Build Your First Solar Power System! Beginner Tutorial Easily Explained, Budget Friendly

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*Signature Solar*
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*Epoch Batteries*
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*Renogy*
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*Rich Solar*
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*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,

[WillProwse]

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Solar panels if you wish to expand this system:

Check out my latest best-selling book on off-grid solar:



*Does off-grid solar confuse you?*
Check out my DIY friendly website for solar system packages and product recommendations, and so much more!

*Join our DIY solar community*
#1 largest solar forum on the internet for beginners and professionals alike:

*Check out my Book*
Best-selling and beginner-friendly guide to 12V off-grid solar!



*My DIY Solar Equipment Recommendations (Constantly updated! Check here first):*








*My Favorite Online Stores for DIY Solar Products:*

*Signature Solar*
Offgrid One-Stop-Shop. Best Value 48V LiFePO4, Victron and Offgrid Specific Heat Pumps:

*Current Connected*
SOK, Victron, Mr.Cool Heatpumps and High Quality Components. Fantastic customer support:

*Litime*
My favorite 12V budget battery!:

*Epoch Batteries*
My favorite high-quality 12V battery:

*Renogy*
A classic 12V solar store that has been around for ages! DC to DC Chargers and more!

*Rich Solar*
Renogy's biggest competitor! Similar products, but at a better price:

*Battery Hookup*
Cheap cell deals
5% off code: diysolar

*Contact Information:*


*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

[richardkrigstein]

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.

[jhemnes]

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❤

[GlorifiedGremlin]

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

[stephendee]

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.

[NimrodScott]

I’ve studied solar DIY systems for 25 years and this is the best single introductory video I’ve found. You nailed it!

[donnarust]

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!!

[jimwatson]

Hey Will, just a quick comment to say thank you for all your YouTube guidance. We had our personal best yield the other day - 870Wh! Putting your lessons into practice has meant we have been off grid all season in our sailing boat. That has been a total breakthrough! We can charge devices via a 375W inverter, run the fridge and kee😢the house batteries topped up. We have a cumulative yield of 36kwh - only another 20, 000 to go and we'll have broken even 😂 - but that's not the point. We are self sufficient and free from hooking up to shore power. Thanks again and please keep up the fantastic work! ❤⛵🛠️🔌😊

[lckoolg]

I'm just starting out with my first 4wd truck and your tutorials and website has been invaluable for me. Thank you Will.

[jimmywalker]

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.

[dallanta]

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.

[daver]

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.

[alieamoore]

I have this system and I've watched your videos before and I just adore how easy you make comprehending the intricacies of electricity.

[gregorybstewart]

You just uncomplicated a subject that was super complicated in my head. Glad I found it. Thanks for posting.

[hsgjkhagljkh]

I DID IT!!! I paused your video for like an hour at each step, but my battery system is rocking-and-rolling. THANK YOU!!

[Madders]

Have watched so many of these videos installing solar panels and it’s the first time I feel confident to install them myself. Thank you so much!

[bencole]

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.

[charlescho]

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

[loues]

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 ! 👌👌

[ragtoprenee]

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.