Hello and welcome back! We’ve been overwhelmed by the positive response to our last video and are thrilled to dive into the details of our solar project, particularly the cost breakdown and some frequently asked questions. So, buckle up as we share our journey towards off-grid living with IronRidge and our DIY ground-mount solar setup.
The Financial Blueprint of Solar Independence
Our journey into solar began with the acquisition of 25 used Jinko 405-watt panels, a total investment of $5,000, factoring in one casualty during transport. The connectivity between the panels and our base of operations, a robust shipping container, required an investment of $359 in wires, connectors, and the necessary tools for a seamless setup.
To ensure the efficiency and safety of our system, we spent $290.64 on various connectors, including Y connectors for running our panels in both series and parallel, fuses to prevent overheating, and cutoff switches to manage the system effectively. The journey wasn’t without its hiccups, as we encountered issues with incomplete orders from our IronRidge vendor, prompting us to source alternatives quickly.
The heart of our setup, the IronRidge rails and hardware, amounted to $3,435.61, providing a sturdy foundation for our solar array. The three-inch galvanized steel pipes, essential for the structural integrity of our mount, came with a price tag of $3,166. Excluding the interior setup within the container, the outdoor components of our solar system totaled a significant but worthwhile investment of $12,576.25.
Tackling Questions and Curiosities
One of the most pressing questions we’ve encountered is whether our project is complete. The short answer is no; we still need to trench lines from the array to the container and finalize connections to our charge controllers. Our posts are set two to two and a half feet deep, reinforced with concrete, ensuring stability against the prevalent winds.
Security is another concern, given the remote nature of our setup. Our approach? A strategic placement of surveillance cameras, coupled with the inherent honesty of our local community, provides a layer of protection against potential theft.
When it comes to return on investment, we’re optimistic. With utility bills in California soaring up to $900 during peak seasons, our solar system promises a break-even point just over two years, making it a financially sound decision in the long run.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
Our journey towards off-grid living and self-sufficiency is ongoing, filled with challenges, learning opportunities, and the undeniable satisfaction of building something truly our own. As we continue to refine our setup and expand our knowledge, we invite you to join us, share your thoughts, and perhaps embark on your own journey towards sustainable living.
Thank you for your support, questions, and engagement. Your interest fuels our passion and reaffirms our commitment to this lifestyle. Stay tuned for more updates, and remember, the path to off-grid freedom, with the right planning and tools like IronRidge and a DIY spirit, is within reach for all of us.
In this video we talk about the cost of the outside pieces of our off-grid solar system. Q&As Is the array complete? How deep did we go for the uprights? How do we keep it secure from theft? ROI? Links to products we used (Some are affiliate links) Solar panel cables - https://amzn.to/3XJjPMM PV DC Isolator Switch - https://amzn.to/3SdiAnV BougeRV Connectors 6 Pairs - https://amzn.to/3Kn0wWQ PV 15 In-Line Fuse - https://amzn.to/3SdSiSs BougeRV Y Connectors - https://amzn.to/3kc0EO6 Solar Crimpers - https://amzn.to/3I9OSfb Solar panels - https://www.santansolar.com/product-category/solar-panels/ Ironridge Rails and Hardware - https://www.ironridge.com/design-tools/ Concrete - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Quikrete-60-lb-Concrete-Mix-110160/100318478 #ironridge #solarmounting #offgridliving