SUPERCHARGED Off-Grid Solar Power System

We supercharged our off-grid solar power system! Can you have too many panels for your solar charge controller? This has become a common practice in the last few years as the price of panels has come down significantly.

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License code: RUSC6UHXTTFXNCIS

License code: 5BSAXVNTDC7DKPJH

License code: 39MWZAV3NECADHX9

[JonGiraffe]

Name something more romantic than dying for your wife's cheese fridge.

Oh you can't? Nobody can! 😂

[fulltechahead]

the best part of this video is when he says 'I knew she was the one, and she still is the one'...that is one lucky life and man

[bearswartz]

Love your channel! We're off grid in Alaska too... 4 years for us.

The single best thing you could do to supercharge your system is switch to better equipment. Xantrex and magna aren't bad quality, but they aren't nearly as efficient as Victron. Check out the idle consumption on the Magna vs the Victron Multiplus units. For most people who use these off-grid inverters, the inverter itself is the single largest power draw on the system. Many draw a continuous 100 watts or more. My 3000va Multiplus draws just 11 watts at idle, and with the typical load of the house, I generally have less than 30 watts lost between battery and load.

We run a Victron 250V-60A SCC, 3kw of panels 4s2p, the 3kva inverter, with a single 100AH 48v lifepo4 battery. That powers our cabin, 2 freezers and a fridge, well pump, microwave, etc. We have a 36-48 hour battery reserve. If I wasn't running super efficient equipment, I'd need at least twice the battery and panel to get the same performance I get with Victron.

Stepping up to a higher voltage SCC would let you put your panels into 6s2p, which would also add to your power curve morning and evening, as the scc would see minimum charge voltage at lower light levels. Not a significant increase, but combined with lower line loss from the decreased amperage, you'd see more net power to your batteries.

[tanmoysinghamahapatra]

Hello Jeff,
Since now you have 12 panels in the system, It will be better if you connect 3 panels in series (4 strings instead of 6) and up the VOC to 125ish volts still under 150V of the charge controller.
The MPPT charge controller works more efficiently with higher voltage and you would need less cables and still your per string current will be same. Higher voltage helps Charge controller to extract more power on overcast days and will start producing power earlier. Hope this helps.

[Tunzbig]

You got yourself a keeper with the wife, So good that she gets involved and contributes to your shared dream.

[r.b.l.]

A typical fridge will use more than a kwh per day, large unit can be closer to 2kwh/day
A typical freezer, could be a bit lower than 1kwh/day a large unit a bit over 1kwh/day
I run four freezers, three fridges (for my business and home) and run on solar, using 10kW of PV panels, and I still feel I need more for winter and to catch up after cloudy day.
Great Vid guys, so authentic, and honest, no sugar coating, just life raw and real. Love it.

[KevinCoop]

I found your video entertaining! I used to do electrical design of utility scale solar. From 1MW to 100MW systems. You are correct in oversizing the array watts to your system. Since our customer wanted every penny they could get from the system because they were selling the power, we found that 25-27% over was the point to stop because of diminished return. A few thoughts about your system. If the batteries are charged by 10:00 am, when you have the money, you should think about increasing the capacity. When you were checking production, your huge spikes are usage, not production. If you are not using, it will drop production. Your graph would look like what you thought it should if you were charging batteries and using electricity all day to allow the panels to give it their all. Again, enjoyed the video!
Best wishes for some great cheese! Kevin

[jimgree]

Your wife has such a nice personality, always has a smile on her face. She is so cute.

[trainguy]

You guys are awesome as usual. Rose is naturally hilarious. More and more content please!!

[onewhitestone]

Find a good spot in the yard and make your solar array there. Then you dont have to worry about your roof and they are easier to clean in winter. I have found that if you over kill on the panels it will charge your batteries faster or get more power on cloudy days. When your batteries are full, that is the time to use the most electric, laundry, tools, etc, then you are only using solar power and not battery power.

[davidalbright]

We live fulltime on our 40' sailboat and have used up all the real estate we have for panels. Only kicking 1.2kw of PV but we consistently get 4 to 5kwh of collection each day. We have 14.4kwh of LiFePo4 and power everything on the boat, including auxiliary propulsion, with stored solar (and live solar too). Having lived this way for the last 7 years, I give advice to people who are considering the "solar generators" and direct-to-appliance nuts. I should send them all to your channel so they can see what they need to have for that capability and point out that even you have limitations. Nice install and kit you have there.

[musangubeni]

Wow, you love each other, live a simple life ❤you are a good example to the world

[scottbobcat]

I really appreciate all the effort it must have taken to to gather and document all that information great job

[timtv]

The girls are too smart now, when the work starts they mount the horses and get out of Dodge. Lol, just kidding, they are very smart and aren't afraid of work. Looks like Rose is getting serious about her cheese. Good for her, fresh cheese is great. Another great video Jeff, thanks.

[justkelly]

I love how Rose just smiles and laughs when she is put up as the instigator of the shenanigans that go on on your homestead. What a great partner in crime!!

[sporranheid]

Been loving you guys for about 7 years. This was great info. Mostly I'm just loving that you're giving the camera to others and we get a break from your relentless close-ups. 😜🤣✌ Happy cheese.

[pappytron]

Dad said, "guess what we're doing today?" ... and ... the girls BAILED. They ARE learnin' sumpthin'.

[lolasimmons]

Hi there Jeff and Rose. You sure have a wonderful place. I'm glad that you homeschool your daughters

[davidtrammell]

Just something about the way you guys approach life is like a breathe of fresh air. I don't understand a thing about supercharging solar systems, and after Jeff explained it all I still don't ! 🤣What I do know is that ; whatever you do is interesting and worth my time. I've learn't over the years that Jeff is just KRA KRA funny, but it's Rose's subtle humor that just cracks me up always has. Thanks for blessing my day.

[anthonyparker]

You were the one, and you're still the one ! Can't get better than that👍