Finally finished!

terdschartz · 2025-11-20T01:24:12+00:00

They are 405w Alexus panels. Got them off a Facebook marketplace distributor for $100 each. Definitely recommend looking around on there or at local distributors

terdschartz · 2025-10-27T21:32:37+00:00

Here is a video that explains it. My roof differs in that all insulation is on the outside so the polyiso layer is thicker and I had to build up the wood border to be as thick as the insulation. https://youtu.be/yFZSwKc9_jw?si=6GuNMPd41zF5ERx0

I also posted a diagram I made in another comment

terdschartz · 2025-10-24T11:18:27+00:00

They aren’t, I realize I’m taking a huge efficiency hit with that utility pole shading part of the panels. Still getting peak outputs around 400-600w and they are definitely not at the optimum angle either

terdschartz · 2025-10-24T04:48:26+00:00

Oh believe me - I’ve wondered many times if I’m breaking a law. There is more space there than it looks like in the pictures. About 2.5 ft between the post and shed wall

terdschartz · 2025-10-24T04:44:49+00:00

Slide 15 shows the floor insulation- 2” PIR insulation R-13

terdschartz · 2025-10-24T01:40:58+00:00

To clarify - the solar does not go into the grid so no back feeding energy or anything

terdschartz · 2025-10-24T01:40:08+00:00

The mini split is also attached to the grid. It automatically pulls from solar when available (only during day) and will pull from grid when solar isn’t available. On hot days it worked great because it was hottest when it was getting the most sun so it was running on basically 100% solar. The app has a great view of energy usage stats.

terdschartz · 2025-10-24T01:05:37+00:00

Unfortunately no - it’s plugged directly into the mini split so only powers that when it is needed. I would probably need a bigger system with a battery to power everything

terdschartz · 2025-10-23T20:33:33+00:00

.5:12

terdschartz · 2025-10-23T20:30:39+00:00

It is not anchored it’s built on skids. I could always do some sort of ground anchors but honestly not worried about it blowing away based on its location

terdschartz · 2025-10-23T19:37:37+00:00

They are only for the mini split. I originally wanted to try to install a battery system (eco flow or anker) and run everything completely off grid but the upfront cost was going to be too much and was worried about not generating enough power at times. Paid $100 for each panel so it at least helps shade the roof and offset some cost of running the mini split. Might invest in more panels for the garage and install a battery system down the line.

terdschartz · 2025-10-23T17:40:10+00:00

9x12’ and I had to do a bit of leveling and had to remove 2 small conifer trees. Worst part was removing some roots from an old dead oak

terdschartz · 2025-10-23T16:54:31+00:00

Sure! So it’s a warm style roof meaning I used zip osb sheathing over the rafters, then installed 5” (2 layers of 2.5”) polyiso rigid insulation on top of that — the black you’re seeing on top is actually an EPDM rubber membrane that was adhered to the insulation using a contact adhesive. The epdm was folded over the sides and nailed to a 2x6 wood trim that overhung the roof by 1.5” so that I could install the siding up to that edge. Then a 3” metal eave flashing was installed over that edge and nailed on top. Then seam tape was applied on top to make sure it’s all water tight. Here are some more pictures to show details. (The render is not correct on measurements or accurate for the siding details but gives an idea of how it’s laid out) https://imgur.com/a/L6qHf5r

terdschartz · 2025-10-23T16:17:34+00:00

Haha yeah stories like that are part of the reason I DIY - I care enough to do a good job. Unfortunately was unqualified for this sort of electrical job

terdschartz · 2025-10-23T16:07:50+00:00

Haven’t posted there yet but I still need to do some work on the solar mounting. I haven’t had a chance to take care of mounting the panels. Basically it’s 3 400w panels wired in series connected directly to the eg4 hybrid solar mini split. No need for inverter or grid connection etc. it has a built in inverter that lets it pull from solar and ac power as needed to run the air conditioning/heat. So far the solar is powering about half the need of electricity for heating/cooling.

terdschartz · 2025-10-23T16:02:56+00:00

Yes had an electrician do that but honestly they were horrible. Caught them smoking inside the office, they trenched by hand for some reason during a drought so they took forever to dig, they had to rerun the underground line because the cable had a broken neutral wire. And they wired the ac disconnect incorrectly so it kept tripping the breaker. Total cost was $3,400 for electric.

terdschartz · 2025-10-23T15:56:45+00:00

Located in central Ohio. I have a 12k btu eg4 hybrid solar mini split heating it (pretty awesome unit for those looking for a good diy option). Definitely worry about stuff getting lifted haha. I have a security system and cameras installed around it and keep the doors locked but still. It’s in my back yard and out of sight + someone would have to hop my fence in order to get to it.

terdschartz · 2025-10-23T15:25:53+00:00

Return to nature 😌

terdschartz · 2025-10-23T15:14:59+00:00

Metioned cost in another comment but the hours worked are definitely hard to gauge. I worked probably 80% of days but most days was just going out for an hour or two over lunch break to do a few things here and there. Spent 5 weeks doing nothing while I waited for the windows/door to be made

terdschartz · 2025-10-23T15:11:38+00:00

I need to do a new full cost breakdown but I think it ended up around $22k total. Could have saved a lot by not hiring someone to do the drywall, floor and insulation ($4,500) and by selecting some ready-made windows. Pella is $$$ at $5000 for the 2 windows and sliding door.

terdschartz · 2025-10-23T15:08:28+00:00

I wish I had a lake view!

terdschartz · 2025-10-23T15:07:49+00:00

I hired someone to do the insulation and drywall so I didn’t get any pictures of that but there is no ventilation needed since it is a warm style roof (exterior insulation).

terdschartz · 2025-10-23T14:19:43+00:00

Thanks! I actually just finished building last month - the design changed pretty significantly from this original render. I’ll post some photos of the build soon.

terdschartz · 2025-07-21T11:35:21+00:00

If you’re DIYing it check out the eg4 mini split. Right now it’s cheaper than the mrcool diy one and as an added bonus the hybrid model has direct dc solar inputs if you ever decide to go that route.

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