Build a Better Solar Generator for 1/2 the Price!

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Here are the links to the components we used: Battery: ipowerqueen.com/?ref=2o1mpvjk Solar Panels: www.weizeus.com/?ref=BROCKMAGGARD Inverter: amzn.to/3prRhwr Check out more of our tractor videos here: kzbin.info/aero/PLmYnhJtNUq7c2n8UTJASTf9qJQXQ_ngFP Rockhill Farm is a daily equipment and rural living vlog. We mainly focus on tractors and working outdoors. I really appreciate you taking time to watch this video. If you enjoy this type of content Check out some of the following links to support our channel. If you are interested in a rock Hill Farms T-shirt check out our merch store rockhill-farm.creator-spring.com/listing/rockhill-farm-logo Please subscribe to our channel here: kzbin.info Follow on Facebook at facebook.com/Rock-Hill-Farm-102050688356056/ You can now support the channel by buying us a coffee at the following link: www.buymeacoffee.com/rockhillfarm

[@RockhillfarmYT]

@@TheGreyLineMatters I don’t recall seeing it, and I don’t see it right now when I do a search for that title. I’ve been getting a lot of emails about sponsored content around batteries and solar panels so if it looks like one of those I may have passed by it. If you’re wanting to chat, or if you have an opportunity, email me again at [e-mail]

[@stewartrv]

Hey Guys, Sorry to say that the battery isn't going to cut it for 3000W unless you make a small change. Either pay a little extra for the "Power Queen 12V 200Ah PLUS LiFePO4 Battery", Which has a *** Built-in 200A BMS *** OR buy 2 x Power Queen 12.8V 100Ah batteries and wire them up in parallel as you did with the first DIY which will also give 100Ah capacity (but also needs cables etc.). Neither will actually give you all the 3000W but probably close enough for what you want. For simple maths you can calculate the current draw as: 3000W/12.8v = 234.375 but add on at least 10% as the inverter is usually only about 90% efficient. So in theory you'd need about 258 Amps continuous. So for the best of all "belt and braces" system use 3 x 100Ah batteries wired in parallel. You could also get a 24v inverter as they are usually a bit better and need thinner cables since the current is half for the same power. Otherwise good job!

[@Abeaness]

@@stewartrvAlso, a PSW inverter isn’t much more than $300 (I’ve seen them currently ~ 60$ more) and well worth the better and consistent wave quality, imho.

[@stewartrv]

@@Abeaness agreed I'd only want pure sine wave. It's better for compatibility and efficiency.

[@rhiantaylor3446]

Absolutely correct - the only advantage of the All in One boxes is their portability but against that, if anything goes wrong, you probably end up changing the whole thing whereas you can just replace e.g. the inverter, if it fails.

[@unaffiliated_x9279]

5:12 "The beauty of it is its simplicity"

[@cydmarantis]

We used the same square sine wave inverter for over 20 years. A few things were burned out immediately upon plugging into the house power over that time, and we never know what it's going to be so plugging something in for the first time is always a gamble. We've had a $600 washing machine burn up, a craftsman rechargeable tool, a rechargeable vacuum cleaner, and a $500 high power blender. An expensive gamble imo.

[@SteveB2601K]

Great info. For 2 years my pole barn was Solar, I just ran power. Like you said at the end of your video the converter is one of the biggest parts of how much you can run. I wish I had that info when I was putting mine together. I got a 2000 watt converter. It will run a drill motor some grinders. You hear bigger is better in this case that is 100% true. Thank you and your dad good video.

[@WhatNowChris]

I started watching your videos after the whole truck debacle. Haters gonna hate! I can tell your a honest person, that’s something to be proud about. Great videos!

[@jayb3518]

informative comparison Video, the thing to potentially keep in mind is the max current rating of the battery, If it's Max continuous discharge is 100A then I doubt you'd be able to push that inverter to 3000watts before the battery BMS shuts down the Battery,. I suspect you'd be able to support 1200 to 1300 continuous watts.

[@rodneytillmon9616]

You can get a battery monitor & shunt for under thirty bucks.

[@berrywr1]

I've been reading for the past few months on exactly how to build a DIY solar generator without costing an arm and a leg to buy what's out there today ready to go. I have a 1000 watt pure sine wave inverter for my car battery and engine and recently I had to use it for ten hours. That was 2 gallons of gas at $3.50 per gallon at the time of the storm and power outage. It's hard to get away from such a simple solution. The thing is I found myself wondering if my alternator could possibly support more wattage if the battery is reading 14 volts and no matter what solution I ultimately decide to go with, I think the bottom line is the correct inverter size. I measured my refrigerator at home the other day; except for the startup wattage my 1000 watter will run it, but it came in at 1569 watts on start up and an average of 70 watts for the whole day and running watts of 123 during the heat of the day. The math tells me an efficient inverter generator is the way to go, but if there is a viable not overly expensive solar alterative out there, that's free if I can get enough sunlight hours and the correct number of panels to charge a DIY option 100% chargeable per day. Over and over and over, it boils down to the math. Not looking to run anything big like my AC/Heat. But cost is a big factor in what I will ultimately do. Free power is a biggie, but a full tank of gas in my car is almost 3 days of power via ny DC-AC inverter. Not that I will likely ever need to run backup for one whole day let alone 3 days. I use our Demand peak power rate and could use a system that takes that 3 hours in the winter and 4 hours in the summer out of my power bill and save a little money along the way.

[@theElderberryFarmer]

Nice job on the home-brew solution! You and your dad make a great team, Brock. It looks like you have room in the tote for a second battery, which would double your capacity and really outperform the Geneverse unit. Take care and God Bless.

[@spanishtreasure9551]

Better would to put a cheap 80- 100amphr lead in with the 1 lithium battery ( should use deka lead marine cheap 80 amphr ) like boat dudes do , lead and lithium best of both worlds , yes you can mix them they work Great!!!~ and compliment each other ! The chinese dont want you to know you can Mix lithium and lead them , they want you to rely soley on lithium which burn up when alone , so they can make $ more on usa people numbers , =unlike lead mixing combination which prolongs lithium life and inner charging electronics , ~lead is big daddy .

[@FaithwalkerTodd]

I found a pair of 100ah 12.8v lifepo4 for $160 each, for $20 more each on the batteries I can have the Bluetooth connectability. I bought a set of those also just to try them out and it’s amazing how well you can monitor your batteries. A 2000w pure sine wave inverter for $190 but I got it on a lightning deal which brought it down to $131 and 60 amp MPPT controller for $69. 100 W Solar Panels are $55 each and I needed six for this build. To know if you have a true MPPT controller you can look inside and if you don’t see a very heavy coil of copper in there, it’s just a regular PWM controller which will waste any energy beyond the voltage of the battery coming from the solar panels. So if your solar panels are 18 V and your battery is 13 V the charge controller provides the 13 V to the battery and burns off the rest. An MPT controller grabs all that extra voltage and provides it to the battery in the form of more amps so that you don’t lose any power from your solar panel. A 100 W solar panel is operating about 18 V up to about 20 V and somewhere around 5 A. That’s how they get to the 100 W mark volts times amps equal watts.but if you can’t use anything beyond the voltage of the battery then you’re only going to be able to access about 60 W out of that same solar panel with a PWM controller.

[@TheWoodHaven]

Just want to point out that the battery BMS does limit the output. If you only get up to 100 amps out of the battery, you will never get 3000 watts out of your inverter. Volts x Ams = Watts so if you are limited to 100 amps, x 13.4 volts, the max watts you can get is 1340 Watts, so any invertor over 1400 is wasted. And, that 1340 Watts is shared across all the AC sockets. It's not 1340 per socket.

[@TheWoodHaven]

@@SystemsPlanet I just don't want people wasting their money on a 2000 or 3000 watt inverter when a 1400 or 1500 watt inverter is all you need.

[@michael_the_chef]

Plus series could handle 200a, mine handles 250a for about 30 second or 300a for about 3 second, i was running 200a for 10 minuts without the bms tripping. And the bms does not Limit the current, its just an over current and temperature protection, to much current turns the discharge off

[@NYTROeast]

I've been running a 35 ft camper trailer for my family of 6 in a remote area since 2004 and it the harbor fright set up the very first one they came out with

[@dustdevl1043]

What some folks don't realize is that unit will pay for itself. Just like double glazed windows, you pay for them whether you have them or not.

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Yes sir

[@Tdale85]

Too bad I already bought a geneverse unit last year for camping. Of course, I used your code. Thanks!

[@htoddgriffin4787]

You can add a nice digital battery monitor for about $30-$50. Even less if you just want to see battery charge level.

[@Adaptedsolarpower]

I’ve built so many kits and I am an older guy but I don’t like lithium. I prefer the Vmax SLR100 100ah AGM batteries x4 and ive never had a problem and I only run them off of 600 watts of solar 3x 200w panels

[@JSabh]

Got a tip for ya, look into using 48v ebike battery packs and a 48v inverter. I run my entire house off grid with ebike batteries, you do not need the lipo4. I like the higher voltage as well for prolonged battery life.

[@SuperVstech]

Be very careful using e-bike batteries. They are very dangerous if anything goes wrong.

[@peterdang9746]

@supervstech care to elaborate?

[@SuperVstech]

@@peterdang9746 sure, e-bike uses NMC chemistry lithium batteries with explosive self igniting electrolyte. They are sensitive to proper charging voltage and need very careful charging. In a large build like a solar generator would need, you would be paralleling several packs together. This could result in a dangerous balance charging. And you could cause a fire that is very difficult to extinguish.

[@royhancock1817]

E bic batteries are $500 or more those; right?

[@sluggodna]

I just built my own with 2 18amp batteries. I also added a wall outlet car battery charger for $35. DeWalt 2 amp. Two 12v sockets that push a 100w power driver inverter. And a car phone plug. . I designed mine to carry on my back. I also have a 50 wat solar panel. .. If I want to go big? The junkyard has a 850amp 12v battery for $100. . $75 700w power driver inverter. . This video saved me $300.. Thank you!

[@RobertBrown-hk5hv]

Great videos thanks! I’m trying to do the same thing, but I’m looking to be able to run multiple tools at once. Such as dill or miter saw and be able to have my compressor kick on without blowing the whole thing. I’m guessing I’ll just need to bump everything up like maybe two batteries and a larger inverter.

[@leonardofigueiredo2518]

Another great video. So inspiring to see your dad getting along in the project.

[@hecmacias7604]

i like that setup better than the portable power station and cheaper to maintain. inverter goes bad buy a new one! Battery goes bad buy a new one--not the same with the power station!! IMO

[@kdhartman44]

Finally, a commonsense video on building a power station, thank you!! I've heard on a couple videos that the lithium-ion batteries can't be charged in temps under 32 degrees, is that true??

[@malcolmpoindexter8522]

Great video!!! Thanks for sharing!!!! Love you Dads T-Shirts !!! I followed your lead and purchased . Can't wait to get it set up. You saved me lots of $$$$. Thank Ya'll so much!! God Bless!!!

[@unaffiliated_x9279]

Good job guys, much appreciated

[@leovogelgesang4398]

I get the point on not running electricity to an out building, and can see where your homemade unit would be very useful.

[@keithmaggard9024]

On the subject of what will run on a modified sign wave inverter I just checked my CPAP runs on 24 volt DC so it wouldn't be harmed.

[@toddcaskey9984]

U never listen to my many comments to bring all your stuff up here and make a video 🤪

[@SuperVstech]

100A limitation on the battery means you cannot use over 8 amps output from your 3000W inverter… so… Oddly, most 200Ah batteries have a 200A BMS capability… that battery limit is a serious issue.

[@Abeaness]

Couldn’t one instead run 2 * 200 aHr batteries in parallel though and resolve that?

[@kieren4142]

It's a shame the UK is such a ripoff. The battery alone is almost twice the price here buying directly from the same suppliers UK site.

[@DaveSquibbSr]

Fantastic job! The box might be a little big, but I love it 😎😎

[@mikesgarage394]

The power supplies in the electronics can be damaged by modified sine wave inverters - they are designed to run on sine waves and components are selected accordingly. Damage one or 2 chargers and you have made up the inverter price difference.

[@ErvigHenry]

Comment: Wow, this Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series seems like a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts like me! The massive capacity, fast recharging, and versatile sockets definitely caught my attention. Plus, the fact that it's waterproof and has comprehensive protections gives me peace of mind. Can't wait to add this to my outdoor gear collection! Thanks for sharing this awesome find!

[@bitsurfr46]

For a portable power station at a great value, see the Licitti Battery box. It has a 100 watt inverter, a MPPT controller and multiple DC ports for $168 + shipping!😮

[@EricAndrews-ir7wr]

Great video! Thank you! Question. I'm looking at building one of these units with the lithium batteries to power up some live performance music equipment. How much run time should I be able to get using two 1300W speakers at 75% power. 1 hr.? 2hr.?

[@rcguymike]

Have you seen the EcoFlow Delta 2 or Delta 2 Max? The Delta 2 seems like the same capability with a little less battery but it's been on sale recently for

[@royhancock1817]

Is there a way to add on to the lithium battery unit to run more of household items like a 1500W Heater?

[@SVThailand]

I have never plugged anything in that won't work with my modified wave inverter

[@AscendAirborneImaging]

Really like these videos. Wondering if it could run a ac unit on a 200 ah battery.

[@ralphpetry1745]

You can but would typically need a soft start on it. The downside is that you need an eye watering amount of battery/solar capacity to keep it going. This set up would run a typical 15000 BTU RV AC unit for about an hour assuming there is no other draw on it. There are some good 12 volt ac units available now that are far more efficient giving some hope for the future though!

[@keithmaggard9024]

I tested a 1500 watt inverter and a single deep cycle battery on an older window unit it ran for just over two hours I didn't have much solar coming in but it can be done and the one in this video would probably do it. The efficiency of the air conditioner makes a big difference mine was old.

[@PWoods-cd6tk]

Not bad, but.......2 Power Queen minis would deliver closer to 3000 watts, and be lighter and smaller, and you could pull off the same build for even less now that it's 5 months later.

[@elktrip2000]

Do you think it would rund a deep freezer or refrigerator?

[@patrickcorbett8361]

Good job Brock....if you change your mind on that power feed to your Quanset hut ( You will ! ) I got some input for you ! pc

[@aircoolscott]

I would like to install a couple of solar panels on my metal roof over a patio. What would be needed for this besides what is included in this solar kit? Thanks for the great video!

[@mikesgarage394]

The HF charge controller is a 30A, not a 10a like the wiese kit, the wiese panel kit is a better deal than the HF kit, 200w and better panels.

[@Moist_yet_Crispy]

I'd love to see a little more scripting of dialog. The intro is almost 8 minutes long and forces people to skip around which encourages leaving the video not to mention you'll be punished by the algorithm when the video isn't fully watched.

[@royhancock1817]

Was the shipping price included when your bought the 12.8V 200AH battery in building the unit.??

[@davidcharles3131]

I have a generac AC 200 max which should run my 3/4 hp water pump but it will not. All amp draws indicate it should. I wonder if your homemade unit will. Thanks for sharing.

[@davidcharles3131]

Bluetti not generac

[@keithmaggard9024]

It could be that the start up draw is much higher than it takes to run it when we tested it on a power drill the wattage was over 800 for a few seconds then dropped back to 425

[@angelrendon1360]

is there a way to buy a display for the battery information

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Some power inverters come with a display. The one we are using in the video did not have a display.

[@rayweathers7533]

Will it run a fridge

[@Constitutionallycorrect]

I assure you there is a great difference between pure sine wave and modified sine wave and it's enough that you really should not be trying to push modified sine waves at all to your viewers. Modified sine waves do not work with some electronics and they definitely tear up most

[@keithmaggard9024]

I would be interested in seeing your sources what I found was different. According to what I have read anything that has a built in rectifier was fine because DC doesn't have a scine wave even my CPAP runs on 24 volt. Besides I don't care what inverter you use I was just passing on what I have learned.

[@Constitutionallycorrect]

@@keithmaggard9024 Inverters create 120 volt "sinusoidal" waves. We aren't talking about the dc side of it here. I have a bachelor's degree in electronics and I've been a component level electronics technician for over 25 years. If you've ever seen a modified sine wave on an oscilloscope you would see why. A modified sine wave is actually square waves with hard edges, and those edges play helll on transformer windings, causing them to violently vibrate through the coating on the wires. The majority of consumer electronics uses step down transformers on their front ends.

[@keithmaggard9024]

It doesn't just run the saw he was cutting hardwood not pine

[@wetguavass]

Would you DIY setup run a water well pump?

[@RockhillfarmYT]

I’m sure different pumps are different size motors but a Google search is telling me 8 A and they should run 25 A and since the pump does not run continuously, I think the solar panels would keep it charged

[@wetguavass]

@@RockhillfarmYT thanks

[@keithmaggard9024]

Most well pumps are 220 volts AC this produces 120 volts you would need a split phase converter I haven't checked but I am sure the price goes way up

[@julioctorres6450]

What is the discount to use code ?

[@onyijoshua7762]

I am from nigeria i went tru your last vidoe where u used the power queen bateries .what i want to know is that,can it be used to power fridge of 300 wattage if yes please i need the list of the items of the last vidoe i want to build mine so that i can conquer the epileptic power situation i am suffering here .i am cunting on ur response.thanks

[@keithmaggard9024]

According to the math 200 amp hour battery would run it about 8 hours and depending on how many watts of solar it can go much longer wish I had better news. And I could be wrong about the math I am not an expert. 200 amps x 12 volt is 2400 watts ÷ 300 = 8 if your putting 400 in then it would supply day time needs and charge some for the night. That is one benefit to a home built system more panels and battery can be added most of the pre made systems can't.

[@jorgecalderon8723]

Can you please send me a complete list of the generator so I could do it thank you so much

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Here are the links to the components we used: Battery: ipowerqueen.com/?ref=2o1mpvjk Solar Panels: www.weizeus.com/?ref=BROCKMAGGARD Inverter: amzn.to/3prRhwr

[@jorgecalderon8723]

@@RockhillfarmYT thank you so much excellent your the best

[@tim1299]

Isn't sine wave necessary for brushless motors?

[@keithmaggard9024]

Not sure good question

[@LibertyCrypto]

Yes, but it's supplied by the motor controller, which is fed by DC initially. The controller generates the requried pwm/sw.

[@barntt]

Stay away from the Lithium.

[@keithmaggard9024]

You arr incharge of what gets made we made a video of a simple inexpensive system it currently had 155k 10:48 views this one has 5k hoe cool is it that yoi sre in charge

[@SVThailand]

You didn't want to take 3 hours and run a single electrical line to a $25 breaker box and a $20 breaker? Interesting.

[@RockhillfarmYT]

you course know that is a Gross mischaracterization. I trenched in power to my other building. First, you have to get power to the side of the shop you’re drawing from. That’s a lot of expense and work. Then from there you’re digging 100+ foot trench and burying, either expensive, direct, burial line or conduit. I recently did the same job and to do it well is expensive and time consuming

[@meilyn22]

The problem with these videos is too much talking, lol. Go straight to the freaking point. Nobody really cares about these stories.

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Well, after making 1300 videos, I can tell you that what you’re saying is not accurate. I’ve made short videos that were only action. People don’t watch them. If you’re searching for something specific, you want a short video but you can’t build a KZbin channel off of those little videos I actually make shorts that summarize this in under 60 seconds, but you didn’t pick that, you watched a long form video