Rain Barrel Solar Panel System Upgrade
Рет қаралды 89,042
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In this video, Robert explains his process for upgrading the solar portion of his Rain Barrel system from the original 20-watt solar panel to a 100-Watt Renogy solar panel.
If you are new to Robert's rain barrel setup, his current rain barrel system allows him to remotely water his garden using PVC drip irrigation, and the solar panel is used to re-charge his battery.
He also shows his process for separating the majority of his electrical equipment (such as the WIFI relay) that is stored in the same tote as his water transfer pump.
Overall, Robert's goal was to not only upgrade his solar panel but increase his solar installation knowledge for professionally installed solar systems.
Below you can find the majority of the parts Robert used in the solar panel system upgrade video:
Parts / Items Used In Video:
►Renogy Solar Panel Side of Pole Mount: amzn.to/3hIJgLw
►Renogy 100 Watt Solar Panel: amzn.to/3hDs0Y9
►Solar Weatherproof Disconnect Box: amzn.to/3hIcPwF
►Weatherproof Junction Box with Mounting Plate: amzn.to/3xnQ1cq
►Renogy 9" 12AWG Solar Adaptor Wire Extension: amzn.to/3qOttiB
►18 Gal. Tote Box: www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-...
►Morningstar Prostar PS-30M Solar Charge Controller: Check eBay
MidNite Solar Items Used In Video:
►MidNite Solar 10Amp DC Breaker (2x): amzn.to/3yxqNbt
►MidNite Solar 15Amp DC Breaker: amzn.to/3hmpVAS
►MidNite Solar Ground Fault Protector (GFP63): amzn.to/3AzqZco
►DIN Rail Slotted Steel Zinc: amzn.to/3qRyKWH
►DIN Rail Terminal Block End Bracket: amzn.to/3dMuzGk
►Nonmetallic Liquid Tight Flexible Electrical Conduit (2x): amzn.to/3dR5TfH
►3/4" PVC Conduit Clamp: amzn.to/36gebJI
►Cable Clamp (used for 6-gauge bare copper wire): amzn.to/3xn0FA9
Grounding Related Components Used In Video:
►5/8" x 8' Grounding Rod: www.homedepot.com/p/ERICO-5-8...
►6 Guage Bare Copper Wire: amzn.to/3hKE8qn
►Ground Clamp: amzn.to/3dQwedJ
►Grounding Lug: amzn.to/2THZgW3
►Slot Hex Washer Machine Screw (Stainless Steel) 10-32x3/4": amzn.to/2VflmQn
►K Lock Nut (Kep Nut): amzn.to/3Aw7m4O
►Ground Bar Kit: amzn.to/2TGH2Ey
@TrehanCreekOutdoors 2 жыл бұрын
As a former home builder, I'd really would have liked to have you on my payroll when I was still in that business. You do clean, neat, solid, and safe work. Very nicely done job!
@NicolaMs007 Жыл бұрын
I'd say, it looks very professional the way he has done it.
@jeffmorris348 2 жыл бұрын
"Analysis paralysis" yes sir I know that feeling. Thank you for the video good stuff.
@ApocalypseLounge 3 жыл бұрын
The wrench trick was great advice for when you're working alone! Nice tip!
@GreenTechTown 2 жыл бұрын
:D Great to hear!
@tomklingel6011 2 жыл бұрын
I don't usually comment much, but after watching a couple of your videos, and as a fellow DIY selfer. I gotta say that you really cover all of the bases! Keep up the good work.
@GreenTechTown 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks tom klingel!
@dingymon 2 жыл бұрын
Analysis paralysis - WELL described!!
@MissAynneK 2 жыл бұрын
Great video! And this comment section is so refreshingly positive 🙂
@mikevp5303 2 жыл бұрын
From all the videos, blogs I've seen. This man is by far the most advanced and informative. I will be attempting this for my garden. Thank you sir for your time and information
@danmalloy6908 2 жыл бұрын
I just found your channel...have an off grid property in Haliburton, Ontario , Canada so I'm quite interested in what you are doing. You get a bit more sun than we do 🤣 I'm going to watch some of your videos. Cheers.
@GreenTechTown 2 жыл бұрын
Awesome 😀
@NicolaMs007 Жыл бұрын
With the simple setup you had initially in the first video, with the small solar panel, I am thinking bout doing this setup on my 16 ft Viscount Caravan, as it is a site caravan at the moment with an angled paradise roof, to collect the rain water, I was thinking of a setup that I could have to feed the water from the rain water tank into the tanks on the van and then I could use a 12 volt system to bring the water from the tanks into the van itself, Thank-you for the video, it is giving me an insight in to doing a solar power for a small pump, to feed the rain water tank....something I have been thinking bout since putting the 2nd roof on....will take pics of it later on when doing it then forwarding them on.
@GreenTechTown Жыл бұрын
Awesome, always glad to hear the content helped in some way. Good luck with your project.
@AskIveSolar 3 жыл бұрын
This is super cool! Glad yt showed me this video
@mobayguy Жыл бұрын
Always enjoy your videos. Lots to learn from them and really admire the neat, careful and professional job. Well done & thanks.
@TOTALLYRELAXED 2 жыл бұрын
Excellent clean and orderly installation! Very nicely done! Thanks for sharing! ~Jim @ TOTALLY RELAXED!~
@robertobrien4799 2 жыл бұрын
You rock! Love the info, love your verbal delivery!
@chalkleyjm 3 жыл бұрын
Nice job! I have learned a lot from your Rain Barrel series and the video editing and overdub of audio was fantastic.
@georgemaze7926 2 жыл бұрын
Nice job ! Please keep up the good work, thanks for making this video.
@icakinser Жыл бұрын
These videos are amazing. Informative and very high quality.
@ogsan1296 2 жыл бұрын
Outstanding DEMO. Proud of you.
@mktwatcher Жыл бұрын
Very nice work. Thank you for sharing.
@rolandready3207 2 жыл бұрын
Incredible job! I have learnt a great deal from watching your videos. Thank you for doing them.
@jeremywright1351 3 жыл бұрын
I really enjoy these videos. They give me lots of ideas for our garden. I'm not quite ready to tackle this kind of electrical job, but I'm definitely going to work my way up to it over the next year or so. Thanks!
@jblewis1975 2 жыл бұрын
Your solar power system is badass! Now you should upgrade your rain collection to an IBC Tote or several 55 gallon drums 😁
@jillysd884 2 жыл бұрын
Great video Robert, Thank you 😊
@kennethcoman2080 Жыл бұрын
Another great video. You are the real deal. Respect!
@timelapsefilms3526 3 жыл бұрын
Great video mate 👍
@GreenTechTown 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Earth Master!
@MyFamilyGarden 2 жыл бұрын
Really useful information, I'm thinking about doing something like this in the future so really handy
@MrLordofwar23 Жыл бұрын
Very, very nice job... Your work and installation looks great...thx
@Intellistan 2 жыл бұрын
Man you're legit. Thank you for these videos.. exactly what I've been looking for
@haydnlawrence8167 2 жыл бұрын
Nice work , great videos.👍
@swaggerdo7231 3 жыл бұрын
excellent video, thank you for documenting all this.
@GreenTechTown 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Swagger Do and no problem.
@franzitaduz 2 жыл бұрын
You are sooooo thorough. Thank you!
@aaronag7876 2 жыл бұрын
Absolutely great information. Some good info in the video, even if for USA requirements, the info does give food for thought of forward planning for expansion for future bigger projects. Thanks for sharing. Sub'd and notified all set.
@ericapelz260 2 жыл бұрын
Nice tidy install. Beautiful work.
@GreenTechTown 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@anothergoogleuser 2 жыл бұрын
Outstanding job! Thanks for sharing.
@Neolantis Жыл бұрын
im impressed and shared with my friends. outstanding
@bawbjusbawb6471 2 жыл бұрын
A well thought-out project and well explained video. Great job!
@GreenTechTown 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@xennialprepping 3 жыл бұрын
I love these videos! Two thumbs up 👍 👍
@cesarperez10 2 жыл бұрын
great video super professional upgrade inspiring stuff for future setup
@peterwagner4538 2 жыл бұрын
Thank You Guy, it's a fun and very meaningfull to watch you only working. Tim Tayler and Al Borland should hire you...
@dwoodog 2 жыл бұрын
Awesome. Looks overkill for a garden pump, but thats the fun is to go overkill.
@GreenTechTown 2 жыл бұрын
Hey dwoodog, you are right, the size of the system is overkill for just a water pump system. Another reason I planned to upgrade is for a few other projects I plan to use the system for coming up 🙂
@bronsonstein7724 3 жыл бұрын
that's sharp man! Solid job!
@GreenTechTown 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Bronson Stein!
@danweaver3581 2 жыл бұрын
Wonderful information - you have a great vision and creative. You did a wonder job in organizing these videos to build these systems. I love the designs.
@GreenTechTown 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Dan for the feedback.
@jimanddiana4103 2 жыл бұрын
Wow! We love this guy's work! Okay, we're fans now.
@GreenTechTown 2 жыл бұрын
Awesome, thanks and welcome!
@offgridwithdj4877 2 жыл бұрын
I really like how you do these ,I'm trying to learn it for my cabin build and having trouble ,but you help alot ! Good stuff!
@GreenTechTown 2 жыл бұрын
Nice to hear Rush! And thanks for the feedback!
@fltrfrsh7 2 жыл бұрын
Fantastic! Thanks!
@kitogrova435 2 жыл бұрын
great job man.
@longinus58 2 жыл бұрын
Great tips.
@noirprncess 3 жыл бұрын
This makes me want to try
@dgarvin57 2 жыл бұрын
Great content. Very inspiring. I'll be trying this and you've helped a lot. Thanks.
@GreenTechTown 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Dan for the feedback.
@xringeagle Жыл бұрын
Excellent video and thorough information. Thank you.
@GreenTechTown Жыл бұрын
Thanks Mike. Are you currently using solar panels to power something, or planning on it?
@xringeagle Жыл бұрын
@@GreenTechTown Just starting the process. I have thought about solar panels, but I have not been able to move forward on that yet.
@debbies3763 2 жыл бұрын
WOW!! GREAT JOB, I too need this same set up but automated for my harbor freight green house.
@GreenTechTown 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Debbie. Good luck with your green house project also!
@Zbee167 3 жыл бұрын
This was great! Thanks for sharing.
@GreenTechTown 3 жыл бұрын
Great to hear and no problem :D
@WJCTechyman 2 жыл бұрын
Awesome. Very detailed, especially when you said you followed the US NEC. I have a rain barrel pump too, but it connects to household electricity. My setup is a bit different where I ran a cord from the outdoor GFCI that has a "while in use" cover to some PVC conduit boxes, one containing a light switch with an outdoor switch cover (the one with the red toggle) and the other having another "While in use" cover with a single outlet. The cord runs into the first box through a gland fitting, and the outlet has another piece of the cord coming out of the switch box through a gland and to the outlet box through another gland. The plug on the other end of the cord is of the outdoor termination (Leviton black rubber plug) as well.
@RASDB7 2 жыл бұрын
Nice work!
@GreenTechTown 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Ras Ox Tafari!
@Paranexium 3 жыл бұрын
Nice upgrade, and another informative video to show us how you did it. Thanks again. My pump is with the electric like your first set up but I think its fine with the 20w panel and I liked your idea when I saw it. For sure it's about taking action. Plan it out and go for it. If your not making mistakes your not trying to do anything new is my take.
@GreenTechTown 3 жыл бұрын
Very well said!
@acinfla9615 3 жыл бұрын
Clean install 👍
@GreenTechTown 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks ACinFla!
@tommwilly 3 ай бұрын
your videos are the best.
@CarlStreet Жыл бұрын
Well Done Sir
@TheDazzletrap 3 жыл бұрын
You are such a great teacher providing needed info and are so very easy to follow and understand..please keep it up the world needs more like you.
@GreenTechTown 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Dazzletrap for the feedback!
@mikestiffin9684 2 жыл бұрын
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@mikestiffin9684 2 жыл бұрын
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@mailjabber 2 жыл бұрын
Great content. Subbed & liked!
@ThePatrick42044 2 жыл бұрын
Looks like you did a great job. I've often looked for solar installation videos and have hard time finding videos where people actually go through the process. It's like the electrical set up gets skipped altogether... Lol
@GreenTechTown 2 жыл бұрын
Haha, I know the feeling!
@zpoedog 2 жыл бұрын
Nice job! You must know a lot about wiring because the insulation looks professional. Thanks!
@GreenTechTown 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks zpoedog. I would say I know more than the average person, but there is still a ton I still need to learn on a professional level. Thanks for the feedback!
@fangzea 2 жыл бұрын
A lot of work put into this. good job man, I wont be doing nearly 80% of the extra you put into it. haha
@gerards9263 2 жыл бұрын
Great job!!!!
@GreenTechTown 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Gerard!
@woodspirit98 3 жыл бұрын
Love your videos
@GreenTechTown 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Woodspirit98!
@bbikermama 3 жыл бұрын
Yay! New video!!
@bastir.3693 3 жыл бұрын
Nice video 👍
@GreenTechTown 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Basti R.
@JLowe-uu8lr 2 жыл бұрын
Wow very neat job great video !=8)
@addammadd 2 жыл бұрын
Great content. Subbed.
@GreenTechTown 2 жыл бұрын
Awesome, welcome aboard Addam!
@mikejones3560 3 жыл бұрын
Great vids, thanks!
@GreenTechTown 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Mike!
@lavenderpearlvintage1846 2 жыл бұрын
🤯Genius!
@GreenTechTown 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Lavender Pearl Vintage!
@hroman5 3 жыл бұрын
I really like your videos!
@GreenTechTown 3 жыл бұрын
Great to hear! Thanks Henry for the feedback!
@maguettecisse4578 2 жыл бұрын
So professonnal !
@GreenTechTown 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Maguette!
@elizle 2 жыл бұрын
I have a shed right next to my garden, which I would like to do something similar. Would also be nice to have power in the shed.
@HarshHazeStudios 3 жыл бұрын
Love what you say about not becoming victim to Analysis Paralysis I am building my 1st solar system, and since it is a 5kw system out of necessity [off-grid]... i think I have got myself in a little "Analysis Paralysis Rut". After watching your video - I think I have been motivated to just build it out - component by component [sectionaly]. Thank you for the Vid... here is crossing fingers to my first system [21 x 250w panels]
@GreenTechTown 3 жыл бұрын
Wow...Awesome! And no problem. Good luck with your system and stay safe! :D
@wattheheck6010 11 ай бұрын
Beauty
@andycordy5190 2 жыл бұрын
I have a total blind spot about electrics. Partly fear, partly conditioning to 'leave it to the professionals'. I just love the way you have reduced these tasks into manageable sections where your research online has filled in the knowledge you first lacked and which gave you the confidence to put it all together. The newly added electrical components are also unknown to me. I would be most interested to know about the battery storage for the more powerful panel. I am hoping to use a similar system to power an aquaponics circulation pump and need to work out the potential pumping 'head' height for a given wattage available in order calculate how to design the flow of water from fish to plants. I have made use of online communities in learning about gardening generally and aquaponics in particular but had never thought to look for a similar knowledge sharing community for the solar. Good luck with your plans for further development. Here in the (mostly) damp and cold environment of Wales (UK) there will, I'm sure, be local information of great value regarding electrical safety and condensation.
@GreenTechTown 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Andy for sharing and good luck with your aquaponics project! And yes, I definitely recommend joining an online/local solar community.
@vikingwind25 2 жыл бұрын
I really appreciate your video on this system, including the Lessons Learned. I am putting together a similar system. One small point. While your grounding rod and GFI system is a safe idea for a lighting strike, I don't believe it is necessary, by code for a low voltage (under 24 V DC) system. I'm not a pro so this is just my thought. We all learn as we go. Regards....
@TheOriginalJenafire 2 жыл бұрын
I'm new to solar and will be soon installing a 12kw solar/wind hybrid setup. I really enjoyed how informative this video is and, if you don't mind me saying so, your installation is very neat and well planned. I'm also interested in installing a rainwater system but I fear I've probably already bitten off way more than I can chew so will stay with well water for the time being.
@GreenTechTown 2 жыл бұрын
Awesome to hear. Just continue to take it one step at a time. Break up the task into smaller parts, and dedicate a reasonable amount of time to the project each week, and if you stay consistent with that approach, you'll have more complete than you realize in a few months. Also, do not be afraid to make mistakes. We all make them, and a critical part of learning.😀
@TheOriginalJenafire 2 жыл бұрын
@@GreenTechTown thanks so much! I really appreciate your feedback! Under normal circumstances, that's defintely how I would have approached it (desperately trying to keep the gray hairs at bay as much as humanly possible) but I'm doing this project in the Bahamas where utilities are so expensive and where importing items is very costly. I have one shot at getting an exemption as a returning resident so I'm doing my best to look as far into the future as possible and ship everything at once. But there's only so much one can do without completely overwhelming oneself. In the meantime I'll stay tuned to watch and learn as your projects progress. Hopefully by the time I'm ready to take on the rainwater portion, it won't be super expensive.
@charitysmith7486 3 жыл бұрын
Niiiice! 👍🏾
@leifhietala8074 2 жыл бұрын
If you don't have a convenient ledge somewhere to hold your bracing wrench still, just clamp a big Vise-Grip on the nut. That's usually heavy enough to resist the Nylock's torque.
@GreenTechTown 2 жыл бұрын
Great tip Leif!
@edbuurman3262 2 жыл бұрын
Each and every video is fantastic, and I wonder whether I can/should do this as well. I have yet to install the smaller solar panel and in that video it seemed it charged the battery pretty quickly. Therefore I don't see a need to use a larger panel myself. I understood you had a larger panel laying around, but other than that, can you explain why you decided to do this? For example, you frequently referred to future plans and that context may be helpful.
@GreenTechTown 2 жыл бұрын
Hey Ed. Yes, it was for 2 primary reasons. To increase my knowledge in the area, as well as be able to recharge the battery quicker since I plan to run a few other nearby components off of it in the future (outdoor LED lights, security camera, etc.).
@JAllyFarms 2 жыл бұрын
:) now its time for a bigger pump
@RaiUriarte 3 жыл бұрын
I´m there!, analysis paralysis, I want to install a solar system for a pump I need to install in my pond, but I don´t what I need to buy, what potency, no idea. Normally I will do all electrical steps myself but this is overwhelming. Thanks for the video.
@GreenTechTown 3 жыл бұрын
I know the feeling. Sometimes what I'll do is write down all the questions I have about a task and then 1 by 1 start trying to address them by reaching out to online forums, local experts, Google, etc. until eventually all the questions are answered or I at least have more confidence to take action.
@tm510a 2 жыл бұрын
great video my friend! .. next time go mppt much better.
@ruthiebmnf7711 2 жыл бұрын
I came for the knowledge. I stayed for the dump truck
@barnes80 24 күн бұрын
He got one don't he lol
@dper1112 2 жыл бұрын
Did you mix stainless steel fasteners with an aluminum frame? This tends to lead to galvanic corrosion. It would be better to use galvanized fasteners.
@GreenTechTown 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks dper1112. You are correct. Not sure how I forgot about this, but I will definitely look into that option. I will add this update to the description later as well. Thanks for the reminder and for taking the time to share!
@e-bikefulltimecitytranspor3552 2 жыл бұрын
Don't listen to diaper dan it's not a big deal. Funny how I dissamble aluminum head motors with steel bolts. Must be ok for the auto industry but not for you siding. I just hope this lowers his stupid comment
@dougarnold9337 2 жыл бұрын
Mate, I love your videos and you inspired me to put in my own solar water pump that is working a treat! That's why I'm a subscriber! But, I didn't understand why you felt the need to upgrade your system if it is only powering a water pump. I know you obviously researched everything and challenging yourself to make it better (really well done, BTW! 😃👍) but is there an advantage for your garden having the bigger solar system? Looking forward to the next video!
@GreenTechTown 2 жыл бұрын
Hey Doug. I plan to run a few more items off the system in the future, so was just thinking ahead. :D
@kyzlekiko 2 жыл бұрын
might be a good thing to make a drip loop on the solar output cables before they go into the wall, less water getting inside and on your cutoff switch
@TheEmbrio 2 жыл бұрын
In a pinch I have used zip ties facing /sloping down to stop drip back.
@JAllyFarms 2 жыл бұрын
word of caution when installing solar panel(s) put a towel over the panel to prevent electricity running thru the wires
@GreenTechTown 2 жыл бұрын
Good tip JAlly.
@JAllyFarms 2 жыл бұрын
@@GreenTechTown Lived on a boat with Solar power during the install you can get shocked by the power the panels produce
@jeve8706 2 жыл бұрын
This video is great … will u be doing more solar installations like LED lights???
@GreenTechTown 2 жыл бұрын
Hey J Eve. Yes, at some point in the near future I would like to run some LED deck lights from this system.
@veteranveteran9915 2 жыл бұрын
I'd love to have you as a neighbor 💞
@JLowe-uu8lr 2 жыл бұрын
Old trick from ham and shortwave listening!=8)
@seriousorry 2 жыл бұрын
I'm not too sure about grounding the sp frame. Maybe insulate from ground would be a better approach. It's mounted to wood, that's a good start. Let it float, then it won't attract lightning. Ground potential is as dangerous as anything else when lightning is the concern.
@kaminoshi713 3 жыл бұрын
I’m not sure what the code says about lightning protection, but I believe it has to be separated from the power ground system, and the rods for the two systems have to be separated. At least when we were running temp power that’s how we’d do it.
@danward64 2 жыл бұрын
Tech tip 4 ya. You can use a screw ( shorter than your wood 🪵) , a box end wrench 🔧, and a large fender washer , to hold the nut 🔩 on the back side of your work. Wile you turn the bolt from the outside. ,, you can clamp 🗜 down the wrench 🔧 though the hole 🕳 in the wrench 🔧,OR, clamp 🗜 down the wrench 🔧 by its shaft. Also, flattening out the wrench box end is a help as well.😎 your welcome. 🤣 🐴🐴🦅
@douglaswindsor120 2 жыл бұрын
Better to have both crescent wrench and vice grips saves a couple of trips
@rknyum7177 2 жыл бұрын
very professional done! In your cost estimate was the battery included and what type of battery are you using?
@GreenTechTown 2 жыл бұрын
Yes, I am using a AGM battery since I already had it on hand.
@jillysd884 2 жыл бұрын
QUESTION … I live in South Dakota … how do you protect Solar panels from Heavy hail storms 🌨🌨🌨 thanks jilly
@tony113000 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this - very informative - just one question - does the ground wire not need to be insulated or is it OK to leave it as you have it
@ebazz5704 3 жыл бұрын
Ground wires don't need to be insulated because they are about dispersing the energy from a faulty electronic out. If you are wiring something up near other sensitive electronics that your ground wire is near then you may want to insulate it but not really needed
@tony113000 3 жыл бұрын
@@ebazz5704 Thanks for the info - appreciate it
@clarkkent4991 2 жыл бұрын
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