Go to www.audible.com/frugal or text 'frugal' to 500 500 to get your free 30 day trial of Audible.

As tech advances, I consider doing this more and more. Retail panels are getting closer and closer to 500W. 47% efficiency has been achieved in the lab and 40% has been achieved in the field.

@fancyIOP

2 жыл бұрын

47% efficient? oMg then where’s the tech?🥺I wanna get the system also but my pockets are not yet ready.

In the middle of my 9kw DIY install right now. Your older videos were in part what helped make my decision! Got competing quotes from solar direct and unbound solar. Unbound had a much better offer and was more transparent about prices. Unbound did the wire electrical line diagram, and set me up with green lancer for the site plan. Went with Enphase inverters, and have same iron ridge rail/feet. So far about 50% through the project now. Looking forward to passing inspections lol

@FrugalRepair

3 жыл бұрын

That’s awesome!

@tristanmoller9498

2 жыл бұрын

How far have you come three months later?

@Zaugger

2 жыл бұрын

@@tristanmoller9498 it's been installed since early July. So far so good!

@tristanmoller9498

2 жыл бұрын

@@Zaugger Congrats!

Well now i know to make solar roof, i just need a house for work with

@FrugalRepair

3 жыл бұрын

Hope you can get a house and solar!

@KroseAskina

2 жыл бұрын

Same here😆😆😆

Solar is such a great thing! Thank You!!

@FrugalRepair

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Great job my friend

Awesome KZread channel, please continue making videos!

@FrugalRepair

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! That’s the plan. I was just filming for the next one.

I was hoping to see that safari hat somewhere in the video! Nice tour of your solar install. Are you planning on making a video on how/why you chose your particular components?

@FrugalRepair

3 жыл бұрын

I should have done that! I guess I didn't think about it. =) I could make a video on those choices but I feel like I've already covered those topics at least in general. I could get more specific though. Thanks for the idea

Great video. Commenting just for the engagement for the KZread algorithm.

@FrugalRepair

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome, thanks!

Excellent video. Me encantó.

@FrugalRepair

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

1:41 you should have a critter guard going around the perimeter of your panels to prevent animals from chewing on wires.

@FrugalRepair

Жыл бұрын

Maybe for some people but there hasn’t been a need for it around here. It would also collect debris that would then require some maintenance or cleaning every so often.

What size wires did you use when you in stalled you production meter is a production meter the same a Bi directional meter, also do the wires from the combiner go to the top of the meter and the bottom wires go to the disconnect, Thank Great video

@FrugalRepair

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! The production meter I put in is only one direction. I don’t remember wire size off hand but I think they were either 2 or 4 gauge. To answer your other question, if probably have to watch the video again, LOL. I seem to remember the input to the meter is on the top.

Just getting started and your videos are very helpful, Thanks! What are the phone apps you use?

@FrugalRepair

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching them! Not sure what phone apps you mean. I use my SolarEdge app to see my production.

You have the best video on solar systems. May you talk about in more details how you connect the panel DC output to the converter? How many in series to get 400V DC?

@FrugalRepair

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! For SolarEdge (p400) you would need enough panels to get up to 400v. In my case 8 was the minimum per string

Now to install the whole home battery back up. That way you can go days without solar or grid power.

@FrugalRepair

2 жыл бұрын

Good idea. I’m glad I don’t really need it, but I may do this one day. Net metering in PA is very nice and I get a 1 for 1 credit for any excess solar generation.

@WeThePeople2020

2 жыл бұрын

@@FrugalRepair just imagine how much you would get back if you use zero from the grid and always have a surplus. Yes ROI to think about I get that but hey why not have that independence?

Man makes me want to add a yard full of panels so the power company pays me as an employee 😆

great

You are awesome. I'm curious about your decision to go with string innverters, vs microinverters? My thought is, what if one decides to add more panels, and then finds out that the string inverter also needs to be upgraded to match? Okay, I see from your earlier video that you went with Panasonic 330 watt.

@FrugalRepair

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! A big factor was cost when I was deciding, SE was cheaper. I also have the ability to charge batteries easier since I have DC coming off the roof. I’m also not realistically going to add more panels to my roof but if I wanted to I could add a few more with no problems. I think micro-inverters are a great choice though! My panels are 325w Panasonic’s.

When looking at your roof my initial thought is that you could fit a fourth row of panels. The lower part could still rest on the roof and the upper part could rest on stilts that are fixed on the shade side of your roof. Gives you maybe enough power for a small electric car and thereby cut your fuel costs.

@FrugalRepair

2 жыл бұрын

I don’t think that is wise to have an extension apparatus above the ridge line. It would probably be very expensive to setup too. I’d worry about wind and maintenance too. Maybe I’m misunderstanding you. The better next step I’m considering is put in mini spits for heating and cooling.

@no-damn-alias

2 жыл бұрын

@@FrugalRepair well wind and other weather was also an initial thought when writting that comment but at least from wind you seem quiet well protected with the trees and houses around you. Cost probably heavily depend on how complicated the stilt system needs to be. Spits? Sorry I don't understand. You mean using solarthermic and photovoltaic energy simultaneously? That'll be genius!!!

I didn't see a battery bank why?? Also if you need to put a new roof you need to remove the entire system or the panels help to protect your roofing last longer??

@FrugalRepair

2 жыл бұрын

Check out my solar misconception video. It will answer the first question. I have 1-1 net metering. Yes, it helps protect the shingles.

I like how you say "grahj"

Awesome thumbnail!

@FrugalRepair

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I had to find an excuse to buy a pith helmet. =)

I would Imagine the shade that is created from the panels keeps your attic cooler as well therefore your HVAC system not having to work as hard

@FrugalRepair

3 жыл бұрын

I’ll have to do some comparisons at some point. I did take thermal readings before putting on the panels. But I bet you are correct and it is cooler.

What program do you use where you can see the amount produced for each panel?

@FrugalRepair

2 жыл бұрын

If you get my solar guide I go over the steps on getting an estimate with PVwatts

I have roughly the same electrical needs as your home in Ohio. I definitely want to do solar for a while now. I saw you just put on new shingles. I am doing a roof over with metal. I also because of cost want to do this in stages. Maybe 8 panels x 3 stages = 24 panels. I have considered micro inverters instead. I live in the country where we have a co-op for electric. I discussed this 2 years ago but we don't have net-metering. I would have to buy their electric for retail ($.11) and they would buy mine for wholesale ($.6). So I would have to install maybe 36 panels to sell wholesale electric to break even.

@FrugalRepair

3 жыл бұрын

I’m excited you’re thinking about solar. Sorry to hear that you don’t have net metering though. Hope it works out though! Let me know if you any any questions.

For the love of solar!!!! What is your solar battery bank setup !?!?!!?!!!!! What is your electrical setup???? Inverter ,charge controller ,converters etc.????????

@FrugalRepair

2 жыл бұрын

I don’t have batteries integrated.

@azyraizel

2 жыл бұрын

@@FrugalRepair why not?

Nice work ! Looking forward to install a 20kW solar panel system myself in the next year, just for the same reason as you: reducing my bills. I will also try to heat up the house using an electric system heater and very low usage of Putin's gas... (I live in Europe - Romania) and also switching at least one of the two cars we have to an electric car. From my calculations we should be able to have zero bills and also a little income from the electric company switching all to electric (heating, hot water and both electric cars). Just wondering: how comes you have 240V in your low voltage grid? Don't you guys in the US have 110V low voltage grid? 240V (230V to be more precised) is a common voltage for low voltage grids in Europe.

@FrugalRepair

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Your project sounds great. 240V comes to our homes from the transformers. It's 2 120V lines. Some appliances use 240V but most everything else uses 120V.

Do you use or need to have batteries to store some of the energy you have produced?

@FrugalRepair

2 жыл бұрын

No, I don’t have integrated batteries. If you watch my solar misconception video I explain it.

So you still draw a lot from the grid when it's dark, right, but during day time you produce so much that net net, you're a net producer? My point is, you do need the grid every day? Are you thinking of putting batteries?

@FrugalRepair

2 жыл бұрын

It’s better to look at it annually. I have a net metering agreement so I make credit in the summer and use it up in the winter.

Have we heard the total cost of the system and what your monthly power bill was before the solar install?

@FrugalRepair

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, the details are in the “is solar worth it?” video.

Do you have any battery system like a Tesla wall? If not then why not?

@FrugalRepair

3 жыл бұрын

No, I don’t have any built in batteries. I really don’t need them. I explain more in the “is solar worth it?” video but net metering is the reason. The power very rarely goes out so the batteries would be a big expense I would almost never use.

@no-damn-alias

2 жыл бұрын

How about one or two marine deep cycle batteries like technology connections did with an Inverter so you could at least run the fridge(s) and some lights when the power eventually goes out or the heater control panel depending on the season.

Why didn’t you install a battery? Is it not feasible? What if it’s dark and power company loses power?

@FrugalRepair

2 жыл бұрын

Good question. I have a net metering agreement where they credit me 1-1 for excess generation. I talk a little about this arrangement in the is solar worth it video.

How big was your electric bill prior to solar system installation?

@FrugalRepair

2 жыл бұрын

Check out the video on “is solar worth it? My real numbers”, I cover the bills before installing solar.

How do they withstand hail?

@FrugalRepair

3 жыл бұрын

The panels are strong and there’s no worry here of hail but if a big hail is going to dent your car, it might crack the glass on a panel.

@mgomez5606

3 жыл бұрын

@@FrugalRepair We have bad hail storm yearly here so I think I will pass on them.

@vgamesx1

3 жыл бұрын

@@mgomez5606 Maybe consider a small ground mounted system and cover the panels with cardboard/towels/boards or something whenever there's a warning for hail.

Wow👍, -$49 electric bill?! electric company probably hates you.

@FrugalRepair

3 жыл бұрын

Yep, it was fun to see that bill. Thanks for watching!

@classicgamingtimes6505

3 жыл бұрын

nice meme.. :)

👍

Whats wrong with panel 2.2.11? and howmany of your Solaredge tiny controllers died? :)

@FrugalRepair

2 жыл бұрын

There’s nothing wrong with it. It may produce less for any variety of reasons, shading or soiling would be the biggest ones. If the numbers get significantly off, then I would start investigating more.

should get batterys next to store power for night hours

@FrugalRepair

3 жыл бұрын

I don’t need batteries because I’m grid tied. But I do want to get into some more off grid applications.

Did you notice a reduction in attic temperature because half of the roof is essentially shaded now?

@FrugalRepair

2 жыл бұрын

That’s a really good question. I did not take attic temperatures before putting in solar but I did take surface temperatures of the roof. At some point I want to go back and compare them to see. It clearly has to be cooler because the panels are absorbing so much of that heat and keeping the shingles shaded.

Soon

How much did the installation cost in total ?

@FrugalRepair

3 жыл бұрын

I covered that in detail in my “Is Solar Worth it Video“. In my case, it was really worth doing.

Does the Hydro company pay you or credit you for the excess power that you produce? Also, your main shut off switch is outside. Is this a code rule, or just for ease of installation? Personally, I'd want that inside the house, due to anyone just walking up and shutting down your hydro. Curious minds want to know? 😁 Cheers,

@FrugalRepair

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, anyone can walk by and shut off any solar system. That's the code in case a first responder needs to make sure it's off. I get 1-1 net metering credit for excess KWH

😘❤️👍

How did this affect your home insurance?

Why two inverters?? I’ve seen a few peoples home systems that have two inverters, but no one ever explains why. Is it because of the amount of solar you have on your roof and the limitations of the inverters that necessitates two? For instance, if you had less panels on your roof then you would only need one inverter?

@FrugalRepair

2 жыл бұрын

It’s the maximum input for the inverters. These are 7.6kw each so I need two to handle my 15.6kw system.

@ripvanstinkle

2 жыл бұрын

@@FrugalRepair Awesome! Thank you for confirming. Really slick system and you do a great job with the videos.

@FrugalRepair

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Currently working on the next one.

@ripvanstinkle

2 жыл бұрын

@@FrugalRepair I'll make sure to check it out!

@ripvanstinkle

2 жыл бұрын

@@FrugalRepair Also, I'm missing something. You have a 15.6kw system, but don't you only have 48 panels? Don't they put out 100w a piece? Shouldn't that only give you 4,800w or 4.8kw? Thanks!

So ...u pay electric bill with an electric produce by solar sistem???

@FrugalRepair

2 жыл бұрын

It’s called net metering. I get credit for the excess and I use that credit up in the winter months.

you need a big battery pack...............because YOU NEED TO BE INDEPENDANT,,,,,BECAUSE OF NEGATIVE FORCES IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS..........................OFF THE GRID................IT IS VERY IMPORTANT............

Where are the batteries?

@FrugalRepair

3 жыл бұрын

I don’t have any tied to the solar array on the roof. Net metering is the key factor. If you want to learn more about how it works watch the video on “is solar worth it? “

Which state do you live in?

@FrugalRepair

3 жыл бұрын

PA

@Dron3R3y

3 жыл бұрын

@@FrugalRepair so you're next state over. I live in North Jersey. I'm hoping to do something like yours. Thanks!

This is what Americans need now everywhere

@UniverseGd

3 жыл бұрын

More like everyone who is in the deveveloped countries since our needs for electricity is getting higher. (not counting for the rise of electric vehicles)

Some day, they'll figure a way to make solar panels 4 times more efficient. Until then, I'll wait.

I'm sure your house is cooler with those panels on your roof.

@FrugalRepair

2 жыл бұрын

Probably. I have not measured though to check. It would be interesting to find out.

do you mind if i bring my rtx 3090

@FrugalRepair

2 жыл бұрын

Nope, I want to film some GPU mining. I assume that’s what your using it for.

SO aggravating. 🙄 I tried to ask this Question on 2 other videos you have posted and I could not leave a comment even though there were hundreds of other comments. Question IS.......... HOW MUCH DID IT COST TO INSTALL THE WHOLE SYSTEM INCLUDING THE ELECTRICAL GUY YOU HAD TO HIRE.?. 🙊🙉🙈🤐😳😛☺🤣

@FrugalRepair

2 жыл бұрын

Sorry to hear about not being able to leave a comment, that’s weird. I made a whole video about the production and costs. It’s the one after the install video.

The cells you are showing are not for commercial dolar psnels. Solar panels are built with much, much higer quality and higer output cells. Just be clear.

@FrugalRepair

2 жыл бұрын

The point I am trying to make is that they are very fragile. That would be the case for any poly or mono crystaline wafer.

have you tried mining bitcoin with it?

@FrugalRepair

2 жыл бұрын

No, mainly because asic miners are very expensive and because my solar matches what we need. But I am planning other projects and hope to have a HNT miner going soon.

I would have my excess power running a Cryptocurrency mining rig BEFORE I would even consider giving it away to the power company!

@FrugalRepair

2 жыл бұрын

I’m my case with 1-1 net metering it doesn’t matter. I’m getting paid for this excess. If I didn’t have 1-1 net metering, time of use rates, or I was generating way more than I needed annually, then what your suggesting makes sense in my situation.

@mikeanonymous669

2 жыл бұрын

@@FrugalRepair you get paid 1/50th of what you are charged for the same amount of power. Then they turn around and charge others full price for the power they paid you a 1/50th for.

@FrugalRepair

2 жыл бұрын

I don’t think you understand. I show my bills in other videos. I get paid full retail rate so it doesn’t matter if I use more to mine crypto. If I use more electricity than what I generate in a year I’m paying for electricity just like anyone else without solar. If I am not using up all of the excess I generate when it’s time to do the true-up (happens in May) then yes, it might be been better to use that excess electricity for something like crypto.

Is that per day that amount or per 3 or 3 month bill cycle how much can you use before you start drawing from your power grid

@FrugalRepair

Жыл бұрын

Which stat are you referring to? I draw from the power grid each day. For example, at night the solar panels are not producing.