EASIEST Off Grid Solar Power System Battery Bank

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  • Опубликовано: 9 окт 2020
  • This is the easiest off-grid solar power system battery bank we could find. We are doing the biggest upgrade to our off-grid solar system we have ever done. We are installing 8 Battle Born Batteries two Victron charge controllers and a new Victron battery monitor. This is a super-easy way to convert from lead-acid batteries to LiFePO4 batteries.
    Battle Born Batteries are lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) and are great for RV, marine, or any off-grid situation. Check out Battle Born Batteries battlebornbatteries.com
    How to build our Solar Panel Mounts • How to Build the Ultim...
    OUR OFF-GRID SOLAR SYSTEM (Main Components)
    2000w Inverter amzn.to/3ciOI3s
    70A Charge controller amzn.to/34lsIT1
    50A Charge controller amzn.to/2SmySNn
    Smart Battery Monitor amzn.to/3k1j3I0
    Fuse Block amzn.to/341HQpN
    Solar Panels www.wholesalesolar.com/solar-...
    Batteries amzn.to/34mSKFP
    TOOLS USED IN THIS VIDEO
    Lug Crimper Tool amzn.to/2EUhwnZ
    Heavy Duty Cable Cutters amzn.to/2SlYhXi
    3-Pound Sledge Hammer amzn.to/3jso9No
    LET'S CONNECT :)
    ✩ Private Facebook Group - downtoearthhomesteaders.com/F...
    ✩ Website - downtoearthhomesteaders.com/
    ✩ Our Church - geni.us/Church
    SEND US MAIL:
    Martin and Julie Johnson
    P.O. Box 2582
    Sandpoint ID 83864
    United States of America
    Legal Info:
    This channel is owned and operated by Martin and Julie Johnson. Martin Johnson - Off Grid Living 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. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.
    NEW HERE?
    Thanks for stopping by our off grid cabin build channel. We recently moved from the city with all of its conveniences to the middle of the forest near Sandpoint, Idaho. On our channel, we are sharing our journey from grid life to an off-grid homesteading life. We are starting from scratch on bare land. I hope you will come and join us on this journey as we build our off grid cabin and establish our homestead. You can learn more about our story here • Why we Choose to Live ...
    Thank you for watching our video and reading the description. You rock!
    Hope you have a really great day and keepsm:)ling!
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Комментарии • 5 тыс.

  • @MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving
    @MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving  3 года назад +200

    ☀️ *NEWEST UPGRADES TO OUR SYSTEM SEPTEMBER 2021* ruclips.net/video/MeaANzjzwf0/видео.html

    • @JourneyOnLife
      @JourneyOnLife 3 года назад +14

      This is seriously the BEST video on this topic I EVER saw : ) Great products. Super good simple explanation. Thank you. I am totally gonna start thinking about what I want to do for my house.

    • @DeepSnowRider
      @DeepSnowRider 3 года назад +25

      Wish you listed how much this upgrade costed you.

    • @MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving
      @MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving  3 года назад +3

      Wow. Glad it was helpful.

    • @MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving
      @MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving  3 года назад +4

      The prices are in the links in the description.

    • @brandonlacour1277
      @brandonlacour1277 3 года назад +2

      what are you gonna do with all your old components and batteries?

  • @fisherus
    @fisherus 3 года назад +733

    I want to give you a little advice on safety on your solar system for two reasons. One is, you aren't aware of them and the second is those folks watching how you do certain things are probably going to be making the same mistakes. Never connect your positive wires last on DC current but, connect the "Negative" wires after placing a 1 ohm resister between your hot negative ( battery or power side) and the negative you will be attaching it to. Make sure you touch both leads on the resister to both negative wires or terminals and then immediately connect the two. This will keep from blowing up electronic components inside of your charger and inverter. I'm sure you heard the pop sound when you connected the positive side of your battery bank. Additionally, use shrink tube on all wire terminal connections. The cable terminals on your batteries look terrible and will corrode without using it. You have way too much bare copper on your terminals exposed. Finally, you should have a PV disconnect switch on the outside of your solar shed to turn off your system in case of fire.

    • @gastongonzalez221
      @gastongonzalez221 3 года назад +28

      Great advice. It looks like there should be another fuse between the solar charge controller and main positive based on the amps the panels are pushing, right?

    • @kuhrd
      @kuhrd 3 года назад +82

      Using a precharge resistor is a very good idea and with most inverters and charge controllers is a requirement.
      As far as whether you connect positive or negative last or first does not matter since everything around the batteries is wood and non-conductive at the 24v he is dealing with here. The only time it is a good idea to connect the negative last when making a connection or disconnecting it first when breaking a connection is if the chassis of whatever you are working on is grounded to the negative cable so that if you are using a wrench it won't matter if you short it to the chassis. If the chassis is positively grounded which is still common in old tractors and some vehicles in countries outside of North America then the positive would be the best connection to make or break the circuit.
      Regarding the cable terminals, these crimps will be just fine, and since these batteries are in a shed protected from the elements they won't really corrode since they are lithium rather than lead-acid. At the most, he could apply a bit of dielectric grease as a barrier but it is never a good idea to heat shrink battery cables unless you are using it as a barrier to prevent short and then you should use clear heat shrink so you can see the connection since most heat shrink will hold in moisture making corrosion more likely.
      Having a PV disconnect is also a very good idea at both the array and in the shed.

    • @aqpham84
      @aqpham84 3 года назад +14

      Are you saying he should connect both negative leads to the resistor to complete the circuit then bypass the resistor by connecting the negative leads together? Just asking to learn.

    • @kuhrd
      @kuhrd 3 года назад +36

      @@aqpham84 Yes the resistor bridges the connection first and allows the capacitors in the charge controllers and inverter to charge up and equalize to the battery bank voltage more slowly which also dramatically reduces or in most cases eliminates the spark when you make the final connection. You can also buy DC isolation switches that have the precharge resistor built-in which is the preferred method since an isolation switch is a code requirement in the USA IIRC even if off-grid and just makes common sense in any semi-permanent install.

    • @johnb4183
      @johnb4183 3 года назад +35

      Craig Fisher Where are those batteries going to be after a moderate earthquake ?

  • @coolmugs-ke
    @coolmugs-ke 3 года назад +27

    really love how detailed and open he is, clean and slow explanation any one can learn from him even without prior experience

  • @Xyz12391
    @Xyz12391 2 года назад +12

    It was nice to see how much power a generator provides versus the solar power setup. Many of us have used a generator and are planning a solar panel setup. Thanks for providing a reference point for what to expect.

  • @kevkev5935
    @kevkev5935 Год назад +4

    This was awesome. I've been going down the rabbit hole off grid solar video binges as I'm planning on building a small 600W backup setup in my shed. We're in Central Texas and having gone through the freeze last year and a week without power, I want another power source as a 2nd backup along with the dual fuel generator. Y'all sold me on the Battle Born batteries. Those have some killer reviews and I love that they are American made. Here's to getting many years out of them. God bless.

    • @expatron
      @expatron Месяц назад +1

      Just an observation. The Battle Born batteries are designed and assembled in the U.S. However, various components are sourced elsewhere. The Battery Monitor System (BMS) is made in China, and I'm sure the actual 26650 battery cells are also Chinese. However the design and assembly are top-notch. Lots of thought went into this battery.

  • @Wrensspeedshop
    @Wrensspeedshop 2 года назад +8

    I like your in depth descriptions of each of the products as well as what they are supposed to do and what they are doing. Keep up the great work!

  • @mrziggy9067
    @mrziggy9067 3 года назад +19

    Martin, thanks for the clean, simplistic how-to blueprint! I've read lots of the comments of others (especially on safety and $$$), but I'll definitely be going back to this video as I get closer in...

  • @theshmucky2956
    @theshmucky2956 2 года назад +3

    I have watched so many videos that just confused me even more... thank you for finally explaining the basics to set up a decent solar powered system!

  • @ckzckw
    @ckzckw 2 года назад +4

    This was really educational and so so helpful. You people in the USA are so lucky to be able to do this, I'm not yet on the property ladder here in good old Britain but the charge on those battle born batteries has me thinking of havin a set for downstairs and one for upstairs so I have a good charge up for our lovely rainy and mild weather. :) Im so here for when storage can be as advanced as mobile phones. I'm looking into the same for residential wind energy that would be perfect to hybridise for UK climate. Thanks again every thing was easy to understand the steps to set up.

  • @mr.smiley4263
    @mr.smiley4263 3 года назад +10

    Looks good! Glad you got a sponsor to help you with your projects.

  • @henryboyoutdoors4869
    @henryboyoutdoors4869 3 года назад +84

    I like the organized layout and installation. Nice clear pictures that we all are enjoying and are learning from watching your videos. Appreciate your work and glad you taking action and getting these components up and working on plywood....AND I dont mind which plywood you use! Thanks for your videos.

    • @matiavicentigulu6748
      @matiavicentigulu6748 3 года назад

      Hello , I'm Matthew from Uganda East Africa. I work with poor and needy orphans. We are out of food and have gone 2 days minus eating anything, I hope you can imagine and understand how it feels going even a single day without food, I'm kindly requesting for your help to get food, let me hope to hear from you soon.

    • @matiavicentigulu6748
      @matiavicentigulu6748 3 года назад

      Hello , I'm Matthew from Uganda East Africa. I work with poor and needy orphans. We are out of food and have gone 2 days minus eating anything, I hope you can imagine and understand how it feels going even a single day without food, I'm kindly requesting for your help to get food, let me hope to hear from you soon.

    • @VideoByPatrick
      @VideoByPatrick 3 года назад

      I liked the info; negative side for shunt with it's companion low current monitor and hot side for fuse.

    • @silentbullet2023
      @silentbullet2023 3 года назад +4

      @@matiavicentigulu6748 Hello Mathew, I can show you a beehive design to keep bees without even knowing anything about bees. You can harvest 12 kilos of honey per year which would end hunger if every family utilizes this beehive idea. You’ll need mud or clay to build the hives. After the second year families can even sell or store the honey. Honey also has great therepeutic benefits. Wish you great luck with your endeavours.

  • @t3angling575
    @t3angling575 2 года назад

    This is an awesome video. I am currently building portable solar power boxes for friends and family for camping, kayaking, bad weather, etc. They are 12v systems running on 12ah batteries. I want to now take on the project of running my refrigerators and freezer, all my pool equipment, and a couple of other appliances, so as to reduce my monthly electric bill. Great video, very informative, and confidence building. Thanks.

  • @Dustindoesitall
    @Dustindoesitall 2 года назад

    I enjoyed the video alot. The irony of being completely off grid and at the end pulling out the iphone with the fancy Bluetooth connected app was priceless. Poking all in good fun man this was great gave me alot of ideas for mine.

  • @whatsnext8825
    @whatsnext8825 3 года назад +13

    Just wanted to take the time to say I've watched a few of your vids and really respect what you folks are doing. Looking forward to seeing more vids of your progression of both the build and the channel. Trying to get my feet wet myself with my channel. Im starting to be more active with my channel and have a shop build going also. Also I'm off grid and will be doing a solar set up. Definitely have appreciated your vids on solar...always good to learn! Keep at it...looking forward to your progress!

  • @YDSTE
    @YDSTE 3 года назад +90

    For myself, someone who is just getting started in the world of solar/off-grid power/electrical systems, finding this video really helped me sort some things out. 100 Gold stars!

    • @skeeterburke
      @skeeterburke 3 года назад +1

      are you a fan of Cheap RV Living like me? I think his name is Bob? great channel. Subbed to this one, I'm always looking for good ideas

    • @JJHDZ68
      @JJHDZ68 3 года назад

      💯❌💯 👍👍 same here!

    • @nancyst.john-smith3891
      @nancyst.john-smith3891 3 года назад

      Look for Will Prowse’s Book, “Mobile Solar Power”. I bought the Kindle version for putting solar in my van. It’s very straight forward and a good reference for understanding what it all means and calculating your needs. Another Bob Wells Cheaprvliving channel nugget of knowledge. He has had Will Prowse on his channel.

    • @starkenterprises2371
      @starkenterprises2371 Год назад

      Bear in mind there were several mistakes in this build. Some worse than others. Read comments for list of improvements.

  • @mgpadi
    @mgpadi 2 года назад

    One of the best videos I've seen on battery banks and solar systems. Thanks for your time.

  • @chrissartain4430
    @chrissartain4430 2 года назад +1

    1st time I have seen your site, I'm happy because I understood everything. Very good explanation on each step, Thank you!

  • @jimmyjones9798
    @jimmyjones9798 3 года назад +8

    Got yourself a new sub. I have just started looking into solar power energy and your videos are really informative. Cheers

  • @donnawells2533
    @donnawells2533 3 года назад +21

    You did an A1 job on this video. The camera quality was excellent, great job.

  • @TheRetroStuffGuy
    @TheRetroStuffGuy Год назад +3

    Greetings from England! Very impressive setup! With extortionate energy bills now, this has given me food for thought, thank you!

    • @user-qo3uv7hw5k
      @user-qo3uv7hw5k 3 месяца назад

      what about the extortionate cost of lithium batteries?!

  • @pierrefenelus3792
    @pierrefenelus3792 Год назад

    Hey Martin,
    I am a beginner. i watched for the first time yours videos. This is very helpful.
    Thank you

  • @northidahodreaming5657
    @northidahodreaming5657 3 года назад +4

    Excellent video...very well produced and staged...you deserve more subscribers.
    I have six 24 volt Simpliphi lithium iron phosphate batteries (867 Amp hours at 24 volts) in my off grid system having upgraded from AGM batteries one year ago.
    My homestead is 18 miles from you, just north of Naples Idaho.

  • @geradbruce7496
    @geradbruce7496 3 года назад +14

    Thanks, people trying to help you is helping everyone else.

  • @silversponge4259
    @silversponge4259 2 года назад

    Your are living my dream life. Currently in the city and ready to get away from the craziness and be self sustainable. Congratulations to you and yours. I'm jealous!!

  • @saucy2ubud
    @saucy2ubud 2 года назад

    I have seen your progression from the very beginning - awesome work on all your videos

  • @BrokeBeardedGuy
    @BrokeBeardedGuy 3 года назад +16

    I find the comment section hilarious. Some people have no idea the cost and putting in on grid installations. I think you're doing an amazing job love the video

    • @TimYorty
      @TimYorty 3 года назад +2

      true - you need to remember you're building a small power generating station. You get what you pay for.

  • @jasontilley4644
    @jasontilley4644 3 года назад +39

    Your solar setup is nice and tidy. That's probably my biggest issue with most solar installs. Cheers.

    • @hwangeva1464
      @hwangeva1464 3 года назад

      but i did not see the solar panel set up yet

    • @tonysmith26
      @tonysmith26 3 года назад +3

      That’s far from tidy with zero mechanical protection of cables and all cables devoid of support.

  • @rudetoy8264
    @rudetoy8264 2 года назад

    Got educated from cool uninstall sequence of the olds, and love the new setup. Kudos for straight forward and to-the-point on brand new unit install.

  • @gehadel-habta4829
    @gehadel-habta4829 2 года назад

    I Don't know who you are, but i really like your videos. Thank you so much for letting me follow you and not fell alone

  • @greengooseman
    @greengooseman 3 года назад +6

    As much as I would have hated the labels being upside downon the batteries, the negative cable for the shunt would have been much closer. Love your videos. Keep them coming.

  • @michaelthomas4346
    @michaelthomas4346 3 года назад +3

    Great job! That's an absolutely huge upgrade. You would be lucky to get 30% of the lead acid.

  • @artboymoy
    @artboymoy 2 года назад +1

    Great seeing your set up. Wish I had the knowledge and skills to add battery storage to my solar system.

  • @joevasquez1776
    @joevasquez1776 2 года назад

    I never thought of that bending the cable tip you shared! That's great tip.

  • @HippieHillHomestead
    @HippieHillHomestead 3 года назад +55

    Nice system. Just a few safety concerns but I see other people have already mentioned them. Thanks for sharing.

  • @ChatGPT1111
    @ChatGPT1111 3 года назад +6

    I love my Battleborn Batteries and recently added 4 to my existing 10 AGM deep cycles which are now serving as my backup. They do come delivered with only a 30% long term storage charge level so you should charge them before use. Also, don’t forget the cutoff switches and fuses. I have fuses at the solar cells plus a lower level DC circuit breaker to save the fuses and the hassle of changing them.

    • @kimmer6
      @kimmer6 3 года назад +1

      I have 2100 AH in cell tower AGM batteries and a new set of 1600 AH in LiFeP04 batteries. Each has different charging requirements and both banks are isolated. I don't know how you switch your banks but my major improvement was to add a Blue Sea marine rotary selector switch that is sealed and spark less. The switch is rated 500 Amps continuous and you can select Bank 1 or Bank 2 or run them combined or switch the batteries off.
      The switch was $70 on eBay. You can tell the thing was built for serious Amps as the connection studs on the back are 1/2''-13. The smaller switches have 3/8 inch studs. I leave it on Bank 2, the AGM's, and its float charger. The lithium cells get a charge about once a month from their own charger when I run the Onan diesel gen set for 20 minutes. That $70 switch was dirt cheap in the scheme of things. It switches banks or disconnects in half a second. It might fit your situation. A hydraulic terminal crimper gets a lot of use here, too.

  • @amberlybaez2602
    @amberlybaez2602 2 года назад

    That’s a nice set up. I will build my own for a music production studio!!! Love it. Thank you sir. Much respect

  • @thewatchfuleyez123
    @thewatchfuleyez123 2 года назад

    Enjoyed the video. I got lost a few times so I will have to watch it a few more times. Wish I could afford what you have.

  • @mfla1477
    @mfla1477 3 года назад +4

    You have a great video going , very informative. I like the fellow who commented on using the resistor poor to making final connection. What I would like if for safety glasses be worn when making final connections. Eye protection cannot be overstated. Especially when living off the grid. Thanks Mike

  • @Creative22222
    @Creative22222 4 месяца назад

    You always share fun videos with us and I appreciate every minute of it. I always look forward to watching your new videos❤❤❤👌👌👌

  • @trojwarr1933
    @trojwarr1933 2 года назад +1

    You are an answer to my prayers!!! AWESOME VIDEO!!!

  • @omadeitz3340
    @omadeitz3340 3 года назад +4

    You just saved us. We needed batteries for our rv home now we are just going g with. Battle born.

  • @viktorkosenko2461
    @viktorkosenko2461 3 года назад +20

    good day. My name is Victor and I'm from Ukraine. I want to say that I liked the improved system. I respect people who strive for sustainable independence

    • @worldpresidentkongjakjaide1609
      @worldpresidentkongjakjaide1609 3 года назад +1

      Agree. Let's help everyone becomes sustainable independence. (I do it by living naturally and self-reliantly in my private 0.4-acre arable land, which is a size that each of all 8 billion humans can own if all arable land on earth is shared equally.)

    • @lobsterDan22
      @lobsterDan22 2 года назад

      What do you suggest? I am building a off grid house currently.

  • @user-hg2tk3xj9y
    @user-hg2tk3xj9y 7 месяцев назад

    I wish where I lived this would fly, that was such a good rundown even I have very little confusion, so simply done

  • @nin1ten1do
    @nin1ten1do 2 года назад

    Nice, clean, simple powerwall.. with ez tool done.. with math... well this is one of best video about this topic.. :)

  • @garrymetts2644
    @garrymetts2644 3 года назад +34

    I'm impressed. Looks like your doing a great job on everything.

  • @jansmit4628
    @jansmit4628 3 года назад +6

    Nice detail on positive and negative wire lengths to the 8 batteries which insures minimal wire impedance differences. Shrink tubing would finish each crimpconnection a little nicer and minimize short circuit accidents.

    • @martinestorm3772
      @martinestorm3772 2 года назад

      Exactly what I was thinking aswell! 😄

    • @starkenterprises2371
      @starkenterprises2371 Год назад +1

      A little grease under that shrink wrap as well. Many little things wrong in this set up, too many to list, read comments. Hope all goes well.

  • @WindwalkerHomestead
    @WindwalkerHomestead Год назад

    Nice looking setup. Battle Born. Simple, plug and play. You technically don't even have to have a lithium setting on your controller to use them. Ane...made right here!

  • @sean5151
    @sean5151 Месяц назад

    Great video Martin. loved it! Informative and excellent video examples

  • @QuantumBraced
    @QuantumBraced 3 года назад +13

    This is the most objective review I've ever seen, complete with wearing the merchandise of the company that sent all the stuff for free.

    • @kungfooed5999
      @kungfooed5999 3 года назад +5

      Honestly if they gave me that amount of free stuff, I would proudly display their gear as well lol.

    • @kungfooed5999
      @kungfooed5999 3 года назад +2

      1k a piece for the batteries :o

    • @christopher5194
      @christopher5194 3 года назад +1

      @@kungfooed5999 Yep, $11,000 for the system not including the solar panel frames and the 2/0 wiring (usually $1.75 per foot).

  • @marvelaturraz5405
    @marvelaturraz5405 3 года назад +13

    "Bam!!" This guy's excited! So nice to see such enthusiasm over batteries!

    • @amishjim
      @amishjim 3 года назад +1

      Yea, one could say that he's charged up.

    • @mysilentprayersalways1913
      @mysilentprayersalways1913 3 года назад

      I have solar, so when the power goes out I will have light and heat. Winter in Iowa makes for cold bones with no power.

  • @mutebijonathan1460
    @mutebijonathan1460 2 года назад

    Thank you for teaching and getting what I want because am studying electrical installation and system maintenance as my course and am pursuing a national certificate.

  • @theological7150
    @theological7150 2 года назад

    i really wish i understood this stuff better ..soon i will be homesteading and need tyo learn this stuff thank God for the internet and vids like this

  • @JCZ2601NL
    @JCZ2601NL 3 года назад +4

    🇳🇱NL.This was an instructive video regarding your live broadcast, which unfortunately I could not see directly because then it was night with us and at night I usually sleep I have seen the video partly I wish you good luck with the current system greetings from the Netherlands Hans.👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🍀❤️

    • @MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving
      @MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving  3 года назад

      Thanks. I should do a livestream in the morning here sometime.

    • @lydiaanderson9765
      @lydiaanderson9765 3 года назад

      @Hansmetcamper How are you doing
      Hope we get to know each other with time and patience?

  • @JonathanBaileyn2u
    @JonathanBaileyn2u 3 года назад +8

    Good honest man, looking out for us fine folks. Thank you so much for all your time, effort, and vigilance.

  • @craigbooth5414
    @craigbooth5414 2 года назад +2

    That spark always gets me. I have to psych myself up to connect it

    • @user-uu8uk5oo4o
      @user-uu8uk5oo4o 4 месяца назад

      I've always told people if you know it's not turned on or hooked up and make sure you're working something that's not hot or hooked up and don't guess at it you're okay and shouldn't be nervous. I've designed systems all of my life and that's a long time

  • @user-fp7zh9ek9i
    @user-fp7zh9ek9i 9 месяцев назад

    i quit all the news..al the movies i-m watching only your channel..God bless you..wonderful family..greatings from Romania

  • @matthewpoltorak8956
    @matthewpoltorak8956 3 года назад +10

    @Martin Johnson Awesome video, made even better by the fact you're a member of the Demolitia! @DemolitionRanch

  • @inannashu689
    @inannashu689 2 года назад +3

    Looks like a great easy system to set up and maintain,good for you.

  • @aligarcia3792
    @aligarcia3792 2 года назад

    Very good input. I can understand and visualize what is going on. Keep going strong

  • @Angor6495
    @Angor6495 Год назад +1

    love seeing, how great his symbiosis with these electronics suppliers works out :)

  • @spaceflan5629
    @spaceflan5629 3 года назад +6

    Everything looks great here, great explanations thanks for the vid. I would say though the VMAXTANKS lithium batteries have worked much better for me.

  • @johnrossman6679
    @johnrossman6679 3 года назад +3

    I would have used some electrical tape on the exposed portions of the copper wire. But I am impressed and happy that it works. :)

  • @chris-vn6sw
    @chris-vn6sw 2 года назад

    Came across the video by chance. Great run through 👏👏

  • @stevenspencer9104
    @stevenspencer9104 Год назад

    Brother I cannot tell you how much I appreciated that video. I am 65 and when solar power first came on the scene it was extremely complicated. It appears to me, if you have a few dollars to invest, You could slap this thing right together. And do you ever run air conditioning? It’s warm down here in South Louisiana.

  • @cleversolarpower
    @cleversolarpower 3 года назад +6

    Great instructional video Martin. I would recommend using a proper hydraulic crimper for these 2/0 wires with nickel-plated copper against corrosion and shrink wrap.

    • @btwbrand
      @btwbrand 3 года назад

      The wires are in a building. They aren't at risk of damage unless you spill something nasty on them.
      These battery don't vent acid gases that can cause damage.
      Hammer crimped is fine for this application.
      There are always better ways to do anything but there are limits to what is reasonable.

    • @cleversolarpower
      @cleversolarpower 3 года назад +1

      @@btwbrand I'm not saying that Martin should re-do it. I'm making people aware that a hammer crimper is not the right tool for such big wires.

    • @cleversolarpower
      @cleversolarpower 2 года назад

      @Kevin There is a video where a guy cuts open a hammer crimp vs a hydraulic crimp.. Hydraulic is much better, but hammer can be used too. You can check by cutting one upen.

  • @offgridbydesign3826
    @offgridbydesign3826 3 года назад +72

    Great upgrades. A couple of safety suggestions.
    1. Add a disconnect switch at your panels.
    2. Add a disconnect switch at your batteries (this will also prevent sparking in the future if you have to disconnect or you can use a resistor to drain the capacitor in the batteries before connecting)
    3. Add a lighting suppressor to system.
    4. Add a grounding rod at panels
    5. add a grou d to your generator.
    Great progress, keep it going.

    • @falcons5683
      @falcons5683 3 года назад +4

      Quit using the term "bad boy".

    • @sosteve9113
      @sosteve9113 3 года назад

      Good advice

    • @Nutzernameungueltig4
      @Nutzernameungueltig4 3 года назад +7

      ...Don't use flammable plates to mount electric components on...

    • @ThePunkin04
      @ThePunkin04 2 года назад +2

      Why didn’t he heat shrink the cables

    • @Skashoon
      @Skashoon 2 года назад +1

      With all the money you’ve put into this, is it EMF protected?

  • @RyanJWassink
    @RyanJWassink 2 года назад +1

    Love it - I didn't notice anyone else mentioning strapping the batteries to the wall or putting a cover of some sort in front of the electric connections.
    Knowing my luck I'd walk in there with a shovel or something, spin around, short it out, and zap myself. I'd then jump 2' high and knock those batteries off the wall. Personally (not that anyone asked) I'd probably a shelf out of OSB that would go between each battery and then some threaded standoffs so that you could put a sheet of plexiglass in front of everything as a guard. Attach with thumbscrews so that it would come off quickly. As a middle school teacher I'm always thinking about what a typical 7th grader would do - and unfortunately "zap himself" is the first thing that came to mind :-)
    LOVE the video and the content! Just getting ready to start a solar cabin project.

  • @rjlinnovations1516
    @rjlinnovations1516 2 года назад +1

    Much appreciated for sharing your knowledge to us. I learned something with your excellent tutorial

  • @moto-rambler
    @moto-rambler 3 года назад +5

    Appreciate the upload. My home has been off-grid since the mid 90's. Pretty much seen it all. I'd take your old FLA batteries over those Battle Born units every day of the week. I look forward to your battery updates a year or two from today.

  • @mccmike
    @mccmike 3 года назад +5

    I'm impressed at the simplicity of a great working system. The only thing I would have added is a disconnect to the panels so you don't have to shut the power off from the panels in an emergency.

  • @carlosrosalesrojas6788
    @carlosrosalesrojas6788 2 года назад

    Best video i have found online. Thanks man!

  • @normanjacques4092
    @normanjacques4092 2 года назад

    Thanks for dumbing it down for people like me when it comes to electricity 😁

  • @daddouuuu
    @daddouuuu 3 года назад +57

    Amazing setup! To avoid sparks you can have a ON/OFF switch right after the batteries. It's also a great safety thing to have in case you need to disconnect quickly the power from the batteries to your system.

    • @hwangeva1464
      @hwangeva1464 3 года назад +2

      Sounds very useful suggestion,

    • @louiscirillo55
      @louiscirillo55 2 года назад

      I was going to say the same thing... a master disconnect is a great safety feature

    • @450kman
      @450kman 2 года назад +1

      Cheap resistor

    • @user-nd4oq4fx9v
      @user-nd4oq4fx9v 2 года назад +2

      And use a resistor e.g a 25W 30ohm for the 12V system thats a dollar or two on the -ve end for few seconds to charge up the capacitors. This will avoid the sudden surge that causes the spark. Saw it off Will Prowse videos.

    • @TheJessicaRoper
      @TheJessicaRoper 2 года назад

      Thanks for the advice! We are totally adding this to our system bc shutting it off to add on and whatnot is lengthy ATM.

  • @RandomPerson-sb5mw
    @RandomPerson-sb5mw 3 года назад +6

    That is a sweet setup! 10 -15 Grand? You might want to consider putting a disconnect switch on the batteries. Great job!

    • @hwangeva1464
      @hwangeva1464 3 года назад

      there is fuse i think,safety

  • @radioactivelight
    @radioactivelight Год назад

    Awesome job
    Nice wire management
    I love your attention to detail
    Carry on

  • @ronbinkc4625
    @ronbinkc4625 2 года назад

    Excellent show. Thanks from KC, MO

  • @offthegrid6276
    @offthegrid6276 2 года назад +4

    Just a little advise, always protect your battery string with a inline fuse connected at the positive battery terminal of your battery string to where it feeds your equipment, lacking that fuse at the battery terminal, you can have one heck of a explosion should there be downstream fault, ahead of your system fuse.
    Always protect at the source, then another downstream to protect equipment.
    Also the wiring for the batteries is terminated with terminals, not connectors, terminals terminate a connection to a device, connectors splice conductors to each other.

  • @donaldwelch4515
    @donaldwelch4515 3 года назад +278

    Enjoyed the video on your upgrade to your solar system. Lots of descriptions of each component. The one thing that you forgot to mention is the expense and what it would cost for each battery at $900 each and you were running eight of them. Total cost close to 10,000 dollars just in batteries. It would good to know what these items would cost us and not what you got them for for promoting Battle Born.

    • @BrainScrambler80
      @BrainScrambler80 2 года назад +31

      Also in saying that....If you replace these batteries every 10 years it would cost you 1000 dollars a year to run this system on the low end.

    • @Wayne-hs6gm
      @Wayne-hs6gm 2 года назад +9

      If it produces enough electricity. It could very well be a source of income of energy to sell back into the cities power grid. I mean spend 10,000 every 10 years and you may make more money back

    • @poppaluv
      @poppaluv 2 года назад +15

      Thank you! i wish stuff like that was mentioned up front

    • @jameseden9380
      @jameseden9380 2 года назад +26

      @Peter Evans a ten hour day that takes 3 days to recover from? Are you ok bud?

    • @jameseden9380
      @jameseden9380 2 года назад +14

      @Peter Evans why does it take you three days to recover? Are you broken?

  • @nikolajvincenzo6678
    @nikolajvincenzo6678 2 года назад

    I'm so much gonna do this one day.
    Loved the vid, thanks man.

  • @morpheus8867
    @morpheus8867 2 года назад

    GREEEEAT WORK!!
    If you're have some money, then, this system is the right for you to be electricity independent!!

  • @noneya3504
    @noneya3504 3 года назад +36

    Again, very nice setup. Just one step I would have taken. Your short negative wires have wire exposed between the lug and the coating. Always a good practice to use heat shrink or electrical tape to wrap the gap so there is no copper wire visible. Just for safety.

    • @patmccormack8135
      @patmccormack8135 2 года назад

      The Sigmaform heatshrink has meltable glue on the inside. Stops it sliding and acts to stop moisture.

    • @101markharris
      @101markharris 2 года назад

      What about the bare lugs ?

  • @johnkincaide9357
    @johnkincaide9357 2 года назад +27

    Martin, a good detailed video! Our company has recycled many types of batteries for over 11 years. 2 suggestions:
    1) Lithium-ion batteries come in 5 different types of "chemistries" in positive (cathode). Lithium-ion Ferrous (iron) Phosphate (LFP) is one of them. They are cost (i.e.) negative value to recycle - you have to pay to recycle them. Likely your local scrap yard may not take them at all or charge you to take them. LFP is good chemistry, but this recycling cost needs to be calculated in your overall purchase. Li-ion batteries that have nickel and/or cobalt content in the cathode may limit but be still negative value or fully offset the recycling costs.
    2) With all Li-ion batteries, if you limit your discharge to 80% rather than 100% your batteries will last longer.
    Question, does your inverter and generator have an autostart function, so it the generator will fire up if the batteries hit a certain depth of discharge?

    • @jackrodgersjr
      @jackrodgersjr 2 года назад

      You might be able to answer your question by visiting the web site for Battle Born... :)

  • @jackass3517
    @jackass3517 2 года назад

    Thank you for this video, I learned a lot again. Also very nice system setup.

  • @bobwallace7487
    @bobwallace7487 Год назад

    This is a couple years old, but I’m glad I watched. I’m going to build a home in Costa Rica. Thinking about solar, but not sure if we will be able to operate a couple of ac splits. We get lots of sun, perhaps it is an exercise in MORE POWER!
    Anyway, I will get expert advice before I proceed. Thank you for the info.

  • @johnstancliff7328
    @johnstancliff7328 3 года назад +19

    Martin, you should add a cut-off switch to your battery array. that way, if you ever have to change them out, they won't spark when you make-break the connection.

    • @luisderivas6005
      @luisderivas6005 3 года назад +5

      Yep, that's what Sally Safety says at 8:35. Also, Martin should do himself a favor and place shelves between each row on batteries. If a batt on the bottom row goes kaput, its going to be fun balancing 90lbs of batteries to pull it out.

    • @billssolarpowerandgardenin1016
      @billssolarpowerandgardenin1016 3 года назад +4

      @@luisderivas6005 I don’t like the inverter buried where it can’t get air straight thru.

    • @orange11squares
      @orange11squares 3 года назад +2

      if one battery goes bad then all you have to do is remove the connection between that battery and the one along it connected in series with it. The current wont flow on 2 series batteries (one good and one bad) and you have 6 left.
      Shelves on each row is a good idea.

  • @Joakimny
    @Joakimny 3 года назад +70

    Just a tip, to avoid sparks, connect positive first, then the negative. When disconnecting take off the Negative first. The same goes for anything on DC power, otherwise 2 thumbs up.

    • @Hefek
      @Hefek 3 года назад +6

      The "positive first" rule applies to conecting and disconecting booster cables when jump starting the car. To avoid sparks NEAR THE BATTERY, you connect the negative clamp to car body or engine block and remember to always make and break connection at this (far from battery) point. This is to avoid ignition of hydrogen / oxygen mixture gassed out by battery when charged at high rate.

    • @hwangeva1464
      @hwangeva1464 3 года назад

      Sounds good suggetion

    • @tonysmith26
      @tonysmith26 3 года назад +4

      Or perhaps use proper circuit isolation? 🙄

    • @BEASTmodeontheRoad
      @BEASTmodeontheRoad 2 года назад

      @@Hefek its always think positive when working with power

    • @harrywynne2839
      @harrywynne2839 2 года назад

      Use a graphite carpenter pencil lead to charge the capacitors, takes a second, then there wont be any sparking.

  • @demianingerman7097
    @demianingerman7097 2 года назад

    Super great video. Excellent descriptions of install and components.

  • @benjaminschwass5853
    @benjaminschwass5853 2 года назад

    Great Work Martin - Keep it up!

  • @danielsundberg1977
    @danielsundberg1977 3 года назад +72

    You should have an isolation switch/breaker on your positive lead, have it off when connecting leads and you will get no sparks!

    • @wendyking9759
      @wendyking9759 3 года назад +1

      Jm. Thanx

    • @MrSummitville
      @MrSummitville 3 года назад +11

      @@wendyking9759 NO! You will still get a very high inrush current, when using a switch. The spark is not the problem, the spark is the symptom of the problem = high inrush current Battle Born suggests using an Inrush Limiter.

    • @bryanminugh9680
      @bryanminugh9680 3 года назад +5

      The center straps (between the left and right batteries) are meant to have a fuse link, for fire prevention as the cells bridge internally at the end of their useable life.

    • @martin1500
      @martin1500 3 года назад +1

      @@bryanminugh9680 where can I find resources on such detailed information like this. I want to build my system right

    • @patmccormack8135
      @patmccormack8135 2 года назад

      @@martin1500 Me too..

  • @abbasalaidaroos7108
    @abbasalaidaroos7108 3 года назад +10

    I congratulate you, my friend, for this beautiful, wonderful and creative work. Greetings to all of you, my beloved.🌹🌹🌷🌷👍👌🇾🇪🇾🇪🇾🇪🇾🇪

    • @winkyledford1669
      @winkyledford1669 3 года назад

      the payments for all that plus panels is 300 dollars a month or pay cash 30 thousand dollars cash you lose. how much money out of pocket won't tell us

    • @squarebodyranch146
      @squarebodyranch146 3 года назад

      @@winkyledford1669 I just bought a system similar to this with two less panels and one less charge controller for $5k

  • @davidbobo5517
    @davidbobo5517 Год назад

    i like how its all mounted so nice and clean on wood

  • @evilelf5967
    @evilelf5967 2 года назад

    very informative, i am looking to do this kind of setup on a property in the future,many thanks for the upload and invaluable how to guide.

  • @ANTHONY-et4yy
    @ANTHONY-et4yy 3 года назад +3

    Wow, I was installing all this victron stuff on a yatch. Same time you made this vid

    • @abelincoln5000
      @abelincoln5000 3 года назад

      I'd like to sail on a yatch. Love the sea.

  • @RogerSayers
    @RogerSayers 3 года назад +8

    Awesome set up... wish I could afford a system like you have.

    • @commiesnzombies
      @commiesnzombies 2 года назад +8

      those batteries alone are like 800.00 each, i will just stick to my scrapyard frankenstein solar set up

    • @stiaininbeglan3844
      @stiaininbeglan3844 2 года назад

      What you do is start small. Do the set up you need for 1 or 2 panels, and don't expect to be running it right away unless you can afford each part of the setup from the start, and you start with cheaper options that work. Work your way up using savings. If you can power one or two things you use every day, then you can gradually power your entire house. If your usual power bill from the grid is say, $200 a month, and you've managed to take your entire house off the grid power, that's $200 extra every month, $2400 in a year, and then you'll be able to afford an upgrade or two. And if you can build your system to the point where you're selling extra power back to the power company, that's even more extra money each month.
      But the only way to never get there is to never start.

  • @canadacitypreppers
    @canadacitypreppers 2 года назад

    I got tons of sunlight during summer , a ton of batteries is what we need .. awesome!

  • @rmr4173
    @rmr4173 2 года назад

    Wow! Excellent Clearly Explained and Instructional video.

  • @Chris-fo8wp
    @Chris-fo8wp 2 года назад +48

    I used to do a lot of big solar installs on Houseboats, we installed breakers on the panel inputs to the charge controllers, and had battery switches on the positive leads to the battery bank. Also adhesive heat shrink all connections, and cover all the positive connections. LiFePO4 is definitely the way to go, faster charge rates, better deep discharge rate. Cost wise compared to lead/acid, the break even point is around 7 years, not counting the labor involved, changing out the battery bank. The LiFePO4 should last 10+ years easily.

    • @MrTimjwilson
      @MrTimjwilson 2 года назад +10

      With the cost of a 12V 100 ah no-maintenance at around $ 90 to $120 and lasting about 3+ years so 10 years = 400 and a lithium 100 ah at around $1000 for around the same time period, economically I don't see it yet for a typical dirt farmer off grid family. Maybe I'm missing something.

    • @user-zq6pj5jo8j
      @user-zq6pj5jo8j 2 года назад +3

      YES, AND ONLY $8000..!!!

    • @migmigjohnson6083
      @migmigjohnson6083 2 года назад +2

      @@MrTimjwilson You're missing the fact Battle Born aren't the only lithium batteries in the world.

    • @lyle1
      @lyle1 2 года назад +3

      @@user-zq6pj5jo8j This stuff isn't cheap, that for for dang sure. Just because it SAYS what a service life is never means you'll actually that type of life OR if the company will still be in business should one of all of the batteries fail in 3 to 6 years. Not trying to be a negative nancy here, but where ever I do decide to buy my equipment from, I'll for sure want to make sure they do have a long standing history of good customer relations. Not saying BattleBorn does or does not, still doing my research on how to hook all my stuff up when I have all the pieces. Off Grid with solar, batteries, and generator living isn't a typical dirt farmer life I'll assure you. I've lived on a farm and the most off grid a farmer worries about it whether or not the propane tank is full for the winter, but solar panels and batteries. This type of stuff is for the guy who can afford to throw extra money at something, but not because he has to. My pending solar install WOULD have run me $94k , but I opted to do a partial install from the company and the difference was substantial doing the rest myself.

    • @user-zq6pj5jo8j
      @user-zq6pj5jo8j 2 года назад

      @@lyle1 Wow, thank you for your insight on this. I see the up front cost as a huge investment in something that is not quite ready yet. Very cool Tech, but not good enough for the normal home owner to jump into YET. I hope it will soon be though. We desperately need this to work well for your country and our planet. It's great to see the pioneers like yourself doing the "Crash testing" for the rest of us. So thank you for that.

  • @mrmotofy
    @mrmotofy 3 года назад +6

    Just an FYI the BMV might give you a .2v low reading in some units. There is a little oopsy that happened and the fuse is too small making too much resistance, so needs to be switched out for a 1A. There's info in a search to verify this all.

  • @eng.knowledgeseeker
    @eng.knowledgeseeker 2 года назад

    I like your enthusiasm bro keep up the good work nice job.

  • @niccolealdrich4890
    @niccolealdrich4890 2 года назад +1

    Do you have a video on how things are setup/run inside your cabin? Would love to see it! It would also give a better understanding for those who like to diy but are new to solar battery banks.