The importance of the NEW panels is qualifying for the 30% tax credit (in the US). The credit works for NEW solar equipment. It does NOT have to be installed by a solar company or contractor. Just has to be new. Also includes the rails, wiring, electrical supplies, etc. Anything to make the solar work. There are some other particulars, so check with a qualified accountant, but worth keeping in mind. That said, be open to the used market. Sometimes the used equipment saves more than the 30% tax credit offers. I have even seen SanTan at such a cost savings, it was cheaper to buy used, and get 4 or 5 extras panels in case one breaks (used panels do not have the long manufacturer warranty). Lots of ways to play with the numbers to get a deal that fits your scenario. I suggest everyone start with a few (4-8) used panels and some charge controllers and inverters. Great, affordable way to learn and test before spending the bigger bucks. BTW, I totally agree with your list of sites. Much appreciated.
Very good points. I agree, sometimes depending on someone's situation, lightly used equipment might be a better option. The ROI is much faster. Thanks for watching and commenting. 👍
Very good!!! The solar reps ofc told me that 30% is only available thru them, LOTS of shady tactics in the industry. “XYZ lender is raising their rates this weekend” when I saw on the soft credit pull that the rate is guaranteed for 2 months 😂
This is great insight Justin! There aren’t a lot of solar videos like yours out there and I’m sure you are helping a lot of folks. Please continue to share your experiences, thanks a lot!
IDK but I'd use a ground mount with treated wood. Alibaba has all different great deals for panels, and all the other equipment needed for complete systems.
Justin, how about a video on the Enphase process of getting up and running. I’ve taken the online classes. Downloaded the apps but there’s a lot going on here. Thanks
Thanks for the information Justin. I've been toying with the idea of setting up a system to provide power in case of grid failure and to supplement my usage. I'm not sure if a grid tie system can also be used to accomplish my goal of also having a substantial battery backup with inverters to supply power to essentials during power outages. I currently only have a Bluetti 2oo Max plus batteries and 14 100 watt harbor freight panels which barely takes care of my essentials sunset to sunrise. Those panels are under $1.00 a watt on sale and output more than what they're rated.
Check out some of the deals at signature solar. Some panels are less than .35 a watt. If you are looking for a completely off grid setup, this is the place to purchase from.
@@JustinsProject Im going to put a system on my rental house. Im not sure how large yet, but likely Ill install maybe 10 panels to start and expand at a later date.
Thanks for the content. I have an existing plan for a ground mount array that eventually will be grid connected but not initially. So looking at battery storage also. Why? Because the electric coop in Northern New Mexico is not allowing new power lines and service for some time. Say it is equipment shortages? Crazy. Govt tax credits make the investment easier to swallow.
You are welcome. I am exploring battery storage now myself. If I find something great, I will let everyone know. I hope my credit gets applied when I file taxes. I will know very soon. Thanks for watching and commenting. 👍
I do plan on focusing heavily on solar going forward. If you haven’t checked out my other solar videos, you can see them on my solar playlist. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
Hey Justin, do you have an opinion on stranded vs solid conductor wire? Im planning out my next solar project. I went with solid last time. Ill be using #10 this time ( longer run) instead of the #12 I went with last time. Just looking for an opinion, no pressure haha
I used #12 stranded on mine. It is easier to work with, so that was my main reason. Running solid wire in conduit gets tough, especially over 100 feet. I think I will do #10 on my next project. Just for insurance, to have that capacity if it's ever needed.
I'm thinking of buying from Tandem Solar but not sure how reliable they are. Their prices are very competitive. Have anyone had any experiences with them and don't mind sharing?
In your video you commented you would get everything for your solar system from Santan solar is it because of cost and do they have good warranties on there products
I have found that Signature Solar is my new shopping center. I have a link in the description if you are interested in checking them out. Will be updating my solar system and purchasing most of the items with them. They are located in Texas and have been very responsive. SanTan Solar is another shop I like. It's always good to have multiple places to shop. Good luck! Thanks for watching and commenting. 👍
You can install any solar components you want as long as you train yourself to do it correctly. When I first started my project, I didn't know Enphase would allow me to commission my system. But as I educated myself on this, I learned that as long as I was doing the work properly and invested in myself, I could design, build, and commission my own system. A lot of pros told me I couldn't. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
Not a huge fan of solar kits that use microinverters using the combined panel output as the system size (ex 5.9KW) when the included micros only have a maximum continuous output power much lower (ex iq7a's 349VA). Realistically that is a 4.54 KW system best case scenario and changes the $/w quite a bit. The SanTan kit example goes from $1.19/w to $1.55/w.
When we get a little more technical, that 455w panel will never produce the STC rating of 455w in real-world conditions. I do wish solar panel manufacturers were required to use the PTC rating because it is much closer to real-world conditions. With that said, there are options available where you could use a string inverter rather than microinverters if you are not a fan of that combo. I understand what you are saying though about the rating differences. Thanks for watching and commenting. 👍
Great Video! Do you have any experience with the company "unbound solar" (previously called wholesale solar)? They seem like a very reputable company and sell full kits but I am hesitant to pull the trigger with them.
Appreciate it 🙏 I have not worked with unbound solar, but I have run across their website from time to time. They do seem legit. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
In some cases, yes, you can. But shipping will add up, and it's best to save up the money and buy a full pallet. Sell off the panels you don't need to friends or on local marketplaces. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
I purchased mine from Signature Solar. They have lots of equipment but their customer service is terrible. They make mistake after mistake, then you work with a manager (if you can get them on the phone) and they screw up too. Avoid if possible.
I have a 1300W GTI like this one on 12- 100W 20V 6A panels in parallel. I am only getting about 9A DC draw and 1.5A AC output. Is this good? Each panel puts out 21V individually but drops to 16V after being wired. 1200W from panels divided by 120V = 10A
Hi. I am experienced with residential electric. I own a small house. I need help designing a grid tied solar system with battery back up. I want to do the labor my self and buy the components from the sites you present. How do I find your videos? I have already purchase the solar panels I'm going to use. Can you recommend someone that might be interested in steering me in the right direction?
Hi Bill, here is a link to other solar videos I have on this channel. ruclips.net/p/PLZUC4_8JuNePXNwgG5aBs9VXH3R-7uHRg - That is pointing to the entire playlist. You might find it helpful especially if you are looking at building out your system using microinverters. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching and commenting.
signature solar has 10 panel minimum on a good many of their pannels…I dont like that. Not buying my first batch of 8 from then… ill check your referenced vendors and use your discount thanks
BEST Place to BUY SOLAR Equipment: signaturesolar.com//?ref=justinsproject
LOL I just got 12 of the 420 panels in today from santan solar today very happy.
Awesome, congrats!
Great video thank you so much for sharing. God bless you and yours.
Thank you! You too!
I'm finding signature solar in TX to be quite responsive and reasonable prices.
Yes, I have recently done some sourcing with them. They are very reasonable on pricing and have great service. 👍🏻 Thanks for watching and commenting.
The importance of the NEW panels is qualifying for the 30% tax credit (in the US). The credit works for NEW solar equipment. It does NOT have to be installed by a solar company or contractor. Just has to be new. Also includes the rails, wiring, electrical supplies, etc. Anything to make the solar work. There are some other particulars, so check with a qualified accountant, but worth keeping in mind. That said, be open to the used market. Sometimes the used equipment saves more than the 30% tax credit offers. I have even seen SanTan at such a cost savings, it was cheaper to buy used, and get 4 or 5 extras panels in case one breaks (used panels do not have the long manufacturer warranty). Lots of ways to play with the numbers to get a deal that fits your scenario. I suggest everyone start with a few (4-8) used panels and some charge controllers and inverters. Great, affordable way to learn and test before spending the bigger bucks. BTW, I totally agree with your list of sites. Much appreciated.
Very good points. I agree, sometimes depending on someone's situation, lightly used equipment might be a better option. The ROI is much faster. Thanks for watching and commenting. 👍
Isn't the tax credit down to 26% now for 2023 new installs? (to be applied in next year's taxes)
It was extended to 2032 @ 30% Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
@@JustinsProject 2032? or 2023?
Very good!!! The solar reps ofc told me that 30% is only available thru them, LOTS of shady tactics in the industry. “XYZ lender is raising their rates this weekend” when I saw on the soft credit pull that the rate is guaranteed for 2 months 😂
Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
This is great insight Justin! There aren’t a lot of solar videos like yours out there and I’m sure you are helping a lot of folks. Please continue to share your experiences, thanks a lot!
Appreciate it 🙏 Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
Thank you for sharing your experience!
Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
Holy COW!!! Im gonna have to do some digging because I would need this shipped quite a distance, but I feel it still would save me alot of dough.
Those wholesale suppliers saved me a ton on my system. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
@@JustinsProject Im pretty happy with everything about my system. I may put one on my rental house this year or next.
@@SSMLivingPictures Addicted huh lol 😆 Me too.
@@JustinsProject Yessir 😅🤣🤣
IDK but I'd use a ground mount with treated wood.
Alibaba has all different great deals for panels, and all the other equipment needed for complete systems.
Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
Justin, how about a video on the Enphase process of getting up and running. I’ve taken the online classes. Downloaded the apps but there’s a lot going on here. Thanks
Congrats, have you started your installation? Activation is completed via the toolkit. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
Thanks for the information Justin. I've been toying with the idea of setting up a system to provide power in case of grid failure and to supplement my usage. I'm not sure if a grid tie system can also be used to accomplish my goal of also having a substantial battery backup with inverters to supply power to essentials during power outages. I currently only have a Bluetti 2oo Max plus batteries and 14 100 watt harbor freight panels which barely takes care of my essentials sunset to sunrise. Those panels are under $1.00 a watt on sale and output more than what they're rated.
Check out some of the deals at signature solar. Some panels are less than .35 a watt. If you are looking for a completely off grid setup, this is the place to purchase from.
A1 Solar, easy to work with and good prices.
Appreciate the info. I will add them to my next list of suppliers. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
These are fantastic Justin. Im going to 100% be using these very soon for my next project
Awesome, are you building out a larger system soon?
@@JustinsProject Im going to put a system on my rental house. Im not sure how large yet, but likely Ill install maybe 10 panels to start and expand at a later date.
Thanks for the content. I have an existing plan for a ground mount array that eventually will be grid connected but not initially. So looking at battery storage also. Why? Because the electric coop in Northern New Mexico is not allowing new power lines and service for some time. Say it is equipment shortages? Crazy. Govt tax credits make the investment easier to swallow.
You are welcome. I am exploring battery storage now myself. If I find something great, I will let everyone know. I hope my credit gets applied when I file taxes. I will know very soon. Thanks for watching and commenting. 👍
Great video. Love the City Electric site. Please make more solar videos!!
I do plan on focusing heavily on solar going forward. If you haven’t checked out my other solar videos, you can see them on my solar playlist. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
City Electric Free Shipping Over 40 bucks in the States, or Canada too(?)
They advertise free shipping on their .ca website. Might be an option for you.
Check out tandem solar systems.
Will do. Thanks for watching and commenting! 👍
Great video, great info!
Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
Thks
Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
Hey Justin, do you have an opinion on stranded vs solid conductor wire? Im planning out my next solar project. I went with solid last time. Ill be using #10 this time ( longer run) instead of the #12 I went with last time. Just looking for an opinion, no pressure haha
I used #12 stranded on mine. It is easier to work with, so that was my main reason. Running solid wire in conduit gets tough, especially over 100 feet. I think I will do #10 on my next project. Just for insurance, to have that capacity if it's ever needed.
@@JustinsProject Nice. Were 100% on the same wavelength
Great info! Thanks for sharing!
Appreciate it 🙏 Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
I'm thinking of buying from Tandem Solar but not sure how reliable they are. Their prices are very competitive. Have anyone had any experiences with them and don't mind sharing?
I have purchased anything from them. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
In your video you commented you would get everything for your solar system from Santan solar is it because of cost and do they have good warranties on there products
I have found that Signature Solar is my new shopping center. I have a link in the description if you are interested in checking them out. Will be updating my solar system and purchasing most of the items with them. They are located in Texas and have been very responsive. SanTan Solar is another shop I like. It's always good to have multiple places to shop. Good luck! Thanks for watching and commenting. 👍
If you buy the tesla power wall battery, can you do the installation yourself?
You can install any solar components you want as long as you train yourself to do it correctly. When I first started my project, I didn't know Enphase would allow me to commission my system. But as I educated myself on this, I learned that as long as I was doing the work properly and invested in myself, I could design, build, and commission my own system. A lot of pros told me I couldn't. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
Not a huge fan of solar kits that use microinverters using the combined panel output as the system size (ex 5.9KW) when the included micros only have a maximum continuous output power much lower (ex iq7a's 349VA). Realistically that is a 4.54 KW system best case scenario and changes the $/w quite a bit. The SanTan kit example goes from $1.19/w to $1.55/w.
When we get a little more technical, that 455w panel will never produce the STC rating of 455w in real-world conditions. I do wish solar panel manufacturers were required to use the PTC rating because it is much closer to real-world conditions. With that said, there are options available where you could use a string inverter rather than microinverters if you are not a fan of that combo. I understand what you are saying though about the rating differences. Thanks for watching and commenting. 👍
Great Video! Do you have any experience with the company "unbound solar" (previously called wholesale solar)? They seem like a very reputable company and sell full kits but I am hesitant to pull the trigger with them.
Appreciate it 🙏 I have not worked with unbound solar, but I have run across their website from time to time. They do seem legit. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
Yea It's way to much to have solar put by some one
.
Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
Can I buy solar panels only a few at a time to save money and then piece together my system
In some cases, yes, you can. But shipping will add up, and it's best to save up the money and buy a full pallet. Sell off the panels you don't need to friends or on local marketplaces. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
I purchased mine from Signature Solar. They have lots of equipment but their customer service is terrible. They make mistake after mistake, then you work with a manager (if you can get them on the phone) and they screw up too. Avoid if possible.
Thanks for sharing your experience
I have a 1300W GTI like this one on 12- 100W 20V 6A panels in parallel.
I am only getting about 9A DC draw and 1.5A AC output.
Is this good?
Each panel puts out 21V individually but drops to 16V after being wired.
1200W from panels divided by 120V = 10A
Thanks for watching and commenting. 👍
Where can I buy Tesla racking components
I don't really know, I haven't dealt with any Tesla systems.
Yes santansolar
Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
Hi. I am experienced with residential electric. I own a small house. I need help designing a grid tied solar system with battery back up. I want to do the labor my self and buy the components from the sites you present. How do I find your videos? I have already purchase the solar panels I'm going to use. Can you recommend someone that might be interested in steering me in the right direction?
Hi Bill, here is a link to other solar videos I have on this channel. ruclips.net/p/PLZUC4_8JuNePXNwgG5aBs9VXH3R-7uHRg - That is pointing to the entire playlist. You might find it helpful especially if you are looking at building out your system using microinverters. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching and commenting.
signature solar has 10 panel minimum on a good many of their pannels…I dont like that. Not buying my first batch of 8 from then… ill check your referenced vendors and use your discount thanks
Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
Do you have a website?
Yes, I have it in the description of the video. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
Super helpful!
I'm glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻