Build a 5kWh Portable Solar Generator

[@larrywiley1804]

I built a genny on a 600lb dolly with plywood. It's a 12v system. Two 12.8vdc 100ah lifepo batts. I use a 3k x 6k inverter, Renogy controler 40amp. I decided to rebuild my system like you have done. Still collecting parts. Parts is parts. Your video was a huge motivator, thankyou.

[@farmerjim-fat-man-do]

Nice build. I know you dropped some serious coin to put this together. I am building a similar setup with less capacity to use when off grid camping. It will also be charged using a small generator when sun is not available. I gotta say one thing, as an electrician with 20 years experience designing and building machine control panels my OCD is screaming two words...cable management!😆 thanks for sharing your build.

[@kimmer6]

We sometimes get lucky and draw a reservation for one of 10 wooden cabins on the cliffs by the Pacific Ocean near San Francisco. There is no electric power in the whole area. We started out a few years back with LED headlamps and camp lanterns. I built a similar system based on one 200AH Aims battery and it ran a small refrigerator, microwave oven, all kinds of lights including a hanging chandelier, table lamps, a floor lamp, laptop computer, and a lit up Santa Claus with 120 volt blower to keep it inflated. I put 2 pure sine inverters on it and 2 dimmers on the lighting circuits to keep it homey. Too much light ruins the ambiance. Most of the bulbs are dimmable 4 watt LED units. Your OCD would explode if you saw that there's probably 40 feet of 2 wire 16 gauge Walmart extension cords in the rafters. When other campers ask if our cabin has electricity, I say ''Nah, we bring our own battery''. The junk we brought on the last time we were there filled a 3/4 ton van. It included custom curtains, a few stuffed life like chickens and a mailbox for the porch railing. It was fun.
I also build small battery/inverter units to power CPAP machines using 38120 lithium cells for our power outages in NorCal. I built in some jumper cables on a few units to be able to recharge off of the running car alternator/battery. In 15 minutes it can recharge enough to easily run the CPAP overnight with the heat on. I bring 2 of them when we primitive camp so the fellow can breathe at night. We need a clock like yours now.

[@richardowens9061]

Nicely done! As someone who has made a number of battery boxes over the last 20 years (mainly for camping and amateur radio), I can fully appreciate the time and effort you put into this project (as well as the substantial investment of money). I'm sure it will serve you well for many years!
Thank you, for sharing your project with us!

[@diylithiumsolar7078]

Thanks! It was fun to plan and build. I also plan on using it as the backup battery to a primarily grid tied system for the house we are building (in addition to the emergency use I described in this video). I'm just finishing up the video for a "more portable" solar generator that I will use for camping.

[@johnfitbyfaithnet]

Agreed

[@MatthewN8OHU]

I've got one of those big tool boxes, and a couple of the smaller models with the clamp tops, which probably are no longer available. I will probably get another of the big ones to use as the primary power unit and use the others as auxiliary battery banks and cable storage. Thanks for the comprehensive parts lists to build these.

[@arminius301]

Thank you sir for penciling out all the details! Definitely giving all kinds of ideas and info on how to handle a power outage (good to know you can charge your system and run it with just 1 gallon of gasoline/day). I built two solar power generators off of CALB LiFePo4 cells running two 5000 btu a/c's all day from solar panels. Like yours, the amount of wires, gadgets and sheer confusion when looking inside, invokes fear in people. It's a system only mad scientists can operate!

[@berthaduniverse]

Great work, I was building almost this exact system (in my head), and so I went to YT for some verification of my plan/ideas, and you have hit on pretty much the same system with almost all the same parts (which were already in my HD and Amazon carts/wish lists). Thank you so much for doing what looks like a great job...

[@bongknaek]

Hi Paul. Do you have any idea how to power the two Uphere fans that meant for the computer power supply connection?

[@berthaduniverse]

@@bongknaek not sure what you mean, most common computer case fans are 12v DC. The power can come directly from the battery or maybe the temperature controller.

[@bongknaek]

@@berthaduniverse yes they are 12v but with 3 / 4 pins meant to be connected to the pc power supply. I got it now though. I just need to cut those 3 wires and identify the positive and negative wire and connect them to my power fuse block. My problem was all 3 wires are in black. However, I now found the answer on the net identifying them. Anyway, thank you for your fast response.

[@berthaduniverse]

@@bongknaek yeah, some are two wire and I've seen some processor fans with speed control that have 4 or 5 wires.

[@jay-rus4437]

A few questions here in the comment section about the cost of this system. Here is a quick estimate summary that may be of help to someone.
First, his system was EXTREMELY expensive compared to what could have been built for the same capacity system (using SOK or even BattleBorn etc. batteries). He also uses Aims equipment, and while high quality, also very high cost.
ESTIMATE summary of the following for those that just want a quick answer:
His system likely $4000-4600
Similar 400ah quality system $3200-3600
Similar 200ah quality system $2200-2500
Similar 100ah quality system $1400-1600
Additional info with more detailed estimate:
Without adding each piece, but based on my limited experience of having built several similar projects (although different size batteries and inverter) I would estimate a similar project at 400ah @ $3200-3600 (but he had some quality parts with some extras like Bluetooth etc....plus his battery cost is much much higher for than most quality LiFePo4 batteries, so he is likely closer to $4000-4600) That is only a quick estimate, but reasonably close to get you in the ballpark.
HOWEVER, here are some more realistic ESTIMATE that may be useful to some. NOTE: None of the totals include Solar Panels or Generators
100ah LiFePo4 batteries can be built for $400ish....Quality LiFePo4 100ah batts $600-1000 (SOK or BattleBorn) Quality inverter $180-250 for 1200-1500w, or $300-500 for 1500-2200w (Giandel or Aims)). Large gauge wire can be relatively expensive at around $1-2 per foot for 6-8 awg, and then less for 10-12 awg. (Windy Nation), misc meters, connectors, fans etc have a huge range in costs based on brand, size, type etc., but I would personally budget $150 on the low side and up to $350 or so on the higher side. Solar charge controllers also range greatly in cost with $50 low and up to $200 (Renogy or EPEver) for higher quality.
As with any project the sky is the limit. For most people a 100ah/1200w lithium battery and 1200/2400 -1500/3000w inverter, and a reasonable MPPT controller would be sufficient. If you already have the necessary tools for proper crimping etc, then this estimate $1400-1600....or....$2200-2500 for a 200ah or 2400wh system
Hope this helps

[@sanchitkhandelwal2496]

Great video and thanks for the relevant links to all componenets. A circuit diagram explaining all connections and components would have been really helpful

[@marktheunitedstatescitezen185]

I’m doing the same thing as you , but I’ve got 15 PCs 3.2v Lithium Phosphate batteries 280A I’m just waiting for my Stanley Crate to arrive ! Thank you very much for U’re idea’s !

[@rogerlikes]

Thanks for making the video. I'm working on a 12v 280ah system inside of a military ammo can. Mine is 12v so I am using the victron 12/25 amp charger, along with dual victron 75/15 mppt solar chargers. I am using the same temp controllers you are one for cooling and one for heating, since I am in ca.

[@mikemcdonald5147]

great work and layout.The only thing I would add would be a label maker to create labels for everything in and out, solar, on, off, etcetc. Under all the connections and switches so someone else would know what they are for.

[@mikeswildoutdoors7279]

I built about the same thing using a DeWalt tool box and 4 100 amp hour battleborn Lithium ion batteries 3,000 surge to 6,000 pure sine wave inverter, victron battery monitor 2 fans, and a converter to charge via wall or gas generator and 4 sunpower 170 watt flex panels with an open circuit voltage of 35 volts, and the outback flex 80 charge controller.

[@ThouArtOfWar0724]

How much did it cost?

[@escapetherace1943]

@@ThouArtOfWar0724 probably ~2000USD in raw materials (now)

[@Reman1975]

God, I wish I could afford to go over to lithium batteries.
I built something similar using 16x deep cycle AGM server UPS batteries (Scrounged from work when I was an IT tech). Because I wanted it to at least be semi portable I had to make it modular, so it consists of 3 stackable Stanley toolboxes. These UPS batteries weighs in at about 10lbs each, so I've got two boxes with 8 batteries in each (At something like 85 to 90lbs each !), and one box that holds a 20A mains charger, two 600w rma inverters (1500 surge), and a cheap solar charge controller. I already had the pair of reasonable quality inverters, so I ended up deciding to stick with these, and that dictated the system having to be 12V.
As it stands, the boxes have a combined potential output of about 2.3kWh, but due to lead acid based systems being what they are, I can only really use about half that if I want to get the maximum lifespan out of my batteries.
On the plus side, The batteries were free, I already had the inverters, the toolboxes were on offer at 33% off at my local DIY store, and from my RC aircraft building days, I still had boxes and boxes of XT60's and XT90's, heavy gauge silicone wire, connectors, heat shrink, and nylon overbrading, so the whole setup probably cost me less that 150 GBP (About 185 USD) to put together, and being modular, if I don't strictly NEED it's full quota of Ah to run something for however long I want it to be running, then I don't have to humph both of these damn heavy battery boxes to it. :D
At the end of the day though, I can't help thinking that a single 100Ah lithium battery would still do what I want, would weigh a hell of a lot less, and take up a lot less space...... Maybe one day. :)

[@calvinyee6328]

Grear built. I must have watched your video over a hundred times the last two weeks! Can you please email a copy of the schematic? I would like to build one, but I want to make sure I get everything right. I got the Stanley box and ordered major parts. Thanks very much, your build is the best and most inspiring. Calvin.

[@davidpaton7838]

I did make a schematic but haven't run across it after moving. I will definitely post it when I find it!

[@King.DAVid.III2022]

Nice, I believe if you pu 6 2.7 volt 500f capacitors with board $50 will take the load off the battery when starting compressor

[@ellomot0]

Great video thanks! I am inspired to make my own based on a 1500W inverter.

[@jerrytalley802]

Excellent video, and I know it’s a lot of work to film, but a little more video along the way would be extra helpful. I’ll take what I can get. I need to build one of these, just keep trying to narrow down what parts to use. I bought a really heavy duty 3,000 watt-9000 watt peak inverter/charger from Redodo, but that sucker weighs about 50 pounds. I could roll my box, but couldn’t lift that sucker with a battery bank too. I’ll figure it out eventually, thanks

[@diylithiumsolar7078]

The weight can really start to add up. At some point the box with 2 wheels isn't practical. But a set of four 4" wheels with good bearings can easily move a lot of weight. Just don't get it started rolling down an incline!

[@ramhammer10-4]

Great video... but i went the other route. I have the 3.7kw eco flo pro power station. I bought the eco flo gas/, propane generator as well. I paid 2850 for both. The eco flow pro has a 30 amp output. I can connect that directly to my panel in my breaker box. The gas generator can charge the Eco Flo at 1400 Watts. I can use my eco flow pro at the same time it's being charged by my gas generator. I can set it to so the gas generator will start up and charge the eco flow pro whenever it falls below a certain point from my phone. I can also take my EcoFlow pro to a EV charger and fast charge it in 12 minutes.

[@roseymalino9855]

Good job. Interesting solution. 48Hrs is a good time target. The shortcoming for me is my outages are usually accompanied by bad weather and are caused by the bad weather so no sun. I'd still have to drag out the portable charger to charge the batteries at some point. I hope it works out well for you.

[@winstonsmiths2449]

I bought a Champion duel fuel generator for that reason. I can charge up my batteries on cloudy days, and still have enough electricity to run appliances until all my batteries are charge up. I use only propane so far, easier and safer to store with no expiration date. Gasoline as an option makes them very handy.

[@eddiekytia]

So what was the final cost of this build including wire connectors and everything needed. Great video and fabulous solar generator

[@sheilal.7284]

I’m wondering the same thing!!!! Guess this guy doesn’t reply to his comments. This looks like I can buy one for less $ and a lot less headache 🤕 I’ve been going back and forth on build or buy. Idk 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@danemmerich6775]

I want to build one like this. How much did this cost? Great knowledge

[@JeanYvesHudon]

With all this hardware, buy one from reputable companies like Ecoflow or bluetti, etc. Unless you love this as a project but it is not low cost

[@Mike_219]

@@danemmerich6775 I've built a 12V, 3500Wh version of this for $1300. Cost per watt-hour is $0.36. Tough to beat.

[@thattruckindrifter7232]

According to his Amazon links, just the batteries he used are $1400+ each. Inverter is $360, etc etc. So without tallying every link it's gotta be $5k+ then add the little gas generator too.

[@terrytytula]

Excellent build, I have a much simpler set up that has served me well on 4 occasions, the longest being a day and a half without power. I have a 5000 watt pure sine wave inverter and two deep cycle flooded batteries, which are connected together with a harness. And then connected to my car/suv as the power source.

[@sheilal.7284]

I’m going to need you to make a DIY video 😂 ........ seriously 😳 I’m an electrician and this guy is confusing me. I think he might have gone overboard which means more things that can break and to have to fix/replace. I like simple

[@CaliforniaBushman]

Electrical Engineer? Sure!
Sound Engineer? No. Great build, tho. My 82 year old parents in Venice FL needed this for Ian as their power was out for a week. They rode it out 12 mi North of Ft Meyers Beach. Maybe I'll build them one.

[@jerrytalley802]

You gave me an interesting idea. Have a decent battery bank and powerful inverter. You can use a small generator to charge the battery, that powers a large inverter. How long did it take to charge, and could you use a bigger/faster charger? It’s a lot to think about, lol

[@davidpaton7838]

There weren't "good/cheap" bigger chargers available when I made the video. Definitely would use a bigger one now. Matching your generator size to the combination of energy use and charger size is a worthy goal. The generator can charge the batteries and partially power your house while it is on

[@greavous93]

Looks like a guy could go back and trim about a 1/4 mile of superfluous wire in that box and make it look neat and thought out and assembled with craftsmanship.

[@TheCornucopiaProject-bd5jk]

It’s a “proof of concept” not a “prototype” build.
Everything can be improved.

[@XXHellBig125XX]

Thanks for making the video

[@eloy1004]

nice build, you did a good job fitting everything in there!!

[@johnbuddy3916]

How much was the total cost for your spall generator build?

[@tangowiskey4740]

Really nice instructional video , Why do people continue to call backup battery supplies a Solar Generator

[@af1023]

Very good post, thank you.
I have been looking to make something like this.

[@timlavance867]

How much do all the components cost?

[@AutoHoax]

Also a good refrigerator with maybe some creative thermostats installed could stretch the ability of the one gallon of gas. In I a shift situation having the discipline to keep the unit closed all day. To make jugs of ice to put in the refrigerator part when the unit is under solar or in an on cycle could help. If I was trying to stretch my fuel I'd keep bottles of frozen water to fill the voids in the chest freezer and to put in the refrigerator also. The ice becomes a store of energy itself. Figuring out how long the unit can be safely turned off and keep the freezer from thawing and food from spoiling is valuable info. Lots of sailboat people create content for the systems they design. A good system properly insulated should be able to keep cold over night in cooler months. The ideal freezer and refrigerator would be one that can easily run on four panels and still charge a battery system that itself can power the unit for 72 hrs. Event hough the units dint run 24 hrs a day to stay cool..

[@AutoHoax]

As much detail that has been put into this is amazing. I think what I would like to do is build a box from marine grade Plywood that has been fibreglassed. With some Harvard that's used for making ice chests from wood the unit could have a system that vented from the top yet was still rain proof. The unit would be water proof from the bottom to the top of the sheltered air intakes . The hardware for wheels is readily available at harbor frieght. The outside displays could be behind a quick release piece of plexi glass that again could provide protection from falling rain .Basically I'd like to make the unit water proof and rain proof. I'd like to have design features that when not being used it is completely water proof and when in place and in use it would become water resistant. I also like the idea of making the unit as astheticly pleasing with maybe som creative wood working that's been fibreglassed .

[@chickenlittletrucker2675]

Wow this is an awesome idea 💡 🤔Thank you for sharing

[@glasserallen]

Man those batteries are expensive at $1,500 each definitely not a cheap or affordable build but still a great video 😁👍

[@drigen223]

3 grand would buy a nice propane/natural gas generator to run an entire home

[@jedediahbc]

You done a great job on your generator!

[@kimmer6]

$3000 worth of Aims batteries! I have some and they are very reliable. Its a little disheartening to see 300 AH Chins batteries selling for less.

[@Lynetteschannel]

Do you know how the Aims lithium batteries compare to the Dakota lithium batteries?

[@kimmer6]

@@Lynetteschannel Actually I don't know. My Aims 200AH batteries performed well and they are 16 months old now. The only other big batteries that I have worked with are the home built 280 AH Lishen ones. So far so good. Testing them daily for a month and there are no troubles.

[@juanriveros9173]

2:40 awesome post production audio editing LOL, great video btw =)

[@ekbanjosworld4926]

Excellent choice in components!

[@philipreich7035]

Interesting build. I am thinking about building a similar system.
It would be helpful to have the costs listed along with the components, as well as a total for the whole build.

[@TheCornucopiaProject-bd5jk]

Anyone watching in 2024 or beyond : component prices keep getting lower. So please take potential pricing with a grain of salt.
True benefit of a DIY solar generator is you get to build it your way. How many usb-c outputs did you want? Solar inputs? What? Anderson out? Sure, have it your way.
Second benefit of a DIY is serviceability. You build it. You can replace each component because its build like that.
Con: no one else to blame if it goes up in flames.

[@jefflitchfield2355]

Great video. Could you please post the wiring schematic for this build?

[@lynnprince6635]

Greatxxxx, I live in Tampa bay area and wondered if you could build like unit minus the battery for myself and church, looks like you had a challenging time and fun build

[@scottsattler4973]

You can order from china, and make a very inexpensive system. I cant believe the price of the batteries on amazon, complete ripoff

[@diylithiumsolar7078]

Hi Lynn, what are your plans for your box?

[@robertmassucci1]

really well-made video. I love the quick and consice you are you. good editing. Are you a teacher?

[@stoltzk]

Do you still have this power box and if so can you do an update video on how it has been holding up?

[@Utah_Mike]

Great job! May not be for me but-great job on the build & craftsmanship.
I plan to stay a 12 volt & acquire 12volt appliances. I will Stay with lead acid batteries as I will rarely cycle them & cost.
Great information.

[@jovsd.i.yprojects]

czcams.com/channels/VM3cs0va3nj7g_YikwffNw.html

[@zbigniewteterycz1571]

SUPER IDEA . SUPER POMYSŁ. POZDRAWIAM .

[@zonumev]

Awesome project, great job.

[@N8Dogg1002]

Very nice work! 👌

[@drchomesolar]

As of today (1/19/24) - 24V SYSTEM (as shown in the video): $1,400 just the major components.....
AIMS LifePO4 Battery, 12V 200 Ah (2) - $700
Giandel 24V Inverter 2000W - $350
EPEVER 40A MPPT Solar Charge Controller - $160
Victron Smart Blue Charger, 24V/12A - $125
DC to DC Converter, 24V to 12V - $34
Single Pole Circuit Breaker, 25A - $17

[@PrincipledNaturalLaw]

Damn! From all parts on the table...i blinked, next thing...a complete built solar generator.
Some fast build! 😆😆

[@keithy4129]

Nice work!

[@jerrytalley802]

I subscribed, nice solar/battery backup build. QUESTION; what was the little generator you used? I looked at the list and didn’t see it, thanks

[@davidpaton7838]

It is a Westinghouse. Sadly they don't make that model any longer

[@lisah7304]

Will you sell one to me just like the one you’ve creatively mastered? I love the clever design that’s Solar and portable too! Congratulations on the build

[@diylithiumsolar7078]

Hi, email me at davidpatonsr@gmail if you are interested in having one. Thanks!

[@MikePizzolatt]

Great video, do you mind posting the total cost? thanks

[@drchomesolar]

I was curious as well, but its a 3 year old video so not much good for todays pricing.

[@jpsandberg]

thanks for sharing! did you ever run the test for the solar recahrge? If so, what were the results and how many panels did you use?

[@peterbeyer5755]

I saw a solar generator mounted onto a hand cart, the builder had considered several designs but as it was designed for mainly home use and occasionally he would wheel it into his van to go camping. Could you consider this design.

[@logun1970]

Would love to see a build one could plug their 30a or 50a RV into

[@davidpaton7838]

The inverter would need to have a higher capacity. I'm actually doing that with a smaller generator I built. It still doesn't power the AC or the hot water but will power everything else fine for several days.

[@hanzelmiranda]

Great Job Sir!!!

[@ro3784]

Love your ideology, but today's world: Some of us may not be able to afford the price tag. Although, cool idea. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@JAYBLAK00]

WHy do you have 2 cutoffs for this? Also, everything looks good except those cutout for the inverter. That could’ve been done better or not at all.

[@hafleua]

lovely build!! pls can i get a copy of your wiring diagram? very excited but no electrical knowledge....thx!

[@termiterasin]

its much better to use 24v batteries in parallel than 12v in series. if you draw down the pack, one 12v will need to be jump started

[@davidpaton7838]

That might occur with some batteries. I've not had that occur with the ones I used.

[@fladave99]

MUCH BETTER than buying an overpriced solar "generator", which is not a generator at all.

[@mrz2528]

Thank you ...excellent video

[@marktheunitedstatescitezen185]

Can you send me where you got the fan shroud covers vented down & fans please ! You’re system is Great !

[@diylithiumsolar7078]

Here is a link to just the grill, but you can buy then together as well, www.amazon.com/dp/B00315C02W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_VWQZPES66K60WFJVTNCW

[@timmcconoughey4326]

Very nice build. Thanks for sharing. could you offer the link for the fan controller?

[@yuriscorrales6101]

I think if you buy the bluetti AC200P is a similar built less expensive and you save time

[@kimmer6]

He built it himself and did a great job. That is something worth bragging about.

[@ARMEDPATRIOT757]

@@kimmer6 the money spent isnt though.

[@kimmer6]

@@ARMEDPATRIOT757 Some people spend money on golf greens fees and brag about it. May neighbor's daughter bought a $3800 purse. To each their own.

[@ARMEDPATRIOT757]

@@kimmer6 those are both an actual item your buying just like the bluetti the difference is they aren't buying the purse parts for the same price then putting it together themselves.

[@jaylorenzana7761]

Bluetti is using better/newer battery technology - LiFePo4. Game changer. Lighter, deeper discharge, cheaper. This DIY build is fine except for batteries, cost, and time/labor.

[@thorakis]

If this video is still monitored by the creator, I have a question: Does this unit still work? There are many units that are built that run well to begin with but for a variety of reasons, they often fail in a very short amount of time. This build looks like one of the more accurate versions of this concept out there so I wanted to pose the question. If this unit is still running after this 4 years then it should be very stable. Please advise.

[@davidpaton7838]

Yes, it is still a great build. The batteries are not cheap, though the price has been coming down. I have had to use it during power outages. I know I can rely on it. I would use a larger inverter if I were to suggest any changes.

[@thorakis]

@@davidpaton7838 Great, thank you very much. I'll update with the 3kw inverter and upsized wiring.

[@Benakuzo2]

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!

[@chingusfoot]

Good and descriptive enjoyed the video very much

[@diylithiumsolar7078]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sklivello]

Thank you for sharing! Why not use hybrid inverter?

[@christianhblenden2992]

What was the estimated cost in total for this build?

[@christianhblenden2992]

Was hoping I could get just a estimated or round about cost for this build?

[@nealhatton2721]

@@christianhblenden2992 It’s in the ballpark of $6,000 as of August 2021 with tax when you total up everything listed in the build components list.

[@eugsmiley]

20:10 "... it will hold point three liters or point eight gallons..." Something is off here. A liter is roughly a quart. .3L would be roughly .3qt not 3+qt or .8 gallon.

[@JustinfromAZ]

Beautiful!

[@larrywiley1804]

did you ever post your schematic of your system? I havent seen any other videos are you still on YT?

[@florenlebaron524]

Very well done.

[@wanderingoglethorpe]

I may have missed it but did you set up a ground wire? Cool video!

[@Joe_Goofball]

Why is a Westinghouse iGen1200 Portable Inverter Generator (common components) needed if the system has a AIMS Power 48V Inverter 1500W?

[@davidpaton7838]

The gas powered westinghouse inverter is just part of the gas generator. I supposed you could disassemble it and take the inverter out but what's the point of that!

[@alecMh999]

Price estimate?

[@diylithiumsolar7078]

I noticed the prices swing considerable for some of the items. I'm working up a current cost, will have it in a few days.

[@diylithiumsolar7078]

Not including the batteries, everything in the box (not the generator or 24v Victron charger) is $1,250. There are a number of options now (and growing) for batteries. It depends if you want to use a US supplier or order something directly from China...

[@marktheunitedstatescitezen185]

Great Job !

[@fishingman4816]

What do. You think your total cost was to make this unit

[@jameshuynh5436]

Can I parallel 2 12v. same lipo battery with 200ah. And 100ah

[@diylithiumsolar7078]

Amp hours of batteries in parallel have to be the same

[@sanchitkhandelwal2496]

Hi,
I connected a 3000w Renogy inverter (SKU: R-INVT-PUH1-301235-UK) and a 12V 100AH Renogy battery (SKU: RBT100LFP12-BT-UK). The system works fine for my TV (Sony TV KD 75XD9405: 352W / Standard 202W and 220-240V/50Hz) however whenever I connect this setup to my Washing machine (Beko WMI71641: 2200w and 230 V / 50 Hz) or with my inverter (Samsung MS23F301EAK: 230V / 50 Hz and 800w) the sytem trips with a long beep.
Please could you help me understand what should be the cause of the problem and how could this be fixed?
At the time of test, the battery is 45.4% charges with Present capacity of 45.4 Ah and present voltage of 12.9v.

[@davidpaton7838]

Hi Sanchit, I took a quick look at the Renogy product page and didn't see it mention anything but 120v. not sure how you connected the washer and microwave to it but if the voltage isn't compatible you could burn something up...There are inverters that output the higher voltage but they can be pricey.

[@thenuts133]

Nice build only criticism is I would went went the aim ac to dc charger. For the same price it charges at 37.5amps. And you shunt will provide the information needed via Bluetooth

[@diylithiumsolar7078]

Hi Jesse, yes the Aims charger is a choice. However, it wouldn't be my choice. The Victron charger is IP67 (waterproof) doesn't have a fan, is 96% efficient (vs ">80%" for the Aims) and costs $173 (vs $263 for the Aims). The Aims charger will charge 3 times faster, that could be a decider depending on the problem being solved.
The Victron shunt and charger provide similar information, but not the same. I like the charger data supplied thru the Bluetooth enabled app. Thanks for you comment!

[@rogerlikes]

@@diylithiumsolar7078 I like the victron because I can change all the charging settings to only charge my batteries to 80% when I don't need all the power so they hopefully will last longer

[@ItsEverythingElse]

360W charger will take a long time to recharge those batteries!

[@what8586]

why cant companies make a box that doesnt get smaller near the bottom

[@emwilliams4113]

They do... Pelican and they are pricey. You still have two small raised spots where the wheels go though.

[@aab9497]

According to your amazon link You have spend $3000 + tax on 400ah worth of batteries
Im no expert and am just learning this stuff myself but something dosent seem right.
Running your generator for 6 hours to recharge only 74ah seems inefficient for what you spent on batteries
To recharge just one of your 200ah batteries will take approx 16-17 hours of generator run time using
your current generator and 12amp charger.
As far as use value, you could have just purchased a 12v 125ah battery and saved $2500 or more
Also If your going to run a generator all day to recharge batteries you might as well just buy a bigger
generator and forget the battery system altogether
Again Im not an expert but it seems that your not using your generator application correctly
Slightly bigger 2000watt generators usually have a 20 amp circuit and if you parallel 2 of them
they can put out a 30amp circuit
I have never owned a lithium battery, but it would seem you need to upgrade to a 24amp (or 30amp) charger
to get to just one of your 200ah batteries to a full charge in an 8 hour period
Your igen 1200 specs says it only handles 8.3A. Running Amps.
I do not know how many amps your 12 amp charger runs on but it obviously dosent pull 12amps or
else Im guessing your generator would have shut down
I would think a generator with a 20amp circuit could run 24amp charger and possibly even 30 amp
If you are careful with the surge watts of your appliances you could be running them while your
recharge the batteries.
In theory you can run your appliances for 24 hours on one 200ah battery and recharge in 8 hours.
And With the right generator you can keep your 400ah setup and run the generator for 16 hours to recharge them both
If there is an outage for 3 or more days in wintertime and there is no sun your setup may not be practical.
Unless,there is something I am missing
I couldnt spent all that money on batteries that only recharges to 74ah

[@ericrizley4185]

I wanna build one but this is so confusing to me

[@randylenart9674]

Very nice

[@danielestrada8835]

Awesomeness

[@laulaursen6613]

Awesome video👍
Im thinking off starting my own solar generator projekt this year, so this is great inspiration. I would like to also build my own lithium battery pack ontop.
Do you by any chance, have a blueprint of how everything is connected. Specifially, how did you connect the fans to make sure they got correct voltage and did you use any specific tools to install the displays so neatly in the case?

[@diylithiumsolar7078]

Thanks, good to hear you enjoyed it. I did draw out a rough schematic. Let me find it, scan it and I'll send/post a link. For the displays, I made a scaled drawing. Printed it out, cut out the places in the paper where the displays are. Then using a silver metallic marker I traced the display locations onto the box. I used a drill, jig saw, file but mostly just a box cutter to trim the holes. A soldering iron with a wide flat blade is great for smoothing the openings.

[@laulaursen6613]

@@diylithiumsolar7078 Thanks for the reply. I look forward to copy your design, with my own twist :) Its a nice spring Project, so iam ready to hit the beach in the summer, with enough power to have cool beer all day ;)

[@EPMSolutions1]

Here is a link to a detailed design for a 12v system that can get you started. Just substitute with DIYLS parts - www.asobolife.com/electrical-diagram-asobolife-ver-4-0/

[@laulaursen6613]

@@EPMSolutions1 Thanks a bunch for the link - so much great information, much appreciated.

[@maatiraouki9124]

très bien

[@MrPagan777]

How much was all this and how long did it take? My budget is around $1000

[@90sman612]

U could build according to your budget

[@materialgirl338]

How much is all this cost you?

[@BobBob-il2ku]

Total price?

[@hawaiidogs9277]

Ty sir

[@ABRUSAHAELEKTRIK]

Nice bro

[@jenn2597]

What would I do differently to make this unit for freezing temps? Could I just switch out the lithium for a gel battery?

[@diylithiumsolar7078]

Hi Jen, lead acid batteries of any variety would be very heavy. You would have to go with a much smaller kWhr capacity. Probably a smaller box would make sense. Depending on your specific situation, you could (keep the lithium battery) seal the box more and provide a small heater like some people have in the battery compartments of RVs.

[@hydroalternation]

you can use 12 heating pad for terrariums or rv tanks but you only need heat if you are cycling the battery if it is standby heat not needed something like this www.amazon.com/Upgrade-Version-Facon-Automatic-Thermostat/dp/B077VLB1KK/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=12+volt+heating+pad&qid=1610232797&sr=8-11

[@carolpetrick3873]

@@diylithiumsolar7078 I was curious about this question also. I want to build one for my off grid cabin. I have no way of supplying heat when I am not there. If the batteries are fully charged will they still freeze?

[@davidpaton7838]

@@carolpetrick3873 The manufacturers website gives -4F as the lowest storage/discharge temperature. Can you use a small heater/thermostat to keep the battery/box above that temperature?

[@carolpetrick3873]

@@davidpaton7838 I really am off grid with this cabin. Guess I will be stuck with a generator.

[@saidt.8200]

Genius system. The best I came across so far.
Do you happen to have a tally of the cost and Amazon links to build the system with all its components in some sort of spreadsheet. Thank you

[@diylithiumsolar7078]

Not including the batteries, everything in the box (not the generator or 24v Victron charger) is $1,250. There are a number of options now (and growing) for batteries. It depends if you want to use a US supplier or order something directly from China...

[@reubenj.cogburn8546]

The battery itself is going for about $1500 on Amazon today.

[@davem5333]

$1250 for the box
$1500 for the battery
A few incidentals
Call it $3grand.

[@ARMEDPATRIOT757]

@@davem5333 3 grand? at that just buy a bluetti ac200max

[@EPMSolutions1]

@@ARMEDPATRIOT757 I make t0 be abt $3800 without gas generator and buying 5kw battery from Seplos for $1700

[@a.v.stechs9398]

If you want then you can more better to this but its good work