will experience.

  • @MegaRyan123456
    @MegaRyan123456 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This is pretty dangerous heck it even comed with its own suicide plug
    Plus it dangerous for electrician's
    As they may believe have isolated power when they have not

    • @TheCruisinCrew
      @TheCruisinCrew ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah, that looked highly dangerous and illegal!

    • @favo7200
      @favo7200 ปีที่แล้ว

      Here in Germany that is a really common thing called Balkonkraftwerk. And even the VDE (Association of Electrical Engineering) gave their okay with using the usual plug to get the electricity into the house.

    • @MegaRyan123456
      @MegaRyan123456 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@favo7200 there is no way in a million years that you should be using a plug with male prongs on it to deliver power ...
      You can use a normal plug but it must be female end and the house most have a isolated receptacle
      Also this is backpowering the grid ... And no one will know so someone even next door could be effected

    • @TheCruisinCrew
      @TheCruisinCrew ปีที่แล้ว

      @@favo7200 There is a difference between an outlet (female) and a plug (male)... outlets carry power, plugs receive it. To reverse that (a plug supplying power) is called a suicide plug (because you could easily touch the leads, either by mistake or on purpose). Now it's possible that this kind of micro-inverter is intelligent (I don't know that much about it) and only supplies power when it senses power also coming from the outlet, however it all still sounds very suspect and wrong to me. At the very least, the guy in the video should have explained this in more detail (IF that inverter has such functionality)... I can see some idiot wiring up a non-intelligent inverter this way and kill himself or a line worker some day!

    • @favo7200
      @favo7200 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TheCruisinCrew But thats what I meant. Our VDE allows to use the normal Schuko Plug on the microinverter side to plug into an already installed household outlet. With contacts sticking out on microinverter side. You used to need a special plug and outlet without contacts sticking out but at the start of the year it got changed officially so that anybody could install and register it without an electrician at any point.

  • @badlands555
    @badlands555 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I am wondering if you could do a test of this idea. I think you can set eco flo to cut off the utility power and power a circuit that uses the most power when utility power is the most expensive. Say from 4 pm to 11 pm. Then recharge your eco flo overnight when the power is cheapest. I think you could maybe pay for the eco flo just in savings from running the circuit this way.

  • @tarnos4153
    @tarnos4153 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    God gives us everything we need: water, oxygen, fruits, vegetables, animals, family, etc. even sunlight to power my phone. What an amazing God! 🙏❤

  • @L4teSh1ft
    @L4teSh1ft หลายเดือนก่อน

    We don't use much electricity, and realistically the only things that matter are the fridge and the furnace. We have a backup setup that covers that with some in-between use on jobsites. Worth the peace of mind alone.

  • @pinpointautodiagnosticsene9655
    @pinpointautodiagnosticsene9655 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Emporia monitoring system is great, I've been using it since 2020 good accurate gadget

  • @airwolf12999
    @airwolf12999 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I wonder how it would do if it was mounted out of the weather with afew ventilation holes or a couple 40mm cooling fans and or some heat sinks inatalled.

  • @davidward3991
    @davidward3991 24 วันที่ผ่านมา

    I purchased grid tie inverters that were Island protection systems. This means if they do not detect power in the wall receptacle they they do not put power into it. I sent all the information to Altus Power and received an email they had no problem with it. I even had a nice gentleman who wanted to just see it and I took him in and showed him. I got him the information and 3 months later he came over and had his installed. He works for Altus power. I have been building my system for over 10 years

  • @goudhaantje3569
    @goudhaantje3569 ปีที่แล้ว

    Micro converters to one breaker are accepted in EU on grid. All stop when the main is dead. 3200 watt max. Times 240 volt.

    • @everydaysolar
      @everydaysolar  ปีที่แล้ว

      3200 watts !?!? I though most were limited to 600 watts in Europe? Maybe that is only the plug-n-play balcony style.

    • @goudhaantje3569
      @goudhaantje3569 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@everydaysolar 3200 it is. Most put them on the 16amp C breaker of the washing machine with an EV device.

  • @hearliam
    @hearliam 28 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    I was just talking to a mate this morning about this exact same thing. I have a what is called a change over switch, which means if we lose power I just hook up my generator and plug it into the change over switch outside and we have power. And I said to him could I hook up solar panels to the change over switch instead of it going back into the grid. Is this the same concept as this video.

    • @ABa-os6wm
      @ABa-os6wm 17 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Nope. Those inverters are synchronous, and shutdown without grid. For an island, you need an different inverter.

  • @thomashardin911
    @thomashardin911 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Where is the link to buy the power analyzer at, that you have connected to the inverter output to grid?

  • @bakatronicssupport7920
    @bakatronicssupport7920 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have several grid tie inverters and solar panels and I tested to see if it shuts down when power on the grid goes down. Later I found that if my pellet stove was running with the fan on and auger motor on, if you shut down the main breaker, the motor generates a signal that keeps the inverter running creating its own micro grid. You should check your system to see if that can happen in your case.

    • @bobd.6005
      @bobd.6005 ปีที่แล้ว

      Wow! That's interesting. As the motor spins down the back emf must be picked up by the inverter as grid power and the inverter stays on. Or such?

    • @bakatronicssupport7920
      @bakatronicssupport7920 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes I believe the back emf keeps it in sync. It happened when they came to replace my meter with the new smart meter. I asked the meter guy to wait while my pellet stove shut down, but he pulled the meter out of the socket and I was surprised my basement lights stayed on. After he put the new meter in I realized it was my solar panels and inverter with the pellt stove running that kept it generating. It akes sense as I have a 3 phase machine that I run by stating a 3/4 hp 3 phase motor that I start with a phase converter ( I only have single phase in my house) then I can run my 1/2 hp milling machine as if I had 3 phase in my house. Thanks for your reply Bob Hayes @@bobd.6005

  • @C650101
    @C650101 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    How about plugging some items in a separate battery bank with outlets and plugged in to recharge as needed

  • @meghanwood6471
    @meghanwood6471 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    You mention there is another microinverter you are looking into that may fit the standard requirements - can you share which one?

    • @everydaysolar
      @everydaysolar  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      For sure, I would like to try the NEP 600-LV but it is hard to find a dependable supplier in the US for the low voltage (120V out) version northernep.com/products/microinverters/bdm-600-lv

    • @meghanwood6471
      @meghanwood6471 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@everydaysolar thank you!

  • @claytune8075
    @claytune8075 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Concerning the inverter - is it possible that the outputs are splitting the output? I assume they are both outputs? in the middle on each side?

  • @mmmddd4366
    @mmmddd4366 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Is there a fuse that can trip when any amount of electricity is back fed? 0.1amp fuse?

  • @jeffreyrood8755
    @jeffreyrood8755 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for the video. What is the device in your breaker box you mentioned please?

  • @danielthompson3205
    @danielthompson3205 ปีที่แล้ว

    Best way to solor for home, is literally rewire it all back in time to DC energy, mainly lighting and small loads.
    Sure there is large white goods that run on DC, but are small :(

  • @YTSparty
    @YTSparty 26 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    The first thing you should ever do with solar is determine all your sources of power use. It's far easier to cut back usage than get involved in solar panels.
    The tough thing about solar is that if you're not using much power, you can get a cheap solar solution to cover your power. BUT, your bills are already low. And a cheap solar solution will still take years to cover with savings. And if you use a LOT of solar power, then your solar solution is going to be very expensive and take a very long time to recoup the cost.
    Always do a cost analysis for solar. Even with cheap solar now, it often takes a long time to get your money back. And don't forget, in many places winter months produce very little solar power.

  • @nowmann2821
    @nowmann2821 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Man I'm so glad I watched this before I pulled the trigger on buying that inverter. On a side note did you ever find something decent? Also for my setup I wanted to put a transfer switch for the inverter and a boost charge controller because it's a small bike shed where I can charge my ebike or Sur Ron for free but when it's not charging the bike I can have it feed some power into the grid to supplement my power. It be cool if you ever could do a video like that, but that might just be a special case. Also it would be cool to see a solar shed with just DC power powering it and see if that runs more efficient than transferring everything to AC. Just a thought!

  • @christopherstaples6758
    @christopherstaples6758 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    well I know here in AU unless its in an solar export circuit any power your exporting you will be billed for as the default meter does not have flow control and just bills power assuming its all coming from grid

    • @everydaysolar
      @everydaysolar  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I confirmed with the utility in my area and they will not charge me but at the same time they will not give me credits for any extra either.

  • @dannywitz
    @dannywitz ปีที่แล้ว

    Get a few Enphase microinverters!
    (If you must go 120v an autotransformer is all you need)