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[tonyleung]

I have a small mini split setup
The key is to have enough solar panels facing both East and West to harvest as many sunlight as the system can
I have enough battery to run it non-stop for 3 days without sunlight.
So far I haven't ran out of power after 11 months of testing.
Edit: My whole system is to run my fridge/wif router/AC. My electricity bill dropped around 80% per month

[MatthewYBarbo]

Love all the benefits you were able to present here. Love the barndo, and the pond. That's a nice setup you've got. Glad to see the mini-split is helpful during the hottest part of the year! The song in the middle of the video was great. Thanks for sharing this!

[quevicular]

Mint. Ive always wanted to see this. Nice that this unit bypasses the conversion process. Love to see what this unit could do in a house or small place regardless of how you wish to place many in your barn/shop.

[Crider-ihir]

I'm researching solar, for when we move and I plan on doing a grid tied system but want to do overkill cause I want to add mini splits to my garages when I get them built. I'll have to keep this in mind

[keithjurena]

Most mini splits use a variable frequency drive to power the compressor. These run off DC and are a special type of inverter..a variable frequency inverter.

Some mini splits use AC for other components, nice to see native DC units are made for solar. If you covered the roof with PV, the heat gain reduction would more than offset. An awning over the rollup doors would also help.

Love your dog!

Be careful with the PVA, 260 volts DC has special hazards. I needed to run a plasma torch off 208 volt 3 phase power but thr torch is 240 volt single phase but INVERTER. Tracing the circuitry, the torch first converts the AC to DC so i took 15 amps of 208 3 phase and rectified it to DC through a 6 diode bridge. This worked perfectly, as long as i used the 3 pole 15 amp breaker to turn the unit on and off. DC is hard on switches as it loves to arc.

[iamblaineful]

We run one of those in a 1 Ton variety at our off-grid cabin. We don't use the direct solar, but run it off our inverter/charger which keeps the outlets powered along with keeping the batteries charged up. It's only our weekend playhouse, but our area has extremely expensive power at $0.48 off peak, so it made sense to keep the cabin completely off-grid. We can easily maintain 72F at 115F ambient air. Such a luxury for a 100% off-grid set-up. Our well up at our play property is also solar.

[Skiridr]

Couldn’t you put the panels on the higher portion of the roof where there’s no shade

[dallynsr]

Have been installing and operating mini-splits for years.
FYI-$1899 is way high for a better unit I’ve been dealing with, but am glad this one’s working. Keep in mind also, the highest fan blower speed can minimize condensate generation and use less power by not condensating, which is not an option with central air conditioning systems, since their evaporator coils are designed to run in the high 30s. Alex, your mini split coil will run in the mid to low 60s on the highest blower speed(turbo) and if the inside dew point goes below that…no wasted juice going to make water. Unless, of course, you want to dry the air out, then, of course use a slower fan speed and it will.
Just one of the neat options that mini splits offer compared to central air and things you cannot do with old school HVAC.

[Muksanim]

That is amazing. It should be an asset for a residential building in central Virginia. And the mini split is a big bonus--no expensive HVAC labor fees and essentially free power. One could easily use two one ton units. Even the equipment cost is reasonable. Thanks for sharing this.
Edit: yes, it is ideal for cabins, etc. But with out of the way locations, my concern would be theft. Our area has had thefts of full AC systems from houses and also window units. Some thieves have been bold enough to steal copper gutters from churches. I have an 8 camera surveilance system and a backup generator to run everything. Got the cameras after a series of vandalism.

[glm]

Good save - points in heaven - say hey to Roger Excellent video I'm going to do 2 - 24k btu units in about a 1800sf shop. I love the idea of greatly reduced cost of AC - God bless AC.

[Fktd]

I insulated the inside of my steel building with reflective bubble layer, which was the cheapest way to do it and it made such a difference that and my two little window units. I only needed one anymore to cool my place down. Although it’s not a normal way to do, it is a simple way to do it that it really works, and it also helps being that is reflective to make the room brighter.

[peterwilliams]

I just bought 4 of the 12k units for my house and a pallet of solar panels (14.4 KwH). The total bill was $10k with shipping and tax. This is phase one of the project. I am in California and my PGE rates are .48 center per kWh and .59c at Tier 2. My old AC unit is burning approx 6.5 khW per hour. Our Aug. bill was $1400. I got quotes to get a new AC and they also said I needed to redo the ducting. The cost of just the ductwork was $10k and the central AC was $20k. I can't wait to get and install the mini splits installed. We are frugal with our AC and we still have a high bill. Phase two will be getting a new 200 amp Electrical panel installed (I have no more slots for breakers on my current 100 amp panel), EG4 18k hybrid Inverter unit and 2x 14.3 kwH batteries. We are paying for a certified C-10 electrician do all the electrical work.

[SignatureSolarEthan]

Nice video, Alex. Really great job showing off this bad boy!

[Fktd]

Also, AC isn’t just about temperature. It’s also about drying the air which helps keep you cool.

[WattsMiner]

I run the 1 ton unit... its awesome. Saved 1.3mw in first year and used to use baseboard electric so 1 year it paid for itself

[OFFGRID_Trucker]

I'm up here in S. Oregon in my '28 RV at about 2300'. I've got the Pioneer 9k working here.. but am waiting for my EG4 12k Hybrid. It'll be running off Three 305w sunpower panels.

[cj-wmfi]

I'm here for Roger but also got a great vid! I am building in >110° heat index and completely share your joy of A/C. I'm going to install one once it's dried in. Thanks!

[Kenriko]

I have a 2ton EG4 mini split in central Texas. Works great.

[Michael-yimc]

I love my solar AC for the last ten years. It’s also hooked up to the grid. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Not many companies in Honolulu sell a DC split, 12, 000 btu for $7k.

[JustinMiales]

I don't know where you're located in Texas but just getting the humidity out of the air helps a whole lot