Amen to that. In all the other videos I've watched, they assume prior knowledge of electrical things, and the replies are baffling too, it's just electricians talking to electricians. Finally, a video that tells how to set it up - plain and simple!
You can fry your charge controller if you hook up the panels before the battery, You should Always make sure your Battery is connected first. ( I didn't read the directions either) lol Then I googled Disconnecting Battery From Charge Controller, and low and behold I found my problem. Edit" The 10.8 Volt reading you were looking at is the Discharge Disconnect Voltage, it means it will turn power off to the " Load" ( last set of screws on the bottom" or your DC light light plugs on the front if the battery reaches that voltage. Then the last number you looked at is when it will allow it to turn back on when it reaches that particular set voltage in this case 12.6 Volts. Just wanted to pas along those tips :)
This sounds more accurate than the video explanation at 5:45. When he said the system won't charge the battery if it gets below 10.7V, I was like, "Whaaat?? That's ridiculous."
Hi Greg, WO getting into a technical discussion, you should be using a deep cycle, AKA; Marine battery with a solar system. Car batteries fair poorly, over time, with being drawn down over and over. Deep cycles are designed for just this application. Either battery type will work but for sustained battery health, deep cycle is the way to go. Walmart is a great place to get marine batteries since they move loads of them and you will get one made recently. The automotive stores often have batteries more than a year old. Glenn Laurens, SC
Though I just came across this video/comment. I thought a marine battery would work. But, questions. Walmart sells what seems like 2 types of Marine batteries. Dc & MC? And dies anyone know how low the batteries drain, using solar?
I used to work at a fancy Ace Hardware. We sold the green egg BBQ Pits. I had a large collection of those little screws drivers that came with them haha 😂
Nice job. I've been interested in this introductory 100 watt solar system for a while. I never realized how simple it was to loop the panels to the controller, inverter and out. You made it super easy for me. I'm a visual learner. Definitely worth $150! Plus inverter and battery. Joe
@@gregpryorhomesteadI got the same setup but I got for 100 a powers in the battery Bank that's a 400 amp hour battery bank I got set up with the harbor freight solar kit plus an extra solar panel but I use it got a 1500 amp inverter and it'll draw the battery down to 10.6% and then I'm able to use whatever I want with the solar charge it back up just don't let the batteries. Die
For fans, you can use old computer cooling fans. They only draw about 1/4 of an amp (250Ma) and could run for days. I frequent garage/yard sales and look for dirt cheap electrical appliances that have these fans. I use one in my computer room (a 4" one) and it keeps it comfortable.
One extremely important thing with hooking up a charge controller you need to connect the battery to the controller first than hook-up the panels. If you do not you risk damaging your solar panels. One Hundred watts equals ten amps I run a fifteen amp system I purchased the connector hub with my panel kit for one hundred and eighty watts. I run a ac led light a toaster oven some small appliances. All off of a thousand watt inverter with a battery bank made up of three industrial commercial marine deep cycle batteries. Used for forklifts and commercial marine applications. I have two new size twenty seven batteries and one size twenty four battery and you can pump water with this kit. You just need a thirty watt panel. Their are dc solar water pumps available.
I subscribed. At first I was skeptical as to "oh no, not another unboxing video" but I found your video very informative and you went really quick through the unboxing process which was a HUGE plus.
Always hook up the charge controller to the battery first! Then plug in the solar panels! Also deep cycle/wet batteries 12 volts means the battery is at 50% you really don't want to drain the battery below 12volts. It starts to damage the battery.
Practical! So upvoted and subscribed to you and not the electrician type guys because I had no idea what they were saying. So many instructional video makers forget about the beginners.
This is great even though 4 years old. I've seen this kit at HF recently so now can consider. I live in an apartment so my options aren't many but maybe a little system like this could be my 'tester' system! I LOVE solar > living in Arizona, it's a no-brainer. :)
This review did help. I wanted to get one of these set ups so I could run a small incubator and a heat lamp in the brooder. Looks like I may need to go bigger lol.
Same here. I was just about to by a kit like this at harbor freight. So glad I researched this. I can buy a $30 solar charger for phones, devices and laptops. Much cheaper. I want someone to help me find something that will run my refrigerator or freezer, a light or possibly a crockpot. Not my house by no means but enough we can use a lamp, keep food cold/frozen or cook on a low wattage small appliance. We have a wood burning stove so I'm good on heat and major cooking. Did you find what you were looking for??? I only want solar. Free energy vs. fuel I have to buy ... I'll take free...
The purple toenails on the foot holding the instruction book open confused me so much at first I couldn't tell what was going on or if I was seeing things, lol. Good color on the nails though.
Thank you very much for the video. Well explained. Can’t wait to see your next video that you talked about running other items. God bless and thanks for what you’re doing
Your battery is the storage basically, the bigger the storage the longer it is going to last, so get a 100 AH or 200Ah, as for the panels, that's your Generador or Alternator the more wattage the faster it will recharge your battery, it all depends on need/use/lasting time..
This panel can put out close to 100 watts th-cam.com/users/postUgkxOqI2yqX0XVrhR2BMJciTWrHJpG8FhJyg when positioned in the appropriate southernly direction, tilted to the optimal angle for your latitude/date, and connected to a higher capacity device than a 500. The built in kickstand angle is a fixed at 50 degrees. Up to 20% more power can be output by selecting the actual date and latitude optimal angle.The 500 will only input 3.5A maximum at 18 volts for 63 watts. Some of the excess power from the panel can be fed into a USB battery bank, charged directly from the panel while also charging a 500. This will allow you to harvest as much as 63 + 15 = 78 watts.If this panel is used to charge a larger device, such as the power station, then its full output potential can be realized.
Never hook up your panels to the controller without first hooking the controller to a battery. That’s solar 101. There is nowhere for the power to go and will fry the controller. But in this case you are not losing much.
next video, same panels but a set of 4 kits each (16 solar panels). attach all wires to a series of 4 12v batteries. what all can you run and how long. could you run say a small window unit, ice box, tv, hot plate.. etc. ?
Thank you Sir, I just got that setup and nothing came with my inverter and they are saying I need a heavy duty cord to set up in inverter but you didn't so why are they telling me to spend 44+ dollars for a 6 ft cavle to set it up.
11am on March 1st 224. Where did you get a four post battery? I’ve got the same Thunderbolt solar kit I bought about 10 years ago. I just took it out of the box this past Sunday. And I just bought an inverter yesterday from Harbor Freight. Now I have to buy a battery. I thought with the inverter I would not need a “4” post battery and extra cables. So this is what I asking
You can buy 12 volt lights and fans and radios that will run off a 12 volt battery if thats all that the solar kit puts out, you don't need 120 volts for all that.
I really loved your video as a matter fact I shared it. I do have a question, when you hooked up the fan and the charge controller said 11.7 V, what did that really mean. I know you said it’s taking up a lot of energy but did that mean your battery dropped down to 11.7 V? I just don’t get that part. Thank you again for a great video
I have the same question. Also, I think you bought one solar panel for around $150, then 3 more for a total of $600 plus an inverter, plus a marine battery ($100) just to be able to run a fan? Can this run a fridge? I'm wondering after this level of investment, what can I run? I will need a fridge. Lights I can handle with flashlights during a power outage. Just curious if this would be good for power outages.
The charge controllers for these are only 10 amps,so if you're talking about tying them in together youd need a larger controller. I think the set of 4 panels puts out like 6.8 amps,if I remember correctly. Your other option is two independent kits with separate batteries.
can this kit with the charger trickle charge three 12 volt batteries at the same time; with all 3 batteries with its own positive an d negative cable connection a plugged into the 3 sets of connector ports at the bottom of charger ?
I have the 4panels kit with 25 w each for total of 100 w with a 100 w charger controller. Can I use the new 100w panel with the 100w charge controller. I mean can I use 4 panels for a solar total of 400w with the 100w charge controller? Or must I get a 500w charge controller to use with the 400w solar power
How can you do one that shows how you can set up four sets of solar panels? I bought four boxes of them of that one you just did and I just want to know if I put them all together how much power will I get out of it and how would that set it up cuz I'm not sure I realize each one has to go to a battery. I have four batteries for every crate every solar panel system. I got a battery for it. I have everything else that you have there. I also wondering where do I get the wire like if I wanted to run it a long distance not long long distance but a little bit of a distance. Hope you can help me
have you tested how many peak amps you can get from this? rated at 6.8, average from 100w solar might be around 6.. I got one of these recently and just tested, bit of a cloudy day and was showing about 4.5A at best on my battery monitor. If you'd like I can follow up here with more results. lmk, and thanks for your video review.
Need help. In normal mode it shows 13V and appears to stop charging. But the battery only charged to 12.5 according to the multimeter. I try to put it in 14.4 mode and it seems to do nothing. The charging animation not happening.
The inverter is connected to the 12 Volt Battery, the Battery is charged from the Solar Panels with the charge controller between the Battery and Solar Panel
are you able to use it without battery? say the 50W -X2 foldable , totaling 100W, to power appliances with the inverter thing ? would it damage small devices for charging ?
So far the BEST practical video on this product. Thank you for breaking it down like that. For those of us new to this
Agreed. Straight to the point and the video explains it all. Thank you.
But the pri😕k couldn't even acknowledge u ? Not even a heart o r like.
Best video out
Gigkgpgco6f8898ioouuc00888ivggihgigpvlvhbohc8iooiihcvhhoyj7fo8887ifocus
Amen to that. In all the other videos I've watched, they assume prior knowledge of electrical things, and the replies are baffling too, it's just electricians talking to electricians. Finally, a video that tells how to set it up - plain and simple!
You can fry your charge controller if you hook up the panels before the battery, You should Always make sure your Battery is connected first. ( I didn't read the directions either) lol Then I googled Disconnecting Battery From Charge Controller, and low and behold I found my problem. Edit" The 10.8 Volt reading you were looking at is the Discharge Disconnect Voltage, it means it will turn power off to the " Load" ( last set of screws on the bottom" or your DC light light plugs on the front if the battery reaches that voltage. Then the last number you looked at is when it will allow it to turn back on when it reaches that particular set voltage in this case 12.6 Volts. Just wanted to pas along those tips :)
This sounds more accurate than the video explanation at 5:45. When he said the system won't charge the battery if it gets below 10.7V, I was like, "Whaaat?? That's ridiculous."
Hi! very good video and easy to follow. Thank you so much. What kind of battery that you are using? can I have the name and model?
Hi Greg,
WO getting into a technical discussion, you should be using a deep cycle, AKA; Marine battery with a solar system. Car batteries fair poorly, over time, with being drawn down over and over. Deep cycles are designed for just this application. Either battery type will work but for sustained battery health, deep cycle is the way to go.
Walmart is a great place to get marine batteries since they move loads of them and you will get one made recently. The automotive stores often have batteries more than a year old.
Glenn
Laurens, SC
Though I just came across this video/comment. I thought a marine battery would work. But, questions. Walmart sells what seems like 2 types of Marine batteries. Dc & MC? And dies anyone know how low the batteries drain, using solar?
I’m from Laurens.
Using the free harbour freight screw driver to assemble the HF solar panel! Love it.
I used to work at a fancy Ace Hardware. We sold the green egg BBQ Pits. I had a large collection of those little screws drivers that came with them haha 😂
Nice job. I've been interested in this introductory 100 watt solar system for a while. I never realized how simple it was to loop the panels to the controller, inverter and out. You made it super easy for me. I'm a visual learner. Definitely worth $150! Plus inverter and battery.
Joe
This is so timely, Greg. I have wanted to do a simple solar set-up on a shed near my goats; this will be perfect! Thanks!
It'll keep an LED light on no prob
@@gregpryorhomesteadI got the same setup but I got for 100 a powers in the battery Bank that's a 400 amp hour battery bank I got set up with the harbor freight solar kit plus an extra solar panel but I use it got a 1500 amp inverter and it'll draw the battery down to 10.6% and then I'm able to use whatever I want with the solar charge it back up just don't let the batteries. Die
For fans, you can use old computer cooling fans. They only draw about 1/4 of an amp (250Ma) and could run for days. I frequent garage/yard sales and look for dirt cheap electrical appliances that have these fans. I use one in my computer room (a 4" one) and it keeps it comfortable.
What kind of fans???
@@lolawalsh9187 the fans out of the computer case (desktop) that houses the parts.
Thanks for the video. I just purchased one of these kits to charge two deep marine cells to power my ham radios just in case.
One extremely important thing with hooking up a charge controller you need to connect the battery to the controller first than hook-up the panels. If you do not you risk damaging your solar panels. One Hundred watts equals ten amps I run a fifteen amp system I purchased the connector hub with my panel kit for one hundred and eighty watts. I run a ac led light a toaster oven some small appliances. All off of a thousand watt inverter with a battery bank made up of three industrial commercial marine deep cycle batteries. Used for forklifts and commercial marine applications. I have two new size twenty seven batteries and one size twenty four battery and you can pump water with this kit. You just need a thirty watt panel. Their are dc solar water pumps available.
Kinda funny, he doesn't need to read the instructions 🤪✌️
So you need to unplug the controller before you plug your battery in first.
@@dianefeltner4084 correct!
I subscribed. At first I was skeptical as to "oh no, not another unboxing video" but I found your video very informative and you went really quick through the unboxing process which was a HUGE plus.
God, I wish I owned a house. This looks neat!
I can't thank you enough, now I understand the set up. Thank you for the info
Yep. He covered many details others skip over.
the best demo so far thks 4 sharing
I have purchased this kit.. But I haven't set it up yet.. Your video is going to be very helpful.. Thank you.
Very nice!quick,covered all the points and showing what it can run is what a lot of people are looking for!
Always hook up the charge controller to the battery first! Then plug in the solar panels! Also deep cycle/wet batteries 12 volts means the battery is at 50% you really don't want to drain the battery below 12volts. It starts to damage the battery.
That system looks pretty cool it's my birthday I'm telling everybody at the moment
Practical! So upvoted and subscribed to you and not the electrician type guys because I had no idea what they were saying. So many instructional video makers forget about the beginners.
A proper battery is the key to any solar setup.
Thank you! After watching a million videos....yours is the best!
The best video on this product so far on youtube. Thank you for the video!
This is great even though 4 years old. I've seen this kit at HF recently so now can consider. I live in an apartment so my options aren't many but maybe a little system like this could be my 'tester' system! I LOVE solar > living in Arizona, it's a no-brainer. :)
This review did help. I wanted to get one of these set ups so I could run a small incubator and a heat lamp in the brooder. Looks like I may need to go bigger lol.
Same here. I was just about to by a kit like this at harbor freight. So glad I researched this. I can buy a $30 solar charger for phones, devices and laptops. Much cheaper. I want someone to help me find something that will run my refrigerator or freezer, a light or possibly a crockpot. Not my house by no means but enough we can use a lamp, keep food cold/frozen or cook on a low wattage small appliance. We have a wood burning stove so I'm good on heat and major cooking.
Did you find what you were looking for??? I only want solar. Free energy vs. fuel I have to buy ... I'll take free...
Nice job using a Harbor Freight multi bit screwdriver on another Harbor Freight item!
Wow. Three years pass and ONE panel this size produces 100w and HF just had a sale of them for $89. That is a terrific trend.
Hey, I appreciate the video. You did a great job and actually answered all my questions.
Very good video. Simple, and straight to the point.
This is a great video for my newbie to solar self!
Thanks for this video. I've been looking for something to charge a12v battery to run my simple pump for my rain barrel irrigation system.
I love the video and I love the color of your tor nails.
If you had a bigger battery Bank saying 4 to 6 batteries and a bigger inverter you could run say a small window unit ac
@j j 2021 I know my 2000 Honda will run a small window unit
you dont have to start with a charged battery, but it will need to be higher than 10.5 volts
Yes yo u can pump water. with a 12 v water pump ( shurflo or. flojet for example
Love the nail polish on your toes I’m so lost I thought the sun charged the solar panels I’m so lost but your video has helped me a lot
Excellent video well done I have this kit hoping to test it this weekend.!
The purple toenails on the foot holding the instruction book open confused me so much at first I couldn't tell what was going on or if I was seeing things, lol. Good color on the nails though.
Thank you very much for the video. Well explained. Can’t wait to see your next video that you talked about running other items. God bless and thanks for what you’re doing
OMG, somebody finally explained it so clearly. thank you. so can you add another battery to the system? and how do you?
Yes. Connect the batteries in parallel (positive to positive and negative to negative).
@@krakenfarm9682 so you can add 3 + batteries just add them like you said
@@dianefeltner4084 yes, it will just take longer to charge since the current will be divided among the batteries.
Wow thank you for the walkthrough!!!
Thank you :-) God Bless All
love the purple toenails!
😂😂😂 I had to stop the video to see if anyone had commented on that! 4:37
Mine are blue as I watch this
remember!!!!!!! always hook up the battery 1st!!!!!!! then your pannels
Great tutorial video Man thanks for spending the money and doing all the research Sir 🙏👍🤙
Great video
Good job with this video. This is exactly what I wanted to see. Thank you.
Best video for this product great job
Thank you. Good instruction. What size battery do I need? Will any size 12v auto battery work? Will a $50 walmart work?
Good question I'd like to know the answer too
Your battery is the storage basically, the bigger the storage the longer it is going to last, so get a 100 AH or 200Ah, as for the panels, that's your Generador or Alternator the more wattage the faster it will recharge your battery, it all depends on need/use/lasting time..
Great straight forward instructive video!!~!! Thanks
How many do you need to power a whole house
Can this be connected to a generator?
Great information, many thanks
Great video!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This panel can put out close to 100 watts th-cam.com/users/postUgkxOqI2yqX0XVrhR2BMJciTWrHJpG8FhJyg when positioned in the appropriate southernly direction, tilted to the optimal angle for your latitude/date, and connected to a higher capacity device than a 500. The built in kickstand angle is a fixed at 50 degrees. Up to 20% more power can be output by selecting the actual date and latitude optimal angle.The 500 will only input 3.5A maximum at 18 volts for 63 watts. Some of the excess power from the panel can be fed into a USB battery bank, charged directly from the panel while also charging a 500. This will allow you to harvest as much as 63 + 15 = 78 watts.If this panel is used to charge a larger device, such as the power station, then its full output potential can be realized.
Never hook up your panels to the controller without first hooking the controller to a battery. That’s solar 101. There is nowhere for the power to go and will fry the controller. But in this case you are not losing much.
next video, same panels but a set of 4 kits each (16 solar panels). attach all wires to a series of 4 12v batteries. what all can you run and how long. could you run say a small window unit, ice box, tv, hot plate.. etc.
?
Thank you Sir, I just got that setup and nothing came with my inverter and they are saying I need a heavy duty cord to set up in inverter but you didn't so why are they telling me to spend 44+ dollars for a 6 ft cavle to set it up.
Great video. Encouraging for a possible set up for an Incinolet toilet. Have you heard from anyone doing that?
Thank you. Very informative.
Why wont it charge below 10.8 ?
11am on March 1st 224. Where did you get a four post battery? I’ve got the same Thunderbolt solar kit I bought about 10 years ago. I just took it out of the box this past Sunday. And I just bought an inverter yesterday from Harbor Freight. Now I have to buy a battery. I thought with the inverter I would not need a “4” post battery and extra cables. So this is what I asking
So this won’t work for a 250 watts heat lamp?
You can buy 12 volt lights and fans and radios that will run off a 12 volt battery if thats all that the solar kit puts out, you don't need 120 volts for all that.
Gary Powell wat bout a heat source
@@stephenieknot9086 too many watts needed to make enough heat. Batteries are not a good choice for this purpose
Good job. Thank you.
Will that system run a Diesel heater in a 20ft camper. And keep that camper warm enough during the winter at -20 degrees outside temperature???
What about 2 lithium batteries to run a refrigerator with a 400w-800w inverter, will that work with sane setup but 2 batteries?
Any updates??
I bought the 4 panel kit and was wondering if I could bypass the 4 connector and just use one of the panels? Don't want to use octopus haha lol
Can someone tell me why you need a Car Battery for Solar Panels🥴🤔🤔🤔
I have solar batteries but you use what you can use
I'm building a 2 room house , but I want to know what I would need to completely power both rooms with appliances
Good review 👍 thank you
I really loved your video as a matter fact I shared it. I do have a question, when you hooked up the fan and the charge controller said 11.7 V, what did that really mean. I know you said it’s taking up a lot of energy but did that mean your battery dropped down to 11.7 V? I just don’t get that part. Thank you again for a great video
I have the same question. Also, I think you bought one solar panel for around $150, then 3 more for a total of $600 plus an inverter, plus a marine battery ($100) just to be able to run a fan? Can this run a fridge? I'm wondering after this level of investment, what can I run? I will need a fridge. Lights I can handle with flashlights during a power outage. Just curious if this would be good for power outages.
@@itshotinhouston no all 4 panels came in 1 Box.
Great video, how would you hook up a second 100 watt panel for a little more power?
The charge controllers for these are only 10 amps,so if you're talking about tying them in together youd need a larger controller. I think the set of 4 panels puts out like 6.8 amps,if I remember correctly. Your other option is two independent kits with separate batteries.
Never connect the solar panels until you connect the battery first or you will damage the charge controller
Great video ....thanks .... too the point
can this kit with the charger trickle charge three 12 volt batteries at the same time; with all 3 batteries with its own positive an d negative cable connection a plugged into the 3 sets of connector ports at the bottom of charger ?
I have the 4panels kit with 25 w each for total of 100 w with a 100 w charger controller. Can I use the new 100w panel with the 100w charge controller. I mean can I use 4 panels for a solar total of 400w with the 100w charge controller? Or must I get a 500w charge controller to use with the 400w solar power
Can it power a small ac window unit
It would be much nicer if it came with m c four connectors instead of whatever that is
great vid ty
🏃🏾♀️ get an inverter, got it
How can you do one that shows how you can set up four sets of solar panels? I bought four boxes of them of that one you just did and I just want to know if I put them all together how much power will I get out of it and how would that set it up cuz I'm not sure I realize each one has to go to a battery. I have four batteries for every crate every solar panel system. I got a battery for it. I have everything else that you have there. I also wondering where do I get the wire like if I wanted to run it a long distance not long long distance but a little bit of a distance. Hope you can help me
have you tested how many peak amps you can get from this? rated at 6.8, average from 100w solar might be around 6.. I got one of these recently and just tested, bit of a cloudy day and was showing about 4.5A at best on my battery monitor. If you'd like I can follow up here with more results. lmk, and thanks for your video review.
6:14 Did you drop that battery on your foot, or do you paint your toenails purple?
Need help. In normal mode it shows 13V and appears to stop charging. But the battery only charged to 12.5 according to the multimeter. I try to put it in 14.4 mode and it seems to do nothing. The charging animation not happening.
Can you sued it on a rv trailer with 2 battery just to keep them charge up when not a round?
So it should run a TV and DVD player in a camper van?
How many watts panels can support the controller? Please!!
Which type of home battery bank will this be able to attach to and charge?
Can this sparingly be used on a lamp, ir wifi router?
Did you ever do an update ?
Newbie here! Am I understanding correctly the solar panel's purpose is to charge the battery? And the battery powers the devices? Is that correct?
I'm trying to figure out something similar. Ex. How much is the battery drained. And can this power a lamp for a few hours
How many watts can support the controller? Please!!
What if you don't have extra terminals on your battery?
You can run a tv an dvd player off of it
Where does your inverter plug into the charge controller?
I'm trying to learn about solar. Thanks for sharing. Much Blessings to you. 🙏 Lord-Jesus-Christ ✝c✝o✝m
What is the inverter plugged into or is it plugged in ?
If it's plugged into house current what's the point of having solar ???
The inverter is connected to the 12 Volt Battery, the Battery is charged from the Solar Panels with the charge controller between the Battery and Solar Panel
How long does it last if you just use just use the bulbs
are you able to use it without battery? say the 50W -X2 foldable , totaling 100W, to power appliances with the inverter thing ? would it damage small devices for charging ?
I heard you should hook up a battery first then hook up the charge controller. Without a battery it can burn up
Will it fix to a outside brick wall