Simple DIY Solar Power System for Off Grid Cabins!

In this video I'm going to reveal exactly what it cost me to install my Off Grid Cabin Solar Power system for my off grid cabin build and what it would cost you today!

In this 1st of a series of videos on my Off Grid Cabin Solar Power system at our off grid cabin build I'm going to go over the complete system, why I built it the way I did and how much it cost me in 2010 when I put it all together. I'll tell you about some mistakes I made, how I fixed them and what it would cost you today to put together a complete 600 watt solar power system for your off grid cabin.

OK, as promised here are some links you can check out for this system:

You can use those links to help guide you towards your own choices and to research or to purchase those items directly. I just wanted to provide some good examples for the prices I saw (and note the inverter price is even cheaper!).

#offgridcabinbuild #solarpower

Here are some of the things I use in my videos:
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[thearrowheadwoodsman]

Nice simple system. Thanks for sharing your trials.
Cheers !!

[fathergratwick]

I appreciate this video comparision. I'll just share what Ive learned. I used much of what you mentioned in my older systems. but I learned a bit since then.(The hard way) First off the 6 golf cart batteries I bought at first didnt work as well as one single 38lb 230ah lifepo4 battery I made for about $400. and an all in one 24v 3600kwh pur sine wave mppt all in one controller cost me $335 shipped.(smae solar AIO box is sold under at least 4 different brand names including renogy (for more $$) .. it provides 3600w (cont rated) of pure sine wave 120v. It also works with up to 4500w of solar panels and has a built in generator input connection. I picked up 4, 000w of used panels for $800 and the series connected panels only require 12 awg though I went with 10awg wire. and built a 24v 540ah blifpo4 battery with smart bms for 41300.. This is a system that a person could live off for for about 3 grand with the accesories like the breakers and wood for the mount. 12v is best for campers and small systems. cabins typically do better with 24 or even 48v systems which are more efficient and cheaper in the long run. lead acid batteries are actually good for half thier ah rating without damaging the battery but lithium are good for 100% of thier rated capacity without damaging the battery or shortening the life like lead acid or agm.. I have yet to install my system honestly but I have ordered or purchased everything and intend to get installed this spring. I helped a friend with his cabin and done a couple camper systems and find it a fun hobby. if you on a budget places like batteryhookup are a great place for new and used batteries. use panels are plentiful as folk upgrade commercial or home systems.

[Aceman]

I like the simplicity. Thats how i do it.

[jecox]

Folks, if you’re interested in a system this size, just buy an all-in-one solar generator with a built-in mppt charge controller, pure sign wave inverter and a LiFePo4 battery (look at Ecoflow, Anker, & Bluetti). A solar generator with roughly the same usable capacity and performance will cost in the $500-$800 range plus the cost of the panels, PV wire, and mounting system (approximately $1000-$1500 total). A modern solar generator and takes up very little physical space and is 100% portable. LiFePo4 batteries can be safely run to a greater depth of discharge and last 10+ years.

[jughed]

Glad I found the video. Interesting seeing the old system. I've been in telecom(lineman, Bug hunter, and CO tech) since I got out in 98' Semper Fi brother.

[larrybell]

Great system. Thank you for sharing the details and cost of building a system like this.

[leetaves]

i have a tristar 45 pwm and love it is doing better then my mppt off brand controller

[patwright]

Ouch😂 my head hurts!!. But great info. Waiting for a system to come along to run half my house during outage for a day or two .

[beebop]

There are some all in one controllers out there in that ballpark that'll track 4kw or 5kw and give you 3kw clean power out. Got no skin in the game but Signature Solar has the best prices on panels I've seen in the past bit. I got 400w bifacial panels for about $110 bucks a piece. I got a pallet of them but I think they will sell as few as 10 of them? 10 of those will give you 4kw to 5kw in a single string. Bumping to 48vdc battery system will save money on wiring and components too. Inverters also if not doing all in one.
If you've got the gumption for it you can build your own LFP 48v battery pack, 304ah, 15kwh for about $1900 bucks. Cells can be gotten at the moment for about $105 ea. Good BMS with active balancing about $250. If you can spare the cash it'll save you much in the long haul over lead.

[dlloyd]

Great video and great info! Is there a reason not to just use deep cycle 12v marine/RV batteries?

[BucolicAholic]

If I were a solar panel, would you add me in series or parallel?

[budmartin]

May I ask why not upgrading the inverter to a pure sine wave?

[michellelaclair]

ever heard of will prowse? he is the guru on youtube and i think you should access his knowledge

[bounce]

Let’s all hope it’s not an emp that takes out the grid when it goes out!!

[georgeshotrodbarn]

Does your daddy Joe know you have that solar.