DIY Solar Generator Setup for Beginners

Solar generator for beginners - In this video I wanted to share with you a beginner friendly DIY solar generator guide. I will take you through each piece of equipment and what it is used for. I will also perform a small stress test of the system then charge the battery from the solar panel. This video is not intended to build a solar generator for actual use. This video intends to introduce the different components of a solar generator and how they work together. If you intend to build a system for actual use, you should properly size the different components including the battery, inverter and wire.

I created a blog post with much more DIY Solar Generator detail for beginners. In this post I explain watts, volts, watt hours, amp hours an many more terms you may have heard an were not sure what they were. I also cover the same equipment I show in the video such as the solar charge controller, battery and inverter.

Chapters:
00:00 - 00:31 Intro
00:32 Solar Panels
01:29 Solar Panel Wiring
02:14 Solar Charge Controller
03:24 Battery
04:08 Inverter
05:30 Voltage Compatibility
06:00 Other Stuff you will need
06:49 Assembly of Solar Generator
20:13 Stress Testing the system
25:30 Hook up solar panel and charging
27:57 Outro

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#diysolar #solargenerator #diysolargenerator #emergencypower #selfsufficientliving

[proficientprepper]

Please leave a comment and let me know if you found this helpful. Also, please me know if you have any questions or feedback.

[oldcountry]

Very Helpful for a beginner. I am an Electrical Engineering Technician. Recently retired after 38 years of bliss (Sarcasm...LOL). The parallel wires that came pre crimped from the factory for the inverter. I would say are ok to use. However for long term use. I would recommend a larger gauge wire in one run and scrap the parallel stuff. One thing I thought I would mention . Over current protection, be it a fuse or breaker. Is there to protect the wiring (As this is what would catch fire) and not the components of the system. I would also suggest that ferrels be used on the stripped wire when connecting to a device that uses cage clamp or screw clamp at the point of termination. If it is a screw on a bus bar or something (possibly a stud) a ring terminal is a great option. Your presentation is great! I just thaought I would throw a couple of things out there.

[dystoniaify]

As a complete newbie, this is the most I've ever understood someone explaining electrical. I'm moving into a skoolie full-time and would love more videos like this!

[mannys]

I enjoyed this video. It great when you find someone willing to take there time explaining as much as possible. After watching many videos I feel that I could make a power system. Thank you.

[mattw]

Great video. I've not yet taken the first step on my PV journey, but this video makes me feel better about it.
Thank you for doing this

[kennethmason]

Excellent presentation, explanation and demonstration.
It's the first time I truly understand how to set-up a basic solar system for beginners after looking at so many others, you are a true teacher and the best thing about you is that, you are a very humble person given the comments made by others, where you accept the fact that you probably made some little mistakes and is wise enough to take others advice and further develop yourself, and that's very admirable.
Continue doing your videos my friend and all the best in your research for more knowledge to which you can pass it on to others.
Blessing to you and your family.

[Kfrankie]

I recently bought the same charge controller, I noticed in your video when you were showing the app that it appears that it was still in led acid mode, be sure to go into the parameter settings tab at the bottom and change it to lithium mode, or user mode with the correct settings for the battery otherwise it will not charge the battery properly. Other than that and a few other small things (I realize this was not a permanent setup and was just for demonstration) great job on the video!

[SusitaNorth-CountryGirl]

This is the best video I have seen on how to set up a system like this. Thank you very much. I live in a bus off grid in Alaska. I had electricity from a neighbor and a boyfriend for a few years and became complacent. This helped me a lot.

[andrewboucher]

This was a very informative video we appreciate the work you put into it.🇯🇲

[japanham]

I may have missed it but if I didn't, I would emphasize that you must connect the battery to the solar charge controller before you connect the solar panels to it. This is critical to prevent damaging the charge controller. Also, before connecting the solar panels, make sure you have the solar charger set for the proper type of battery you are using. This is also a critical setting.

(I see you addressed these issues later down in the comment replies, but feel it is still good to have it mentioned here in a comment...rather than deeper in replies.)


Nice simple review...easy for anyone to follow and begin making their solar generating system. Thanks.

[TooCloseSeries]

Good video. I had a similar setup less the inverter. You can get inline MC4 fuses. I would suggest putting one between the solar panels an the charge controller. 👍

[debbiedogs]

Really good videos you have, thanks! I am older and have some back and knee problems, and will be using mini 12v batteries and I will have at least one system with the Renogy flexible solar panels, which are VERY light! I do have folding portable panels and a couple of rigid panels, but am waiting for the Renogy 175 watt lightweight panels to have a sale, lol. I will put them on a platform cart or a dolly to wheel outside, as I do not have a secure yard.

[jeanneoconnor]

Thankyou for this video, it is very informative and u r a good teacher. Can I ask: can I set up 2, 12v batteries in series and then connect to a 24v 3000w/6000w peak inverter with an 100a mppt controller?. Thankyou.

[mlangfordoutdoor]

Great channel and steady camera work thank you, I am looking to make a DIY solar generator that will run a small electric 1500 watt heater for my home made teardrop camper I built. I have a Honda generator but tired of the noise, the kit must be able to run thru the night with out issues and recharge during the day what would you suggest. Subscribed -

[Dimythios]

You are using a Power Queen. I approve :)

[ujlj]

Can you do this same set up but with 48v electronics and lithium batteries

[salvenezia]

What gauge wire did you use between the fuse and the battery. If the inverter is a 2000w. Should it be a 2 gauge wire.

[jeanneoconnor]

Also, if i want to add more than 400w solar do i have to have a controller that is higher than 24v? Thankyou for any response.

[hardcorecampinggear]

What's the best way to fast charge the battery from a propane generator? Seems like all of the batteries say they take 5 hours to charge, but most of the commercial "solar generators" can charge a 2000 watt power station in about an hour.

[billthekid]

Thanks for the informative video! Suppose you set up something similar, but minus the battery, would that inverter be able to operate directly with an AC load during daytime to draw power from the panel? Is it something that depends on the inverter itself? Thanks in advance.