Victron + LiTime MINI = beginner friendly off-grid
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- Опубликовано: 17 май 2023
- Today we build a simple 12v off-grid system
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Tinned Copper Lugs: amzn.to/3WiPB45
Hammer Crimper: amzn.to/3InPFKj
Ferrule Crimping Kit: amzn.to/3odMDS6
BusBars: amzn.to/42TSYB9
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Pre-charge Resistors: amzn.to/3IqPA84
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CONTACT: bradcagleyt@gmail.com
Business/Collaboration only. Please do not contact me for for personal project help, or advice.
================
DISCLAIMER: These videos are documenting my own personal projects, and experiences. These projects, and activities can be dangerous. I am not a professional. You should always consult with a professional. This content is for entertainment purposes only. DO NOT try any of this at home, doing so will be at your own risk.
Amazon Affiliate links:
Li Time MINI Battery 100Ah: amzn.to/3ZG8kXn
Victron 100/30 MPPT: amzn.to/41JTG2A
Hydraulic Crimper: amzn.to/3MC5AHs
Tinned Copper Lugs: amzn.to/3WiPB45
Hammer Crimper: amzn.to/3InPFKj
Ferrule Crimping Kit: amzn.to/3odMDS6
BusBars: amzn.to/42TSYB9
2awg cable: amzn.to/3OnBZmd
Precharge resistors: amzn.to/3PEuRCk
================
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: This channel may earn an affiliate commission if you purchase products through links I provide.
================
CONTACT: bradcagleyt@gmail.com
Business/Collaboration only. Please do not contact me for for personal project help, or advice.
================
DISCLAIMER: These videos are documenting my own personal projects, and experiences. These projects, and activities can be dangerous. I am not a professional. You should always consult with a professional. This content is for entertainment purposes only. DO NOT try any of this at home, doing so will be at your own risk.
Interested to see ur fuse temp with 1/0 wire
What the model inverter u have? Please get me the link
I love this. Just a bare bones system that gets it done. Nice one
Thanks!
Toss all this in Milwaukee Packout rolling box for a convenient portable protected supply. I tested mine by running a full size frig off it for a week on one 300 watt panel with the same size battery , charge controller and inverter (but mine was blue) . It worked great . Sun powered
food cooling .
Nice. I have a toolbox I bought for something like that. I need to do it :)
Heck, put TWO of these "mini" batteries in that toolbox, wired in parallel.
Will it power a 2000 fifth wheel
Do you have a fuse
Thank you for the video and thank the other posters for providing their expertise.
You bet!
I love my victron 100/50 controller. No charge controller for the money can beat it
I'm a victron fan, great stuff
You want your fuse as close to the battery (or "source") as possible. Really like the ferrels, especially for smaller screw-down connections. A much simpler setup, with quite a bit more inverter output, is the MPP 2724 inverter/charger with two batteries, wired in series. You still want the solar disconnect, but from there it's two wires into the inverter/charger and then two wires from your batteries. Easiest off-grid system you can make, because it also includes several AC outlets.
Yeah. I totally agree on the fuse. That way if the positive wire is shorted anywhere along the length it will pop the fuse. I'll check that MPP2724 out. Thanks!
@@BradCagle Nice work... I run a 24/7 mining rig. Runs 1000 watts. Will that run the miner 24/7.. Thanks.
@@user-fg6lm3ef5o - So, you're saying fuses ARE a good thing?
his run up to the inverter is shorter than most peoples run to the fuse holder...
@@LiLBitsDK Yeah, that's what I keep telling people but they don't seem to get it. LOL
This is something I need to do with my LiTime 100Ah Mini (which I do enjoy the lightweight of it).
Great video my man!
Thanks! 👍
The hydraulic crimper is the only way to go. Nice hookup.
Agree, at less than $40 no excuse not to get it :) Thanks
Nice build. After a few weeks of testing after receiving the goods, the refrigerator, TV, etc., the capacity is completely fine. I bought a 24V 100Ah battery. High cost performance.😃
Would it be a marine battery I'm going off grid trying learn
@@angel1111. car battery works 👍
Why 24v and what sort of time are you getting out of it before you need to charge again?
@@angel1111.I used deep cycle marine batteries to learn on because I got them for free. I learned marine battery are good enough to learn with for free. But when I bought 2, 100 amp hour solar batteries huge, huge increase in efficiency. I have no idea what the difference is but there is one
You bought the whole setup just changed the size of the battery?
Great video. Thanks for the advice and tutorials.
Thank you, thank you, Thank you.
For keeping it sweet and simple..
.❤❤
You're welcome!
Perfect parts for a beginner setup!
Definitely!
Absolutely excellent clear instructions...exactly what I wanted...cheers
Glad to help!
The most informative presentation I've seen yet. just good basic stuff!!! and all the little stuff he covers is fantastic and sorely needed and missing on some of the high falutin channels!!
Thanks. Glad you like it 😁
@@BradCagle great video a little over my head but I'm learning. I am a 70 year old retired firefighter. My wife is disabled and stays basically in the bedroom which is about 15 by 15 and we use an air conditioner in the window 24 hours a day. I have the inverter and just need to get to solar panels the controller and I don't know a marine battery or a lifepo4. What would your recommendations be to run that air conditioner Around the Clock. And then there's the aspect of what parts could be in the room and what parts need to be outside the wall of the house other than the solar panels. The panels would be approximately 10 ft away from the house facing sunrise for 12 hours. I was thinking of getting ( 3) 300 watt solar panels
its a great video,, easy to understand and and compelling viewing
Nice build . Very simple.
Thanks!
That’s what I’m gonna do at my off grid cabin it’s already got a functioning system it’s just old and I want to beef it up with 4 d8 12 vdc batteries and a new charge controller and a few more 100 watt panels I’ve got 7 grandkids and they love there electronics lol
Maybe get the grandkids off the electronics and out in real earth
Cool info. After pricing all the parts + battery its actually much cheaper to get a solar generator with Solar panel kit
I put my system together twisting wires and using electrical tape from dollar store.😮 Works fine!
30A continuous you'd want 8 AWG wire, I think that Victron can handle up to #6.. I like to use as thick a wire as I can within reason, esp if it's short and cheap...it's just extra insurance and a tiny more efficiency.
10 AWG should be fine
Wrong, 10 is fine all day for 30A.
I used a old set of jumper cables wire, They cleaned up and work great.
great video, simplifies the system for beginners like me.
Glad you enjoyed it!
This is what i was looking for
great video and demonstration !
Thanks!
Nice simple little system. Greetings from Jamaica.
Hey! I need to tour the Caribbean sometime, especially Jamaica :) Greetings sir
This battery is pretty lightweight and portable. I can hold it with one hand. I use it to charge my device in a field campaign and the voltage is perfect for my purpose. It is so convenient to use it in this situation. I do not need to carry my large battery of 50 lbs around anymore.
They are great!
Great video! As someone who loves outdoor camping and values quality family time, having a reliable power source is essential. The Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series seems like a fantastic option. With its massive capacity, fast recharging, and waterproof design, it's perfect for extended trips and unexpected power outages. Plus, the smart app control is a neat feature. Definitely worth considering for outdoor enthusiasts and RV lovers.
Great video! I completely agree with you on the importance of having a reliable power source when camping or spending quality time with family. The Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series seems like a fantastic option with its massive capacity, fast recharging, and waterproof design. The smart app control is definitely a neat feature. Thanks for the suggestion, I will definitely consider it for my outdoor adventures!
Great recommendation! The Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series seems like a fantastic choice for outdoor enthusiasts and RV lovers. Its massive capacity, fast recharging, and waterproof design make it perfect for extended trips and power outages. Plus, the smart app control feature is really convenient. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Any other outdoor gear or home backup power products you recommend?
Thank you for the video .
Great video! Very helpful
Glad it was helpful!
super informative!
I use a vice bench to tighten my cables ... works fine ...
Great Job!
I have 2 Litime 100AH mini batteries and they're very responsive when it comes to email customer service and support.
I solder the ends on just put end eye side in vice get some flux core solder and put into the end the wire goes in and take a heat gun or torch and begin to heat the end not to much to discolor just to melt the solder and then stick the wire In and hold till cool about 10 seconds and repeat till all ends are completed.
Victron is the best solar charger I've used so far
Same!
very instructif , thank you
You are welcome!
Probably need to use 2 awg wire throughout. Also need to size appropriate fuse sizes. Not too low of amp fuses, and also not too high amp fuses, to start your wire on fire. When wires or connectors heat up, you need to size up the wire. And check all of your connections, bolts, screws for tightness as well.
Thank you for the video
Good job. Simple, easy to understand, straight forward.
Thanks!
Very useful. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks 🙏 very informative
Nice work 👍👍👍
Thanks!
30A is right at the limit for 10AWG. 8AWG would have been a better choice.
Yeah 8 and make sure it's battery cable the more strands the better.. never use solid 10 gage or even the few strands in number 8. Direct current flows better with stranded wire. 73
P@@ronb6182
😄Good Stuff, Great Tips
Thanks
good use of FERRULES on your stranded wire
COOP
the WiSeNhEiMeR from Richmond, INDIANA
...
Thanks!
I am a newbie. Do you have Amazon links to the style fuse you used at the inverter and the white switch you used for the Solar input? As for the size of the fuse to use, what drives that for sizing. If you use a 40A MPPT do you just use 40A fuses also?
What fuse ?
Best video I have seen
Thanks!
We have those same Birds here Blackbird AKA Crackle in South Texas
Yup, I'm in north TX :)
Brad-I enjoy your videos, and most are helpful to some point. Would you consider doing a video on proper usage of a voltage meter ?
Add cable size so you won't get heat.
Fellow Cagle here
CORRECT on the in-line fuse; ALWAYS go higher than the rated capacity... Should have gone with 8ga but you honestly putting that IN the video is honest reflection and as you stated, NEEDS to be hot tested for continuity of the entire build. Great job!
Thanks!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I completely agree with you on the importance of using a higher-rated fuse for safety purposes. It's great to see the video acknowledging the need to hot test the entire build for continuity. Safety should always be a top priority when setting up off-grid power systems. By the way, have you heard of the Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series? It has some impressive features like massive capacity, fast recharging, and comprehensive protections. It might be worth checking out for your outdoor adventures or home backup power needs!
Nice project.
Thanks!
Thanks for the video. Could you list the links to purchase the fuse and solar disconnect switch. Good video.
12V requires the most AMPS to charge and stresses the most all the cables and fuses. This is why i sugest to ether buy a 24V battery or add another one in series. Use the same solar charger, but change the inverter. You will have way better temps for everything.
nice battery . i m thinking of buying one for extra but will keep me back from 48v setup ... !!! maybe next year
where did you get you switch from solar to controler and in line fuse that needs to be bigger thanks
You did an excellent job!
I would like to see this simplified method for each victron item.
Victron is very confusing and have busy drawings showing everything. Not easy to figure out for diy's.
Thanks
Thanks! glad it's helpful
Might be a dumb questions, Is the solar disconnect switch the same as a circuit breaker switch and how do you select the right one for your specific needs. How do pick the right fuse? What type of fuse is on the inverter and how do you pick the right size? Great video!!!
Brad I like the Licitti battery box you featured in a recent video. There you have a starter system already made up for you. No tools to buy and no build time.😂
Yup, I agree :)
I always jump with the Lithium spark 😂. PS;.. you should always hook up negative first.
THINK YOU HAVE THAT ASS BACKWARDS !
man I used an 803 C, and its portable ones, Lol thanks for the memories.. 12vdc 100 watt (8a) renergy, 200/300w inverter, 100AH lifepo. I use a china ceiling fan led lite the led only and can get some good use, its not enough to run for long periods of time if asked. you want a fuse by your Solar panel where I got mine
No one mentions that Lithium batteries don't like being cold or hot! Also the cost is twice the cost of lead acid. I have been using lead acid for about a year, very little matinance. I have 3500w solar
👌👍❤️🇨🇦, everyone has to start somewhere, gr8 video
Thanks!
Nice video. What size are any fuzes, resistors that were used? Is the breaker disconnect a "DC" Breaker and what size? thanks
Which fuses I should buy (1) from VICTRON 150/35 into 48v battery and (2) from battery into Delta pro 3600Wh, 48V inverter?
hey can you use same setup for car alternator battery instead of solar? or i needed a dc/dc charger .. can i use it both application solar and car battery thx
nice video, thanks for posting. Is there any chance we could get a link or any more info about the two fuses?
Question I have a 2000 watt inverter, and dont want to use a lithium battery, but a simple lead battery. How Big of a battery should I use? Love your channel.
I love the concept of solar, problem is, I use 20 kwhr of electricity a day in my average size home. I could never afford to go go solar..
heatshrinking the fuse isn't conducide to swapping the fuse if you blow it ;-) other then that it is a fine little system
I’m pretty new at this so I’m collecting information, this system is pretty simple but if you wanted to have it charging in a mobile system you’d also need a dc-dc additionally for the vehicle alternator to be able to charge it correct??
Clean cut video. Watt panels did you use for your set up. Make a video on it. LOL Thanks Great video.
Oh man, it's been so long I don't remember :) maybe I'll make a new video. Thanks
You should discuss wire gauge (size).
Was the fuse holder copper clad aluminum wire? They don't make cheap fuse holders with all copper. You provided a lot of great info. Thanks
It was copper wire. I toss aluminum wire in the garbage anytime I come across it. The wire was not getting warm, it was the fuse, or fuse holder. I've come across heat issues with fuses, and fuse holders in the past. I just make it a habit to stress test them after install to see how they perform. If it's too hot for my comfort level, i'll replace it with something different. Thanks!
Great Video, as time goes by material prices dropping.
However solar generators like EcoFlow on sale are cheaper ready to go and portable.
What kind of solar panel array were you using. How many panels and size. Thanks!
What gauge wire would be needed to connect a 30A charge controller to 12v batterie?
I am interested in making like that 12v 100Ah LifePo4 with solar charging at may 100w solar panel and maybe add another 100w later. I am not interested in the AC inverter since most of my electronics will just running off USB C's. I will be using some 12 volt to USB C and a that can produce QC 3.0 or higher and PD protocol. Most will just be using USB C PD in 5v, 9v, 12v and 20v for my laptop. I am adding an option to charge the Lifepo4 from AC just incase the wall outlet is still ok and the solar panel is not providing enough due to weather. Like the vid very straight and simple. I saved the vid on my laptop for reference in case internet is not available.
Suppose you could run a 24v system then, and step down as required.
Thank you, lots of good info, for guys like me, who are just getting started. My question, is, can I change that battery, with jumper cable, from car battery on days of no sun?
Dc to dc, i boiled my car battery when tried charge, but relay system is same so dunno why boiled maybe too thin wire
If you had a 50 amp controller could you pull more watts? Looks like you're being restricted at 30 amps.
Very informative. Is there a reason you went with that inverter? Amazon has a million and its sort of confusing.
also makes more work if you have to change the fuse.
Hey Brad. I was thinking of using this battery as an accessory battery in a polaris rzr sxs. But I think it's slightly to large.. capacity is awsome over AGM
Yeah, pretty awesome the size to capacity!
I'm interested in a quality inverter and single battery setup for wife and I camp coffee ☕ ! Solar systems are kinda useless in New England states since full direct sunshine is not so common.. 😊. Interesting in reading the various comments of individuals knowing more than the other individuals.. Just a quality Inverter and single battery recommendation is simple for me ?? Thanks for Any and All Support 😊
do you have a similar video using multiple batteries
That should be good to run two fridges at same time right?
Thank you so much. I'm trying to figure all this out. I have six 100 w solar panels. Now I'm trying to figure out how many batteries I need, a controller and inverter. I have a window unit, (115-volt;12000-BTU) a 60 inch TLC Roku TV, and a lamp. If I can add a refrigerator later that would be wonderful because a $400 light bill is not for me. Now watch a lot of videos but get confused when they say volts and amps and watts. My brain just goes blank. If you or someone else could help please do thank you.
Nice starter build. I would make a few modifications though and the reason is that really NOBODY should be doing new systems with 12V batteries any more. There is just no reason to use 12V even in a beginner friendly tutorial when 24V and 48V LiFePO4 batteries are readily available. 12V seriously underutilizes the Victron and requires heavier wiring and generates a hell of a lot more heat and losses. So I would do this instead:
* Victron MPPT 100/20 SmartSolar charge controller. This unit can handle 12V, 24V, or 48V.
* 24V Inverter. Any brand.
* And a 24V LiFePO4 batteries. Also any brand. e.g. 24V @ 50Ah has the same capacity as 12V @ 100Ah.
* You can go with 12awg wiring, but actually I usually just stick with 10awg anyway because I like the feel of the wire better and losses will be lower.
Or alternatively, go straight to 48V but in that case the smallest reasonable 48V LiFePO4 battery is probably going to be 50Ah, so the cost will be somewhat higher for the larger storage capacity. Still, if you need that much capacity, then I would go 48V across the board.
The advantage of going to 24V or 48V is that you can expand the system later on without having to throw anything that you've already purchased away, the amperages are lower, losses are much much lower, heat is lower.
The only issue to keep in mind is that the solar input on the Victron has to be +5V higher than the battery voltage. For a 24V system this means you need (for example) two 100W panels in series. For a 48V system you would need three 100W panels in series. I would still consider it to be a "starter" system though. Just having one little panel is a huge waste of effort.
-Matt
Hi Matt. I have starter videos for 12v, and 24v.
I also have 48v starter videos in the works. Thanks
can someone please do a head to head comparison of all the new 460ah lifepo4 batteries that are coming out? redodo bird, roamer, litime, epoch, basen, VATRER, power drag queen, etc.. thanks in advance! @@BradCagle
My small sailboat has 150W of panels and my system is 12V so there is a reason for 12v still. I have led nav lights, charger for phone IPad and a small fan to power @20ah a day required. With 100ah LiFePo4 battery it works.
@@georgewashington7444 Yes, 12V works for a system that small, though I'd personally still use at least 24V. There are a few additional considerations for a sailboat though that you need to think about:
(1) Consider having two batteries instead of one, for redundancy so you have options if you are out to sea and something fails. Same for other components.
(2) Put the batteries on an Anderson quick disconnect in case of a runaway (battery starts smoking or a fire), designed so you can rip the batteries out by main force and chuck them overboard if need be.
(There's no time to unscrew or clip anything if that happens, make it so they can literally be ripped out by their pull cords... add pull cords if you don't have them already, and chucked overboard).
(3) Consider a down-buffer battery for the marine radio. Well, in your case it would just be a small DC-DC (12-12) charger and a 20Ah satellite 12.8V LiFePO4 battery that is capable of running the radio. A 4A or 6A DC-DC charger is plenty for this application.
Usually the home batteries are low in the boat, so flooding can cause real problems. Situating a small 20Ah battery right next to the marine radio with a little DC-DC from the home system to keep it charged and floating properly, is an important safety. A tiny little car inverter to get a few USB ports and AC for emergencies (or even just regular device charging) hanging off the satellite battery is a good idea too.
-Matt
Regarding the Fuses you have added, based on what you choose the Fuse amp? ( all fuses)
It's best to rate your fuses on the wire. So if your wire can handle 100A at max continuous, then you should use a 100a fuse, or breaker.
I like to ask a dumb question. A bright sunny day in December at 35 degrees and a bright sunny day in July at 80°. Do the temperature conditions affect the solar panels ability to put the same W back into the controller? The batteries will be indoors. I'm just trying to figure out the efficiency of solar panels during the winter time when the sun is out not so much a cloudy day or snow or something like that to strictly sunny days
Yes, cold winter sunny day will beat a hot summer sunny day as long as the angle is good.
good morning god bless you i have Victron SmartSolar MPPT 75/10 Solar Charge Controller w/ Bluetooth with 1 CHINS LiFePO4 Battery 12V 100AH Lithium Battery how to set up solar panel i need.
, i need help
Can you explain more about our using the resistor to charge the capacitors? What did you use, where did you get it?
Precharge resistors: amzn.to/3PEuRCk
@@BradCagle Awesome thanks! What watt & resistance did you use? Theres a bunch of choices.
Put in breaker fuses
How do you know how big of an inverter you can have for a battery?
I can agree with you, however the simplest setup is still a solar generator. You get 12v outputs, 110v outlets,switches and monitoring. And you can use a standard battery as additional capacity.
Also your setup limits you to that 1200 watt inverter. And you know how people are, they want to run a toaster, electric kettle or heat gun. Make it two batteries in parallel and always use bus bars.
Thanks..I built A-frane 16 × 12..want to be off grid...no large appliances....possibly stereo..hot plate occassionally.. what will serve ne best at an inexpensive set up..$$$ are limted..thanks for your consideration in this matter..
@@lghnhawk3467 put an actual number to it
@@lghnhawk3467 you can tailor a system to your budget or you can tailor a system to your needs. How much do you want to spend?
Thanks for responding..I am looking at a couple plug and go options .I have 400.00 or less to spend..as there will be other necessities..not the smartest when it cones to electrical...I found big blue @ decent price???
Can you use a breaker instead of a fuse?
Please can 1200 watts on
lights.
small power tools.
small air conditioners.
small portable heater.
television.
small refrigerator.
small microwave.
small to medium-sized fans. If yes please which type of battery should i use 12.8v 100Ah
Nice video! Question: what happens when the battery is full charged, the sun is shinning and there is no load on the inverter? It looks to me this setup doesn't have taken this scenario in consideration, right?
It just stops charging That's the job of the Victron MPPT charger.
The inverter itself will draw power if it is left on even without a load and the controller will charge or not charge if the battery needs to be charged.
is that a standard starter battery for a car? isnt a leisure battery better?
how long does it take to charge in that set up?
what can you run and for how long off that?
i want to run a laptop, phone, fan and small fridge/cooler
No, it's not a car battery. It's a LiFePO4 Lithium battery for energy storage. Thanks
I just bought the same victron controller. It specs out 6 awg wire from the battery to controller I noticed you have 10 gauge being used. Could that be why it’s warm at the in-line fuse? I thought the 6 gauge spec was overkill for 30 amps but maybe not now. Thanks
10awg is plenty for 30amp. It's the fuse/fuse holder itself that is getting warm. The negative 10awg wire was cool. I have a different fuse type that I think will be better in an upcoming video.
@@BradCagle ok that’s what I thought. I wonder why victron specs 6 gauge? That seems way overkill. I have 10 gauge in my current setup with a pwm charger and I wanted to just use the same wiring in the RV and not have to buy the 6 gauge.