/r/SolarDIY

Photograph via snooOG

Are you building a solar system for your house? Shed? RV? This subreddit is for you! Discuss your projects, show us pictures, ask for help. Anything DIY Solar!

Welcome to SolarDIY!

SolarDIY is a community to share your ideas, projects, inspiration, and look for advice, ideas, and networking.

We love to see what others have done with solar energy. Have you wired your house with solar panels? Built a solar fountain? Built a solar pool heater? We want to hear about it!

Informative threads:

Intro to Solar Panels

Looking for other solar related subreddits? Try:

/r/solar

/r/energy

Looking for DIY Solar Projects? Try:

Instructables

Lifehacker

Build It Solar

Hack A Day

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/r/SolarDIY

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4

About the Powerwall + Solar system, if Tesla does block your systems gateway I think from being use, can you throw a new board or gateway to continue to use the system on a new account somehow?

SunRun never solve our issues with the system, the told us basically there’s nothing I am doing to solve nothing. What they did told us was that they will cancel the SunRun account in 90 days and order Tesla to shut down the system right afterwards. That is after screwing my credit. So my question is if I can throw in there a new board or whatever it is that they block to make it work again… SunRun simply don’t care about leaving solar systems installed on houses, they prefer to let it rot before solving their own violations on their own contract.

0 Comments
2024/12/17
20:15 UTC

1

Solar DiY Noob

As the title states; I’m a noob with solar. I have been working with multiple installers in the area. And all have stupid labour rates. And won’t answer questions.

So I have instead opted to go with a diy method. I have been calculated at a 9KwH system. I am right in the middle of a high sun area. With my roof slopped accordingly.

As I want to start generating on grid. I understand a permit must be pulled a safety switch must be engaged.

My question is with liquid finance low. I need a system that can be expanded. Slowly. Any bit of reliance off the grid will make my bills shrink and thus making it easier.

Is there an inverter that would be ideal for this? Where have you ordered one?

Can a system in theory be expanded slowly? Adding panel by panel.

If there is some short of material list that’s already been made. Can you shed light on it?.

What should a DIY system around the 6-10Kwh range cost all included. No battery bank(for now)

6 Comments
2024/12/17
19:01 UTC

1

Anyone OFF GRID using Sol-Ark 15k Smart Load to Pre Heat inputs to propane boiler?

I've got an Off Grid house.

7440 watts of panels connected to a Sol-Ark 15K with 20.48 KWH of Pytes batteries.

My primary heat source is In-floor hydronic heat powered by an NTI TRX150 combi boiler (propane).

Even now that we have hit December, I can see that there are at least 2 days each week where my battery bank is fully charged, and my PV production clips at about 11 AM.

I'd like to use as much PV as my system generates and am thinking of adding an electric hot water tank before the boiler, and on the smart load of the 15K, to dump excess PV into, in order to reduce my propane consumption.

I'd be keen to correspond with any y'all on here who have such a configuration running successfully.

2 Comments
2024/12/17
18:15 UTC

1

Eg46000xp

Looking for some used 6000xp

1 Comment
2024/12/17
18:14 UTC

1

looking for a good quality voltage adjustable automatic 12v charger

hello,

I am trying to put together a minimal 12v solar system. I think its pretty standard, 12v 100ah li batt, about 300 watts of panels and a victron controller.

works fine in the longer sun days of summer, but in winter i have to supplement the charge with grid power. Right now, I am doing it manually with a amazon adjustable power supply. Set the voltage and amp draw and let it pump electrons for a few hours, then disconnect.

Issues i've run into; obviously it requires manual battery level monitoring and has led to a few instances of being woken up by a low voltage alarm. (especially as my eco worthy battery monitor died for no good reason) Secondly, the voltage adjust on the power supply is not very precise and... and i don't trust it.

I have used a 48v Renogy hybrid system, and that had settings and adjustments i was able to dial the voltage set-points to run the system how I wanted: Primary battery / solar with grid-tied backup for when the battery got low. I have been looking for this same flexibility in a 12v system.

poking on ebay found this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/195952046215

XH-M603 12-24V Battery Charging Control Module Protection LED Voltmeter Board

Oddly enough, this does exactly what I want; it has a high and low voltage set-points and only switches the charger at those points. 2 issues again: This device switches the low voltage high amp side of the charger, it claims 20amps, it gets smoking hot at 10amps. the voltage adjust is only one decimal place, 2 digits would be better, but again, i don't really trust a $2 board from china/ebay..

https://www.ebay.com/itm/192492561991

so them i got this one, same(ish) circuit but switches the high voltage side of the system.... but its a 220v transformer, so its sitting in the bag till I can find a 120 transformer to hack onto the board...

Lastly the question: At the end of the day, i would rather spend a few dollars more on something that just works and comes with a warrantee. Does such a charger exist? i've looked thru victrons offerings but am unsure if any will do what i would like.

thanks, Chewy

1 Comment
2024/12/17
18:01 UTC

0

RenewableOutdoors Review / Feedback

If you're looking for a company that truly understands the meaning of exceptional customer service, look no further than RenewableOutdoors.com. My experience with them has been nothing short of stellar, and they have set a new bar for what an outdoor and overlanding retailer should be.

From the start, I was blown away by their responsiveness and how easy it was to connect with an actual human being—no endless automated systems, no runaround, just a knowledgeable person ready to help. This level of connection is so rare these days, and it makes a world of difference when you're trying to find the right gear for your camping trailer or overlanding setup.

The team at RenewableOutdoors.com has an impressive depth of knowledge, not just about the items in their store, but about overlanding and camping trailers in general. Whether it’s selecting the right part or finding gear that fits my specific needs, they’ve been able to offer advice that is solid, thoughtful, and clearly based on years of experience in the outdoor industry.

What really set them apart for me was their willingness to go above and beyond when I needed it. I had a manufacturer issue with a product I purchased, and they handled the return process seamlessly—no stress, no hassle. But here’s where they really shine: when I needed to order a part that wasn’t even released yet—not on their website, not in stock—they still made it happen! They kept me updated on the status and progress every step of the way. This kind of dedication is truly unheard of.

Beyond that, they’ve been able to accommodate some of my complex requests and new needs without hesitation. I’ve thrown them some curveball questions and ideas, and they not only took the time out of their day to provide the information I needed, but they also went a step further to suggest better alternatives that I hadn’t even considered. That kind of expertise and care shows that they’re not just trying to make a sale—they actually care about helping you find the right solution.

RenewableOutdoors.com is more than just a retailer; they’re a partner for anyone who loves the outdoors, camping trailers, or overlanding. Their combination of customer service, expertise, and a true above-and-beyond attitude has earned them a lifelong customer in me. If you need gear, advice, or just a retailer who actually cares, do yourself a favor and check them out. They’re the real deal.

0 Comments
2024/12/17
16:18 UTC

1

Designing a Portable Solar-Powered Food Waste Shredder

Hello guys! I'm trying to design this machine but I'm lost to what parts that I need and its specifications. Also, how much gear ratio do I need to cut food wastes such as vegetables and fruits(No bones). I really don't know anything about this

5 Comments
2024/12/17
11:13 UTC

3

help choosing fuses

Please validate the amperage for the fuses and what type of fuse and fuse connectors should be used. All cables are short 6AWG twisted wire except for the cables from the solar panels to the controller. They are the standard size that came with the panels up to the connected 10' extension, which is 8AWG. Batteries are Lifepo4. The 30 amp fuse is coming from the load connection and I think I should go to bus bars for the 12 volt loads. PS, I know the symbols in the diagram are non standard - I drew it up with Paint, lol.

https://preview.redd.it/2ifwcxmfxb7e1.png?width=1411&format=png&auto=webp&s=55d2456cebc463a51541b1ce6d01c2466a3f6825

1 Comment
2024/12/17
04:48 UTC

2

Need Help IDing this wall mounted solar panel patio frame.

Hey Guys,

I'm planning to build a patio cover that'll also hold my solar panels (12 panels). I saw this metal frame on a solar installer's website and really like the design, especially because it's wall-mounted.

I have a 7m wide extension with big bifold doors, and this design lets the pergola extend above the roofline, giving me the height I need for the doors to open fully.

Hoping you all can help me figure out if it's a pre-fab kit or a custom job. Does anyone recognize this as a particular brand or model of a kit? If so, any info on where to find it would be greatly appreciated!

https://preview.redd.it/w11qyjxawb7e1.png?width=738&format=png&auto=webp&s=7f33076edc20ea7f4172e15a0b93a043a7b0a20d

https://preview.redd.it/8uv0elxawb7e1.png?width=393&format=png&auto=webp&s=45e69e45b42fffcbb3012f7e34d6b7e2f6fe2e83

1 Comment
2024/12/17
03:31 UTC

1

Batteries died, won't respond to charge.

I have 4 24v litime batteries hooked upt to make 48v. EG4 all in one. My generator is running but batteries won't charge. Please help. Thanks.

6 Comments
2024/12/17
02:46 UTC

11

Is the Hertz normal from ecoflow ultra?

I think I may have found the culprit for my flickering ceiling lights, when I measure the hertz from the grid power it holds steady. but when I measure the hertz from the Delta pro 3 ultra it seems like it's all over the place. What do you all think?

13 Comments
2024/12/17
02:44 UTC

3

Whole House Battery Backup

I am looking to add a 240v capable battery backup to my inventory. The main purpose is to run my well pump. I am considering the Ecoflow Delta Pro 3 with 400watt portable panels for roughly $3400. It might go on sale again in 2 weeks down to $2400 plus the potential tax rebate would get it down to $1600 I think. If I could get it down to $1600, I think it’s worth it. Does anyone have any other suggestions? I appreciate it.

Link for the kit: https://us.ecoflow.com/products/delta-pro-3-portable-power-station?variant=41385721069641

2 Comments
2024/12/17
01:27 UTC

1

What’s this bracket called? I need a bigger one

Looking for one that is a little longer to accommodate a bigger panel.

Google’d a bunch and can’t find this type of bracket/arm.

4 Comments
2024/12/17
01:00 UTC

2

PV mcb per string after individual DC disconnects or between internal DC disconnect and inverter?

9 Comments
2024/12/17
00:22 UTC

2

Intrigued by the Eg4 GridBoss...but would it really change my system?

I've been shopping around brands and configurations for a grid-tied hybrid inverter system with 200A pass-through and battery backup. The GridBoss / FlexBoss setup from EG4 is interesting, but I'm not sure it would change my system design all that much.

My biggest constraint (physically) is that I have an older meter head on the outside of the home, embedded in brickwork and no safety disconnect. The load side is not accessible externally at all and the first access I have to it is just above my current main panel in the basement. This is on the front of the house, so I don't want to hack up the look and put a bunch of conduits and so forth all over the place if I can avoid it.

My poco requires an externally accessible safety switch near the meter if there's AC current generation present (makes sense). With a monolithic inverter, this means I junction the current load side of the meter, run conductors back up to a safety switch on the outiside , then hairpin back into the house into the monolithic inverter and so forth.

I THINK, with the Gridboss setup, I could use a smaller safety switch (between it and the inverter) which could be sized at JUST the capacity of the solar and/or batteries. BUT, I think that would need to be externally located. So, other than having a smaller disconnect switch and wiring, would the GridBoss actually do me any good? Am I missing something about its capabilities?

4 Comments
2024/12/16
22:27 UTC

0

Disabled guy needing help

Over a year ago I bought panels and inverters, with the goal of only tapping the grid for battery charging as needed. Not net metering, which kinda sucks in MI. Anyway, the contractor I was working with got sick and died. Now I've been sitting on 50x JKM325M-60HB panels and 4x EcoWorthy 5000 watt inverters. Haven't been able to find anyone that specializes in solar willing to install something they aren't selling me, and I'm sick of sitting on so much $ spent and still paying full power bills.

I can't easily reach my roof from my wheelchair, so now I'm just going to resort to hiring this handy-kid. He'll be 18 by the time we start the long overdue install. But this means I have to figure out directions to give him. It's as close to DIY as I can do.

No batteries yet, but wife agreed on up to $5k for buying some lifepo4 soon. Also, need roof mounts rated for heavy snow load (I'm in Michigan's Upper Peninsula). I'm a little out of my league with this, but I have done a full house rewire that passed inspection, so not fully ignorant with electrical.

Would greatly appreciate some guidance.

8 Comments
2024/12/16
22:07 UTC

1

Absolute Noob...looking to be pointed: Fixed 16x20 Solar Carport/Portable Power Station/Tr-Fuel Generator...no electrician

Recently moved to an area that is prone to lose power. Living in a rental for the next 9-10 months. Realistically only need 7-8kw for running most essentials while power is out. I am going to build a carport and thought it would be fun to basically built it with a solar roof...that we can take with us when we purchase a house in 2025/2026.

Looking for a power station that I can loop in a generator if needs arise but can also handle being charged by the solar car port.

Ideally trying to do this with as little electrician support...as we are just going to move and I don't wanna spend a ton upgrading not our house.

Is what I'm looking for possible/reasonable? What should I be looking up? Most of the portable power stations show portable solar equipment..

Thanks in advance.

1 Comment
2024/12/16
21:40 UTC

1

10ish kW system I need help with

Hey everyone. I'm working on putting together a system at my home in Pittsburgh PA. I have quite a bit of full sun, south facing roof that I would like to fill with solar. I recently got a great deal on 35 280 watt panels, and am looking at the sungold power 10kw inverter for a grid tie system, with no power storage. I am struggling to figure out how to spread those 9800 watts over multiple strings and still remain in the bounds of voltage max input. I would really appreciate any input, advice, or even references to anyone local that could assist. below are the specs of the panels as well as the inverter.

PANELS:

|| || |SolarWorld Model Number|Sunmodule Plus SW 280 Mono| |STC Rating|280.0 Watts| |PTC Rating|251.2| |Open Circuit Voltage (Voc)|39.5 Volts| |Short Circuit Current (Isc)|9.71 Amps| |Frame Color|Black| |Power Tolerance|0/+5%| |Module Efficiency|16.7 %| |Area|18.06 ft²| |Weight|46.7 lbs.| |Length|65.94 in.| |Width|39.41 in.| |Height|SolarWorld Model Number 1.22 in. Sunmodule Plus SW 280 Mono STC Rating 280.0 Watts PTC Rating 251.2 Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) 39.5 Volts Short Circuit Current (Isc) 9.71 Amps Frame Color Black Power Tolerance 0/+5% Module Efficiency 16.7 % Area 18.06 ft² Weight 46.7 lbs. Length 65.94 in. Width 39.41 in. Height 1.22 in.|

INVERTER:

PV input MPPT channel number 2 Sun Gold Power Inc All-in-one Solar charge Inverter V1.0 63

Maximum input power 11,000 W 

Maximum Input Current 22/22 A 

Maximum open circuit voltage 500 Vdc 

MPPT operating voltage range 125 Vdc−425 Vdc 

Mains/generator input Input voltage range 90 VAC−140 VAC

Input frequency range 50/60 Hz 

Bypass overload current 63 A 

Efficiency MPPT tracking efficiency 99.9% 

Maximum efficiency of battery inverter 92%

4 Comments
2024/12/16
20:18 UTC

3

Shed Lighting

Absolute noob when it comes to solar. If I wanted to run one or two LED light bulbs in my shed in a standard 60w outlet, what all would I need? Would a small solar panel and a 12v car battery with an inverter be enough? It's not a working shed, it's just storage and I'd like to be able to see without a flashlight. The lights would only be used for a few minutes at a time. Maybe charge a cell phone or something if I'm having a fire.

11 Comments
2024/12/16
19:56 UTC

52

Off grid barn - Just getting started

So I finally built my dream barn/shop a 40*42 steel building. Just to get power run down to it is over 10k because of how far it is from the house. I'm thinking a standalone solar setup, I already provide the majority of my home power from solar through one of the installers. Unfortunately, I spent most of my free cash on the structure so I'm building my barn power supply step by step. I do metal fabrication so ultimately I need the capacity to run a welder that calls for 12k output from a generator/power source. I currently run the barn off of a generator and would to keep it for backup.

So, I guess I'm looking for recommendations on inverters/charge controllers that would support 12k plus and I wouldn't have to upgrade in the future.

5 Comments
2024/12/16
19:07 UTC

1

Connecting to parallel batteries

I have a 2x 12v 100 ah LiFePO4 batteries. I plan to connect them in parallel, the screws that came with the battery terminals are pretty short what makes that I can not connect everything to just one set of terminals(12v fusebox, inverter, MPPT and the battery cables to connect them parallel)

The easy solution is ofcourse get longer screws but...

(Option 1) Is it possible to connect everything except one thing to the positive of battery A and the negative of battery B

And then that one thing to the positive of battery B and the negative of battery A?

And if so what should that one thing be? (12v Fusebox, inverter or MPPT)?

Or....

(Option 2) Connect everything but one thing to the positive and negative of battery A

Then connect that one thing to the positive and negative of battery B?

And again what thing should it be ?(12v Fusebox, inverter or MPPT)

Sorry if this is obvious, normally I'm pretty efficient in using google but for some reason can't figure it out, lol

Thanks!

4 Comments
2024/12/16
18:12 UTC

1

Hi I'm participating in a competition in my school were i have to do any project that can use a renewal energy source or developing one or finding a new one thank you for helping me

Hi I'm participating in a competition in my school were i have to do any project that can use a renewal energy source or developing one or finding a new one thank you for helping me

2 Comments
2024/12/16
16:44 UTC

0

Hi I'm participating in a competition in my school were i have to do any project that can use a renewal energy source or developing one or finding a new one thank you for helping me

7 Comments
2024/12/16
16:44 UTC

2

Selling old AGM batteries

I have four Crown AGM 6v 390AH batteries that need to be recycled. Each weighs about 120 lbs. Lead is currently selling for about $0.50 where I am, so I figure each battery is worth about $50. I'm not sure where to take them though. Will most salvage yards buy old lead/acid batteries?

5 Comments
2024/12/16
14:23 UTC

2

Noob setting up help

Hi all!

I currently have 200W Renogy solar panel and a Bluetti EB3A.

I currently have X2 12v car batteries (Lead Acid) that I'd like to use to charge the EB3A. (Sun is very limited this time of year in the UK 😅)

I'd like to also charge the batteries via the solar panel

Would it be possible to charge the 2 batteries at the same time? Will I need a charge controller for these?

Sorry if this has already been covered. I've watched numerous videos, but I'm still not 100% sure what I need and if it's possible!

Thanks

3 Comments
2024/12/16
13:33 UTC

0

Battery maintenance while awaiting install

I ordered an EG4 12kpv with an EG4 all weather 48v wall mount battery. I'm still about 2 months from getting the system setup and charging the battery.

Is there anything I need to do to maintain the battery. Charge it? Pull it out and check state of Charge?

Thanks in advance.

2 Comments
2024/12/16
06:11 UTC

12

Solar Configurations

I purchased a van over the summer that came with 5 renogy panels: three 100W and two 50W and a Renogy 50A dc to dc charger with MPPT (50V max). Then I purchased two Renogy pro series 200ah batteries and a Renogy 3000w inverter charger since it already had a shore power plug with wiring ran. The panels were already wired together in parallel. But after getting the system hooked up and doing some additional research this doesn’t seem optimal. The biggest issue I see is they all have different specs and since they’re wired in parallel my max volts is that if the lowest panel. I need help finding the optimal configuration for my set up with the following specs:

Two 100W panels with Vmp of 17.9V & Imp of 5.72A

One 100W panel with Vmp of 20.4V & Imp of 4.91A

Two 50W panels with Vmp of 18.6V & Imp of 2.69A

What my best options here for rewiring the solar panels? If possible I don’t want to have to run any additional wires going into the van. Just how they’re connected on the roof.

13 Comments
2024/12/16
03:00 UTC

1

Heltec Active Balancer: Connectors?

Salate! I want to replace one of the balance wire connectors on my Heltec 15s Active Balancer. Which type are those? JSTs?

0 Comments
2024/12/16
00:38 UTC

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