Introduction to a Small 108watt solar System

[kentuckashee]

I am trying to learn about solar power as I want to have it on my house and not have to pay the darn utility bills. However the cost is pretty steep to get solar installed etc. I also would like to have the solar because it was awful when we had a terrible ice storm and was without electricity for at least a week.

[kimkim1199]

wonder if w w w diymagneticmotor com works well???___ some free energy ?

[Cymatamine]

Donkey Kong Country!!!

[cheapsolarpanels1]

These stuffs are sweet...

Thanks for the heads up about the first panels you've mentioned...

[moecat1000]

I love this stuff. the sifi future is here...the idea of using all the solar panels you have room for and sending it back to the power company making that meter go backwards while i'm at work .and super insulating the house makes me smile..I had insulation blown in my attic they said you need 2 feet .I said put in 4 feet ..I'm affraid of what i might do when i get solar panels..but i'm smiling like dennis the menance..hello MR wilson thx 4 the vid good job .

[ivedigga]

Sweet

[TheEvolveGreen]

Nice little starter system .... I recommend A better solar panel, battery and controller... in line fuse for the positive off the solar panels as well.... should also add a 125 fuse at the inverter for safety.These day you can do it cheap but with quality as well. I have a lot of Off Grid folks that I work with and it is always about the budget so I have always tried to find the balance of Price and quality.

PS my son really like your closing music!

[AMARADIserdar]

"NO ENERGY LIKE FREE ENERGY"

SOLAR SERDAR

[thra5herxb12s]

Almost 150,000 views. Thats a lot of intrested,interesting people that love what you are doing. Dont be so hard on yourself. We can figure out run times for ourselves. Every little bit helps..

[dleric]

solid coper wire is no good for DC current. Large multi strand cables should be used between you batteries and inverter.

[Microillusions]

@dleric

It's a simple solar panel system. I'm not going to use multi strand insulated wires on a cheap modified sine wave inverter, just to help reduce the possible proximity effect that will make little difference.

[gpguy2]

@dleric Actually not true, use what you want to use. Solid wire is perfect fine to use with DC, the benefits of stranded is more apparent with AC power apparentsly. The biggest benefit of stranded is that it is more flexible and stands up to vibration better for example in cars.

[thisisme0214]

@dleric ok this wants me to make a new video of my shit bro i run my house and then some with 25 amps at 13 somthing volts and i seriously do run my house except for heating and air...i got a couple batteries from walmart and some i stole from an rv lol it works and i run shit...all day..440 watts solar looking to build hugh piggots wind turbine...im a 12 volter for now

[thisisme0214]

@dleric yes sir your right and im an electrician

[Ozarkorganicshiitake]

@dleric

Multi-strand = more resistance, why would that be better? Assuming that you use soldered connections, solid copper wins every time.

[dleric]

@Ozarkorganicshiitake Sorry guy, you are wrong... Why is your car all multi strand wire... Because electricity travels over a conductor, not through it.. Its not necessary for AC because there is little electron flow, but DC there is, its all about surface area. More surface area for those electrons the less resistance. BTW, where did you get your info. This is what I was taught when I was in college.

[jasminsanty]

can you use car batteries?

[lulusername]

In the Netherlands we have those solarpanels connected to the normal grid, so if I'm not home or not using much power, it puts power back into the grid and the meter goes backwards. No battery needed.

[StMeade]

THanks for sharing.  Nice set up. Your inspiring.

[ditmar11]

hey bud, this is a informative video, thanks.. so how many watts of solar panels do you have?

[nikulp68]

Lawl, Light into more light.... solar cells to the TV....

[Iemota21]

Thanks for the vid

[Kyodaikuma]

My house is surrounded by natural energy sources like a river, alot of wind and sun, how would you use these 3 elements at the same time for electrical power? and how much would it cost

[jsmythib]

they labeled polarity in REVERSE!..a good laugh lol... Neat setup- thanks for the post.

[Microillusions]

I realize that my video may mislead people into thinking that they can run a TV, Amplifier, light, etc for long periods of time with only a small solar array. It was not my intention to mislead anyone. My main purpose was to show that i could power such items if i wanted to, but realistically the battery can only sustain those items for 30 min or so, and depending on conditions. It could take DAYS to completely recharge the battery.

My apologies

[Microillusions]

PLEASE NOTE: IT IS NOT LIKELY I WILL RESPOND TO ANY COMMENTS, OR PERSONAL MESSAGES, SINCE I HAVE NOT HAD THE DESIRE TO KEEP UP-TO-DATE WITH MY YOU-TUBE CHANNEL.

[Ozarkorganicshiitake]

@Microillusions

Push the Caps Lock key, if that doesn't work, then you may need a new keyboard.

[kashif1303]

@Microillusions Sir, What is cost of these solar plants and i want complete list of equipments which we need to setup this plant.

[pozzerbob]

I wouldn't invest in it until we have a battery revolution,ESLR has solar panels that produce watt<Dollar but power storage is still an issue.

[domyaska]

thank you for this interesting video!

[skippy3840]

Nice system, check out mine.

[Fuzzycop]

Well done demo. Your camera was fine, but you need to place the microphone away from direct airflow from your mouth when speaking, or use a windscreen to prevent that popping sound! Otherwise, this video gave great details and understanding of solar applications! d=)

[CallMeCondemned]

wow thanx for the information you are the first out of a bunch af videos thas is real info

its to bad i cant buy it 800 dollars is peanuts couse i live in holland its much more expencive here its about 5000 euro

[warlockboyburns]

i want your solar power system!

[alexwilson666]

so when you say that you only save about 15$ a year with the little panels, do you mean because the whole system cost close to $11,000?? You are actually running all those things for "free" because you aren't plugged into the cities electricity right?

[IloveSPIDERZ]

So that gives you like free energy to power the house by itself? Is is great during times like a blackout?

I'm really glad to see that more ad more people are using these. It's really great.

[Microillusions]

thanks i appreciate your comment and interest (:

[Microillusions]

No it's not designed to power the hole house, but if needed it can produce enough power to run several lights throughout the house, fridge, freezer. On sunny days it runs a freezer for most of the day and lights in the house. We don't have blackouts very often where i live, but we're never in the dark (:

[IloveSPIDERZ]

OK, Cool!  Thanks!

[warlockboyburns]

dont be so hard on yourself

it's not that crappy

[Microillusions]

LOL, well it could be better, thanks for watching my vid (:

[ktee1213]

good info.! so where does one get the panels from and which are the better ones to get for the money???

[Microillusions]

There are many places to buy solar panels, ebay is a good place to start, Look for solar panels that have a good efficiency rating, aluminum frame, tempered glass, find Ones that have POLY CRYSTALLINE or MONO CRYSTALLINE solar cells, try to avoid panels with amorphous solar cells. Evergreen, Sharp, Solarex, Kyocera all make nice solar panels.

[solarenergy2]

you are welcome, thank you. welcome visit 3w at seniod-solar dat com

[solarenergy2]

Who is Microillusions? You are great. It's true. I support your point!

[Microillusions]

Thanks, and nice screen name (:

[DCAIRCONEXPRT]

Thanks for the video I am glad to see that some one cares about our future!

[Microillusions]

Thank you, i'm glad you enjoyed it

[Microillusions]

thanks, glad you enjoyed (:

[Microillusions]

Look, I'm not trying to sell anything, I haven't been dishonest. And I don't care if you or anyone else doesn't like solar. I enjoy the idea of solar. I like the satisfaction of not relying on someone else for energy. Yes it is very expensive, I should know having over $11,000 invested. And anyone with basic math skills can figure out the Benefit/cost ratio. And the FACT is that quality solar panels in the long run do pay for them selves and more because they can last more than a life time.

[wsss8]

"And anyone with basic math skills can figure out the Benefit/cost ratio. "

Then why don't you share them with us? Green energy is cool, but it also needs to have cost benefits or at least not cost you more than regular energy.

Btw, I'll doubt you'll find many people with basic math skills who can just come of with the right numbers in a 1 or 2 minutes, I think you're just trying to hide that you have no cost benfits at all.

[wsss8]

You seem to do a lot of things without using common sense, take for example your channel, the animated background combined with transparency might be great for your ego to impress some people, I don't find it functional, it's distracting and it makes all text of your profile very hard to read, abolutely NOT cool.

[wackyMacky801]

But u don't seem to realize the way ppl perceive a video like this. Solar panels that last a life time are very expensive. Most have a lifetime of about 15 years. Batteries have a very short life and usually battery banks are like 6+ batteries. Or more if you have 6vs.

I love solar. It's just a pipe dream for most. If you cut back on electricity Solar will never pay itself back. My electric bills are like $300-350 a year. That's 60 yrs of solar at $20,000. (If u never replace anything!.)

[Microillusions]

Sounds good to me, start small and if you like what you've got. Then later you'll be prepared to add on.

[anjumchara1]

Dear,

good video. I am novice with solar. need some advice. first, your tv and your home system was DC ? I bought a German made module of 125W and German inverter from suntechnics 350W with input voltage of 24V with peak output power of 700VA. Do I have to buy 2 batteries for it? of 12V each ? and which battery u suggest? Pls reply.

[Microillusions]

Hi anjumchara,

Yes, it is likely you will need 2-12 volt batteries wired in series. I recommend TROJAN they make really good 12v deep cycle batteries, but they are costly. ($200 a piece) If you don't want to break the bank. I would look at INTERSTATE deep cycle batteries. And if possible keep the batteries out of any extreme weather. Freezing temperatures can greatly reduce battery life. Oh and my TV was running off of 120v AC. Good luck

[solarenergy2]

Hi friend,

Yes, you may use 2 pcs 12V battery connected in series or use 1 pcs 24V compacted battery. Good Luck, buddy!

Please check out 3.w dat seniod-solar dat com

[wackyMacky801]

exactly. The best thing to do is just reduce your electricity usage if you want to save money. Solar is still way to expensive. It's fun to play with and know you don't need the electric utililty. But serious solar setups are in the $10,000s not $1000s. Unless you don't have a water pump, furnace blower, refrifirator, at TV with more than 45W, etc. etc. Forget about using some power tools as well.

[wackyMacky801]

I bought 3 sets of 60W panels, and 3 marine cycle batteries. Yeah, it's fun for a littlel project, it cost me over a grand for 180W. My inverter was 1000W. I ended up selling it all on craigslist. With 9 cent electricity it was worth it.

For one, those appliances are low Watts. Try running a full size refrigerator or microwave. That's why it's just a project. The cost yer saving is pennies with yer setup..

[Microillusions]

oh that's nice, good for you!

[wackyMacky801]

don't mean to be a jerk, but ppl are looking at this system and saying "wow, I can reduce my electric bills with only a $1000 solar setup". And its so easy!

When in fact that setup is probably saving you $1 at most on your electric bill each month. It's fun to play with, but it's a hassle if you are serious about replacing the grid.

I just think honesty is the best policy. Most ppl would not follow thru if they knew the facts.

[edstar83]

nice thanks for sharing.

[Microillusions]

glad you enjoyed (:

[flir67]

how long will the battery last if using those items? how long does it take to charge up the battery if very low?

[Microillusions]

about 2 sunny days

[Rosskoflex]

lol, i apologize for my crappy camera and thanks for watching

[durco01]

Ya do not, 36 watts for a panel. lol The newer ones that I have seen are about 200 watts a panel. Plus the prices have dropped on them big time.

[budchin1]

Good to see a simple, workable system!

[dracos78]

where did you pick up the charge controller ?

[Microillusions]

check ebay for manson charge controllers

[Jamesthang]

Thanks Mic'

[hassanshiraz64]

thank you for posting..very informative!

[Microillusions]

Thank you, & thanks for watching (:

[Jamesthang]

I don't have any idea about solar system and installation, I would like to do our cottage with solar power, Is there any course or company doing some training on this subject in Canada and US??

[Microillusions]

I found a College in California that offers a 6 Day course, the class covers fundamentals of PV theory and applications, financing & ROI, design & hands-on installation of a working rooftop system, and the NABCEP Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge of PV Systems.

[blueshadow1996]

great work man..thaanks for shaing this vid,

[Microillusions]

Thank you,

and Thanks for watching (:

[s7rey]

Thanks! i wonder if you could say what was the total cost for the system.

[Microillusions]

around $11,000

[evadnosliw]

Okay sorry. I missed the first bit where you said the top panels were seperate. Nice system! What are the other 14 panels powering?

[Microillusions]

Thanks, the Lower panels charge (8) 6 volt 420Amp hour batteries. In my house I have installed 5 120 volt outlets connected to solar only. Once something is plugged into any of those outlets, the Trace inverter immediately senses that and kicks out of standby mode and provides full 120v power from the 8 batteries.

[evadnosliw]

Hi there. Mate, you have 17 solar panels charging 1 80 AH battery!!?? Do you not get much sunlight there? I have one 10 watt solar panel and a 100 watt wind turbine charging 2 batteries. The batteries are always fully charged. I also use the same PV charge controller and it works really well. Anyways, great vid. Thanks

[eastrockaway11518]

can ya talk to ET on dat radio

[jpm000001]

The real question is HOW LONG can you run those devices?

[Microillusions]

not long an hour or so.

[grasshutz]

Microillustions. How long will that battery keep all that stuff powered you showed? does all power have to go threw the battery or can you get it straight from the solar panals or both? could you run this stuff constantly?

[Microillusions]

I could probably run the equipment you saw for about an hour. The solar panels alone will not run much. about 2 120v 60 watts light bulbs in optimum sunlight conditions

[bykashka75]

Thanks Bro. Good JOB. Keep it up

[Microillusions]

Thanks (:

[dodge59360]

was that music off of donkey kong adventure's.

[Microillusions]

yes

[gwengoadalso]

The camera was crappy... but the information on cost and components was GREAT! thanks!

[Microillusions]

(: Thanks

[StratsAndLesPauls]

It's old but actually that old workhorse still has life in it. Check out 2500 to 2700 conversions. Sometimes they are working when the newer ones aren't :)

Not to digress the subject of your Solar Panels of course....

[Microillusions]

oh no it's cool that you picked up on that, I'm a big SAT fan. As long as it is free (; I started out working with the H&HU cards, and later onto the FTA receiver.

Yeah, I did try the 2500A/2700A upgrade, but I did something wrong or something went wrong and now it loads up, but I cant update it anymore with the serial cable. I thought about doing a J-Tag, but figured i would eventually buy a pansat 250SM. I didn't think anyone made any updates for the 2500/2700 anymore?

[Microillusions]

Just fixed the Pansat up and running now. Of course if you wouldn't have commented I wouldn't have thought about messing with it probably (:

[StratsAndLesPauls]

Is that an FTA unit in your entertainment system? How much does that save you a year? :)

[Microillusions]

(): Hehehehe, You know your stuff (: Yes indeed it is a Pansat 2500A. Well It has definitely saved me way more money then the solar system.(: but its To old now outdated :(

[matsim007]

How many money would you say you have save in 1 years with them. Thanks

[Microillusions]

With the little panels, next to nothing. maybe 15 dollars

[Joan3RS]

great video

[twilkes123]

good system you have there, you will need more batteries though, as with the amount of incoming solar input power, you are literally fast stacking 1 battery to soon. you need at least 6 batteries for this sort of setup (it will work for you) as when it gets to winter, you will require longer drain/collect intervals through the seasons. i did this mistake and fell to short. (had to hard wire back to mains). i use car batteries, and have for years. they work just the same just top them up yearly

[stage4turbo]

Is you wife asleep? Why are you speaking that way?

[ka2rit]

question. are you running all of these item at one time off the single battery. And if so for how long of time. Seem to me one would need more then one battery. I'm just trying to learn about setting up a solar system to run all my ham radio equipment and maybe lighting in my basement. thanks.

[Microillusions]

Yes, all of the equipment you saw was running off of the Duralast deep cycle battery. You are right 1 battery is not sufficient to keep all of that equipment running for a very long time. I'm not sure of the combine amperage of all the equipment that was running. I've never ran that much equipment for more than 20min.

1 ½ hours of running all of that equipment would probably push the battery to a critical low voltage, and deep cycle the battery.

[CGreaseMonkey]

Donkeykong country FTW! awesome

[victorgrigas]

Hey great video, im curious - how much was the whole system? and could you list all the components and their respective prices? I think your little video will help to save the planet by opening minds.

[jdbs2009]

Voice is sooo soothing. Mmmmm. Great video and use.

[Microillusions]

hahahaaa, never had a comment quite like that before, but thanks

[sum1uallno]

Pretty cool video thanks for the info.

[Microillusions]

Thanks glad you enjoyed it (:

[marsL001]

love ur installation ,....and the donkeykong country song at the end ;-)

*****

[Microillusions]

hehehe, Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it. And thanks for watching my video.

[hardestytec9]

good info!thats what i was looking for,some idea of what can be operated with the watts you used!i'm putting 1 panel around 100 watts on my rv.should help conserve generator time quite alot!thanks!

[sunamori6765]

It's interesting to play and experiment with all these alternatives. But if you check the price you pay today per kwh (it's in your electricity bill), then you calculate how many kwh the installation can produce per day, you will see that the 800 dollars investment will reach the break even point in some 8 to 15 years!

[greenmountainsolar]

nice little system to learn on, but you need a more serious battery to do real service with. i live offgrid and am happy with L16 batteries. i have 475 watts of PV and a 450 watt wind genny @ 90 ft. no bills, no blackouts. fridge and water pump and everything else run off of it. running 24 vdc storage for better efficiency. 11 yrs and counting.. i guess its going to work...

chris

[aashideacon]

you should post a video of your system! sounds cool

[aashideacon]

that was meant for greenmountainsolar.. don't know why it didn't put it under his!

[daddub1]

Hi read your comment ,make a video so we can see your system.

[ronnie2b]

Can u charge and use the batteries at the same time?

[Microillusions]

Absolutely

[WolYou]

Very good.

[crapkillerz]

Care to post a video about the blue solar panels?

[Microillusions]

I've been lazy, I'll post a video sometime. just haven't got around to it.

[RHEAD100]

We need more people like you to show the crappy as well as the good. So we newbys don't get burned.

THANKS BUNCHES for shairing

[burtonh1]

OMG!! 108 watts? that is insane! Man, I wish you had some plans I could download.

[Microillusions]

Hey, Burtonh1

Sorry, I really don't have any plans for my small system. I just purchased various items from ebay and Home depot. Keep in mind that the top panels (108watts) will not run very much. Now the lower blue panels they kick out the real Juice.

[ZELPHOR]

where can i find simple instructions for wiring s solar circuit. sites ive been to are very complicated for a novice such as me and i think most diy'ers. i would like to be able to build a system without having to worry about wires being done wrong.i did a electric usage survey and our house used 27.800 watts last month according to my elec. co. web site bill was $105(usd)i would really like to cut that in half we have started really reducing lighting TV use and pc use any help is appreciated

[Microillusions]

ZELPHOR, With so many different ways to install solar systems, it is hard to say. Your wiring would vary depending on what solar system you chose. Probably the best way is to have a Grid-Tied system. This way electricity is distributed equally throughout your home. And when you are gone and nothing is being used. That excess electricity could turn your electric meter backwards. Almost Zero maintenance. check out outbackpower . com they make great solar systems

[RHEAD100]

Hey Partner; I think you need to check that electric bill again.

27.8 watts for $105.00 is $3.77 a Watt. That comes to $3,776.90 a Killa Watt.

My electric co. charges 13.5 CENTS a Killa Watt.

[HortonKansas]

my mistake...that should read 27,ooo.But to be sure i will revisit the site and check the figures again. either way, i still want to get off the grid. our state(MICH.) is adding a 15-35% surcharge to all residential customers. that doesn't include the 20+% surcharge DTE is planning on.I figure a 40% increase for elec. serv. in the next year.

[RHEAD100]

Im sorry, BUT, you are still misreading your elec. bill or you live like a hurmit. An apartment size refrigerator uses more electric in a month than that.

Here is the math. 1 amp = 113 watts.

1,000 watts = 1 Kila watt. 1 Kh is 1,000 watts of energy used in one hour.

Average Fridg. 6 amps (678 watts) run time 25% 720 hours in a monthy. 678 watts X 180 hours = 122040 watts. Or 122 Kw. @ 13.5 cents a Kw it costs me $16.47 a month to run my refrigerator.

[checkup21]

Pls get your units right! Consumption is meassured in kilowatt/h not in kilowatt! kilowatt is just the product of amps and volts and says nothing about consumption over time. Thanks.

[RHEAD100]

I have been trying very hard to understand this, So if I am wrong PLEASE HELP me to understand better. I was told that 1 thousand watts used in one hour is 1 Kilowatt/hour. And that if you use a 100 watt ligtht 10 tomes for 1 hour each time, in a month. That is 1 kilowatt/hour of electric use in that month. That's the way the electric Co. explained it to me. If that is wrong. Please help me understand better. Thanks for your help in advance. Hopfully, My new friend Raymond

[ttecroata]

Do you know how may I calculate how much power need for 90 m2 house?

Any place whit how to??

[Microillusions]

Almost all appliances have power consumption ratings, with Volts, Watts, Amps. If you can't find any power consumption rating on the appliance. A power meter can used.

[Zarbod]

Great stuff. I just bought a cabin and plan to get a set up like yours. Pretty modest but enough to cover the basics. Nice to see it's all pretty inexpensive too. What is your latitude? Thanks.

[Microillusions]

Sorry about the late reply, Solar would be great for your cabin. My Latitude is 41.631096 N, Thanks for the comment (:

[Zarbod]

Thanks. I'll be in Alaska but it should work most of the year. Can't wait!

[blazerblast]

would be good to save enough electricity to power all you need in the house over night or for a couple of rainy days

[drumagon]

Could someone please point me to a basic site or reference that explains how these systems work? wiki solar power wasn't quite what I was looking for, granted I'll keep reading into it

[drumagon]

ha ha ha! you ended with the DK theme! yes

ok serious now- Where do I learn how to do all of this properly and safely, so I don't blow a fuse, fry a component or electrocute myself. I want to learn more about practical uses of solar, but I don't really know where to start. anyone feel free to respond or message me

[Microillusions]

yup DK THEME :) Searching the internet for solar powered systems is the best way. Companies that install solar systems will come out to your house and do an estimate, but you may get charged.

[ljpacey]

thats just grate love it like to see more people usein solar power com on over to my channel and look at my system

[selfactingmachine]

where are the other system components? the stuff on the other end of the large modules?

[Microillusions]

yeah that is a totally separate system. I will take a video of that sometime soon. The batteries and charge controllers are located in the garage.

[muserwood]

I love it ! Very helpful. Questions, Why the plasma lightening lamp,or is it just COOL ? The lamp is DC ? Doesn't the inverter switch everything to AC ? Do you need alot of sunlight ? Can you simply add more batteries if nessesary ? I'm no electrician , did you have plans ? Thanks.

[Microillusions]

Thanks, i'm glad you like it.

I Lamp was a gift, and is a basic lamp that runs off of a 120v AC adapter, but since the AC adapter converts it to 12volts DC, I simply plug the lamp in directly to the battery. It is more efficient to run the lamp that way, then to use the inverter to convert DC12V to AC120v and all the way back to DC12V, but the lamp it is mainly for fun.

[Microillusions]

Yes the inverter only puts out 120volts AC, but still less efficient then if you have 12volt DC devices that can run directly off of the battery.

[Microillusions]

Yes I do need a lot of sunlight. Even when the 3 panels are producing maximum power. I could not run a TV, laptop, amplifier, lamp. They draw to much power. For instance a few days ago (March 7) My panels were producing 3.9AMPS. My 32" LCD TV consumes 3.0AMPS. So I ran that TV for a couple of hours and still over produced power.

[Microillusions]

yes, adding another battery would be a good idea. Specially if you dont have time to babysit the system.

[Microillusions]

I didn't have any plans for the system. I installed it by myself. any other questions you have I am happy to answer.

[terrytrooper]

very nice and simple

[Microillusions]

Thank you sir