I plugged a microinverter into a standard outlet and cut my power bill dramatically — then I took it further by adding battery storage so it runs 24/7, even after the sun goes down. No electrician. No permits. No roof installation. Just plug it in. In this video I’ll show you exactly how I built a plug-in solar + battery system for around $1,500 that: Outputs up to 1,200 watts continuously into your home. Stores excess solar energy in a 48V LiFePO4 battery. Runs through the night off stored power. Works as a full off-grid backup when the grid goes down. Pays for itself in under 2 years (vs. 20 years for rooftop solar) This is hands down the most practical, affordable DIY solar setup I’ve ever built — and it’s completely legal in Utah (and growing numbers of other states).
Buy Temgo Golf Cart Battery: https://amzn.to/4loOXyJ
Buy the EcoFlow Stream Micro-Inverter: https://tidd.ly/3JMXE7k
Buy the EcoFlow Stream Ultra Inverter: https://tidd.ly/4nfTjrB
Buy budget Off-Grid 48v Inverter: https://amzn.to/4sbuUq4
Buy adjustable solar panel stands: https://poweredportablesolar.com/product/portable-solar-panel-stand-legs/ref/84/
Watch full review and assembly video: https://youtu.be/-F7PPfeRTM8
Buy cheap full-size solar panels from Pay Off Solar: https://payoffsolar.com/products?ref=TRICK5
Be sure to use my code: TRICK5 and save 5% on your entire order regardless of how large or small!
(NOTE: Shipping small quantities of these large panels can get expensive fast! It’s better to just pick these up if you are local or are coming through on a trip. If you need to order small quantities of panels and have them shipped to you, the option below from Amazon is better)
Buy Amazon solar panels: https://amzn.to/46PNZ8M
Buy heavy duty 12 gauge outdoor extension cord: https://amzn.to/4nb1nd8
Buy MC4 10 AWG cables: (You will need to cut these) https://amzn.to/4s5bF1j
Buy 30 Amo DC circuit breakers: https://amzn.to/4bpDYk3
Buy the cables that go from the DC circuit breaker to the bus bars: https://amzn.to/3PfBxZM
Buy the bus bars: https://amzn.to/47DgqXC
Buy 2 AWG battery cable: https://amzn.to/4rC4sFa
Buy 125 Amp DC Circuit Breaker: https://amzn.to/4de2cjB
Buy MPPT charge controller. 2 good options!
https://amzn.to/4bgtEKX
https://amzn.to/4uHJFTp
Buy MC4 extension cables: https://amzn.to/4sArU6j
NEED HELP? Ask me a question and get a personal in depth response: https://ko-fi.com/s/8d8df1880c
OR
Sit down for a personal 1-On-1 hour long video consultation with me and I’ll provide answers and insights to anything you want to ask me about from this channel: https://ko-fi.com/s/dd139831a7
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Chapters:
0:00 Balcony DIY Plug-in Solar!
1:34 Live Demonstration!
4:17 How adding a battery can 4X your power production!
6:13 One potential downside
6:48 This works off grid too!
8:00 Overview of the wiring
10:10 My favorite solar panel stands
11:37 PRO TIP: How to get cheap solar panels!
12:39 Cost Breakdown
14:14 I’ve been running this setup for the past 4 months!
#pluginsolar
#balconysolar
#DIYsolar
#theresatrickforthat
#ecoflow
#savemoney
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTE:
Plug-in solar is currently fully legal in Utah up to 1,200W without a net metering agreement. Legislation is advancing in many other states — check your local regulations.
Affiliate Disclosure
As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you! Thanks for your support!
Disclaimer: Due to factors beyond the control of There’s a Trick for That, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. There’s a Trick for That assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. There’s a Trick for That recommends safe practices when working on machines and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of There’s a Trick for That, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not There’s a Trick for That.
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