DIY Solar Power Station | Easy for beginner | 1200 Watts, REDODO 200AH + LIFEPO4
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- Опубликовано: 7 фев 2025
- Doing something a little different than camping this time, but I think you folks could modify this build to suite your camping or RV or emergency preparedness needs! With 2560 watt hours of juice in this tank, I could literally keep my fridge running for days on end, or power lights, charge phones, run fans, etc....
This build was fun, and as a complete beginner in this field, it was actually fairly easy. If you have any questions or recommendations (which i'm sure there will be ;)) let me know!
I have posted some Amazon affiliate links below if you are interested in any of the products I used on this build, and remember, coming up, I have a smaller power station I will be building that will not be quite as big, so stay tuned!
Redodo Website
www.redodopowe...
3% DISCOUNT CODE: Brian
Amazon affiliate link for REDODO 200ah PLUS
amzn.to/3IY2YA5
IWISS Crimping and Cable Cutter
amzn.to/3RSzzvo
QWORK Battery Monitor
amzn.to/3RWRaCc
2 AWG Battery Cables
amzn.to/3IVwWVz
Victron 77/15 Smart MPPT Solar Charge Controller
amzn.to/3yXkQ9T
30a in-line fuse
amzn.to/3B7dfs1
Ampeak 1200 watt PURE SINE Inverter
amzn.to/3z3zCMa
2awg 5/16 copper lugs
amzn.to/3b1Y0pB
8awg 5/16 copper lugs
amzn.to/3IY48eV
Bus bars
amzn.to/3PS5MRL
200a in-line fuse
amzn.to/3RRCOTH
Solar Cable Pigtails
amzn.to/3PMvc2Z
Elecaenta 120 watt solar panel
amzn.to/3PvdHV5
only thing I would add to your setup would be a disconnect switch between the battery and the components, this way you can isolate the battery from any parasitic drain when not in use and stored away in the garage. An easy add to your simple portable power station. Nice job. 👍
I agree bud👍🏻 this was just a “mock setup” to really just quickly test out these panels. My other stations I’ve built do have some solar disconnect switches tied in👍🏻 thanks for the comment!
Thats how i started .
Liveing on my land in a RV.
One panel, and a batterie.
And a 12v pickup truck enverter.
Learned alot .
Have not killed myself yet .
My system has grown ,as i have .
5 years offgrid now .
Just finishing up on my new cabin.
That’s awesome. I’d love to be able to do that!
The brilliant design of the cabinet on wheels makes it easy to transfer locations at will. Wunderbar!
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I need you to know that you are an absolute genius! Thank you so much for really simplifying this for us beginners.. we appreciate you!
Thank you👍🏻
I would use a breaker instead of fuses. Easer to reset if needed.
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That is a nice powerful DIY system you’ve built . Your refrigerators and any other appliances will have their say on this little rig and that’s awesome . We preppers are always proud to a great build like this unit here . So keep that good thing ready and May the solar be with you . Thumbs up !
Lol. Thanks so much👍🏻👍🏻
im confused by the refrigerator claim, myself. If its 2560 Watt Hours and you're running a fridge at 350 watts (which seems low even?), thats not even 8 hours right? Im just starting to look into it and havent hooked my fridge up to a kill-a-watt or similar. Is your fridge pulling a significantly lower wattage?
@@BrianWatersOutdoors
I don't think you missed a single thing on this build. You pretty much nailed it, this would be a glampers savior as it has the ability to run almost anything but A/C or large appliances.
Thanks Eric👍🏻
I'm a big fan of small AC units.. 500 watts is what they draw. This thing could totally be used to keep a tent cool with AC!
You become my favorite DIY battery builder on RUclips! Please make more in future, you make it looks easy and useful!
Lol. Thanks👍🏻
Great job! Depending on what you have in your freezer, one extended power outage could be very costly to lose. Your DIY power station will easily pay for itself after a couple of uses. 👍👍
Thank you Bob👍🏻
no it won't
Why not?
Love it thanks. I've saved as a favourite. I'll try to build this for my dad. I'm in my 50's and dad in his 80's and I recently stayed at his rural house in jamaica and a storm took out the power via a tree limb that snapped an overhead power line. I had to go a week with no fridge and used torchlight at nights. Horrible experience. I'll try to build this as a non tech person next year. Thanks again and keep up the good work. 👊🏾🇬🇧
Thank you Lennie, and good luck on your build. They really are not as difficult as they might appear. This was my first one to build also.
When a video starts with "I hope I don't blow myself up", you have to keep watching!🤣
Great video. Thank you 👍
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Great video, thank you for sharing. I am just about to pull the trigger with Renogy to purchase a 400w solar system with a 200amp Lithium battery feeding a 2000w inverter. Your system clearly shows how easy it is to set up and have a system for power outages....... Great work, thank you.
Thank you👍🏻
Nice unit. Decent of you to give props to Will Prowse, he's the reason I've developed an interest.
Thanks👍🏻
That’s a well thought out setup. I’ve watched dozens of videos from Will Prowse. Have even emailed him questions and he graciously responded.
Lol. Yeah, he is the PRO in this arena for sure👍🏻
Thank you for making a DIY less scary, and definitely doable! That foldable solar panel is super cool! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Thanks👍🏻👍🏻
I enjoyed watching you building your power station. For a ready made version with an inverter and a MPPT charge controller, look up the Licitti battery box. No tools, no time. Its already built.😅
Lol. I have one of those and they are a good option👍🏻
Moving generator and its AC/DC source that powers, when you need it anywhere, environment friendly.
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I'm also a rank beginner and I built a set up very similar to yours except I didn't use any busbars. I did install a shut off switch between the battery and the controller and also a shutoff switch between the solar panels and the controller. I also have a 15-amp fuse between the panels and the controller. Mine is an immoveable installation inside the house but I looooove your mobile station. Very inspiring. I give you a big thumbs up and I saved the video to my Solar folder for future reference. Thanks!
I also have the exact same battery.
Thank you👍🏻
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I'm building something similar. I decided to mount everything on a hand truck, that way I can move it across the yard easier.
Good idea👍🏻
WELL DONE: Good use of breakers and you have the safety bases covered. I recommend that you use a cut off switch at the battery before you go through your 200 fuse. Otherwise you did a great job. Looks nice and organized.
Thanks!
@@BrianWatersOutdoors
Do you have a video for smaller unit? I need something to run my full size refrigerator for 5-6 hours in case of electric outage. I was wondering what is a list expansive battery would I need for it....
I like it! Cool. I have a similar unit being made, but I didn't think to put it on wheels. Don't need to apologise for sweating it's natural in hot weather. I think your unit is cool. I'm adding a disconnect. But I will have a different unit for my van mounted on a board.
Thanks👍🏻👍🏻
you should run 60amp fuses. theres no way you would ever pop those 200a fuses right now.
Good point👍🏻
I like that you took the time and made it simple. I dont think the fuses were over kill by any means. Great video
Thank you!
Why are those fuses placed where they are?
Zendure SuperBase V6400 great idea 😎👍💯
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I love the cart, if iwant to change rigs, its perfect and simple to relocate.
Thanks👍🏻
Thank you times a million, for helping a complete incompetent electrical moron, to be able to understand independent solar powered devices! Seriously, you're ability to make this topic understandable. Bless you!
Thank you👍🏻👍🏻
Love to see a photo from above of your wiring, bus bars, thank you
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Great vid. You'll need bigger inverter to run any refrigeration.
Blessings
Thanks👍🏻
Just watched this and lost power that night! This so would be great to keep my fridge going, will have to get a kit together. Thanks for the ideas.
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Next time use a battery management system and fuses in case of failures . Awesome idea.🎉
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2-26-2023 that's a very nice box but it would be stronger if you put some brackets inside the top below the inverter and outside of the bottom beside the wheels . It will make it more stronger and last longer . Because batteries are heavy and expensive .
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Good break down of system makeup
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Wow. Your garage/shop is so clean and organized. Love it.
Thanks Rodney👍🏻
Nice work, buddy. I'm going try this but will find a thrift store piece of furniture and repurpose it.. Thank s for the idea :)
Thanks👍🏻
Finally - a great job explaining the wiring. You filled in some missing gaps for me. Thank you.
Thank you👍🏻
The only thing I added was a relay diverter extra battery’s with a float switch so one set of battery’s can charge while they other set is running
Great idea👍🏻
The first 30 seconds makes me wonder if you know what your doing. LOL You did well! Nice little portable power station.
Kinda why I made sure I mentioned I didn’t know👍🏻👍🏻
This looks like it was fun to build. You have a good video manner that makes it easy to follow.
Questions:
1) Was there a way to charge the battery with AC?
2) Now long would it take to charge that battery with that solar panel with average sunlight?
3) I am also a novice but I don't understand why you have two fuses on the big cable out of the battery, one before and then one immediately after the buss bar. Thanks in advance for your explanations.
Thank you. You can charge the battery from ac through home power or even a gas generator. It would take several days or a week in perfect conditions to charge this up fully with 300-500 watts of solar. It all depends on how many panels you have that will determine how fast of a recharge you can get. The “dual fuse” is not needed. Just a single fuse
great ! You might want to add a couple usb outlets (12 V) so as to power a usb light, charge phone, radio etc with out running the inverter i have built several for ham radio field use . one more thing put plexi glass over the iopen front and back where the power connection are but leave the inverter section open for ventilation
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Very good video and excellent build quality. The 2nd fuse, going from the bus bar to the inverter, serves no real purpose. Fuses are there to protect wires and the one in-between the battery and bus bar is already doing that, for the 2AWG stuff. Also, I would reroute the negative cable from the battery to the bus bar so that it isn't crossing and rubbing on that positive cable. I built a scaled-down unit using a cheap mechanic's rolling toolbox, 100AH LiFePO4 battery, Victron SCC and Renogy 1000W inverter. These things are lots of fun to play with. :)
Thanks Jason. Good information👍🏻 I’m building another right now and will use this advice
That is a staggering amount of Festool gear behind you!! 😳
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WOW? Just got farther into the vid? "FASCINATING!"
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Well done Brian, nice lil setup for emergencies👍🏼😜
Thanks 👍
That's a neat little diy power station you've got there. Well done.
I feel people should know, that expensive battery is the equivalent of two 12v deep cycle marine batteries, which would be a third of the cost.
Also, stay away from lithium.
Look up dendrites, and exploding phones, cars, sheds, etc.
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Nice work...I built something very similar. Suggestion...I'm sure you have extra fuses for the battery positive before it hits the positive bus bar. It's not likely that you'll blow that fuse. But if it ever does blow, you'll lose power on the shunt computer...and lose Battery % memory. Not "too" big of a deal but it won't be right again until you're able to collect a 100% charge from solar. I wired my shunt positive directly to the positive battery post...that way, it's always powered even if the fuse blows. Love the video and how it shows folks how easy it is to put one of these setups together. A 2560 wH "portable power station" would run 2K and you're well under 1K here.
Great tips! Thanks👍🏻
The battery gauge monitor should be mounted on the vertical wall of your box coz when the top shelf is fitted, the view is kinda obscured.
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I could really put one of those batteries to the test.
Out in woods, full time, watchman, year round.
112° in summer, and 8° in winter😎☕
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Also your garage is awesome! 👍🏻
Lol. Thanks bud👍🏻
Since your 2-gauge wire is running in free air configuration instead of in a protective raceway there is another chart in the NEC code that allows #2 wire to handle higher ampacities. Depending on the classification of the insulation, the #2 conductor can be rated up to 170 amps at 75 degree Celsius. Even higher ratings can be achieved but the wire as well as the breaker /fuse, disconnect lugs, and connection lugs in the equipment must all be rated at a temperature at or above the temperature rating being used. Typically almost everything produced is based on 75 degree ratings. You are then allowed to round up to the next standard fuse size, in this case the next standard fuse size would be 175 amps.
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Jeez that's big! My 200ah 24v batteries are the same size.
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I'm learning so much on different ways to build/construct things from your videos. Keep up the good work.
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Hi Brian, could you do a video for us total beginners and seniors who do t understand the shunts and pieces you used in this video. I understand Battery, Controller and 1200 watt inverter. Thats when I get very confused. Thank you from full time van nomad.
I can try to do another video showing more in depth those details👍🏻
Nice built! I would suggest to add battery switch so you can kill the battery power incase something's gone wrong.
Good point👍🏻👍🏻
a breaker?
Good little set up but just missing a master / kill switch between the positive terminal on the battery and the first 200amp fuse
Regards Joe
You’re right. This was my first time building one of these. My 3rd cart I did add a kill switch. Love learning about this stuff👍🏻
You have better tools than my steel shop I work at and we build sky scrapers lol. Beginner....
Cut hand holds in the side of the cart for easy transport.
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I've been planning something like that. But I'm using eight 400 amp power batteries with a 6000 w piercing wave inverter 48 volts. I have not bought the charge controller yet. I'm not sure yet of what controller I need. But I am wanting to make it portable on wheels and then have a 30 amp RV plug connected to the inverter so I can run my 28-ft travel trailer off of it. But I have no idea how long those batteries would last on a charge hooked up to the camper, but I'm hoping it will run the camper for a while before they have to be recharged. But great video
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I just got a 300 ah Ampere Time battery. I got a 2000 watt pure sine inverter and a 60 amp MPPT charge controller. I already have several sets of 20-30 ft MC4 cables and 490 watts of glass panels and high quality 100 and 120 watt folding panels. Needed a larger and less expensive power source for the camper I`ll be living in than the power stations on the market. Plus I can replace parts that fail. I`m thinking of mounting my setup to a garden wagon or dolly. Don`t know what to do. We have bad hurricanes here and the main purpose is emergency solar power for a tiny window air conditioner. I have a collection of solar power stations for everything else like lights, dorm fridge, freezer, fans, and 12 volt cookers.
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Hope the 1200 works. I have a 1000w inverter but it would trip on startup from the fridge surge. Had to go with a 2000 watt inverter.
I’m building one more of these stations, but will be going with a 2000 inverter. Adding some emergency lighting and some 12v accessories for charging as well. Should be a fun build.
you need to add cut off switch to the battery instead of fuse. Don't need 2 fuses from the battery to the inverter. Also a simple temp monitor would prevent from damaging the battery.
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For being a novice you really did a good job and I liked the detail great work man 👍🏽
Thank you👍🏻
This was such a neat video to make a diy emergency power unit
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Wow! Very nice looking and done right! Nothing here is over-kill, you have the essential components, I built a similar power bank in 24 volts, just not as pretty as yours. Inverter capacitors should be pre-charged. I used a modified (with resistors) marine battery switch that doubles as a battery disconnect-the design plan is in Will Prowse’s forum. I had to make it safe for my wife and children to operate. I needed to add a 24v-12V step down, fuse block and related jacks to power and recharge radios, flashlights, lanterns, batteries, and devices. I also used a 2000/3000 watt inverter, to run small power tools if needed. No solar yet, but thinking 800-1200 watts-lots of power in the summer and enough to recharge a 20% battery to full in the 2 hours of effective sun light I get in the winter.
Thanks!👍🏻
Heck of a job! Great explanation! Congrats and thanks for taking the time to post this...much appreciated Brian!
Thanks so much👍🏻
Fantastic info and demo.
I built a 2400wh and 4800wh system. My 2400wh system is giving me trouble because of the MPPT controller, recommended by Will Prowse. Password is not what the manual stated and Epever does not have a clue what the password is.
I am now leaning toward Hybrid MPPT controllers with everything (fuses, BMS, inverter) built in. Piecing together a DIY can be more expensive than an all in one system. I bought a SunGold 24v 3000w Hybrid solar MPPT/Inverter for $595. I will buy a battery cut off switch, PV switch, copper cable, and two circuit breakers. So it might total about $750(?) total. Inverters that can power devices and appliances for a given length of time are not cheap but are necessary. 3000 watt pure sine wave inverters0 start at $350 each. Add a decent controller for $150, $200+ for a lower spec'd Victron, shunt, cables, etc and you are talking at least $700. The DIY scalability is a huge plus for the DIY'er.
Thank you👍🏻
nice video, keep them coming, this could power my house with no issues.
Thanks👍🏻
Nice looking build, the shunt looks small? You could easily drill some holes and mount a 12v socket, and some round usb and usbc chargers all behind a small 6-port blade fuse block
Thanks. I did build another cart with some 12v options👍🏻
I did the same thing on my channel I used Harbor Freight and a slightly different set up...Mine is more mobile in a roller tool box from Stanley...
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you could then just shine lights on the panels so there is always power no matter the weather theoretically right?
Theoretically, yes. Solar panels can use artificial light to convert that energy. But, the panels will not perform their best compared to using true solar energy.
Cool, bro. Build like 20 of those and forget about electric bills forever. 😉
Lol. I wish 👍🏻
Nice video. I am trying to grasp why you have two 100 amp fuses wired in series. Can you please explain what this will accomplish?
Both are not needed. As I tried to explain, this was my first attempt at this, so I over protected the wiring.
It’s wild that big battery can be replaced by 2 mini 100WH batts that only weighs 20 lbs each
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Good job. Look forward to seeing your new improved version too come.
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David, I just bought the Redodo 3,000 watt, 9000 watt surge inverter. I had been waiting for them to build one. I wanted a stand alone inverter but this will/may be better because it’s also a high amp charger. I need to get more details on connecting it to a solar panel, charging from the shore power, etc. My plan is to start with 2x 100 amp hour mini’s. My reason is based on limited knowledge but from what I understand, if I want to expand it, I can add batteries but need to stay with 100 amp hour each? My other reason is if one battery failed, it’s cheaper to replace than 200 amp hours, etc.
Brian, sorry, I was getting sleepy and just noticed I put the wrong name.
Looks GOOD! I am seeing a lot of vids on SOLAR off of YOU TUBE! Maybe the NATIONAL power grid will be safe for a while? (NAH! Do the upgrades anyway!)
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What does the shunt do? Can't wait for the next solar power video.
Thank you👍🏻 a shunt is placed on this setup to basically be able to monitor the battery. “A shunt is an accurate, very low resistance resistor which is placed "in line" with the wire carrying the current to be measured.”
Suggestion for your wrap and outros on build vids.....a total cost of components is a question many have. Be nice info to provide
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I just need something that can run a table saw. I'm guessing another battery on there would help.
Great little set up gives a good idea how I would want to make one for my camper
Thanks👍🏻
Total of probably around 1.5K not bad. Hm can it runs a portable air?
It could, but not for an extended period confine. This setup would likely only run a 5,000 BTU air conditioner
Nice cart, nice clear arrangement, thank you for sharing......
Thanks👍🏻
Thanks kindly for sharing! Do you happen to have a cost breakdown.
Thanks John. All in, including the battery you’re looking at approx $1200 give or take.
@@BrianWatersOutdoors Thank you kindly sir! You have a new subscriber.
Thank you John👍🏻
So the battery without the panels can run your house refrigerator for days?
What about with the panel connected, will the refrigerator run year round ?😊
Thanks
What I want too know is how do you choose a battery, solar panel, inverter combo too fit your needs if your green too the whole solar power game, it seems expensive to make a silly mistake
First step would be to figure out how much you want to run off of solar. Do you want to run things exclusively off of solar, or only during an emergency? That is a good starting point and then you can figure out how much battery storage you need, size of inverter and how many solar panels you would need to recharge the batteries during the day.
@@BrianWatersOutdoors I want too make my 10x 26 cabin solar, just too run basics, lights refrigerator, outlets, tv
What if you stood the battery on end and built a verticle cabinet on a cheap hand truck.
Would give more portability and smaller footprint. Make the cabinet with hand truck wheals.
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I’m only a few minutes into the video, but this is really cool. I wish I had the skills to build a box like this and build the same thing. When you said I’m gonna build the box I literally wouldn’t know the first thing about how to build it. Watching you do it it seems doable and not overly complicated but I just have no experience in woodworking. I’m excited to watch the rest of the video. Maybe it would be cool if you could sell the parts to this box, and then someone like me could assemble it at home.
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Very informative video Brian, thanks. I have been thinking about upping my 100 ah lithium battery to a 200 ah lithium system in my squaredrop trailer.
Thanks Kenneth👍🏻
That box is huge for a 200 amph battery. I had two 110 amph lion batteries that are less then half that size.
Hmmm. I don’t know? This is the same size as every other 200ah battery I have.
Least complicated and best explained setup I've seen so far. Very good job. Would increasing the interter to 2000 watts make it compatable for an 1800 watt appliance without further modifications?
It would be close. I’d suggest a 3000 watt inverter at minimum though.
Awesome build! Nice and neat. I appreciate your attention to detail.
Thanks👍🏻
dumb question (still learning) - why do you need 2 inline fuses on the positive (before and after the bus bar)? [@9:57]
not a dumb question, and I don't need the (2) fuses. I could have gotten by with just 1
This looks awesome.
So you can have things plugged in and solar charging at the same time to prolong the battery?
Yes, you can
I am trying to get a system the will do my refrigerator and my freezer. Thanks
I’d suggest a 3000 watt inverter and at least 400 watts of solar panels to run it indefinitely. And you should be good to go👍🏻
Love my redodo 200amphr
It is a good battery👍🏻
Brian, I see the solar charger, but do you have a shore power charger installed? As you know, that panel would probably take days to charge? I’m not an expert by any means. I need to see what Will has done. I want to be able to plug it in and charge off grid power, also solar, or both. My idea is to put it in a Ridgid tool carrier on wheels. I’ll need to vent the sides so the inverter can breathe, but it’s heavy plastic, has a rubber seal under the lid. I want it portable so I can use it other than in my RV. I hope their inverter is as good as their batteries, nothing but good reviews.
I do have a Victron grid charger hooked up to the battery to keep it topped off 👍🏻
U the Man! Thanks for the video. Better to over build then under build. Nice job!
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Thanks for the detailed explanation of each part of the system. Good build!
Thank you
How many household appliances can you run with that? for how long? Fridges, freezer, washer...
@Brian Waters
So could you not plug in a battery charger into the inverter an connect the charger to the battery to charge it? Would that work to keeping the battery charging day and night?
I would like to know how long it took to recharge the battery if you take it down to 80%. Or just how low could it run down before you need a charge?
It’s all very subjective on how large the power draw is, and how many amps you would charge the battery up with. If your freezer takes on average 100 watts per hour, and these 200ah batteries (2,560watts) it’s fairly easy to guesstimate using math how long the battery would last. 2,560 / 100 is around 25 hours best case.