diy solar

diy solar

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  • Post in thread: Ghosted? Another article popped up with example(s).

    I think anyone taking on a solar project should expect to be ghosted. Here's what I mean. My electrician neighbor was exceptionally helpful in replacing an electrical panel in my shop. I sent him a text about my planning on doing a solar project, I've not heard from him since. Call that the...
  • Post in thread: EG4 purchase

    I completely understand anger and frustrations over the situation you described. I've had some interactions with S2 over some EG4 issues, as well. My experience with Jess has been top notch. I can guarantee that she will get you taken care of! S2 and EG4 are on a continuous improvement journey...
  • Post in thread: One Hundred Thousand!

    Glad I found this forum. Kudos Will! You're an amazing resource and you've given great information! Many others on here have been very helpful, too. So far, I'm still in the "consuming" camp. As I transition through the "don't do it like I did" camp, I'll one day arrive at the "advise others"...
  • Post in thread: Dad Jokes (let's hear your worst! ;-)

    I'm working on the formula for a transparent cow...
  • Post in thread: Solar PV wire sizing

    When you're right, you're right. For me, it's future proofing against pulling 8awg later because you wished you'd done that up front. Kind of a "wish I'd known then what I know now" kind of thing. I appreciate your activity in this forum and I enjoy reading your posts.
  • Post in thread: Crazy things you do with excess power

    We wait to do the "optional" things when our batteries are full and the sun is frying skin: Run the freeze dryer Defrost the freezers Wash blankets and sometimes even vacuum! (As far as my wife knows, the sun is never bright enough for me to do the last one! Don't anyone tell her differently!)
  • Post in thread: Solar as a hobby ROI.

    Much like others, we started because of numerous extended power outages. We have a propane full-home generator but we got seriously stressed when we couldn't schedule a delivery during an extended outage. We were told, "We'll get to you when we can but we don't know how long that will be". That...
  • Post in thread: Signature Solar - Pallet of Panels - Shipper Issue

    Just a quick word of caution when buying numerous solar panels. I placed a large order from Signature Solar which included 32 solar panels. All the panels were shipped on a single pallet. Each panel weighs about 60 pounds meaning the pallet weighed over 1900 pounds - almost a ton! The pallet...
  • Post in thread: Solar PV wire sizing

    I recommend 8AWG PV wire - even though you're using conduit. Wiring is something you want to do once and forget about it. There will be many other things that come up with your system and your wiring shouldn't be a concern. Also, your needs may grow over time and pulling new wires through 300...
  • Post in thread: Dad Jokes (let's hear your worst! ;-)

    At a gathering, how can you tell which person is a Solar DIY'er? (If you don't think this is true, see what your spouse says)
  • Post in thread: Dad Jokes (let's hear your worst! ;-)

    I have 18 solar panels. I divided them into two teams for a competition. I call it the:
  • Post in thread: December PV starting off crappy again.

    Didn't know where else to brag - but I'm so excited - I have generated MORE PV input than consumption in about two months - in the winter! We only had 6 (out of 32) panels hooked up with no batteries for a few weeks. Today, we surpassed consumption with production. A banner day to me. Now...
  • Post in thread: EcoFlow Delta Pro - FIVE Units Down. Something's awry here...

    Wow! I just found this thread and read through it all. I think I held my breath for most of it! I have two Delta Pros and have used them for over a year without issue. If using the AC input is part of the problem, I think my stubborn nature may have saved me. Since it's labeled a "solar...
  • Post in thread: EG4 purchase

    I must agree with this - especially when you include tech support in that group. I've spent some time at their location and talked to folks in person from numerous departments - including tech support. Without exception, they were all phenomenal! On the phone with tech support? Well, I agree...
  • Post in thread: My 18K PV Experience (Part 1)

    I've experienced the same behavior. As soon as a heavy load runs through the 18Kpv, the fans kick on. We use it as a sort of "what just turned on?" meter. :) The inverter is really quite capable and we have been pleased so far. The configuration settings are a bit overwhelming. I think I've...
  • Post in thread: How to prevent backfeed?

    I can confirm that the 18Kpv does, in fact, back feed (micro export), at various times. There is a "Zero export" option that you can set. I thought that would be sufficient. After a few days, I noticed I had exported 0.1kwh of power. Not significant, but also not zero. There is also an "Off...
  • Post in thread: Brand new to solar- any suggestions

    I am not familiar with a wide variety of products so I can't speak to the ones you mentioned. As a general piece of advice, I'd say that perhaps you can discard the idea of growing the small system into an all-encompassing system later. Maybe use the small system to truly learn what your needs...
  • Post in thread: Dad Jokes (let's hear your worst! ;-)

    Trying to inject some humor with that font?
  • Post in thread: Battery draw down at night?

    We're feeling the effects of Spring weather, too. We are struggling with the balance between making full use of the batteries and just knowing that one bad storm system will knock out the power (and solar production) for days. Generally, we use about 20% of our batteries before we start charging...
  • Post in thread: DC water heater.

    While I honestly believe people are genuinely trying to be helpful with the myriad of suggestions, I think one point is overlooked. You've put in a TON of work already and you're clearly doing this as an experiment and learning experience. I, for one, salute your tenacity and hard work. The...
  • Post in thread: EG4 PowerPro Battery Firmware

    Same here. I actually ordered the cable and they sent the wrong one to me. I reached out to them through my order and they have yet to respond. It's frustrating to forget about it during the day while I'm working, then realize it's too late to call to check when I get back inside. I also sent a...
  • Post in thread: Solar related things you have built

    That's amazing! Well done. The 80's called... they want their carpet back! lol
  • Post in thread: Signature Solar - Pallet of Panels - Shipper Issue

    Thanks everyone for your comments and support - Especially Signature Solar folks. I've been in touch with FedEx numerous times and have gotten nothing but a run around. I about blew a gasket when I got an overdue notice! I worked my way up the food chain and got nothing but sympathy - since...
  • Post in thread: DC water heater.

    I agree with this. Having just powered up my house with solar, I start eyeing a way to get power to my shop when the batteries are full and I start exporting to the grid. You may wonder what to do with the extra solar power once your water is hot and the sun is shining brightly in the sky!
  • Post in thread: Hi from Queensland Australia

    Wow! That fire is just... wow. Thanks for the pics. Sucks about water being so far below the ground. I guess you truck in water to fill your tanks when it gets low, eh? We do the same for propane here since we don't have access to natural gas utilities. When you decide on/install your...
  • Post in thread: Anyone received their EG4 PowerPro ESS Bundle yet?

    I received my three on Monday!
  • Post in thread: Dad Jokes (let's hear your worst! ;-)

    Isn't there a punatentiary on the Barbary Toast?
  • Post in thread: Smaller gauge solar panel wire?

    The PV cables are made to be quite durable and UV/weather resistant. All the cables I have say they can be direct buried. Expensive? I don't feel that way, considering the quality.
  • Post in thread: Wondering why're many people still building 12/24v system ?

    I've been thinking about your lead-in question. After pondering for a while, I will admit that I originally thought 12V was the only way to go. It wasn't until I got more into this forum that I considered other options. Even then, I thought 48V was way beyond my comfort zone. It took a while...
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