100 Watt Solar Panel Kit Setup for Complete Beginners - Start to Finish!

[@footprinthero]

PRODUCTS used in this video (affiliate links) Renogy 100W 12V solar panel kit - amzn.to/49eXywQ LiTime (fka AmpereTime) 12V battery - amzn.to/3Svguk9 2000W 12V inverter - amzn.to/3usFoso 150W 12V inverter (very small, not recommended) - amzn.to/3w10EpH 12V car socket (for connecting 150W inverter to battery) - amzn.to/495xmVI

[@suecastillo1733]

Thank you for a beautifully concise and thorough explanation of this basic system!

[@footprinthero]

you're welcome 😄

[@ChrisOberg-jh6tg]

Would this work to power a mini split i just want to know how much juice it’s pulling from a battery

[@kburkes4245]

Thank you for this video. I am a 66 year old woman, kinda tech savvy, but thinking about trying some solar for a few things. It's nice to see a simple system broken down step by step, so I can make a decision if I want to go that direction or not. Doesn't look too hard. I appreciate it very much.

[@judyrichards7336]

Same here...ready to try...

[@beckyd6050]

Same here😊

[@michaeletukudoh1598]

Same here. I now understand better

[@DBbyDesign]

That fact that you know to hookup the positive first. Tells me your one of the better guys making these videos.

[@wolfenstein6676]

Why so?

[@BedsitBob]

Any car mechanic knows this.

[@abundantYOUniverse]

LOL!

[@BrotherWitch]

I was taught to connect the negative first, as it will act like ground. Where if you connect the positive first, the battery is live but not grounded. How were you taught?

[@BedsitBob]

@@BrotherWitch I was taught to connect the negative last, especially on a vehicle, where the bodywork forms the negative path. If you connect the negative first, and your spanner touches the bodywork, while tightening the positive terminal connection, you've short circuited the battery, causing at the very least a spark (in an engine bay potentially filled with petrol fumes), and possibly causing the spanner to become very hot, burning you. A dead short, on a fully charged car battery, can be several hundred amps.

[@kcfaces]

I have search a whole lot of videos on how to set up a solar panel to my RV that is solar ready and your video was absolutely the Best!

[@ddickinson2351]

You did a great job!!! Thank you for not making novices feel stupid.

[@leeinwis]

Noob !

[@jamiemartin7556]

Honestly a great video for beginners, if i could make one suggestion, as an electrician who also does solar, always connect the bare ended wire to your charge controllers first, it is possible to get a shock from the panel making a little bit of energy if you touch the bare copper, then you can connect the mc4 connector after. Great job!

[@ianemery2925]

Agreed; the connectors are insulated, the screwdriver used here isnt - there is also the danger of the bare wire touching something else while you are hooking everything up, and causing arcing; potentially damaging/destroying the controller. Screw in connections should never be done when the cable is "live", no matter the voltage/current. (Time served sparky)

[@kayimamosielu3566]

​@@ianemery2925 Solar panels power doesn't kill anybody. Have ever seen someone killed by solar panels power?🤣🤣🤣

[@ianemery2925]

​@@kayimamosielu3566 I've never seen an atomic bomb explode, either; it doesn't mean they arent dangerous or dont kill people. Solar panels come in a range of output voltages. Linked together, that can quickly exceed the voltage and current needed for a serious jolt; and DC shocks are the most dangerous as they are continuous current. I only PERSONALLY know of one solar panel related death - my brother in law - he fell 40+ft, on to a concrete floor, dying instantly.

[@JustinRamatladi-jz8xd]

How many batteies one need that can produce 220v? Can solar energy cook food? Can it convert DC to AC which inverter u need to do that

[@ianemery2925]

@@JustinRamatladi-jz8xd A standard 12v car battery can easily produce thousands of volts, we used to make the circuits to do this for fun, as electrical apprentices; you could also do it with a 6v battery. Yes, solar energy can cook food, either directly, or by converting to electricity.

[@ILHunter]

This is by far the best basic explanation I have seen on You tube about hooking up basic solar. Some of the videos there are so many other components involved and it leaves my scratching my head for a beginner to solar. Thanks for this video, it was helpful.

[@rvvanlife]

Best begginer solar install video I've seen yet. Thank you 👍

[@letsdiscoverflorida]

I'm new to solar technology and I found this video to be really helpful even though I've already installed my first solar panel system. What a great orator!

[@footprinthero]

Thank you!!

[@Pyarpyarindia]

How I can start my carrier with solar installation. Plz suggest

[@sewfantastic7257]

I am converting my van into a camper and decided to add solar panels changed my mind after not finding anyone to explain to me how to go about it. Saw your video now the solar panels are back in the plan.Thanks

[@TomMaterene]

Very good howto Alex. I'm thinking about setting up a small system to have light when we get another hurricane. One week without power is just terrible when you can,t see how to be miserable. I would say not being able to make coffee is probably the worst but then of course a good candle can heat water to have instant coffee. I once had a 1000 watt Honda little small generator and believe me a coffee maker really puts a strain on a small generator, it really surprised me that it could struggle to make coffee. People that use gasoline generators are usually lined up for blocks at all the gas stations and I've even seen them filling garbage cans full of gas without even a lid for the can. I learned it was wasted time sitting in a gas line just to run a 1000 watt Honda even if it did run very efficiently. I did have TV and a floor fan that was a win for a week. My hot water in the hot water heater lasted that one week and I was able to take a very fast shower every day.

[@charliejohn1]

I just started to set up a solar system (100 W panel) a few days ago, and your video was right on time. Thank you 👍

[@kennthbrowne7051]

nice how much amp solar panel have may i asked

[@Curtis-i6o]

How do you know if your battery is fully charged using the solar panel? And how do you know how much power is left in the battery when using electrical equipment plugged into the inverter?

[@SuperCanto-u4p]

the solar charge controller can display everything

[@SuperCanto-u4p]

also the inverter can display

[@deepsouthNZ]

Thank you for explaining that in a way us dummies can understand

[@mackychloe]

Agreed.

[@rustyS-r1z]

I'm insulted... Lol

[@MM-sq5pf]

You're welcome

[@donaldknapik2706]

Great way of breaking down the topic into easy bits. I would connect your power source (battery and panel) bare wires first then the battery connections and finally the premade connectors on the panel. This minimizes exposure to potentially live wires.

[@chriswhinery]

Good video. Most folks don't realize that what you built is a "solar generator" That's how easy it is, and you can make your own for a third of the cost. Something to consider... If you want to upgrade to more panels and more batteries, your charge controller has to be rated for that load. IE: 600w worth of panels will require equipment that can handle that wattage. I'm running a 1200w charge controller just to be safe.

[@anitachisnell8412]

I think grounding is important too if you use more than one device on the inverter if the devices aren’t already insulated.

[@proplockfistanterlis]

Thank you for this - can you also do a video on how to connect more than 1 solar panel to another please.

[@ashben74]

Nice and clear for a beginner like me ! Thank you.

[@footprinthero]

You're welcome!

[@samanthacastleberry6341]

I subscribed after seeing how well you break things down for beginners. This was an excellent video, and I look forward to watching many more of your videos. Thank you for being so thorough!

[@bieragaino440]

I am a complete novice/ beginner .So helpful Thank You Sir.

[@cherrylynn7173]

Subscribed! This is possibly the easiest video I've seen on solar setup. I'm not the best when it comes to technology Thanks. I'm saving this for future references.

[@capnkirk5528]

Great video for beginners!

[@footprinthero]

🤠🤠

[@powoxi]

This is indeed an outstanding product! It has exceeded my expectations

[@demogirlsworld]

I came across your website a year ago and could not for the life of me find where I had bookmarked it. 3 days of searching and I have found your website AND YT channel. While I am only setting up fans for my greenhouse, your website was the knowledge I needed that made sense to me!

[@mavirek]

Superb explanation. Thank you. My question is can I get away with hanging a solar panel in the window (heavy sun for 1/2 the day) or laying it on the roof (2/3rds of a day of sun), and connect that to my Bluetti EB3A portable power station (to top it off). Then I could let the Bluetti do all the brainy stuff for input from the solar panel, and output to my appliances. Right?

[@john-j7e7e]

this helped alot. my first setup for garage I bought two power queen 100amp 12volt batteries, renogy 700watt inverter, lion energy savanna solar charge controller and three lion energy 12volt 100 watt panels. subscribed.

[@mikeworley2158]

No torque screwdriver?

[@john-j7e7e]

@@mikeworley2158 hmm no just plain screwdriver. quick question. both the inverter and charge controller cables should be hooked up positives to one battery and negatives to the other battery?

[@MPPT_Walter]

Can you do a teardown video of a RevoPower Rebel? I've been using my rebel for 3 years and it's survived 2 hurricanes!!!! It kept my wife and daughters safe and comfortable in the last one, want to see your thoughts now!

[@CherrieMcKenzie]

Thanks so much for this video. I'm getting ready to set up a solar array and I'm learning as I go. This explained some things I already knew and a LOT of things I didn't. I guess you could say you completed my learning loop. 😂

[@DEOHGE-yn7ng]

Question.. On the stripped wire end, Did you cut the wire? The solar panel i'm trying to buy has two adapters on each end.. I'll leave the adapter that attaches to the panel itself, but can I cut the other adapter off on the other end and just run it into the solar charger?

[@couerleroi1]

You're the best!! First time I ever understood, the process

[@michaeletukudoh1598]

Thank you so much for the training. Please where did you connect the lamp to?

[@thefuntimefamily5869]

Thank you I've looked at others but I actually can understand what your saying very good for someone who has no clue what to do but need to learn I'm a disabled single mom of 2 amazing children but spoiled and bit lazy working on that but it was important to make sure the had a childhood i didnt . I know TMI. I'm not bad mom just over thoughtful. My kids are great

[@gadgetcaches5485]

Very thorough and easy to understand tutorial! One question: What does the charge controller and inverter do? Sorry for the newby question.

[@leecooper8589]

I'm a newby too but my understanding is that the charge controller regulates the power going into the battery from the panels so that it isn't getting overcharged. The inverter converts DC current from the solar panels/battery to AC at a voltage that can be used to power your mains devices. Obviously far more to it than that but I think that's the absolute basics.

[@4098operry]

Ok 100watt solar is done. How and where to add fuses/breaker to it, at what amp. I love your explanations i will follow you and build one🎉keep them coming

[@mvakleko]

Yes exactly this is the important step. Everything he already did has been repeated. We need guidance on fuses, how to size them and when and where to use them.

There are easy charts on line. Simple to follow and understand. Gives you wire size, fuse size, breaker sizes.

[@vitogriffin8902]

Bus bars, fuses, breakers etc aren't really necessary for this size setup. Sometimes people still prefer to use that stuff, but the battery has a management system, the charge controller has management, and your inverter has management and likely at least one fuse. That's why on all the 100w kit diagrams you don't see fuses and breakers on there. If you do want to add more fuses then there's a few different options and many people on KZbin have detailed videos. Will Prowse is kind of the man when it comes to solar so I'd recommend starting there.

[@tejanikerroumi9633]

Yes good question

[@user-gi3xj8nz3s]

Awesome 😎 keep up the good work

[@JorgeHernandez-ib1px]

Great video and information! Just a quick comment, I liked that you are talking about the project, you should talk about Safety before starting any part project e.g. Electrical gloves, "don't" forget the Insulated tools and eye protection (Really important to protect your eyes from sparks it can send small metal projectiles in the air and into your eyes!). It's a good practice for any type of voltage. Thanks for the video! Keep up the great work!

[@WilliamRose-y1j]

How do you connect more than one solar panel today? I see how you did that one. It's pretty awesome, but if you had a little bit bigger system and you have to hook in 2 or 3 solar panels and you only have one spot to put Em, how do you do that? Do you like get a special wire to clip it together or something

[@grounded7362]

What would you suggest for an inverter to run a couple 60 watt light bulbs? This would be used merely for some lighting in camp to read by before going to bed while motorcycle camping

[@Helmut_1963]

Charge controller have limitation depends how many solar panel will use with certain controller? Or i can connect as many panels as i want?

[@Allen-Doe]

I've been looking for the Explanation for years. Thank you so much

[@jieqiu1316]

First I gonna say your video is very clear and easy understanding Just got a question, if I use 100w solar panel to charge the battery and use 100w appliance to withdraw the battery at the same time Is the current from solar to the battery then battery to the appliance Or solar power to the appliance straight away? Just curious Thanks

[@billloveless6869]

Why does your inverter have 2 alligator clips on each lead? Thanks

[@highdenmabeta5175]

What is the best side of the size of the charge controller that be used for all sizes of solar panels? How do we wire a circular without the solar battery but include a solar submissive pump?

[@codywalls5765]

Love the info man great video

[@footprinthero]

Appreciate it!

[@dominicestebanrice7460]

This is a superb instructional, one that I plan on using as the basis for a joint project with my teenage son. Question please: if the system is intended for DC devices only, do you need the inverter? If so, does the inverter just sit idle because it is smart enough to know there is no DC-to-AC conversion necessary and therefore not suck power unnecessarily? If not, then avoiding the cost of the inverter would be nice but then how would you recommend connecting a USB charger cord from a phone/laptop/USB fan etc? Basically, I want to build this system but have no intention of running AC appliances and if the inverter sucks power even if its not needed I'd like to avoid having it in the first place. FWIW, you're a natural teacher and a gifted communicator; well done on getting yourself another new subscriber in a very competitive arena! Edit: I watched your 'Dirt-Cheap Solar Generator Setup - What Can It Power?" video and got the info I needed!

[@mickyjb2003]

Great video,didn’t realise the set up was that easy. Thanks again.

[@Ms.Frankenbuilder]

Good beginner video, I tried to make a little short one for a couple friends but it wasn't too clear. Going to send them over to you.

[@Njf4192]

Do you need a special controller for lipo4 batteries or do they all work with lpo4 and led acid

[@davidsworld5837]

you can change the croc clips for ring or get the cable with ring ends for the convertor why does this converter need 2 croc clips each side easy for coming off so problem keeping proper connection does it change for more panels.

[@micahthompson3762]

Good clear setup explained. Not sure if you will see this comment due to age of video. However, the one question I have is... my charge controller has a load output on it. My assumption is... since I am using a 5000 watt inverter with #2 cabling, I just leave the "load" connections on my charge controller unused. Would this be correct?

[@marleenbrignoni7536]

What can I plug to the 2000 converter? And thank you!

[@smittysbuilds]

2000w converter is anything less then 2000 watts of power constantly. a microwave for example is around 1000 watts. depending on power level used but on average. air fryer can be up to 1700 ish kitchen Fridge or freezer are around 300-600 watts. they run on cycles so they turn off and on to maintain temperature. but for how long will depend on battery capacity and input from the solar.

[@nurilahi2378]

Excellent demonstration!

[@CajunCop71111]

If I am running small 12/v led strip lights can I just connect them to a power bank powered by a 12/v connected to a solar panel? Through a power switch of course.

[@eduardolibed1082]

Awesome video. I’m baby stepping into solar energy.

[@Robphoto37]

What size of battery, panel and inverter do I require to use a table saw for my setup? I appreciate your basic setup. Dead easy.

[@antboulet3861]

Thank You. Best one I've seen so far. I live in r.i.. where can I get everything I need?

[@trainmaster0217]

How do you turn off the charge controller when you aren't using it?

[@tamask438]

Great video, but the stranded wire connection without ferrule/end sleeve (im not sure how it called in english, small metal tube pressed to the wires) bothers me. propably that kind of connector is perfectly safe with stranded wires, but somehow i cant stand wires that "naked"

[@grandacres427]

Thank you and I SO appreciated those zoom shots for DETAILs - that we wonderful editing 🤗

[@einyv]

Can you charge your powerstation by plugging it into the inverter?

[@deancitroni4447]

All I want to do is charge a few lead acid batteries I use during power outages. I have a generator so the big stuff taken care of. Will this keep the smaller things charged in the meantime

[@TongVang-il4ko]

How much power can it support? Does 100 W means that it can only support 100 W of power? For example, would it be able to support 2 heat lamps at 250W each?

[@silaslongshot941]

Only thing I would add to your method is to mark BOTH ends of each positive cable so that if you're running wires through an RV or whatever, you can get both wires to their connections at the same time.

[@brianjessen547]

Great video! Perfect explanation for a newbie like me. I feel confident adding an inverter to my toyhauler now.

[@jayben00]

Can you have the battery under load while hooked up to the charger?

[@maskofsorrow]

Excellent video. Brilliant straightforward, easy to follow instructions. Keep up the great work.

[@vckc4ever]

hi Alex, very nice video tips. I have a question. What if the alligator clips are from the solar controller cable out ? ( Example : Dokio Solar Panel 200/300W model ). And the Power Inverter both end are Rings(Lugs) type instead ? Do you connect the inverter rings cable to the battery first ? Then use the SC cable out with alligator clips to clip onto the battery before connecting to the SC ? Finally only connect the solar cable to the SC ? Reason I'm asking is : Since the inverter cable is rings(lugs) type, it is easier to connect to the battery terminal first. Tighten up the screws. Then on top of the battery terminal, only use the alligator clips provided by the SC ? Any advice you can give in this scenario ? Thanks in advance.. Vince

[@MaxwellSeales]

Very good tutorial brother!!!

[@optimist5649]

Great video I'll need to try this. But is this enough power to power a window ac unit? How much power would I need if it's not?

[@ForeverYoungKickboxer]

Thank you for this video! Thanks to your easy to listen and follow instructions I was able to set up my simple 12v 100w system today.

[@lalaboota56]

Thank you for taking the time to explain this so well.

[@StarCaledonia]

Many thanks for this easy explanation. DIY van conversions made easy 😁

[@Ramen.Butterbeard]

Have always been anxious about setting up a solar system, but thanks to your through explanation, I now have the confidence, to buy one and set it up, also have subscribed for more of your great videos, cheers 👍

[@armankeyvannia]

I really enjoyed it thank you. How can I calculate needed and capacity of solar panel and charger controller and suitable inverter for small home?

[@chumark54]

Thanks for the clip. How do you make sure the battery won't be over-charged?

[@QUIX4U]

1:47 STOP Never simply insert any cable lead, that HAS NOT been securely /tightly twisted together, with a pair of electrician's pliers. Why? Because doing it YOUR WAY, means that sometimes a stray STRAND can be left outside the terminal or, worse, tightening down the screw, DOES NOT ALWAYS mean a secure connection. Only by securely TWISTING TOGETHER "all loose strands", can a single screw down terminal, be regarded as fully secure, when tightened by hand with a screwdriver..

[@jorgedefreitas6018]

Excellent video. Any particular type of battery one should use? Can one use a 2000W or 3000 W inverter with a 100W solar panel with one battery or does one need more batteries?

[@davemurphy7533]

Hi I’m totally new to all this. I have leisure battery in the back of my van and I have bought a split charge relay kit so I can charge the battery from my van’s alternator while I drive to the race track. That kicks in and out as it needs to on its own. so can I buy some solar panels and add them the charge panel that comes with it then to the battery also. Does the solar kit know when the battery is full like the split charge does and shuts itself off? As I say I’m new to all this and trying to learn.

[@gwenwheeler1248]

I understand what your suppose to do, but what happens if you have the settings on the wrong battery settings for your battery? Will it not charge? Or will it blow up

[@stevenshircliff393]

Great video. You can buy a cheap precharge resistor and eliminate the spark.

[@footprinthero]

Thank you! And appreciate the tip 👍

[@simoneseikaly5644]

Hello! Your tutorial was invaluable, THANK YOU! My question: do you recommend a cart or wagon on which to mount the battery and inverter? For ease in transporting everything?

[@NicolaMs007]

have question, when connectiting multiple bbatteries or solar panels what does it mean by series and parallel? I always get the 2 mixed up

[@davi75668]

What are the pros and cons of using separate charge controllers/inverters vs just getting an integrated power station?

[@daktrdre]

hey, why do you in this video connect the positive first, yet in others, using "shunts" you're doing it in the opposite order ? : )

[@pauletteconstantino9131]

Thank you for your simple explanation of this system

[@stevegrundy1989]

thanks a really well explained video that even I could understand

[@gwenwheeler1248]

Will a lead battery work for this also?

[@strongarmed4907]

I'd like to do a setup that doesn't use AC current at all (much more efficient). What kind of inverter-less product do you recommend that has multiple USB-A/USB-C inputs?

[@jefferyralston3492]

Hi my name is Jeff I camp out a lot in Arizona. I have 4 25 watt panels I have the inverter and everything to go with it and the battery I hook the inverter which is a 400 watt I'm trying to see if I can run a mini refrigerator I have two batteries should I hook them together

[@AbimbolaJonathan]

Nice one I really appreciate the instruction, like what this can power

[@NicolaMs007]

great video for beginners, but one thing I would have donen though is that if both cables were black I would have put a little red tape on one to indicate that this is the positive cable, so NOT to confuse the 2 later on

[@billredding2000]

Definitely! Agree 100%. I use a short length of red heat-shrink-wrap on each end of the cable, at BOTH ends of the black wire so whether you're looking at the battery or controller you'll see the red wrap and know it's positive -- I wouldn't have both wires/cables looking identical color-wise: Black. Because I try to use the red/black colors if at all possible when working on DC electronics, and so OTHER people who work with DC looking at it will know what's up as well. Also, instead of bare wires at the controller end, I use a spade terminal (appropriately sized to the wire of course, and crimped if not soldered) that will fit the hole as closely as possible diameter-wise and something solid (and flat) the screw can securely tighten against. Or, if you're pretty good at soldering, twist the bare wires so they're back in a cylinder shape, solder them so they hold a cylinder/round shape (use a small file to "fine-tune" their shape if needed) and insert them into the controller's connection holes. No need for a spade terminal but requires more skill. Whatever, I've never found just leaving wires bare as a "terminal" a proper way to do a job even if it works (and it does)...so for me -- and if only for aesthetics and durability over time if you need to remove/reinsert (and repeat) as bare wires may fray/break -- I either use a terminal to suit the connection (ring or spade) or solder the bare wires. But maybe that's just me? ;-) -- BR

[@HM-nu3hb]

Excellent NEWBIE Video! I have a Jackery Solarsage 100w....how would I make the connections??

[@loristephens3016]

Thank you for a very clear explanation. Could you discuss the battery powered emergency chargers (ie jackery). I'm looking at a 500W one. I have a small 300W kettle. If I lose power again, like last winters ice storm, I could heat water for coffee, soups, etc. How long would the charge last? They have built in solar panels, do they work? How long if it's cloudy? I could really use some advice, other then the companies line. Thank you.

[@FatNuggs007]

Thanks for the simple to the point video. I did play it back at 1.25 speed though

[@Kirk-md2he]

Can you run extra panels in parallel?

[@sandrafitzpatrick7657]

Best video for down to earth explaining thank you so much for making this video you have made my solar experience so much easier 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@steveleston1848]

nice video I'd like to start w/ a 100watt panel,(what you link to but the controller w/ a display of voltages) lead acid battery, 10watt charge controller,1500watt pure sine wave converter, plan to power a hot plate on low can be 600 watts to boil water. use 1500 watt electric heater on low can be 500watts. not both at same time. I'm concerned about constantly monitoring my 100amphour lead acid deep cycle battery an turn everything off before the batt. exceeds 50% of its capacity. thanks for tips

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

I want to put a dehumidifier on solar, will this setup run one that calls for 15 Amps and 115 Volts??

[@jenniferj7588]

Can you run this system with out battery just to use the 5 volt thats on the controler ...

[@henrysaucier7293]

Can the extra neg in positive be hooked up to extra battery