Solar Generator - Finished Version and Final Design Updates
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- Опубликовано: 22 сен 2017
- The finished large solar generator featured in our "DIY How To Build a Solar Generator" video series. We go over the solar generator features, solar panel kit specs, and battery bank expansion units. In addition, we show how to upgrade / improve several aspects of the original design including a higher power AC power inverter (3,000 watt continuous, 6,000 watt peak), fully waterproof external switches, mounting improvements, and a better way to store accessories inside the solar generator main case.
I have posted links to the updated components I am using below. See the full component list and build instructions here:
www.modernsurvivalists.com/ho...
Amazon links:
Inverter - amzn.to/340C7OD
Pelican 1620 Case - amzn.to/2r72RyA
Solar Panel Kit - amzn.to/2XnwqrF
IPV6 Switch - amzn.to/2QwpiHS
Switch harness - amzn.to/2OkEiGa
JB Weld Epoxy - amzn.to/2XrWqlO
Music:
Shurk - Innocent Man - / shirkofficial 
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Great Video ! ! ! I watched it several times so I can truly understand how you build your Solar Generator.
I will be building mine very soon!
I would be happy to affix your sticker to my finished project!
I just finished building my Solar Generator, I used a 4000 watt Krieger inverter. Simply amazing. THANK YOU! I am so excited to have this amazing solar generator.
Would you recommend the 4000W vs 3000w? Is size a concern in the case? Is Krieger what you'd recommend? What about the Renogy Inverter? montanareno@gmail.com
I have lived off grid here in Alaska for 12 years and could use a diy power system.
By far the best day built unit I have done lots of research and watched hours and hours of video... great job, clean and extremely useful.
I just completed my build. Inverters are hard to find right now, called Krieger and found that the 3000 is on back order for an undetermined period of time, so I went with a 4000 watt Krieger, so we are now the proud owners of a 4000 watt solar generator based on your build. Thank you so much for the time you invested and for sharing your knowledge. Hubby and I love to boondock but are not ready to lay out the money for a full solar build on our RV. The most we do is charge our phones, iPads, occasionally the laptop and use a blender for smoothies, this generator is going to be more than sufficient for our needs. I would proudly sport one of your stickers if you still have one available.
Awesome! Thank you! Use the "Send Message" button on my channel page (ruclips.net/user/ModernSurvivalistsabout) to send me a private message with your mailing address and I will get it sent out!
Hi joy how are you?
Just finished watching your build on this Sogen, tons of great ideas! Getting ready to start my own build,. Thank you for blazing some trail!
Good luck on your solar generator build!
Thank you for the considerable effort you put into making this series! Very excellent and well done.
thanks again. i put a solar generator together from your video 4 years ago. ive made modifications as well however the principal is still in tact. i appreciate you sharing.
Great Video -- I starting building one for my family in Puerto Rico (thank you!)
Thank you for your videos of the solar generator. From watching yours I have made a smaller version of my own with many of the same components / ideas as yours. Mine is only 28 amp hours with a 50 watt panel. The idea of mine is for extended camping of the grid or for long power outages.
Thanks Tiffany, Glad they were helpful!
This is wonderful, your post helped me to make the right purchase of things I needed to build a simple portable solar generator. Thanks million times for this ingenuity.
Love the videos. Best information I have been able to find online. Will be building this over the next few months. Will be adding an additional battery or two as well. Thank you so much for posting this golden information.
This series is great, thank you for taking the time and energy, very well put together.
Thank you sir! I soon will build a solar system. You've explained it " how to " very clear in your video.
Great video. Based on your video series I plan to build my own. You give detailed instructions and give people confidence that they can do it as well. I appreciate the videos you make. Keep up the good work.
Thank you Christopher!!
Thanks everyone!
I am building this for my camper next week!
This is the best instructional video I’ve watched on solar generator. I will be looking at the componants list to start a list of my own. Thanks again.
Bruce from Iowa
Glad it was helpful!
Just found your video. I've made smaller versions built into ammo cans. I have a similar Pelican case and some sealed batteries, so perhaps I'll upgrade to a larger unit like yours. Great build!!
Great job. I have a 5000-10,000 watt unit mounted in my pick up truck box built based on you design and build. I have a few tweaks to make to it now but I love the versatility of the high amp plugs and 12 volt outlets.
I would proudly sport one of your stickers.
Thank you Dennis!
Use the "Send Message" button on my channel page (ruclips.net/user/ModernSurvivalistsabout) to send me a private message with your mailing address and I will get it sent out!
Looks like the "Send Message" button only shows up on computer. You won't see it if your using a phone. Sorry for any confusion. Please send your mailing address to mark@modernsurvivalists.com and mention your RUclips username. Thanks!
Hey Dennis I’m looking to make one like your with that much watt can you help me with advise on how to make it and specs items and wire diagram and parts you used as well thx in advance
Please make a video about your generator. PLEASE
Hi Dennis! I am interested in building a solar generator similar to your wattage as we have recently suffered a catastrophic event. Would you be able to provide a parts list of your build and possibly a schematic? I'm a complete noob.
thank you for going step by step....that's how I learn some times when others make it complicated...
Hu Laurie how are you?
Great video. Easy to follow and great photography!
What an absolutely fantastic project. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks John!
Great work. Planning on doing a similar project. Thanks!!!
Mark, I just ordered all the parts for the solar generator. I am waiting for delivery. Thank you for this wonderful design. I would love a sticker for my generator.
Thanks, Patrick
I do love your videos I did watch him and I plan to build one slightly a little bigger than yours but using your Technique so we can use it up on our property thank you
Hi hope you are fine
best video ever , great and simple explanation
This is pretty neat. I am going to see about building one. One enhancement I would like to look into is if it’s possible to adapt this design to charge at an EV charging station. With many of these being free now, it could be a quick / cheap way to fill it with juice.
Great video and design!
Thanks Kevin
Great job, I’ll always wanted to build something like that. I bought a 45W Harbor Freight to experiment but yours is top of the line. I would like to complete one like your, already have 2 AGM batteries but need the power inverter and the 100W solar panels would like something that folds down for transportation. Great job but a lot of money, between the case, the inverter and the battery is more than $500.00 then you need to add the solar panels and all other components. I think one need a budget of about $1,000
i like the light switch as I have them on my camper. One point that might be good to note is you should mount the switch whee u dont look thru the light to find it. On the cover of the box or make all switching in a single location
Awesome idea!!!
Been following and commenting on the project, appreciate your time and effort, it's helpful and the video here rounds things out nicely! Look forward to your future projects sir, god bless.
Thanks Stabby! I appreciate the encouragement. : )
ModernSurvivalists certainly, ty too
I like the lights, idea!👍
Great Job ! I'm planning to to build one inside a missile box!!
Like the videos I am putting one together with a pelican case
Wow, love the whole series. How has it held up over the years?
Great job bro
Love it
I wanted to give you a BIG THANK YOU for your great ideas. I have created a new box based on your ideas. THANKS. R
2x BATTLE BORN 100 AH Batteries
Pelican 1620 Wheeled Case No Foam
Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel
Power Inverter Pure Sine Wave 1200Watt 12V DC to 110V 120V
EPEVER MPPT Charge Controller 30A Tracer3210AN + Remote Meter MT50
NOCO Genius GEN5X1, 1-Bank, 5-Amp Fully-Automatic Smart Marine Charger
NOCO GCP1 15 Amp AC Port Plug 125 Volt Power Inlet Socket
Shangyuan LED Interior Boat Lights - Navigation Light White (Pack of 2)
15A Weatherproof Outdoor Power Outlet by Journeyman-Pro 15 Amp 125 Volt NEMA 5-15R Receptacle Kit
IRHAPSODY 12 V DC 120 Amp 4 Pin Heavy Duty Relay/Split Charge Relay Switch,
Blue Sea Systems 5045 Fuse Block St Blade Mini 4
It won't allow me to post a PHOTO
Sounds good!
Great video, very informative and i will definitely use it for my design. I'd also love a sticker...Thanks, Andrew
I had some more made recently. Use the "Send Message" button on my channel page (ruclips.net/user/ModernSurvivalistsabout) to send me a private message with your mailing address and I will get it sent out!
I need to make one of theses asap
Been looking at the videos for the portable solar generators and out of all the ones I have watched yours is great for the beginners like me to watch because you explain stuff better then the others now my thing is I want to build one larger enough to run a whole house and still have enough power to do other things with it while maintaining the house with power. Any ideas on this. I do have a large tuff box and one of the pelican cases you used for your. I was thinking one of the boxes could be used for just the batteries.
thanks good job
Awesome series thank you for the ideas and would love to get a sticker
Sure! Please send your mailing address to mark@modernsurvivalists.com
I have watched your videos over and over. You have the clearest and easy to understand instructions on youtube. I had been interested in building one for a while but now I am going to build one over time especially after dealing with Hurricane Harvey here in Corpus Christ, TX. I have already built a solar shed lighting setup with a 10 watt panel, small charge controller, 12v 9ah battery and some led light strips turned on by a toggle switch. Lights up the shed incredibly. I also just bought a dual fuel generator since it was a deal I couldn't pass up on but I am going to build a solar generator to have multiple options. I would love to get some stickers so I will send you a message for some. Also, I noticed that the inverter that you upgraded to isn't on amazon anymore or at least I can't find it. Any suggestions on a comparable model.
It keeps going out of stock. Hopefully they get some new ones in soon. I am not sure what the best alternative is. It mainly has to fit in the same location arrangement, and the external control switch on the Kreiger was a nice feature.
Really a nice set up you made there.
Can the battery be charged from a vehicle through the 12vdc outlet? I'm just thinking that if you had it in your vehicle you could run a long cord that plugs into your cigarette lighter outlet and into you box and charge your battery while driving down the road.
What about adding a retractable 25 foot extension cord reel mounted inside the box and have a single gang outdoor rated electrical box that's weather proof and a spring loaded cover mounted on the outside and have the cords female end store inside that weather proof outdoor rated electrical box. Then when you need an extension cord, just lift the spring loaded cover, reach in and grab the female end and pull out the cord. Now you always have a wired up extension cord that you can just grab and use and rewind it quickly.
I'm really enjoying you channel and decided to sub. Keep up the great work.
Love it! Thank you! Can you please tell me the approximate cost of all of the materials?
Very concise vids Thanks.. IF you still have a sticker Ill sport one. Getting 4 more 6 volt golf cart batteries for my 2nd solar project tomorrow..whoop whoop!
How are you dissipating the heat form the inventor? I would recommend a pure sine wave inverter for better power. Good video!
Cool video
With 3000 watts available you should really hook the GFCI plug wires wrapped around the screw the push in are not rated for as many amps but then again 3000w is what like 25ish amps which that plus is what 15 or 20 amp rated
Love a sticker!
very easy with your instruction . now cant you install a 30 amp to run the house with a transfer switch. I know i need to go big and what would be the material I need to do like 3500 watts thanks .
Post up if you want some free stickers! Details in the video...
ModernSurvivalists are any of the stickers still available?
Great design! I'm now incorporating several features that you used in my solar generator. One question. Have you found the lights on the side and the top of the case useful?
Yes, I use them all the time in the barn where I keep the solar generator. The top one bounces off the ceiling and provides good light that doesn't blind you so much when looking back towards the generator.
Very nice, what was the total cost of the build. I'm definitely going to try and build one similar to yours, for overlanding
Built one quite similar to yours, thanks for the inspiration and the detailed videos. I have a minor issue with the Renogy (wanderer) charge controller. The LED indicator lights stay on after being disconnected from power source. Curious if this a design flaw with the controller for this type of application or have I wired it incorrectly? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.
bad ass.....wondering if there had been any new updates for 2021!!! likely that I will start building mine next week.
Have you had any experience or thought of using a pure sine wave inverter? I know they are appreciably more expensive. If I were to choose one, what is the maximum size that will the case will allow?
Thanks in advance.
quality video.....very comprehensive....always appreciate quality work like that....I live in the far north (great state of ALASKA.,so quality work is a priority.,as our lives generally depend on it often:)and have put together a few solar systems for up here...but it has now became time to build one very similar to your final design..Since we see temperatures of -20f to -50f (ambient air)on a regular basis each season,,i am curious to ask,,has any of the components that you used been cold weather tested,or are you aware of any of them that have a tendency to fail..or cold weather "shrink",as so many electrical components and connections will ,during extreme cold conditions?...us Alaskans find ourselves in a lot of trial and error situations when using unproven equipment that may or may not be suitable for our conditions.It is something we must constantly be aware of,and always be prepared to retrofit things that weren't built by our own hands.so if you or any of the other viewers are aware of any that I should not consider or should eliminate before I start this next build,it would be greatly appreciated..!! And once again,,great work from you guys...take care ,,and keep on surviving:)
I haven't tested / used it in any temps as extreme cold as that. I live in Ohio and have used it with below freezing temps, and it has been stored in a barn that saw below 0 F temps overnight occasionally when the solar charging system would have been on, but the inverter was off at the time.
Love it and your near step by step, but for the life of me where are your templates you mentioned
I'm seriously considering building this for my RV solar array. My main concern is that I may need roughly twice the capacity for my computer setup, and fabrication machine shop.
Hi Jack, check out my video on how to expand the system. I tried to make it flexible for those situations. You may need a different inverter, or possibly a larger charge controller, but the number of batteries and / or solar panels is easy to expand.
Great Video- very clear and through instructions and illustrations! I'm looking forward to building this unit. Thanks! Question: How would this design change if the goal was to power the living space of an RV or tiny/small house with lights, computer, DVD/CD/video monitor, refrigerator, and AC in-window unit? Thanks Again!
Thanks! For an RV if you don't need the solar generator to be separate, you can use a lot of the same components and just installed them directly into a compartment. I did a blog post about this here: www.modernsurvivalists.com/adding-solar-power-camper-rv/
Pure sine wave inverter maybe?
Hi really great job, thanks a lot. You encouraged me to do the same portable box but with small edition, my question is,, Can it be charged through cigarette lighter in the car?
Yes it can. If the car is running at the time it will keep your car battery from being drained at the same time. The battery in the unit is as large or larger than most car batteries, so keep that in mind!
Hey, If you have any stickers left I would love one! After checking out solar generators and wanting a Goal Zero generator, I cannot bring myself to spend that kind of money on them. So I have decided to make my own version (your version of it). I have never done this and I am very excited to try this.
Awesome! I still have a few stickers. Use the "Send Message" button on my channel page (ruclips.net/user/ModernSurvivalistsabout) to send me a private message with your mailing address and I will get it sent out!
I'm working on collecting parts for my generator now, trying to keep it at 1100W primarily for camping just in case I need a little more load. I don't think it would be complete without the logo telling where I got the inspiration.
Sounds like a good plan! Please send your mailing address to mark@modernsurvivalists.com for the decal. Thanks!
Great "how to" videos on the solar generator, I've been looking at installing a backup house system for those short term power outages. When you want lights and t.v. but don't want to hook up the BIG GENERAC. Have you had any overheating issues on the inverter? Seems like it being sealed inside a closed case and being black could cause some heat problems.
No I haven't but I use it intermittently most of the time. I usually open the case to let it breathe if I am running a very heavy load. The inverter is supposed to shut off automatically if it gets too warm, but I haven't deliberately tried to over heat it with the case sealed up. I like the sealed case though because it is fully waterproof and I don't need to worry about the cooling fans sucking in water during adverse weather.
This seems like what I have been looking for but can I add more panels and more batteries? I would like to hook it to my house but make it easy to unhook if the SHTF (shit hits the fan). Can this be done?
Thank you! I'll take a sticker if you have any! :)
Just had some more made recently. Use the "Send Message" button on my channel page (ruclips.net/user/ModernSurvivalistsabout) to send me a private message with your mailing address and I will get it sent out!
Great videos, watched them all, very detailed and inspiring. I am ready to build my own. I would like a sticker if available. Thanks.
Thanks Joe!
Use the "Send Message" button on my channel page (ruclips.net/user/ModernSurvivalistsabout) to send me a private message with your mailing address and I will get it sent out!
Looks like the "Send Message" button only shows up on computer. You won't see it if your using a phone. Sorry for any confusion. Please send your mailing address to mark@modernsurvivalists.com and mention your RUclips username. Thanks!
I've always been under the impression that invertors over 1500 watts needed at least 2 12v batteries, no matter the Amperage. Is the AC side only utilized when the panels are hooked up?
does the pure sinewave inverter overheat if its in a sealed box?
have you thought about using Headway batteries for the power holders they are lighter
Great job. I really enjoy it. I would really like a sticker to show support.
Thanks
Thanks Kristian!
Use the "Send Message" button on my channel page (ruclips.net/user/ModernSurvivalistsabout) to send me a private message with your mailing address and I will get it sent out!
Looks like the "Send Message" button only shows up on computer. You won't see it if your using a phone. Sorry for any confusion. Please send your mailing address to mark@modernsurvivalists.com and mention your RUclips username. Thanks!
Happy New Year! Mark. Great work on your videos. Am planning on doing exactly the same. One question when the unit in on. (Inverter). I assume you open the top four ventilation?.
I have some Headway Lifepo4 batteries planning on using them instead of the Optima battery. Everything else should be the same set up. Box I purchased on Letgo. Pelican 1610. Just a few inches smaller than yours. Thanks again.
Thanks Miguel! Yes, I will open the box if the weather is nice and I plan to be using heavier draw equipment. Lighter loads (lighting, refrigerator, etc.) it seems to work fine without needing to open the case.
I want to build one with two optimas in tandem. Any tips?
do you still have stickers!!!??? Your videos are supper informative! I have built my own solar generator because of this series! thank you!!
Yes, I still have a few left. Use the "Send Message" button on my channel page (ruclips.net/user/ModernSurvivalistsabout) to send me a private message with your mailing address and I will get it sent out!
Great videos, very detailed. I followed them in building my solar generator but substituted ExpertPower 12v 200Ah Lithium LifePO4 battery. Everything is working, I can run power tools, fans, etc... but when I connect my 25 sq ft Refrigerator/Freezer it runs for 5 to 10 mins then trips the GFCI plug outlet and cuts off the Inverter. I'm not electrician, any ideas???
Thanks Robert! It sounds like the fridge may have a small current leak to ground. After I built this, I have seen some recommend not using a GFCI breaker with portable inverters. I am not sure why, perhaps because they are often not tied into a ground rod. As a test you might try running the fridge from one of the outlets directly on the inverter, bypassing the GFCI outlet.
Hi!!
Does anybody know if the 3000 watts portable solar generator with an extra battery would cover all of the power needs for a regular house for one day?
Thanks!
Good update. But I want to add a second trap case for 2 , 3, or 4 more batters to extend my battery time as I'm running full sized freg. Can you make a video on wiring that please and adding a port to the main trap case?
Check out the playlist of my videos for this build. The solar panel and battery bank expansion video does just what you describe!
Does the closed box have a negative effect on inverter cooling? Great vid 👍
If it is closed, it may get warmer. For light loads this has not been an issue and is fully weatherproof this way. If I am running heavy loads I simply open the case for ventilation.
I'm sure it would be too much of an ask, but could you design and record a video using lithium ion 18650 batteries. I own 500 brand new Panasonic 18650B batteries. I also thought using a 30ft mc4 solar charging cable could allow the case to remain completely out of sun whilst charging, which may allow longer life span for your generator.
I'm new at all this please, any input or thoughts would be welcome.
I have a question, If the inverter has internal fuses, why do you need a fuse relay and bus bar? Im not building my box with as much stuff as you and I'm wondering why I need a fuse box if the inverter has fuses. Thanks for any help.
good effort, but that battery would not last long with any reasonable load on the inverter. As I write this in 2020, LiFePo4 batteries have come down in price and you could get 4 times the capacity in the same battery space.
How did you get 2 14-gage wires into the yellow plugs?
Would appreciate ADVICE: I’ve obtained several battery packs that are made of 32 cells. 8s4p. They are 26650 cells
And are LiFe PO4. There are no Bms boards. Only. Red and black leads. They are are
Reading about 26.3 volts. Label says 12.8 Ah. Question: How can I best use these?
Test them? Charge them? There are many... A pallet full. Each pack about the
Size and weight of a brick... they are shrink wrapped.
I'm also planning to set up a solar power system. However I will not use an inverter. I will instead spurn appliances that operate on AC and replace them with DC-powered systems.
Thanks man, your video has been much help.
P.s: i know this is like a year later but, do you still have those stickers by any chance?
Just saw this. I had some more made recently. Use the "Send Message" button on my channel page (ruclips.net/user/ModernSurvivalistsabout) to send me a private message with your mailing address and I will get it sent out!
Do you happen to have an itemized parts list by name? Im having trouble viewing your website just need an azimuth check on what exactly to get.....Love this build by the way
Great stuff. I’m sure I just missed it but about how much did this project cost to complete? Also did it cost more to make than to buy something comparable?
Thanks for watching. Prices fluctuate a little bit but on the blog post linked in the video description I have all the items listed and it auto updates with the current amazon price. When I made the video, it was less than half of what a pre-made system would cost for similar size output wattage.
I want to build one with 2000 watt 120/240 volt out pure sine wave inverter that runs of 12 volt I've seen so many great DYI unit that by picking and choosing I can build a unit that is perfect for me this is the only thing stopping me
Maybe a simple question but would this run a sm (pop up camper) ac and a small cube deep freeze?
Hi how are you?
Hi I’ve notes in you final video you have changed the wire. What gauge speaker wire did you use and can you send me a link to the quick contact to the solar panels. I have built 3 solar generators myself. I did not you you can use speaker wires as solar wire, I also like the quick connect to the panels.
I changed it to a 12 AWG outdoor extension cord. Much less expensive and very flexible for easy coiling. Wire is wire, so long as the gauge is sufficient for the current and the insulation is rated for the voltage! The quick connect is a 6-pin trailer connector. See the main blog post for this series for details on all the components.
OK, 3/4 done. Have my solar working to charge the lithium battery via the Redarc BCDC1225D. Now what I want it to have a meter that tells me how much of a charge I am getting via my solar panels. I'd also like another monitor to tell me my load on the battery and its status. Doing a little more research here....
Did you ever plan on putting in a monitor?
Hi Stephan how are you?
What was total cost of this build? Thx!
I'm not sure how big that optima battery is but for not much more you can get 4, 90Ah lithium iron phosphate batteries so basically a 12v battery for about $200 from AliExpress then You just need a bms so like $50 to $150 depending on the current you need which 3000 watts from one 12v battery is a lot like 250 amps which would not last very long anyways I think I'd go 24v I mean you lose some of the 12v function but you can use a buck converter for everything but a jump start option and also I mean that plug was only a 15A or 20A plug so you can really only pull like 2400 watts anyway
And it only looks like the blue top come in a 55Ah and a 50Ah I think that's the 50 so at like 2400watts you could only get like 15 min of runtime vs spending a little more on lithium that will last a long longer and with 8 of the 90Ah cells you would have about 2kw of battery vs 600watt hours but since if you want lead acid batteries to last any amount of time you should really only let get to 50% state of charge so effectively 300 watt hours wow that is pretty bad really I mean you can get a jackery for like $500 that would probably take care of most of your needs
How are those external lights working out for you ?? Are they bright enough? Been shopping for a stupid week now trying to find the best lights to add to my solar generator.
They work great! For the price I think they would be hard to beat.
Thank you for the great video. I am working on doing something like this. I would like to get a sticker as well. Thank you.
Thanks Mark!
Use the "Send Message" button on my channel page (ruclips.net/user/ModernSurvivalistsabout) to send me a private message with your mailing address and I will get it sent out!
Looks like the "Send Message" button only shows up on computer. You won't see it if your using a phone. Sorry for any confusion. Please send your mailing address to mark@modernsurvivalists.com and mention your RUclips username. Thanks!
Mark Carlson
Thanks for the great video. Thank you
I also built my own. Thanks for the inspiration. Did a video of my build on my channel if you would like to see it.
where does one find your suggestions for the parts that are no longer available fron amazon?
In the video description I have a link to my blog post where I try to keep an updated list.
Hi! Thank you for the videos! I realized there is now a 4000watts Inverter. Can I use this inverter with the battery and all other parts that you recommend? I mean, are they compatible or would I need more batteries?
Thank you! And I would love a sticker if you still have one more left.
You can, but ya, you'll need another battery
Yes you can! It does not require an additional battery to work, but one battery will not provide as much power / run time as multiple ones will. I used the 4,000w unit in a later video in this series, as well as showed how to add optional quick connect battery expansion units.
Hi Marcela how are you?