How to add the solar upgrade to power box version 2
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- Опубликовано: 12 сен 2024
- The long awaited solar upgrade video to power box version two. More to come stay tuned
Disclaimer.
I'm not an electrician I do this as a hobby all suggestions are just that, take them and the info in this video at your own will and your own risk
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I’ve searched literally hundreds of videos to get the right info to build a box like this.
You nailed it.
Thank you for providing clear directions with no fluff. Thank you again.
No problem. I apologize about the editing, at the time I was new to it. Much better now lol. Thanks for the kind words
WHEW! Words can’t express how grateful for this video, and your series of videos. In a cabin high-up in the mountains. Your videos are a life saver.
Great idea. I would connect the battery directly to the fuse block. Then connect the charge controller to a switch then to the fuse block. That way you will have a working box at night without the solar panel. And be able to charge the panel during the day. Great video.
Sticks 29. Is this the method that prevents ghost drainage of the battery from the charge controller? If so, could you elaborate on the schematic? It may be exactly what I am trying to accomplish. Thanks.
Saw your first video... paused it... thinking it was a gimick.
Came back and watched it...
Easier then all the others I watched as I was running in circles, trying to build my own.
I knew I should have taken electronics & welding vs woodshop... sanavavish...
Very much Answered all my questions.
Nice Work and clear explanations.
Subbed!
Thanks man hearing things like that keep me making videos weather its wiring projects or random builds. I appreciate it
Just finished mine it’s GREAT!
Thank you, your videos are so step by step so anyone can follow them. Keep up the great work you do!!!!!
Thanks again! Looking forward to power box version 3!!!
I get exactly what you were saying when you were trying to describe the feedback of power into the solar panel. I actually understand this at a much better level as well so since I knew this at a much higher level I was able to understand exactly what you were trying to say here. Essentially for those who don't know, if you put power into a solar panel, it can act as an LED. LED is said literally, as Light Emitting Diode. Where the crystalline structure of the crystals in the panel can both receive and use electricity. One is in the form of transferring the kinetic energy of the light into electrical energy. And the other converts the electrical energy into kinetic energy in the for of light being emitted from the "diode" so to speak.
But I understand exactly what you are saying, and I actually recommend people to use a Solar Charge Controller (SCC) 100%. I actually highly recommend people use a SCC when doing this as a must or necessary.
Great video so far and I will get back to it right now. yes, I paused the video to type this, and now I will watch this video. Take not that I do NOT comment on videos very often, but when I do I mean every single word I say. And so don't take my comment as just another comment on a video. My comment has meaning to it. Now back to the video :)
Note to RUclipsr, This is a great video for explaining this kind of thing and showing exactly what to do with this kind of stuff. I have seen all of your other videos following up this one and you have presented the information and the DIY part of it perfectly. I don't see a problem with what you have taught here in these video. Keep up the amazing work!!! And keep teaching this kind of stuff, you are teaching it right. ;)
I really enjoy your videos and I love these DIY power boxes. I have always wondered why no one has ever added some sort of retractable cord to one. I'm thinking of doing one and adding in a replacement cord reel from a vacuum cleaner, so when I go camping or whatever, I always have an on board cord and don't have to worry about packing one. I see Amazon has many different styles and sizes of the whole retractable cord unit pretty cheap as does ebay. I'm looking forward to your next power box video and seeing upgrades and new ideas. Keep up the great work.
That's a good idea. I have some pretty good ideas for the next one myself
That retractable cord idea resonates with me. I like it......I like it alot.
Just perfectly done understandable videos for us of limited experience with wiring know how... Thanks!!!
I built this box it's my first time working with anything electrical or solar many thanks for the video 😁👍😀
I like how SAE connectors don't have a standard polarization. That's super safe.
J, yes, your initial video's helped me build the box I needed. Last year during the "Texas Freeze", we were able to charge phones, tablets, have light in the evenings, etc... these boxes can be actual life savers. All of my wifes friends want them, so, I have been tasked to build.🤣🤣, I cannot thank you enough. I have not added solar to my box yet, that is coming. In the list of items used, I did not see, maybe I missed it, the link for the SCC, or a solar panel you recommend, can you help me out there? I am no electrician either, but love to tinker with cool things, this is one of the cool things. Thank you again for this vid and others, subscribed and rung your bell for notifications. Bro, keep up the fantastic work. Peace.
JDS, I added solar to my original box. I think I have everything wired correctly. Hooked up a 25w solar panel. No lights on the solar charge controller. I plugged in the solar panel, set in bright sun, still nothing on the yellow light. Any ideas? Thx.
I am picking an amorphous panel. HF 25w, maybe their 100w kit. Gonna try that.
Nicely done young man. Very informative. 👍👍👍
I had built a similar battery ammo box and just plugged that same small solar panel into the 12v car plug. Charges great with no need for a charge controller.
In case this helps others : Amazon links
1 - 100pcs Female Fully Insulated Wire Crimp Terminal Nylon Quick Connectors Wiring Spade
2 - Red 22/18- Gauge Nylon Female Fully-Insulated Quick Disconnects Wiring Spade Wire Crimp Terminal
3 - LED Light Bulbs 9W DC12V 12mm
4 - 10pcs Terminal Binding Post Power Amplifier Dual Copper 2-Way Banana Plug Jack
5 - Triple Function Dual USB Charger
6 - 12pcs Car Truck Rocker Round Toggle LED Switch
7 - 6 Way Blade Fuse Box
8 - 12V/12AH Sealed Lead Acid Battery w/ F2 Terminal
Why not flip the charge controller upside down for wire access? Nice work tho thanks for the info
i wish you would sell these i love how you have done this and would buy 1 if i could. even if i had to buy the battery.
That cable management tho. Love it
Awesome video! Planning on making one as well!
Quick question, can you charge the battery with a traditional battery maintainer through the same port you connect the solar charger?
Yes
Great video and has inspired me to build my own solar assisted power box, however I have one question regarding connecting all your outputs to the "Load" side of the controller. Does the load on the controller supply sufficient current to power up all your outlets ? I would have thought taking the solar to the battery and keeping your main feed to to master switch on the battery made more sense. Thank you for taking the time to post such great information.
It can be hooked up either way it all depends on your charge controller some work the way I set it up and some do not. This was brought to my attention after the video but yes this one works perfectly the way it's set up
@@JDSOutdoors Thank you for your reply, I will hook my controller up to an external battery and measure the output on the load side, if its ok then I will wire it up as you have done. Many Thanks
Great upgrade. Thanks for posting the video. Look forward to the next one.
I've really enjoyed watching your videos and they've got me really excited to build my own box in the near future! Being completely new to wiring and dc circuitry, would it be possible to charge the battery thru the USB port? I have a 20w solar panel with usb output. I see it's possible to charge via banana jacks, cigarette lighter or SAE solar port but wasn't sure if charging was possible thru ALL the output ports or not. Thanks in advance for answering everyone's questions!
Another Great Video!! So basically you built a Solar Generator, right? Kind of like a Jackery. Awesome skills!
JDS Outdoors, Thank you so much for your videos. I especially appreciate you taking the time to show how to do this stuff step by step. I have built 2 of these version 2 boxes and love them. That said, I had a question. I mainly use my boxes for ice fishing and running the lights for my portable fishing house as well as my depth finder. Since I use it mainly for ice fishing I was wondering if you would perhaps show how to install a glow cup and a thermometer like you put on your 50 cal power box. I was thinking the glow cup could maybe fit on the front of the box in about the same spot as where you have the plug for your solar panel on this video. Then it would be just a matter of finding a spot for the thermometer. Just asking because im just not sure how i would wire that given the fact the boxes are already built. Thanks for all your help. Curt
Add me on Facebook and I can PM you pics. Jon stier. Profile pic is a grey super duty
Very nice. Thanks for sharing your build.
Nice build there John. Love your channel and learn from them.
Thanks craig
I have to go look at our Harbor Freight don`t remember seeing them Switches or other component's . Thanks nice setup
All the components are in the description other than the solar and charge controller which is at harbor freight
Can’t you please share the link for the change controlar and the waterproof connector.. thanks awesome job I made one thanks to ur videos 👍🏼
www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01GVSY3CA?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_title
www.amazon.com/Schumacher-SPC-7A-Solar-Charge-Controller/dp/B00752TRNW/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1541986836&sr=8-7&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=solar+charge+regulator&dpPl=1&dpID=41q1%2BwDd%2Bd
Those are the Amazon links to them or similar items. Thanks for the reply
I noticed that the Waterproof plug is for the battery minder. Could you still hook up the battery minder with the solar controller connected to keep the battery charge at home?
@@JDSOutdoors Thank you lots. 🤗
Great explainer! Great video!
Brilliant video thanks
hay well done buddy you did a great job that's what i did to all my box's work great keep up the good videos...... peace of CAKE take care stay safe up here in Alaska were having a lot of earth quakes these come in handy out in the area for back at night and charge them in the sun dear'en the day light take care .i use 20w solar panel's works great even a 50w amph works great .on 50w i use two 12w -12w amps recharge able battery's from walmart .
I saw those that was pretty crazy up there. Stay safe and thanks for the compliment
When you turn off the main power does it shut down the charge controller? Watched your other video on this project it's fantastic one of the best I've ever seen
Great question and thank you. I'd does not shut that off but nothing is running so to speak in it. The leds are only on when the solar is hooked up to this specific charge controller
@@JDSOutdoors thank you
I really love your videos, but I have a couple of really dumb questions.
1. If I use 18650 cells with the same Voltage and Capacity, can I build my Power Box using the same instructions that you provide in this video?
2. If I were to double the Amp Hours of battery storage, what else would I need to change, the fuses, the gauge of wires? I would really appreciate any advice you could offer.
Thanks again, your videos are the best.
Thank you for your service! So I got more questions lol. Where can I buy that type of battery? About how much MaH is the battery? And how many time do you think you could recharge the battery via solar or wall?
If I did the conversion right its 12,000mah and the amount of times it can be charged depends on how you take care if it. I have some 6+ years old
Always plug your battery into the solar charger before hooking your solar panel to the solar charger. The reverse is true when disconnecting. Always disconnect your solar panel from the charger before the battery.
Thank you for your information
Great video. Where do you plug if say you want to charge via AC? Same SAE port?
Yes but it has to be wired a little different
Great videos on the build and upgrades, how long will the battery take to run flat from fully charged please?
All depends on what you run off of it. For example 3-4 phone charges and 1 hr of lights that draw 1 amp it will last two days whitout a charge
GREAT VIDEOS.....
For some reason the solar panels are HF have gotten kind of expensive... Amazon sells higher capacity panels and charge controllers for better prices -
What size charge controller did you use? Didn’t see the one you used at Harbor Freight? Thank you for the great videos!
Its the same little one they sell there dont remember 100% the wattage maybe 100?
Thanks
@@maryellenfortenberry4709 I apologize
Are the solar panels with the charge controller built in trust worthy?
Pro tip - always put different connectors on each wire. Male on all Red wire Female on Black wire so you never plug in backwards.
Excellent video, quick question: Can you use the battery like charge your phone, while solar panel actively connected and charging the battery? I am assuming we could since the regulator is on duty?
Yes you absolutely can
@@JDSOutdoors awesome, thanks a bunch sir👍
Hi I’m struggling to find the solar charge regulator, was this from Amazon ? I’m in the uk, this has inspired me to make my own rather than buying complete love it 👍
www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001452003997.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.4d8717c4T1Yuxk&algo_pvid=6cabd313-3eea-4f3d-81c4-d73ad6b3cfc9&algo_expid=6cabd313-3eea-4f3d-81c4-d73ad6b3cfc9-4&btsid=0b0a556416205886809801269ef1db&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_
Nice.
Great videos on the version 2 boxes. Have you built the larger box that you mentioned in this video yet? if so, do you have a link to it?
Love it... Can you do a similar with lithium battery? If it's with a larger, car lithium battery, better
Absolutely
Hi.. i have a question.. i tried to build a box simular to this with 1 recharable 12v 7ah battery and it works until it hits 11.9 then shuts off my 400 w inverter.. is it because i dont have constant power or because i have it on a inverter and not fuse box??
The inverter is drawing a large load from the battery. Probably 10% to 25% more power coming out of the battery than whatever you are powering from the inverter. Your battery only has 84 watt hours of power if you were to drain it empty. That said, 11.9 volts is higher than a normal cut off. Usually the inverter low voltage cut out is between about 10.5v to 11v. Perhaps the wires and connectors between the battery and the inverter are too small. Under sized wires plus a load would cause the inverter to see (at its terminals) a lower voltage than the battery actual voltage. If you had a way to measure the voltage at the inverter terminals WHILE OPERATING your load, it would prove (or not) that hypothesis.
Love this!! About to add the solar to my box. One question for anyone with an opinion...instead of the SAE connectors for the solar panel input I think I am going to use one of the dual Anderson Powerplugs with the waterproof cover. One set will be the PV in to the solar controller, and I'd like to use the other set as an additional output option. How would you recommend wiring that in? Positive through an open slot on the fusebox and and the negative into the chain back to the battery? I'm certainly a novice at best so would appreciate any advice. Great project!
Hi, great video series about your power box! One question though: these kind of batteries must not be charged in a sealed or air thight container. How do you manage that? Do you open the box when charging on solar power? Thank you for your videos and answer. Best regards!
Sealed lead acids are designed to be charged in a sealed container being that they are sealed themselves. They are not like normal lead acids that must be vented. Thank you for the question
About half way through my second box. JDS, can you share what tool/Dremel tip you have found to be easiest to use when taking down the plastic inside the lid to make room for the voltmeter and 12v USB/Cig ports? I’m guessing you’ve done enough of these to have a very efficient process. Thanks!!!
I actually go back and forth using the metal cut off disc and burning through it and also the little mini wood saw blade. Sometimes I just run with an exacto knife as well. Depends on the day really
Hi, this is awesome! I will build a similar one ;) thanks for the idea bro
No problem and thank you
@@JDSOutdoors I subscribed to your channel, and I have one question. The question is: what kind of fusebox did you used in your first powerbox video?
@@BassBoostedArmy type in 12v fuse block on Amazon there are several good options. Or there is a link for the exact one in the power box version 2 vid in the description. Thank you again
Hi! My panel is designed for car trickle charging us ( 10w , 12v, .5A and has a diode etc). It generates 19v (open circuit) and the manufacturer promises it’s fine. So far so good that I bought a second to make a separate battery box. Do you know what the maximum V’s your usb ports can handle without being fried? Curious because I have a good Pelican case sitting around, but it does not have enough room for a controller (wondering since it makes .5A tops if it might be fine). What do you think? Thanks!
Can I charge the battery using the (speed charger) from the solar port ? or should I make a different port for that ?
thank you for your great video.
Yes
@@JDSOutdoors yes what ? Same port or different port ?
@@georgekruitbosch9859 same port
@@JDSOutdoors Thank you very much. great stuff, big help to me. Thanks again
Love this epic idea can you please add a link to the solar charge Regulator. thanks
Great videos John. When solar isn’t practical I will be using an Optimate 4 battery charger/maintainer to maintain the charge (1 amp output). It has built-in overcharge prevention circuitry. Is there an issue having this run through the solar charge controller? Phil
I would run that direct to the battery I'm not sure how it will work through the controller
@@JDSOutdoors with that being said os there anything that needs to be done (wiring wise) to prevent current backing into the system?
@@williamrahilly7737 most chargers have systems like that in place to prevent that from happening
@@JDSOutdoors My understanding is this; if I'm charging the battery box other then solar, their should be no issue. My next assumption would be the system would still be active and in theory ready to use.
@@williamrahilly7737 if I'm understanding that right you are correct
I was just curious what kind of a inverter would you use with that box
Did you manage to do the bigger box yet can’t see it on your channel?
Great work I really wish you was in the UK or sold them on eBay
I have but didnt film it.
JDS Outdoors oh :(
@@wolverinessurvivalgroup6924 I apologize man needed it quick so didnt have time
JDS Outdoors that’s ok I love your vids
Any chance you’d want to do want and send it for cost...
I’m struggling to do a build with small kids and need something that can cope with my wheelchair power ebike battery and I’m in it. So could sort battery out but I’ll get there , one year.
Since I already own the HF 100 watt Panel system, I assume that I could just disconnect one pannel's plug ans use that to connect to your box design for charging... THanks for the updated information..
Love this build and just bought pretty much everything I need to make my own! Where did you get the exterior solar regulator port with the waterproof cover? Can't find it anywhere, but may be searching for the wrong term. Thank you!
The plug is called an sae plug. Amazon or harbor freight
@@JDSOutdoors Excellent, thank you!!
Great video, I will be starting my build soon. Q: Can you make a version 3 and install an inverter, or have you already done this?
I have thought about it but haven't done it yet
@@JDSOutdoors thanks for quick reply, another Q: on one of your video’s you connect the negative wire to a bolt screwed into the box, on the other connected straight to the battery, does this make a difference?
@@waynetrueman1808 that was just a central ground point. I much more prefer the use of the fuse block and chain the neg together.
Does the fuse block pull power? Like if you hooked the battery directly to it but kept everything from it powered off, would it drain the battery? I realize batteries drain over time, but wasn't sure if constant power to the fuse block would increase the discharge or not.
Hello JDS, I have built this box after watching your video, Thank you. I do have a question. I fallowed this video to a T, However when I plug in the battery the lights come on my solar charge controller even when my main power switch is turned off and the solar plug is unplugged. I did connect to load to the main power switch and the battery out to the battery and the solar to the solar. What did I do wrong?
You did it right. The charge controller is lit up off of the battery. The pv lights come on only when the solar is hooked up
Ok that's what I thought. yes I noticed that about the PV lights. I'm just concerned about the lights being on all the time when the battery is connected.
@@kansas7614 easy fix would be install either an inline fuse or switch to the battery from the charge controller and shut it off or pull the fuse when sitting idle for a while
I jst added another switch for it. Thank you.
I cannot get any lights on my solar charge controller, no matter which way I hook it up.
I like it I need to make with my CB radio
Thanks for your very nice project and very helpful sharing. Can you share a solar panel link?
The link is a few comments down. Thank yoy
@@JDSOutdoors thank you
Everyone else I have seen making these says DO NOT CONNECT to the "Load Side" of the charge controller. Why did you do this? I'm trying to figure this out.
My charge controller only has 2 sets of wires one to the battery and one to the solar panel the load is hooked to the battery
Would it be better to use double sided tape to mount charge controller, s o you don't have to drill more holes?
That works as well but I find I cold climates the tape tends to fail
Doing this upgrade today...can you have the solar panel plugged in while the battery is in use with load?
Yes
Hi, Great video, can you tell me where you got the waterproof charging connector? its not in the list the same as the other components. Thank you
Sorry. Just seen your reply in an earlier post. thanks. Please ignore.
I was just going to reply that lol. No worries thanks for the reply
I did the same thing on my box, but I didn't see any light on the Regulator. How can you tell if the Regulator or the Solar is bad. I follow your instruction to the "T". Now I got power on the box and everything works but once I plug the solar to the SAE nothing happen. You think I got a bad solar panel?
Similar issue here. I get not lights on the solar controller at all. Did not use a fuse blick, used an inline fuse from the positive battery terminal. Back to the drawing board on my wiring. Also, I did not cut off the plugs in the controller, I picked up some trailer 2 flat connectors. I know they work as I put spade connectors on and tested them. Can't figure out where my wiring is wrong, pretty sure that is what the issue is. 25w solar panel, so should have lights on in the controller even when hooked to battery, but I get no lights. So taking wiring apart later.
@@t3angling575 WOW that is crazy!... I got rid off the solar system because I couldn't figure it out either, so I got another one and is doing the same thing I will play with the wires and see if I can solve the puzzle... If you figure it out please let me know. Thank you for everything brother!!! Happy Thanksgiving...
Can you add a second solar panel in series? They offer a 2-pack special at Northern Tool? How long would it take to recharge a battery?
Yes you can have multiple panels if desired. Time it takes to charge the battery depends on the time of year, where you live in relevant to the equator, how many watts your panel is, how big your battery is and also how sunny/cloudy it is
Hello there can you tell me where did you get your outside solo panel connector
Amazon
Very nice how to video. I was wondering how water tight this unit is when all said and done with all the holes. Also what about adding 1 each more light on the 3 other sides with another switch for 360* light?
Can you add a link of a picture using the lights in the dark
I apologize I dont have any pics at night but that's a good idea for my next video on them. Also its pretty water resistant and handles splashing and rain well with the marine components, However I would not dunk it in water for fear of a good leak and, short possibilities. You can add as many lights as you wish super easily
JDS, could you also install a plug in battery tender along with the solar charger, in line?
What Battery are you using ? Thank you
Pls name of the baterí what is better gel or acid ? Thx for explain
Gel is better, longer life. lead acid is cheaper they both work about thr same
JDS Outdoors thx a lot greetings from Spain
It appeared the polarity of the charge regulator plug (exposed steel plug) and the SLA adapter plug also the exposed steel plug) were reversed so the panel would be short circuited. Can you confirm and did you need to get an adaper to correct the polarity?
where do you find that plug that sits on the outside of the box where you plug your solar panel in?
Sae plug. Amazon. There should be a link in the description also
so with that solar charge plug, doesn't that also work for the AC battery tender option?
Yes absolutely
What battery are you using thank you top video
12v 12 ah sealed lead acid
JDS Outdoors that was fast thank you
Cool
New Subscriber....interested..I'm thinking of building myself 1 of these.
7 wat ok to keep mower battery charged? Regulator needed?
Thanks
Looking for a link to find the solar panel? I have a box built already. Would like to add solar to charge. Thanks.
Is the solar equipment link posted to purchase?
It was all purchased at harbor freight
My boxes are built very similar to yours what are you running for batteries, ive been thinking about adding the solar recharge option for awhile, what does this option cost, and is the harbor freight system durable?
I'm running 12 ah lead acids and it adds about $30 not including the panel. It is pretty durable for the price and size. Been using it for over a year and no issues
I wouldn’t go harbor freight. Their panels are very poor. I’d get a small renogy or Hqst panel. I have a couple 100 watt panels and 100 watt is the “sweet spot” for small panels as far as price per watt.
Going more portable a 50 watt hqst panel is around $70. I’ll be buying one of those for my portable option box.
hi, can you reconmend a solar panel litmit for fishing for weekend, i need to charge my phone ,head torch, bivvy light and charge my portable power box, 12 volt 7 amp box, thanks eddie, great video well delivered,
Get the largest one you can carry. They make some nice folding ones as well but they aren't cheap
@@JDSOutdoors thank you for your reply👍👍
Great demo, what group size batteries do you use?
Those are 12 ah sealed lead acids in the boxes
Follow powerbox 2 build from start to finish, works great then added the solar upgrade, now I keep getting a E13 error code (reverse polarity) on my solar controller and its not charging battery. Checked wiring and seems to be correct. Any ideals?
Hey... Is 16 guage wire good enough to run a fish finder off the power box...
Yes absolutely. Most fish finder wires are 18-20ga so 16 is more than sufficient
@@JDSOutdoors Tried to order their kit, but unfortunately, they don't ship to Canada... Is there anywhere I can find an itemized list where I can buy the parts needed to build one on my own...
Can a battery tender be hooked up to the SAE connector to charge the battery at home?
Need to be careful with these solar charge controllers. One needs to be able to disconnect them from the battery when there is no solar cells connected to it (like when not in use and placed in storage). The reason is the solar charge controller circuitry gets its power from that gel battery. After a while it will run a small battery like this flat. Also that charge controller may self consume more power than that little 2.5 watt solar panel can put out. When using a solar panel that small where it only puts out enough power to maintain the battery best to just place a buck voltage converter that will convert the solar panel output voltage down to about 12.7 to 12.8 volts. This way it will never overcharge it and will put out more usable power. those thin film solar panels are rated about 2.5 watts at around 19 volts the buck converter will lower the voltage and increase the current from (19V @ 132ma) to (12.8 V @ 189ma.) about a 97% efficiency.
Will u sell one?
Which controller would you recommend for lifepo4? Have you explored that type of battery yet?
I know it needs to be an mppt controller but some are still not compatible friendly
Any idea on how to wire a laptop charger port to charge the battery???
Yes you need to install a small inverter.
Can 2 of the 1.5w panels be spliced together on one controller
JDS Outdoors - Would you be willing to make one and sell it? What would you charge? And Would you custom make one to particular specifications if it is requested? Please let me know. As I'm very interested.
I used to but with the high amount of people doing it I stopped. I highly recommend going with ice hole power. Jeremy makes and ships awesome boxes all over
Do you have to use the load side? Couldn't you just just add the solar and attach to the the battery? Avoid the common issue of overloading that output.
Yes that is the better way of doing it I have since switched
If you weren't doing a permanent installed setup for the charge controller, could you just use alligator clips and back feed the solar through the banana jacks?
You should be able to do that just fine without the controller. The dc ports end up connecting with the battery in or out. In that case, you would need to use the voltage meter on the box to monitor the voltage to cut the charge, around 14.3 volts.
Yep just as William mentioned