DIY Off-Grid Solar Generator (rev 1) - Low-Cost Portable Power
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- čas přidán 8. 12. 2017
- Portable Solar Power System
Features:
• always-available portable AC power
• cart makes transport around property convenient
• can be charged from AC power or solar
• high capacity
• power can be extended by connecting to car batteries
• battery maintainer keeps system at full capacity
• 1750W/95Ah
Wiring Diagram: www.desertprep.info/Diagram_re...
Build List
GP-1750HD 1750-Watt Heavy Duty Modified Sine Wave Inverter
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
$251.43
Renogy 200 Watts 12 Volts Monocrystalline Solar Bundle Kit
(2x solar panel, charge controller, wiring)
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
$292.46
Super Start Marine - Deep-Cycle Marine Battery Part # 27DCMJ
www.oreillyauto.com/detail/ma...
$91.99
BLACK+DECKER BM3B 6V and 12V Automatic Battery Charger / Maintainer
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
$16.78
600 lb. Capacity Heavy Duty Hand Truck
www.harborfreight.com/600-lb-...
$39.99
Total Cost: $692.65 + tax
Roughly equivalent to Goal Zero Yeti 1250 + two 100W solar panel kits (1250W/100Ah)
Cost: $2,000 - Jak na to + styl
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!
Man, I watch lots of You Tube videos, this is one of the best, it's well organized, to the point, extremely professional, informative, very nicely done! Thanks
I'm not sure but ,if anyone else trying to find out installing your own solar power system try Magonsi Solar System Expert (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now ) ? Ive heard some awesome things about it and my m8 got amazing success with it.
My thoughts exactly..
Yours are the most helpful solar build videos I've found after weeks of research! Thank you so much for posting!
Broski this is exactly what I've been eyeballing for a solar generator build. I already have some components necessary! Great presentation!
two years later and your still kicking ass . awesome video. not to be corny but desert prep you just may have saved a lot of lives down the road . be safe everyone and watch your 6.
At first glance, the project seemed out of my comfort zone as a weekend DIYer. After listening to your explanation, I really want to try this. Doable.
I just stumbled onto this. Nice job sir! Once suggestion, from an electrical engineer here: I didn't get a good look at the cables connecting the battery to the inverter but they look a little small. If you try to use the inverter near its full capacity it will try to pull something like 150 amps from the battery. At that level of current a lot of power will be lost to heat in the battery wires (and the battery won't like it much either). Also, the voltage at the inverter will drop enough to cause it to quit. Consider scaling back your expectations as to how much power you can draw from your system at once, upgrading the batteryinverter wiring to something like 2 gauge or larger, or both. Very nice system though.
I believe you just came up with an RV solution for us! Thank You!! Blessings!!
I am a fan of your pragmatic approach to solar in a real world disaster scenario! Props to you for realizing the need for this video in our world. Prophetic 2 years ago? Definitely will follow you. Ty!
Simple, straight forward set-up. Very nice! Thanks for sharing.
WOW! You've captured what I have been trying to figure out brilliantly!
I have a Renogy 100 watt kitt that I will be installing at my off grid barn this summer for lighting and small power needs.
Brilliant!
Thanks for the kind comments. Be sure to check out the video for the upgraded version - I think that’ll be helpful for your project. In a week or two, I’ll post the wiring schematic, and results of the tests i’m running to see how it does IRL.
I have minimal expertise in this field so I can't critique the quality of your product to any extent. But your presentation is one of the best I've seen. No wasted words, good description of components and pricing. for it all. Thanks!
What is there not to like about this very well done tutorial. I just loved it thank-you so much for taking the time to make this and share ! I know very little about converting and this will be a huge help too be sure .
Thank you for making this. Seriously exactly what I needed, I will look for more!!
Thank you so much. It's Great people like you that really motivates others to do great things. I will build also and let you know when I'm finished.
I like this! Same thing happened to me, those units are really expensive and only built to last a couple of years. Not worth the high price. I will try to make my own. Thank you for sharing!
Nice job, thinking outside the box (store). Not only does DIY'ing these types of projects often result in a viable SHTF back-up unit, it improves our critical thinking & problem solving skills in other area's for when the SHTF actually happens. Thanks Desert Prep.
...box (store)... got a chuckle from that... thanks
one of the best and simple set ups I've seen
This is exactly what I wanted to find. Perfect. Great video. Great work! Very impressed even though it's so basic you'd think more people might be doing it?
Excellent presentation of a good concept, especially for us less savvy preppers.
Thanks - I appreciate the feedback. I’ve been helped immeasurably by others in the community, and I’m pleased to repay it where I can. All the best...
Just came across your site. Love the postings. Plan to watch them all!
Thanks for the kind feedback.
Excellent presentation. I would say if this fits your needs then fantastic. You have the ability to add or subtract whatever you like. I have a large unit myself for more of a bugout application. As someone mentioned .... Battery types. Adding a battery is always an option which is a great idea. You may want a bigger inverter. I would say it's all personal choices. If you go larger on solar panels then you may consider an MPPT controller. That would always maximize your solar battery input. Yes sir... a fine job and thank you.
Great Job. Your hand truck idea was fantastic. Now thinking of a way to mount the solar panels for easy movement, considering correct angles and maintains as much as possible the footprint of the hand-truck during storage
Wow, this is so good! I'm a female with -zero- electrical know-how but fascinated by solar. I too live in the southwest (Phoenix) and solar seems a no brainer to me...but there are so many different angles. Your presentation not only makes sense but the cost puts it over the top, as superior - thank you! I wonder if I could get someone to make one of these for me!
I'm sure you could figure out how to make one yourself, with a bit of research and a self-confidence boost 🤔😁
One of the best DIY solar generator, added to my favs vids 👍👍
Suggestion - move the plate with the inverter up towards the handle and add another battery holder - you can double the storage capacity by doing this. Also, USB charger on the power strip is a bad idea - you are converting DC to AC and back to DC. The converters within the power strips tend to have horrible power factor - I strongly suggest to add DC-to-DC converter - like the one you can buy for use in vehicles - and power it directly from the battery.
Nice build, btw.
Good suggestions. I’ve taken your idea on the USBs, adding a 12V-driven USB on the Rev 2 unit. I’m looking at expanding battery capacity in the Rev 3 unit. Thanks for the feedback - much appreciated.
I really like the additional battery. Would this require more solar panels to keep charged in your area? And how would the capacity values change? Cost comparison to larger yeti.
I just built one before watching this, and I must say, it's amazing, awesome that we all are thinking towards the same goals...
@@DesertPrep Is this the new upgraded version? czcams.com/video/QZYAAatdlmc/video.html
I was considering a similar design Harbor Freight solar panels on the roof of my golf cart and I had 6000 watt inverter to go in the back. I just hadn't put everything together your video informative and realistic thank you for information and inspiration. Great video!
Thanks for the feedback. I can’t see too much utility in such a big inverter. Without a LOT more battery and panels, practical loads are more likely in the several-hundred watt range.
Desert Prep golf cart had 8/6volt batteries and panels on roof was why not. When want charge I have water power gen. 50amp. It ride and multiple outlets for work or play. I run moving targets on my shooting range and it easy for power outage also who has power bank with mag wheels and run 50 mph 😇😇😇.
Nice build, I like the open design with a lead acid battery
Great video and almost exactly what I'm looking for. I intend to make one of these to take my refrigerator off the grid to pay for it. I intend to use a shorter cart with harbor freight wheels. The missing link for me was the solar charger kit. I need a generator like once every other year so taking my fridge off grid is the immediate goal. The fridge, lights and TV. Oughta save a few hundred bucks a year.
I really liked this video. Thank you. The practical use of this systems would be very handy for my RV. I LOVE free energy!
Check out the the builder’s guide video ( czcams.com/video/6glK8-IcDgE/video.html ). There’s a link in the comments for a design calculator worksheet. You can download it and evaluate various choices for the components, so your build will be a complete success.
RV !!!
very nice professional video. when I first started solar. I used marine deep cycle battery. when I switched over to golf cart battery. a night and day difference
My experience is similar. More on that in an up-coming video.
I see this as a very nice starter system, to which you can add another charge controller, solar panels and batteries in order to expand it as need arises and money is available.
Hey that's almost just like my bedroom fridge, mine totally rocks, love the separate freezer compartment.
I appreciate you offering the idea.
The idea of fixing the panels to the cart in some way is one of the most popular. (I‘d considered it in the beginning, but discarded the idea because of practical realities that preclude it).
First, the hand truck is quite heavy with two batteries, particularly if using AGM batteries (weighing in at 135 lb / 61kg for just the two batteries) - fixing the panels to the truck will add both weight and bulk, making it too unwieldy to be practical. Second, the tilt and direction of the panels has quite an effect on the solar energy gathered - fixing the panels to the truck with hinges will make it difficult to optimize this in any way. Third, I found nowhere on the property that I could get all-day sun at ground level - it was necessary to put the panels up high and there’s no way the truck is going to get to where the panels need to be.
The final solution for me was to mount the panels in simple frames on the shade structure above the BBQ in a semi-permanent way, and run wire with a disconnect reaching a protected area under our covered patio where the generator is sheltered from rain. When the generator is needed, I can roll it out of the garage and plug in the panels.
For my concept of a portable emergency solar power generator, this seems like an ideal solution. A of course, “your mileage may vary...”
GOOD JOB THIS SYSTEM CAN BE IMPROVED AS YOU NEED TO AND THE ADVANTAGE IS YOU KNOW EXACTLY HOW IT IS BUILD
Desert prep, You took a seemingly complicated project and simplified it to the point of stupid...for guys like me.
Thanks!! ~:) I've been looking into doing dang near the same thing with the same specs.
Down here in southern Az. This is the best option for my rv and for the house.!!
VERY COOL.
Thanks for the very kind feedback. Also, I've posted the wiring diagram in the comment at the top in case that helps. Be sure to check out the Rev 2 unit - it has some important improvements. Also, there will be a Rev 3, following my real-world test video, out in a few days...
Fantastic. It's nice to see somebody who's actually built something, with the humility to accept there may be improvements on the design. Your unit should be able to do the job intended and power a lot of devices in most cases. I could only suggest using an AGM battery (as a few others have). They're getting cheaper all the time now. I love the design, it's well thought out and very practical. I might make something similar for emergency power, and camping. Cheers from Australia.
A thanks for the kind comment. The project has had a good evolution, and rev 3 has two AGM batteries and a number of improvements. Check out the the builder’s guide video ( czcams.com/video/6glK8-IcDgE/video.html ). There’s a link in the comments for a design calculator worksheet. You can download it and evaluate various choices for the components, so your build will be a complete success.
BRILLIANT design and explanation!
Desert Prep, more power to you. Pls make more videos like this one because it is not only so educational it is also super fun to watch and you nailed it brother, if all the youtube videos are like this one, we will be building a lot solar panels system all over the world and get rid of old, inefficient form of power generation that is not only dirty but expensive, thank you.
Thanks for the very kind feedback.
I’ve just completed the fourth revision / rebuild of the solar generator, and I’m running the measurement testing to see the improvements. This time the video will show how it’s constructed. Of course, there will be a wiring diagram and complete parts list. I’ll also include the downloadable Design Guide worksheet so you can build your own project, evaluate your existing system, or play “what if?” with possible upgrades. There’s ready a Design Guide video with the worksheet download link at czcams.com/video/6glK8-IcDgE/video.html
Nice job, I need something like this for my off grid location.
Heard about you in @TheAngryPrepper's live chat, tonight. Great ideas, here, thanks for sharing!
Awesome and thanks for sharing. I think I will build one. We camp a whole lot and this unit would come in handy. Thanks again.
Cool. I’ve posted a wiring diagram you might find helpful. www.desertprep.info/schematic.pdf
smart build. better than any on the market well done
Great video. Using your video I've built a similar solar unit with a wind turbine. Mine is not portable but the guts are more or less the same. Cheers!
this is a great device you have made. I would put brackets s on the front to set your panels on so that you could move the entire unit with panels at one time.
I have pretty much the same thing, except I mounted a small 12v flood light from an RV in that little area above your power strip on mine. It's been very handy.
Great job. I think you covered it all.
Three years later, my first view, I'd say your video held up well over time! I LOVE how you mounted these on a hand truck! Since it is, however, 3 years later, would you modify/change any of the components or have you seen specific price breaks on any of the components, or better ones? THANK YOU so much! @DesertPrep
Wow, your solar generator set up is almost identical to mine except I am using a slightly smaller 1.5KW inverter. I especially like the way you set up the hand truck to make the whole package portable. My portable solar power system isn't as portable as yours so I will be borrowing your hand truck idea to make some improvements. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the comment. It’s particularly nice to find others that have put together their best knowledge and arrived at the same place. Be sure to check out the follow-up videos, especially the builder’s guide. You might get another idea or two. In about two weeks, I’ll post a video on the “final” version which is considerably more capable, and integrates a lot of the suggestions from the comments.
this is a great setup. i am researching options for my off grid cabin, and really like the hand truck for moving it around.
Thanks got the comment. Be sure to check out the follow up videos - I’ve made several enhancements that would make the unit a good choice for your off-grid application. The builder’s guide video includes a design worksheet you can download to calculate the parameters for all your components.
Desert Prep will do, thank you!
Good video and presentation. Nice build. Mine is very familiar with the same red, big wheeled trolley. It works great for all my tool shop needs in the summer. 2 125 watt solar PV panels, 2 large batteries in the bottom, 5000 watt inverter and charge controller.
Sounds like a great setup...
Great presentation. Short and simple. Keep it up.
Nice job. I made one myself out of a tool box that I attach Wheels to with handles and I put two batteries inside the toolbox with the inverter of the solar charge controller and I bolted 100 watt panel on top of the lid of the toolbox it works great I get a lot of comments and compliments when we go camping
Sounds like a great rig! Watch out for high temps in the box - batteries really hate heat. Thanks for commenting. Lots of people will like your idea.
Desert Prep thank you sir.
I was wondering where I got the idea, here you are. I sold a 1 thousand dollar portable unit to a friend, I mounted it on a dolly too ;)
Excellent video. This girl is ready to build her own now. Thank you!
Glad to hear you’re inspired. Be sure to check out the build video for the final version of the generator which details the build process and includes a parts list, wiring diagram and engineering worksheet to help choose components. czcams.com/video/QZYAAatdlmc/video.html.
Fantastic quality video. That answers a lot of questions for me.
I had almost this exact same setup a few years ago. But I out grew the dolly! Good Video!
I can see why. Since mine’s for emergency grid-down use, I like the small footprint in my garage where it lives. Thanks for sharing your experience, and for the kind comment.
Thanks for the video very helpful. I really like the cost difference.
Nice build! Sparked some ideas for me. Thanks!
Glad to hear you’re inspired. I’m working on a builder’s guide with a wiring diagram, a pretty useful worksheet for getting the right components, and a report on the real-world tests. I think this will help people build their own units that will be perfect for their needs.
Great build!Thanks for your inspiration!
1 1/2 year ago I made a similar set up, but with only Harbor Freight equipment, except for the dolly I had and the electrical strip, is a 45 watt solar cell set up and a 2000 watt power inverter, not much but works perfectly for what I need when I go to my little plot of land in the Samalayuca Desert, I got an extra car eq. and amp. to plug in my mp3 player, and as long as we have sun light, I can use tools, hear music, and have lighting for the night, simple, not that eficient, but works fine with me. So cool what you did :), and pardon my english, don't know if I wrote something wrong, it's been a long time since I wrote that much in english LOL JA!JA!JA!.. SALUDOS from Juárez Mex. :)
Excellent approach and presentation.
I like the idea and have built something similar myself, with a few differences, of course. I chose to use a large plastic tool box with wheels and an extendable handle. I also chose to use a pair of 55 amp hour AGM batteries connected in parallel, for a total of 110 amp hours of capacity, or 55 amp hours of usable capacity. The AGM batteries have the advantage of not being spillable. The tool box also allows all of the components to be enclosed, except the inverter which is mounted to the side. I chose to go with a 20 amp MPPT solar charge controller that flush mounts on the opposite side of the inverter and the connections are available inside the box. So, I made a pair of solar input terminals out of some 1/4 inch nuts, bolts, lock washers, and washers that I painted red and black. The panels connect to those. And, I put a 12vdc socket, a pair of Anderson Power Pole connectors, a pair of 5 way binding posts, a pair of high current output terminals like the solar panel input terminals, and a volt meter on the front where the handle extends.
It proved useful for several years, until the AGM batteries went flat and I just haven't replaced them - because, I built a new battery box featuring a Lithium Iron Phosphate battery pack made up of 128 26650 LiFePO4 cells that are each 3.2vdc at 3300mAH in a 4S32P arrangement, producing 105.6 amp hours capacity at 12.8 volts. This pack can be discharged 80% rather than just 50% and will provide 2000-3000 cycles and could last 20 to 30 years. It can also be charged with a standard lead acid battery charger; although, I'm using a Chinese 30 amp switching power supply that I got off ebay for about $25.00 to supply charge current to an ISDT Q6 Plus Balance Charger that provides cell level voltage and current monitoring. I installed a 300 Watt pure sine wave inverter in this box, rather than a larger one - because, I needed the other space in the box for the charging supply, ISDT Q6 balance charger, and 30 amp solar charge controller also installed. But, that's all the power I typically will need.
The best thing about this battery box is that it is much smaller and weighs about 45 pounds, rather than the 105 pounds the old box weighs. And, I added Bluetooth connectivity through the solar charge controller for remotely monitoring the battery condition, input and output current, and solar panel input power, as well as being able to switch the loads on and off remotely through the app. Of course, the second box cost a lot more to put together - over $900.00 for the components, including the battery pack, but not including the two 100 watt panels I hinged together with PVC tilt stands. I already had those.
So, yes, I think you did a great thing - and, something I recommend anyone who needs portable power at cheaper than retail prices should do. And, I had fun doing it. My primary use for both battery boxes has been for emergency power and to supply power to my portable amateur radio gear when out in the field.
Thanks, for your video! It was nicely done! I particularly liked that you put the unit on a neutral background and just got into the details - which is what I tend to prefer. So, thanks, again!
Wow! Thanks for the detailed report. I’m still digesting it - especially the numbers. I can see you gave some consideration to cooling. Good because batteries really hate heat. The real-world testing is adding a lot to my understanding of an ideal setup, and the detail you provided really helps me compare notes. I’m pretty sure the experience you related will contribute to my test report, and to my next build. Thank you.
Another advantage of the LiFePO4 cells is that they don't get hot - under charge or discharge (at least, not while limited by the design specifications of this project, anyway). And, for further thermal management, while the unit is in operation under a high load I leave the top off of the tool box. Otherwise, nothing gets even warm inside.
Now, LiFePO4 cells don't like extremely cold temperatures, so I immobilized the battery pack (about 3" x 12" x 18" - looks like a metal sheet cake) in the bottom of the battery box by laying down a 1/4 inch sheet of neoprene and placed 3" x 3" x 19" foam acoustic insulation blocks, like you might use inside a stereo speaker, around the sides. Then. I placed a styrofoam sheet on top of the battery pack and covered that with a 1/4" piece of blackboard material onto which I mounted the circuitry for the unit. This board is held in place on the sides by 1 x 4 pieces of wood painted black and bolted to the tool box. The battery pack isn't going anywhere, even if the box takes a tumble, and it is protected from extreme cold - as long as you don't just store it in extreme cold. It's going to be fine overnight while camping in cold weather.
If I could attach photos, I would. And, at some point, I intend to make a video covering this project. I didn't take any video while building it, but I did take still photos of the components and the box at various stages of completion against a white foam-core background. I just have to create the narrative script and put it all together - a project in and of itself (as I'm sure you know). And, of course, I maintained a list of components used and prices paid. I just finished the build in the last couple of weeks.
Thx for your insight, I am thinking of building a unit similar to yours and put it in my van. Or something modular that's easily service/replace.
Thanks for posting and the material listing. This is very helpful. All the best.
Look for the upgraded list in the Rev 2 unit. It has a better inverter. I’ll be posting a builder’s guide with design worksheet you can use to spec out your own unit in the next 48 hours, so stay tuned...
Wonderful Job, you inspired me to get started on my next project
Very cool! Let me know what you build - I’d like to know what improvements you make on your own unit.
It's a nice system. We should consider that a 12v 1750watts inverter has a 146 amps draw from the battery making it inefficient, so a 24 volt system would be much more efficient and safe even pulling 73 amps from a 24 v battery set up, and it's efficiency would entirely depend on available ah fir long term uses.
Wow.. I just came here because it looked interesting. Most of the time people say "affordable", but it's still more than i'm willing to spend. But this is actually fantastic. Plus, it can be a modular design. Allowing for incremental upgrades while keeping costs low. for example swapping out the battery for something other than lead acid.
Absolutely - pretty much the way this has gone for me. Check out the follow-up videos for upgrade details and a design worksheet to hel_ evaluate options.
Real nice setup for much cheaper than others, great job! Only thing that didn’t make sense was 6 hours on a box fan but 12 on an LED TV which uses much more power than a fan, that doesn’t make sense. Trying to calculate my ductless mini split running all night to sleep cool while batteries are charged during the day. Living in the sunshine state I figured might as well take advantage.
Suggestions:
Use a mppt charge controller for added efficiency and flexibility with solar panels of different voltages.
Use a lithium iron phosphate battery. More expensive but lighter, deeper discharge without damage, no maintenance and a much much longer usable lifespan.
Also, provide a way to utilise the DC voltage directly without turning on the inverter. No need to turn on the inverter to charge your cell phone.
These modifications would probably add another $400 to the build price but it would take this to an entirely different level. Totally worth the additional money.
I would suggest using the system I described as a regular power source for a few specific small loads. I use mine to power my cpap machine lights and a small TV in my bedroom. A permanently mounted solar panel and lithium battery means absolutely no maintenance and it is ready to go when the peer fails.
Excellent video and a very clean build... your configuration is definitely usable as is. Enjoy.
Great video. good description of your needs and sizing of the unit. I've done the same thing to insure that we can power electronics and my CPAP, but mine's not portable. we lose power here due to ice storms every other year or so. We also have gas generator power as well. I like the hand truck idea. I think there's some welding in my future.
I cut my cpap wire between the transformer and the cpap. I made a connecter to use it in normal mode and made a connecter wire with a cigar lighter connector. When I go camping, I plugged it into a home depot jump start/compressor/usb/cigar lighter and it lasted 4 days. I will build a desert prep inspired unit in the future for emergency use though. GREAT VID.
great video! i used it for inspiration and built my own 12v cart, just posted it
great video, makes it a lot easier to get the basics, being basic!
Thanks! Check out the follow-up videos for enhancements and all the math to do it right.
Nice product ! You can also weld mounts for the solar panels on the cart :)
Very nice setup. I would suggest using 6 volt golf cart batteries for more amp hrs and longevity. Also, a small propane genny is a great backup for overcast or night charging.
Nice and reliable concept. I wonder what it would render if part of the output would drive a simple DC pulse motor to run a modified or normal car alternator with high amperage output and from there harnessed to adaptable power in sequence.
Good no-bullshit-direct-to-point-clear-instructions video. Keep it up
My pleasure. There’s a lot of good info in the builder’s guide. czcams.com/video/6glK8-IcDgE/video.html
Hello , I like you’re presentation of the solar power set up you combined ! I’ve been watch a ton of videos and links how to create Ac power about 115v @ 90 Amp’s is what I’ve seen on CZcams I just got an Alternator in the mail what they say is a GM Alternator 1 Wire self exciting tapped off the “ Stator which is the copper wire that is under the casing , what they say is once you remove the back plastic cover than split the Alternator in half by removing the 4 bolts which hold the 2 cases together, when you put the alternator on the bench on its Pulley looking down you’ll see the 4 bolts holding it together, when you separate them on the back you’ll have 3 leads 2 wires each 1 in the middle like on the top of the alternator if it was sideways and 1 wire a few inches on each side 1 to the left & 1 to the right which is suppose to when spinning each 1 is supposed to be putting out 115v Ac that’s 3x 115v Ac and at what Amps ? I have not personally tested this out yet and to have small electrical motor low power draw and low Amps spin the Alternator when the AGM or lithium batteries drop bellow 12v and the inverter goes to the batteries similar to the way you have it set with the power cord but also wired to you’re home fuse box , the batteries keep the Alternator \ Alternator’s running to charge the batteries and a hard wire goes also straight to you’re fuse box when the draw is heavy the alternator can be feeding you’re house straight to 1-100 Amp Split Fuse which will feed both sides of you’re fuse box and you are “ Self Contained “ and to throw a little bit more onto that I’ve seen if you take apart the microwave there is a voltage transmitter which contains and multiplies your 120 voltage fed in from the wall it multiplies it by 10 to 15 times to give you the 1500 W to 2000 W microwave But these save power so they’re very hot and can kill you even if unplugged I saw that video on the person one you highly be very careful what you put 120 in and you get like 1,500 out ! So go get a bad microwave and experiment you can be self sustaining for a couple hundred bucks just be safe and be wise I’ll be making videos once I get all this together ! Totally DIY ! In Jesus Name !
This guy has some good info, he should post it separately as it is too long to be a comment on someone else’s work
Excellent! Just the kind of system I've been thinking about. Not to live "off grid", but a simple system to use in an emergency, something that will provide some electrical convenience for up to a few weeks if needed. And a system that is fairly inexpensive and easy to move around, if needed. I might think about a sealed batter so I don't get a buildup of hydrogen gas while charging. Wish Lithium batteries would come down in price, they're still too expensive in 2020! Thanks!
This is a great video, thank you for sharing.
Very well done and looking forward to others.
My school project is done thank you !!
No criticisms. Nice unit. Good job.
Many thanks. Appreciate the comment.
Could add DC port to run laptops, LED's, USB powered devices, etc. About 10% longer compared to running them trough inverter.
Thanks for the comment. :)
Great video.
Maybe you could use a bigger battery to store the energy generated as standard and also a way to carry the panels on the trolley, and shield the battery / inverter from the sun.
Greenmachine305 I
Great set up. I love it! The only thing that I would do different is use a sealed AGM battery or a gel battery. They are significantly more expensive than the flooded battery you used but I think in the long run would be worth the investment due to the maintenance free nature of sealed batteries. As well, sealed batteries do not gas so they do not need to be vented, and because they are not flooded with liquid acid, they can be installed on their side, making it easy to stack a second battery on your cart, doubling your amp hours without taking up any more room in your footprint. Anyway, just my thoughts. Thanks for sharing this video!
Thanks for the feedback - it’s rewarding to hear from you - virtually discussing a topic of mutual interest. AGM or LiPo is actually a very good idea. I hadn’t considered stacking the batteries, and that would be a huge benefit. Price is the biggest issue - trying to keep the project accessible for as many people as possible. I’ve collected the parts for the rev 2 unit, which I’m starting on today. Perhaps a “go for broke” model is next...
@@DesertPrep for the armatures with only basic knowledge how about a wiring diagram?
I have been looking for something like this thanks for sharing your work .good job.
Thanks - glad to share with other like- indeed people.
Great build, wish someone would do this and bring the cost down of these types of set ups.
Fantastic and I have most of these items! Will have to try to make this. I have a question though. How do you store this to protect from EMP? Thank you.
I'm building my own also and I too thought a bought the HB hand truck. I believe I am going to get a spill proof battery like an AGM. The AGM will not gas off while charging or discharging like the marine battery will. I also will be able to hook it with jumper cables to a marine type battery if I wish to. I am going to use a MPPT controller and I bought the EPEVER Tracer series 40 amp and bought the MT 50 remote meter. I have bought a Windy Nation 100 watt flexible panel to cut down on the weight; I also plan on buying another 100 watt panel like the one I just bought from Windy Nation. I bought a Optima 12 volt battery charger 2 years ago and am totally impressed with it's abilities. One last note is; be sure and fuse your solar panels and fuse your output to your battery off the controller. Nice Video.
Wow - cool. You’ve very nearly described the final version I got to at rev 4. czcams.com/video/QZYAAatdlmc/video.html. Let me know what you think...
I really liked your video, clear concise manner in your delivery. I am designing a 2000 +/- system. I like your choice for solar panel's and charge controller. Am debating what I want for my batteries, I actually want 2 batteries. The trickle charge is a plus.I have subscribed to your Channel.
Hi Steve. Check out the Builder’s Guide video. czcams.com/video/6glK8-IcDgE/video.html. It has a design worksheet you can download that will do the design math for you a you consider your choice of components. It also chronicles the mistakes I made that you’ll want to avoid. There’s also a downloadable wiring diagram. I’m just completed the final version, and there’ll be a video on the best off-grid version in a week.
Great build, and really good information. Only thing I would change is the marine battery. They are not very efficient for solar use. Marine batteries put out more amps for cold starting motors, in solar it wastes energy. But deep storage on the battery is good. over all impressive build.
I think that this is a good job for what it is. I would be happy to build something like that. The only thing I might add is a little bit better voltage meter for the battery so as to better assess the charge level. And using the 12v battery will let you not only add one of your vehicle batteries for extra capacity but also let you charge it from that vehicle.
Thanks for the feedback - always appreciated. Check back in a few days for the upgraded version - some of the excellent suggestions are going into a new model that costs only a bit more...
Love that yours is on wheels
Wow awesome...thank you for pointing me in right direction
thanks for the great video. I hope i can build or buy one soon but first i need to become educated by watching great videos like this one. thanks again and keep up the good work
Thanks for the kind comment. You might like the build video for the final version of the generator which details the build process and includes a parts list, wiring diagram and engineering worksheet to help choose components. czcams.com/video/QZYAAatdlmc/video.html.
I really like your video.
Regarding wires and cables in your DIY solar generator:
1. how did you choose 10 gauge wire?
2. what tools do I need to make the cables?
.
Nice vid! Would be great to see it in action! 👍
Thankk You for a wonderful presentation. You have a Great knowledge into this.
Thanks for the compliment. The rev 4 generator video details the build process for a more capable unit. czcams.com/video/QZYAAatdlmc/video.html. Let me know what you think...
Awesome video thanks for the advice I'll build one like yours .
Check out the the builder’s guide video ( czcams.com/video/6glK8-IcDgE/video.html ). There’s a link in the comments for a design calculator worksheet. You can download it and evaluate various choices for the components, so your build will be a complete success.
Hey there! TY for the video. We're going to build this. I have looked at generators. The issue I have is cost and then the second one is if we have a serious situation what if our one generator fails for some reason. Can't replace it right away? This I can piece together and the components are self explanatory so I can theoretically keep it going and it is not too heavy to move. Real world generator IMO. Thanks!
It would help to place the battery mounted to toggle front to back to eliminate removing the battery during transport. It would stay upright with mounting axis on both sides of the battery.
.. or switch to an AGM battery that won’t leak. Thanks for the idea.
I like your set up. Just one note I always install a small lamp connected directly to the battery. That way I have light I can use to find all of the other features of the solar system. It is tough to find controls in pitch darkness.
Great idea - a small LED unit would give great light and use almost no energy.