Hurricane ready solar array! Off grid modular storm ready solar array!  

Love hearing the progress and volume of the roosters.

It will be interesting to see what your numbers are between winter , spring & summer…video on dude !

Good setup man! You shuld buy 2 external batteries for this setup, so you can have more power for the days with less sun!

I love the wattage displays. I'm so silly. Great job.

Great job explaining ever step and repeating information so I don’t have to stop and go back.

Use a gear driven linear actuator (with a drill) to extend.

Over do is what you do. I would put a coat of antisize on those pivot pins. Also a good cover coukd protect during a storm too.

Nice touch on the ground..I like what you have done rectangle like for controlling the grass..

Good evening. You've got my attention on the 240 volt idea. Thanks for vlogging this, it actually shows me how it can work out. Appreciate your time spent on this.

Totally agree on post setting

What a great video. I’m thinking of doing exactly this, except I’d be inclined to fit bifacial panels and fill the raised bed with white gravel to reflect the light back against the panels to increase their generation. Thanks for uploading this!

You have built a very nice solar array. Thank you for sharing this great video.

I'm in the UK, so our electricity is 240 volts. This is the 1st video I've seen that shows a system that is actually UK compatible without me having to be an electrician 👍

Real clean build and install...👍

WOW! GREAT INGENUITY!

Nice build. And impressive results. I had a notion to get a roll-up industrial garage door, and mount it at an angle so that it could be sheathed down over & on top of roof solar panels to protect them in rough weather.

This is awesome! We think a lot a like. I do commercial plumbing but I love little projects like this. I can't wait to get back to developing my land with my lady love like you and your wife. God bless!

You cut the poles 45° for preventing water issues - but put that poles in the direct concrete at the bottom....we dont do this, because the wood gets rotten - and thats it for the stability

as always great job

Great job Andrew, very interesting. Love your creations. 👍👍❤️❤️🇨🇦

Your vast array of knowledge never fails to impress me. Could this be folded up or down to protect it during a hurricane?

I enjoy your channel and the vids. Keep doing what you do!

Mr Kelly, sir I love ur work and ur videos are dope. I would love to continue to watch ur videos….IF…..u can always make them. Suggestion sir…..wear some safety glasses plz, and get done early lol. Thanks for what you do.

Andrew, it was fun to see you get excited over the amount of power you are pulling in with your panels. I hope this takes off just like your ice freezer setup. Like always another great inspirational video. One thing I would do is grease those pins it will be a pain to try to take pins apart when rusted or upgrade to stainless?¿ 🤔

Great video. Love the way you DIY stuff. We need more people to move to solar so we can stop burning so much fossil fuel. I just got solar panels installed last week. Waiting for approvals and permission to operate. Hope you keep going and go completely solar. question - do they credit you to sending power back into the grid in florida? they do here (NJ). if so, you can actually make money with your huge shop roof.

Man, I enjoyed that immensely, that SIR is built like a brick SH^* House!!! Amazing job!! You may never need to move that.

85cents a watt, Monocrystalline does use less space. But used Suntech 270 Watt panels at 34cents a watt would have given more bang for the buck. I even did more bottom feeding with eight 10year old used Evergreen panels for 17cents/watt for my 1200watt solar pool pump in south Florida.

Would some type of Lynch Pins (D Clip) alleviate the bolts and need to go get sockets?

Definitely worth checking into. Glad to read these panels are from Thailand and not "Commie China"

Amazon has electric actuators to move the array up and down. Also to help with hail get armoflex rubber insulation sheets for quick protection.

You must be back there. You got your own 13.8KV transformer… Optimus Prime⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡

What is the bandsaw setup you're using? Is that a separate rig you can get and attach any portable bandsaw, or only a specific one? Did you make that?

Put the cables BEHIND the black steel rails so the sun doesn't hit the insulation directly.

Check out Ambition Strikes YT channel. They did the same build. About 6 months ago they did a video on their adjustable panel. Also a off-road panel dolly would be nice. Two 8” or 10” tires mounted to a u-shape saddle

No need to drill twelve holes, one for each month. You'd gain almost nothing over changing them once for each season.

I had really strong gusting winds here when I got up this morning and there where was some windshear in it as well, how would your panels and array handle something like that where you were unaware that the situation was going to occur? I'm sure at this point all you can probably do is speculate if you have not gone through a situation like that, I just wondered. Thanks,

How are you going to repair the shattered glass afterward?” Strong frame but weak panels. With the cost of steel that could be weeks worth of propane and a regular generator.

I have 4 similar solar generators and the main reason I went with smaller12v panels was to allow an easier combination of panels to max the input amps/watts without going over the allowed open-circuit voltage. It's been an education for sure! My batteries are just for backup power only, so they are not in constant use. I have my panels on a rolling rack so I pull them out when needed, and roll them back under the deck (tarped) when done. I wish I could run the whole house off solar and kiss the power company goodbye!

Question for you have you done all your lights in your shop to l e d

Hey bud! I actually came back to this video to ask another question! Lol . I am about to set up my 18 panel array. (Mixed 100 watt) but mostly renogy. Your running a 6S2P . Have you ever had a overvoltage from the 24.3v X 6 panels = 145.8v open circuit? I had my 12 panels in this exact format but since have added 3 more for 5S3P. And I'm about to add 3 more for my 6S3P but I may take out the mismatched panels and go strictly all 18 renogys. I don't mind overpaneling I was just curious if you've had any issues with that overvoltage for cloud edge effect? I've been watching all your backup and solar videos. My favorite is this one :)

I can say from my experience with solar the angle that they are set at isn't necessarily that critical to adjust them that often your power gain/loss usually isn't that significant especially with a clear view of the sky

The sun is always moving, or Earth is always moving?..

I WONDER WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF YOU HAD PUT THE PANELS ON A CURVED FRAME SO YOU ALWAYS HAVE ONE PANEL 90 degrees to the sun?….art

Still running gas and oil

My Ecoflow is broken and I have been in conversations with them for over a month now and I am still waiting on a prepaid shipping box in order for me to send it back. I have very low hours on my unit and it appears to be a piece of crap and their customer service is terrible. That thing is definitely the weak link.

I love solar, this video was extremely easy to follow and encouraging for those of us that have no idea on how to get started, you are becoming my favorite channel to stalk!

A quick cheap suggestion for adjusting the panels if you decide to go full off grid and move them each month is to just use some ACME all thread with a nut welded to the frame and that you can turn with your cordless impact. I used this setup all the time for lifting hoods on industrial food prep equipment. Real fun DYI project after that setup is to bye a Raspberry Pie and a step motor and program the Pie to move the step motor which turns the all thread, and you could have a simple sun tracking system. Absolutely love the whole Home series. You are already doing what I have been planning. Keep up the great content.

Finally the answer i have been looking for. You would not believe how many people make videos of this setup and skip right over the information i have been looking for. Thanks for sharing. 😂👍

Dude, you are a genius. Let you wife do the narration and you show us your genius.

You will only need a total of SIX holes. During spring and fall (or every six months) the same hole will be used.

For hail damage prevention, you could build a plyboard cover for the panels and store it behind the panels for fast installation. Very nice build and greetings from Jamaica.

That looks like a great diy solar panel system, I suppose you could incorporate some simple trailer turn Jack's for the angle adjustment part.

1st?

Heck of a build.. It's cool to watch people completely fabricate something new. I've had to create my own solar stands also. Great job.

You’ve got your angle theory screwed up …standing straight up is when the angle of the sun is near the horizon (. Low). It’s very low in the sky not in the summertime , you miss spoke , in the summertime you want almost flat because the sun is straight up overhead , I think that’s what you meant. It’s not what you said.

As a suggestion take a paint pen and write the socket size needed on the frame that way you know what you need at a glance and it makes it that much easier

Now that's a job you can be proud of.

Good idea add 2 eco flow delta pro extra smart battery 10,8 KWH. Test it out on youtube video

That is the best build I have seen. Congratulations on your great build.

That is a really nice setup. For some reason it seems kind of rare for welders to think ahead about designing things to be modular/taken down.

Great build! Thanks for sharing. Make sure you connect to the EcoFlow with an XT60i connector. Without the extra pin, EcoFlow thinks it's car charging, so it limits to 8 amps. You seem to have great output, so it's probably correct.

If you could get another set of hinges on just one of the poles and make the other pole swing in a semi circle to face the sun you could get max input sunup to sundown. That would only be needed if you stay with this array and if you lost power. Just an idea. Nice build

Great build - thank you for sharing. Hard to beat those $85 panels from Renogy. I have a similar goal of setting up a system to power a small shop & MIL suite. I'll be using a Bluetti AC300 that is capable of connecting to 4 modular battery units - up to 12KWHr capacity.

HOWdy T-K-C-L, ... Thanks for Sharing COOP the WiSeNhEiMeR from Richmond, INDIANA ...

That's a really heavy-duty setup that you built. Have you considered using hurricane shutters to protect the panels instead of moving them inside? The panels can be sized in a more manageable configuration. One precaution is wind gusts pre-hurricane will make those panels be very unwieldy.

Also you may want to add a couple of little wheels to the bottom of the frame so once off the rack that can just be pushed/pulled into the building. Other then that you did a great job.

That band saw is old tech. Get an evolution saw!

Such a beautiful property. what a blessing.

I would put a couple linear actuator on it to tilt it thats what i did to mine 2 years ago and it works great. Mine is controlled by an arduino and a photo cell so it tracks the sun and compares the output and adjusts the panels

An Outback Flexpower one will last 10+ years and never give you a problem. If you give me your address I will send you $1000 if your Eco flow lasts for more than two years.

Great video. I really like everything y'all are doing. Wish I had the cash to do what your doing. Right now Ive got a delta two and extra battery. Hoping to get get a delta pro in not to distant future and follow your lead. Keep up the videos and let us know how things are working out. Fantastic homestead congratulations 👏

Great job on the video!!! You could add a pivot to your stand (on the bottom) to rotate it 45 degrees to keep them in direct sun view.

commenting as i watch i want to help you do not have to disassemble mc4 connectors to install just push it in for the click and soldering is nice but with those crimpers cheap as they may be, are awesome no soldering needed if your pushing 24A then maybe.

large c-band dish Actuator 24 volt motorize for precise adjustment

could also make a hinged frame with cattle panel and hardware cloth for debris protection when needed... would still collect some solar in adverse conditions.

Mulch attracts insects and holds moisture.... but im sure you're aware

These pre configured connections and bable panel jumpers has to be costly, not to mention that small camper style converter and monitor has to be underrated and a bit pricey. But all and all was intresting to watch.

Thinking of doing this in wood, because my setup is smaller. Thanks

I would suggest grind a bit of a point onto the hinge pins for easier mounting. I'd also suggest greasing the hinges as you assemble to prevent rust and binding

Yeah if you've got the money go for the batteries! The utility company can stick it up to...

Tack wheels on the bottom, thinking big cotter pins, but overall pretty sweet!

Great video! Many individuals will install 3 arrays. In with your SE facing system, add one array to the west to capture late afternoon as well as one to the East to capture maximum morning sun while your current array will catch mid day sun. No need for expensive trackers and you can take them all down in inclement weather. My plan is for three arrays, East facing roof, west facing roof and a wall mounted array on the south side with the south being an adjustable array. Trying for total off grid so we can also add wind power for winter months when it’s really blowing hard from north or the south.

Nice nice nice. Clear instruction, great craftsmanship, slick design. Thanks for the inspiration and ideas.

put up mirrors or polished aluminum and redirect the light onto the panels you'll get even more. to cool the panels put a dc fan behind them.

At least you have someone to help you.

Whats the spacing betweej the 6x6s? 12ft?

I've enjoyed watching your video, even though I'm not planning to build one anytime soon. I really like the simplicity of it all, and sharing your thought process was also very helpful and satisfying to digest.

Nice video! But you mention things upside down (i think) when you mention the angles of the panels being closest to 90deg in the SUMMER... From Earth's surface the sun is HIGHEST from the horizon and thus, for the panels to be closest to perpendicular to the line to the Sun, you'd want the panels to have the SHALLOWEST angle. Closer to 90deg would be for the WINTER Sun, yes?

Great work ! Exactly what I am planning to do, this video will help me a lot, thanks. Going to watch part 2 :) Subscribed.

All of that work for those little panels? A simple trailer tongue jack can be used for the tilt mechanism. With it loaded with panels, how do you suppose you disassemble it quickly? Great welding and design of all but the end product. The space in between the panels could have been eliminated.

Nice. I just bought 8 of those Renogy panels. Amazon has a great price on them. I've got two 600 watt solar arrays in the backyard and it's just not enough because I'm in the Vegas valley. Although we get mostly sunny skies, there's just not enough hours of daylight, (starts getting dark at 4:30 pm in Winter.) I'm just going to start lining my south facing block wall with those 100 watt panels until I have enough power, (we often get high winds so the wall helps protect them.) My Bluetti can accept up to 3000 watts from solar. Mo' power, Scotty.

Not sure why this showed up on my feed but watched anyway. Low key brilliant build. Loved it. You’re quite crafty. What’s your background?

Awesome build ! I’m building one like this tomorrow but using big 8x8’s laid flat, then basically building the same frame and hinge, only mine will hinge off the ground, vs putting in pilings. This will also allow me you move the entire system around the yard because it’s basically on huge ski’s lol. I’m in central Fl, so I can appreciate your attention to hurricane readyness. I’m doing 2900w of residential panels.

I would love to mount my solar like this but I can't find a price on steel tubing that I am willing to pay. I am working on a setup using galvanized steel studs. I will see if it's strong enough.

I started watching this and wondered why on earth a man with his skills would be using an Ecoflow power station. Then I saw the affiliate links. Come on man.....a 48v hybrid inverter charger and a 48v server battery will give you more capacity and usability at a fraction of the price. You would never buy a consumer power bank in real life.

Hello from Phoenix Arizona. This is the first time I’ve seen any of your videos I came across your channel. That is a beautiful piece of land. Do you mind if I ask where you’re located roughly of course not your address just what city or nearby city or state you’re in? I do love Phoenix in the winter time it’s beautiful as far as the weather goes but this city is becoming so large it’s just not what it was 20 years ago and I’m worried about being here if it was some kind of civil unrest. I’d love to get a place in the mountains of northern Arizona just so I’m not right in the middle of the city. I’m looking forward to watching your other videos. I noticed you had one about a drone. I’ve got my part 107 and I’m interested in anything to do with aviation. Thanks again.

If we could only harness the kinetic energy of your dog’s wagging tail….energy problem solved. 😉

That for 1200 watts ??? You got skills, but certainly not worth it for 1200 watts...

Rapid disassembly ... Linchpins in lieu of bolts/nuts at release points? Any slack might create an opportunity for rattle in wind though.

OK, so I know I know, everyone's a critic, but here's a handy tip - the solar cells are fine in any orientation. Because of this, you could mount the top cells with their junction boxes at the bottom, and the bottom cells with their junction boxes at the top. This puts everything right in the middle of the array and makes working on it a breeze, without a ladder and without bending down. It uses a little less wire, too, but the big thing is how much neater and cleaner it is, and how much easier it is to work on. I figured I'd share this with you since you just schooled me on how to set a post, which I was just about to F-up at my place in a few weeks. Edit: If you put a 2 or 3 foot hood over the top of the top panels (makes an upside down L shape with the panels), then putting the panels in a vertical position will protect it from hail (damaging hail is almost vertical, and wind-driven hail doesn't have much lateral velocity anyway). You can get a cheap anemometer and an electric thrust actuator, and have the panels automatically slew to vertical when the wind kicks up. This can also be combined with a super-cheap electronics ($50) gadget you can get off the internet that can set the panels to the best angle every single day. This is the way I am designing and building mine at the moment, but since I am an electrical engineer, mine are also going to slew the azimuth angle to track the sun all day. I had to design the electronics and software for doing this anyway, since I also have a parabolic solar collector for charging the greenhouse earth battery. Edit 2: Beautiful design, beautiful craftsmanship, and very nice flower bed!