DIY 400 watt Ground Mounted Solar Array

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Every video includes some form of paid promotion or sponsorship. Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. My videos are for educational purposes only. Information is subject to change/update at any time. Electricity is DANGEROUS and can kill. Be smart and use common sense :)

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[MrBrianDuga]

I think this kind of system would be perfect for me to run into my basement and charge all my cordless power tools. I bought your book last week. Can't wait to put it into practice.

[brian_abroad]

You are having a lot of fun in your “new life!” This is really great; seeing new opportunities made available as you explore, learn and share.

[lindafoxwood]

Great video! I got solar 20 years ago; I like how you explain how you did yours. :) I added 1500 watts to my system now - 2019 .

[WillProwse]

Last points I need to make:
-Yes you can use 2 charge controllers with 1 battery bank. Both controllers will feed into the battery as much as possible. Some people were concerned that it would cause one to go into float mode. This is false. One may reach float first, but they will both charge at maximum rate.

-Yes, carpentry is not my strongest skill set, haha! But with the amount of L-brackets and triangles I used, this thing is super strong. I also avoided adding a wood strut across the top of the frame because I wanted the top to be lightweight, and the bottom to be heavy. Now that it is finished, I think adding a strut across the top would be a smart idea.

-I checked safety codes in my area and I am good to go. It is tiny enough to not need any permits.




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FTC Disclosure Statement and Disclaimers:
Every video includes some form of paid promotion or sponsorship. Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. My videos are for educational purposes only. Information is subject to change/update at any time. Electricity is DANGEROUS and can kill. Be smart and use common sense :)

DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program,
An affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

[sbollmeyer]

This is Steve from Thailand. I use 24 kWh/day. Currently working on a 3kW array on my roof's balcony. I will be using a grid tied inverter with zero export so I can power my AC for my wife and dogs while I'm at work. Down the road, I might add batteries to power things at night because I should have enough excess solar generation to accomplish that, or pretty close.
As always, thanks for the great video.

[MindiheartsMusic]

It’s nice that they let you build on the land that you stay on. It’s a pretty garden like place.

[OHSTN]

Awesome video Will.
Another reason to ground the system is lightning strikes.
I'm really enjoying your videos. Thanks for sharing and looking forward to the next one.

[richardblank]

Very cool. Question — do you have to ground these if they are a “perm” installation. — not heavy with bags I mean ELECTRICALLY.. if off grid do I need a ground rod and how do you do that please ???
If so. How do you do that or do you (also) put a fuse or something on the PV line before the solar charge controller???

[clovermark]

Learning so much from this guy! Thanks so much. I can’t afford a full roof mounted system but hoping I can do something like this!

[stevevelobahn]

Heavy duty door hinges make easy and sturdy angles. Screw them down. Then in winter, re-screw them to a different angle.

You are using two controlers on one battery (bank/system)?

[Tumbleweed]

Adding the ground to the solar array is most important if you live in a lightning-prone area. :)

[tabaccopuro]

You are a regular farmer! A "sun harvester", that is.... I love this 4 panel setup. I have to replay this video till I get your 80volt approach. I'm still doing 12v experiments. You need to tell us where we can get wire deals too. Thanks again for these great videos.

[stratman]

I like this size of a system. I'm interested in trying a small solar project, mostly for fun. Thanks!

[toddsines]

Yes. We definitely do not want to kill anyone with flying panels 😂

[SeanBlader]

Tip I've seen and I put in for a super cheap ground anchor is to dig a hole drop a cinderblock in it, then wire your cable through the cinderblock and fill in the hole.

[DIYSolarandWind]

I have to watch your videos now that I'm getting more equipment.

[bigeric]

Monday I get my 2, 25 foot #10 cables that will hook up my solar 500 watts on the roof to my RV, can't wait

[Formulabruce]

I like this set up !. Thanks for posting it and the webpage with links. You must be down south I see fruit trees.

[doctorpcx]

Been binge watching your videos, great info and easy to understand. Your info is so good I even purchased your book last night. Keep them coming

[brianroberts]

Ive heard you say many times, " i just used stuff i had laying around. "
Why don't you gift some of that stuff you have left from projects. We can pay shipping LOL.
WE are doing a Johnny Cash Cadillac type. One Piece at a Time.
We have the original 45watt Harbor Freight 3 panel set w/ 45w controller and a 400 w inverter. . Also 2-100 watt panels, 500w HF controller and a 1200 w Peak inverter too.
2 separate systems. We use the little one for charging phones and 2way radios.
The 200watt is for our fridge, TV, and DVD player and a box fan. We're cobbling together this as we go. Disability doesn't pay much.
I'd like to power my salt water aquariums and keep the lights on for my Guinea pigs too.
Im a retired/disabled electrician and ive ran several dedicated circuits throughout the house powered by solar and we have a duplex recpt. and a LED lamp in each room.
That way when the grid goes down, we have power and light in each room that's off grid.