How to Choose SOLAR Wisely and Avoid Costly Mistakes
If you're serious about getting solar, in this video, I'll take you through the major system components you'll be needing, together with a couple of optional ones, and provide some tips on how to find a good installer.
The solar utility used in this video is available here: re.jrc.ec.europa.eu/pvg_tools...
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:29 Is your home suitable?
5:05 Solar array sizing
8:29 Solar panels
11:38 Types of inverter
15:38 String inverter sizes
18:19 Battery
22:30 Solar diverter
23:11 EV charger
23:37 Choosing an installer
Corrections:
12:48 This turns out to be a myth - check out my shading video: • Solar Panel Shading (P...
If you're getting a lot from my videos, and would like to support me in my efforts to help everyone, here are a couple of ways to do this:
1. You could www.buymeacoffee.com/GaryDoes... :-)
2. If you're thinking of switching energy supplier to Octopus Energy. If you call them and give them my referral code ("blue-wind-201") and my name ("Gary Waite") and we'll both get a £50 credit to our accounts as a result! share.octopus.energy/blue-win...
I believe Octopus Energy is doing more than any other energy company in the UK to take us forward to a bright renewable future, and I'll make making reference to them and their initiatives in future videos.
For UK viewers, this highly recommended Facebook Group is a great place to learn about solar, ask questions, and even get opinions from members on quotations you've received: / 2197329430289466
#solar #power #battery
For business enquiries:
Email: me@garydoessolar.com
(Please note: despite my channel name, I don't provide, nor consult on, solar installations)
(c) 2022 Gary Does Solar. All rights reserved.
DISCLAIMER
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the content in this video, no warranty for that content is provided, nor should it be implied. Viewers acting on the content, do so at their own risk.
* NOTES SINCE PUBLICATION * 1. In the video I make reference to MCS, a certification scheme, normally required by energy providers before they can provide certain services like paid export. There are now other similar schemes, including FlexOrb that energy providers are accepting as well. Competition in this area is good as it will help keep the pricing of these schemes down. 2. Also in the video, I talk about the effect of shading on a single panel affecting all the other panels. In actual fact, it depends of the type of shading. If the shading is hard (for example, from a chimney or another building) then the panel is able to protect itself (via bypass diodes) without affecting any the other panels in the string. If the shading is diffuse or limited (for example, a TV antenna or cable) then this could well affect the other panels because that kind of shading is not sufficient to activate the bypass diodes in that panel. See this video for a more complete explanation: kzhead.info/sun/bKuvmKigeoWAmqc/bejne.html
Thanks for the clarification. Can I suggest you pin this comment to the top?
One of the companies I priced for Solar panels was $65,000 for my home, It would take me 36 years to pay for that at the cost of what I pay for my light bill now.
@docbrown6550 most states have rebates and SRECs available to reduce that burden. Most of my analysis came back at a 5 year pay for itself cost.
@@AnthonyAlvarado78 My light bill is around $100 a month, at a cost of $65,000, it is not feasible in any form or fashion to buy solar. Our state does not help that much to make enough of a difference. It would actually take me more than 36 years to pay that off, at the cost of what I'm paying now for my light bill.
That's not true anymore. Modern technology limits it to the one panel
Gary. Without question, the most useful video I have ever seen. Professional, detailed yet easy to follow and extremely informative. Thank you for taking the time to make this very comprehensive video that obviously took a lot of time and effort to make.
Hi James, thanks very much for taking the time to provide feedback. I’m humbled. Yeah, I didn’t realise how long the videos would take - lol! I’m half-way through the next one now - hope you find it useful 👍🏻
I second that statement. I was just looking to get solar, but I can now be a consultant. 🤗
Gary I am in Ireland and just wanted to thank you for this great resource, ever think about an Ireland special
Indeed....clear, concise delivered at an easily digestable pace..... professionally.
Yes. I will second that.
Clear-headed, logical with no axe to grind. Thank you, Gary
Thanks Chris 👍🏻 yeah, there are too many Solar videos out there that are highly biased. I’ll continue to keep things neutral, especially with an upcoming video on panel shading! 😳
This is awesome. So much information that no one else seems to know/share on their channels!
Thank you - that means a lot to me!
Thanks for the very clear explanation of various solar PV installations. You have shown me exactly what I have been looking for. Excellent.
Thanks Peter - glad to be of service! 😀
Great video Gary! Great to see you are still explaining complex things in a straight forward way! I've been on the solar journey for 2 years now and still learning!
Hey Mark! You found me on KZhead! Who'd have thought, eh? :-) Thanks for the kind words - great to hear I can still do it! I'll text you early next week if that's ok. Would love to catch up with you :-)
Thank you so much for explaining this complicated subject in a clear and concise way.
Many thanks - it was my pleasure! 😀👍🏻
The best material about solar panels in KZhead. Very informative. Thanks Gary
Thanks very much for the great feedback. I'll keep the videos coming :-)
Thanks Gary, these two videos were exactly what I needed.
That's so great to hear, Lee! Cheers :-)
Ive watched dozens of solar videos and this is the best one I have seen. Thank you so much ;)
That's amazing feedback, Robbie - thank you!
Very insightful video full of valuable guidance. A must watch for everyone. Well done in the creating high quality content Gary
That's such great feedback to hear - many thanks! :-)
Hi Gary - Amazing video. Very clear, precise and informative. Helps with decision making.
Thank you. It’s great to get feedback like this 👍🏻😀
Thank you Gary. The best YT video on the subject I've come across yet. You have a perfect voice for narration and your graphics are spot on. Keep it up. I have now subscribed and will be checking all your other vids.
Wow - that’s praise indeed! Thank you 🙏 😀 Next video just published 👍🏻
Thank you so much Gary, this was pitched perfectly, absolutely superb. I've liked and subscribed. I feel like I've been flailing at the beginning of a fairly big journey and you've provided a clear route map! I made 4 pages of notes🤣This will be so helpful when getting quotes and discussing specifications. Thanks again!
Hi Daniel, thanks for taking the time to let me know - this is great feedback to receive! 😀 Good luck with your solar journey - I’d love to hear how you get on!
Gary This is most honest and informative video about solar you will ever get. Thanks
Hi Saber, thanks very much! That’s praise indeed 😀👍🏻
One of the best vids I've seen regarding solar ;) I've actually learned something even after watching similar vids for months
That is so great to hear, Vlad! Thank you 🙏 😀
Thank you Gary. An excellent video for anyone new to solar
You’re very kind, Derek - thank you! 🙏
Hi Gary. I've been searching through the various YT channels on this. Yours is the first one that has content I was looking for. I see you are just starting YT, and your delivery approach, the detail provided struck home for me. Thank you and I wish you the best. Great stuff!
Thanks very much for the kind words, John! Many people I've worked with over the years have told me I was pretty good at explain complex things in an easy way. And I was thinking about getting my own solar installation anyway, I thought why not share some of the knowledge I gained along the way :-) It turned out to be a lot of hard hours to put each video together, but feedback like this really makes it all worthwhile - thank you!
I second John, one of the best solar information video focus on UK market
I third, John, just going in Solar panel (for a french installation) and your video is cristal clear with all the expected details it should be! Thanks a lot for your time and video
I agree
The best videos on solar PV KZhead -so far
Thanks for this video and especially the calculator link! Very helpful.
My pleasure, Bruce - thanks for watching! :-)
Supremely clear and comprehensive. Thank you indeed!!
Really great feedback - thank you! I’ll keep the videos coming… 😀👍🏻
This is the best ‘introduction to Solar’ video I’ve seen by far. Thanks for all the useful info!
Thanks Marios - that's very kind of you to say :-)
superb attention to detail Gary and another very well explained video, thank you!
Hi David, thanks very kind of you to say - I do pride myself on being detailed :-)
Thank you Gary as this video is very helpful especially when like me knowing nothing about solar panels and batteries, can't thank you enough for your knowledge on this subject as its going to be a BIG help in knowing the right questions to ask .
Thanks Susan - it took me many, many hours to make these videos and your feedback alone has made it all worthwhile. Good luck with your solar journey! 😀
This is very comprehensive..thank you for all the effort you've put into making this video. I've finally understood the difference between AC coupled and DC coupled!
Hi Afnan, it was all my pleasure! People have told me that I'm very good at explaining complex topics in a simple way (one of the reasons I started making these videos in fact), and so I'm very happy to hear my work has helped you too :-)
@@GaryDoesSolar Helped me too! Thanks Gary
Brilliant videos Gary. Really informative and helping me make an informed choice. Can't wait for the next video. Thanks Mike
It took quite a few hours to put it all together (really, rally hard work) but comments like this make it all worthwhile - thanks Mike! :-) All the best with your solar journey - I'd love to hear how you get on. My own journey is actually only just starting...
@@GaryDoesSolar your research is something I would of done and spent weeks and weeks doing, so really appreciated. Yes when I do go ahead I let you know 👍
Fantastic content & presentation ... Engage, Inform, Inspire. Well done 🙏
Many thanks, Nic. KZhead is a brilliant place for that sort of thing (on just about any topic) so I’m just doing my bit, really 😀👍🏻
Thanks Gary, I'm strongly considering solar for my home and your videos were helpful, clear and informative. I learnt a lot. I look forward to seeing your future content. All the best, Rob
That’s so great to hear, Rob! Thank you! 👍🏻
Gary, I've been looking for a vid that brings together all of the key points, this is it. Comprehensive and with appropriate level of detail I have all of the building blocks to enable me to give my solar project the green light. Many thanks
That's great news, David! Very happy to have helped you out on your solar journey :-)
A good example of a no bs video about solar, you covered all areas without getting nerdy. thanks a lot for sharing from Mexico
Hi Leander, thank you for this feedback - it means a lot to me! Glad you're enjoying the videos
Hello Gary, Another well created, well presented video, Clear, simple and straight forward, well done Gary, thank you for sharing this detail, excellent work
Thanks Andrew - I really appreciate your comments. And I've started research on my next video... :-)
Excellent guide in simple language, think we are on-track with our installer so far!
That’s great to hear, Mike! Thank you 🙏
Good summary and well worth watching for anyone to gain an understanding of the solar requirements initially - thank you Gary
Thanks very much for this feedback. This was my primary objective and so it’s great to hear that my efforts have been worthwhile ❤️👍🏻
Excellent explanation, answered questions that other videos left me scratching my head!
Thanks Dave - that’s so great to hear 😀👍🏻
Great content for newbies like myself. Keep up the good work Gary 👍 Subscribed.
Thanks Darren - will do! Next video on the UK National Grid and revenue opportunities for home solar/battery owners dropping soon!
Fantastic Gary - made loads of notes from your presentation, ready to seek out some quotes - Thanks
Great stuff - sounds like you’re set! Good luck with your journey and I hope you’re able to secure a fantastic setup. Please do let me know it you get on 👍🏻
I'm been doing a lot of research before taking the plunge. It's reassuring to have this information!
Thank you! And all the best in your solar journey! 😀👍🏻
Another superb video. Thank you Gary. Very sage advice!
Thanks Andrew - that’s great to hear! Next video (on Octopus Flux) dropping soon… 👍🏻😀
Glad I found your channel. Such great information and so well explained. Thank you !
Many thanks, David! So great to get feedback like this :-)
Clear and concise, thank you for making this very useful video. At least now I know what are the important questions to ask when getting a quotation.
Hi Ken, you're most welcome. Happy to help you out! :-)
Finding the videos fascinating. Thanks Gary.
My pleasure, John. It’s a lot of work but feedback like this helps me keep going 😀
A little correction, microinverters should not be the more expensive option, it should be the same as a system that use optimizers, let says is buy a 10kw String inverter for £2.000 (SolarEdge) and you install 27 panels (370w each) for a 9,9kW system array, when you divide 2.000/27= $75, then an optimizer will cost you around $60 (or more) each, the total is around £135+ per panel, which is very similar to a microinverter like Enphase IQ7A, £160 each (and now cheaper with the new IQ8 series). This is just an example, the String Inverter + Optimizers is more expensive when you install a smaller array system, because a 5kW won't cost you half price of a 10kW S. Inverter, so the cost per panel is a little higher, and keep in mind when you use that setup, you have 3 points of failure (panel/optimizer/inverter), while with a microinverter you only have 2, besides Enphase provide a 25 years of warranty.
Hi Federico, thanks for the extra analysis. Great to see that microinverters fare better against other solutions than I thought :-)
Really practical and helpful for those of us investigating solar options. Brilliant exposition of the technicalities.
Thanks Peter - it’s what I wanted to achieve so your feedback means a lot! 😀
Very informative and interesting. Well produced and presented. Thank you.
Thank you :-) it's great to get feedback like this. Next video in the series coming in a week or so!
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, Gary. This is highly useful information for me!
You’re very welcome - so glad to have been able to help you out 😀👍🏻
Highly informative, communicated very well in a very easy to understand language. Well done and thank you Gary.
That's praise indeed - thank you! And you're most welcome :-)
Your videos are amazing! I love the practical, understandable advice.
Thank you for the very kind words, Jason 😀👍🏻
Great video thanks. I've always understood solar but never quite understood the various power ratings etc of the inverters, but this video is perfectly simplified and now I understand them too! Many thanks.
Great to hear that my videos are helping you with your understanding! Thanks for letting me know :-)
Excellent first two videos. Gary, hope you will do some more. . You are the right person , with the right channel at the right time to be offering potential individual household solutions on the energy crisis. Good luck with it
Hi Dennis, thanks very much - wow! It's a lot of work, but if I can help even just a few people make the leap and cut their energy bills over time, I'll be well happy! Next video out very soon...
@@GaryDoesSolar Sounds good😀
Hi Gary! Great explanation and tips even for someone that has already invested on solar panels. Looking for more videos
Thanks Yolanda - since starting my KZhead journey, I’ve discovered that making videos like this take quite a lot of effort, so it’s great to get feedback like this. I hope you’re getting on well with your solar setup. I’m hoping to be live with my own setup very soon 👍🏻
Thank you for producing an excellent video which I found to be very clear and simple to understand. Like many others I am starting to think seriously about installing solar and your explanations have given me a basic grasp of the components used, their functions and various options. It will also enable me to have some rather more informed discussions with potential installers.
Thank you so much for this feedback, John. My next video on calculating the payback period should be ready in a week or so. Hope you enjoy!
Another really helpful video. Thanks for taking the time to give us such useful information.
You’re most welcome, Charlotte. I’m really happy to hear that you’re getting a lot from the videos 😀 I’ll keep them coming!
Absolutely EXCELLENT detailed information. 👌
Thanks Tayari - great to hear! :-)
Hi Gary very good video I’ve looked into solar already but learned more from your presentation Found it very informative thanks.
Many thanks, Michael - I'm very happy to hear you learned a little more. My next video should be up in a week or two, looking at costs and payback period :-)
Very useful information. Thanks for sharing, Gary
My pleasure! Thanks for watching :-)
A great video! It deals with many fundamental concepts that I could not find on other solar-power channels. Everything is relevant, it is well explained. Thank you!
That's really kind of you to say, Niko - thank you! Please spread the word :-)
Cracking video Gary. You've explained this so clearly. Now I know what to ask when the solar guy comes around next week.
Thanks Paul - I'm very glad to help you out :-)
Professor Gary! A really valuable video, your delivery is excellent. Thank you.
Thanks and you’re most welcome! 😀😀😀
Thank you sir for this very information and thorough presentation on Solar Energy Generation. You covered almost everything in professional details. I liked your channel and I appreciate your sharing with the general public. Thank you very much.
You are most welcome, Shaider 🙏 thanks for watching 👍🏻
Your explanation is very clear! Thank you!
Thanks Edward - great to hear! :-)
Wow. The perfect balance of simple and detailed. Ive done a fair bit off research and was really impressed with what ISNT in the video. Youre managed to include all the end steps of my research with out all the confusing intermediate knowledge to get there.
Ok, that's praise indeed! Thank you, Simon :-)
Special thanks for this video - we are at the beginning of the process so getting some coaching and advice on system design and installers is timely.
You're very welcome, Rick - and all the best with your solar journey. I have other videos looking into the different aspects, which may be of help too :-)
Actually good, covered a lot of issues. Thanks for posting
No problem - very happy to have helped you out 👍🏻
Absolutely brilliant, thank you!
You’re very welcome, Stephanie! 😀
Pretty good video. Explained everything well. Thanks a lot
Hi Aaron, thanks for the great feedback! :-)
Please, please, please keep the videos coming Gary. They are by far the best I've seen with regards to learning as much as possible about solar energy. I'm currently trying to find a sales role with a company but often they are just interested with people who have experience. Well I don't. although I have been involved with sales and marketing all my life but want now a new challenge. Maybe one of your subscribers might be able to point me in the right direction. Thanks again......
Thanks Keith - I’ll keep the videos coming. And hopefully someone will read your comment and contact you. Good luck with your career plans! 👍🏻
Magnificent video. Excellent explanation.
That's very kind of you to say - thank you! :-)
Top quality video, thank you for this one, Gary.
You’re most welcome - thanks for the great feedback!
Hi Gary, As with everyone else who've watched your videos, I am so grateful to you for providing this extremely well-presented information at exactly the right time for me. It was amazing that, as I watched, a question would come into my mind only for you to cover it almost immediately! I'm on the brink of making the important decisions, so these videos are perfect. Thanks again.
Hi Phil, thanks for taking the time to make this comment - wow! I’m humbled. And glad to have got round to it all in time for you! 😀 I’ve just published my next video which you might find useful too 👍🏻
@@GaryDoesSolar Thanks Gary, I'll watch it now. Best wishes, Phil
great video.your deep explaination just gave me a great knowledge and understanding about solar and it installation.watching you from ghana west africa
Fantastic to hear this feedback - thank you! :-) All the best!
Very good, simple content that almost anyone can follow. Well done
Thanks Marlon 🙏
Gary, Thank you so much for this video, I'm just starting on the solar/battery storage learning trail and I found this video remarkably comprehensive in explaining in, laymans terms, many of the questions I needed answered and the most surprising thing of all was I was expecting to find at the end of the video some sort of promotion for this or that particular equipment or that you were an installer, but no, just putting this info out there without looking for anything in return, quite a revelation in todays society, so again many thanks for your time and effort. best regards
Thanks Quintin - yeah, my driver for making the videos was primarily all about saving people tons of time wading through the minefield of information (and misinformation) about solar technology. If I can make any money on ad revenue etc. then that will go towards improving my recording setup (which is currently very basic). Feedback like this really makes it all worthwhile, so thank you for taking the time to comment! ❤️
Gary, two excellent videos, well done. Are you able to make an in-depth video on the survey process so that customers are aware of the whole process. Also, a dive into the different manufacturers and different warranty's offered would be helpful. Keep up the good work!!
Thanks Mike - it’s great to get feedback like this 😀 I’ll add your suggestions to my list of potential future videos - it’s a growing list, but I do want to cover the topics of most interest! 👍🏻
Really helpful and timely briefing. Good job!,
You’re very welcome, Andrew 👍🏻 😀
Thanks I learned a lot. Nice clear presentation. Well done
Thanks Stephen 😀 next video should be up tomorrow 👍🏻
thanks Gary , well done.
Cheers William - thanks for taking the time to watch :-)
Great video. Will watch again when I do the cost calculation.
Great stuff! My next video (out in a week or two) will cover cost calculations and the like
Excellent video. Very informative. I did not realise there was so much to consider.
Thanks, Antony - great to hear the video was useful to you. Yeah, the deeper you research, the more there is to learn! Luckily, it's not rocket science though, so everyone can what they need to on the tech :-)
Very easy to understand and detailed video.
That's very kind of you to say George - thank you! :-)
Such a helpful video Gary - thank you!
My pleasure, Lee - really happy to hear it’s helped you out 😀 Good luck with your solar journey 👍🏻
Am just looking at going solar and this video has been extremely useful. Many thanks for going to the trouble of putting this information together, it must have been a lot of work.
You're most welcome, Ian. Yeah, it was quite a few hours to put it together, but comments like this make it all worthwhile :-) Good luck with your solar journey!
@@GaryDoesSolar Have a survey appointment booked for early Nov, thanks to your videos I’ll be in a position where I know what questions to ask. Was already told the earliest I can get an installation would be 6-7 months away due to shortage of panels and batteries etc so plenty of time to do further research. Thanks again for the information, extremely useful. Have liked and subscribed 👍 Cheers.
Great video. As I’m having solar installed later this year, it really helped answer some questions I didn’t know I had 😂. Thanks
That's so great to hear - thanks for taking the time to let me know :-) And all the best with your solar journey!
Excellent content and presentation 👍👍👍
Thank you, Andrew! Great to get this feedback ❤️😀
I am currently looking at Solar and your videos are providing a great source of information.
Thanks Gary, for taking the time to comment - that's really great to hear :-) All the best with your plans!
Excellent, just what I needed to learn, thank you!
My pleasure, Chris! :-)
Thank you Gary - I had no idea how much I needed to know.
Hi Aubury, it was my pleasure. I literally spent months trying to educate myself on solar, and now just want to save time for everybody else 👍🏻
👏 👏 👏 great stuff Gary...excellent video
Thank you! :-)
Really clear vid mate … nice one
thanks Jason :-)
Brilliant video, very well delivered.
Many thanks! Great to get feedback like this 😀
Many thanks Gary, very informative and useful.
Thanks very much, John - great to hear! :-)
Informative! Thanks for sharing.
Great to hear it was helpful to you 😀👍🏻
Really helpful video. I got quotes for a solar installation a couple of years ago and didn’t feel confident proceeding. I feel that after this video and others on this channel I could have another go.
Cheers - and it's comments like this that tell me I'm doing something really worthwhile - thank you! :-)
Thank You for the class very appreciated
My pleasure - hope it's useful to you! :-)
Excellent very clear to understand. I will go through all of videos, thanks
Thank you, and much appreciated. I’ve got a new video coming out in a week or two. Cheers, Gary
Awesome!!! Thank you Gary
You’re most welcome! 😀👍🏻
Thanks, Gary, really informative, we are just starting to gather the information we have a flat roof above our flats with E7 off-peak heating supply, so are looking at solar supply in the day and E7 charge of batteries at night. Thanks for your channel you have a great presentation and keep it simple.
Hi Stephen, thanks very much for your kind words - and I wish you the best with your solar/battery plans. I do like the fact that Economy 7 tariffs are coming back into fashion. If you're wish Octopus, you might also want to look at their new Flux tariff - I'm creating a video on that tariff at the moment...
Loved your video, Gary! Could you please make a video on installation specific to using solar powered EV charger installation steps
Cheers! 😀 I’ll add to my list, but it’s getting to be a BIG list!
Very detailed and super useful👍👍
Thanks Nigel :-) And great to hear!
Superb video. Informative and very helpful. Thank you.
Hi Clyde, thank you for the kind words! Very much appreciated 😀
Thanks Gary I’m looking and you’ve given me so much info…always say INFORMATION IS KEY…nothing worse than looking for something and not knowing a bit info and being pushed into buying what you don’t want or need ..
Hi Darren, thanks for the great feedback. I totally agree with you and hope my videos are 100% information, 0% filler 😀
I’m really surprised that there hasn’t been more talk of this on the tv..and I know you can get grants if your on some sort of benefits unlike most people out there .. But there needs to be a option or insensitive for working people ..
Totally agree, and I’m thinking that with energy now being on the forefront of everyone’s (including the government’s) mind, we can expect to see some positive changes in policy 👍🏻
For this 2nd "Primer Video" you have indeed covered the major basic points which took me about 5 days to learn from scratch. Budget will always govern most installations (but shouldn't) as in my case, the front of my house is SW facing so I have 3 roof areas pointing in different directions all with clear views and good sunlight in morning/ afternoon/ evening that can be used (I'm changing my roof so going for in-roof system) and that puts me into optimised/ micro inverter category. Jury is still out on having a battery due to space (pointless having a small one) and Im not having it on view outside as thieves can easily isolate and steal them.
Great to hear that I’m covering the right topics 😀 your house situation does sound like a challenge, but from what you’re saying, you’ve got a promising solution! In-roof Solar sounds like a good plan - I think I’d probably do the same, but I’ve got quite a few velux windows to skirt around. I totally agree with you on the battery front - the biggest you can afford is likely the best way, and installing it inside the house would certainly not give any passer by reason to steal it! Hope all goes well with your setup, and if there are any topics you’d like me to consider for future videos, just let me know 👍🏻
I'm thinking about putting my battery (if I get one) in the unused chimney! I live in a Victorian terraced house so no real space to use but both chimneys are not used and the batteries are IP certified so should be fine in the chimney! Hopefully?