BEGINNER FRIENDLY Step-by-Step: DIY SOLAR GENERATOR for Emergency Power, RV, Shed... Ampere Time
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- čas přidán 5. 07. 2022
- Let's build a simple starter Solar System together. We'll learn all the essential components and how to assemble them.
Here are links to all the components and tools I used in this video:
• Ampere Time 12V 100Ah LiFePo4 Battery:amzn.to/3BR1CW3
• BougeRV 40A Charge Controller (new!): amzn.to/3yebgz5
• BougeRV 200W Solar Panel: amzn.to/3uft77x
• Novopal 2000W AC Inverter: amzn.to/3bLsoEK
• Charge Controller Battery Cables 8 AWG: amzn.to/3ODbzuj
• 50A Breaker: amzn.to/3OD0x88
• 200A Breaker: amzn.to/3I9Cxad
• 12V DC Socket w USB ports: amzn.to/3R2RjDV
• Large Gauge Cable Crimper & Cutter: amzn.to/3yCTpTR
• Large Gauge Cable Stripper: amzn.to/3yCXYgR
• 20ft 8AWG MC4 Solar extension cables: amzn.to/3bL2CR5
• Cable Mgmt Clips: amzn.to/3nFHduZ
• Multimeter/Clamp: amzn.to/3bRDUhO
As an Amazon Associate I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases when you use the link(s) above. This helps the channel without any impact to the price you pay through Amazon. We appreciate your support! :) - Jak na to + styl
I would love to see a video where you built something with your own money like the rest of us will be doing.
Not everyone gets gifted two of the most important parts of the system. Expensive parts!!!!
Nice build. Only one suggestion. After spending 23 years in the inverter repair industry, I would suggest losing the cheap, high frequency, transformerless inverter and spend a little more money and invest in a low frequency, transformer-based inverter instead. Unfortunately, Chinese made, high frequency inverters on the market simply don't last. Especially when powering inductive loads like refrigerators, microwave ovens, portable air conditioners or power tools. You may be able to start some of these loads when your high frequency inverter is new, but over time, typically after less than a year, after repeated use, the MOSFETs in this high frequency inverter will fail. They simply are not designed for powering inductive loads. That's why the big name brand inverter manufacturers like Schneider Electric, Outback Power, Magnum Energy and others, all use a low frequency topology in their design.
Do you have any brand/model suggestions?
Have you priced any lately? Far above a retirees payscale!
You're exaggerating. @@dannypeels2806
All of the components used in this build are very much budget / entry level, as is the wiring approach so I guess it all sort of fits.
Obviously neither the wiring or battery support a 2000 watt inverter but it is OK since it is really a 1000 watt design.
Pppppp❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤00 5 00 5❤ 000❤❤❤❤p😊I 😅
5 years offgrid.
This solar technology is going
BOOM 💥 !
I am on a good system now .
Moderate .
Its mine .
I will add as i can.
Solar works y'all
Out of all the videos I've been watching, this was the most clear and easy to understand, so thank you!
We have used the czcams.com/users/postUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!
I have been living off-grid for ten years and can certify that your information is fantastic for anyone wishing to get started. I have a number of systems including one identical to yours. I even charge my Tesla model 3 as the closest =Tesla charger is 135 miles from me.
Hi Steve. I have an M3 too. I would like to design an emergency solar system if the grid goes down to charge it. Any suggestions?
Great video for explanation. For a Van or RV I would have put in a fuse panel for each circuit so everything does not go down if one item pulling current burns out I still have everything else working. The fact you can double that for the cost of an extra battery is the real bonus. Its the scalability that is powerful here.
Well said, sir!
Good info! Awesome build! NOW things to consider and for Safety, Do the research and figure out what your wires and fusing must handle. A fuse or breaker from the solar panels which can double as a disconnect switch. Fusing for your Source (Battery) is recommended to be no more than 7 inches from the POS Post. As in your AC system EVERYTHING must be Fused and switched so it can be separated safely. DC power can and will cause a fire (even a little 9V battery). As in your AC system ALL the POS wire ends and connections are recommended to be covered to prevent accidental shorting and a possible fire (SHIT Happens)! Just a recommendation! keep all your fusing (except your source fuse) on the front of your little panel so you can quickly see and replace them if you need to. In a Grid down situation, you want it to work. MOST of these DIY projects on here are lacking the necessary fusing and short prevention. DO IT RIGHT don't just make it work!
A trick for drilling your hole bigger without a drill press: drill the bigger hole in a piece of scrap. Clamp the scrap to your panel centered over the smaller hole. Use the scrap to guide your hole saw so it does not walk.
Genius! Where were you 8 months ago?! haha I'll tuck that trick away for next time.
An even easier way is to take the small hole saw and mount it inside the bigger hole saw on the mandrel. The small hole saw sticks out of the bigger one allowing you to easily insert it into the hole, acting as a guide.
An even easier way is to take the small hole saw and mount it inside the bigger hole saw on the mandrel. The small hole saw sticks out of the bigger one allowing you to easily insert it into the hole in the wood.
photovoltaic/solar thermal technician here: i have a beef with your video 😤 it was too good 😁👍
Thanks! 😃
Install an automatic transfer switch! I found this video and another one from Will Prowse showing the transfer switch and i'm totally doing this! Great video
Been looking at a few DYI builds and this one is pretty much the best in explaining it simply enough that a novice who has very little experience can make one. Going to be trying to make my first one and the only thing I can think of in doing differently is using a old ice cooler with wheels and extending handle as a frame to place the battery and other components mounted to it to make easier to transport.
Nice setup. Only one glaring flaw. After spending 23 years in the inverter repair industry. I would highly recommend spending a little more money and investing in a low frequency, transformer based inverter instead of that cheap high frequency unit. High requency, transformerless inverters are not designed for powering inductive loads like refrigerators, power tools and microwave ovens. And can actually be damaged by these types of loads leading to a much shorter life expectancy for your system.
First time after so many videos that this makes sense. Thank you.
Awesome build. Looks simple and doable. Thanks.
This is one of the best Solar DIY videos. Thank you!
Thanks, I appreciate this video. Exactly what I needed.
Wow, you made it simple and understandable. Thanks !
Thank you I've been wondering where I went wrong with mine, and this has cleared up some of my questions. Cheers
Brother, you are my new favorite channel. Found your channel yesterday, and im loving all your content. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for clearly and concisely explaining all the components needed AND additional videos on each components details. Your videos are an excellent resource for my son who is just learning about electronics and myself who is just an avid pop up camper who needs a fan sometimes!
The best solar explanation I’ve seen, ever! Thank you.
"I look at these types of projects as an opportunity to buy tools" Thats what I do too!!
The empathy is real.
nicely done! appreciate your detailed explanations & rationale behind the build choices. subscribed and checking out your previous vids -- looking forward to more content along these lines, thanks! -chris
Awesome, thank you!
Simple and yet extremely well explained. Hello from South Africa. I want to consider building one in the next few weeks so the guidance helps.
Great tutorial. Thank you for your time and effort to make this video and share it with us. Greetings from Croatia.
Great presentation! I learned a lot. Thank you.
This video was extremely helpful, thank you. I am currently in correspondence with Renogy UK about supplying the components I need for a 400w array, 200amp Lithium battery, MPPT controller and 2000w PSW inverter and associated fuses and cabling. I want to put in a simple system to allow me to run a household fridge freezer should we experience any power outages this winter, but also to run my radio shack off grid. I am looking forward to this little project and your video clearly explains the layout, thank you.
Nice build. Simple and it works. I used that battery with Renogy 3000W for my portable power station. Chainsaw works great running off it. Thanks for sharing.
Interesting one battery is enough to use 3000 watts?
Thanks for explaining the 100ah battery equates to 1200 watt hours. I had not know that until now. I'm currently building a small (4) Renogy 100watt pannels and a renogy 30ah charge controller setup. I also purchased one of those cheapie charge controllers just to put away for the just in case situation, but honestly, I may just pick up a spare quality controller. I'm learning as much as I can for my small off grid setup with intentions on building a larger setup. Thank you
Great video! Thank you!
Thank you for this!
Great video great battery box power 👍 great show
This video is simply one of the best I have watched so far, great job.
I have this eetup in my truck. To save more money you can use LEad battery. the panel is on my roof top and the whol system keeps a fridge and freezer in the back of my truck, Cold beers on demand!
id love to try one of these ive used traditional ones for years when the power is out due to snow storms
Very nice job, greeting from Cape Town, South Africa.
Awesome video. Very informative & really helpful 👍👍👍
Brilliant!! Thank You So Much!!
Instant like when he said, "as an excuse to buy more tools". LOL Love it
True story!
That simple set up could fit into a nook in my minivan. Thanks
I run a very similar system at my ranch, much larger battery bank and inverter but the basic principal is the same. Nicely done.
You answered so many questions I have about my off grid system. I have watched many many videos trying to figure this very type of solar system and was always left with questions. You hit the nail on the head. Thank you. Thank you!!
Great video. Thank you!
Thank you very much.
From SriLanka.
I have finally found a good how to video. I think. Ima try this.
Great video!! I was considering getting the bouge charge controller, but seeing that it’s inaccurate makes me feel I should look to another source. I’m like you that I don’t want to use a cheap one because of the harm it could do. But I do feel it should be very accurate
Thanks for the very thorough video
Nice project and thank you for sharing!
This is one of the best explanations for building a small solar system that I’ve come across. Thanks! I’ve got all the components ready to put my system together. One bit of confusion I’m having is, what is the gauge size of the wires between the battery and inverter? I have some standard battery cables that appear to be almost twice the thickness of your wires.
Thanks brother for the info, I'm just starting and I was afraid to build a system, u gave me confidence Thanks again
Excellent!! Thank you
Gave you a bit of a hard time on your shoes/lack there of, but that comes from 42 years of PPE training as a professional tradesman in a large corporation. You lived through the video so it wasn't important after all. Beyond that, this was actually a very simple straightforward and easily understood instructional video that I will earmark for my own future reference when I build one of these systems for myself. Really well done and I think you accomplished what you were trying to do.
Very good explanation. Thank you.
Nice job. Great video.
Good stuff! Thanks for sharing.
Great video appreciate the time you took to make it. Just subscribed to your channel keep up the good work.
Thank you sir! I appreciate the kind words and the sub! :)
Thanks for this. Just what I need at just the right time
Ha! Git 'er done!
@@ReeWrayOutdoors why not. The garden's taking care of itself at the moment and my tools are just sitting there getting old 😉
Best video on this content. Thanks
Thank you very much it is fantastic demonstrating how do you use solar panel battery inverter I’ve been watching lots of CZcams but never as simplifies as you are on program thank you🙏
I appreciate the kind words! 🖖
thanks buddy, you made it look so easy
What a great video! Everything, every part, explained clearly and in depth, making quite a complicated and involved subject perfectly understandable. you have a talent for teaching, thankyou! Best wishes from England.
I like your videos . I just subscribed.
One of the main reasons I did was to prove once and for all to my good friend that impulse buys is not practical. This way I will demonstrate the power of research before you decide to buy a solar power generator.
Good build and information to build.
Nice set up and walk thru video.
Thanks 👍
well explained at a not crazy to follow pace 👍
really like the video 📹 👌! You should do another video with extra battery and two solar panels!
FIRST OF ALL, GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY, KEEP IT UP MAN
This is amazing! I was searching a way to charge my laptop and keep producing music even in remote situations, but this covers pretty much everything in case of emergency! I'm very glad to have found your channel, just subbed!!
Thanks man! Portable Power Stations are great for that sort of thing. They pretty much all use an integrated 'pure sinewave inverter' to ensure that you're getting clean AC power for your sensitive electronics. And it's surprising how long you can run a sound system (or music production DAW) off a 1000Wh power station! I've done both and they work great!
@@ReeWrayOutdoors This is great to hear!! Thank you very much for your response, it's always good to hear somebody who got experience on the field!! Cheers from Italy!
@@weeddiz5732 we just have an extension lead running direct to the panels. No charge controller or batteries. Works all our laptops, phones and chargeable lights
@@terriegym can you post a photo?
Can you explain further, please? @@terriegym
Thanks, very useful information and great details. I think the only thing I would change would be who you wired the charge controller. I apologize if that's already explained but I would connect the charge controller directly to the battery with it's circuit breaker. That way you can isolate the inverter and still charge the battery. Also, would the 100amp BMS on that battery cut out at 1280 watts (100 amps)? Thanks again for all the great videos!
Good work!
This was really helpful. I have 2 400w panels that generate 90v and 11a in series and I was looking for an inexpensive system and this fits the bill I think. Not sure about the 90v but I’ll do some research on that. Many similar videos demo much more expensive equipment for higher capacity systems so this is a great alternative
That charge controller should be able to handle 90v easily. Most charge controllers can handle a input voltage range of 150-400v then it will step-down that voltage to 12v or whatever voltage your batteries are.
So the problem is and I can't find a place to generate a normal comment to this video without replying to another comment I don't know if he turned comments off but he does NOT have his outlets wired in series!! Those outlets are wired in parallel!! I thought maybe he did a series/parallel combo but no that is entirely wired in parallel! Series is positive to negative positive to negative and so on the poles are connected opposite that's what creates the series circuit! A circuit wired with the poles connected positive to positive negative to negative as he has his outlets wired here is wired in PARALLEL! I'm a 12 volt m.e.c.p. certified tech and I learned at R.I.T.O.P. school for mobile electronics before they moved away from Watertown MA
@@spiraleye7822 Are you talking about the connections at 14:10? I don't see a problem, the way he has it wired, each outlet has power. All of those outlets are fused by that in-line fuse. At 13:20 the battery is run thru a breaker (bottom) to the inverter, the controller output is run thru a breaker (top) to the inverter. Are you saying the controller should go directly to the battery first (thru the top breaker)? Then the battery positive to the inverter (thru the bottom breaker)? Why do you feel they should be in series? I see his wiring allows the solar controller to directly power the inverter. So is that the problem? Should he move the solar controller connection directly to the battery? Electrically speaking, wouldn't that be the same connection? I guess he could flip the bottom breaker so it would cut the inverter out, then solar would only go to the battery. Is this your thinking? Maybe I'm missing something... LOL, so many questions!
lol.... "what a coincidence, so am I...." that was funny! Greg (garden grove, CA)
great video!!!
I am starting to get a grasp for the basics, thanks for this video. If I can ask [I own no solar , just starting my shopping list to make my 1st setup] in regards to the 50a & 200a breakers. I do understand what they breaks will do, but I am not clear why the 50a for the charge controller and 200a for the inverter. If you have the time, would you mind an overview?
Thank you it looks really nice and I think this would make a really good high school science fair project if they still have that sort of thing
You should use the plywood you cut to form a right angle to the mount, scoot the charge controller closer to the inverter, and use the opposite side of the plywood that forms the angle for the faces of your plugs and breakers. Even as a one-third box enclosure, you can slide it into any corner if you don't have another two boards to enclose it so you don't have to see the parts and still have access to your plugs and breakers. Paint the boards a neutral color and it'd be portable, convenient and aesthetically compatible almost anywhere.
Awesome episode. You helped me out alot with my desert offgrid living. I loved the #Startrek references so I'm a #NewSubHere #Keepupthegreatwork
👍👌❤️🇨🇦, very well laid out
Great video thanks for sharing I have subscribed cheers
Very nice build and this channel has given me some good ideas. I am using a Lifepo lithium battery and was told that those cheaper PWM chargers don't do as good a job in properly charging lithium batteries unless they have adjustable settings? Something about PWM's float charging them too low. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.
From 8:15 for about 20 sec. your info. is SO important . You are correct about protecting your LiFePO4 battery however think about what your battery is inside of ... your home .
Very good video , thank you .🙂
And most people find this out rhe hard way. Cutting corners for a couple dollars usually costs more
I have been looking at what pv generator to by but now after watching your video I’m thinking I can just make my own!
Great! You may not save a ton of $$$ up front, but: a) it's fun b) it's modular and easy to troubleshoot and c) it's much easier to expand as your needs change.
Thanks! Will look what you did once I get the basic stuff as I am doing exactly this right now (went on a spending spree last night on Amazon), just to learn how it all works (money wise if nothing goes wrong, it will take me 7 years to get even haha). I did buy a smaller inverter as they also consume power. Didn't think of the breaker box, but was thinking about shutting it down with a relay linked to my domotica so it doesn't consume energy when it doesn't need to. For now I want to run my 120watt hue setup on it to see if the Dutch weather can sustain it with solar energy (I have my doubts), but when it does, I might upgrade and place a fridge just like you did, good idea. I subbed!
I have been learning and Googling/chatGpt'ing the whole evening but the AWG wiring confuses me. For a 12V 100ah battery and wanting to serve 600watt max I keep getting that I need a AWG2... but you have more and you use a 5/6 AWG cable. So I guess the 5 is for the battery (the 200a circuit breaker seems overkill btw). Any insight? It is going to be 1 meter max.
Thank you. Great. This is better than buying a solar generator
Thank you very much.
I got the 12v 300 ah version, 60 amp MPPT controller, and 2000 w inverter. I`m really nervous about messing something up. It was so expensive and I spent the last of my meager savings on it but felt like it would be a wise investment with the crazy insanity happening everywhere. Plus I`m in a hurricane zone. We had long power outages and damage from two direct hits in 2020...Laura & Delta...several near misses too. I have a lot of small and medium sized solar power stations, my two largest Bluetti EB70s for my freezer, power banks, and all sorts of solar rechargeable batteries for radios, etc. I ran my 6 tabletop hydroponic salad greens gardens from them after one power outage. The day I got my first small Rockpals` power station I wondered if I`d wasted my money. That night we had a 9 hour power outage which is common here due to damage to the grid. I ran my WIFI and charged my laptop. That convinced me to get more. I want my own guaranteed electricity. Can`t afford to run a gas generator for weeks after a storm.
Very nice build. Really appreciate the way you explained the finer details, as in the reasoning for the fuse ratings etc. great job 👍
Glad it was helpful!
NIce job, Thanks
Thank You Sir !
Thinking about setting up one to run my pool pump and equipment… this might be the way to go…
Hi Reeway Outdoors thank you for your very well explained diy solar setup video. It is one of, if not the best I have seen so far. Just curious what are you suggestions (regarding breaker& fuse size) for a 1000w inverter and a 12.8v 200aH battery ? Thanks for any feedback :)
Really clear and informative, great content and much-appreciated. Perhaps hot glue the meter from the rear next time? Hindsight, eh? 😉
Hot glue!! Yes! Damn.... haha
The Newpowa 2000 Watt Pure Sine Wave inverter in this video is Excellent and a very good investment.
VERY WELL DONE: I see you are using cut off breakers between your battery and the inverter and the panel array and solar charge controller. I also see you referenced an ampacity chart the only thing I would recommend keep your wire runs short and use wire rated for the max constant current through the devices. Otherwise this is a very good example of how to do it
Also if you use a nylon cutting board you can use your 2-inch strip where you put the black controls on the bottom of your plywood there you could also build that up for the nylon put screws through it to where when you mount it in there it's away from the backboard just a bit to where your wires can come underneath there you can wire it all through the outside of your surface and nothing going underneath
Helpful. I’m just starting to tinker with a solar project starting small with 100w panel and a 1000w dev power converter. I don’t like working with electricity of any kind so this should be interesting lol.
You and me both! Haha. I had two very close calls as a kid that have served me well later in life as I'm now EXTREMELY careful and take care to double-check everything to ensure that I never get shocked.
I build models and never use super glue on a clear plastic component because the super glue will cloud the clear plastic. Great informative video! Thanks!
yeah NOW I realize that hot glue would've been a much better choice. :P
Even the vapor off of superglue will cloud clear plastic.
Thank You for Your Video very informative. Could You please do similar one but add charging from ac a well please.
Thank you for you videos . I'm going to be building this. I understand short wire for the power station. How about the ac coming out of the inverter is it ok to use long extension cord to get to the appliances? Thank you