i am on a fixed income and would love to learn how to get off grid by making my on electric love the videos look forward to seeing new ones may the force be with you
@bobinmissouri I am glad to hear you have a fixed income. Some people don't have that. My new solar setup cost about $5,000. I can generate and store about 15,000 watts. I'll have new videos on that soon.
@LDSPrepper Do you Not Know what Fixed Income means? bobinmissouri was actually telling you that he doesnt have alot of money to spend. Fixed income for most is something like Social Security check every month which is for most less than $1500 a MONTH. So Congratulations to you bob for being on your Fixed income.
@rcameron30 I am not minimizing his income. I have had a lot and a little money. I have been broke with a low and high income level. It is all about managing money. It sounds like he is managing his money well. It has taken me over two years to save money for my current solar panel system. I am sure if he continues to manage his fixed income, like we all have to, he will be able to get the preps he needs.
@Drumbum451 I currently have 12 6 volt batteries in 3 sets of 4 to make 24 volts. I use my four 220 watt panels to charge them. Since it is winter I don't get a lot of direct sun. I have decided I need to learn how to charge them with a generator.
Hi LDSPrepper. Are there any guides or books that you would recommend for learning about Solar Panels. I'm new to all this and wld like to be more self-sufficient.
whoo whoo whoo bud u can power ur hole house off of a solar set up cheaper then buyn it off the gride u just have to get the right set up ppl are doin this all over the world u might wanna rethink that
@bigbuzz27 It can be cheaper after you recoup your initial cost. But that may take 10 years or longer. If you have a link to anyone anywhere who can build a solar power system for less than they pay in one monthly electric bill I'd really like to see it.
Electrical Contractor here... You need to determine what your fridge requires on start up and meet that demand with your panels - for example my fridge pulls 1850 watts on start up and 1375 continuious while it runs. (Just like pushing a big rock - it takes more energy to start the motor than it does to keep it going) So I'd need panels that exceed 1850 watts. You'll only need to cycle your fridge 3 - 4 times a day to maintain its temperature, it doesn't have to run all the time!
@MyPrepperNetwork You are on the right track. You need your DC/AC inverter to be able to handle the startup power requirements not the solar panels. I now have a battery bank that holds 15,000 watts. If I use my power wisely I will get 3-5 days of power from that. You definitely want as much solar power as possible but storage space, batteries, are more important. If money it tight buy more batteries before you buy more panels.
@LDSPrepper Of course you need an inverter... I was just making the point that you need enough panels, (or stored battery power) to cover the power requirements for the appliances you intend to run. Batteries are usually rated in Amp Hours or Watt Hours. Sounds like you're getting set up, but more importantly you're learning what you need to know to make the whole thing work. ;-)
i was brainstorming on how you could make a homemade air conditioner of the type you have in your car. cuz it runs off the 12 volts of your battery and alternator its just tricky how to hook up a car compresser and all the stuff thats in your car in your room at home. cuz you can imagine it would cool your room pretty good a car ac is pretty nice. whats your thoughts? you up for trying it? you seem pretty smart
@bubber25 The AC in your car doesn't run at all from your battery. The fan runs off the electrical system but the car's motor and belt system turn the compressor unit that does most of the work.
can you please tell me approximately how many panels and batteries i would need to run a standard full size refrigerator on a full time basis... sorry, i know that you explained the whole process of figuring all this out but my math is terrible and i was wondering if you can estimate this for me.. thanks
@deputy1040 If your refrigerator uses 2,500 watts in a 24 hour period you would need about 10 kits. If you bought 100 amp hour batteries to store electricity you would need 25. That is too expensive for me. That is why I have changed to more powerful solar panels and higher capacity batteries. I use four 220 watts panels and twelve six volt 215 amp hour batteries. I can generate 4,400 watts and store 15,000 watts.
I think that what you're missing in this video is the losses of your inverter(s). Typically, you'll want to use a true sin inverter for anything temperamental (computer, pda, etc.) as for the grinders and other B.S. a modified sin wave inverter will do fine and has less loss (typically).
OBXSOLWIND made a good suggestion to save additional power when running off batteries. His suggestion was to use a timer to control the cycle length and frequency. I think he mentioned 1.5 hrs off, .5hr on. I imagine that would keep the stuff cold AND reduce the amount of energy you're using. You could also super insulate the refrigerator using hard foam to keep it colder longer.
@GeorgiaJunkman I have purchased times for all my major appliances that cycle on. I plan on setting them so they don't all run at the same time and to reduce the amount of power consumption.
As for running the refrigerator have you considered a chest refrigerator and a chest freezer? htt p : / / w ww . energyconservationinfo . org / chestfridge . htm having both takes up a bit of space but it uses a lot less energy. =]
Granted, I know that there is an initial cost of building a solar system... that goes without saying. But, after the initial cost - doesn't it pay for itself in the long run??? Whether you make your own solar panels or you by pre-made ones, eventually you could start small and then eventually be off the grid completely. Couldn't you?
@mjakersusmc I believe with my new non-HF solar panel system I could be off the grid right now. If I did, that would in a sense start paying for the system. My new system is 1/2 the cost of my previous HF system so it would pay for itself 2x faster.
I started with Harbor Freight Solar Also - But regular panels are a better value and work better. I just bought some more - I found the best prices from a company called Solar Penny SolarPenny on the website check them out before you waste money on the HF panels. Give them a call and they will sell you products that will make you want to throw away your harbor panels away.
ok, thank you, but, well, ad far a " Justifying the cost" I've spent more than that on scuba gear, fishing equipment and other " Hobbys ect..., and this would really at least to me fall under the " Umbrella" of Hobby, but this hobby gives back :) 3k for a hobby that pays you back $50 bucks a month, bragging rights, pride, and added scense of security in case of power outages is really not a bad deal :)
@11gdh12 great comment. I totally agree. Some try to "justify" the purchase by saying they will save money on electricity. If saving money is the goal PV is not cost savings in the near future. As far as a hobby it totally works.
@LDSPrepper First off you don't use crtappy Harbor Fright solar panels. You will egt nowhere fast. You build your own 1000 watt panles for about $250.00 Now there will be a good cost in Batteries unless you go with Grid Tie inverters. But you can save money if you do it the right way.
I'm new to all this solar panel stuff, so i have a rookie question, you state that you cannot generate solar power cheaper than, ten cents per kwhr? Please explain, as I am unaware of any cost of operation of a solar panel ? Thanks
@11gdh12 4 x HF solar panel kits: $640 + MPPT Charge Controller: $200 + 1500 Watt DC/AC Inverter: $350 + 12 x 6v Golf Car Batteries: $1,284 + 12 Battery Cables: $54 + Fuses/Holders: $84 + 150' 10AWG Wire: $30, Misc. Items: $100 = $2,742 to generate 900 watts of power/day. 900wts at $0.10/kwah from my power company costs me less then $0.10. I use 30,000/day at my house. I have solar only in the case I don't have grid power. That is the only way to justify the cost.
first of all there is a sticker on the side of the AC unit that tells you all that info already, secound you don't run it off the solar panels, you run it off your battery bank
@Iseekoutthetruth I found after testing that the info on the AC box and the mini frig was way off. Don't trust it. Test it yourself. You need to know what all your appliances use so you know how much power you need to generate from your PV panels and store in your batteries.
Maybe it wont run those things, but instead of trying to run those things, hook your panel to a grid tie inverter, and plug it in your wall, that will turn your meter backwards and offset your power bill. I have 10 panels from harbor frieght and it lowered my bill almost 50 bucks a month! That adds up fast!
@locutus340 You pay so much because you have to buy all the "green" energy. I do actually pay less then $0.10/kwh. It is $0.09 something. But I didn't want to split hairs.
I'm investigating solar systems for backup right now. I've watched a lot of your videos and have a lot of respect for you... and some of your ideas are simply ingenious (like the water cubes!).
Anyway, I was wondering... with so many solar options, why did you choose to use the Harbor Freight kits? I've heard a lot of mixed reviews about them... their durability, etc.
Actually, you don't know you can run that mini fridge. Do the math again. 315 KWH/year, % 365 days in a year = 863W/day, "IF" you had mains electricity working so your A/C was keeping the room temperature at the nominal level necessary to reach the 315 KWH/year figure. Higher room temp means it runs longer, more power, ironically heats the room even more.
Running off DC isn't necessarily more economical unless panels happen to produce that voltage, otherwise there's still V conversion loss.
Why don't Someone take an old car distributor connect a small Engine to the distributor 3600 rpm Is 60 Hz then use 10 twelve volt car batteries connected In series then through a large Isolator or step up transformer then You will have a high powered Power Inverter.
I want to have one room with 800watt a/c, one small refrigerator, one small microwave and one light, in case of hurricane or other emergencies. I think if I put 2 or 3 harbor freight 45 watt units and 4 to 6 batteries, it should be fine. I need charge controller and an inverter. Someone with experience, please advise.
New technology, however, might reduce that $25,000 drastically. For $700 I can now buy a 230w solar panel with a 215w enphase mini inverter installed under the panel. No batteries, no clunky inverter in the house. That one panel can run ALL the lights in my house (florescent). And maybe I can buy it without taking out a loan (which might increase my previous $25g estimate greatly). Buy the time I get to 10 panels, 2300w, with careful planning I might be able to power most of my house for $25/mos
Couple of comments. First. If your system costs $25,000 and it has a lifetime of 25 years, than the power you generate costs $1,000 per year, or $83 per month. I seriously doubt, however, that power will go down. And if you are grid tied, the power you sell back MIGHT reduce that $83 per month. Currently, our highest electric bill for an 1800 sq ft new house, $200. Our average is probably $50-80. But, new technology, offers the possibility of reducing that initial cost. Will continue post.
@kisshydro That would work out well for you if you stay in the same house for 25 years. Then you'll be able to break even. Ask anyone and I mean anyone who is running their entire house off of solar if it is less expensive. You'll find it is not. But it doesn't have to be about saving money. Solar has other advantages as mentioned.
I am just starting with the Harborfreight solar system. How many panels can I place in parallel with the voltage control unit it came with? The system came with 3 panels, I am thinking about buying more panels. Thank you in advance for the answer.
@mcallenuser The manual says not to put multiple kits onto one controller. The controller it comes with only puts out DC not AC voltage. So you can't plug any appliances into it. If you plan on using this to charge batteries you'll need a charge controller so you don't over charge them. If you want to run AC appliances you'll need a DC to AC inverter. Watch my other harbor freight videos for more info on this.
Wouldn't it be better to size your system based on the minimum amount of sunlight/day and the load for a particular season? For example, in winter, you won't get anywhere near as much sunlight. But then again, refrigeration wouldn't be that important as you could store food outside, so that would reduce the load although you'll use more lighting in the winter.
If you just use the avg, what are you going to do when you have a week or two without sun in the middle of winter?
@paullie6719 Great point. The answer is have a large enough battery bank to store enough power for two to three days. You'll also need enough solar panels to charge them back up. The key to this is a large battery bank.
@LDSPrepper Sorry but your answer doesn't make sense to me. If you have enough power for three days, what will you do when you don't get sun for a week? Answer: you won't have power for 4 days.
@paullie6719 Maybe I miss understood the comment/question. I agree at some point you will run out of power if you don't have sun to charge the batteries. The rule of thumb with those who have solar powered houses is to have three days worth of battery power. It just costs too much to have more then that. Every solar dependent house I know has at least a portable 2000 watt generator and gasoline stored. They know too well that the batteries can run dry.
@LDSPrepper Not sure how you could misunderstand as it was a simple question from the start: "What do you do when you have an extended period without sun". Having a generator and stored gas is a good answer.
I guess I didn't mean what's the point. I get that having them during an outage is great. I just meant what's the point for people to use them on their roof to get off the grid like you see so many wanting to do(like me). Are you sure it's more expensive to be solar than pay for electric on the grid? How are you calculating that? The cost of everything and include that the batteries probably won't only last say 5 years?
@tyblossom Solar components last around 25 years. The cost depends on how large a system you build. if you want to replace your grid power with solar get your highest electric bill and figure out what it would cost to build a system that would replace that much electricity. Most people pay $30,000+.
@buyguns1 Yes, contact Al on his YouTube channel at econewpower. He'll definitely help you out. Good luck and please post videos so others can learn. Including me.
@buyguns1 To buy or build a solar panel system to replace the power you get from the grid typically costs between $30,000-$50,000. The typical breakeven point is ten years. After that point you are making power cheaper than the electric company.
I have a question for you. I just bought my 1st 2 sets of HF solar panels and need to know how many battiers I should have for each set of panels? I plan on buying more panels down the road as I can afford it. For now I am just going to use the ones I have for emergencies.
@OTGNewbie Great question. Think of your battery/s as your gas tank and your solar panel/s as your gas pump. The bigger your gas tank the more gas you can put in it. So there is really no limit to the number of batteries. But there is a limit to how much energy your panels will put into the batteries in a day. (cont.)
@OTGNewbie What I think is the right approach it to find out how much power you need in a 24 period and get as many batteries it takes to store that much power. Then get more panels to fill the batteries. If you can afford it get enough batteries for 2 days because there will be some cloudy days where you can't generate a lot of power. I hope that helps.
@OTGNewbie I would recommend no less then two batteries, but four is much better. The reason is because you will never use all the energy in the batteries or you will kill the batteries. A good inverter will make sure your batteries are protected. Because you won't/can't/shouldn't use all the power in your batteries you need more batteries. That is why I recommend four. I hope that helps.
What ever you think you need tripple. There is major loss. I have 700 watts+ and only seen 400 max at grid tie. THERE IS THAT MUCH LOSS on no run of wire more then 15feet.
@1kzrider Thanks for your comment. I made me wonder about several things about your setup. #1. You only get 400wt/hr to your grid tie. If you are paying $0.10/kWh and your solar panels are sending power to the grid for 5 hours that means you have sent 1.6kWh. That means you saved $1.60/day. #2. You are probably loosing your power in your convert and inverter, not your wire. That is why I use a MPPT converter.
@LDSPrepper Yes your right on point I need a better GTI. I am looking at high end GTI like the sunnyboy or outback stuff. I have cheap power jack GTI stuff.
@1kzrider LDSPrepper is correct, no way you should be losing 300watts from your panels to the AC output. You are likely using one of those cheap Chinese grid tie inverters (like the PowerJack) which neither last long nor are very efficient. They loose tremendous amount of power in the form of heat when converting and that's where your power is going. What I would do if I were you is get a good MPPT charge controller and to a battery or batteries - Continued
@1kzrider Then get a good pure sine wave inverter (don't waste your money on modified sine wave as they are too inefficient and won't run you sensitive electronics) and run something off that inverter. That will avoid using that power and will save you some money. 700 watts is a good amount of power to let it go to waste through inefficient devices. My 16 HF panel kits (48 panels) run two freezers, my well pump and my water pump plus my shed and I only have 720 watts of solar panels. God bless.
@econewpower I have hybrid setup batts with the junk GTI power jack junk. I do have a pure sine wave power jack inverter also. It works ok but, went through several to get one that worked. I found every time I hooked them up I was able to use it once and it died. I found a when hooking up to batts they sparked on connection each time telling me they pull power even when off. After getting a 12vcutoff switch kill power of hook up then turn on switch then inverter it now lasted 8months or so.
@LDSPrepper I just ordered new wire going from 12 to 8 guage and Then going to re position on roof. I am also in need of upgrade of GTI. I need to get a NON china made junk and go for a nice outback or sunnyboy sema or midnight solar. What I want is to be able to run high voltage then back to 12 volt. Then when batts are topped I want dump load to run to GTI. But, not sure with this setup the dump loads don't always give all the power.
It is true they come in handy when the power is out, I have used my battery backup three times in the past year run lights and with a 750 watt inverter and ran a 22in flat panel tv wich used very little watts to see the news and entertain the kids with a cheap dvd player. but no way to have enough power for anything big like a fridge cooler and ice for that. like you video. what really counts is how big your battery backup is.
Solar panels generally will keep 85% or more of their output for 25 years. I've replaced my 125 AH deep cycle battery w/a couple of SamsClub golfcart 6v batteries making 208AH. I'll add 2 by 2 when I can. Good video by the way.
I do have 3 sets of the harbor freight panels and my intentions or for quick charging battery bank and suplement power to lower bill with a grid tie which if you lower the bill a little and still have backup for lights because once batteries or charged flip over and feed the grid.
@joehig42101 That is awesome! I don't expect to keep my solar panels up for long, only to test because it is my understanding that panels like any other electrical item wear out. I don't want my solar panels, charge controller, inverter or batteries to be worn out if there is ever a time I need them for emergency because there is no grid power.
@LDSPrepper Your panels have a life expectancy of over 30 years and are guaranteed to produce 85% of rated power at 20 year of age. So you don't need to store by for fear of wear. You batteries are going to be a problem for you. You can't store batteries once you put acid in them, you'll have to trickle charge them or give them a charge one a month so they won't sulfate. If you try to store them wet they will be useless when you need them. Continued
@LDSPrepper You can store batteries dry (without acid in them) for several years and the plates will remain charged until you use them but you will have to store the acid as well to fill them when you need them. If you still want to store all else you may just leave the batteries out and simply connect a small trickle charger to them to always keep them charged, they'll last years that way. In case of EMP the charge will go out but batteries will be good, then unpack the rest of your solar.
@econewpower I have my battery (getting more) on a trickle charger. I hoping that will keep it in good shape. I am not using it for anything so there is no drain on it.
Do you have your solar setup connected to your house branch circuits for off-the grid setup?
cgillyard 5 days ago
Ain't no such thing as Watts per hour. Watts is ALREADY a rate
of delivery of Joules, units of energy, which are Watt-seconds. So
a Watt is a Joule of energy per second. There ain't no such thing
as 900 Watts per 24 hour period, either. You're generating a certain
number of kiloWatt-hours per day. A kiloWatt hour is a unit of energy,
exactly 3600 kiloWatt-seconds. or 3.6 million Watt-seconds. A kiloWatt
is 1000 Watts, like a 1000 Watt bulb.
rstevewarmorycom 5 days ago
@rstevewarmorycom Thank you for your clarification.
LDSPrepper 5 days ago
i am on a fixed income and would love to learn how to get off grid by making my on electric love the videos look forward to seeing new ones may the force be with you
bobinmissouri 3 weeks ago
@bobinmissouri I am glad to hear you have a fixed income. Some people don't have that. My new solar setup cost about $5,000. I can generate and store about 15,000 watts. I'll have new videos on that soon.
LDSPrepper 2 weeks ago
@LDSPrepper Do you Not Know what Fixed Income means? bobinmissouri was actually telling you that he doesnt have alot of money to spend. Fixed income for most is something like Social Security check every month which is for most less than $1500 a MONTH. So Congratulations to you bob for being on your Fixed income.
rcameron30 1 week ago
@rcameron30 I am not minimizing his income. I have had a lot and a little money. I have been broke with a low and high income level. It is all about managing money. It sounds like he is managing his money well. It has taken me over two years to save money for my current solar panel system. I am sure if he continues to manage his fixed income, like we all have to, he will be able to get the preps he needs.
LDSPrepper 1 week ago
when a solar panel says for example "45 watt solar pannel" does that mean it will produce 45 watts an hour??? please reply
cheeselyman 3 weeks ago
@Drumbum451 It all does get costly quickly. I had a total $5,000 budget and came in well under that for my new system. I'll have videos shortly.
LDSPrepper 1 month ago
@Drumbum451 I currently have 12 6 volt batteries in 3 sets of 4 to make 24 volts. I use my four 220 watt panels to charge them. Since it is winter I don't get a lot of direct sun. I have decided I need to learn how to charge them with a generator.
LDSPrepper 1 month ago
Throw out the air conditioner, properly ventilate your house and get a sailboat refrigerator.
geenfirewarlocktd 1 month ago
Great info, thanks for sharing!
lenty2000 1 month ago
Look for good used batteries in 18 wheeler junk yards. Most of those trucks have 4 batteries and the cables to run all batteries together.
equallyuneven 1 month ago
Hi LDSPrepper. Are there any guides or books that you would recommend for learning about Solar Panels. I'm new to all this and wld like to be more self-sufficient.
Canm4 1 month ago
@Canm4 I found this site to be very helpful. backwoodssolar com.
LDSPrepper 1 month ago
whoo whoo whoo bud u can power ur hole house off of a solar set up cheaper then buyn it off the gride u just have to get the right set up ppl are doin this all over the world u might wanna rethink that
bigbuzz27 1 month ago
@bigbuzz27 Sounds great. Please give me a link to someone who is doing it and their costs. I'd love to see how they do it.
LDSPrepper 1 month ago
@bigbuzz27 It can be cheaper after you recoup your initial cost. But that may take 10 years or longer. If you have a link to anyone anywhere who can build a solar power system for less than they pay in one monthly electric bill I'd really like to see it.
LDSPrepper 1 month ago
great info glade i did not just go and buy one kit u just saved me 170 bucks
ohiopreppdude 1 month ago
Electrical Contractor here... You need to determine what your fridge requires on start up and meet that demand with your panels - for example my fridge pulls 1850 watts on start up and 1375 continuious while it runs. (Just like pushing a big rock - it takes more energy to start the motor than it does to keep it going) So I'd need panels that exceed 1850 watts. You'll only need to cycle your fridge 3 - 4 times a day to maintain its temperature, it doesn't have to run all the time!
MyPrepperNetwork 1 month ago
@MyPrepperNetwork You are on the right track. You need your DC/AC inverter to be able to handle the startup power requirements not the solar panels. I now have a battery bank that holds 15,000 watts. If I use my power wisely I will get 3-5 days of power from that. You definitely want as much solar power as possible but storage space, batteries, are more important. If money it tight buy more batteries before you buy more panels.
LDSPrepper 1 month ago
@LDSPrepper Of course you need an inverter... I was just making the point that you need enough panels, (or stored battery power) to cover the power requirements for the appliances you intend to run. Batteries are usually rated in Amp Hours or Watt Hours. Sounds like you're getting set up, but more importantly you're learning what you need to know to make the whole thing work. ;-)
MyPrepperNetwork 1 month ago
i was brainstorming on how you could make a homemade air conditioner of the type you have in your car. cuz it runs off the 12 volts of your battery and alternator its just tricky how to hook up a car compresser and all the stuff thats in your car in your room at home. cuz you can imagine it would cool your room pretty good a car ac is pretty nice. whats your thoughts? you up for trying it? you seem pretty smart
bubber25 2 months ago
@bubber25 Great idea. I don't think I'll try to figure it out right now but let me know if you do. Thanks for your comment.
LDSPrepper 2 months ago
@bubber25 The AC in your car doesn't run at all from your battery. The fan runs off the electrical system but the car's motor and belt system turn the compressor unit that does most of the work.
MyPrepperNetwork 1 month ago
can you please tell me approximately how many panels and batteries i would need to run a standard full size refrigerator on a full time basis... sorry, i know that you explained the whole process of figuring all this out but my math is terrible and i was wondering if you can estimate this for me.. thanks
deputy1040 2 months ago
@deputy1040 If your refrigerator uses 2,500 watts in a 24 hour period you would need about 10 kits. If you bought 100 amp hour batteries to store electricity you would need 25. That is too expensive for me. That is why I have changed to more powerful solar panels and higher capacity batteries. I use four 220 watts panels and twelve six volt 215 amp hour batteries. I can generate 4,400 watts and store 15,000 watts.
LDSPrepper 2 months ago
I think that what you're missing in this video is the losses of your inverter(s). Typically, you'll want to use a true sin inverter for anything temperamental (computer, pda, etc.) as for the grinders and other B.S. a modified sin wave inverter will do fine and has less loss (typically).
myclem6674 3 months ago
@myclem6674 Thanks for commenting. Very true.
LDSPrepper 3 months ago
OBXSOLWIND made a good suggestion to save additional power when running off batteries. His suggestion was to use a timer to control the cycle length and frequency. I think he mentioned 1.5 hrs off, .5hr on. I imagine that would keep the stuff cold AND reduce the amount of energy you're using. You could also super insulate the refrigerator using hard foam to keep it colder longer.
GeorgiaJunkman 3 months ago
@GeorgiaJunkman I have purchased times for all my major appliances that cycle on. I plan on setting them so they don't all run at the same time and to reduce the amount of power consumption.
LDSPrepper 3 months ago
@LDSPrepper timers not times. :)
LDSPrepper 3 months ago
@GeorgiaJunkman I have 5 days worth of backup power in my batteries.
LDSPrepper 3 months ago
As for running the refrigerator have you considered a chest refrigerator and a chest freezer? htt p : / / w ww . energyconservationinfo . org / chestfridge . htm having both takes up a bit of space but it uses a lot less energy. =]
Litameena4chan 3 months ago
No way that AC takes 1000 watts over a 24 hr span, more like 19,200
Begbucks 3 months ago
*** Rookie Question ***
Granted, I know that there is an initial cost of building a solar system... that goes without saying. But, after the initial cost - doesn't it pay for itself in the long run??? Whether you make your own solar panels or you by pre-made ones, eventually you could start small and then eventually be off the grid completely. Couldn't you?
mjakersusmc 3 months ago
@mjakersusmc I believe with my new non-HF solar panel system I could be off the grid right now. If I did, that would in a sense start paying for the system. My new system is 1/2 the cost of my previous HF system so it would pay for itself 2x faster.
LDSPrepper 3 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
The clip is made very professionally and very interesting. Good job.
KentBrayaKaraBallj 4 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I started with Harbor Freight Solar Also - But regular panels are a better value and work better. I just bought some more - I found the best prices from a company called Solar Penny SolarPenny on the website check them out before you waste money on the HF panels. Give them a call and they will sell you products that will make you want to throw away your harbor panels away.
dieselplow 4 months ago
ok, thank you, but, well, ad far a " Justifying the cost" I've spent more than that on scuba gear, fishing equipment and other " Hobbys ect..., and this would really at least to me fall under the " Umbrella" of Hobby, but this hobby gives back :) 3k for a hobby that pays you back $50 bucks a month, bragging rights, pride, and added scense of security in case of power outages is really not a bad deal :)
11gdh12 4 months ago
@11gdh12 great comment. I totally agree. Some try to "justify" the purchase by saying they will save money on electricity. If saving money is the goal PV is not cost savings in the near future. As far as a hobby it totally works.
LDSPrepper 4 months ago
@LDSPrepper First off you don't use crtappy Harbor Fright solar panels. You will egt nowhere fast. You build your own 1000 watt panles for about $250.00 Now there will be a good cost in Batteries unless you go with Grid Tie inverters. But you can save money if you do it the right way.
kg4bga 4 months ago
@11gdh12
couldnt agree more.
crsbt 4 months ago
I'm new to all this solar panel stuff, so i have a rookie question, you state that you cannot generate solar power cheaper than, ten cents per kwhr? Please explain, as I am unaware of any cost of operation of a solar panel ? Thanks
11gdh12 4 months ago
@11gdh12 4 x HF solar panel kits: $640 + MPPT Charge Controller: $200 + 1500 Watt DC/AC Inverter: $350 + 12 x 6v Golf Car Batteries: $1,284 + 12 Battery Cables: $54 + Fuses/Holders: $84 + 150' 10AWG Wire: $30, Misc. Items: $100 = $2,742 to generate 900 watts of power/day. 900wts at $0.10/kwah from my power company costs me less then $0.10. I use 30,000/day at my house. I have solar only in the case I don't have grid power. That is the only way to justify the cost.
LDSPrepper 4 months ago
first of all there is a sticker on the side of the AC unit that tells you all that info already, secound you don't run it off the solar panels, you run it off your battery bank
Iseekoutthetruth 4 months ago
@Iseekoutthetruth I found after testing that the info on the AC box and the mini frig was way off. Don't trust it. Test it yourself. You need to know what all your appliances use so you know how much power you need to generate from your PV panels and store in your batteries.
LDSPrepper 4 months ago
Maybe it wont run those things, but instead of trying to run those things, hook your panel to a grid tie inverter, and plug it in your wall, that will turn your meter backwards and offset your power bill. I have 10 panels from harbor frieght and it lowered my bill almost 50 bucks a month! That adds up fast!
pvampire 5 months ago
@pvampire That is awesome that you can save that much each month. Way to go!
LDSPrepper 5 months ago
10 cents per hour bs im in california i pay 23-32 cents an hour
locutus340 5 months ago
@locutus340 You pay so much because you have to buy all the "green" energy. I do actually pay less then $0.10/kwh. It is $0.09 something. But I didn't want to split hairs.
LDSPrepper 5 months ago
hf solar panels not efficeint get normal ones
locutus340 5 months ago
Never mind... I found the video you made that explained why you chose harbor freight. It makes sense... I think I'll do the same.
I sure wish YouTube would make it easier to find all your videos at one time. LOL
chesapeakebaby 6 months ago
@chesapeakebaby I made a playlist to make it easier to view all the harbor freight videos at once.
LDSPrepper 6 months ago
I'm investigating solar systems for backup right now. I've watched a lot of your videos and have a lot of respect for you... and some of your ideas are simply ingenious (like the water cubes!).
Anyway, I was wondering... with so many solar options, why did you choose to use the Harbor Freight kits? I've heard a lot of mixed reviews about them... their durability, etc.
chesapeakebaby 6 months ago
Actually, you don't know you can run that mini fridge. Do the math again. 315 KWH/year, % 365 days in a year = 863W/day, "IF" you had mains electricity working so your A/C was keeping the room temperature at the nominal level necessary to reach the 315 KWH/year figure. Higher room temp means it runs longer, more power, ironically heats the room even more.
Running off DC isn't necessarily more economical unless panels happen to produce that voltage, otherwise there's still V conversion loss.
StinkyCheese9999 6 months ago
Why don't Someone take an old car distributor connect a small Engine to the distributor 3600 rpm Is 60 Hz then use 10 twelve volt car batteries connected In series then through a large Isolator or step up transformer then You will have a high powered Power Inverter.
ortafunk 6 months ago
@ortafunk You are way smarter then I am. Please do this and make a video. I'd love to see this.
LDSPrepper 6 months ago
I want to have one room with 800watt a/c, one small refrigerator, one small microwave and one light, in case of hurricane or other emergencies. I think if I put 2 or 3 harbor freight 45 watt units and 4 to 6 batteries, it should be fine. I need charge controller and an inverter. Someone with experience, please advise.
mcallenuser 6 months ago
@mcallenuser You are right on the money.
LDSPrepper 6 months ago
@LDSPrepper Assuming you are not running the A/C 24/7.
LDSPrepper 6 months ago
Unbelievably helpful! Thank you!
firedawg529 7 months ago
New technology, however, might reduce that $25,000 drastically. For $700 I can now buy a 230w solar panel with a 215w enphase mini inverter installed under the panel. No batteries, no clunky inverter in the house. That one panel can run ALL the lights in my house (florescent). And maybe I can buy it without taking out a loan (which might increase my previous $25g estimate greatly). Buy the time I get to 10 panels, 2300w, with careful planning I might be able to power most of my house for $25/mos
kisshydro 7 months ago
@kisshydro That is awesome! I guess without the batteries when the sun goes down you'll be in the dark?
LDSPrepper 7 months ago
Couple of comments. First. If your system costs $25,000 and it has a lifetime of 25 years, than the power you generate costs $1,000 per year, or $83 per month. I seriously doubt, however, that power will go down. And if you are grid tied, the power you sell back MIGHT reduce that $83 per month. Currently, our highest electric bill for an 1800 sq ft new house, $200. Our average is probably $50-80. But, new technology, offers the possibility of reducing that initial cost. Will continue post.
kisshydro 7 months ago
@kisshydro That would work out well for you if you stay in the same house for 25 years. Then you'll be able to break even. Ask anyone and I mean anyone who is running their entire house off of solar if it is less expensive. You'll find it is not. But it doesn't have to be about saving money. Solar has other advantages as mentioned.
LDSPrepper 7 months ago
I am just starting with the Harborfreight solar system. How many panels can I place in parallel with the voltage control unit it came with? The system came with 3 panels, I am thinking about buying more panels. Thank you in advance for the answer.
mcallenuser 6 months ago
@mcallenuser The manual says not to put multiple kits onto one controller. The controller it comes with only puts out DC not AC voltage. So you can't plug any appliances into it. If you plan on using this to charge batteries you'll need a charge controller so you don't over charge them. If you want to run AC appliances you'll need a DC to AC inverter. Watch my other harbor freight videos for more info on this.
LDSPrepper 6 months ago
Wouldn't it be better to size your system based on the minimum amount of sunlight/day and the load for a particular season? For example, in winter, you won't get anywhere near as much sunlight. But then again, refrigeration wouldn't be that important as you could store food outside, so that would reduce the load although you'll use more lighting in the winter.
If you just use the avg, what are you going to do when you have a week or two without sun in the middle of winter?
paullie6719 7 months ago
@paullie6719 Great point. The answer is have a large enough battery bank to store enough power for two to three days. You'll also need enough solar panels to charge them back up. The key to this is a large battery bank.
LDSPrepper 7 months ago
@LDSPrepper Sorry but your answer doesn't make sense to me. If you have enough power for three days, what will you do when you don't get sun for a week? Answer: you won't have power for 4 days.
paullie6719 7 months ago
@paullie6719 Maybe I miss understood the comment/question. I agree at some point you will run out of power if you don't have sun to charge the batteries. The rule of thumb with those who have solar powered houses is to have three days worth of battery power. It just costs too much to have more then that. Every solar dependent house I know has at least a portable 2000 watt generator and gasoline stored. They know too well that the batteries can run dry.
LDSPrepper 7 months ago
@LDSPrepper Not sure how you could misunderstand as it was a simple question from the start: "What do you do when you have an extended period without sun". Having a generator and stored gas is a good answer.
paullie6719 7 months ago
I guess I didn't mean what's the point. I get that having them during an outage is great. I just meant what's the point for people to use them on their roof to get off the grid like you see so many wanting to do(like me). Are you sure it's more expensive to be solar than pay for electric on the grid? How are you calculating that? The cost of everything and include that the batteries probably won't only last say 5 years?
tyblossom 7 months ago
@tyblossom Solar components last around 25 years. The cost depends on how large a system you build. if you want to replace your grid power with solar get your highest electric bill and figure out what it would cost to build a system that would replace that much electricity. Most people pay $30,000+.
LDSPrepper 7 months ago
Really? It's more expensive to get electric from solar than off the grid???? Then what's the point?
tyblossom 7 months ago
@tyblossom Two points. No dependency on the grid. If the grid goes down you have power.
LDSPrepper 7 months ago
get a propane powered refridgerator and freezer.
AKUSER1968 8 months ago
@AKUSER1968 Awesome. From where?
LDSPrepper 8 months ago
@LDSPrepper From any store near you that sells appliances.
AKUSER1968 7 months ago
@LDSPrepper lehmans non electric has the propane fridges and lots of other good items for prepping
jdietz730 7 months ago
@jdietz730 Awesome. Thanks!
LDSPrepper 7 months ago
@buyguns1 Yes, contact Al on his YouTube channel at econewpower. He'll definitely help you out. Good luck and please post videos so others can learn. Including me.
LDSPrepper 8 months ago
@buyguns1 To buy or build a solar panel system to replace the power you get from the grid typically costs between $30,000-$50,000. The typical breakeven point is ten years. After that point you are making power cheaper than the electric company.
LDSPrepper 8 months ago
I have a question for you. I just bought my 1st 2 sets of HF solar panels and need to know how many battiers I should have for each set of panels? I plan on buying more panels down the road as I can afford it. For now I am just going to use the ones I have for emergencies.
OTGNewbie 9 months ago
@OTGNewbie Great question. Think of your battery/s as your gas tank and your solar panel/s as your gas pump. The bigger your gas tank the more gas you can put in it. So there is really no limit to the number of batteries. But there is a limit to how much energy your panels will put into the batteries in a day. (cont.)
LDSPrepper 9 months ago
@OTGNewbie What I think is the right approach it to find out how much power you need in a 24 period and get as many batteries it takes to store that much power. Then get more panels to fill the batteries. If you can afford it get enough batteries for 2 days because there will be some cloudy days where you can't generate a lot of power. I hope that helps.
LDSPrepper 9 months ago
@OTGNewbie I would recommend no less then two batteries, but four is much better. The reason is because you will never use all the energy in the batteries or you will kill the batteries. A good inverter will make sure your batteries are protected. Because you won't/can't/shouldn't use all the power in your batteries you need more batteries. That is why I recommend four. I hope that helps.
LDSPrepper 9 months ago
What ever you think you need tripple. There is major loss. I have 700 watts+ and only seen 400 max at grid tie. THERE IS THAT MUCH LOSS on no run of wire more then 15feet.
1kzrider 10 months ago
@1kzrider Thanks for your comment. I made me wonder about several things about your setup. #1. You only get 400wt/hr to your grid tie. If you are paying $0.10/kWh and your solar panels are sending power to the grid for 5 hours that means you have sent 1.6kWh. That means you saved $1.60/day. #2. You are probably loosing your power in your convert and inverter, not your wire. That is why I use a MPPT converter.
LDSPrepper 10 months ago
@LDSPrepper Yes your right on point I need a better GTI. I am looking at high end GTI like the sunnyboy or outback stuff. I have cheap power jack GTI stuff.
1kzrider 10 months ago
@1kzrider LDSPrepper is correct, no way you should be losing 300watts from your panels to the AC output. You are likely using one of those cheap Chinese grid tie inverters (like the PowerJack) which neither last long nor are very efficient. They loose tremendous amount of power in the form of heat when converting and that's where your power is going. What I would do if I were you is get a good MPPT charge controller and to a battery or batteries - Continued
econewpower 9 months ago
@1kzrider Then get a good pure sine wave inverter (don't waste your money on modified sine wave as they are too inefficient and won't run you sensitive electronics) and run something off that inverter. That will avoid using that power and will save you some money. 700 watts is a good amount of power to let it go to waste through inefficient devices. My 16 HF panel kits (48 panels) run two freezers, my well pump and my water pump plus my shed and I only have 720 watts of solar panels. God bless.
econewpower 9 months ago
@econewpower I have hybrid setup batts with the junk GTI power jack junk. I do have a pure sine wave power jack inverter also. It works ok but, went through several to get one that worked. I found every time I hooked them up I was able to use it once and it died. I found a when hooking up to batts they sparked on connection each time telling me they pull power even when off. After getting a 12vcutoff switch kill power of hook up then turn on switch then inverter it now lasted 8months or so.
1kzrider 9 months ago
@LDSPrepper I just ordered new wire going from 12 to 8 guage and Then going to re position on roof. I am also in need of upgrade of GTI. I need to get a NON china made junk and go for a nice outback or sunnyboy sema or midnight solar. What I want is to be able to run high voltage then back to 12 volt. Then when batts are topped I want dump load to run to GTI. But, not sure with this setup the dump loads don't always give all the power.
1kzrider 9 months ago
It is true they come in handy when the power is out, I have used my battery backup three times in the past year run lights and with a 750 watt inverter and ran a 22in flat panel tv wich used very little watts to see the news and entertain the kids with a cheap dvd player. but no way to have enough power for anything big like a fridge cooler and ice for that. like you video. what really counts is how big your battery backup is.
joehig42101 10 months ago
@joehig42101 Thank you for commenting. It is great and important to hear from people who have already setup and are using their solar power system.
LDSPrepper 10 months ago
Solar panels generally will keep 85% or more of their output for 25 years. I've replaced my 125 AH deep cycle battery w/a couple of SamsClub golfcart 6v batteries making 208AH. I'll add 2 by 2 when I can. Good video by the way.
1kings1918 10 months ago
@1kings1918 That is great to know. Thanks for commenting. I hadn't thought of Sam's club for batteries. Great idea.
LDSPrepper 10 months ago
kill a watt are great. I too got mine from Amazon.com
survivaleveryday 10 months ago
I do have 3 sets of the harbor freight panels and my intentions or for quick charging battery bank and suplement power to lower bill with a grid tie which if you lower the bill a little and still have backup for lights because once batteries or charged flip over and feed the grid.
joehig42101 10 months ago
@joehig42101 That is awesome! I don't expect to keep my solar panels up for long, only to test because it is my understanding that panels like any other electrical item wear out. I don't want my solar panels, charge controller, inverter or batteries to be worn out if there is ever a time I need them for emergency because there is no grid power.
LDSPrepper 10 months ago
@LDSPrepper Your panels have a life expectancy of over 30 years and are guaranteed to produce 85% of rated power at 20 year of age. So you don't need to store by for fear of wear. You batteries are going to be a problem for you. You can't store batteries once you put acid in them, you'll have to trickle charge them or give them a charge one a month so they won't sulfate. If you try to store them wet they will be useless when you need them. Continued
econewpower 9 months ago
@LDSPrepper You can store batteries dry (without acid in them) for several years and the plates will remain charged until you use them but you will have to store the acid as well to fill them when you need them. If you still want to store all else you may just leave the batteries out and simply connect a small trickle charger to them to always keep them charged, they'll last years that way. In case of EMP the charge will go out but batteries will be good, then unpack the rest of your solar.
econewpower 9 months ago
@econewpower I have my battery (getting more) on a trickle charger. I hoping that will keep it in good shape. I am not using it for anything so there is no drain on it.
LDSPrepper 9 months ago
@LDSPrepper That should do it. Keep them trickle charged and they will last many years.
econewpower 9 months ago