DIY 400 Watt 12 volt Solar Power System Beginner Tutorial: Great for RV's and Vans! *Part 1*

[@WillProwse]

*Click "Read More" for Complete Guide/ Safety Instructions to this video below:* Part 2 of this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJi4dqWBas96nM0 Parts list for this system, and what battery I recommend: www.mobile-solarpower.com/the-classic-400-watt-rvs-vans-buses.html My Book: amzn.to/2BGpZW0 Video Table of Contents: Recommended Tools: 1:52 Recommended Components: 6:19 Arranging Components Strategically: 7:37 Mounting Components: 10:51 Mounting Circuit Breakers: 11:02 Wire Organization Strategy: 11:25 Measuring/Cutting/Stripping Large Gauge Wire: 12:46 3 Point Crimper Demonstration: 14:22 Hammer Crimper Demonstration: 17:40 Connecting Components together with Crimped Wires: 18:38 Covering Positive Terminals for safety: 22:38 Connecting the System to the Battery: 23:35 Testing Components: 24:05 Connecting Solar Panels: 24:34 Installing MT-50: 26:22 Attaching DC Appliances to the Fuse Box: 28:59 Cutting and Crimping an appliance to the Fuse Box: 29:33 Stripping 12 gauge wire for DC appliance: 30:30 Crimping 12 gauge wire for DC appliance: 30:39 Using Crimp connector heat shrink on a stove: 31:04 If you are intimidated by building your own system and want an easier option, check out my recommended solar generators: www.mobile-solarpower.com/plug-n-play-systems.html *Safety Considerations:* In this system, I sized the fuse for the inverter. In most off grid vehicle mounted systems, this is fine. If you are pulling a lot of current through the fuse box, you will need a larger fuse or circuit breaker. Technically you could take out the 175 amp circuit breaker, and only use the main bolt-on fuse, but thats up to you and what gauge of wire you are using, and how you plan to use your system. I did not ground the inverter or the charge controller in this video. If the manual of your inverter tells you to ground it, then run a nice little wire to chassis or ground. Just one extra wire. Follow the inverter directions. It may or may not come with the wire. The large 2 gauge wire that goes to the positive terminal of the battery is black because that's all I had on hand. I could not source it locally. I did not think that it would cause confusion, but some people commented about it. The main fuse that attaches to the battery and protects the 2 gauge wire is specifically a bolt- on fuse. You can use a similar sized fuse and fuse holder instead. Use whatever you have available. I did not use heatshrink for the 4 gauge wire because I ran out. Heat shrink is preferable. Use it if you can! *Does off-grid solar confuse you?* Check out my DIY friendly website for solar system packages and product recommendations, and so much more! www.mobile-solarpower.com *Join our DIY solar community* #1 largest solar forum on the internet for beginners and professionals alike: www.diysolarforum.com *Check out my Book* Best-selling and beginner-friendly guide to 12V off-grid solar! amzn.to/2Aj4dX4 If DIY is not for you, but you love solar and need an offgrid system, check out Tesla Energy! They will price out a system and get your house offgrid: ts.la/william57509 *My DIY Solar Equipment Recommendations (Constantly updated! Check here first):* 12V/48V Lithium Solar Batteries: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-batteries.html Complete Solar System Component Directory: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solarcomponents.html Complete 48V System Blueprint: www.mobile-solarpower.com/48v-complete-system-blueprint.html Plug-N-Play System Recommendations: www.mobile-solarpower.com/full-size-systems.html Complete "Add to Cart" 48V System Kits: www.mobile-solarpower.com/complete-48v-solar-kits.html DIY Friendly Air Conditioner/ Heat Pumps: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-friendly-air-conditioners.html *My Favorite Online Stores for DIY Solar Products:* *Signature Solar* Offgrid One-Stop-Shop. Best Value 48V LiFePO4, Victron and Offgrid Specific Heat Pumps: www.signaturesolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek *Current Connected* SOK, Victron, Mr.Cool Heatpumps and High Quality Components. Fantastic customer support: currentconnected.com/?ref=wp *Litime* My favorite 12V budget battery!: www.litime.com/?ref=XBIA62RFcalHns *Epoch Batteries* My favorite high-quality 12V battery: www.epochbatteries.com/products/12v-460ah-lifepo4-battery-ip67-heated-bluetooth-victron-comms?rfsn=7352625.50494d *Renogy* A classic 12V solar store that has been around for ages! DC to DC Chargers and more! renogy.sjv.io/n1VjXx *Rich Solar* Renogy's biggest competitor! Similar products, but at a better price: richsolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek *Battery Hookup* Cheap cell deals bit.ly/2mIxSqt 5% off code: diysolar *Contact Information:* I am NOT available for personal solar system consult! If you wish to contact me, this is my direct email: [e-mail] Join the forum at diysolarforum.com/ if you wish to hang out with myself and others and talk about solar *FTC Disclosure Statement and Disclaimers:* Every video includes some form of paid promotion or sponsorship. Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. My videos are for educational purposes only. Information is subject to change/update at any time. Electricity is DANGEROUS and can kill. Be smart and use common sense :) DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, An affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

[@chriseudy4684]

This is an important A 2 Z, how to video. In the shop it's known as a demo. Thanks it's like a Christmas present!

[@daviddion3731]

Great stuff. Keep up the great videos.

[@edwardshomestead9074]

Hi will, I am in the Bahamas I would really like for you to design a 7500 system for me

[@peter7998]

I've already built a 200w system, but I am still learning. For example I used terminal splitters at the battery end and run one cable to invertor and separate one to my dc fuse box and I see you connected the DC fuse box directly to the coverer terminal. I have it on a manual circuit breaker which I want to be able to have it off and still use 12V so I guess it makes sense in my garaged setup..(one circuit is 220v another one is 12v and these are completely separate. I like the fuse to be part of the cable...can you share the name for this part pls?

[@joshshaw9417]

You are definitely in your element ! Do you do soecialty jobs ?

[@jasonward3429]

45 year old dad of 6 here and just wanted to say for a young man you are a very good instructor knowledgeable and well spoken.

[@alexdinkel7422]

Milla-waukee 👍🏻💪🏻

[@j.goebbels2134]

Isn't he amazing!?!

[@chriserickson4417]

I agree Jason. By the time he is our age, he will be an absolute Genius.

[@kobygaddie4928]

Fr fr hes smart and clear

[@paulcooper7064]

No kidding, I could not have organized the presentation or web site showing the details of the kit better. He is passionate about his work and has success written all over him.

[@dolfans413]

It's so rewarding to listen to someone explain something without all the "ummm" and "like" and other ways to pause to think of what to say next. you know what you need to say and you say it well!

[@CaptureYouVideo]

Damn right, I can't stop listening to him, and I have already got solar installed. He's one cool dude. I think I just love his personality too. Is that a MAN CRUSH I have ? oh well. All good.

[@JonJon501]

No wonder I watched the entire video!

[@Apalax1]

English is not my first language but Spanish, and no matters, I understand all he explains as easy as he is clear, direct and simple, he is a master of communication.

[@Chaos1187me]

tightEN

[@wuestion9473]

You don’t have to put others down to praise someone else.

[@maxinekurtz327]

I could cry. This has always been the most intimidating aspect of starting van life for me and you’ve just completely eliminated my uncertainty.

[@AK2HI]

I'm a commercial fisherman in Alaska that has some land in Hawaii and I'm gonna build this system in my guest house this winter, thanks so much this is awesome

[@GarySmith-up1un]

I appreciate the way you enunciate properly when you speak. I was raised that way, but I’m losing it due to age LOL. It’s very rare to hear someone speak clearly & properly these days. Thank you Will.

[@BillLowenburg]

Hey Will, thanks so much! I’m a 65 year old retired teacher, who’s reasonably handy but has never done any electrical work. Thanks to your step-by-step instructions and demonstration I feel confident I can assemble a system just like this for my art studio and workshop. Your presentation is excellent - perfectly organized, logical, and, most importantly, your demonstrations are easy to follow and contain exactly the right amount of verbal description. Most YT demonstrators can’t talk very well to begin with and try to charge up their delivery with fake enthusiasm they probably get from watching too much sports on TV. So keep up the great work! I look forward to learning more from your website and other videos.

[@alflores4220]

I sometimes catch myself nodding at the screen or TV as he instructs me or describes some gear I know nothing about.

[@rhendy6689]

😊 good he get your parents to Leicester Stover furnace if you want a knife propane system call Katy Texas F-does it goes on a really good tell your wife to Trader Joe’s close my razor Lucas stand up and twice crazy

[@rhendy6689]

??????? Not me!

[@Ri25tch]

I am 40 and just now trying my hand with electrical systems and successfully built mine this way as well. The struggle is real @Billlowenburg

[@jhemnes1]

Thank you. I'm determined to learn to all these things and do this by myself. Since being widowed in 2011 I've learned to fix and install things...in fact when the ice storm hit the southeast a few years ago EVERY pipe froze and burst. I plumbed my whole house... I replaced every pipe to sinks, tub, toilet, and washing machine. I spent alot of time under the cold house crying and cussing but was really proud of myself in the end. I've also learned that the right tools are the most important thing. I plan to wire my tiny house and get used to the solar process so by the time I get a van and do my build I'm an old pro at it. Thanks again

[@SchoolforHackers]

Janet the HipGyp - You Go Girl! May you always succeed.

[@DouglasBrandon]

You are so cool! You go girl!🌹

[@dreamingcode]

Im a guy i grew in the city in an apartment. Maintenance did everything. Iiterally have no skills but I'm excited to learn. Congrats on the plumb job

[@bruceswabb7145]

Dang Will! I have been “messing” with 12v stuff on my boats for years, but you have taught me more in 24 hours! Gonna buy all my stuff through your links! You’ve earned it. 🤓

[@bonefishboards]

Well I am an electrical engineer and this video was right on the money. Well done.

[@Beasty589]

Yeah

[@deadtreebark]

Literally every youtube video: I am a professional _______....

[@hobbyguy79]

4 awg on a 175 amp circuit breaker?

[@Dew_-km7gr]

It’s so satisfying seeing someone handle electronics so cleanly

[@KnifeStar]

Basic community collage electrician class project.

[@a787fxr]

This is probably the best KZbin video of how to do this I have watched. As he says, "It's perfect".

[@howdydo7320]

Awesome. I now understand how 2 build a system & what 2 buy. TY. Im a 74 yo lady & didnt have a clue of what i need 2 bldg a system 4 my minivan camper. Great instructions!!

[@joshyoon]

You've definitely got a talent for communicating and teaching. Keep it up!

[@oliverburke]

Absolutely! It is so evident that he is sooo fluent with this material. A total joy and inspiration to behold...especially someone so young. This is so inspiring!

[@KeikoFXDesigns]

I fully agree.

[@a787fxr]

I'm impressed as well.

[@benjaminrockwell7107]

When cops come for your rights zip tie them, then nail em with your electric majic. I'm sure you'll do fine.

[@fromtheflightdeck252]

Good info. Good explanations of everything and demonstrating everything. Just small criticism is slow the speech down a bit. Otherwise amazingly good teaching

[@aaronclarkt]

i've been doing this stuff for 35 years and always just hacking my way through! I can't believe how much I got outta this "beginner video" thanks. those tools are dope! omg. I had no idea. been suffering all this time.

[@billr4283]

I am a 75 yoa DIYer who is embarking on my first van conversion. I have watched so many videos about developing the electrical system and their product suggestions. To my relief, I have watched several of your videos within the past few days. You are an excellent teacher, very knowledgeable, common sense and apparently frugal (within safety parameters). THANK YOU…my brain fog has cleared and I am so appreciative for you / your channel…and saving me lots of $$$$. THANK YOU!!

[@wordgirl8100]

Will ... your website is why I bought a solar panel and small lithium charger/generator. I love it. My next quest is to build out a tiny trailer and plan on using this video. Lastly, had I not watched your videos I would have forever been afraid of batteries. You have to have a serious respect for electric power. It gave me the confidence to connect and disconnect my auto battery; making sure to follow explicit instructions. Because of that I started making some of my own car repairs ... it's been an eye opening experience! Little by little I looked around to see how I had built up a collect of tools then thought ... with just a few more, I think I might have what it takes to REALLY build out my trailer! You're awsome! Whether you realize it or not, you're a renaissance man. A-Thor ⚡️

[@EstrellaCaban]

Hi! I am a 69 years old grandma. I feel confident I can make any of these gadgets with your instructions. A breath of fresh air to listen to someone that can speak as well as you do. Sound like you have taken voice lessons, very professional!

[@georgeluna5845]

Hail Quattro! That you are educated is beyond question. But your knowledge and enthusiasm for the topic Makes you a natural teacher. My hat’s off to your folks.

[@beirutvet]

You are such an excellent presenter. I don't know if you realize what an excellent teacher/trainer you are. Thank you for this and all of your other videos. They have transformed me from intimidated to capable.

[@andysutils]

I had no idea or would never have thought of using an inverters terminals as an actual busbar. Thanks for this will. This has saved me so much unnecessary wiring and a battery much easier to connect and disconnect.

[@perezm714]

I'm gonna be building a solar system for my RV based on this video. May the force be with me.

[@innerartdotnet]

How'd it go?

[@OscarRodSeedsofG]

perezm714, use the force (Luke, use the force)

[@booker9879]

What type of rig do you operate? I got a 85 Chevy Coachman

[@kirigayakazuto5694]

uhrhhh ahrhhhh and now you are my padawan, your first step to the dark side of the solar force uhrhhh ahrhhhh

[@tumbleweed1976]

It’s been over a year since I built this exact solar set up for my MiniVan and it works like a champ. Only difference is a 100ah lithium battery from Battle Born. Thank you again Will 🎈

[@gloribellMD]

Only youtuber that actually explains this, without glossing over.. best by far

[@stormthrush37]

Kudos for the design. As a beginner I love the idea of separating the complicated parts of the system of the system and then mounting them to a board like this to keep everything together. What a great idea to make this whole thing a whole lot easier to understand, assemble, and keep organized. Well done.

[@WilliamRoop-xt6rp]

Came to learn how to work solar - got a BONUS on how to stock your workshop for the biggest variety of projects. WONDERFUL!

[@hallhouse5098]

Best solar class I ever took! Thank you for explaining it with detail for dummies like me step by step. Personally I grasped it quite easily as I worked for years as an auto mechanic and did side work as an automotive gadget installer on highline vehicles so I already have most of the tools but I do want one of those three way crimpers. I hope you are making a ton of money selling products and doing your thing helping people harness the sun☀️ as it’s obvious you like to help others and you’re a very good teacher. Cudos to your Parents for raising such a nice young man with such talent.

[@hudsonsoul3259]

Finally someone who knows how to explain electrics to non electricians. That's me subscribed.

[@thevintagevagabond1812]

Best video yet for explaining solar to us dummies lol. Couldn't do my system without these helpful videos. Thanks again for doing these tutorials

[@marymosqueda5224]

THANK YOU young Sir. I very much appreciate your video and knowledge. I just purchased a bus and it’s a very empty submarine on wheels at the moment. I have purchased literally everything I thought I needed for a solar system. It’s all sitting in boxes because I have been terrified to try to set it up. Now, thanks to your videos, hell the entire channel really, I am going to be starting my journey to hooking up my system and hopefully getting some power before the horrible parts of winter set in here in the PNW. I live in a windy area too so am also adding in a wind turbine to help with the power situation up here. I appreciate your help in teaching me many things today. I am very grateful that I have found your channel

[@COMtnPilot]

Will … I just want you to know how much I, and I’m certain others appreciate you, your knowledge base, and your willingness to share your experience with solar systems and all the other videos you share with the world. You are a very impressive young man! Thank you for all you do! Keep up the good work, and keep posting your videos! You have a SUB for life! 😎👍🏼

[@ronnierowe6764]

Alot of time I watch solar videos and think Oh god I hope no one listens to this BUT your video was great. I didn't see not one issue but (this is just my personal opinion) ditch the electrical tape when ever possible. Heat shrink is cheap, can be used with just a standard Bic lighter and makes for a much cleaner install. Great videos man keep up the good work.

[@ronmiller7916]

Agree. Over time electrical tape adhesive becomes gummy.

[@chriseudy4684]

I had that tape in my 69 Camaro it lasted 40 yrs. It dries out.

[@WillProwse]

yeah heatshrink way better. agreed so much.

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

@@WillProwse BEAUTIFUL work, yea, HS would top it off even though you are correct about it isn't needed.

[@DouglasBrandon]

What an outstanding young man...great communication skills and wonderful ability to teach and willingness to help others..wow! Very impressive!

[@marthsdiang8884]

You are a teacher by birth. Your communication is without American short words like wooow, hmmm ohh etc. Thank you sir.

[@craigmeredith1281]

You Sir are a genius, after picking up your book and watching a ton of your videos solar has gone from an alien language into building my first motorhome setup. Will Prowse, take a bow sir, truly amazing. Thanks!

[@iamthat7351]

Lady in her 30s from Down Under. Have been watching all your videos. Awesome Channel. You explain very well, making it easier for beginners to follow. Making my own 12V system at home for 4x4 off road and some peace of mind if grid were to go out for a short while. Thanks! :-)

[@thomasthompson7297]

Stellar video, I am in the process of reading your book, researching all the info on the web site and repeating this video. You have simplified this project more than anyone. I think a testimony to you is I am now leaning towards my own diy system versus a yeti goal zero. Thanks so much for your time and effort!!

[@WillProwse]

Great to hear!!! Your comment made my day :) glad I can help!!

[@diktat6558]

Great video and thank you for the content. Little tip on using electrical tape - use some 3M super 88, first wrap should be backwards (sticky side out). Then two more wraps sticky side in, starting right where you cut the first wrap to ensure continuing the wraps in the same direction. This process makes it much easier and cleaner to remove in the future for any updates or repairs that may be needed. You can simply unravel the tape in one move and have no sticky black residue to clean off. Cheers

[@LawAbidingCitizen117]

Brilliant tip!

[@colemcleod941]

Whoa, gotta pause it at 23:16 Why is the positive cable from the battery not RED? I've never seen a black cable used for any connection from the battery's positive post...

[@woltra1]

The wire is exactly the same red or black, just the color of the plastic coating is different. If it makes you feel better use red electrical tape to color the ends for any positive wire so you don't get mixed up when hooking it up.

[@joshnabours9102]

@@woltra1 but....that is against the rules.

[@woltra1]

@@joshnabours9102 LOL... I understand! By all means, buy separate red and black cables if that makes you feel better ;)

[@tammy3458]

YAAAAAAAAAY!!!!! Thank u sooooo much for showing us how to make this system AS A COMPLETE BEGINNER, STEP BY STEP!!!! I’ve looked & looked for a video that doesn’t ASSUME A PERSON KNOWS ALL ABOUT SOLAR!!!! I really appreciate u taking ur valuable time to share this knowledge:)

[@juanuribarre3586]

Thank you for this content, older guy been homeless for a long time, getting back on my feet trying to go off grid solar, big help to me with this content explained it well I understand more now of inverters, fuse, & solar. Thank you much 😁😁😁

[@karlbanks2653]

My sincere gratitude and congratulations on producing content that is concise, digestible and actionable, from beginning to end. Your videos are the ONLY content anyone needs to understand and undertake any solar project from beginning to end, from buying options to pro's and con's. Subscribed. Thank you!

[@troybeaney1639]

I do not think there are words in the English language that can describe how elated I am to have come across your videos. I really wish I had started watching yours first as opposed to some of the others out there on KZbin. Yours was by far the most well thought-out and well-explained solar DIY instructional video. Thank you and may my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ continue to bless the work of your hands and may you one day use your talents and gifts for His glory and His kingdom.

[@cole22631]

Top marks for a straight forward explanation for building a starter setup. I've watched it a number of times to make sure I buy the right things to build a balanced and safe system - Your video on Charge Controllers was also a big help narrowing down my selection - Keep it up - Stuart (United Kingdom)

[@terrylarkin690]

I've trained a lot of Tool Dealers over Snap On and Mac Tools mainly on how to sell tools and manage there business. In doing so they need to show customers how to use those tools. I got to say you are the best that I've seen anywhere.

[@lowes891646]

Wow!!! You are amazing, Will. This was the MOST builder friendly video ever. Step one. Step two. Step three. Wow. I wish all DYI video's took the time to explain it, literally step by step. I'm looking forward to buying your book as well. Thank you so much, Will.

[@patrickpirelli7897]

That is the only explanation of this system I've actually understood clearly! Thank you 👍

[@TheChrislewis1989]

Same for me as well!

[@crystalmondor9008]

Same!!! 🙋‍♀️

[@JohninTucson]

And then adding in wiring for the Genny to the converter to the battery bank and also if applicable, a battery isolator from the alternator to the battery bank for charging...Now it gets fun ! Thanks for always showing us how to do this Will, little by little it begins to make sense. Merry Ho Ho Ho...

[@garrydossous2477]

You should be a teacher, you really get what it takes to be a very great one. Keep up the good work

[@jamesnobles4050]

this man earn $300,000 yr for these free shows,he knows his job,i watch all his shows,

[@ezerikdaswahreleben2715]

I ve seen a lot guys/ videos on you tube about solar systems. But you are definitely the best one . Clear , simple , straight , and with all the informations you need . 👍👍👍

[@DexterStanley-ee4nc]

These age comments seem suspicious. You pay a bot company?? I’m 128 years old and I enjoy your videos!!!

[@BeSeenWithGreen]

WOW! To say you have a knack for this stuff would be a huge understatement! Impressed and subscribed :)

[@daveincanada4794]

This is so well done, Will. Thank you! I appreciate the professional approach to sizing the cables and connectors, crimping, efficient layout of the board-mounted components. I'm re-wiring a self-built astronomical observatory that will use about 15 amps of off-grid solar power. I feel confident in a successful, safe project after having watched this video. I bought the paper version of your book but decided to also get the downloadable version because I couldn't wait to get into the details. :-)

[@kevinlsims7330]

12 Volts Times 15 Amps = 180 Watts 180 Watts Divided By 120 Volts = 1.5 Amps! Power Is Current Times Voltage! Voltage Is Amps Times ohms Voltage = current Times Resistance

[@timdeardeuff5426]

This is EXACTLY what I've been looking for. My son is rebuilding an airstream to go off-grid and now I know how to wire it. And the pace of the instruction was __Perfect__.

[@j.goebbels2134]

This is quite possibly the best (most useful, professional, and valuable) video I have ever seen on youtube. Thank you SO much.

[@dougfairburn803]

I've learned so much from watching your videos. I was curious about the silver and copper poles on the 50 amp circuit breaker. I looked up "circuit breaker polarity" and found that the copper pole should go towards the battery side, as there is a magnet inside the circuit breaker that directs the Arc away from the contacts when the breaker trips. Circuit breakers with a short and long Pole should have the short pole on the battery side. Again, thank you so much for your time and effort in your videos.

[@mattwalker534]

Great stuff dude! Not a beginner, yet found this super helpful, streamlined, and professional but not overdone.

[@xaviergatton7186]

One the best videos I've watched on beginner solar systems

[@mikelamonds165]

You are one of the best at communicating/educating. Thank you…now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got an off-grid system to build.

[@peterorthmann5612]

I don;'t know how what I had connected worked at all. GREAT JOB. I words can't tell you how much I appreciate this video

[@ChIrish]

Will, THANK YOU, so much for this. Many of my friends and myself included are still up and running with essentials here in California because of this specific video that was passed around our group. Words cannot express our gratitude (especially our friends that need their CPAP's)

[@samueldarchibong9841]

For beginner like me it’s great listening to you show us the step by step setups on solar and am definitely going to practice what I’ve learned here. Thanks again bro and would always consult your video anytime am lost on the technicalities

[@crankyoldbutchbuildsout2013]

I’m so glad you’re here man! You are an Excellent instructor! You have my gratitude 👍🏼☮️

[@ilicktubesocks1]

Dude thank you. Thank you for showing the part that basically nobody shows - the actual physical crimping of the wires and the connecting of the components. Not that crimping a wire is super complicated or anything, but it’s really nice to see you do all that and explain it so well and know that what I thought it was going to be like is in fact what it will be like... if that makes sense haha

[@EM-mi5yj]

I don't know anything about electricity; because of that, I had decided to just use a Jackery as a power source or something similar. This guy makes me wanna try the electrical wiring when I convert my van. He makes it look easy. Thanks.

[@hannahperyman5440]

you’re so enthusiastic, this video answered ALL my questions

[@mickcollins5502]

Hi Will, for someone so young you have an amazing ability to teach/explain complex systems into easy to understand solar projects. I don’t know what you do for full time employment, but you should be teaching alternative power and developing new and better systems. Your knowledge and personality make your video’s a pleasure to watch, and very informative and easy to replicate. Keep up the great work, us follower’s really appreciate your sharing , caring, knowledge. Cheers Aussie Mick.

[@alberteller7286]

This was the best illustration of hooking up a solar system I have ever seen I think you very much and it was a great job⚙️🔧🔨⚒

[@rafaelcamilo2904]

Watching this video and listing carefully all the detail, I feel graduated from a prestige solar school. So where is my diplomat? The best solar teacher ever!

[@theshepard22]

Hey there, would you know if you have to have the sinewave on to get the DC power devices to work? Or does it work independently of the ac/ sinewave in this system? 🙏

[@mikestone9129]

You are the King of solar. The way you explain everything makes it seem easy and doable.

[@songreosmenep]

Omg! I am so impressed with this system that I am going to do it exactly the way you have suggested. I will be contacting you personally also. Thank you so much. Cheers! Truth be told we were totally devastated by the hurricane of 2017 and have been using a simple solar system since...but need like the above no two ways about it. Great video...great system.

[@johnlai8935]

So your solar panels got burned

[@forrestsecord7743]

Thanks soo much 4 being concise & knowledgeable, u've answered all my questions, & most importantly linked the where to buy!

[@DutchAussieProductions]

Thanks for the video Will. This is one of the best videos I have seen on this subject. Your instructions are very clear and easy to understand.

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

I love your DIY videos! You are seriously helping a lot of people with them and I applaud you for that. I would like to add something I didn’t hear you mention in the video though. First electrical tape: buy the good name brand tape not the $.99 a role stuff. It should have a rating on it of the volts it can withstand like 600 volts or 1200 volts etc. Second is: when putting a bend in the wires try to not make a sharp 90 degree bend. It should be more of a sweep, which can still be 90 degrees but over a longer distance. When a bend in the wire is too sharp it can overheat and/or alter the current flowing through it, somewhat like putting a kink in a garden hose. During my 30 plus years as an electrician those two things were by far the most common mistakes made by DIYers. Let me also say, I have watched all of your videos and loved every one of them. Also I am a long time subscriber and have enjoyed seeing your channel grow. You deserve to be rewarded for your generosity. Cheers mate

[@hazel555]

I really appreciate your thorough beginner instruction; I am 66 and decided to build my own portable system to be used for home power outages or kayak camping trips. I have been watching your videos and, from that info, have sofar ordered one Renogy 100W with controller. I am also ordering your book and will go from there to order the rest. Thanks!!!

[@gingerware3679]

AWESOME YOUNG MAN!!!!! I AM MOST CERTAIN THAT WHOVER RAISED YOU AND LOVES YOU DEEPLY IS EXTREMELY VERY PROUD OF YOU, AS THEY 'SHOULD BE'!!!! YOU ARE AN INCREDIBLE PERSON!!! THANKYOU SOOOO MUCH FOR YOUR PRICELESS INFORMATION!!!! YOU ARE 'REALLY' GREAT!!! 💙💜💚🧡💛 BLESS YOUR HEART, HONEY!!! 🥰😂

[@TheAmwroble]

That was awesome and a lot more simple and straight forward than I've seen before thank you for making this video!

[@ShaggyGrower]

My favorite video of 2019. Many thanks for all your tutorials. Very helpful and inspiring.

[@sarahallgood798]

Because of your amazing talent you have empowered me to build my own. From my soul, thank you!

[@petermccarthy8263]

Thank you ! just what I'm doing but, my 1,000 watt inverter (mod sine wave), choked and red light (mosfet fuse? filters bad?...so, I was moving on up to 400 watts (4)..now, after this excellent presentation 60 amp mppt to pure sine wave.(and those 250 watt used panels you featured..) woow niice !

[@rejmonwilson]

This is the best simple and straightforward video I have seen since I have started to research solar, thanks for your knowledge.👍🏾😱✌️🏾👌🏾🤙🏾.

[@kakibana4965]

Thank you SO much for this video! your instructions were incredibly clear and we followed this in our van tonight and it WORKED!!! so grateful to have found your video. thank you so much!!

[@WillProwse]

Awesome!! So glad I can help :)

[@ryanschmid9945]

What do you use this system to power and charge on your van??

[@thefirebuilds]

"this fuse block is amazing" is a weird statement until you buy a cheap one and either start a fire or it falls apart.

[@cryptoslacker-464]

I was impressed too , my current system in my van is a mess because I used multiple fuses , not a box. Next time I will not make that mistake 😁

[@haynnv]

You are amazing. I know nothing about any of this but I find myself intrigued by it all. I really enjoy watching your video I’ve watched it a thousand times. I know you have a huge following and probably won’t even see this comment. Just know even 2 years later it’s cool.

[@rlmccullough]

I am using this video to build a 200 watt system, you are a great teacher, and yes I brought a mc4 branch connector.

[@michaelblock4397]

Let me tell you, I am impressed with you & subscribe to you. I have been sell solar and building arrays mostly grid tie but a couple hundred off grid, in my years, sense the 70ies, when we had to build solar panels, our company also help people build axle flux wind turbines. You are very smart for such a young age. Your videos are smart and too the point. Some of the questions I get, over and over, I’m going to give them your KZbin page. Bar none your KZbin page is the best I have seen. I now am your old fan boy. LoL GREAT VIDEOS.

[@XX-dt3fb]

Sir that’s good to say thanks 🙏 for you too!

[@vantrampcindy1360]

Thank you so much Will for your knowledge , thorough explanations, demonstrations and tool requirements. I started my van build from scratch and I couldn't have been as successful as I am with my build without this specific tutorial. I took all of your advice and utilized it on my unique van which will be headed out west in 9 days 🤗♥️🚐

[@stealthvanlife6867]

You have found your stride. Just keep doing what you are doing and your business will continue to grow. You are a gifted speaker and teacher. Really solid job. I actually prefer using 2 of the 200W solar panel suitcases (w/o the charge controllers integrated) which are available from Renogy. I like this route because I don't want solar panels mounted full time on the roof of my Sprinter van for many different reasons, and I have the flexibility of placing and moving the solar panels for optimal performance without needing to do anything with my van. It would be really good if you could make a version of this video with the suitcase style solar panels because I think it could help a lot of people.

[@lacsa727]

Hi... Smoky!! I'm Glad to see that someone FINALLY Posted a request for the Suitcase Solar Panels... That's Exactly what I have(mine is TWO 100 WATT suitcases ) and I'm about 2-B be a VAN Dweller myself in 2 months. I'm waiting for all my electrical tools and wires to arrive from Amazon. While I wait i go over and over the SO MANY SOLAR Set-Up styles YT Videosss.... I Have BAGS Under my eyesssss. I feel confident I can do it(being a female with No ELECTRICAL EXPERIENCE) But what stops Me Dead on my tracks... are the Comments some people leave Questioning the VLOGER's Process used in his Solar Set-Up and I get afraid that I might be installing it wrong and cause a fire... Sooo there I gooooo SEARCHING for more Videos to see if someone addresses that Question. Like I said thank-You for your Comment. I would like to know how your set up went? and if you have experience anything wrong that needed adjusting or replacing? TFS :o)

[@marciaewell2661]

I am total solar newbie, but I think it makes no difference if panels are roof mounted or if they are portable. I am thinking I want 200 watt of panels mounted on my RV and 200 watts portable maybe be best plan.

[@a787fxr]

It would be incredible to see a five year review of the tools here. What do they look like now and which ones were upgraded?

[@howardsmith6294]

I had to go back and watch this again. Great introduction to the basics.

[@jeandivine3]

Hey, thanks for the video. I’m curious what the purpose of a circuit breaker between the controller and inverter junction is. Doesn’t the controller itself have overcharge protection built in? I understand that having lots of breaker protection along the cables is advantageous, but am I missing something more specific there? Thanks!

[@knightjester7947]

be nice if someone could reply to this question as I am curious about what a breaker is needed for there to.

[@muralikanthdhayapathy1886]

Just one correction. using the load terminals of the charge controller for DC applications is recomended as it avoids the battery being drained beyond damaging voltage drops.. Lead Acid batteries don't like being drained beyond 60% of its capacity which would shoten its lifespan. Great video otherwise, one of its kind. keep going mate.

[@jethrotull5847]

Before I spent 20 minutes typing... I should have read your post. It could also be an issue running a 12volt device on 10-14 volts unregulated. The inverter said it has a cut off from 10-16 volts.. some of my TVs that I’ve ripped out the converted to dc live longer with better tolerances than would be supplied off of the 12volt “accessory” buss and I can’t think of to many device that like the ripple that that inverter might induce into the dc accessory bus...

[@vulpes1000]

Hi Will, I am a beginner and I got your book. I am doing a build along to this video but one thing confuses me. You use 4 guage cable with a 170a breaker but when I look up the cable chart in your book it says to use 2 guage cable for a 1500w inverter. As far as I can tell from cable charts on the internet 2 guage cable cam handle 181a max (170a breaker good). But 4 guage cable can only handle 135a (170a breaker bad). Have i missed something? Hope i haven't wasted your time with a stupid question. Thanks

[@chucknades117]

Safe to assume you have been shadow banned lol

[@ReasonMakes]

Watched this video like 4 times. Very helpful. We're total noobs and our system will be 1200 W, so I'm trying to adapt this video to those needs.

[@supertramp784]

First off, I love your videos. I love the way that you teach people how to do this correctly. And I don't want you to take this strong way, but you do know That with each connection, you have voltage loss right? I just mentioned this because in most of your videos, you're constantly worrying about having a shorter run of wire because of voltage loss when in reality. You could have a longer run of wire, if you don't have multiple connections and have less voltage loss.

[@scottmckenna2214]

Your videos are brilliant your very good and very clear at explaining how to build the systems keep up the good work 👍

[@AndyIol]

Question about this setup: If the main circuit breaker (170A) trips, won’t that disconnect the solar charge controller from the battery (while the panels could be charging)?

[@dbarnes420]

What you are saying is very true. If that happened.. It "could" ruin your charge controller. BUT this is a small system that should not be left unattended which means.. If the breaker tripped the inverter would stop running and you would notice no power and then promptly power everything down and troubleshoot the problem. This would in return save your charge controller from being ruined. This is not the type of system you leave inverting power while you are not around.

[@kl152ci]

Hi... thanks for the videos... Question: since there's already a 50A circuit breaker for the CC, instead of making its final connection to the inverter, could you connect it to the lower post of the battery's 170A circuit breaker (on the battery side)?

[@jeffreyrudolph5061]

My guess , he used that post because of stated reuse of length & gage wire ?

[@jerrysgaragethemoneypit2028]

Very good information. Being an electrician for 50 years, I would change the wiring just a bit. However, the information is good stuff. Keep up the educational information.

[@dalecordova]

I'm installing a 400 Watt solar panel set up in my small 17' travel trailer, my question is since I'm hooking it up to my breaker box on the trailer I shouldn't need the fuse box you talked about in this video right? Really enjoy all your videos.