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

Today we build a simple 24v off-grid system with 3000w inverter, 2560Wh battery, and 840w solar
Affiliate links:
Use discount code: bradcagle for 4% off
Redodo Mini 12v 100ah battery: www.redodopower.com/products/...
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/3WiPB45
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
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AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: This channel may earn an affiliate commission if you purchase products through links I provide.
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CONTACT: [e-mail]
Business/Collaboration only. Please do not contact me for for personal project help, or advice.
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DISCLAIMER: These videos are documenting my own projects, and experiences. These projects, and activities can be dangerous. Do not try any of this at home, doing so will be at your own risk.

[@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/3WiPB45 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

[@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!

[@scoutmaster-s8860]

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

[@BradCagle]

Thanks!

[@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!

[@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.

[@Dennis-sb7gp]

I had roughly the same idea system thanks for showing.

[@BradCagle]

You're welcome!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@BenMitro]

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!

[@BenMitro]

@@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]

@@BenMitro 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!

[@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?

[@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! 🙂

[@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!

[@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.

[@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 ?

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@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?

[@pNoid2k1]

Do you have a link to the shunt?

[@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?

[@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)

[@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!!!

[@Electronzap]

Nice.

[@BradCagle]

Thanks!

[@justinmitchuson8992]

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

[@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

[@ZaneofAustin]

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

[@ZaneofAustin]

6:22 YEA SPARKS

[@pisoiorfan]

Electroboom would definitely go for the largest sparks.

[@BradCagle]

Yes, indeed he would :)

[@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?

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 👍🙂

[@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.

[@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.

[@charlesd3376]

What solar panels are you using?

[@BradCagle]

Sunpower 435w E-Series Commercial

[@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.😮

[@Dave-xr9bc]

i have a anl fuse,do i install the Washers to with the bold or i dont need it?

[@BradCagle]

do you have a anl fuse holder?

[@Dave-xr9bc]

@@BradCagle yes

[@BradCagle]

@@Dave-xr9bc Honestly don't know how the washers are supposed to be used. I've never used ANL fuses.

[@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 🤣

[@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.

[@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.

[@South_Texan]

what panels did you use?

[@South_Texan]

i didnt see them on the parts list

[@South_Texan]

love the set up btw

[@BradCagle]

They are used sunpower 435w panels

[@ovchannelag5238]

👍👍

[@BradCagle]

Thanks!

[@natesdiysolar]

Extra sparky, lol.

[@BradCagle]

Yup, LOL. Make you jump a little haha

[@natesdiysolar]

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

[@ricklowry5071]

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

[@che59v]

Avoid if you care about RFI and EMC.

[@davehoward3645]

Please enlighten

[@sweetartsavoie5689]

Pas grand mais cher

[@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.

[@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.