Parts list, cost estimate and blueprint photos available for free on my website: www.mobile-solarpower.com/the-minimalist-great-for-small-vans-and-cars.html If building your own system sounds like a pain in the butt, check out these pre-built systems: www.mobile-solarpower.com/plug-n-play-systems.html
Now that you have done this video what is your view on the inergy kodiac since you did the review on it in August 2017. Do you still think that the Kodiak is the best option for traveling and using solar or do you think that building a system like this would be more affordable plus convenient for space?
Good day Will, will a 60ah lit-ion battery be enough for a 1500 what inverter. Grant it would be used as a stand by solar generator for need be scenarios. Thanks, hope you are well
Hello youngman, I am from South Africa and want to share with you. 35 years ago we started installing a solar system at home. Think about it, 35 years ago Solar was still brand new technology and extremely expensive. We installed the biggest panels we could find at that time weighing in at 85W each, we installed 3. And that is what I want to talk about. South African sun is very similar to where you live, in other words harsh at best of times. These three panels a still on the roof after 35 years and even with the harsh conditions it maintained integrity surprisingly well. The voltage on the panels when new was 22 Volt ( I know it sounds odd) @ 85 Watts. The Amps delivered at that time was 3.8 A each. Now after 35 years the cells have degraded a little. I tested the panels last week and was surprised to find the deterioration was only approximately 4%. If my math is correct the supply voltage is still 22Volt @ 3.7 A. The manufacturer of these panels do not exist any longer if memory serves but it was BPSolar SA. Just thought to share and show that if you take care of a system it can last almost forever. These panels are still chugging along happily. Keep up your good work.
@@melvynvanwyk3614 hello Melvyn. I only saw your question now. My apology. Well to answer you frankly, it depends on your budget. You can install a simple cheap system and still look at a starting price of R15K. Then you can go all the way and go completely off the grid that means anything from R150K and up. Let me know what your requirement is and I can put together a plan for you
I did this exact project for my parents in puerto Rico after hurricane for their tiny home to power 2 led lights, fan, small flat screen tv, small fridge w/timer, now the village on her road went solar after they saw what she had( what i put up) 8 houses so far all with small solar kit setups 200-500 watts...
Kudos for the Video! Sorry for butting in, I am interested in your initial thoughts. Have you thought about - Schallingora Computer Reconstruction Scheme (Sure I saw it on Google)? It is a smashing one of a kind product for saving money using this smart solar power trick minus the normal expense. Ive heard some pretty good things about it and my mate after many years got cool success with it.
This is exactly what I have been thinking about and need for my van (yeah, I'm a not-by-choice vandweller). Having watch all of your solar-power videos (supported by my own understanding and experience in electronic/electrical assembly) I have total confidence in your knowledge and expertise. You are my one-stop source for solar video tutorials.
Will - I can't begin to tell you how grateful I am for one specific bit in this. I constructed very nearly this exact system in my cargo conversion trailer. One thing that I dorked up was connecting the battery leads to the charge controller. I accidentally created a dead-short at the terminals. Because I'd put the output to the battery through the fuse block, I merely poped a fuse which saved me from cooking my brand-new MPPT charge controller. I might not have wired the thing this way if I hadn't seen your video and followed the best practices you set forth. I owe you one. Thank you for all you do.
Thanks for this tutorial. I did my first solar experiment today with 2 "100W" flexible panels, a Victron MPPT controller, two 10AH LiFPo batteries and Iceco Go20 refrigerator/freezer. Nothing started a fire and I was making ice all afternoon. Didn't notice any wires heating up. Need a little bit more packaging, and confirmation that I can keep the freezer below freezing all night, and I should good to go for some car camping.
First time viewer here. Thank you for all your time and effort. I'm a retired Army electrical engineer and this video was totally awesome, packed with valuable information and design ideas. The furthest I went with solar was for my motor home. 3 175 watt panels, 4 12v gell cells and a 5kw inverter. Came in real handy when out of gas for the 5kw generator and no mains to tap into. But now looking into putting some panels on my small shed for my mobile home. We get winter storm outages now and then. Thanks again for a great vid and loads of info!
Just built my first system after watching this, my favorite video to date. So simple and elegant and future updates can be done easily. I think all in I'll be just short of $800 after I buy a battery. Using a lead acid deep cycle that is close to it's end for now.
I'm as dumb as a mule when it comes to electrics but your video was precise and very helpful, I have the confidence to build my own set up now, thank you Will.
Velcro brand industrial velcro my friend. Awesome stuff. The adhesive is crazy strong, and the velcro is super strong. And those BlueSea systems fuse panels are really nice. Used them in a recent project
I have a small 7x14 cargo trailer camper that I have been wanting to install a solar system in. Right now it only has 12 volt lights and a 12 volt tv, but I plan on installing a Maxx Air ceiling fan and a 12 volt refrigerator. I had a 12 volt AGM battery that just died and am using my boats old lead acid trolling battery. The camper is wired for 120 volts with lights, a roof ac and mini refrigerator, but I want to start doing some dispersed camping. It also has a 1.25 amp Battery Tender charger/maintainer that will charge either AGM/flooded and lithium LiFeP04 batteries so in a pinch I can just charge the battery off of the generator. On your recommendation I just purchased Li Time 100 AH battery with low temp protection during Amazon's Prime Day sale for $309, and it is the start to my solar setup. I was thinking of going with a 200 watt solar panel setup to start, but I am very limited for storage space and many time I may have to, or prefer to park in the shade so I was wondering if there are any portable solar panels that you would suggest?
Have everything ready now to start getting solar panels ordered and finish the system. I dont need an inverter right now since I am running my ham shack on dc. Ive set the shack up with dc fans, lighting, and radio equipment. Ive installed a PWRgate mppt, PWRguard, and a Rigrunner fuse system. Using all powerpole connectors. Have my Interstate SLA batteries connected, my AC to DC power supply connected, but now its time for the solar panels so that I wont need the AC to DC power supply. The only other thing that I need is a DC Super Booster to bump the 12 volt up to a constant 13.8 volts that is ideal for radio equipment.
Will is the man. In my life I never seen someone blow up like this. Tom Macdonald the rapper did it too but I wasn't following him b4 he blew up. With will it just makes life feel good to see him blow up and then take care of his family
You are awesome Will ! Q: Could you have connected the negative charge controller wire to one of the negative screws on the fuse box instead of the negative terminal on the fuse box?
Luckily I found your video just in time. I have a 2000W Renogy Pure Sine Wave Inverter installed in my Prius. I have it connected to a 100A circuit breaker and quick connect/disconnect to my 12V battery. I'm planning to add a 200Ah LifePo4 to is using an Isolator to charge both batteries and run the inverter with the LifePo4 but also wanted to connect solar panels to it. I purchased EcoFlow 220W Bifacial portable solar panels but I have no clue what MPPT controller I needed. I kind of have my setup like this minus the controller and fuse box. I have it all on piece of plywood because I want to use it in different vehicles for camping. I'll buy your book because I need to calculate what fuses to buy and what controller I need. Definitely will look into systems on your website to build for a tool shed I'm putting together also.
I'm looping around and watching you (Much younger!!) again to see if I missed anything before getting to the build. I wondered about 2 things. Grounding of the "non-mobile" systems and staying with DC power? I.e no need for big draws on watts so batteries don't take a big hit. Thanks for what you're doing in the future also!
I’m new to this and I’ve been wanting to learn about all this for a while especially since I have a house now. These summer light bills ain’t no joke. Last bill cost me 900. I might as well invest in some solar panels while learning
metal plumber strap will work on just about anything and you can shape it and form it in any shape that you want it's got holes pre-drilled in it for your screws
Hey Will Love this show. How about building a solar tracker with springs or lifter struts and water. 50\50 so it doesnt freeze. Have a small pump at night fill a bucket with water. At a certain time in the morning open a hole to release the water. The spring will pull it in the opposite direction And at night the bucket will fill and pull it back. I saw the ecoflow tracker and saw the price. I think it could be done for a couple of hundred or cheaper.
I was reviewing this Mobile Solar project on your website and some of the links are wrong, The batteries are not there any more, and the Inverter is a modified Sine wave, not Pure. I know it is a major job to keep these links up and current, it a whole one day per week on my little channel and site. So thought you might want to know! Love your channel !
What's the best way to start small and keep scaling up with batteries and panels? Just buy a huge overkill inverter and a few panels and a battery? I want to be able to do just 100 or 200 watts, and as I get the money throw on more panels and batteries, and eventually get it up to run my mining rig which takes 800w and runs 24/7.
I love watching your videos, I hate electrics, but but you seem to explain things in a way that I understand, it's so helpful and I have learned so much from you, Thank you Will and keep up the good work 🙂🙂🙂 x
Hey...thanks for your videos. I pick your brain all the time for my new trailer conversion. So...I am planning an install of two 200W panels (Newpowa 200W Monocrystalline 200 Watt 12V Solar Panel High Efficiency Mono Module RV Marine Boat Off Grid (200W New)) on the roof of my new 6x10 trailer conversion. Each panel will have an inline fuse on the positive cable. I also have a portable set of panels (Dokio 300W kit), which I normally use to charge my portable Jackery 1000. I will be joining the two rooftop sets of wires from the panels into one set using a y-connector and then entering my trailer roof. Then in the electrical compartment, install another y-connector which would allow me to , on occasion, connect my portable panels to add to the system solar input. Sound like a workable plan? The system I am building in the next few days: Renogy 40A controller with Bluetooth, feeding a 100 Battleborn Lithium. The battery is also feeding the busses which feed a 12v fuse box, which feeds my trailer lighting, fridge, and stuff. There is a catastrophic 300A circuit breaker and then a battery switch between the battery and the positive Buss. The 12v fuse box is also fed by a converter (Progressive Dynamics PD9260CV Inteli-Power 9200 Series Converter/Charger with Charge Wizard - 60 Amp). That charger plugs into a shore power outlet, for the times I would be plugged into that shore power. My shore power outlets are fed by a breaker box with two 20a SquareD breakers. That breaker box is fed by a plug in the outside trailer wall for the shore power connection. The Buss also feeds a Renogy 2000W inverter. Nothing installed yet. Am I good to go? What am I missing?
That's so interesting that you connect the battery feed from the controller to the fuse box and not directly to the battery, same as the inverter. I have my controller and fuse box going directly to the battery...is this just personal preference?
The way that you crimp using the hammer crimper outside with a heavy stone block as an anvil is the perfect way, i saw a youtuber using a similar crimper but on a wooden bench and thought that it needs to be done as you are doing. An anvil underneath the load transfers the force directly to the crimp ensuring a good solid connection, the lady was doing the procedure on a wooden bench where most of the force disappears into the bouncy bench. Avidly watching all your videos as soon i will fit a system in my off grid Transit van build, I doubt that there are many people who know as much about solar systems as yourself, thank you for sharing your knowledge with us :)
You are the most knowledgeable solar guy so I'm asking you. I have 180 watt Renergy solar panel on my van roof. I don't know how much my battery under under the passenger seat stores. Can I run a 200 watt 12v coffee pot on my 180 watt solar panel without blowing a fuse? All my appliances are 12v and under 180 watt. I only use one appliance at a time, other than my 12v iceco Go2020. Thank you.
Need your expert opinion. These days people are commonly using a 12v DC setup where battery is charged by a MPPT charge controller while the load is put parallel to the battery (MPPT chargers here don't have a load/output option) via a PWM controller ( to avoid over discharge). In my view the charger will be over charging the battery as the load running is in parallel. Your view please.
Thank you for putting this up. Perhaps a stupid question, Is there any reason one would need to use fuses instead of a breaker box? would substituting in, perhaps a marine breaker box with the correct size breakers be acceptable?
Hi Will, great video. I was wonering if you could tell me where to put the dc to dc on board battery charger in with this configuration? Thanks again for all your insight.
I'm interested in doing a few modifications off of this system, but I'm also not sure if it's entirely possible. I'd like to 1.) Hook this up to a preexisting 1800 watt pure sinewave inverter, brand is "Dimensions" (also hooked up to vehicle's alternator) and 2.) Bump it to 250 watt solar panels and 180 amp hours from the batteries. Would I be using all different components? Or what things would need to change?
My main thing on the road is my Krups digital electric tea kettle. It uses 1500w. I've done some researching and hopefully it is correct. 3000w inverter, (2) 100AH deep cycle batteries, (2) 100w solar panels, and a 20a solar converter. Found everything for about $623. Am I correct in the calculations?
Awesome video! I learned a lot. I have one question about the fuse box, though. I am a total beginner so I do not really know why do we need it, if I just wanna plug in my laptop and a couple lights to the inverter, do I need it? (If we aren't planning on running 12v devices) I get that it is necessary to have a fuse right between the battery and its wire, but what is the purpose of this 1.25*20=25A fuse in the fuse box?. If it is necessary for safety reasons, why do I need the other fuses in the box if they are not being used? Can I simply use a 25A fuse between charge controller and the inverter/battery?
Hi I'm in the UK, I'm ok with DC/AC power ect.....did 10 years on generators. Bit new to solar power, so I'm just following the basic rules. You mentioned near beginning of your video that you was connecting 2x 100w panels in series (=24v+) for a 12v system. My question is can I do this with my epever mppt charge controller? Thank you Marc
I'm glad you're using the blue seas fuse block, they are so clean and simple. Now if I could just get you to paint your plywood black it would really look like you have something there... Good job will happy New Year
Just starting my research on doing something like this. I've learned a lot from your videos. Thanks! My question is why aren't you using a busbar to connect the different components? I've seem some videos where it's done but it's not consistent. Why didn't you use one here?
Never done anything like this before, followed what you done everything works ok. One question really would you earth the solar controller and inverter i fitted this into my 1973 VW T2 baywindow and it’s very hard to find really good earth on of these vans. Should I wire into the fuse box or try and find one on the chassis. Thanks for some really great videos and your book is really informative
One suggestion Will: Help us build some power failure/automatic on lighting for the home. I'm working on power failure gizmos that will automatically charge 12v lithium packs and sense a power outages (at home), then automatically switch on 12v led strips.
What are you building these gizmos out of? I wonder if you could cannibalize old UPS circuits? (From battery backups with dead batteries.) When wall power cuts out, they kick in and supply power from the battery.
Hi Will, I’m in the process of building a truck camper and am gearing up to get my solar installed. I was hoping you could answer a question for me. I’m planning, and hoping, so place the batteries in the bed of the truck just in front of the wheel wells. They will have to be removed when i take the camper off, but I’m mainly wondering if its even a possibility to wire the batteries up that far apart from one another (about 4 feet). I’d appreciate any feedback! Your videos have given me great info regarding what product I want to buy!
Great video and very helpful.Since your channel has exploded and you now have all the right parts laying around, You should do a new video with components that you really recommend for rvs and vanlife.
i keep blowing my 150a fuse between my batterys and Inverter when running an ac minisplit on my ac. going to try a 300 watt resetable breaker. Great vid ! Thank you
I had the same question. Were you able to find an answer? To my understanding, you would be able to monitor the output current and voltage if you were using the load terminals of your Renogy MPPT controller instead of connecting the load directly to your battery. I think that the load terminals of the MPPT controller are limited to 20A so that could be the reason to connect the inverter directly to the battery.
Hi my teacher, I only have a simple question. I didn't see you putting that blue cable when you were building the system. Please let me know what is the use of that blue cable and is it necessary? Thank you, hope you reply.
I don't see if it was answered below, but what is the reasoning/ benefit/ difference of running the inverter straight through the fuse box and into the "battery" input on the MPPT?
Great video! So can this system power things such as a bench grinder, or a mitre saw? If used for like 1 min or so? What is this system supposed to power on average? Thanks.
Where do I find a fuse box like that, what size would I need for a 2000 watt pure sine wave inverter ? I already have two new 6 volt 445 amp hour lead acid batteries. Planning on building a system for my cabin. What size solar panels would I need.
I would like to use something like that to lower our power bill on simple things like to, floor light, barge phone and ryobi tools. Could I put this inside the house?
awesome, thank goodness for summer weather and no socks, you always get my attention, btw, i still use these vids to keep upgrading my rv, keep it up, shorts and all.
I have a question. I bought a camper van that has a converter in it so when the vehicle runs it charges the house battery. It I wanted to add a solar panel kit to the roof to also charge this battery when the vehicle is not running. Will it back charge and cause damage to the panels through the mppt charge controller when the vehicle is running?
Hi, thanks but not very minimalist setup. I am a student looking for a very cheap first time setup. So I can learn. Make mistakes, have cheap way to determine thins like losses from conversion and so on. Can you make such a video. Using multimeter for measurements, small solar panel. Cheap battery. I like your style. Seen videos using cheap stuff from freight harbor. Thanks
Hi, Thanks for the video. I copied ypur system in my shed.I see two issues here though. 1.What if the 25amp fuse conected to the charge controler blows.Then the controler will lose connection to battery and still be conmected to the solar panel which is not safe. 2.Not conecting the load to load terminals on the charge controler will not give reading of what amps are drawn from the battery and will be no statistic as well. How do we go around that?
Hi there, Amazing videos with plenty of information. Thank you for all the knowledge. I am installing a system myself but I am struggling on how to set up my charge controller. So far I have installed 300 watts of solar panels and 2 lead acid batteries in parallel for a 12v system. What do you recommend my high voltage, and low voltage be set to on my controller to best suit my batteries. Thank you for your time and keep posting.
Thanks for the vid. Question.. How do you know when its best to run the Solar in series or parallel? I ask because I have two 100watt Goal Zero panels that I use on my Yeti1000. Watching your review on BigBattery 12V OWL 170Ah and Renogy DCC50S 12V 50A charger I end up buying them.
Hi Will, For future california power blackouts, I recently got the ecoflow delta and two 100 watt solar panels. My house already has a professionally installed 20 panel grid tie solar edge system. With the new small solar panels for emergency battery power mostly in storage, would it be a good idea to get a small 500 watt grid tie inverter and use the backup panels at the same time as the solar edge? Is there a chance the new inverter could damage the other inverter, or make it less efficiently run?
Would it be safe to use something like a SB350 SB Series 350 Amp Anderson Powerpole Kit between a larger 1200 to 1500 watt inverter and beefier branch connector as well as another between battery and branch connector to give flexibility to not mount the larger inverter but connect it when you need to move your system around? Would like to understand how to add resistor into this circuit to reduce spark when connecting and disconnecting battery.
Hi will 👍I was wondering about what you might feel about full river battery DC400-6 go 2 for 50.oo and they seem to keep there charge.. ok thanks for your videos I'm 54 and so far out of all the solar videos I can almost keep up ..lol
Hi Will. I see you saying that you wouldn't use a modified sine wave inverter for a 200W build, but on your website your recommendation for the 200W minimalist build is the Krieger MSW inverter. I don't understand - is it a mistake? I'd be really surprised if you did propose a MSW for your build, even the 200W one.
Why is the controller so large? I have a 20amp Morningstar SunSaver that's a fraction of that size but with no digital readout. I don't know if mine is great or crap but it's worked flawlessly for 10 years. I used a boat trolling motor plug to plug in my panel's for lack of a better idea for the price. I have large BP panels because I was told they are sturdier and would last longer on a trailer.
Hello. I don't have much knowledge when it comes to this so l'm looking for help. I am building a small system for my home. Not for daily use just emergency use only. I have three 100w 12V solar panels and a 30A controller. What battery and inverter should I buy? The brand doesn't matter. Any info would be appreciated. Thank you so much !
wow! this was informative! Would you recommend this setup over a Jackery 1000 (or similar product)? it is for an overland SUV that I will be driving down the pan American highway for about 2 years.
I'm sorry, if you are going to do a "Tutorial" in the future, please have the proper items!! 30 seconds into the video you mention this is not the proper items to use.! I love the "Minimalist" approach you teach which is why i'm your biggest fan, and will be using what you've showed in this video in building my own van in 6 months.
Love your videos. You make it so, a not so mechanically included person....me, would have no problems. Will, what do you think of the "Dokio 220 12v Mono-crystalline Foldable solar panel w/charge controller" please? I have a 18' Rpod and don't want to install a permanent thing as next year I may be upgrading to a few feet bigger. Plus if I am parked in the shade, I want to be able to still have solar. I'm open to suggestions.
I like small but best quality . My problem is no one else does , everyone wants one hundred million wats contentious for free out of the dumpster . Bought a Jackery today along with a thirty watt Polly whatever for a hundred , I don't care who can do better or with what . What I want to know is what mppt should I look at if wanting to improve efficiency at small but high quality ? Thanks
Thanks for your valuable information I have 200w panels on top of my van connected to bluetti inside my van I was told I need 30 w fuse from the panels to my c Bluetti Do you think it’s needed
Parts list, cost estimate and blueprint photos available for free on my website: www.mobile-solarpower.com/the-minimalist-great-for-small-vans-and-cars.html
If building your own system sounds like a pain in the butt, check out these pre-built systems:
www.mobile-solarpower.com/plug-n-play-systems.html
You're kicking your tutorials out fast.
Now that you have done this video what is your view on the inergy kodiac since you did the review on it in August 2017. Do you still think that the Kodiak is the best option for traveling and using solar or do you think that building a system like this would be more affordable plus convenient for space?
Good day Will, will a 60ah lit-ion battery be enough for a 1500 what inverter. Grant it would be used as a stand by solar generator for need be scenarios. Thanks, hope you are well
@@milvolts1 Probably not. You need to find the discharge rating of the battery. I doubt that it can handle that inverter size.
Will Prowse RV Living and Off-grid Solar , what size inverter do you think would more practical or realistically? In your opinion..
Hello youngman, I am from South Africa and want to share with you. 35 years ago we started installing a solar system at home. Think about it, 35 years ago Solar was still brand new technology and extremely expensive. We installed the biggest panels we could find at that time weighing in at 85W each, we installed 3. And that is what I want to talk about. South African sun is very similar to where you live, in other words harsh at best of times. These three panels a still on the roof after 35 years and even with the harsh conditions it maintained integrity surprisingly well. The voltage on the panels when new was 22 Volt ( I know it sounds odd) @ 85 Watts. The Amps delivered at that time was 3.8 A each. Now after 35 years the cells have degraded a little. I tested the panels last week and was surprised to find the deterioration was only approximately 4%. If my math is correct the supply voltage is still 22Volt @ 3.7 A. The manufacturer of these panels do not exist any longer if memory serves but it was BPSolar SA. Just thought to share and show that if you take care of a system it can last almost forever. These panels are still chugging along happily. Keep up your good work.
would love to know what kind of solar panel used
Hello. Where are you? Im in Muizenberg. We too want to fit solar . Load shedding sucks .
@@melvynvanwyk3614 hello Melvyn. I only saw your question now. My apology. Well to answer you frankly, it depends on your budget. You can install a simple cheap system and still look at a starting price of R15K. Then you can go all the way and go completely off the grid that means anything from R150K and up. Let me know what your requirement is and I can put together a plan for you
I did this exact project for my parents in puerto Rico after hurricane for their tiny home to power 2 led lights, fan, small flat screen tv, small fridge w/timer, now the village on her road went solar after they saw what she had( what i put up) 8 houses so far all with small solar kit setups 200-500 watts...
Awesome..... Good job. Hope all is well.
That is amazing
Kudos for the Video! Sorry for butting in, I am interested in your initial thoughts. Have you thought about - Schallingora Computer Reconstruction Scheme (Sure I saw it on Google)? It is a smashing one of a kind product for saving money using this smart solar power trick minus the normal expense. Ive heard some pretty good things about it and my mate after many years got cool success with it.
😻
God bless you.
God bless Will for his SOLAR System design.
This is exactly what I have been thinking about and need for my van (yeah, I'm a not-by-choice vandweller). Having watch all of your solar-power videos (supported by my own understanding and experience in electronic/electrical assembly) I have total confidence in your knowledge and expertise. You are my one-stop source for solar video tutorials.
In only one day, I have learned a lot from you. You make it simple for everyone to understand. Thanks for everything.
Will - I can't begin to tell you how grateful I am for one specific bit in this. I constructed very nearly this exact system in my cargo conversion trailer. One thing that I dorked up was connecting the battery leads to the charge controller. I accidentally created a dead-short at the terminals. Because I'd put the output to the battery through the fuse block, I merely poped a fuse which saved me from cooking my brand-new MPPT charge controller. I might not have wired the thing this way if I hadn't seen your video and followed the best practices you set forth. I owe you one. Thank you for all you do.
Thanks for this tutorial. I did my first solar experiment today with 2 "100W" flexible panels, a Victron MPPT controller, two 10AH LiFPo batteries and Iceco Go20 refrigerator/freezer. Nothing started a fire and I was making ice all afternoon. Didn't notice any wires heating up. Need a little bit more packaging, and confirmation that I can keep the freezer below freezing all night, and I should good to go for some car camping.
First time viewer here. Thank you for all your time and effort. I'm a retired Army electrical engineer and this video was totally awesome, packed with valuable information and design ideas. The furthest I went with solar was for my motor home. 3 175 watt panels, 4 12v gell cells and a 5kw inverter. Came in real handy when out of gas for the 5kw generator and no mains to tap into. But now looking into putting some panels on my small shed for my mobile home. We get winter storm outages now and then. Thanks again for a great vid and loads of info!
Just built my first system after watching this, my favorite video to date. So simple and elegant and future updates can be done easily. I think all in I'll be just short of $800 after I buy a battery. Using a lead acid deep cycle that is close to it's end for now.
I'm as dumb as a mule when it comes to electrics but your video was precise and very helpful, I have the confidence to build my own set up now, thank you Will.
Velcro brand industrial velcro my friend. Awesome stuff. The adhesive is crazy strong, and the velcro is super strong.
And those BlueSea systems fuse panels are really nice. Used them in a recent project
Make sure in a long term install to use some grease on the connections to stop corrosion.
I have a small 7x14 cargo trailer camper that I have been wanting to install a solar system in. Right now it only has 12 volt lights and a 12 volt tv, but I plan on installing a Maxx Air ceiling fan and a 12 volt refrigerator. I had a 12 volt AGM battery that just died and am using my boats old lead acid trolling battery. The camper is wired for 120 volts with lights, a roof ac and mini refrigerator, but I want to start doing some dispersed camping. It also has a 1.25 amp Battery Tender charger/maintainer that will charge either AGM/flooded and lithium LiFeP04 batteries so in a pinch I can just charge the battery off of the generator. On your recommendation I just purchased Li Time 100 AH battery with low temp protection during Amazon's Prime Day sale for $309, and it is the start to my solar setup. I was thinking of going with a 200 watt solar panel setup to start, but I am very limited for storage space and many time I may have to, or prefer to park in the shade so I was wondering if there are any portable solar panels that you would suggest?
Thanks alot for all your tutorial on solar... You indeed a blessing to our generation.... More wisdom
Have everything ready now to start getting solar panels ordered and finish the system. I dont need an inverter right now since I am running my ham shack on dc. Ive set the shack up with dc fans, lighting, and radio equipment. Ive installed a PWRgate mppt, PWRguard, and a Rigrunner fuse system. Using all powerpole connectors. Have my Interstate SLA batteries connected, my AC to DC power supply connected, but now its time for the solar panels so that I wont need the AC to DC power supply. The only other thing that I need is a DC Super Booster to bump the 12 volt up to a constant 13.8 volts that is ideal for radio equipment.
I've been looking into solar for about 2 years now. I just found your channel and it may get me to dive in this summer!
Thank you for sharing, you're a good person with a big heart. More patience to the seniors with solar panel installation.
God bless
How much your life has changed from than to now. Been following you since living on the streets. Great inspiration.
Will is the man. In my life I never seen someone blow up like this. Tom Macdonald the rapper did it too but I wasn't following him b4 he blew up. With will it just makes life feel good to see him blow up and then take care of his family
You are awesome Will ! Q: Could you have connected the negative charge controller wire to one of the negative screws on the fuse box instead of the negative terminal on the fuse box?
Luckily I found your video just in time. I have a 2000W Renogy Pure Sine Wave Inverter installed in my Prius. I have it connected to a 100A circuit breaker and quick connect/disconnect to my 12V battery. I'm planning to add a 200Ah LifePo4 to is using an Isolator to charge both batteries and run the inverter with the LifePo4 but also wanted to connect solar panels to it. I purchased EcoFlow 220W Bifacial portable solar panels but I have no clue what MPPT controller I needed. I kind of have my setup like this minus the controller and fuse box. I have it all on piece of plywood because I want to use it in different vehicles for camping. I'll buy your book because I need to calculate what fuses to buy and what controller I need. Definitely will look into systems on your website to build for a tool shed I'm putting together also.
I'm looping around and watching you (Much younger!!) again to see if I missed anything before getting to the build. I wondered about 2 things. Grounding of the "non-mobile" systems and staying with DC power? I.e no need for big draws on watts so batteries don't take a big hit. Thanks for what you're doing in the future also!
I’m new to this and I’ve been wanting to learn about all this for a while especially since I have a house now. These summer light bills ain’t no joke. Last bill cost me 900. I might as well invest in some solar panels while learning
metal plumber strap will work on just about anything and you can shape it and form it in any shape that you want it's got holes pre-drilled in it for your screws
Hey Will
Love this show. How about building a solar tracker with springs or lifter struts and water. 50\50 so it doesnt freeze. Have a small pump at night fill a bucket with water. At a certain time in the morning open a hole to release the water. The spring will pull it in the opposite direction And at night the bucket will fill and pull it back. I saw the ecoflow tracker and saw the price. I think it could be done for a couple of hundred or cheaper.
I was reviewing this Mobile Solar project on your website and some of the links are wrong, The batteries are not there any more, and the Inverter is a modified Sine wave, not Pure. I know it is a major job to keep these links up and current, it a whole one day per week on my little channel and site. So thought you might want to know! Love your channel !
What's the best way to start small and keep scaling up with batteries and panels? Just buy a huge overkill inverter and a few panels and a battery? I want to be able to do just 100 or 200 watts, and as I get the money throw on more panels and batteries, and eventually get it up to run my mining rig which takes 800w and runs 24/7.
Good info. Thank you for sharing. It really helps old souls like myself that can’t afford a sparky to do it for you. Cheers from Australia.
I love watching your videos, I hate electrics, but but you seem to explain things in a way that I understand, it's so helpful and I have learned so much from you, Thank you Will and keep up the good work 🙂🙂🙂 x
Hey...thanks for your videos. I pick your brain all the time for my new trailer conversion. So...I am planning an install of two 200W panels (Newpowa 200W Monocrystalline 200 Watt 12V Solar Panel High Efficiency Mono Module RV Marine Boat Off Grid (200W New)) on the roof of my new 6x10 trailer conversion. Each panel will have an inline fuse on the positive cable.
I also have a portable set of panels (Dokio 300W kit), which I normally use to charge my portable Jackery 1000. I will be joining the two rooftop sets of wires from the panels into one set using a y-connector and then entering my trailer roof. Then in the electrical compartment, install another y-connector which would allow me to , on occasion, connect my portable panels to add to the system solar input.
Sound like a workable plan?
The system I am building in the next few days:
Renogy 40A controller with Bluetooth, feeding a 100 Battleborn Lithium. The battery is also feeding the busses which feed a 12v fuse box, which feeds my trailer lighting, fridge, and stuff.
There is a catastrophic 300A circuit breaker and then a battery switch between the battery and the positive Buss.
The 12v fuse box is also fed by a converter (Progressive Dynamics PD9260CV Inteli-Power 9200 Series Converter/Charger with Charge Wizard - 60 Amp). That charger plugs into a shore power outlet, for the times I would be plugged into that shore power.
My shore power outlets are fed by a breaker box with two 20a SquareD breakers. That breaker box is fed by a plug in the outside trailer wall for the shore power connection.
The Buss also feeds a Renogy 2000W inverter.
Nothing installed yet. Am I good to go? What am I missing?
That's so interesting that you connect the battery feed from the controller to the fuse box and not directly to the battery, same as the inverter. I have my controller and fuse box going directly to the battery...is this just personal preference?
The way that you crimp using the hammer crimper outside with a heavy stone block as an anvil is the perfect way, i saw a youtuber using a similar crimper but on a wooden bench and thought that it needs to be done as you are doing. An anvil underneath the load transfers the force directly to the crimp ensuring a good solid connection, the lady was doing the procedure on a wooden bench where most of the force disappears into the bouncy bench. Avidly watching all your videos as soon i will fit a system in my off grid Transit van build, I doubt that there are many people who know as much about solar systems as yourself, thank you for sharing your knowledge with us :)
You are the most knowledgeable solar guy so I'm asking you. I have 180 watt Renergy solar panel on my van roof. I don't know how much my battery under under the passenger seat stores. Can I run a 200 watt 12v coffee pot on my 180 watt solar panel without blowing a fuse? All my appliances are 12v and under 180 watt. I only use one appliance at a time, other than my 12v iceco Go2020. Thank you.
Need your expert opinion. These days people are commonly using a 12v DC setup where battery is charged by a MPPT charge controller while the load is put parallel to the battery (MPPT chargers here don't have a load/output option) via a PWM controller ( to avoid over discharge). In my view the charger will be over charging the battery as the load running is in parallel. Your view please.
what the van life community needed.
You show and explain things really, really well. Thanks Will!
Thank you for putting this up. Perhaps a stupid question, Is there any reason one would need to use fuses instead of a breaker box? would substituting in, perhaps a marine breaker box with the correct size breakers be acceptable?
We need answers!!
@@goprobeto_1527 he definitely does not answer questions being asked…shame on him
@@flgirl250 I still think his videos are great in general and the content he does give out for free is extremely worthwhile.
Best vid so far for this newbie
Hi Will, great video. I was wonering if you could tell me where to put the dc to dc on board battery charger in with this configuration? Thanks again for all your insight.
Nice video. I wonder if you know the interoperability of powerpole, sb50, and mc4 cables ?
I'm interested in doing a few modifications off of this system, but I'm also not sure if it's entirely possible. I'd like to 1.) Hook this up to a preexisting 1800 watt pure sinewave inverter, brand is "Dimensions" (also hooked up to vehicle's alternator) and 2.) Bump it to 250 watt solar panels and 180 amp hours from the batteries. Would I be using all different components? Or what things would need to change?
My main thing on the road is my Krups digital electric tea kettle. It uses 1500w. I've done some researching and hopefully it is correct. 3000w inverter, (2) 100AH deep cycle batteries, (2) 100w solar panels, and a 20a solar converter. Found everything for about $623. Am I correct in the calculations?
Thank you so much for the simplified breakdown of the system, this is going to make my van setup so much better!
Will the system as you have it there charge 24-volt batteries? Great video video thank you I want to get started on this almost immediately.
Awesome video! I learned a lot. I have one question about the fuse box, though. I am a total beginner so I do not really know why do we need it, if I just wanna plug in my laptop and a couple lights to the inverter, do I need it? (If we aren't planning on running 12v devices)
I get that it is necessary to have a fuse right between the battery and its wire, but what is the purpose of this 1.25*20=25A fuse in the fuse box?. If it is necessary for safety reasons, why do I need the other fuses in the box if they are not being used? Can I simply use a 25A fuse between charge controller and the inverter/battery?
Hi I'm in the UK, I'm ok with DC/AC power ect.....did 10 years on generators.
Bit new to solar power, so I'm just following the basic rules.
You mentioned near beginning of your video that you was connecting 2x 100w panels in series (=24v+) for a 12v system.
My question is can I do this with my epever mppt charge controller?
Thank you Marc
I'm glad you're using the blue seas fuse block, they are so clean and simple. Now if I could just get you to paint your plywood black it would really look like you have something there... Good job will happy New Year
Yes I love blue sea systems. Great stuff made right
I see a sheet of plywood and I want to paint it black... tribute to Mick Jagger
Just starting my research on doing something like this. I've learned a lot from your videos. Thanks!
My question is why aren't you using a busbar to connect the different components? I've seem some videos where it's done but it's not consistent. Why didn't you use one here?
Instead of the fuse box can you just add a 40amp inline fuse? If the answer is yes would the 40 amp go on the positive cable?
Hey Rich; do you have a video showing step by step king solar system.
Never done anything like this before, followed what you done everything works ok. One question really would you earth the solar controller and inverter i fitted this into my 1973 VW T2 baywindow and it’s very hard to find really good earth on of these vans. Should I wire into the fuse box or try and find one on the chassis.
Thanks for some really great videos and your book is really informative
One suggestion Will: Help us build some power failure/automatic on lighting for the home.
I'm working on power failure gizmos that will automatically charge 12v lithium packs and sense a power outages (at home), then automatically switch on 12v led strips.
What are you building these gizmos out of?
I wonder if you could cannibalize old UPS circuits? (From battery backups with dead batteries.) When wall power cuts out, they kick in and supply power from the battery.
Hi! I just set my system up today! Awesome video! Quick question Which fuse should I put my Dometic 1200 vent fan in? Love your work! 👏🏾👌🏾🙏🏾
Why did you connect the fuse block to the battery outlet on the solar controller and not the load outlet?
I want you to come to my place and help me put my solar power in my van. I bought your book. You just make it look so easy.
Hi Will,
I’m in the process of building a truck camper and am gearing up to get my solar installed. I was hoping you could answer a question for me.
I’m planning, and hoping, so place the batteries in the bed of the truck just in front of the wheel wells. They will have to be removed when i take the camper off, but I’m mainly wondering if its even a possibility to wire the batteries up that far apart from one another (about 4 feet).
I’d appreciate any feedback! Your videos have given me great info regarding what product I want to buy!
Would you change anything in this advice, 4 years later since you posted? Would be great to know.
Will P., Thanks for the instructions on building this set up.
Great video and very helpful.Since your channel has exploded and you now have all the right parts laying around, You should do a new video with components that you really recommend for rvs and vanlife.
i keep blowing my 150a fuse between my batterys and Inverter when running an ac minisplit on my ac. going to try a 300 watt resetable breaker. Great vid ! Thank you
why don't you use the DC load connectors on the MPPT controller?
I had the same question. Were you able to find an answer? To my understanding, you would be able to monitor the output current and voltage if you were using the load terminals of your Renogy MPPT controller instead of connecting the load directly to your battery. I think that the load terminals of the MPPT controller are limited to 20A so that could be the reason to connect the inverter directly to the battery.
Hi my teacher, I only have a simple question. I didn't see you putting that blue cable when you were building the system. Please let me know what is the use of that blue cable and is it necessary? Thank you, hope you reply.
Do you have a video on what you are using and why? I know how to make all the connections.
I don't see if it was answered below, but what is the reasoning/ benefit/ difference of running the inverter straight through the fuse box and into the "battery" input on the MPPT?
Great video! So can this system power things such as a bench grinder, or a mitre saw? If used for like 1 min or so? What is this system supposed to power on average? Thanks.
Where do I find a fuse box like that, what size would I need for a 2000 watt pure sine wave inverter ? I already have two new 6 volt 445 amp hour lead acid batteries. Planning on building a system for my cabin. What size solar panels would I need.
I would like to use something like that to lower our power bill on simple things like to, floor light, barge phone and ryobi tools. Could I put this inside the house?
awesome, thank goodness for summer weather and no socks, you always get my attention, btw, i still use these vids to keep upgrading my rv, keep it up, shorts and all.
Exactly!! So warm out here. I love it. And that's great!
It looks very nice. I bought your book on Amz, waiting for its arrival.
great vid,would you not fuse the inverter to the highest it could go as most inverters double the output for a small time
Friend, where do i buy this Hammer type crimp? I liked this crimper it was perfect. I want to get this model. Thank you 😊
Your a young guy and you have a lot of knowledge in your field thanks very much buddy you make it easy to understand thanks again 👍
I have a question. I bought a camper van that has a converter in it so when the vehicle runs it charges the house battery. It I wanted to add a solar panel kit to the roof to also charge this battery when the vehicle is not running. Will it back charge and cause damage to the panels through the mppt charge controller when the vehicle is running?
as usual, awesome video. you are awesome and because of your decision to help people, I decided to build a van.
Hi, thanks but not very minimalist setup. I am a student looking for a very cheap first time setup. So I can learn. Make mistakes, have cheap way to determine thins like losses from conversion and so on. Can you make such a video. Using multimeter for measurements, small solar panel. Cheap battery. I like your style. Seen videos using cheap stuff from freight harbor. Thanks
what kind of capability does 200 watt system give you? How long would it take to charge the batteries with good sunlight
Hi,
Thanks for the video.
I copied ypur system in my shed.I see two issues here though.
1.What if the 25amp fuse conected to the charge controler blows.Then the controler will lose connection to battery and still be conmected to the solar panel which is not safe.
2.Not conecting the load to load terminals on the charge controler will not give reading of what amps are drawn from the battery and will be no statistic as well.
How do we go around that?
Hello Will could you please show me a link to that fuse box you're using? this is not for sale in my country I need to but it outside. thanks!!
Hi there, Amazing videos with plenty of information. Thank you for all the knowledge. I am installing a system myself but I am struggling on how to set up my charge controller. So far I have installed 300 watts of solar panels and 2 lead acid batteries in parallel for a 12v system. What do you recommend my high voltage, and low voltage be set to on my controller to best suit my batteries.
Thank you for your time and keep posting.
I can't possibly be the first person to say this.. but his last name is an anagram for POWERS WTH !
Thanks for the vid. Question.. How do you know when its best to run the Solar in series or parallel? I ask because I have two 100watt Goal Zero panels that I use on my Yeti1000. Watching your review on BigBattery 12V OWL 170Ah and Renogy DCC50S 12V 50A charger I end up buying them.
Hi Will, For future california power blackouts, I recently got the ecoflow delta and two 100 watt solar panels. My house already has a professionally installed 20 panel grid tie solar edge system. With the new small solar panels for emergency battery power mostly in storage, would it be a good idea to get a small 500 watt grid tie inverter and use the backup panels at the same time as the solar edge? Is there a chance the new inverter could damage the other inverter, or make it less efficiently run?
Would it be safe to use something like a SB350 SB Series 350 Amp Anderson Powerpole Kit between a larger 1200 to 1500 watt inverter and beefier branch connector as well as another between battery and branch connector to give flexibility to not mount the larger inverter but connect it when you need to move your system around? Would like to understand how to add resistor into this circuit to reduce spark when connecting and disconnecting battery.
What is the advantage to connecting the fuse box to the load terminals in the charge controller
Hi will 👍I was wondering about what you might feel about full river battery
DC400-6 go 2 for 50.oo and they seem to keep there charge.. ok thanks for your videos I'm 54 and so far out of all the solar videos I can almost keep up ..lol
Hey buddy I’m just new to this stuff can you also say what you can work from the system etc kettle and a toaster and a fridge etc etc
Hi Will. I see you saying that you wouldn't use a modified sine wave inverter for a 200W build, but on your website your recommendation for the 200W minimalist build is the Krieger MSW inverter. I don't understand - is it a mistake? I'd be really surprised if you did propose a MSW for your build, even the 200W one.
Can I used this exact DIY for an dogs or cats heating pad and lighting outdoor?
Why is the controller so large? I have a 20amp Morningstar SunSaver that's a fraction of that size but with no digital readout. I don't know if mine is great or crap but it's worked flawlessly for 10 years. I used a boat trolling motor plug to plug in my panel's for lack of a better idea for the price. I have large BP panels because I was told they are sturdier and would last longer on a trailer.
Which wire would I connect to a battery monitor shunt in this build? Directly to the inverter or the negative of the fuse box?
Awesome how well you make the complex seem so simple.
Hello. I don't have much knowledge when it comes to this so l'm looking for help. I am building a small system for my home. Not for daily use just emergency use only. I have three 100w 12V solar panels and a 30A controller. What battery and inverter should I buy? The brand doesn't matter.
Any info would be appreciated. Thank you so much !
What are the blue wires connected to ?
wow! this was informative! Would you recommend this setup over a Jackery 1000 (or similar product)?
it is for an overland SUV that I will be driving down the pan American highway for about 2 years.
Such a Cute lil system, could this be done without the fuses if not left unattended?
If you run your panels in series doesn't it change the voltage? Like from 12 volt to 24? And that will still work to charge a 12 volt battery?
I'm sorry, if you are going to do a "Tutorial" in the future, please have the proper items!! 30 seconds into the video you mention this is not the proper items to use.! I love the "Minimalist" approach you teach which is why i'm your biggest fan, and will be using what you've showed in this video in building my own van in 6 months.
Love your videos. You make it so, a not so mechanically included person....me, would have no problems. Will, what do you think of the "Dokio 220 12v Mono-crystalline Foldable solar panel w/charge controller" please? I have a 18' Rpod and don't want to install a permanent thing as next year I may be upgrading to a few feet bigger. Plus if I am parked in the shade, I want to be able to still have solar. I'm open to suggestions.
More of these opening shots.. Nice package.
I like small but best quality . My problem is no one else does , everyone wants one hundred million wats contentious for free out of the dumpster . Bought a Jackery today along with a thirty watt Polly whatever for a hundred , I don't care who can do better or with what . What I want to know is what mppt should I look at if wanting to improve efficiency at small but high quality ? Thanks
Thanks for your valuable information
I have 200w panels on top of my van connected to bluetti inside my van
I was told I need 30 w fuse from the panels to my c
Bluetti
Do you think it’s needed