25 Responses to “Off Grid Solar and Wind Installation Part Two”

1. solarcabin says:

   September 18, 2011 at 8:12 pm

   @BradinOkinawa

   I received some equipment but most equipment I purchased. I make suggestions for many brands people can consider and I always recommend people do their own research and shop around.
2. BradinOkinawa says:

   September 18, 2011 at 8:33 pm

   Did you pay for all this equipment or did the companies you used hook you up? Just wondering if it effects objectivity of certain companies.
3. henryzimmer says:

   September 18, 2011 at 8:53 pm

   Super awesome!!! Its free, meant to teach to evolve. Thanks from a fan from Sweden
4. solarcabin says:

   September 18, 2011 at 9:20 pm

   @TheNitababe101

   It would depend on the size of your solar array and battery bank but a 100 watt panel can usually recharge on average deep cycle batt in about 3-4 hours of good sun.
5. TheNitababe101 says:

   September 18, 2011 at 10:10 pm

   Great video!!! I new to learning about off grid living. I was wonder how long does it typically take for a battery bank to fully charge??
6. marthale7 says:

   September 18, 2011 at 10:47 pm

   You can get more life out of your batteries with a good desulfator. Great info, thanks for sharing.
7. solarcabin says:

   September 18, 2011 at 11:33 pm

   @Shar4ie

   Generally speaking a 48 volt system would be two 24 volt panels wired in series and you would need a power controller and inverter designed for 48 volts.
8. Shar4ie says:

   September 19, 2011 at 12:17 am

   @solarcabin
   What do you think about 48V systems with a 48V inverter and four 12V batteries?
   Are they the same but just larger?
9. solarcabin says:

   September 19, 2011 at 12:45 am

   @dirtddoctor

   That is a good analogy for a battery!
10. solarcabin says:

    September 19, 2011 at 1:14 am

    @stephen3398

    Thanks!
11. solarcabin says:

    September 19, 2011 at 2:11 am

    @gmsllc

    Yes the panel actually produces mvt 17.4 volts but trying to explain what all that means in a video is too difficult.

    Thanks
12. 428ghost says:

    September 19, 2011 at 2:46 am

    Consider the Optima marine batteries too. They’re a ‘dry’ battery and can be drained all the way down without damage. I have the automotive version in my truck and burned the battery down twice due to a bad relay. It charged right back up again and holds its charge.
13. stephen3398 says:

    September 19, 2011 at 3:30 am

    Great Video!! I love seeing that tough lookin bicycle hangin on your place! There’s no doubt, You make the best off-grid videos Ive ever seen.
14. pgm98387 says:

    September 19, 2011 at 4:29 am

    Very good explanation of a basic system setup. Just make sure ABSOLUTELY NO MOISTURE gets in or on the controller or inverter.
15. gmsllc says:

    September 19, 2011 at 5:01 am

    LaMar you said early in the video the panel provides 12VDC but the panel looks like it has 36 cells. This would provide 18VDC which is optimum to charge a 12v battery bank. Maybe I am splitting hairs but just thought that was pertinent information. You also spoke of computers. I know you don’t proclaim to be a technical guy but I say you are brilliant. Desktop computers can be easily converted to run directly on DC. You have a laptop so you don’t have to worry. Great video! Thanks
16. dirtddoctor says:

    September 19, 2011 at 5:54 am

    Good, I have noticed that alot of folks have the miss conception of Solar Living meaning that you eat in the dark. Lot’s of the older systems were grossly undersized.
    Showing folks what you can do to live in a “normal” setting. We run three fridges, one freezer and the regular household items.
    I was told that loading the batteries was like filling a glass of beer. letting it settle and continue filling it up until the glass is full.
17. solarcabin says:

    September 19, 2011 at 6:37 am

    @dirtddoctor

    My system is 570 watts solar and 400 wind. You are just looking at the new equipment I am adding.

    Outback is good products and Northern Arizona Wind & Sun carries Outback products.
18. dirtddoctor says:

    September 19, 2011 at 7:03 am

    Your system is interesting, I would suggest that to run a few lights, and computer, your single panel might do. But if your trying to live and run appliances, I would go for more panels, and batteries, using a commercial inverter, and charge controller, OUTBACK POWER has great products. My off-Grid house, farm, and office use 48V panels and battery storage with generator backup. Find some good forklift batteries 12v, 24, 36, 48v. depending on your setup.
19. jmmurdy says:

    September 19, 2011 at 7:40 am

    nice video
20. backwoods223 says:

    September 19, 2011 at 8:24 am

    Very nice video. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, thank you so much for these videos. It really helps to understand when you can actually see the process.
21. solarcabin says:

    September 19, 2011 at 8:53 am

    @w1ldyovvnz

    It would take huge wires to transfer DC current any long distance which is why the grid uses AC not DC current.
22. w1ldyovvnz says:

    September 19, 2011 at 9:19 am

    Doesn’t DC current only travel for aprox. two Miles? and AC travels over longer distances?
23. keith19692 says:

    September 19, 2011 at 9:38 am

    Nevermind Lamar, you ended up answering my question at end of video.
24. WORRO01 says:

    September 19, 2011 at 10:08 am

    Thumbs up!! Great video buddy.
25. keith19692 says:

    September 19, 2011 at 10:55 am

    What did this setup cost If you dont mind me asking?