DIY 12 volt Solar Power System with LIfePo4 batteries. Yes you can do this!

[@RushAustin]

When we bought our new (built in 1946) house, there was a large amount of unused Genkene insulated 1/0 AWG 600v and 2 AWG 600V aluminum wire in the basement. I'm building a small 12V system to be a backup for our sump pump. A 100ah Li battery and a 2000 watt inverter. I'm thinking 40A charge controller and 400W worth of panels. Can I use this aluminum wire to connect battery - inverter - charge controller? I've read about not mixing aluminum wire with coppery terminal connectors.

[@OurBlackCatCottage]

I have never used aluminum wire so I just don't know. I am going to pin this, hopefully someone that knows can leave a comment.

[@michaelallen1593]

​😊 3:57 !

[@michaelallen1593]

5:05

[@hegefarms4260]

Im a firm Believer in using Heavier Wire and Cable

[@nikterlingua9408]

I use 2epever and 2flamezume components. I use 24 volt 100 amp charge controllers and 4000/8000 watt pure sine inverters I use 6 gauge wire and 24 6 volt Trojan batteries. I have 10 24 volt panels. This system runs my house almost as well as a grid tied system.

[@troyyarbrough]

I have a 300watt Giandel pure sine wave inverter I keep in my pickup for camping and such. It will actually output 300 watts without faulting. Also it puts out a full 120VAC at 60Herts. I plan to order the 1200watt model for a small emergency backup system. I hope it performs as well as the 300 does.

[@stanleybest8833]

Understand that inverters are talented at draining batteries. It's like sharing a canoe with a 700 LB guy. Short duration. Keep lights DC, like 12 or 24 volts, and refrigeration, too, if you grab a DC compressor chest. You should keep using the 300 watt pure sine wave when you need it. Staying below 150 watts is sensible.

[@troyyarbrough]

@@stanleybest8833 I don't use the 300 watt inverter for lighting. I have 12 volt led lights for camping. What I mainly use it for is my favorite fan. I have to have my fan for sleeping. Also, I've only ever maxed out the watts in testing it to make sure it lived up to it's advertised potential. I have a dedicated 30amp cigarette style power port in my truck. There is no way my factory cigarette plug would pull 300 watts. It's only 10 amps. All in all it's pretty efficient for a small inverter. I now have a 1500 watt PSW inverter that I use for backup power during outages.

[@stanleybest8833]

1200 watts? Higher standby drain. My inverters draw like 6-7 watts per hour. You won't outgrow the 300 watter.

[@fibonnaxsolomon8824]

"see... everything is hooked up". right ....🤔 The "hooking-up-part" was kinda what I hoped to see in that video....

[@jasonbroom7147]

Good explanation of a basic setup, but I have a couple of questions: Why are you using an ANL fuse for the positive bus bar? You have a negative bus bar, so you clearly understand the concept, but using the fuse as a bus bar precludes you from putting the protective cover back on it. Also, is that second battery broken in half? The top is not flat and it appears to have a bunch of tape holding it together. Is that some kind of optical illusion?

[@johnbaggus9966]

Those DC breakers are directional , load and line some are marked some are not , your breaker from the pv to controller looks correct

[@FestusHaggen-e5u]

Thanks for posting the video. How long will this system run a 5000 btu air conditioner at night?

[@OurBlackCatCottage]

I did a video on a similar setup. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqjJpouOp9CGfrc

[@FestusHaggen-e5u]

Thank you for the link.

[@hawaiidogs9277]

Ty sir

[@johnbutler5208]

Could you tell me what size Fuze you used. I'm putting together something very similar. Thank you for the video.

[@OurBlackCatCottage]

This is the fuse I used. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079ZK1GYL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1 And here is a great article with a table on fusing. www.altestore.com/diy-solar-resources/recommended-inverter-cables-sizing-and-breakers-or-fuses/

[@johnbutler5208]

Thank you for your prompt reply.

[@dustinfrost5214]

Wouldn't this be better if you were to run negative from one battery and positive to the other even flow

[@davidpotter9462]

I have four 1/0 welding cables connecting the batteries to the inverter/charger....oh after two more batteries I'll have 19.2 kwH...if I am running, say 1600 watts for awhile, there is a few degrees of heat on those cables but it's very hard to feel much at all...just so happens that my Aims inverter/charger puts out 2000 watts but if you try 2200 it will overload...some brands of inverter don't do this but I have the factory test sheet...I guess that's why it has a 15 pound transformer in it lol

[@Junkie4Jesus777]

Can you please tell me what size fuse you are supposed to be using? I have a 40 AMP Rover controller with 3 12V lithium batteries and a 4000W converter all powered by 700 watts of solar panels? Thanks so very much 🙏🙏🙏

[@justinlarson8165]

Why do you use a fuse in the system instead of another breaker?

[@OurBlackCatCottage]

I would recommend a T class fuse now. Much better than the anl fuse I used in this video. And I prefer the T class fuse over a breaker.

[@markkenton4945]

Not sure if anybody has already mentioned this, but your air conditioner compressor will require 1000-1500w to kick on

[@gsrjaycee4521]

Yes I believe the surge wattage of the 1200 watt inverter he has will produce prb 1800 to 2000 surge watts or more to start the air conditioner compressor

[@NerdThingsAndMore]

Good info thanks

[@rocksunderwater]

What’s the website you mentioned that helps with selecting components based on the system size?

[@OurBlackCatCottage]

I would suggest checking out Will's website. www.mobile-solarpower.com/

[@kingsaii58]

Cool video

[@OurBlackCatCottage]

Thanks!

[@SwedenLover090]

Thank you, nice and informative video. ⭐️👍

[@robertglover1271]

please tell meim wrong but your pos. comes fromreg.bat out to fuse ,and on same side of fuse you show pos going to inverter ? not from across fuse where pos goes to battery?so the way I see it the inverter has not the fuse working for it ? Bob Glover

[@joerogaine3093]

How many 100w panels would you connect to this setup? Is it about 3 panels per battery? So 600 watts total?

[@OurBlackCatCottage]

I have upgraded this setup and now I have 1000 watts of solar but I think when I first did it I had 800 watts. If you are looking for more information on how to size a solar setup, check out this excellent video from Will Prowse kzbin.info/www/bejne/inuleJWrm8qre68

[@johnarmstrong5591]

Good question?

[@terrisebring1151]

Can you give me a list of all of the parts you are using please. Thanks, good video.

[@OurBlackCatCottage]

I ended up replacing the batteries with some DIY batteries. I have several videos making those. Charge Controller www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K9HBYPY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Inverter www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07G36Z2TH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Meter (like this one better than the hall effect one) www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013PKYILS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Circuit Breakers www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08JQD229K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Busbar www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OTJ8A0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Fuse (size yours for system) www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079ZNGCDX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Jokari 10270 Secura Cable Stripping Knife www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BMUDIGA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Crimping tool www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08L331FB2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Wire (size for your system) www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08Y7G6YGW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Lugs (size for your system) www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07X8HFJ5J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Hammer Crimper www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E1UUVT0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Ring connectors (size for your system) www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BCYHHFW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@davidutman5366]

Thank you! This is exactly what I'm looking for. I was on information overload.

[@UKsystems]

these ep ever units have poor mppt in absorbtion the lugs appear to be big for the wire shown just some feedback ;)

[@OurBlackCatCottage]

Thanks for watching!

[@boscodog4358]

What do I need to charge my lithium iron phosphate batteries. I am only using shore power. 125 v AC.

[@OurBlackCatCottage]

Something like this would work. www.amazon.com/Variable-Digital-Adjustable-Regulated-Switching/dp/B07X2VZSL9/ref=asc_df_B07X2VZSL9/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=385545943853&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15109659623635993781&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9029069&hvtargid=pla-841479175648&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=79419939780&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=385545943853&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15109659623635993781&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9029069&hvtargid=pla-841479175648

[@gsrjaycee4521]

How many watts of solar panels do you have in that setup ?

[@OurBlackCatCottage]

I had 1000 watts

[@gsrjaycee4521]

​Is there a limit of solar panels I can run on a 200ah battery if I have a large enough amp controller ?​@@OurBlackCatCottage

[@gsrjaycee4521]

For example if I run 2000watts of solar panels for a single 200ah battery at 12 volts is it possible ?or would it overcharge the battery or damage when it's fully charged and I have extra watts being supplied

[@philc.9280]

Hi, I have a question that will probably have people slam comments towards me about my design. I've had a similar solar system set up with lead-acid batteries for 5 years now. I will be changing to LifePo4 soon. I notice people always add cutoff switches, circuit breakers, and fuses to the system. I never understand why anyone would have the need to cut off the system. Mine is on and connected all the time. I do turn off the inverter at night though. I just connect the solar panels to the charge controller and then to the batteries. The inverter is then connected to the batteries. Did I miss something? Is my system unsafe???

[@OurBlackCatCottage]

I have never used lead acid so I don't know if it is needed or more important with LifePo4. How I see it is cheap insurance. I have spent tens of thousands on my set up and if adding a couple of breakers/fuse makes the system safer it is worth the small amount of money. Just my take on it.

[@philc.9280]

@@OurBlackCatCottage shouldn't make any difference between lead acid or lifepo4 design. Cheap insurance I get. But again how often have you had to use the cutoff switch or circuit breaker? These are low voltage systems and I'm always monitoring everything to see if it's overheated or checked for warmth. Haven't seen any issues for 5 years now. Just wondering if any electrical engineer here would chime in here. The few times I overloaded the inverter it just shuts off plus it has a fuse on the side of it.

[@stuartrinker]

I have multiple shut offs/circuit breakers on our new system. Is it necessary? Probably not. Do I find it useful? Absolutely. It’s only been online for a couple months but I find when needing to do maintenance or add a new doodad it’s very beneficial to be able to shut a component completely off. For me it starts at the combiner box for the solar panel. Then goes to the charge controllers and so forth down the line. Our first setup was a small 12 volt with no breakers or protection. I found it a pain to work on something because there was always a live wire somewhere that you had to worry about.

[@winstonbelisle3560]

Can't hear you, turn your mic input up.

[@keithfoss7395]

Thanks for listing components Have subscribed

[@millenium2003]

You need a fuse if you have circuit breakers?

[@OurBlackCatCottage]

I use both. I fuse my batteries and circuit breaker everything else. You can never been too safe.

[@segolemes1292]

👍👍

[@kimmer6]

This time next year you should have 3500 amp hours in lithium cells, 12KW split phase inverter and a roof full of solar panels. This stuff is addictive.

[@OurBlackCatCottage]

Tell me about it. I started with a solar light and now I have three buildings off grid. LOL And I just upgraded this system to 400 ah and doubled the panels.

[@justicesadler757]

⁵⁵⁵⁶

[@jimgresham5529]

Wires look great but that battery table is sooo getto.

[@UKsystems]

be carefull some inverters are dangerous

[@OurBlackCatCottage]

What inverters are dangerous?

[@UKsystems]

@@OurBlackCatCottage some that have no ground stake or internal grounding system so a lot of cheap ones

[@OurBlackCatCottage]

I have never seen a inverter without equipment grounding.

[@UKsystems]

@ it’s not equipment grounding it’s referencing the AC ground and neutral to the physical mass of the earth as an accidental reference could mean any metal part can shock you the one you are referring to is just about the case

[@rollinronin8125]

Get rid of that cheap breaker. It will fail. I have had 50 40 100 amp of those they all failed. 1st by not tripping at rated amperage. Than shorting to the open position and bekng non resetable. If you have to usd them go with yhe bussman brand as they are an old an American company. That makes only automotive electrical components.

[@OurBlackCatCottage]

I am going to be upgrading everything soon and will look into them. I want to add more protection for sure.

[@stanleybest8833]

You are teaching the world batteries in parallel. Bad. They fight because of tiny voltage differences. Remedy? Remove this faulty how to. Grade: F

[@catatonicable]

What is the best way if you cant do 24v?

[@stanleybest8833]

@@catatonicable batteries in SERIES is fine. Just parallel is bad.parallel is plus to plus. Series is strung in a line, plus to the next minus. If you need extra batteries, you trun that set on a separate solar charger and it connects to a separate load. If you connect two 6 volt batteries in series as 12 volts, it's called a SET. It's the same thing as a single 12 volt battery. When you run several solar battery chargers of the same voltage, they can all share the same solar panels. If you have different brands and sizes of solar panels, but they have approximately the same voltage on the back ( like 21.3 volts) they can all connect in parallel and work together. Solar panels can also face more east and west and lower on the horizon. This gives less power, but a very important morning and evening charge = less time your batteries have to carry a load without help.

[@catatonicable]

@@stanleybest8833 I have 2 old large Ecco 120aH batteries for my 12v lights..Wont series make it 24V...?.....Sorry amateur here...SA has sun but grid failing often..Thanks Stan

[@Midget_X]

You talk to much

[@OurBlackCatCottage]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@ovchannelag5238]

👍👍