Build Your First Solar Power System! Beginner Tutorial Easily Explained, Budget Friendly
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- Опубликовано: 28 май 2024
- Solar System Parts List (sponsored links):
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If DIY is not for you, but you love solar and need an offgrid system, check out Tesla Energy! They will price out a system and get your house offgrid: ts.la/william57509
My DIY Solar Equipment Recommendations (Constantly updated! Check here first):
12V/48V Lithium Solar Batteries: www.mobile-solarpower.com/sol...
Complete Solar System Component Directory: www.mobile-solarpower.com/sol...
Complete 48V System Blueprint: www.mobile-solarpower.com/48v...
Plug-N-Play System Recommendations: www.mobile-solarpower.com/ful...
Complete "Add to Cart" 48V System Kits: www.mobile-solarpower.com/com...
DIY Friendly Air Conditioner/ Heat Pumps: www.mobile-solarpower.com/sol...
My Favorite Online Stores for DIY Solar Products:
Signature Solar
Offgrid One-Stop-Shop. Best Value 48V LiFePO4, Victron and Offgrid Specific Heat Pumps:
www.signaturesolar.com/?ref=h...
Current Connected
SOK, Victron, Mr.Cool Heatpumps and High Quality Components. Fantastic customer support:
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Litime
My favorite 12V budget battery!:
www.litime.com/?ref=XBIA62RFc...
Epoch Batteries
My favorite high-quality 12V battery:
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Renogy
A classic 12V solar store that has been around for ages! DC to DC Chargers and more!
renogy.sjv.io/n1VjXx
Rich Solar
Renogy's biggest competitor! Similar products, but at a better price:
richsolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek
Battery Hookup
Cheap cell deals
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5% off code: diysolar
Contact Information:
I am NOT available for personal solar system consult! If you wish to contact me, this is my direct email: williamprowsediysolar@gmail.com
Join the forum at diysolarforum.com/ if you wish to hang out with myself and others and talk about solar
FTC Disclosure Statement and Disclaimers:
Every video includes some form of paid promotion or sponsorship. Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. My videos are for educational purposes only. Information is subject to change/update at any time. Electricity is DANGEROUS and can kill. Be smart and use common sense :)
DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program,
An affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Sponsored Links for this video:
100w Starter Kit: amzn.to/2Zr8rbq
Battery: amzn.to/2XAR9XZ
Inverter: amzn.to/2ILaHV8
Cheaper Battery Option: amzn.to/2Dr4mL2
Cheaper Inverter Option: amzn.to/2IwfgDE
Solar Panel Mounting Guide: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-panel-mounts.html
Fuses and sizing guides: www.mobile-solarpower.com/fuses.html
Recommended additional circuit breaker for charge controller: amzn.to/2DnJXq8
Solar panels if you wish to expand this system:
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Check out my latest best-selling book on off-grid solar:
amzn.to/2Aj4dX4
Does off-grid solar confuse you? Check out my website for pre-calculated packages, suggested components and much more! www.mobile-solarpower.com/
*Does off-grid solar confuse you?*
Check out my DIY friendly website for solar system packages and product recommendations, and so much more!
www.mobile-solarpower.com
*Join our DIY solar community*
#1 largest solar forum on the internet for beginners and professionals alike:
www.diysolarforum.com
*Check out my Book*
Best-selling and beginner-friendly guide to 12V off-grid solar!
amzn.to/2Aj4dX4
If DIY is not for you, but you love solar and need an offgrid system, check out Tesla Energy! They will price out a system and get your house offgrid: ts.la/william57509
*My DIY Solar Equipment Recommendations (Constantly updated! Check here first):*
12V/48V Lithium Solar Batteries: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-batteries.html
Complete Solar System Component Directory: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solarcomponents.html
Complete 48V System Blueprint: www.mobile-solarpower.com/48v-complete-system-blueprint.html
Plug-N-Play System Recommendations: www.mobile-solarpower.com/full-size-systems.html
Complete "Add to Cart" 48V System Kits: www.mobile-solarpower.com/complete-48v-solar-kits.html
DIY Friendly Air Conditioner/ Heat Pumps: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-friendly-air-conditioners.html
*My Favorite Online Stores for DIY Solar Products:*
*Signature Solar*
Offgrid One-Stop-Shop. Best Value 48V LiFePO4, Victron and Offgrid Specific Heat Pumps:
www.signaturesolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek
*Current Connected*
SOK, Victron, Mr.Cool Heatpumps and High Quality Components. Fantastic customer support:
currentconnected.com/?ref=wp
*Litime*
My favorite 12V budget battery!:
www.litime.com/?ref=XBIA62RFcalHns
*Epoch Batteries*
My favorite high-quality 12V battery:
www.epochbatteries.com/products/12v-460ah-lifepo4-battery-ip67-heated-bluetooth-victron-comms?rfsn=7352625.50494d
*Renogy*
A classic 12V solar store that has been around for ages! DC to DC Chargers and more!
renogy.sjv.io/n1VjXx
*Rich Solar*
Renogy's biggest competitor! Similar products, but at a better price:
richsolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek
*Battery Hookup*
Cheap cell deals
bit.ly/2mIxSqt
5% off code: diysolar
*Contact Information:*
I am NOT available for personal solar system consult! If you wish to contact me, this is my direct email: williamprowsediysolar@gmail.com
Join the forum at diysolarforum.com/ if you wish to hang out with myself and others and talk about solar
*FTC Disclosure Statement and Disclaimers:*
Every video includes some form of paid promotion or sponsorship. Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. My videos are for educational purposes only. Information is subject to change/update at any time. Electricity is DANGEROUS and can kill. Be smart and use common sense :)
DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program,
An affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Awesome video man! Thanks for the step by step explanation.
So what can you power with this particular one I’ve been looking at buying jackery or a Goal Zero 1400 but I’d rather have a 3000 what’s it going to take to be able to build one that will have the ability to charge from the wall and take with me and have the ability to be charging from a solar panel that if my lights went out I could power my fridge raider or if I went in emergency somewhere I had to throw it in my car I could power all of my as I need to have charged
Do we have something like that I could buy from you or that I could build at home quickly
DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse. Disconnect negative first then positive, then to rehook up, connect positive first then negative. Unless the basic rules of electricity is different for solar?
@@davefoley5489 nope that's for automotive only. Doesn't matter here. We are not chassis ground. Doesn't matter
Nice videos you do on youtube. Please I want to find out the name of the material used to cover the BACK of the solar panel. I know the Front is Tempered glass but not sure about the back. People use wood, plastic sheet & more more but want to know what material is used. I will be grateful if you have a link to the website to this material. Thank u. Awaiting ur reply
I just finished installing a 200w Renogy solar kit and a 1000w pure sine wave inverter all by myself😊 I did my van build myself as well.
I'm a 61 year old widow that has no previous electrical experience and I can't tell you how empowered I feel right now.. I discovered you through Bob Wells. You guys along with Hobotech and Enigmatic Nomadic teaches everything anyone needs to know about vanlife and how to do things needed for it. Thank you❤
I have worked in the electronics industry for almost 50 years and have never seen tutorials as clear as you give them. I hope you become a teacher, you have a gift for it and are excellent at it.
teaching would be a step down for this young man
Teaching is exactly what he’s doing :-)
@@trishallenson4691 lol im just happy he isnt doing it on a teachers salary
He 'is' a teacher. And it wouldn't be worth the pay cut, or abuse.🤔✌
@@souljahroch2519 its like you are agreeing and disagreeing with everyone
I just want you to know you're a downright life saver for people trying to go offgrid. You explain this stuff more simply yet more in depth than anybody else online that I've seen
Pro-tip at 1:15. Never install bolts with the nut on the panel side. Instead, run the bolt from the panel side of the hole and out. This will guarantee you that you never accidentally put a too - long bolt into a spot that could push the end of the bolt into and through the panel.
I'm a 73 year old grandma. I live on a farm but solar has always been a mystery to me! You made it so plain, even I feel confident to try this!!
57 year old gramma here about to embark on off-grid life. Perma-camper!!!
You got this gamgam
Might i add a couple of suggestions. Having been a troubleshooter lineman and utility man for a major power company, there are just a couple of things.
1. All mating surfaces should be lightly sanded/brushed. Pure shiney look nice but will not transfer power as well as two surfaces brushed.
2. It appears that some of the connections are different metals. They all may be copper, but some are tin plated. Electrolysis can and will set up when dissimilar metals are mated and current flows between them. A good anti-electrolysis gel should be applied to these connections.
These 2 items can and will save heartache and issues with the system. Efficiency will also improve. And as we all know one must try to make their solar system as efficient as possible. Thanks for your good work.
Thanks for that input. Could you explain number 1 a little more detail.
@@FirstDownMage simply put, electric conductors that have to mate up will have a better connection when their mating surfaces are slightly " rough " for lack of a better term. When they are perfectly shiny and slick they won't conduct as well. And especially when DC current at lower voltages are involved. A wire brush is best. Sandpaper can leave behind residue. Does that help?
Thank you. He is great, but I need all the extra tips I can get. Blessings.
Good tips.
@@FirstDownMage most metal oxides are insulators so you want to sand off any passivation layer that might have formed.
I just finished installing the 200W Renogy starter kit, with this video playing as I did so, which made it simple and relatively easy. My work shed is now solar powered. Thanks!
Hi, are you in the UK, also would it be possible to run a heater from it. Thanks
@@steviebye1 its really tough to heat or cool anything from solar power. Youd need a far bigger system, this is super small minimalist.
@@WjB_96792 Then what can we use this 200w for? what kind of appliances? Thank you.
@@pacwoman7126 im no expert in this field and have no experience as an electrician or even a hobbyist. Just an average hawaiian with daydreams of someday building my own little off grid beach shack with a few panels and battery storage. So... pacwoman... there are plenty of resources available to learn about amp hours, converting to watt hours, how to determine the exact amount of energy an appliance will draw and from there its basic math. And while nobody can sit here on you tube and tell u exactly what u can run on this 200W starter kit im going out on a limb to say not a whole lot. A fan, a light.... maybe charge your phone...
@@WjB_96792 Thanks a lot
I'm getting ready to install my first solar setup on my minivan. I've watched countless hours of your videos and bought your book. I would not have the confidence to do this without you! Thanks, Will! You are great at explaining how to do this!
Any updates? How did it go and did you have any difficulties with it. Hope it went well!
It went flawlessly. I had no troubles. Between the diagram and the explanations it was smooth like silk.
I’ve studied solar DIY systems for 25 years and this is the best single introductory video I’ve found. You nailed it!
He sure did, I actually understand this!!!
I would connect positives first then if you touch ground (vehicle body) while tightening up the positives you won't get a circuit. More so in tighter spaces.
Can I use something like this in my shed to power my shed and charge lawn tool batteries ?
@@kblend7225 Yes 🙂
Wow! I have been an electronic engineer for over 40 years and have also taught it. As young as you are, you display yourself as one of the best instructors I have seen. You will go far, do not limit yourself.
You are an engineer and you did not catch him connecting the batter improperly causing a huge spark that could have damaged his equipment, interesting.
Thank you for telling us you're an engineer. Every engineer tells everyone that they are one, so we appreciate knowing, it let's us know we're not as good as you.
@Eric kicking liberals I didn't take it as a sucker punch at me. It's just that I've only ever known engineers to start a statement with "I'm an engineer" like that qualifies their statement. Granted, in this scenario it's not 100% out of place, there is some relation. But him having taught the subject is what would qualify his statement, not his book-knowledge and theoretical application. I bet there are electricians that have watched this and don't tell us they are electricians. And an electrician has practical, real-world experience.
That's all. Just making an observation, and my occupation doesn't matter in relation to my observation ;)
@@1QKGLH Yeah so he is an Injuneer. Where are the cowboys?>
@@iconacy Wow great catch, Sir. Every place I have gone, to purchase a car battery the installers do not know what you just said and they shoot sparks all over the place with a gasoline engine near by. I can't understand why simple training procedures are not in place to prevent this! Especially with people who are installing batteries every day. It's pretty easy. Negative remove first. Positive Add first. No more Sparks
Good tutorial. In my experience with automotive batteries the red + cable is always attached first, then the negative - cable is connected. This does away with the spark you experienced when connecting the red cable first. I know your battery is sealed but safe practices should always be utilized. Vented automotive batteries can have fumes that can cause an explosion hence the need to go positive (red) first, then negative (black) second. Thanks for posting.
I had to scroll all the way down here to find someone with experience to make mention of this... I thought it was an industry wide understanding in the electrical business to connect negative then positive...
Though you are correct about the order, and that order is reversed on disconnect, however this is not the reason for the severe arcing. The sparking was caused by the rapid inflow of current to the capacitors in the inverter. To avoid this you should either use a ceramic resistor, 25 watt 30 ohm works well and hold one lead of the resistor to the cable and the other to the battery terminal. Hold it there for 10 seconds or so. This will precharge the caps slowly.....You can then attach the cable with no sparking.
@@theturnersontheroad4537Reason being, if you are disconnecting the positive first and the wrench were to contact anything metal it will complete the circuit to ground which can be very dangerous. I saw a fellow Marine burn his ring finger off instantly when his wrench made contact with the frame and it welded the wrench to the frame and terminal. Needless to say everything got hot and melted almost instantly. Disconnecting the ground first assures this cannot happen. They should be reconnected in reverse order....positive first, ground second.
I like how Will emphasizes safety with practicality. Don't take any short cuts until you really know what you are doing. Another great Job.
I DID IT!!! I paused your video for like an hour at each step, but my battery system is rocking-and-rolling. THANK YOU!!
Awesome!!!
You just uncomplicated a subject that was super complicated in my head. Glad I found it. Thanks for posting.
I already built my system thanks to your help!!! At 7am my batteries are full, maybe I over built hahaha, but in cloudy days at 11am are full to.
I'm just starting out with my first 4wd truck and your tutorials and website has been invaluable for me. Thank you Will.
Dude, you are the Mr. Rogers of solar... the way you explain things... even an elected official could understand.
Thats funny
That may be stretching it a bit, elected official? But, this young fellow does an excellent job teaching.
the wrong people are in charge =- elected officials
Hehe 😏
Hahahaha😅😀😂😂😂 Hahahaha
English is Second language for me. I understood everything perfectly. He speaks so consistent and clear that I decided to do it myself.
Thank you for this tutorial for beginners like me ! 👌👌
Solar companies like renology should hire you to explain solar for us newbies. You do a great job, thank you! I love your videos
I have watched many of your videos, in random order, and I love the simple, clear, informative nature. I do have one question: Why hook up the negative cables first, then the positive. I was always taught, and reminded to hook up the positive first, then the ground. I am not doubting your process, I would just like an explanation, so that I can understand the safety/process correctly. Thank you to any/all that help me.
Notes for myself:
1:51 Connect battery lines first then connect solar lines
5:35 Add switch to either of solar lines
9:34 Add fuse between battery and scc on positive line
Wow, I've been researching installing a few panels and have felt very much in-over-my-head... but you explained things SO good that I don't feel intimidated by the project anymore. I was particularly concerned about blowing myself up in some way. But you explained the order of wiring very well and I feel confident, I'm a 63 yr old woman and I got this!
@Marty Trout How did it go?
One other trick, use a P-touch to label the positive and negative solar wires close to where they plug into the controller. They look very different at the connector but look exactly the same at the connection point. He does identify the polarity of the PV wire then plugs it in immediately, eliminating a crossed wire. But you may move the system or panel and unplug both and it's nice to have them labelled at their connection point.
Just ran across this video and realized it was the one that started my hobby. You come a long way, smart young man.
This is the most useful solar panel installation tutorial on RUclips. Thanks for explaining thigs step-by-step bro!
absolutly!
I could not agree more. Perfectly explained.
@@amiramark I’m wondering the cost to use an inverter, battery’s and panels for my hangar?
I have a well pump that’s 240v so is it possible to power that as well?
Thanks Sam
You're younger than my kids and some of my grandkids, but boy did I learn some useful stuff from you today!!
Wisdom and knowledge are not age related or dependent!
Certainly the phrase 'an old fool' comes to mind!
Or: 'a young genius'!
With age USUALLY comes wisdom but always, and not as often as you might think! IMO!
@@paulortiz2035 I was attempting to give you kudos for your technical insights; lets keep it that simple, before you turn it sour.
Just recently discovered your videos. Awesome job! I am completely new to the solar game with my first camper but have always been a DIY person. Have big plans and your videos are getting me stoked to start my first upgrades.
Finally someone who explains everything the way people like and understand it.
Greetings from the Netherlands.
Beautifully explained Basic Solar kit for beginners Will, you didn't throw in anything 'extra' in the mix that might confuse a newbie. It's nice to see your sponsorship growing on this channel too since you have always been honest with us about the items that you are using for your demonstrations, whether you paid out of pocket or if the item(s) being tested were provided gratis from the manufacturer. You have spent quite a bit of $ to keep yourself from any perceived bias in the products used and there aren't many YT channels that would be willing to step up to the plate like you have. Keep the videos coming Will, you are perfectly positioned in the ever changing YT Solar community by being able to educate a broad audience from total Solar virgin to a 3k watt Solar and Tesla module and everything in between. Nice ! I hope the world is treating you well my friend, as always it's been nice to spend some screen time with ya this afternoon.
could even show manufacturers these demos and have them give you their products so that their products get exposure on your channel. Awesome demo dude and thanx 4 making so simple for us slower folk.
I simply can't tell you how much I appreciate your videos! I don't get most of this stuff and am going to be house less in a couple of weeks. I will need to make this happen with minimal cash as I am going to do this on my disability. It looks like I will be in a cargo trailer. This is so helpful and reduces my anxiety! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
Great job, Will! You are a great teacher; detailed, informative! When I got started researching going solar, I figured I was in over my head. This video simplifies it, so that a beginner or "Average Joe" could do it. You provide those baby steps. So many cram too much info into too little of a video. Plus I can have the confidence in the products since you have tested/sourced good products and materials. Thanks.
I just finished my solar project and I used your channel as a guide and I have to throw out a huge thank you for all your great information which was very helpful. My system was added to my backyard cabin and it's just awesome! The only thing I did different was I added an inline fuse from (Renogy) on my PV positive wire. When you build a system and you follow your advice it works great! Thanks Bud !
You are welcome!!! I am glad I can help :) that's great that you have solar power now! Sure is fun to build these systems
@@WillProwse Do you have a video for basic home items that is even MORE simple like a system for dummies? This is too much for this beginner. Thank you! I sent you an email as well. God bless!
@@WillProwse Do you have the link to Amazon for the Inverter? - I have noticed that you forget to put links to each product you highlight in your videos - I recommend you link as many products you can with affiliate links so people can simply click on your video, watch what you do, and click the links to buy - makes it much easier for noobs like me and you make money - thanks!
The best and simplest explanation in layman’s terms I’ve seen. Great job we need more of these.
Thank you for taking the time and explaining everything step-by-step. I feel confident that I can make my own solar system now. You are awesome!
The key to great teaching is keep things simple and easy to follow, you have such a calm way about the way you describe the details step by step. Your quite a unique young man with a gift for what you are doing. Awesome stuff 👍👍👍
The way you explained the installation of solar power system is highly appreciated thank you so much✋✋
I watched the Renogy clips @ the Amazon link, YOUR demonstration was FAR superour
Not certain about the points made but ,if anyone else wants to discover install solar power try Magonsi Solar System Expert (should be on google have a look ) ? Ive heard some unbelievable things about it and my co-worker got cool success with it.
I just set up my first 200 watt system, as you described exactly in your video, awesome directions, right on!!
what are you running off your 200 watt system ? I want to start small but want a general idea
Super helpful! I am definitely a beginner, but decided to attempt to build a solar generator. To say that I was in over my head is an understatement. This video helped tremendously. Now I'm off to find the other video you recommended. Thank you!
I've been a little confused on this subject. Thank you, you made it easy to understand.
This video was so incredibly helpful. Now and finally I understood what I was watching on something I've been so interested for some time now.
I'm a complete novice and found this video excellent. Presented well, clear and concise information. All my questions answered, thank you : )
I know nothing about solar or engineering/tech stuff but this clear tutorial makes me want to do this!
Love this beginner build video Will! Would love to see more add on components, alterations, and systems! Recent videos have been awesome.
Will I stumbled onto your channel yesterday while looking for reviews of the Inergy Apex that I was going to use with my Jeep while exploring the wilderness, needless to say I am not buying one and am now going to build my own system thanks to your in depth videos and sharing your knowledge. I thank you sir for your excellent explanations for this total newbie to Solar power!
You answered so many questions I've had about solar. I believe I could set all that up by myself now! Thank you! You're awesome!
I've installed installed solar panels for nearly 45 years and I have never seen this clear informative diy videos. Thanks.
Will: I have watched many of your videos on battery building and solar setup and I must say you are the best at what you do. If this is your selected platform, let it be, because you rock at it. Telling about the expected spark when you connect that last terminal is a hit too. So many people like myself would stop at that point, thinking that I did something wrong. Continue doing your thing and I will like and subscribe as I see them coming. Good luck.
You are so patient and clear in this video. I cannot thank you enough!!
This is the first video that I have watched that I actually understood the steps and the order how to hook up my system frozen dinner this is exactly what is needed and adding all the little extra stuff the fuses and the heat things and everything gives us more info I really appreciate it this video now I feel confident that my granddaughter and I can hook up our system to get our power where we live thank you aloha from Hawaii
Thank you, my battery will be here in a week and then I'm mounting my 4 panels. Thanks a lot.
Dude easily the best tutorial I’ve seen, so happy I found this. Was able to set up my solar so simply
Whoa! I'm going to watch every video on your channel now. Thank you for the easily digestible breakdown 🙏🏼
I have this system and I've watched your videos before and I just adore how easy you make comprehending the intricacies of electricity.
Hi Will I'm in Wicklow Ireland and I watched many of your videos and I bought your book from Amazon. I've built a 400w 12v system and went on to build 2 more for family and friends. I also just built my first 24v system. Thank you for all the videos and expertise.
O God, you explain concepts so nicely and clearly, wish I had all teachers like you when I was a kid. Great job mate.👍
Best solar "how- to" I've come across. Thanks! I'll be buying a system in a week or so and will totally go thru one of your links!
SO grateful I found you! I'm building out my minivan and bought a 12v cooler, solar has been Greek to me til now, whew!! You are awesome and a great teacher. Thank you.
I purchased this same kit not long ago, installed it in my slide in camper for running a small 750W inverter, and 2 deep cycle batteries. Been awesome using it to charge phones, speakers, run all lights, Cpap ect. Worth every penny. Now looking at upgrading to 400W so even in cloudy weather I can still run everything and my ICECO 12v Fridge.
Thank you for making this old lady feel smarter. I'm looking for alternatives to power the pump and lights on our 4 tier fountain without tunneling under 15 feet of concrete driveway. Knowing nothing ... I watched your video and feel so much more confident. I'd like to power our shed and power some lighting along the driveway (335 feet long). I had professionals come and install our automated driveway gate using lift master gate arm and solar power. The price was almost $10,000. So I'm thinking DIY solar for the rest of the outdoor stuff. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for sharing your knowledge. I just might get to sell this house and have enough equity to move to the land of retired sunshine folks (Not Florida).
More people should be interested in solar power!!!!!! Love everything about your channel keep making great content!!
Awesome video with great instructions! I'm a teacher looking at doing a DIY campervan and this was perfect for someone with limited expertise. Of course now I want to see the next one so I can build a bigger system :)
I have been trying to educate myself about solar and off grid power for sailing.. and your channel is by far the best. Thank you!
And.. I just bought your book.. even if the pages are blank, I feel like the price was worth it in exchange for your videos!
I've been watching your RUclips videos for the past few months and am so excited. My Renogy 100 watt kit will arrive on Tuesday. So will your book. I still have to buy a battery and inverter plus some of the other odds and ends you mentioned in this video, but having the kit waiting to be hooked up will keep me squarely focused on the project. Wish it was right now because we've already had one power outage and will be having another, thanks to PG&E and the wildfires here in California. Thank you so much for finally helping me over the fear of dealing with electricity (unlike most other sites that don't really explain that part to you). You're a great teacher. So glad I found you.
I would love to see a video showing exactly what this system is capable of powering and for how long before battery is below 50%
Yeah exactly...
Like two light bulbs at most....
I have almost the exact same system and during the summer average about 240 Watt hours per day.
@@simplethings3730 wow, that's pretty low in full sun. May want to check the angle of your panel or go with an MPPT charge controller.
I built my small back up system in November 2014 - still running perfect with the same components.
My set up is somewhat similar with a 12v 100W Grape Solar solar panel, Renogy 20 amp MPPT charge controller, 4 - 6v 215Ah Duracell deep cycle batteries connected in series/parallel (12V/430Ah system) and a 2300W modified sine wave inverter.
I have run my deep freezer that pulls 36.1 watts/hr (at peak) during the day, but I unplugged the deep freezer when the panel stopped producing power in the evening. *Everything stays frozen until morning, which I then plugged the freezer back into the solar system before going to work*
-Note: definitely should run a deep freezer on a pure sine wave inverter. I noticed the deep freezer got a little warmer on the sides running it on a modified sine wave inverter - it still worked though, just don't know about longevity of the freezer with the extra heat production.
I have done the plug and unplug thing for entire weeks at a time (as a test) and my system never dropped below 80% capacity. So technically, I can do that indefinitely and keep my food frozen.
I also keep frozen water bottles in the deep freezer to put into large coolers for things that need refrigeration - like milk, eggs, etc. When they start to melt, I'll swap them out with the other frozen water bottles from the deep freezer. This was out of necessity because of my refrigerator messing up every month.
There is no way that this system will run my side by side refrigerator, as that pulls 153W/hr according to my Kill A Watt meter - 17Kw over a period of 116 hours.
A few days ago, I ordered a 24v Renogy 270W polycrystalline solar panel which will allow me to run my deep freezer without the unplugging and plugging. It was $222 at Home Depot. Great price for a panel with a 16% module efficiency. My Renogy charge controller auto-detects 24v or 12v solar panels so no need to change battery voltage.
@@unherdac I check the angle with a soda can. I put the can on the panel and make the shadow go away. This average includes everything, including cloudy days. My solar panels will put out about 90 Watts Max. I don't have any charge controller. I just watch the voltage and it when it gets around 13.5 I'll fire up the inverter and discharge the battery to 50%. I also do have some shade on the panels. Most of my losses are from my cheap inverter. I would have to look at my notes but if I remember correctly, if I am drawing a 100 watt load from the inverter, about half of the power coming from the battery is just running the inverter. I have increase the load on the inverter but I haven't collected data yet to find out how much that has improved my Watt hours.
I'm a nearly 58 year old newbie vintage Shasta Compact owner, I'm not restoring but refinishing & updating I'm using your video to attempt to learn solar.
I know you've heard this alot but thank you for making it soooo simple.
So stoked man, about to start my build, real value in these videos, thank you!
One of the best RUclipsrs out there. So friggin good at explaining everything!!! Thanks so much.
Good teaching is a skill!
Great teaching is a even greater skill.
I can’t add to all of the praise that I have read about your solar set up. And I just wanna say thank you for giving me the confidence to do this.
You did a great job explaining how and why things should be set up a certain way. Trying to set up my wood crafting shop for off grid operations and you've given me the information to do that thank you. I'll be checking your other videos to see if you cover my final question. 👍
This is only the second of your videos that I've seen, and already I've learned SO MUCH! I've seen others where they gloss over stuff, or proceed as though noobs like me have a clue what they're talking about. Only NOW do I feel I understand and that I can a actually get out there and do it!! Thank you so much!!
I just bought an inverter to connect to my car battery to charge my phone when I relocate to my village. I was looking for this exact info. Thanks, great explanation
Yay I did it 😁. I just built my first basic solar system for my RV that I'm renovating for off grid living.. Thanks so much for sharing with good basic instructions. 1 project down, many more to go.
I wish I knew of you 5 years ago when I set up a system in my camper shell not knowing what I was doing. This won't be my first system, but I'm definitely going to be using this video to do it right. YOU ARE A LIFE SAVER BROTHER!
Just want to say Thank you!!. I've must of watched this video like a 100 times, lol. Finally got everything hooked with no issue (the spark still startled me, even though I knew it was coming, lol).
Hey Will, Just want to start by saying thank you!
I have been trying to get my head around solar power ( and electrics in general) for the last 2 or 3 years and even with an electrician brother in law you're the only person so far who has been able to make it start sticking. I'm in the process of building a mobile ice cream and coffee cart over here in the UK, powered hopefully 100% renewable energy so really needed to start getting my head around it.
Will try and catch you on your next live stream as I have so many questions.
Thanks again mate, you're an absolute legend!
I love icecream, lol, what a dream job selling yummy cones all day..
just Re-WATCHING an old video
... even before you began utilizing FERULES on you Stranded Wires - LOL
Thanks Again
COOP
...
Thank you Will, for the basic explanation of a Solar system. It is most excellent that you explained the connections and which to connect before the others. It makes sense that connecting the Solar panel to the Controller before the battery is connected will damage the controller.
You did an amazing job (video, narration and editing) with this video.
This young man knows his stuff, I have a much better understanding of my solar system.
Except how to hook up a battery
This was a great intro to the install process. Very much appreciated. I will be watching the other videos you have done to pick up on the other components like the battery monitor. I will also be re-reading your book, it's been really helpful too. Cheers!
Oh my lord he explains things as if he is talking to a six year old!! I love it I get lost so easy.
He is amazing!!
Thank you for breaking this down "rock" style for this Marine 😀👍
Semper Fi
After 40+ yrs in automotive maintenance this is the first time I have ever seen someone connect negative cable before positive? Why is this opposite of automotive battery maintenance? There should be no spark if there is no ground. Am I misinformed? Not dissing you I love your channel and follow for as much information I can get on solar.
It doesn't actually matter it's just to prevent sparks but as long as it's not a crazy load the sparks won't do any damage
I appreciate your clear and simple instructions. I think I am ready to tackle this.
Excellent. I just picked up a 200W Renogy basic kit. The warnings about the proper cable connection sequences are invaluable.
Yaaay I just learned how to put my solar together perfectly, looks like I’m powering my home made go-kart forever!
Hey man good job on explaining things. Makes it super easy to understand. You speak clear and slow.. perfect thanks
And no background music thanks
Getting ready to put my first solar system together with information gathered from your videos. You are a wealth of knowledge.
Dude, your videos are extremely beginner friendly. You don't waste time talking about unnecessary things, I love that. How many panels can you hook together, and how many watts inverter can you run on one panel? Thank Bud, AWESOME video!!!
One of the best DIY videos that I have ever watched. Perfectly paced and well-edited. Clear and concise lesson. Thank you
How do I get your book please
Best solar teacher online 👌🏽 The combo of knowledge and ability to teach is a powerful tool itself. I recommended your channel in my last video and put your channel link on the description and end screen. Good, honest information 🤙🏽 thanks again for what you do! Will be ordering panels through your links in the next few days.
Will, great job. Impressive coverage and ability to confidently explain a complex subject. You are the "Yoda" of solar.
One of the best instructional videos I’ve seen. Simple and to the point!
Nice vid, I'm far from a beginner, but things have moved so much and so fast since I built my system I feel like a beginner again. Anyway going to suggest this vid to anyone I consider a beginner who is asking for advice on a system. Thanks a lot!
🌤Hi Sunshine, this is best Tutorial for beginners I've seen Ty Will.
this summer I bought a Renogy 100W suitcase panel with the controller already installed for $145. it works great.
Look at the age of this guy - and how clued up and mature he is! Amazing. I'm in awe of him. Fantastic content.