12V 1500W DIY Solar Generator - Step by Step

Step By Step build of a simple 12V off Grid Solar System with performance check and comparison to Bluetti EB70S.

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Off the Shelf Solar Generators:
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WANT TO GO SOLAR BUT DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START?
If you don't want to go DIY, this is the best way to save money. I used Energy Sage to research solar and receive multiple competing quotes for my install. This will save you thousands of dollars!

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Disclaimers:
This video is for information purposes only, and does not constitute professional advice. Solar systems can and do involve dangerous electrical connections. If you do not have experience with electrical wiring, please seek professional support.

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Links in description may be affiliate links, we may get paid if you purchase something through one of these links. This helps out our channel at no extra cost to you. Thank You!
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Projects with Everyday Dave is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program,

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:58 Tools
03:01 Materials
06:36 System Layout
07:46 System Wiring
15:03 Proper Startup
19:57 BougeRV 40A MPPT Max Output
21:41 BougeRV 40A MPPT App Control
25:02 Microwave Test
26:49 Hot Pot Test
27:19 Keurig Test
28:46 Induction Hot Plate Test
30:20 15A Miter Saw Test
32:33 Compatibility Problems
33:52 1000W Renogy Inverter Performance
35:36 Induction Hot Plate Test 1000W Renogy
37:23 Microwave test 1000W Renogy
38:29 Solar Free Low Cost Option
39:31 Comparison & Conclusion
44:12 Budget Emergency Backup
45:03 Budget Solar Generator
46:11 Budget Solar Generator DIY or BUY
46:59 Medium Duty Solar Generator
47:59 Heavy Duty Solar Generator
48:35 Heavy Duty Solar Generator DIY or BUY

[MaxfieldTwo]

You put so…. So…. SO much work into this! Yeah you built an insanely cool solar generator but….. then you also made this high quality video, contacted affiliates for discounts, put every link in the description, gave us great chapters… Thank you for this. You did the community a serious solid with this one.

[johnsmith-dmtq]

this is the video i have been looking for. many vids show how to build a solar package but not what it will run. or what you can run but not how to build it. i can finally put all the pieces together in my head. I finally understand what each piece represents so it is no longer an abstract concept. thanks man

[Dhejdjndkksvshsufndkke]

I learned alot, great to see father and son involved in a project . Thanks for sharing 🙂

[rbmwiv]

Finally someone showing people how to index stuff. It makes a huge difference on build quality.

[lenmiles]

This is the place to come for many reasons. Great explanation of various DIY systems vs store bought. Excellent high quality videos. The best I’ve seen!

[notyoung]

Thank you - someone putting together a practical system ;-)

Charge controllers usually have a heat sink that's designed for vertical operation. Even when testing, you should have the controller vertical for proper convection airflow. If not, you need some serious air movement - probably a minimum of 150-200CFM from a fan that matches the width of the heatsink. If not adequately cooled, good controllers usually have thermal rollback or shutdown when it gets too hot.

[italianoboy]

This was the best DIY video I've seen. I especially like how it was tested on various tools. I'd love to do a DIY, but for the cost and my needs, I just may go with an already built system. I plan on just using it for camping, and when I do lose power, use this system for a freezer and a refrigerator. This way, I'm not constantly running the gas generator. I really appreciate you putting a well thought out and detailed video.

[winstonsmiths]

Excellent video. Some specific ideas to consider are: pre-charging the capacitors in the inverter prior to, securing the PV cable down so they do not get pulled out or stress the terminals. I use a battery disconnect in addition to breakers.
Do not take my comments as criticism or complaints. Just throwing in some ideas!

[henrilehren]

Great summary Dave for assortment of basic yet capable starter options. I survived hurricane Sandy for 7 days, on a 1500W inverter tethered off the car, with a 10 mo old baby at home. I think the car / inverter setup has BIG advantages over a small generator setup too! I even saved someone with the same inverter that had no power with a sump pump.... You can run minimum energy "quietly" overnight still having essentials running - and don't have cans and cans of gasoline! Would like to hear your opinion of PURE SINEWAVE vs SQUAREWAVE inverters - like what a Sqr Wave wrecks? GREAT CONTENT for those scouts who want to "be prepared", while maybe learning something along the way (with their kids to boot) ! ! ! 👍👍

[paulbaker]

I bought my first solar generator exactly 30 years ago from CC Crane Co. it was in a ammo box and came with a small solar panel. I’ve since made a few myself. My favorite one was a rolling one on a large garden cart. It was designed to help the farmer or gardener. It had a car stereo, phone charging, power for water pump, and power for anything needed. It also had room to place tools and materials. I’m going to build that has electric propulsion and can tow another cart full of mulch, gravel, or whatever. A lot of work can get done by small electric equipment. Heavy tractors and excavators aren’t always needed and if one has this equipment it’s tempting to use it for jobs where it’s not really needed.

[IemonIime]

I dont even have kids, but if i did, i would want my son to be as sharp and knowledgeable as yours appeared to be during the demonstration.

Quite adept. Good job pops!

[charlesjohnson-bgvr]

I built a system like this and will make some adjustments to the wiring of the inverter to charge controller. Also was wanting to build a 5k eg4 48v battery with eg4 all in one or growatt 3000 all in one and looks like the price of about $2500. Love the way you add your findings to your systems you build. Your son seems sharp, get him to help more often!

[slackleashdogtraining]

Also you raised a child into a competent scientist young man, maybe patterned a littlebit after our host. Tremendous information that you provided. This was a great explanation that made for a great structured conversation amongst us hopeful hobbyists. You settle some important questions and misunderstandings. The pace of information was about perfect for us wanna be campers.

[soloaviles]

As a fellow tech, this is a breath of fresh air. You two did an amazing job explaining and not going over our heads. Nice and clean set up you made. I appreciate all the time and work you put into this video.

[HC]

Quality channel with correct information. It's rare to see these days. :)
I was especially impressed by Jordan's knowledge.
One thing you may want to do, is to have a 'precharge' breaker, where you mount the resistor in the system, so you can flick on the precharge first, then when the capacitors are charged, you can flick on the other breaker and flick off the precharge breaker.
To see if the capacitors have been precharged, you could likely just add a LED and a resistor over the power-resistor; when the LED turns off, the capacitors would be charged.
I'm also happy you recommend the LiFePO4 batteries; they're (currently) the best and safest of the affordable battery types available.

Edit: It may be a good idea to write the "in-order checklist" on the device, so you never forget the steps for turning it on / off.

[mariojacob]

Bravo! C'est de loin une des meilleures vidéos explicative que j'ai visionnée sur un système fait maison, avec des explications claires et précises, vous avez un nouvel abonné.

[winstonsmiths]

Wow, your link to diagrams and equipment suppliers and providing your viewers with several easy and affordable options is above and beyond. I like the DIY systems as they can be scaled (depending) and you can service it yourself if needed. I do have all-in-one systems by EcoFlow and Bluetti. I built a 2400w and a 4800w DIY. Love them all.
I subbed and hit the bell.

[rodgough]

Awesome info! Another advantage of the self assembled, is that if one aspect off the system stops working, it can be easily replaced or upgraded as you go.Thanks.

[scottpeal]

Wow, just wow! Great video. Needed more power at my woodshop and was going to cost thousands to run new cables. Your solution is just what I needed. Will be using your links.

[termiterasin]

EXTREMELY COOL video. A big question in my mind has always been AIO units vs DIY, and this is the first build I've seen someone make a portable DIY!