How To Build A Solar Generator (2,000 Watt) - Part 1
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- Опубликовано: 10 июн 2016
- Part 1 of our DIY video series on how to build a large solar generator. In this step we will be demonstrating the load capabilities and going over the major components.
See the full component list and build instructions here: www.modernsurvivalists.com/ho...
Amazon links for major components used:
Inverter - amzn.to/340C7OD
Solar Panel Kit - amzn.to/2XnwqrF
Pelican 1620 Case - amzn.to/2r72RyA
Optima Battery - amzn.to/2Opj7CJ
Music:
Shurk - Innocent Man - / shirkofficial 
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Latest Video: Double the life of your water heater in 15 minutes with a $28 dollar part! ruclips.net/video/pTZeAwVx2gs/видео.htmlsi=sBM3_R-QgzHEq8a9 😮
*A quiet **Generater.Systems** , love the dual fuel capabilities, camper is 50 amp but the adapter helps and found it still handles the load. Haven't taken a camping trip yet, that's in a couple of weeks. Will see how well it does over a long weekend.*
I did a similar video with my LifePO4 solar generator and a 2000w pure sine inverter. In the video I used a clamp meter to test the inrush current of a larger non-soft-start shop table saw. The inrush current was massive. Something like 5 times the capacity of the inverter. Ultimately, I think brushless battery powered tools are the solution if you really need to use power tools on solar. I've recently started playing with the Milwaukee Fuel line as a result. Very impressed so far.
Looks like you are off to a good start and have a great plan for assembling your unit. Looking forward to seeing part 2!
Thanks! We just posted part 2 here: www.modernsurvivalists.com/how-to-build-a-large-solar-generator-part-2-component-testing/
Boy, when he says "I'm going to do a field test", he means it...:)
Best comment lol. My type of workspace tho. 💗
Today I was looking for a commercial built solar generator when I discovered your "How To" video and I must say you did an excellent and thorough job of explaining and showing how to build this generator. I know most commercial generators can be $1-3$ K and I feel I could build it myself for less. I will be looking at your parts list and cost of this build before I decide which way to go. Besides I think it would be a fun project for me and my son to build!
one of the best home made set up I like it thanks for sharing building one for me soon but id like to get flex or semi flex panels keep it up men thanks again
It's the Windows XP hills!!!
Almost haha but from what I remember the original fields have been used to build on waaay way back
What a well thought out system ! You went 1st Class on all the components... rare in kits like this. The documentation all around is fantastic ! After I finish my small system & find it useful, I will glean your efforts, for sure ! Thanks for all your time in sharing it with us !
Thank You for increasing my vocabulary . Or should I say I Gleaned for my vocabulary .
I'm not sure but ,if anyone else wants to learn about cons of solar energy for home try Magonsi Solar System Expert (do a search on google ) ? Ive heard some amazing things about it and my partner got amazing success with it.
@@JoseMolina-sj1km really odd webpage
This is awesome I'm currently building one just like this thankyou.
Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for the video .
Very nice! You could even do a single 400 watt panel
The cat was like "This battery smells weird"
Great start and waiting for part 2. Renogy does make a 100W folding solar panel that might be more portable. Also, how many batteries will you use and what will be your final battery capacity in amp hours? I didn't see that spec on Amazon. I'm a newbie to solar but do you think the 2000 watt inverter seems overkill for what your battery capacity will be able to hold?
This thing is bad ass man. Great job. I even watched the final video. Do you think I’d be able to power a small space heater at night? For about 8 hours? It would be for my pop up camper
4:16 i like everything on the box except the wheels because going thru taller grass and bumpy terrain. I would put larger wheels on it. 5:18 I would use a lithium ion battery, lasts much longer and charge many , many more times than a marine battery.
I use this same panel for my casita camp trailer,love it. I try to use andersen connectors as they are idiot proof
Nice to see you went with good quality stuff. have you considered making something with Super capacitors like laser hacker did? I see you used the same inverter he did
Are there any better ways or components to do this now in 2020? This seems pretty solid, so mostly asking as a beginner without much knowledge.
renogy makes a 100 watt sold suitcase. they work well.
Also have you ever thought of doing the Overland and Outdoor Expos?
You need the case with a air vent to keep from over heating the inverter.
Drill a hole
this might sound out there but can you put in a metal box to make it possible emp proof?... and can this be a larger set-up for daily use?...thank you...
I am lost when it comes to trying to figure out what battery & or batteries to get . I have 2 count 260 watt solar panels . I am as a below commenter said " Gleaning" my solar project supplies as budget allows . At this time I am lacking solar wire and batteries . I have two solar charge controllers One for a more portable generator And another for multiple and expandable less portable system . Brother any suggestions will be well taken and appreciated . However I know there is a plethora of variables . I am looking for a general guideline or ballpark battery setup . Basically how many ah or batteries can #2 260 watt panels charge in a sunny day with 50 to 60 % discharge ? Again Thank You and as alway God Bless You and Yours .. Tim in west central FL . God Protected us from the hurricane Irma .
Can I add a car alternator with big fan blades for use wind force to charge faster even on night time?
I am considering doing this build but have also considered buying a prebuilt one suck as the Jackery 1000. My question is how long does the battery you use actually last? I see the battery is 55Ah and 12 volt. From the calculators I looked at wouldn't that give this battery only 660Wh before needing to be recharged? Also what was the total weight from this build? I'm guessing its gotta be pushing 100lbs?
Personally, I'd rather run lights off the inverter or just use Solar Lamps. Much more flexible to put light where you need it.
Great video, can you post the link to your volt meter, charging port combo?
Sorry, found it on your parts list!👍🏻
Can you double the output of the panel by simple putting a mirror next to it, in effect making it powered by 2x Sun's, (or an additional sun at 99% reflection, due to reflection limitation of mirror)
Interesting question! I don't know how the panels would react with mirrors reflecting additional sunlight at them. They might over heat, but I have not ever heard of anyone trying this. You would also have to have the mirrors track the sun and continually re-position to keep the reflection pointed back at the panel.
Follow up on this after seeing some research done on it. Mirrors CAN boost the output of the solar panels, but they can over heat which in turn will reduce the lifetime of the solar panel.
I would recommend 4-100amhr with 4-100watt PV panels for reliable usage.
I wanted to build a system that is still portable but able to be expanded. The system I built in this video can be expanded to include 4 100 watt panels, as well as any number of battery bank extenders. Both can be easily added or removed as needed using the provided quick connectors.
the sound of a petrol generator is the least of your problems with them power tools
I would use LiFePO4 batteries. They hold a higher Voltage and they are 1/3 the weight.
Yes, there are a lot better battery options for this now then when I made this video. Hoping to do a new version soon!
Are your ac motor power tools doing ok with a non pure sine inverter? great tutorial
Thanks! No, I haven't noticed any difference when running them on the modified sine wave.
Hi great build I would like to know if both solor input and grid input can be on at the same time ?
Yes you can!
Good day. Will like to find the parts list from your build up power generator. Thanks!
Hi Saul, you can find the full component list along with the step-by-step DIY directions here: www.modernsurvivalists.com/how-to-build-a-2000-watt-solar-generator-part-1/
Great project but the end cuts on that 2X4 against the fence freehand is crazy dangerous
Shouldn't you use yellow top battery ?
Great Tutorial, I', working on a 3000 w Generator but have not started yet. I was going to use two 12v batteries and I discovered the VMAX line of batteries. what is your opinion on these?
My experience with the VMax batteries has been good. I used one of those batteries for the expansion unit. I did a video on that as well.
Nice videos. Do you have any upgrades for 2019?
No major updates to this design. I have tried to keep the amazon links updated with suitable replacements as items became unavailable. I am working on converting a 48v electric golf cart to solar power with the panels on the roof. I plan to add a massive 220v inverter to it after that to make it a very powerful mobile solar generator. Videos on that coming soon!
@@ModernSurvivalists Nice. Just saw this update
How much was it complwtly to do it hun?
I made a small misquote fuse the solar panels to protect the panels not the charge controller!
Now all you need is an articulating stand for the panel, so you can adjust it to stay perpendicular to the sun as the day goes by
what voltage ?
I'm in the process of building a Similar solar generator, mine will be at 36 volts though, 4000 watt continuous inverter and have 6 lifepo4 batteries at 750 watt hours each so I'll have 4500 watt continuous output also it wont be lightweight but still not as heavy as lead acid batteries are.. I have two 250 watt solar panels and an mppt controller.. I can add as many as 7 solar panels due to higher voltage... and it will last longer due to cell chemistry. Lead acid batteries don't do well with large loads longer than a minute they can sometimes make half of their advertised capacity... the cost of mine will be around $1500 due to the bargains I got
👍ty
whats the total life time on the inverter with just the one battery? considering something like this as sort of a portable emergency power kit.. for bad weather and other such similar applications where a gas generator would not be feasible.
It varies depending on how much load you are using. I designed the generator to be expandable, so you will not be limited to one battery, or just one solar panel, if you find it is not adequate for your power needs.
Can you charge with the panels and the noco at the same time?
Yes you can, they both are directly wired to the battery so their output voltages will combine as the total power into the battery.
That battery doesn't care how it's oriented but the cat apparently has a problem with it
My question is: how do you calculate how much the LED lights run for? How do I come up with the calculation for that?
EDWIN617 you look at the wattage output. Just because they’re led doesn’t change the wattage output. What changes is how much wattage you need to light up a area
I'm curious why you didn't use a deep cycle battery? automotive batteries aren't really good for this type of thing.
You think two 200ah batteries charge controller and inverter would fit in that toolbox?
Jerry IzzyJamill Detres Jr. I would think so, depends on the batteries but, with careful planning and fitment im sure it could
i would say a 12 volt truck battery would help supply more power
The Optima in the unit is an automotive battery and is often used in trucks, especially in the off-road industry when electric winches have been added. Use the batteries amp hour rating, which is sometimes hard to find, but it is the easiest way to compare capacity between batteries. For reference, the optima blue top used in the main unit is 55 ah, and the larger slr125 we used in the battery bank expansion units are 125 ah.
My power inverter cable does not have the inline fuse like yours, What size fuse should I have for a 100 Watt AGM, 12 volt 2000 Watt inverter, using a 40Watt Controller?? All of my parts and Pelican Box should be here in a few days, I'm just not sure about the fuse any help would be appreciated. :o)
Hi Richard - I wonder if they changed what the inverter comes with? It used to be included! Check the installation instructions for the inverter and see if it specifies a fuse size. If not - it looks like 2000 watt inverter installation kits usually include a 200A fuse. For the 40W charge controller a 5A fuse to the battery should be sufficient.
Just wanted to double check you actually meant 40w for the charge contoller. My build used a 30A charge controller, which means you should fuse for 30 amps on that component.
ModernSurvivalists the Renogy 2k inverter came with two cables but no fuse. They did not have a recommended fuse in the manual. I did find info on their website which suggested a 300 watt fuse so i ordered one. Also the instructions caution against placing the inverter in a closed container with a battery as there could be a chance of fire or explosion, i thought the AGM’s didn’t have to worry about that. What do you think? Last item is airflow for the inverter, any problems there at all? Thanks for the help and the great videos!!
ModernSurvivalists yes i have a 40 amp controller. I bought it befor i saw your videos.
Great info, but I am getting motion sickness from the camera moving around so fast.
I like how table saw was used as an example when they are loud as crap lol
True lol. I used it because they are one of the most power hungry portable tools that contractors commonly use.
What a bloody noise with the saw running! Couldnt you try another load with something else? And get to the point.
You didn't show us just how long II can run the saw. The voltage hardly dropped in your demo. Take it to the max.!
Have you ever considered gel-cell batteries??
What do you do when your cat makes a condo out of your Pelican case? They do that, you know.
Capacitor
Wouldnt a yellow top battery be better in this case? Please let me know as im torn between the 2
I am not sure either. I went with the blue top because I had used one in the past and it was a great battery.
doomsday prepping my bitcoin miner
Sir don't make the normal newbee mistakes of NOT fusing your equipment. Safety First! At least the inverter company provided a fuse for that piece of equipment! Now every load must have a fuse at the source to protect the wires from heating and causing a fire. Fuse to protect the wires not the load. Even the positive wire from the solar panels needs fused to protect the charge controller. All loads from the battery needs a fuse so get inline fuses or wire in a fuse block. 12 volts will cause a fire if shorted and not fused at the positive post. This is where most people forget the safety equipment. Even use a power strip with a breaker in it to protect the AC loads. Good Luck You got some good ideas!
You might want to vent the box. Inverters create a lot of heat.
Cutting the way you did with the table saw at 2:45 is how u get injured by a table saw....be safe.... Learn about kickback
He was in extreme danger.
Your going to kill that battery that inverter can draw 200 or more amps more than twice that Batteries capacity. you should never constantly draw more than 30% of your batteries amp capacity ...
The inverter included its own 150A fuse. The battery I selected has a CCA rating of 750A, way beyond the peak surge of 150A the inverter is fused for. The CCA rating means that this battery when new and fully charged can supply 750 amps for 30 seconds, in 0 degrees F, while still keeping the individual cells higher than 1.2 volts.
It is true that this battery (or anything else short of a very large battery bank) cannot sustain peak loads for a long time. But the applications where I will be using this generator are for powering saws, and other tools. The peak surge is during startup of the tool, and is not continuous. So far in my testing the solar panel is doing a good job of recovering battery voltage with intermittent use of these tools.
$280 just for the box!? Yikes!
You can use less expensive cases, and many have. Keep in mind you will have a very heavy automotive battery plus electronic equipment in the case. I chose the rugged case knowing full well how I would likely treat the unit.
I gave up watching cause you waffled on to much, and then I saw there 8 more videos in the series.
Your tool makes more noise than a generator.