8.4 Kw Timber Framed Solar System Finished And Producing Power
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- čas přidán 27. 07. 2024
- For the last few weeks I have been getting the big solar system finished and producing power. It has turned out way better than I had planned and is a serious system and the work and components are top quality. This should give us free power for 25 years at least. I will now take down our old system and give the panels away to someone that needs them and we can now extend the garden some more.
Thanks to extreme CNC plasma for making the project like this possible with my plasma table.
xtremeplasma.ecwid.com
Kris, I really think you’re one of the most talented people on this platform. Your content is amazing and inspiring. Being able to create all this with your very own two hands, and at that off grid, is quite honestly mind boggling. I hope to see your channel grow even further. Good luck
Thank you.
You beat me to this comment as I totally agree 👍
@@KrisHarbour the tree will rot.
And your partner. You make a good team.
Well said ..👍
I can't fathom the amount of dedication you feel for your holding. So glad you are sharing this with us. You're and inspiration. Keep it coming!
Kris I can't believe how much you've accomplished, since starting off In a tent about 5 or so years go.. you bust your ass nearly every day and have shown us essentially all the progress you've made. Absolutely incredible!!! I admire your hard work ethic man. Gotta give you props on all your success my friend... simply amazing. You are a very smart individual. I'm still working my way back through all your videos. I only joined your channel about a month ago roughly, but I've watched nearly all your playlists.. the saw mill, outhouse, round house, both work shops... my favorite things you've done so far are definitely the round house, and especially the spring fed timber framed green house!! Looks like the solar panel project is going very well too !!!
Cheers! Thanks again for all the hours of videos you've made
Great words for serious great works
This solar setup pretty well eliminates the need for your hydro setup. You should look into turning it into a pumped storage system. Create little pond up top, maybe link into that other reservoir up there. Just something to do with your extra electricity. Allow you to save up water for nighttime hydro. A bit silly, but it would be an interesting project to watch you do. Storage without expensive batteries taking up space inside your buildings.
You wonder why anyone would watch, I look forward to your videos, they are informative and so much fun!! Thank you for taking the time to film.
You explained that very well regarding the charge controllers.
This is the sort of info most don’t understand
I'm so jealous watching you digging that trench with a shovel so easily! The ground here in West Virginia has just enough dirt to hold the rocks together!! Great video sir.
Just being able to create your own mounting hardware is like a huge ability.
penny washers and 2" screws is much cheaper and requires less effort
You do have a knack for getting things done correctly. Thanks, Kris.
Watching you create the little fixings like the brackets and the bar at 31:30 reminded me of how far you've come. I remember back when you were having to do all the work inside the shed and you barely had room to work, let alone the tools necessary to make what you needed. How good it must feel to know that if you run into a situation where you need a small part, you have the facilities now to just go make it yourself in a few minutes rather than derail the whole project.
It is really good. And also cheap! when you dont have the tools or space you have to buy stuff at a big cost. Now I have space and tools I can just buy steel in bulk and make anything I need and it actually save time money and energy. I would not change anything though, im glad I had to struggle before to appreciate it now.
To have achieved that much power output for under 7k Kris, is astounding and you will no doubt inspire a lot of people (myself included) to become self sustaining, especially with today's prices that are only going to rise, I wouldn't be surprised if your setup paid for itself in 18-24months. Awesome video, thank you!
At least here in Finland it would take 10-15 years for it to break even for that price. Most savings are in transfer costs and taxes, not actual energy
What bothers me is the manufacture of solar panels. Kris's own manufacture of his hydro is superb and gives electric in the winter when you need it most but the fabrication of solar panels has vile impact on quarrying for costic chemicals and near slavery of children in other countries. Disposal of them is another factor contradicting the whole point in self sufficiency.
Those drone shots are golden really puts the sheer scale of your projects into perspective
When people talk about living the dream,this is it! Fantastic Kris,I’m really happy for you mate.
Not sure he's living the dream..... more like working the dream, but then that may his dream.
I found the channel 2 weeks ago. Then binge watched HOURS of your last 5 years journey. Supported you on Patreon and have been waiting for this next video with huge anticipation. Brilliant job mate!
You've missed a lot of AMAZING content. Top notch this channel is.
I'm kind of jealous that you have all this content to binge watch!
ur not alone lol, crazy kool this young man sharing his journey
I wish I could go back and binge everything again.
Absolutely AWESOME 👌
The solar panel timber frame construction is a work of Art on it's own.
The cable trench has got to be the tidiest dig I've ever seen, Absolutely amazing.
Well done Kriss.
The world needs guys like you.
Thank you Kris!
From tent to having power security I’m very happy for you!
You will have to get your wind generator working! Winter is a coming!
Not a bad price for the build!
You can breathe a little easier knowing you have power!
Thank you again!
Don’t forget Dot! Every thing she does is something you don’t have to do! Behind every good man is his woman!
Well done again, Kris. You're an inspiration to many. Thanks for another interesting video.
Seeing you lift the panels by yourself, I was hoping that you didn't injure your shoulder again.
I hope the brackets you used to secure the panels will be enough during a big storm/ heavy winds.
Thanks for the upload Kris, it all looks amazing 👍
Most solarpanels are very light
Yes, the wind loading for the area of the panels will be huge. Especially of concern might be gale force winds from the rear of the panels - where I live in Scotland that's a real concern that everything always ends up downwind in the garden! The panel mount brackets need to withstand a gigantic rear loading attempting to blow the panels off the frame from behind! Brilliant project by the way!
@@ronjoosse5288 22 kilos I think he said his panels were.. My panels are closer to 60lbs, and I'd rather lift ten 60lb bags of concrete than two 60lb solar panels. Incredibly awkward.
After watching you build all the things you use in your business and all the projects around your home I'm sure this barn will be an amazing well built barn. You are one of the most talented people I've ever watched or known and the fact you are also a very humble man that tells things like they are makes your videos so interesting. I'm really looking forward to watching you build this building. Just remember to be careful and think about being safe and not take any chances that could get you injured.
Nice to see someone doing some real work, and being very productive,we need more people like this!
Hear hear Dennis
This is great! Having this technology be accessible and available and well communicated (by you) is exactly what is needed in the world right now for so many reasons. Keep it up!
I just bought a property in the sticks = 33 acres and a 900 foot stream. On a well and septic system. All I need is solar/hydro and I can get completely off the grid. I'm inspired by you - not to be 100% DIY, I don't have the skills or temperament, but to take the plunge and spend the money upfront and to trust the payback.
That is a building you've put and if I was use I would use it for storage on pallets, so access is relativity quick! I would also put some kind of wind break around the sides and across the top to cancel out any strong winds popping some of those panels.
2 things I noticed.
Maybe you covered it.
Firstly if you do lead work or roofing work, water will find its way uphill so I would silicone seal all joints.
Secondly if you dig a trench for cables or pipes, always put in a pipe big enough to run your cables and extra draw ropes to pull in new cables or anything that’s needed up there.
Save you in the future
Would love a video summarizing your electricity planned input/output throughout the year !
Kris: I can't decide if I'm going to go back and put in expansion joints...
Me: We both know you will, just get it out of the way.
Two seconds later...
Kris: A little update. I've added the expansion joints.
🤣 we are the same my friend.
Hi Kris, Thank you for taking us with you on this fantastic/creative journey. You should be so proud of what you have achieved, more importantly, the benefits to come must be priceless. Being self-sufficient today is so financially beneficial allowing you to live the life you want without ridiculous bills. I am amazed at your attention to detail, this is in itself crucial on any project, but on a solar system critical. Hopefully, the system will soon pay for itself and upgrade the battery storage as and when required.
Best wishes for the future.
Gordon, Halifax UK
Blows my mind how far you’ve come with the knowledge you have. You deserve every success life can give you on that beautiful small holding of yours.
The one man solar electric army did it again :-) Wow, great project… again! Love your stuff always a pleasure to see and a big thank you for sharing!
beautiful project!
I have only 4 panels, but because I live in tropics, I gat ~1kW of power all day long, fo 12 hours a day. I run the large freezer, and inverter microwave, inverter fridge, inverter air conditioning. and I pay only the compulsory minimum for my electric bill.
This is so incredibly satisfying to see -- I can't even begin to imagine how satisfying it is for you! If you really did pull down £20/day, that £7,000 would only take 350 days to pay back. For fun, let's say you only pull down half of that -- you'd still have a paid off super sun power plant in under 2 years. Absolutely, gobsmackingly amazing.
Yeah, I checked that too and the payback period is pretty amazing
Metal, wood, 3D printing, electrical... a Renaissance man. I tip my hat to you sir.
Fantastic setup Kris...amazed at the amount of power it generates...will give u a great feeling of security in this world 👍👊
32:10 the only thing with PETG is while you print it at 250 (well I do 245), it's glass transition temp is 85, after which it gets a bit soft and squidgy, however with that massive chunk of brass I doubt it'll get anywhere near 85 either
'
Kris: this is brilliant, so Inspirational - You gave a cost of approx £7K - Do you have a list of suppliers - I think it could be a revenue stream for you if you list links to the suppliers. If the solar products meet with your approval, then its good enough for me.- Thank you for the videos, they are amazing. Take care.
The panels and frame look amazing! It’s a perfect blend of old school and new school technology. I believe any true craftsman from any era would buy you a pint for your efforts! Can’t wait for the next video.
Bet you're glad you have the forks on your tractor now. Looks like they will come in handy a lot.
Awesome job Kris! I was impressed with the tidy wiring job. Looking forward to following your next project.
I watch a lot of off-the-grid videos, but this guy's budget is on another level
Always a pleasure to see what you plan, manufacture, build and accomplish. Seeing you make so many parts yourself, simply great! Thank you for sharing!
I’ve binged watched all your videos over the last 2 weeks and I’m in awe off your talents. It’s great how you turn your hand to anything. I’m sure you inspire many people. Keep up the great work and I wish you all the best👍
I wonder if you could team up with a local potter to make some stoneware or porcelain holders for the brass, if the PETG doesn't work?! Fantastic work as always Kris, you really are the definition of self-sufficient creativity!
Thank you for the video love the solar power being set up. God bless.
Hi Kris, blessings from Australia. To say: that l am mightily impressed by yourself is an understatement. I can only repeat what everyone has said before me. Your workmanship, your ease of explanations (without rattling on too much), your attitude to life and your honesty. Total joy to watch. And as for Your little helper, she’s a beauty.
Our little Energy Minister Bowen might have taken classes with this bloke. He's the one who is shutting down the best country in the world.
You know what it's really great to see the channel doing so well. I've been watching a few years now and it feels like your finally reaping the fruits of your labour. We'll done kris you deserve it mate. Living my dreams through you buddy.
Looks flippin' fantastic mate. thanks so much for all your work, sharing and knowledge.
Inspirational, educational, unusual, and awesome!
As usual.
Thanks for posting and sharing. Very nice to hear the birds chirping while you were working on the solar set-up.
Kris, I am so proud of your accomplishments and it has been a joy to be here to see your dreams come true through out the years. I can hear the pride in your voice as you talk about the voltage you get per day ... I feel it too. The solar panel station is perfect and should last for years to come. Congratulations!! I do hope your shoulder is holding up, that was a lot of heavy lifting. You seem well, Stay well. Much love to you and Dot ... and the animals of course. See you next time.
Kris, top job, this will serve as an educational video for others, being grid free is a huge achievement 👏🏼
Thanks Kris, really appreciate you taking us along on your journey. I'm watching this, while taking a break from building my own solar power system.
I'm on day 11 of covid and still feeling exhausted and sorry for myself. Seeing you with your cat is the first time I've smiled for days. Thanks.
Dude that is so flippin cool! All that power 😍 you'll never have to worry about using the cnc plasma or welding again. Great build mate and a damm good watch too! Thanks for the video as always. I can see those old panels being used for other little projects around your place as well 😁👍 cheers buddy take it easy!
What a great installation. I recon the disappointment of not getting the original panels for the installation has given you a far better more reliable system and there is a warranty with the new panels so all good. I always look forward to the videos you make and you have a natural ability to present whatever you're working on. Stay safe J.
Just binged watched both parts of the solar power structure build, and I find it amazing to see the end result. Well done Kris 👏
Hi Kris, here in sunny Australia. What an amazing build! Your attention to detail is impeccable, you have learnt so much on your journey in this landscape and I admire your motivation and ability to communicate not only your successes but also the hiccups along the way. It is quite clear that you get a buzz out of your achievements and I like so many others are also sharing in your successes. I too have dabbled in solar, hydro and a plethora of other projects over the past 25 years and your channel has ensured that I continue to delve into the unknown. Thankyou Kris, you are a legend!
Hey Kris,
Man, the whole setup, everything, down to the solar panel timber frame, the joinery, the bracketing, all of it, SUPER IMPRESSIVE!!! With all that's going on now, you're one of the very few that are laughing joyously!!!!
I'm only assuming that solar home power production is now going to become a booming business in the next few years, atleast I hope so. That said, you might have more of a demand for installing solar power as opposed to hydro as most people don't have a water source close to their home that they could channel and use exclusively for their own home, those that do in England and surrounding European countries will start contacting you for hydro, solar, and wind power production systems. You building your own systems up to this point is a serious advantage for you in a business way. I would say you should get all of your power production setup completed soon as I see you about to be getting very busy with the business side of life.
A real edge that you have is that you can design and build completely customized systems as you have all of the equipment needed to make customized parts. You are also able to work as a consultant in all three areas as you have hands on experience along with actual experience designing and building systems.
Your videos, especially with electricity production are inspiring for me as I wish to build a home that is completely off grid here in Canada as well as in the Philippines. Hopefully in the future I could fly you to both countries as my designer and builder. And then also be able to keep in contact with you as a consultant when things are all up and going.
Cheers,
Keep Safe Always My Friend,
Matt - Toronto, Canada
Excellent work as always Kris. Love what your doing and achieving there. With my electrical consultants hat on whilst your trench is open it's a good time to put in a long bare copper earth wire. Stack or earth electrodes are good but nothing beats surface area over distance for a consistent ground for your inverter. As you know the inverter needs to reference ground correctly for your RCDs to do what there meant to. Victron kit is the best here because of the transformers they use with centre tapped earth conductor. PE connection.
Brilliant Kris, high quality frame construction, high quality wiring, well done 👍😊
Congratulations to you!!!What a fantastic job you have done!!And What a fantastic feeling it must be for you!!I feel so happy for you,having following your project from the start! I’m amazed by you…and inspired!!Thank you for sharing in such a pleasant and sympathetic way!!
If the panels are made of aluminum, should they be allowed to touch lead? there could be some galvanic corrosion, especially with water pooling on the lead sheet. Keep an eye on the bottoms of those panels, just in case. Similar with stainless steel and aluminum.
10kW solar is lots of power, great job :)
this is correct. Might be an idea to look at some EPDM rubber from a roofing supplier to isolate the panels from the lead. Shouldn't expand as much in the heat either. Difficult one to solve that, hope it works out Kris :)
Lead is more noble than aluminium so the aluminium will indeed oxidise faster than usual, especially since in this case there is some water that can remain in the little gutter that can act as electrolyte. EDIT: Nonetheless impressed (and a bit jealous) by the off-grid system!
I might have to change this for some epdm then. thats a bit annoying. Not the end of the world but not ideal. I can actually do it without removing the panels and it would not be to difficult. thanks for the comments though. I will look in to this.
Does anyone know what sort of time scales we are talking about here? Because everything corrodes eventually. would the 25 year design life of the panels be in danger? I have read online that the corrosion could be sped up but I can't seem to find at what rate.
@@KrisHarbour You might have to do some tests to figure that out.
Really satisfying looking build that, you should be proud of yourself mate! The homestead is stunning! Next job, guttering for the run off from the solar panels lol.
Well done lad.
This was amazing to watch and truly impressive. Well done!!! I wish you all the best with all future endeavors!
Hi Kris, looks amazing, and i`m jealous :). Just one thing you maybe should have put in a warning electrical yellow warning tape in the trench, so if anyone is digging they know its live cables.
Kris, I really enjoy following your channel! I’m solar energy hobby guy! It’s incredible how you turned your life coming from urban stressed life to the k e where you enjoy every moment. I would appreciate if you can send the electri schematic of your combiner box. Thank you in advance and looking forward to see your next projects ! Cheers
Was wondering this myself.
Found it. It's an off. the shelf unit. Can't post a link. Search for ''SOLAR DC COMBINER BOX | 6-WAY INPUT | 2-WAY OUTPUT | OFF GRID & HYBRID INVERTERS" sold by voltaconsolar. RRP £279. Priced up the individual components and can be built for around £140.
@@danmc1313 thanks for the info Dan
You show people how to build relevant and essential things needed for life.
Inspiring and informative channel to say the least.
Kris what a lovely fella, I do enjoy your videos and the person you present in your videos. Amazing work and nice to see someone total down to earth just like most of the people in the world.
Not sure if this counts as “having a go,” but personally instead of that lead strip, I would have made flashing with aluminum sheet in a simple metal brake. Seems like it would be a lot cheaper, faster, and easier and maybe more effective as well. Save that lead for casting projectiles! 😉 or for stained glass I suppose.
But you never know how it’s going to work until you try things.
i'm wondering the same thing myself
Great stuff. Also a fan of over-paneling here in the UK especially. 12kwh LiFePO4 with over 2kw solar, but just a 100A /12v controller. Its winter most people need the big panels for - when there is less. Not you with wind and hydro as well, but most people. Living off grid you generally need more power in winter, summer with good solar and you have way too much. Time for you to buy an old Nissan leaf - charge off the solar/hydro and use as a runaround into town etc with no fuel costs.
I really look forward to when you release new content. Your set up is absolutely amazing, thank you for sharing your journey.
What a brilliantly completed project. You are a brilliant person, I have the utmost respect for you. I love your channel. I wish you all the best.
As someone who has a 6kw array with a Tesla powerwall, in a very large house with high energy usage, I still have copious amounts of surplus. With a 10kw array as well as the hydro, you might want to consider larger battery storage and a bigger inverter and store up every Watt of energy. 😁👍🏻
Or get a bigger hot tub :-)
Looks like he is already using it to heat his hot water, he could get a bigger hot water storage tank, and basically use that as a cheap battery to use up the excess!
@@Happyantix112 some of my excess goes to the immersion heater to heat up the hot water tank, but once the tank is hot I have nowhere else to store the energy. Could get another Tesla battery I suppose 🤷🏻👍🏻
@@pulsenation are you off grid?
Once you're have the battery running on 48V, I think 8kw of charging input works out great in your climate. I personally have a 8.1kwh solar array on my roof. The max output of the system on the 21st (winter over here) was 6.2kwh. And in summer it sits at about 8.0 in sunny weather and 7.2 in cloudy weather. I have a 8.2kwh Inverter meaning it is never fully saturated. I am in the process of adding 4 more 450w panels to flattern the curve at its peak. And to make the most of of the Inverter.
So I think you made a good choice to undersize your charge controllers. You will practically never use your panels at their rated output at your Latitude.
Having failed at virtually every turn of my life, I take great pleasure in watching someone else succeed at their (and my) dreams. Fantastic job and thank you for sharing.
You're like the Bob Ross of building, no errors, just happy accidents!
15:40 That is a truly precious predator you have there, a true murder muffin. 🤗
Hey Kris, love the videos. Imagine you've already looked into it but DIY Lifepo4 (lithium iron phosphate) batteries would be a good video. Alibaba has a lot of grade B (cells that aren't rated for EVs so would be recycled cells). Recently built myself a 48v 304ah pack. For around 30% the cost of an off the shelf system.
Is the guy in this vid using lead acid? Do u know??
@@MrLiamHenderson yes I believe he's using old fork lift batteries. 24v system. Can't quite remember the capacity but it's small in comparison to his array/hydro/wind setup
Good on you Kris! Well done, hard graft with immediate results! Keep after it!
Totally awesome -- all kinds of energy production!!! Redundancy -- fantastic
Thank you Kris ... you're an inspiration!!!
Happy Friday! excited to watch the progress!
Having a tough week here myself, snapped a bone in my thumb changing tires. Really not bad pain wise most of the time, just worried how its going to heal.
Heavy on the CZcams these coming weeks.. Thanks for all the content. Cheers Kris.
Take vitamin K2 or eat sauerkraut each day. Also D3. Helps to put calcium into bones.
Word of warning, do not cover any part of the panel. That includes the lead flashing... They do not need further protection and is you so much as cover a leaf sized section that panel will not work at anything like max efficiency. every inch of every part of the panel must be facing the sun
Yes: it's something to do with the way the semi conductor functions. Suggest researching further. As I understand it, the power output is limited to the level of the darkest part of the panel.
I think it may depend on the orientation of the cells too so you might be fine just covering a thin strip at the top
Not sure it matters that much. My panels are currently covered in pigeon shit, output change barely noticeable
100% lose the lead gain efficiency.
@@readmore7180 The difference here is that the lead flashing runs across the top of every string of cells in the panel. I don't imagine your bird shit would have the same impact as this could
I have to say I’m extremely impressed with not only your set up but the way you have explained the solar to charge controller peak . I’m really glad I randomly came across your channel.
Complimenti per il tuo bellissimo impianto. Gran bel lavoro! Avanti cosi con l'energia solare, sopratutto, fai da te!!!
Not said it for a while Kris - but you continually amaze with the scale, skill and dexterity that your projects require. Beast ! :) - keep the content coming. Best wishes !!
Outstanding work, Kris! It's fantastic that it's all worked out for you! Thank you for your work and your content!
Very impressive. Please accept a couple constructive comments.
Mounting the panels is dependent on the depth and diameter of the screws. Check to make sure they will withstand uplift forces from wind.
You have sttel clips against the aluminum frames. This may lead to severe corrosion over time, even through the anodization. We typically use stainless when contacting aluminum. Those clips may rust over time unless maintained.
Your explanation of peak power is good, but I would add that the power ratings of the modules is the maximum power based on ideal conditions (called STC, standard test conditions), but life is rarely ideal. Between less than optimum sun and losses in the system, your 10kW DC will actally translate to about 8kW at peak. Still more than enough to run the shop and house.
Well done sir.
Kris excellent video, 👍👍 thanks. You're in control of your own power now.
A few observations:
Use grommets in your metal trunking, protect your cables.
Get rid of the lead flashing, it will cause issues. I'd put the top row over the bottom row.
Are the panels designed to be supported purely at their extremities?
Your DC underground cable isn't buried very deep
Yeah I also don't see the need for the lead flashing seems pointless and redundant.
Hi, any chance you could do a detailed breakdown of your renewable energy system. I’ve seen you build it up over time so it’s more your supply capability vs your demand. How you calculated your system size, battery bank and how you accounted for those days without sun or wind or water (redundancy I suppose). I like that you don’t solely rely on he source it must give you some peace of mind to have such a mix of supply.
Now this is what i call living. You are basically living my dream. I am glad youtube recommended your video to me. Thanks for sharing .
You are extremely talented and have such a great mind to think outside the bud to get things like this done. It is very impressive to do this all your self.
Intersting build with lots of original thoughts! I wouldn't have used lead (looks like it partially casts a shadow on the first row, too). It would have been interesting to mount each row stacked one module height (30mm) higher than the last, sort of like huge shingles on a roof with just say 5mm overlap. Also: 5315 , I hope you changed the unlock code from your phone ;)
Ya lead seemed a bit strange to me also. But when your out in the middle of no were I guess you use what you use? To me it seems to easy to go get what I need or order it on Amazon and I get it the next day.
You're not supposed to solder crimped connections because it creates a mechanical weak point where the solder ends and the copper wire continues. In that spot the mechanical stresses are concentrated and you are more likely to have a break in the wire especially in solid core wire.
The reason crimped is a little more robust is because the wires are able to move a little even though they are under pressure. Since your setup is stationary it will probably be fine for many years, but if you start having reliability problems the first thing to check would be for broken wires where you soldered the crimps. Hope this helps.
You are correct but it applies mostly to machinery where vibration is present. In this static system, it won't cause a problem.
@@manolisgledsodakis873 Thermal expansion and contraction. :/
Soldering only is really really bad due to the heat caused by high current and failed connection causing a fire. Soldering on crimped connections is not a problem in stationary cables on solar and can reduce corrosion insuring no voltage loss over time. This is actually a good thing he did.
@@sciglassblower I would have simply weather packed the connections where they were crimped. They should already have seals on them so packing the crimped areas with dielectric grease would help keep the moisture out.
I admire your commitment to an idea and effort that you give for its fruition. Your work is good
Kris, I just started watching your amazing videos and I'm in awe of your abilities and demeanor. You are a genius. Thank you.
Kris, clearly a great achievement - bravo! I have some experience in construction and on one project I explored wind load on large surface areas. Have you carried out any calc's to assess the possible wind load on the underside of the panel array when the wind is blowing in through the large opening at the rear. On a surface area of this size, the possible wind loads can become quite shocking. My guess would be, during a heavy duty gale, the load might reach multiple tons. If this risk is material so that the overall structure could be destroyed, filling in the side and rear openings might mitigate the problem. Well done with this project - brilliantly executed.
The panels are facing a few degrees south west. They are facing the direction the strong winds come from where we are and the direction all storms we have had since we have been here come from. So from my experience the really strong winds we get will hit the front of the panels. We do get winds from behind but it is rare and they are never strong because of the location. Basically a big hill behind us and nothing in the other direction. It is a big area but it has a couple of tons of wood and a couple of tons of concrete plus ground friction on the footings. it is built in a way similar to a barn or farm building that would have a roof that size so I believe its going to be just fine in the strong winds. I might fill in the sides at some point but that would only be to keep stuff under there dry rather than a worry about the strength of the structure.
@@KrisHarbour Do you know Murphy's law? It will fail due to the wind, that's what you're set up for.
Perfect Kris - Your situation is so similar to mine, I am waiting to bite the bullet and move up to 48v so I have done the same as you. Its great to see my system go up to 120 amps without full sun, make use of the the most common level of sunlight you receive. I am still undecided on type of battery and might get new lead acid, as I am concerned about the extra vulnerability (BMS electronics) of lithium and being high on the mountain lightning damage is a worry as we have been struck twice now. As always you tell it how it really is, in the real world, all very admirable and professional. With your new found surplus have you considered a heat pump for the workshop/house ?
Wood gasifier should be the next project. He now has the skills and resources. Gas and electricity endless and carbon neutral
Wife &I have been enjoying watching U on our front room TV , do work on your farm U done a GREAT JOB building your home & she'd & power plant u have made on your farm keep up the great work your doing
Absolutely amazing video so full of information and practical demonstration. Well done Kris.