Help Keep These Resources Free!
Help me produce future exciting projects. Your support allows me to experiment with new technologies and strategies to maximize solar performance. Thank you for being a vital part of this journey!
Solar Projects
-
DIY Level 2 EV Charger Install With Load Management
Installing a Level 2 EV Charger
-
12V LiFePO4 DIY Battery Build
LiFePo4 Raw Cells & Components I have been working on a source for reliable prism cells. I recommend LiFePo4 battery chemistry for home backup solutions. You will get the most cycles, longest life and good stability. I have tested the G...
-
12V 2000W Pure Sine Wave Inverters Comparison
Inverter Options / In Order By ~Cost Components for 12V Systems Pre-charge Light Circuit parts
-
Go Cart Lithium Battery Upgrade
In this project, Judah and I make a significant upgrade to his Go Cart with a LiFePO4 Golf Cart conversion kit and set it up with solar charging.
-
Free EV vs Gas Calculator
This project shows how to use the free EV vs Gas calculator and everything you need to know to emergency charge an EV using a gas generator.
-
Bluetti EP800 Home Backup & EV Charging
Step by Step installation and testing of a complete home backup and EV charging station powered by solar using the Bluetti EP800 and Emporia smart EV charger.
-
DIY Off Grid Home Solar System
My next step in my Victron DIY off grid home solar system. Now with 120/240V split phase, battery backup and solar charge controller. In this video, I install the Victron MPPT RS 450V/200A SmartSolar Charge Controller and Cerbo GX. Adding...
-
9kW DIY Home Solar Panel System Installation
I help my friend install a 9kW grid-tie home solar panel system on the roof of his new pole barn workshop.
-
DIY Solar Shed
Budget 3kW Grid Tie Solar Panel System Installation With NEP Microinverters and K2 Systems Racking
-
DIY 9kW Grid Tie Ground-Based Home Solar Panel System Installation
This is the process I went through, from unboxing materials, to full assembly, explanation, install and operation of a ground based DIY solar panel system for my residential home.
-
Simple DIY Home Battery Backup
DIY home battery backup using Victron Multiplus-II and SOK 48V Server Rack batteries.
-
DIY – 120/240v Split Phase Victron/SOK Home Backup
My next step in my Victron DIY home battery backup system. Now with 120/240V split phase, and 25kWh battery bank. In this video, I install an additional Multiplus II for split phase and upgrade the battery bank. Circuit diagrams, parts li...
-
12V 1500W DIY Solar Generator
Step By Step build of a simple 12V off Grid Solar System with performance check and comparison to Bluetti EB70S.
-
How to Efficiently Use Generator Power and Battery Power
Very interesting experiment using 1lb of propane. Shows the most efficient way to run a fridge and heat water.
-
Solar Power VS Propane or Gasoline Generator
I ran actual test to compare the cost to deliver power with solar panels, or a generator running on gasoline or propane. Plus a bonus Inverter generator VS conventional generator result!
-
Solar Powered Electric Bike
Electric bike overview and simple method to charge any E-Bike with almost any solar panel.
-
48V to 12V DC/DC Converter Project Build
Run your 12V devices on your 48V off grid system with this simple low cost build
-
Protect Your Home & Solar System From Lightning – EMP’s & Power Surges
EMP Shield Surge Protection Devices $25,000 Insurance Included Low Cost Alternative Surge Protection Devices DIN Rail Components
Solar Educational Info
Vertical Bifacial Solar Panel Performance Results
DIY Home Solar System 4 Year Results
In my video, I take you through my four-year journey with a DIY solar power investment. I discuss the decision to go solar, the hands-on installation process, and share insights into the system’s performance. I cover the variations in solar output, the current payback status, and introduce a new calculator for financial analysis.
How to Size Your Solar Panel System
This is part one in a short series on planning your solar array. I explain how I sized my solar panel system. It would be good to follow for your DIY array or to confirm the proposal an install company is making to you is valid.
How Net Metering Works With Actual Data
This video shows how a grid tie solar panel system with net metering works using actual data from my system. I show how the solar panel system payoff period changes dramatically based on having net metering and which type of net metering your utility offers.
Comparing Ground vs Roof Mount Solar Systems- Which Is Right For You?
This video reviews the pros and cons for ground and roof based solar arrays and how to decide which one is right for you.
HOW TO GET A PERMIT FOR YOUR SOLAR PANEL SYSTEM
This is a quick explanation on how to get a permit to install your DIY solar panel system. I show an example of the documents I used to get my permit, and all of the fees associated with the documentation.
Bifacial Solar Panels – The BEST Solar Panel? Real World Results!
In this video, I test the performance of bifacial solar panels compared to standard ones, aiming to determine if the claims of up to 30 percent more power production from the backside exposure are accurate. I conducted tests with various conditions and found that bifacial panels consistently outperformed standard panels demonstrating their potential as a game-changing technology in residential solar systems.
Should you put BIFACIAL Solar Panels on the ROOF?
In this video, I conduct a real-world comparison between bifacial and standard solar panels on a white roof. The bifacial panels showed an 11% to 16% increase in power production, depending on the setup, with the potential for even higher gains with appropriate spacing and reflection strategies. While bifacial panels can be a viable option for roofs, their advantages may vary based on factors like roof color, space availability, and cost considerations.
Bifacial Solar Panel Winter Performance Actual Results
In this video, I show winter performance results comparing conventional solar panels to bifacial solar panels. During snowy and cloudy conditions, the bifacial panels showed an advantage, producing an average of 121% of the power of a conventional panel. However, on a bright, sunny day with snow cover, the advantage was less pronounced. The video also highlights the advantages of bifacial panels for shedding snow and mentions various suggestions from viewers to further enhance their performance.
Solar Panel Orientation Part 2 – South, South West, and West Equinox Results
Mid-year (equinox) results comparing South, South West, and West facing solar panel performance. The direction your panels face makes a huge difference in the power produced through the year.
Solar Panel Orientation Part 1 – South VS West Facing Panels Winter Results
Early results comparing South facing solar panels to West facing solar panels in the winter months. Including a comparison with the Sunny Boy string inverter and Northern EP microinverter.
3 Solar Panel System Wiring Issues Resolved
A quick look at 3 Solar Panel System Wiring issues brought up in the viewer comments. Grounding solar panels, looping solar wires and solar wire management with zip ties vs stainless steel clips.
Solar Panel Junction Box Upgrade With Dinkle DIN Rail Terminal Block
To avoid a solar fire hazard I upgraded my solar panel junction box/ combiner box, replacing the wire nut connections with Dinkle DIN Rail Terminal Block connectors.