I have been using the EP800 solar generator/UPS/power off set for a few months and while the system has been operating flawlessly the whole time, I was still unhappy and wanted more. I have been thinking about adding a smaller solar array on the ground level for some time and had an idea for a DIY solar pergola project that I thought could work. Rather then invest in expensive materials and complicated construction, I went with off the shelf aluminum shade pergolas from Amazon and modified them to fit the small area on my southern facing sideyard that I use as a dog run. I added some aluminum tubing to mount the panels to and with some easy and temporary wiring got the 2000 watt array going just in time for the sun to clear the neighbor's house for spring/summer/fall.

I will admit this is a more crude system, but even with the used panels I bought from @SanTanSolar connected to the Bluetti EP800, the system is now making 30% of my home use and I never lose power nor do the batteries go dead. The home is also immediately emergency ready for not just power loss but sustained power loss as I could shut off the larger loads and still have lighting, refrigerator, and 120vac outlets for nearly ever.

I am very excited by this project and hope to upgrade the panels to be more powerful next winter. I did check with my city, utility, and HOA and as the pergolas are temporary stuctures and the EP800 does not feed power to the grid, this is really just a large computer battery backup and does not meet any requirements for approval or permitting. Also, should I move I could take the system with me.

I will keep testing the system and updating with my results but I do think these solar pergolas will be a more common solution to DIY solar and off grid cabin builds in the future.
Thanks for watching!!

Bluetti is offering a discount of 5% with the code: "AZEP800" when you order.

https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=236237...

Pergola: https://amzn.to/4aUcAsE

Circuit breaker: https://amzn.to/4cVx7yy

Clamps: https://amzn.to/4cSJiwb

MC4 connection kit: https://amzn.to/4cWh9nN