I can't tell you how much this has changed my off grid system. Thank you very much!!!

Yes please do a complete solar tour. As you go thru the system tell us what you've learned and what you would have done differently. What are the plans for the future with your solar?

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

2 жыл бұрын

We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system. Here is the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5mVo7Czmt3dlpM.html

I was formerly a nuclear operator on a submarine. I find your explanation quite easy to follow and very well executed. You should consider helping/selling systems to others. You have an amazing understanding of how this system works and your honesty serves you and the rest of us well. Blessings and Mahalo nui loa from Hawaii...

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

2 жыл бұрын

We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5mVo7Czmt3dlpM.html

Really nice job. Am a Nigerian, I have an empowerment training on Monday and I will definitely play this video for the trainees

Martin, I appreciate your style - curious, wanting to improve your own world and not stuck on yourself as you readily show you don't know everything. Thank you for this video tour. I'll always be tied to the grid, but I do seek to be less 'interrupted' by power outages in the Michigan countryside in the winter.

Hi Martin. Yes a complete system talk through will be a good video and possibly helpful to others taking a similar path as you however. As others may be using the information you give, which you do very well by the way, I suggest waiting until you have finalised your system. Keep us updated obviously as upgrades or alterations take place and then when you have your final desired set up give us the grand tour. There are many reasons for progression, cost of equipment being high on the list. I think that your experiences as you progress through the solar system build are very good learning for others. You explain in simple terms rather than the complications of a sophisticated system so people will listen and understand. Great video thank you for sharing.

We really appreciate you sharing your projects with us! It's always uplifting to see you guys working together and enjoying the process. My wife and I are building an off-grid garage (I say WE are, but we hired a local team to build the base structure! LOL). I completed the electrical, plumbing and insulation myself and the last two things on my check list are water catchment / storage and our Solar power system!! I can't wait to get started. After watching your journey with solar power I've decided to go with Battle-Born batteries and Victron charger/inverters/accessories. I haven't decided on PV panels yet but the Solaria Parallel Sub-String design looks great. Thanks again for all your great content! It's been a great learning experience for us. Oh, and my wife gets a huge kick out of Tux! :)

This is exactly the same setup as I have on my RV, but I have 12 volt 50 amp setup with 2kw solar on the roof. Great video explanation of how it all works!

I’m glad you know all that stuff on your solar system. It’s way above my head! Lol. Still watch you every episode though! You’re a good explainer. Great video.

Wow this video is so informative, I’m currently doing research for a skoolie conversation and the way you have explained things really made it comprehendible for someone like my self. Thanks Martin!

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

2 жыл бұрын

We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5mVo7Czmt3dlpM.html

I would definitely like the "completest" tour. Great layout of your solar power system. Love it!!

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

2 жыл бұрын

We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5mVo7Czmt3dlpM.html

I appreciate these videos - thanks for taking the time! Oh, and YES to the complete tour. That would be amazing.

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

2 жыл бұрын

We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5mVo7Czmt3dlpM.html

☀️ *NEWEST UPGRADES TO OUR SYSTEM SEPTEMBER 2021* kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5mVo7Czmt3dlpM.html

@manolisgledsodakis873

3 жыл бұрын

You appear to be charging the 24v battery system at 46A. The charging voltage would be around 27 volts (please measure it to get the exact voltage) so that's 27 x 46 = 1242 Watts. To get that power from the generator at 120 volts would require 1242/120 = 10.35 Amps. That's probably close the the rating of the generator, wiring and socket.

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

3 жыл бұрын

I’ll change to the 30a outlet and see if that helps.

@rottdogg8926

3 жыл бұрын

I would love a complete tour someday Martin. I am currently putting my home up for sale and looking to relocate to Northern Idaho. I love your area in particular, will need a new church as well. I plan on coming over after the holidays are over to do some property searching. I will get in touch then. What is the best way to contact you? Godspeed, JB

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

3 жыл бұрын

Sounds good. Be sure to send an email. You can your the contact page on our website down to earth homesteaders

@rottdogg8926

3 жыл бұрын

@@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving Will do, I'm looking forward to spending some time as a free man in the last redoubt.

Yes! Whole set up tour would be great. Also would like to see how you earth grounded the system. Thanks for all the demonstrations!

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

2 жыл бұрын

We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system. Here is the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5mVo7Czmt3dlpM.html

Hello from South Florida!! Looking super fantastic. I like the level of details in the review. Good job!

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much. I’m glad you liked it. Would you mind helping me out a little and share this video?

I am surprised seeing your comments on Life unconnected , I followed them from day one created interest in off-grid home learned a lot from both the Chennai I must appreciate you motivating others , keep it up and HAPPY XMAS FROM INDIANS

great videos. thank you... by the way, who else noticed that he put those 4 screws back in the inverter charger cover and didn't even drop one.. what a hot dog ;) ;)

Full tour please. You are doing great job. We can learn a lot from you. Thank you very much.

Yes would love to see your full system. Also, thanks for your super easy to follow video. Best ever!!!! Keep up the great work!!!!

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

2 жыл бұрын

We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5mVo7Czmt3dlpM.html

Thanks Martin! This was a really good walk-through. Fun seeing a glimpse of what it was before we saw it the other day, post-upgrade. And yes! A complete tour of your system would be awesome! 👍

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

2 жыл бұрын

We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5mVo7Czmt3dlpM.html

@stevensaxon8888

11 ай бұрын

​@@MartinJohnsonOffGridLivinghow long does it take your generator to charge your battery bank?

Yes, please go over your whole system and all appliances. That would be a cool video. Thanks for making good content!

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

2 жыл бұрын

We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5mVo7Czmt3dlpM.html

Nice job of explaining your off grid solar system, I like that you strapped down your batteries. Suggestion: Put a piece of plexiglass in front of your batteries and other open connections to prevent inadvertent contact with tools or other items that you may be wielding in your storage building.

Hi ! From morocco , we thanks so much on this video , take care my master .

😂😂 awesome, I had just asked about a battery disconnect in the first install video! Great work!

YES! I would like a complete Solar video. Thanks, Your Loyal Fan & Subscriber, Art in Calif.

Your setup has become quite sophisticated considering where you started. It is proof that going off grid can be done slowly and still be quite successful.

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

2 жыл бұрын

We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5mVo7Czmt3dlpM.html

@PaullaWells

2 жыл бұрын

@@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving - Just watched it too. It is an impressive setup for sure. Plus, the video was just in time for someone else I follow who is stuck at just what he should order. I shared the video with them and let them know that your parts list is in the description.

Such a great system and clean set-up...you clearly did your homework on what your needs would be and which systems are the quality systems.

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

2 жыл бұрын

We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5mVo7Czmt3dlpM.html

Nice set up. This is a great help for people that want to go off grid. Thumbs up

I'm always watching you sir , thanks for sharing information from 🇵🇭

YES!!! Please do a complete tour and also tell the VOLTS that you are running the panels at. You tell the AMPS but not the Volts. Thanks dude!

I would really like to see your whole set up in detail if possible. I really thought that I knew what I was doing the first time that I tried to setup my solar array 4 years ago. Thanks for all your videos about your solar system...

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

2 жыл бұрын

We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5mVo7Czmt3dlpM.html

Full tour would be amazing. Just starting out. Don’t really know where to start. Don’t really know much and wanted to expand my knowledge before I buy. I like in the uk so I know things will vary but I’m interested so much in this!!

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

3 жыл бұрын

I’ll plan on making that video. In the meantime Would you mind helping me out a little and share this video?

These are great! Can't wait to see if you go to the 220v with the same setup. I got 2 of the Multiplus to do that and working on figuring out how to hook it all up... I think all i really need more than what you have is 2 cables, an extra fuse and 2 busbars.

I love your house ! And a complete, detailed full explanation would be awesome!

Testing that glass table to the MAX 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣👍🏻

Yes sir sturdily is a word. That is one serious system you got going on there. Very nice.

Yes, please lets do the complete electrical tour. GREAT VIDEOS, GREAT DETAILS

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

2 жыл бұрын

We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5mVo7Czmt3dlpM.html

@liders5931

2 жыл бұрын

@@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving Hi Martin, I have been watching your videos for a few months now. They are pretty well DONE ( easy to follow, clear explained and concise). I've learned a lot from you. Wonder if you've used any website/software to identify the best position for your panels. How did you figure your watts needs out? In your experience, What are the best panels for winter areas, Calgary?

Great video.. Every time I watch someone upgrade their solar setup, 6 months later they change everything again..

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

3 жыл бұрын

It is a fun hobby.

Have learnt so much in this video but, I will have an interest in the complete tour you mentioned in this video

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

2 жыл бұрын

We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a *full tour!* Here is the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5mVo7Czmt3dlpM.html

Yes, I’d like to see the complete electrical system tour.

Nice setup. Informative video. I vote for the complete video with the PV setup as weel.thanks

My wife and I are going off grid in the U P I love your solar system great great great

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

2 жыл бұрын

Sounds cool! We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5mVo7Czmt3dlpM.html

I would absolutely love a complete guide from start to finish on solar setup and install and everything needed. A how to and all I need for my homestead build. God Bless.

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

2 жыл бұрын

We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5mVo7Czmt3dlpM.html

I like your solar setup and would love for you to go into depth about it. I'm looking into setting my own up and think your's would be a great model to follow.

I am following the solar energy system because I am curious. I hope it will continue. nice setup, thanks for showing us.

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

2 жыл бұрын

We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5mVo7Czmt3dlpM.html

2 жыл бұрын

@@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving thanks

Nice update!! Victron is top-shelf. Super great products. I have a couple of suggestions if you like. Generator to Inverter: I think you might be restricted on the Amps by using the house style outlet (NEMA5-15) out generator. That is a 15 Amp rated outlet and you are using the correct size wire (white 14 AWG). You might feel that cable while charging to ensure it is not getting too warm. 45 Amps is a lot for 14 AWG wire!! I would like to see you switch over to that 30 Amp receptacle to the left side of your generator. I believe that is a twist-lock NEMA L5-30. BigBox stores will have that plug. Then you can push more Amps. Of course, you will need the male plug and 10 AWG (orange) wire. You *could* drop to a #8 AWG wire with the short run you have. #6 AWG is rated for 70Amps but that generator will not push that. With a big wire, lots of room inside the wire for current to flow but #10 is what the RV outlet should be rated. Looks great. I like the addition.

@manolisgledsodakis873

3 жыл бұрын

It's 46 Amps at 27 volts not 120. The generator produces 120v (I assume) so do the math: 10.35 Amps ?

@loucinci3922

3 жыл бұрын

@@manolisgledsodakis873 Oh that's right. That monitor reads the shunt on the negative cable. So DC to batteries if monitor has a positive number or out of batteries if negative number. Thanks.

@arthurquintana1345

2 жыл бұрын

What is the difference in using a Victron inverter or a SolArk inverter?

It would be great to get a complete tour to see what runs from the solar array. Great job

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

2 жыл бұрын

We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5mVo7Czmt3dlpM.html

I really appreciated your video it was really informative and helpful. I would also like to see the whole tour of your solar system, please and thank you.

Good to see that you stick with Victron. And even better that you use a breaker for the batteries! Put one on the solar panel side as well while you're on it 😉 Nice vid! Thanks 😃

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

2 жыл бұрын

We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5mVo7Czmt3dlpM.html

@Krejstrup

2 жыл бұрын

@@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving just watched it - looking reaally good! Thanks for the update!

Nice upgrade. You won't regret going all Victron. Wait until you get all your Victron items networked. So cool. Plan to run an Ethernet cable from the house to your solar shed so you can plug your CCGX (or similar) into your home network switch. Once on your LAN, you can pull the display up on a computer. And if your network is on the Internet, you can access the CCGX from Victron's remote portal.

Great video. I’m in the process now of upgrading my system to this exact setup. 👍🏽

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

2 жыл бұрын

We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5mVo7Czmt3dlpM.html

@CBGRAPHICSAirbrushArt

2 жыл бұрын

@@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving I just watched it and checked out your site. Great video and thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge 👍🏽

I would definitely like to see a video on your entire solar system. Even a video on your "solar shed"! Size and layout of the shed. What you would do different on the shed. Thanks!

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

2 жыл бұрын

the shed in 8x12. We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5mVo7Czmt3dlpM.html

I like what you have done ; would like to convert our entire small farm to solar; but all this is foreign to me- I am an Accountant, not any kind of engineer. I am afraid of electricity but also tired of very high electric bills every month. Thanks for educating me.

on the TIme-line on your Video showing the Generator 17:44 mins, it looks like just to the Left of current Plug you have a 120 Volt 30 Amp Round Plug that should provide ~3600 watts. Make sure to scale wire size up to handle the 30 amps. Good Luck, Love the videos!

A tour would be awesome 👌

There is a setting in the Victron which tells it the size of the AC supply and it will not draw more than that. That could be limiting your charge current. 70A is the maximum it can charge at, it will only charge at 70A when the batteries can take that much. If the batteries are at, say, 70% 70A would push the voltage up too high. It charges at a lower rate the higher battery level is.

@martijnheeroma5492

3 жыл бұрын

Yes the Multiplus has a setting for the charge current and detects 'weak' AC supply from the generator, this setting can be changed with dip-switches or by software. (Or by the "Digital MultiControl" remote panel.)

If you read the Manual. You will probably find that the default For your Transfer Switch is 50 amps. The Transfer switch controls the INCOMING Amperage). The 70 amps refers to the Amperage maximum that the Inverter is charging FROM THE INVERTER TO THE BATTERIES ( i.e Charge rate of 70 amps at 24 volts). Neat installation!

Yes please. I’m interested in the house panel. Like once you go from the solar portion, what it looks like coming into the house and if there is anything special you need.

Thank you for sharing I would love to see start to finish. I want to do my own system.. I have a small system on my horse barn so I didnt have to run power from the house. I would love to get away from the grid and the 300.00 a month bill..

I like your setup, I have no experience with thoes inverter brands but they seem to work so that's good!

Amazing setup and very well explained. And I also vote for you to do a quick tour of your electric setup in your house.

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

2 жыл бұрын

We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5mVo7Czmt3dlpM.html

I love how you weighed it! 😂 So informative!

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

2 жыл бұрын

We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5mVo7Czmt3dlpM.html

Thank you for your videos.

One of the best systems i have seen which also powered a 8k btu AC uses a propane powered generator to supplement charging when solar was unavailable due to weather or in brief high load demands. You can multipurpose propane as a cooking and heating fuel. A 20 lb propane tank will run a 1000 watt Alp propane generator for 40-50 hrs. You can also buy a high capacity propane tank and install it on site.

Hey Martin, these are very good videos. Thank you for taking the time to set them up and explain what's installed, very helpful. I have a comment on something I noticed in minute 15:25. I might be missing something out so I think you can help me clear it out. I see that the Inverter charger's cabinet is bonded (green wire) to the charge controllers cabinets. But I also noticed that the Inverter's AC output has a bare copper wire connected to the grounding terminal. My understanding on this is that the grounding terminal in the inverter is already bonded to all of the Inverter's metallic components that are not to be energized, if this is the case, then it would be redundant to bond the metallic enclosure with the green wire and it would be enough to connect the bare copper wire to the grounding terminals in the breaker box and take the green bonding wire that connects the charge controllers enclosures directly to the grounding terminals in the breaker box as well. Please let me know if I'm missing something. I want to understand the entire connection since I'm making a little design. Thank you!

I have two solar panels, seen a diagram of how to wire them, says to connect positive and negative together, and then take the positive from one panel negative from the other panel and bring those to the charge controller is this correct? By the way my wife and I watched most of your cabin, garage videos and I must say we love them great content. We are are in the process of finishing our cabin, just exterior done yet I'm learning a lot on your video's we think you guys are awesome, keep the videos coming. 😊

Very informative to many. I'm a retired Canadian electrician with a marine and industrial back ground and am familiar with Aims and Victron products. The Blue Sea switch was a good move. Just wondering if you are considering tapping directly into your 24 Vdc supply for LED lighting or other possible dc devices?

Would definitely like to see your entire setup cuz I'm trying to find out whether or not you can run a central heating and cooling unit off batteries

Magic as usual I enjoyed that. Let us know when you get it to 70 amps and what the company says

@lovehudson1180

3 жыл бұрын

Yes please im getting ready to invest! I need to know

I would love the complete solar tour! Also can you do a more detailed version of how you connect your system to your house? Specifically to a house's main wiring itself if you have the availability and the physical example.

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

2 жыл бұрын

We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5mVo7Czmt3dlpM.html

Hello Mr Johnson, I would like to see a complete run through of your system, I am planning on doing the same thing in Haiti. Please let me know if you will be able to, thanks.

I noticed you went outside and unhooked your solar panels, don't you have a combiner box with breakers> If not don't you have a fuse inline to protect your system? Just wondering. Also Victron does make high quality products, good choice. We use wind generators in the winter to help pick up the load when it is cloudy. Haven't had to use the generator at all since installing them. Good luck and very informative video thanks for sharing.

"French cleat" ( a metal version here) to mount equipment, is very often a good solution!

A lot of good information. You do nice neat work.

I would love to have a complete tour of your off grid solar system!

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

2 жыл бұрын

We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5mVo7Czmt3dlpM.html

Very good video, thanks for sharing.

Subbed. This is an awesome channel.

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

2 жыл бұрын

thanks! We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5mVo7Czmt3dlpM.html

A complete solar tour will be deliciously delicious

Going to install our own solar at our off the grid house and thank you for your videos. I have installed solar and electrical systems in vans and houses seem easier! Spend $50 and get a proper hydraulic crimper that will crimp tighter around the cable.

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

2 жыл бұрын

We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5mVo7Czmt3dlpM.html

The rate of current is proportional to the voltage and load demand over a resistor. You can't have more amps just because you want it on demand unless you increase the load. Place 2 more batteries on the bank and your charge controller will be outputting more than 45.8 amps at the same voltage. Your charge controllers were doing as designed and the batteries were charging at a fast enough rate.

Love to see the tour

Great video Mr. Johnson

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

3 жыл бұрын

I’m glad you liked it. Would you mind helping me out a little and share this video?

Thanks for the update

Very good video BUT does it change anything the size of your Generator mine is a 12000 watt

Hello Martin Greetings from the Netherlands and thanks for sharing your videos. i love wat your doing. Did you do a full electrical tour already ? Im very curius and with more basic knowledge of solar-electro then english and Utube all together, and open for improvements from your part. Keep doing wat u do and God bless u

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

2 жыл бұрын

We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5mVo7Czmt3dlpM.html

mantab.lh,...impian sy mau bikin solar power, good pk martin

I would love if I could have the old inverter charger I am fixing up a old trailer and I don’t have much money to do it and would love a inverter charger Love the videos keep up the good work

with solar panels generating aprox times less without direct sunlight + reduced light hours in the winter, would you be able to charge your battery bank within 2 days if you wouldnt use electricity at all?

Would it be more efficient to run small engine coupled to a 24v alternator to charge your batteries? Then you could feed them 120a through your charge controllers.

Great choice, used portable generator ... 👍👍

the victron inverter can be set for different charge rates Ive seen them used a lot in RVs. You cant set the current limit to whatever service you have available so you don't trip the breaker at the RV park

Your right. You really should install a combiner box with breakers. Not only will you have circuit protection but a way to disconnect that can be used over and over without wearing it out.

@martijnheeroma5492

3 жыл бұрын

separate solar charges is to prefer, when one fails you still have the other one working.

1.21 giggawatts!!! Great Scott.

It cracks me up seeing real construction damage, black nails healing, its real.

how was your aims inverter. I am thinking about 6000 or 10000 watt split phase for back up to run house

I like your video and would like to see more and even a wiring diagram for your system, thank you

whats the set up for just using generator to charge battery bank? do you need the charge controllers?

Awesome installation!

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

2 жыл бұрын

We just completed a pretty cool upgrade to our system and a full tour! Here is the video kzread.info/dash/bejne/f5mVo7Czmt3dlpM.html

@realestateinfonet9041

2 жыл бұрын

@@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving Thanks for sending me the link to the new video! I greatly appreciate it and I will definitely watch it! Your video series on solar has been extremely helpful! Thank you very much for making it!

Generator cooling could be used for warm water. Even less waist. Good videos, thank you!

@MartinJohnsonOffGridLiving

3 жыл бұрын

It is air cooled. How would you set it up.

Iv been thinking about going solar i like grid tie but id like my own battery bank so I'm not being charged peak prices at night and have the mains as backup but can sell back for some extra money also id like to do some wind power as well .is this possible also id like to run my heat pump and boil the jug while other stuff in the house is being used tv on lights ect how big will my interior need to be