Victron + Redodo MINI = beginner friendly 24v off-grid

[@BradCagle]

Affiliate links: Use discount code: bradcagle for 4% off Redodo Mini 12v 100ah battery: www.redodopower.com/products/12v-100ah-mini-battery Amazon Affiliate links: Redodo MINI Battery 100Ah: amzn.to/3P44F4l Victron 100/30 MPPT: amzn.to/41JTG2A Reliable 3000w 24v Inverter: amzn.to/3WRoUno TBD-SmartShunt: amzn.to/3XxnXQD Midi Fuse Holder: amzn.to/3ChoYng Midi Fuse Assortment: amzn.to/3IV4Fj9 Hydraulic Crimper: amzn.to/3MC5AHs Tinned Copper Lugs: amzn.to/4j3dUOC Hammer Crimper: amzn.to/3InPFKj Ferrule Crimping Kit: amzn.to/3odMDS6 BusBars: amzn.to/42TSYB9 2awg cable: amzn.to/3OnBZmd Midea U Shaped 12000BTU AC Unit: amzn.to/43xiXPm Precharge resistors: amzn.to/3PEuRCk

[@tobywhitney4798]

Great example of how to build this type setup, I’m finally starting to understand Solar. Thanks for sharing.

[@axemanjoe2945]

Nice!! I've got 2 12v LifePo4 1st version Powerqueen Premiums hooked in parallel with same inverter but 2000watt in my older truck camper. They seem to power up a 5000 BTU window ac and the rv really well. I just need to do the Solar next after resealing the whole camper.

[@blinkbob5550]

My Redodo mini battery ran a 1/3 HP sump pump, pumping water every 15 mins for about 34 hours, battery now at 20%. Maybe 15’ water head pressure on pump. 👍

[@BradCagle]

Wow, Nice!

[@dmitchell6253]

I have four of the regular size version of redod and 100/50 victron running the 12v version of reliable. Been running it everyday for my house. Great little pourmans setup. The victron controller really is the best . Had a chinesium before not worth a 💩. Good video 👍

[@BradCagle]

Nice. I love Victron MPPT's, so good!

[@helenabha]

Great video of a simple setup , making use of mini size battery in a 24V system.

[@BradCagle]

Thanks!

[@cleversolarpower]

Hi Brad, nice video to show how easy it is. It's not recommended to have the fuse like that though. It bends the metal part that should melt, causing it to potentially malfunction. It's a 125A fuse but it should be 160A.

[@javiercoronel1169]

😮

[@leeinwis]

@@javiercoronel1169 😱😱

[@howardescoffery4950]

My brother it looks neat. For me though I wouldn't be comfortable having the hot air from the inverter fan blowing on the charge controller. I am imaging all kind of future problems with the charge controller, mine you I maybe wrong.

[@panospapadimitriou3498]

tomorow i m checking a new 100/20... cost was ok but couldnt afford more . i guess little bit of more time charging wont hurt anyone!!!! will try similar setup until i make my own 48v rack!!!

[@BradCagle]

I have a 100/20, it's a sweet unit, and at 48v you can get over 1100w with it. I'm planning to do a 48v video with it next. Thanks!

[@Janzer_]

Nice, I still don't understand what the MPT thing and the Shunt thing does, but I'll find a video where they explain the components. Nice and easy setup though, that helps!

[@william38022]

You might check around on this guy‘s channel. He’s got a lot of videos that explain about all this stuff. It’s help me a lot more,,,him and also projects in Paradise the old man in Hawaii.

[@MiniLuv-1984]

Very neat setup. Nice one Brad - very simple but 100% on the money. I guess a strap over the batteries for a little more security and you could mount it vertically permanently, say in an RV. 2560WH and weighs around 40kg I expect - pretty good. I thought about arranging it differently to have the inverter the right way up - I think if you put the inverter on the left with the input terminals facing to the right?

[@BradCagle]

Yes, I actually have strap I was going to use, but I totally forgot about it, LOL. It's tough to make these videos, have a regular job, and life all at the same time. You'll forget stuff that you would have normally considered trivial :) Yeah totally could have had the inverter the other way but I would have had to make up a new positive cable. I'm trying to build up a stash of cable to reuse in videos, cable is soo dang expensive. Thanks, Ben!

[@MiniLuv-1984]

@@BradCagle It was just a thought that occurred Brad, wasn't inferring you should've - just sharing the thought with others on this forum. There is a lot to making the videos, and you just pointed out some things that I haven't thought of. Keep up the great work. Your channel is really useful and informative, so you do what you need to do to make it worth your while and therefore ours!

[@BradCagle]

@@MiniLuv-1984 Oh no, I didn't think anything like that :) I really enjoy your comments, and feedback. You have some very insightful info, please keep it coming!

[@Firephosure]

2 questions Brad. I've always wanted to connect a fuse straight to the terminal instead of having a fuse in between 2 cables but I have read everywhere that's it not recommended unless you use a terminal fuse. You're the first person I've seen connecting the fuse straight to the terminals. 2) Why did you connect the cables from the mppt to the inverter where everyone else(including myself) connect them to the batteries ?

[@scoutmaster-s8860]

Great video! This is such a helpful and easy to understand explanation.

[@BradCagle]

Thanks!

[@Trevathecleva82]

That AC unit is capable of pulling over 1300 watts when it's on full blast. I have the same Midea unit with my off grid setup.

[@enigmascape]

Nice little compact system. I like the idea of these mini batteries, but I am having a hard to being a believer in them just because they are so small. Curious to see how these hold up over time.

[@BradCagle]

Yes, I'm curious of the longevity too. Thanks!

[@willbd1962]

If you have seen any of the reviews of the batteries where the take them apart, most of the battery case is empty. The batteries are made to a form factor to replace existing sizes. Examples are 24,27, 31 or D8. The new mini battery would save the manufacturer form having to fill the case with some type of fill to hold the cells in place. The only thing that might be a negative is you would have more vibration transmitted to the batter cells with a mini format battery.

[@pisoiorfan]

Electroboom would definitely go for the largest sparks.

[@BradCagle]

Yes, indeed he would :)

[@ravens.u.a.sflightservices]

I need a setup like this to run a portable a/c or inverter powered window unit, for when the hurricanes knock out my power. they pull 450 to 200 watts depending on fan speed.

[@mlangfordoutdoor]

Just got my 2nd battery to go with my Victron controller and next to order a inverter-almost there

[@BradCagle]

Nice!

[@jrizon1976]

Very informative! I really thought that you have to connect your charger controller cables to the battery terminals? I see you connected yours to the inverter?

[@bessiah]

I was thinking the same thing

[@valentino_govoni_official]

this is what im worried about if i use AGM batteries, will they valance?

[@Dennis35793]

I had roughly the same idea system thanks for showing.

[@BradCagle]

You're welcome!

[@dan32one44]

Good 👍 stuff 👏👏

[@pNoid2k1]

Do you have a link to the shunt?

[@duratoke]

I am so tired of seeing nothing but 12V systems. Thanks!

[@helenabha]

For the same setup, is it possible to replace the power inverter with a Power Station (E.g Ecoflow) so that these two batteries can be used as an expansion to the Power Station, they supply 24V directly to the Power Station for its charging. How would anyone comment this configuration, pls.

[@onlywenilaugh6589]

When does the case ground on the left side of the victron need to be connected?

[@junkerzn7312]

Not bad. I would make three adjustments. First, use an ANL fuse for the main battery fuse (and note that an even higher-end T-class fuse is not necessary for a small system like this). Second and more importantly... when doing a 24V system from scratch, buy a 24V LiFePO4 battery. Don't use 2 x 12V batteries in series. I would go as far as to say when doing everything from scratch, just go straight to 48V and be done with it. Even for a small system. System expansion is also a lot easier as additional batteries can simply be added in parallel. Series x parallel battery setups with LiFePO4 have issues. And finally, make sure the inverter's low-voltage cut-off occurs before the battery BMS's low-voltage cut-off (usually it does). Or program the charge controller's relay output to shut the inverter down on low-voltage, again before the battery's low-voltage protection engages. Now if you don't have a choice and have to use two 12V batteries in series, you do need a whole battery balancer (which is cheap). Otherwise you are going to run into problems down the line. But it is best to avoid all the issues related to putting LiFePO4 batteries with independent BMS's in series and just get a native 24V battery. All the equipment is available in 24V and 48V these days and basically just as cheap.

[@darryllillian9803]

Understanding 12 V I made the typical mistake of buying some 12 V batteries so I have four 100 amp hour 12 V that I would love to use in a system while I save up to get either a 24 V or 48 V battery bank.can I do two in series, and then two banks in parallel to get the use of all four batteries and make it a 24 V system. I am learning, but still very much a solar novice.

[@rkg456]

Newbie question - what drives needing 24v or 48v vs 12 volt when it comes to a solar setup?

[@BradCagle]

Mostly scalability/cost. The amps/current handling requirements go way down as you increase voltage. For example a 30a MPPT can handle around 400w at 12v, but it can do around 800w at 24v. So you doubled your power capability, yet your cost of equipment, and wiring are the same.

[@mrdavesivertsen]

Thanks for the Q&A. Light bulb moment for me!

[@BradCagle]

@@mrdavesivertsen Anytime!

[@ZaneofAustin]

6:00 aww cmon i wanted to see the sparks haha

[@ZaneofAustin]

6:22 YEA SPARKS

[@daviddubois5123]

I would like your thought on a low budget system for someone just getting into solar for backup and possibly mining with cell phone? Like your channel and keep on doing it! 🙂

[@mariodasilva8729]

Thanks for a nice and clear instruction set. I watched your previous video and as I'm a newbie, I appreciate your warning of the warm blade fuse! I'm using lead acid batteries instead, so is that a big difference?

[@katerinadiy]

Hello! Thank you for very informative video. Why some people use big invertors with screens and some use car inverters like yours? What is the difference?

[@william38022]

If I try this system and I really do want to eventually I’m curious about how you would wire the panels for instance could I wire six 100 W Renorgy Solar panels in series series parallel, and then power that charge controller that way it just make sure that I would hook the charge controller up first to the 24 V batteries source so it would know what it was dealing with and the 600 watts coming in from the array would power it or do I have to wire the panels a special way?

[@Alexnailedit]

Hi, thanks for the video. Can I ask more about the shunt? What size and or power was it? Thank you!

[@BradCagle]

Looks like I forgot to add that link. Here you go: TBD-SmartShunt: amzn.to/3XxnXQD

[@Alexnailedit]

@@BradCagle thank you!!!

[@jakeoneill9302]

what do you think on , 24 v , 36 v or 48 v battery set up. for long wiring from panels to off-gride home

[@t.d.harris1311]

Plan building this system to run a freezer and ref. during power outages, but plan on using a 24v 200amp hour battery. My question would be would the inverter be able to run for several days continuously if needed and if I keep the battery charged. I had rather spend more on an inverter that would not get hot and shut down. Your video keeps it simple, for me. Thanks! New Sub...

[@BradCagle]

I run this inverter 24/7 in my garage with an A/C unit. It's been great!

[@t.d.harris1311]

Thanks much! Should run a couple freezers and some light then.@@BradCagle

[@Dave-xr9bc]

I want to connect 2 power queens 12v 200ah plus in series so that I have a 24v system. Do I need a battery balancer for this?some say yes and others say no

[@thatonebeone]

going with 24v set up just 100ah battery maybe get another later going to use 2500 or 3000 inverter.... will a 75v 15amp MPPT good enough for 400w panel ? going to use 2 200w panels put it in series ..keeping it my panels 400w since its in a small space .. or should i just get the one you have on the video 100v 30amp or that over kill for my 400w solar ...

[@BradCagle]

Nice, 24v 100ah is pretty good. That's the same capacity of these two 12v 100ah. As for the 75/15 charge controller, it should be fine. I have the same controller on my nissan Xterra. I have a 360w panel on the roof, charging a 24v 100ah battery just like you're going with :) BTW there's also a 100/20 controller that's usually not much more. Thanks!

[@thatonebeone]

@@BradCagle thanks for the information.. I'll stick with 75/15 charger.. I'll only be using the inverter for like small Kettle, Microwave, Toaster, small e stove and a very small ac but that's when I get another battery.. We have lots of sun in California and I don't run the appliances like all day only to heat and cook food for couple mins at a time.. then I'll use a 24v to 12v step down 40ams to power up Led lights fans phone charger and heated blankets ect... Was going to go 12v set up but 24v is pretty much same cost and more efficient..

[@algofuture]

That's a very compact system here. I love it. Btw, how's this inverter? I am thinking to get the 1500w one. is it reliable? the feedbacks on amazon are like 50/50. Any good 24v inverter recommended? Thank you

[@BradCagle]

Thanks, I've had the inverter for 2 years. I use it everyday. It's been great.

[@pabear3636]

That fuse should be between the solar panel cutout and the Victron. If you put it between the Victron and the battery with the panels connected and the fuse opens, you will probably smoke the Victron with panels hooked up and no load (the battery) on the output. Otherwise, nice explanation.

[@BradCagle]

@@pabear3636 You're supposed to have a fuse between the charger and the battery. I do get what you're saying, and yes some chargers could become damaged from such scenario. However IMO that would be a poorly designed charger. A good design shouldn't self destruct, and as far as I know Victron chargers can handle this. Thanks

[@stevenseigneurie5073]

I have a question about battery size-everyone uses just 100ah batterys , can you use higher ah batterys in series to create a larger system would I get more ah/watt hours? all I have is 700 watt heater keeping my 12x24 workshop somewhat warm in the winter with alot of cloudy days in the winter (UP Michigan)

[@jd-it4on]

This is cool. What btu is the a/c system and have u done a test to see how long it will run on low or high before batteries are low? If not can u, i would like to see and also like to see how long it will run with solar coming in and with out any solar.

[@rickyanderson6984]

hi, how many and what wattage solar panels did you have hooked up?

[@advirnig]

how long would either the 12v or 24v setup run a dc compressor fridge with 100AH? as long as it will run one for more than 19 hours with no sun, you should be good, even for winter sun hours.

[@BradCagle]

It really depends on the fridge, and how often you open the door.

[@justinmitchuson8992]

Are you increasing the preset setting on the victron. I've turned my absorption voltage up to 28.88. Was this a mistake.

[@cloventonguesoffire]

Do you have a link for solar panels?

[@graphguy]

These are great vids! I do have a question about the resistor... you don't like to it. Anything special, link, to use?

[@BradCagle]

Sorry, here it is Precharge resistors: amzn.to/3PEuRCk

[@hardtruth2039]

Does it matter which resistor to buy for this?

[@intech7863]

I am thinking to get this victron 100/30 connected to anderson on licitty bat box for 400w single panel so instead of max 6 awg cable cab i make with 10awg from victron to anderson on the licitty box is it safe ? Or better get 6awg but then need to buy good crimp for thick cable

[@BradCagle]

I've done exactly this, with a 10awg cable. 10awg is plenty for 30a.

[@intech7863]

@@BradCagle allright thanks 👍🙂

[@weriesblack1375]

Question, why 24v and not 12v parallel?

[@TheEragoon]

Are any setting required in the vicrtron app?

[@matthewknight5641]

Hey brad my 150.70 is working great my 100.30 is great but i bought a 100.50 victron and it wont connect. I tried the 1234. 0000. 000000. None will let it connect. My amazon warranty has run out. Do you know any trick to reset it or make it connect?

[@hankmoody5514]

so clean

[@buffalo7458]

Do you have to disconnect the batteries, to recharge individually every time because they won't charge evenly

[@BradCagle]

No. You might over long period of time. You can also get a balancer that will do it for you automatically.

[@reeftheseaforever]

can I use a a regular car battery I have a red top optima

[@BradCagle]

It's not really advisable. You technically could, but car batteries are not deep cycle, so they don't like to be discharged very deeply. It wouldn't last too long. But the optima might last longer than most.

[@rustyshackleford3874]

A car battery can only be discharged to 50% before it can become damaged beyond repair. So if you have a 80 AH battery, you can only use 40 ah. Lithium batteries can be fully discharged without being damaged.

[@Electronzap]

Nice.

[@BradCagle]

Thanks!

[@javiercoronel1169]

So this 12000 btu only half the wattage its uses?

[@timbookedtwo2375]

what size wires are you using? 3000w at 24v is 125a. how big is the fuse? have you tried a max load?

[@BradCagle]

If i remember correctly it was 2awg temco welding cable. Probably a 150a fuse.

[@bitsurfr46]

Are the two Mini batteries smaller than one 200AH Redodo battery?

[@BradCagle]

I think so.

[@bitsurfr46]

They still are using only 100 amp BMS. I like the 200AH Pro with its 200 amp BMS for large loads.

[@BradCagle]

@@bitsurfr46 Two 100Ah minis with 100a BMS in parallel is equivalent to 200a BMS, provided the are wire properly.

[@bitsurfr46]

Thank you. I didn't know that.😮

[@taylorchad]

Precharge on the negative terminal. - is the flow, + is the return.

[@mendohomepower7492]

Have you found the shunt to be a good alternative to the Victron? If so can you provide more information?

[@BradCagle]

It seems to be fine. However I have not put much use on it.

[@mlangfordoutdoor]

If you have the Victron 100/30 why do you need a shunt, I'm just starting

[@BradCagle]

The shunt is needed to monitor power in/out of the battery, so it can calculate state of charge (SOC) basically like a fuel gauge for your battery. The 100/30 is just a charger, it has no way of knowing how much power has been removed from the battery. Thanks

[@matthewburga]

Why not charge them up in parallel?

[@BradCagle]

You can. If you make sure the voltage of both batteries are close. This video is for beginners, so I'm trying to make it as error proof as possible. If a beginner connects a very low SOC battery with a very high SOC battery they may get a thrill 🤣

[@charlesd3376]

What solar panels are you using?

[@BradCagle]

Sunpower 435w E-Series Commercial

[@razmikyakyazarian]

How do you have 700 W with two panels?

[@BradCagle]

Those panels are 435w each.

[@razmikyakyazarian]

@@BradCagle That’s still pretty good. I have five 200 W panels and get 450 max

[@OperationGetReady]

what panels did you use?

[@OperationGetReady]

i didnt see them on the parts list

[@OperationGetReady]

love the set up btw

[@BradCagle]

They are used sunpower 435w panels

[@kipdiddy23]

Nice setup Brad. I see Reliable makes that inverter in 12v what are the advantages of 24v ?

[@rustyshackleford3874]

The advantages of 24v vs 12v is that the wire gauges can be significantly smaller. Its more efficient to run more power at higher voltages. That's why most big systems ae 48v. To run a large 12v system you would need really thick/high gauge wires.

[@ovchannelag5238]

👍👍

[@BradCagle]

Thanks!

[@MoBLuBSiAb4LiFe]

Shoulda went pos before neg

[@samuelfox8126]

24v sparks. It's normal.

[@ricklowry5071]

Pretty vague on the wiring dude..., and I have experience in the field.

[@natesdiysolar]

Extra sparky, lol.

[@BradCagle]

Yup, LOL. Make you jump a little haha

[@natesdiysolar]

@@BradCagle no matter how many times.. it always gets u

[@che59v]

Avoid if you care about RFI and EMC.

[@davehoward3645]

Please enlighten

[@HalifaxComputersRepair]

find it very confusing , because i notice you keep skipping your video ...... victron is expensive

[@BradCagle]

Sorry, I skip the dead time, otherwise it will be much longer, and full of dead air.

[@pmcallister]

Viewers should be warned that this is a VERY unsafe installation. Pass on this video and check out someone who knows what they're doing.

[@javiercoronel1169]

How? If it worked.

[@sweetartsavoie5689]

Pas grand mais cher

[@chris_mk5supra]

NEVER put 2 battery with bms in SERIES, never, you ask for trouble, chance you are going to burn the mosfet and let them stuck open and you will lose ALL protection from the bms, have seen that happen numerous of time, DONT PUT BMS IN SERIES

[@BradCagle]

False. If they are made to be placed in series then you can. These can be placed up to 4 in series.

[@chris_mk5supra]

@@BradCagle most of them are not . Pretty sur you dont know what bms are in thèse . Maybe they can . Some can yes . But most of thé Time its not a good Idea . I have seens so many bms fail because of that . Wanna 24 volt ? Buy a 24 volt bms :x. I never trust thèse already made battery. They tell you they can go in séries even when they cant.... Sorry maybe in THIS case its safe but still i would NEVER recommend this :x

[@Firephosure]

@@chris_mk5supraAll Lifepo4 batteries have bms. You're pretty much saying you can't series any lifepo4 batteries which is completely false. Even the manufacturers say you can series these. I have 2 systems that I series my batteries for 24v for years.

[@Talpiot_Program]

Beginners? I'm not sure what was positive what was negative. B-E-G-I-N-E-R-S. 😂 Beginners means constant reinforcement and safety.