Expanding Our Off-Grid Power System
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- Опубликовано: 21 май 2024
- A solar panel roof extension solves two problems at once! // Learn more about the Bluetti EP900 & B500 complete home backup system: bit.ly/43eQ8Hs
UPDATED 5/14/2024
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We're a husband and wife team who bought 20 acres of bare off-grid land in North Idaho. Follow along as we turn a pole barn into our dream shop with an upstairs apartment!
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Riley Casey
105 Vermeer Dr PMB 141
Ponderay, ID 83852
Bluettiep900, Bluetti
00:00 We Need To Fix This
03:00 The Mud Has Arrived
06:00 Building The Solar Framework
10:00 Measure three times?
12:55 Don't Drop The Panels!
17:46 Installing Solar Panels
19:47 Expanding Our Battery Capacity
25:53 Turning The System On
29:38 Hooking Up The Panels 
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🔋What should we power with our system expansion? Courtney votes a hot tub... 😉Learn more about the Bluetti EP900 & B500 complete home backup system: bit.ly/43eQ8Hs
Voting over, Courtney wins!
Are you planning on painting all of the steel for your deck and awning? Rust is no fun.
recent hot tub convert here... we use it ever day. Wind-down time at the end of the day. Highly recommended.
I am feeling that there was really never a vote! I do however completely support Courtney’s executive decision 😁
Mini split HVAC, ski lift from the deck to top of mountain,. Induction cooktop,. Electric water heater from Bluetti dump load, chest freezer, electric snow blower for the deck elevator, rain water collection system, 3D printer, and a 4 season hot tub with a view.
I come to this channel to hear Courtney say "Riley NO Riley!" each week. You rarely disappoint lol.
😂
😂She is such a mother. Boys need such people to remain alive😂
The best "RILEY!" was when he gave her the skid steer. Classic.
Gotta say that I love how you didn't leave any cliffhangers and didn't force us to wait for the next video to see the end result. So satisfying to see everything coming together in one very well edited video. Great job!
Such a nice way to wake up on a Sunday with some Riley and Courtney! Thanks for the premiere!
Thanks for watching! ☺️
With all the welding and shop equipment, I keep forgetting you're off grid, even when the video is you doing an off grid project.
As an Architect who deals with structural quite a bit, you need to be super sure you have really good tie down for the roof trusses over that exterior wall. When you get heavy snow and a slight thaw, you may see the snow slide down and rest on the outside of the solar panels creating and uplifting moment at the living areas roof structure due to the inverted cantilever. Given it's solar panels, you will likely keep them clean, but it will be when the snow slides to the tip that it causes the most momentum change. Very cool design otherwise and great use of existing materials to solve multiple issues.
It appears the support is those 4” steel columns that are about 3’ from building. Also there are gussets on the side you mentioned where weight will be.
Not sure if they are recommended in Idaho (too much snow?) but I would probably add snowbirds to the roof to eliminate snow slide. Can’t imagine years of ice layer with feet of snow on top sliding across those solar panels would be good for them.
@@stuartkorte1642
He's saying those 4" columns become a fulcrum, rather than support, because the panels extend so far beyond them where the snow's weight can concentrate.
And the gusset strengthens the outside of the fulcrum which doesn't address the issue of the living area's roof's strength and might actually transfer a little more force to it.
A heating-strip along the lower support bar would turn it into water before any weight stress could occur. And a heating strip at the top would allow solar power for the heat-strip. Any rebuttals?
Riley should have made the solar panels on a hinge for this application.
"Always have a backup." Perfect! Now a Rain-catchment system? "Water is not a luxury."
Why did you not tie it into the system in the shipping container - as grid power?
Because some sponsor gave them money to feature the bluetti thing on their videos. I said the same thing, they should have tied those panels into the massive system they already had and had plenty of capacity for expansion for. It is one thing when a content creator uses a product for months or longer and if it it good quality then promotes it as such, others just feature new items for the money.
The power of two minds ..... One goal "excellent smiles" 😁😁😁
Why not connect the main solar power “plant” in to the bluetti as ‘grid power’?
Grid power is expecting AC input from grid, solar outputs DC voltage and also needs special MPPT control logic.
@@zzw875856 The power coming from their container with all the panels on is AC because they have their inverters in there, so they can use the power as AC in their house.
I'm not sure why you wouldiwant to connect it like you say into the main solar system, because now their appartamemt is running fully off one small solar system on their roof, and the big solar system which they installed with its own battery backup hasn't got as much utility, it would make sense tying them together
@@matteohardwick1499 that is not the case. The same unit serves as solar MPPT controller, AC inverter, batter management, and smart grid switch if they have grid tie. The solar panels are wired in directly as DC input.
You should add a 12000btuh mini split heat pump to your system. It will give you 3 times the heat per watt over the elect resist heater. In other words they produce 3x the heat and also cool in summer.
You read our minds! Stay tuned for an upcoming video in a few weeks.
@@AmbitionStrikes AC would be great - for a summer pregnancy...
As a refrigeration mechanic i totally agree and if you install a Co2 heat pump the COP would be 5 or 6 times greater than the basic resistance heat.
I wouldn't recommend that. Idaho has temps of -20+, with wet winters and spring/falls. A heat pump will freeze up something awful. Take it from experience. If you are installing one, make sure it has a VERY good defrosting system or keep a couple jugs of antifreeze ready to pour over it. Even here in Indiana, the heat pump I have at work freezes up over & over on wet winter days. Another tip, make sure you put some kind of small roof over it or install it in a protected area. There's nothing like melting snow dripping on the fan, freezing up at night, and making a helluva racket when the fan hits the ice. :)
@@thisolesignguy2733 I'm not an expert but I do know a little about everything and that sounds like good advice.
If the baby takes after his father i say we get ahead of the problem and name him "No Stop" lol
That kid is going to have the greatest childhood.
Riley I want your electric knowledge. I have been scared of electricity most of my life and now I want to learn it all. Thanks to my 1st negative electric bill last month, i want more panels.
I have a patio awning I need to replace and my Bride suggested we do the same as you did. Thanks for the ideas!
I had to edit that like 3 times. My brain isn’t working this morning.
First off I love you two as a couple. Secondly I am constantly amazed at the skill level of the projects you take on, and you always make it work. I love watching you guys. So happy for you two and the baby, long live you guys
I probably will be late getting this information to you, however, if you put a swivel point on the outbound point of the rail, install a wheel at the bottom of the inbound side towards the house, one person can open the railing giving full access to the deck.
Mate, using your body as a testing device isn't a long term solution 😀😀😀
I'm not going to say "STAY SAFE" because I don't think you can help yourself but I do love you two's videos because you are both very resourceful 💙💙
11pm Perth, Western Australia
Puppy grips on the stairs....that's why I love you guys!
You two are great together. I absolutely love every episode. I will admit I was looking forward to seeing the baby 😊
I’m just around the way from you. Around our barndo we put down road cloth with 10” or so of gravel over it. Never mud, just snow or gravel. Love you guys, congratulations on your new family!
Congratulations on becoming parents. It is the most important thing that my wife and I have ever done.
I used a fish tape with one run of 30 ft out of the total of 125 to get from my roof through the garage under the front patio and into the basement. There was another 25 ft section on the roof. I was completely unable to get done without help. For you to have done all of that by yourself. Am impressed. Fishing wires was the worst part of putting up my system
I appreciate the longer video.
Hope you are enjoying your well deserved break and you are all well.
I love you guys - watching from South Africa I have little concept of the problems with snow and temp.... Here on the coast we would use wood instead of steel... Those square tubing you use would not last a month unpainted.... We galvanise everything.... Fantastic to see how others do it in different parts of the world... Alln the best on your baby and may you have many years of joy... Love you guys....
Out in Cali the salt spray air buggers bare steel. Here in Arizona I can use A-36 steel...just have to watch out for metal sharks.
Y'all look so good together! Perfect couple.
Reilly and Courtney, I can’t say how much I enjoy watching a young couple like you two starting out on your life together. I truly look forward to each video you put out. Thank you guys and may God continue to bless you in your future endeavors!
Yes ! 1st choice every Sunday !
Victron, backup diesel generator, Delta Pro with smart Delta generator, thousands of watts of panels and now a massive Bluetti!!! Need to do a vid showing how all your systems integrate and explain what happens when grid power and internet go out. Does Bluetooth still work without internet?? Stay safe reckless Riley. Congrats on the new member of the fam and last but not least SNOWVERLANDER I love it.😂😂
"what happens when grid power ..." - they don't have any grid power there.
@@Haegar Yes I understand that they are on off grid power but when the rest of the country loses power and there's no internet how do their systems communicate. They have off grid internet but if grid power goes down all internet Ethernet or WiFi goes out. So my question is does Bluetooth still work?
@@julianbeamer3236 Their local wifi should stay running, as long as their off-grid power systems are still up. Same for bluetooth, that is just a local thing.
Only question if the devices themselves work correctly without "cloud" connection.
@@Haegar Ok gotcha. Thanks for that, always wondered.
Great idea using solar panels as a roof. Really like the installation and attention to detail. Looks great.
Old guy here……. You folks make an awesome couple. You both seem to work well together. That’s a blessing every time!!
Very impressed with the solar you have
Who just has 8 solar panels left over from another project? Courtney and Riley do.
Very impressive and professional work as usual.
I do enjoy the OCD crowd that is fixated on the finish you choose for your exposed metal.
I just want to sit back and enjoy the videos you two produce. You make consistently impressive decisions on every project. I'll just wait and see what you two decide to show us.
This was a very impressive project, with 1st class design, sourcing, and construction.
Looking forward to next week.
Actually I think they had 9 leftover?
No one has a company just "reach out" not to mention have solar panels laying around. I do enjoy watching the projects. .
@@danpags7023 what do you mean "no one has a company reach out"? It's a sponsored video. The company wanted some good PR for their back-up system and contacted popular off-grid youtubers that they know reach exactly the off-grid interested people they want to buy their products.
What is the make of the panels and size?
Rich people...
I love DIY's , and this DIY Solar system is just awesome!! What I like about those panels, is that in the winter when there is snow on the panels, the "under" panels will get sun reflected by the snow on the deck. You guys rock every projects!!
New tech is amazing, i hope more companies sponsor you guys.
Would like to see you “gravel” your mud patch! I am sure many other fans would like to see as well! Courtney is such a pleasant person. Such a pleasure to have her on the channel!
I was thinking the same thing, but cement with geothermal heating to keep the snow melted from the driveway. 👍👍
Thought: seeing the chimney outside on the deck just under the lip of the roof made me wonder what would happen if you had a heavy snow and it slid off the roof and knocked off the chimney pipe. Might be a good idea to add some roof snow brakes on that whole side with the deck and also a strong support for the chimney--maybe mounted to the railing next to it.
I was wondering why you didn't raise the batteries slightly above floor level? In the event of a water leak or just hosing out the shop floor they would not be directly exposed to water. I really look forward to all of your episodes. Keep on doing what you're doing.
Same.
I suspect this might only be temporary for the sponsor. Having two systems like those doesn't make much sense imho
@@Max24871 I know many YT'ers do the sponsored videos and then sell the freebies afterwards.
@@Max24871 Indeed.. it's irking me with their how much did it cost videos.. they did NOT spend $50k on their system.
Just a thought, when cutting angles, use wood first, metal last & never make a mistake again. I cut angels all the time, I do Crown Molding, I do sample pieces before any primary cuts. You guy's are Great in what you do. You remind me of an Old couple I know, I use to work for them in an Architectural Salvage Yard for over 20yrs. They are like two book ends just like you Guy's, perfect how they worked together as a team; rare that is... Best Wishes to the NEW Born! 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀
Love the Christmas lights in your tree!
Instead of bolting the deck railing back in, put hinges on the corner end (farthest from house) and make it a gate.
I favor four, four bolt flanges. Little fingers have to grow up quite a bit before they break out two 9/16" combination wrenches.
@@stancloyd That's why man invented the padlock.
You guys never cease to amaze me. Stand back and look at what you've built! This is a dream off grind build, and I'm sure you are not done yet! May I propose another project? You need a mini elevator to the deck or from the lower level, you know for the welder?...LOL
Issue I see is the aluminum panel frame in direct contact with the steel which will likely cause galvanic corrosion. Ideally you need to electrically isolate the panel frame from the steel (plastic shims should work)
I was wondering about that when I saw the two place the panels directly on to the steel beams. Maybe it's not as bad because it's not stainless steel.... not an expert. But still interested to know.
@@willscheidegger4115 After the panel warranty expires there could be some galvanic corrosion. The aluminum used has a clear anodize coating with in excess of 100,000 ohms of resistance. I thought the steel would get pickeled, primed and painted though. In code compliance areas, fasteners that bite through the anodize coating connected to bare copper wire connected to earth. Same rules apply to TV antennas.
Speaking of corrosion how do they get away with using raw steel in the elements, won’t it just rust?
@Dylan Topp they like the look of the rust. They are also so far off the road that they have essentially no salt exposure, don’t put any of the steel in direct contact with the dirt and use very thick material to build everything. So unless they started using a bunch of salt for ice control it will take a long time (years if not decades) to corrode to a point that is structurally significant.
@@andrewr2650 The Solar panels will corrode first over the steel. Alum. is often used as sacrificial anodes in hot water heater tanks.
I'm so happy that you two have each other. You seem like the happiest couple in the world.
Wooohooo, EP900! Waiting for this since a few people mentioned it at CES!
You could technically make your main solar system "the grid" in the Bluetti system, that way it would be a backup to your main solar system.
I thought the same thing. A totally-green backup to the already green grid. Brilliant.
I thought the same ! DO IT !
I'm not even sure how do you integrate both systems properly without doing that.
I agree! In fact, that very thought crossed my mind as I was watching the video. Great minds think alike
I thought you already did that. It's just one more stick of conduit from the main 'grid' panel to the blue. It would be very useful to not lose power when doing something with the container system way outside in the cold.
I was actually surprised that's not what was done in the first place. I just assumed there was some technical reason for not doing it that way.
WOW that system is awesome! As always great job Courtney and Reilly! God Bless y'all!
Get a load of wood chips from your local arborist / tree trimming service to cover the mud. For a quick job or for future grass areas. Should be free.
But you guys have plenty of rock & gravel for the driveway.
Do the C-Channels allow water to completely drain? If not, maybe drill drain holes at each end or even better, fill valley with epoxy.
Hey.... You didn't show us the toilet chimney diversion.
Seeing the fire extinguisher next to the new batteries, bring back memories of lithium fires. Augh....
I really like this install. Great job.
Set a block that will fit under back of skid steer then pick it up with bucket engage tracks that will remove most of the mud. saves a lot of shoveling
Wow that Bluettie system looks really cool. I'll wait and see how it hold up. I hope you get better prices on your steel than I do. I recently bought a 40" 3/16" 4x4 and it was $93. I every time I see you pull out some metal $$$$ go through my head.
Very Nice! Now you know what would be a very cool project for you? Build a underground home/bomb shelter with secret tunnels connecting to the shop. I'd love to see how Riley would deal with all that mountain rock.
I am constantly amazed at the range of skills you possess, Riley. It blows me away!! Love watching the content you produce for your channel.
Thanks for watching! ☺️
How coincidental those remaining 9 panels were the exact span of the deck to the roof's edge ¿¿
Talking about mud season... I'm excited to see how you guys tackle that. I could easily some awesome hardscapes around the property. A stamped concrete drive up to the garage door surrounded by some kind of paver courtyard type area and maybe... dare I say it... some grass! Oh... can y'all image having an actual "parking lot area" for all your utility vehicles? Keep up the awesome content!
Superb job done on your solar panels on the roof Riley you sure know your welding but you would be lost without Courtney helping you hold everything together and brings a beautiful smile to your build, must say very impressive solar batteries kit and wiring done a job well done. Thanks for sharing your latest challenge you did good!! And thanks Courtney for bringing a beautiful smile to please all,
Congratulations on the new baby..
Love all you do 😍 Need to do a video each 6 months with a whole property tour. Helps update the regulars about the state of play and also gives the new views review of what the heck is going on as there are so many pieces to this property now, so many things you have worked on
A somewhat complicated to understand video but I'm a not young female so it's what it is. Courtney is still a great helper for you, even while growing and nutureing a baby human so I think she is a super woman! I can't believe how much knowledge you have about solar. Rest Courtney.... you'll need it. From Central Okla.
you built a super shop and on top of all that it's well organized and clean.
Very cool setup, I just wish it had a display on the unit .
I really like this roof extension. It actually looks like you always planned it that way. I live in Bonner County and we are getting ready to start our own off grid journey and the two of you are very inspiring. Also your channel entertains the whole family, my boys really love the things Riley does.
Great video Courtney and Riley. Impressive design & install of the solar panels along with the Bluetti EP9000. Looking forward to seeing Courtney's office/son's room get designed and fabricated.
Amazed by your ingenunity every single time. The solar panels look amazing as a patio overhang. Brilliant!
I suggest you to remove the small hill in the front (dozer time !!) the snow pile up there and when it melt make your frontside like a swamp. A slightly pendency on the property will make the water drain much better and make life easier 👍👍
Great project and it looks fantastic, which is what I have come to expect!!! Hang in there mud season will be gone before we know it, we’re still watching snow melt!
Outstanding build and skills. You guys rock.
It’s amazing how these big old machines just keep going no matter what
Love, love LOVE Bluetti! I have an AC200P for my teardrop trailer project and have installed a couple of backup systems using the AC300 system. All working beautifully.
you need to add a pv disconnect switch. I would also add a inline fuse on the pv lines(if those put out 15 amps use a 20 amp fuse if they put out 12 amps use a 15 amp) I say inline because they have a large gap which DC needs.
Was looking for this comment. I would probably have a disconnect near inverter and one near the panels.
Those saws sure are awesome for steel cutting. One thing to watch for is always engage the teeth slowly. It could be just me but I found I had a tendency to move the saw quickly to the steel and bouncing the teeth of it. It loses teeth.
Enjoy that sunshine
Adjustable bevel square. Love you folks.
Pro of mud season = nice weather
BTW….nice plumbers crack! 😊
Impressive system, impressive install. 💪👍🏼
There are some pellets they sell where you can spread it out over the mud and it kind of stabilizes the dirt to make it less messy. I believe its used in horse stalls and such primarily. Might help with your problem!
Pellets are only good for a short while, 1 day. Crushed and screened 1" material is best, have to dump it from the lowest accessible to the top, unless they are willing to wait for the mud to dry a bit.
User's Comment: "I love camping and outdoor adventures with my family. Having a reliable home backup power source is crucial. Thanks for recommending the Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series. I'll definitely check it out!"Reply: "I couldn't agree more! Family camping trips are the perfect way to create lasting memories. The Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series is definitely a reliable choice for a home backup power source. Its massive capacity and fast recharging make it perfect for powering all your devices and appliances during your outdoor adventures. Happy camping!"
That turned out looking sweet!! and very practical.
Neet functional idea❤ even more functional with the double sided panels passing light thru😎
nice job again guys dont know another couple who compliment each other so much
We called it the "bone pile" when an apprentice was learning to bend EMT conduit and had a bunch of mis-bent pieces. You only learn by doing and that looks great.
Another awesome project done and in the books , great job Riley & Courtney!!
Great job yall , looks amazing and the additional power is icing on the cake !
In spite of those who comment because of their declared knowledge. Riley, you have it together. I love everything you do. Not wild about your winter camping video. But we all have brain farts every now and then.
Holy smokes, This new Bluetti system is really awesome. What really impressed me is the design and ease of installation. I'm guessing this is really going to pay for itself. Bluetti will keep your growing family in great shape. Oh, and congrats on your new baby.
Love the smooth doggy steps on your outside stair case. Great Idea! Hope to see a child proof gate at the top of those stairs, both the outside and inside stair cases.
You can never have enough power! Great job. I love that you're such a great welder. It's amazing to watch. It comes in so handy for DIY. I need to add the EP900 to my NC Solar Electric store. Very nice!
Reckless Riley & Risky Courtney 😁🙏👍🏼
The deck "roofette" looks fabulous !!!
Great Job and Idea 💡 🙌
What I'm interested to hear is how does this interact with your existing Off-Grid system. Can it get power back into the bigger system to help charge the big battery? Due to how you connected it, what happens when the big system runs out of battery? Did you disconnect the big system from the house but kept the workshop on the big one?
Sure looks like and from the way he is talking for now the new inverter just has it's own panels to charge it and it is the only thing feeding the upstairs curcuits. I am pretty sure they will be adding a new feed from the large system into the new smaller system in case something goes wrong with that solar array or they just use more power than the small array collected in a day. Would just be a matter of adding 1 more 220 breaker in the original panel and running a set of 6 gauge wires from that over to the Utility/Generator input of the new inverter. I probably would have out a tee in the emt conduit he ran over to the new pannel to allow all that in one conduit run but they can likely do that after the fact by turning off power temporarily to the apartment or just run an additional pipe over the door.
Thanks for the video! What are your plans for rain run-off from the solar panels? Gutter system?
Wow. What a great accomplishment. From Quebec Canada 🇨🇦…..🌼✨🌼Wishing you a great spring. 👋🏼
Dogs all have that look - they hear
"RILEY NO !!!!!!!" more than any of their own names. 😂😂😂
Hi Riley When you took the railing off. Have you thought about putting hinges on so it will open like a door and lock it with bolts on the other side.
I'm so glad you had backup videos for us to watch while you take the well deserved time together with Oliver. When my son was born 37 years ago I was making the transition from being in the navy to civilian life so it gave us that time together that I'll never forget. We absolutely love you guys and you are in our thoughts and prayers as you cherish your little man. We will look forward to when you are back but glad you getting this time. Very cool system. Was wondering how the other system worked in conjunction with the bluetti system. Take care!
Great looking design! And Riley calling Courtney dangerous sitting on the ladder... After he swung from the support over the stairs of all places... Hah
I admire your need to actually make something.. For me with my ADHD, i spend more time thinking about doing something then actually doing. Also your progress on building the entire place.. Impressive.
Another cool project!. You guys are so fun to watch!!!!
I could not tell in your install, but in general you do not want to bolt the aluminum frame of the solar panels to steel frames. Over time you can get a galvanic corrosion between the two dissimilar metals. You should always use stainless fasteners and some form of separator like a rubber, plastic or stainless washer between the panel aluminum and the steel frame. I even made some isolators by cutting squares from an old inner-tube and punching holes for the fastener.
But that is a great way to use your extra solar panels. I like how this system is 110 or 220vac backup. So many of the other larger systems are only 110 single phase and you really can not use it for whole house backup for the 220vac like water pumps and furnace functions.
The next thing you need is a 3sided storage shed to house your skid steer and excavator snow blower truck and implements...wow kid proof too...
Bending pipe is a skill all in itself. You go Riley. Oh dad jokes will come naturally don’t sweat it.
i love this channel you two are amazing i love your outlook on life and always have a smile i love it lol.. i feel really good watching you're videos
You guys are Amazing!! Thank you always for the awesome videos!
😉No bleeding no building.
The structure seems solid and well thought out, so it should withstand extra snow loads. I see that now you are really well supplied with both a lot of electric power💪... and, ahem, a lot of mud😬🍀
Amazing! Congratulations on this very nice job!
We are moving fairly soon to a 35 acre property. What you did for shade on your deck with solar panels is exactly what I want to do. I've had in my mind for the last couple of months a plan for building a really large deck on our new property, and doing a pergola but instead of wood slates for shade, do solar panels. Nice to see you guys do it first!
It did look great. However just keep in mind that the backside of the modules will be fairly warm. In the summer time the backside of our solar array is probably 5-10 degrees warmer.
@@tammyshaw5895 Good point.