DIY Off-Grid Solar FULL Install & Wire Diagrams - Powering Our Homestead w/ the SUN!

If you’re looking for a safe, reliable way to build your own massive DIY off-grid solar system at a fraction of the cost, you’ve come to the right place. This is a detailed walk-through of the planning and installation of our 7,200W - 28kWH - 5,000W - 120V off-grid solar system that powers our entire homestead. By piecing together our own system from multiple components we were able to save thousands of dollars. Powered by SanTan Solar Panels, REPT LiFePO4 Batteries, REC BMS, ‪@VictronEnergyBV‬ Inverters, Charge Controllers & Color Control GX, and ‪@IronRidgeSolar‬ rack mounting.
SOLAR WIRING ARTICLE: tinyshinyhome.com/diy-off-gri...
SOLAR WIRING DIAGRAM: tinyshinyhome.com/off-grid-so...
SOLAR COST BREAKDOWN ARTICLE: tinyshinyhome.com/off-grid-so...
SOLAR COST CALCULATOR: tinyshinyhome.com/off-grid-so...
UPDATE: GET 1 WEEK DELIVERY IN U.S. SEE DESCRIPTION FOR LINKS
REPT LiFePO4 tinyshinyhome.com/280lithium-...
EVE LiFePO4 tinyshinyhome.com/280lithium-...
Mention Tiny Shiny Home to receive a discount (these are non-affiliate links, you just save $$)
OFF-GRID SYSTEM MAIN COMPONENTS
Solar Panels (SanTan Solar) tinyshinyhome.com/santan-promo
IronRidge Rack System www.ironridge.com/
Combiner Boxes amzn.to/3tYcvSk
REPT LiFePO4 Batteries tinyshinyhome.com/280lithium
REC BMS tinyshinyhome.com/recbms-promo
Victron Color Control GX amzn.to/33OcV3c
Victron Quattro 48V 5,000W Inverter Charger amzn.to/3KTezkK
Victron SmartSolar MPPT Solar Charge Controllers amzn.to/33QI1qD
CHAPTERS//
00:00 - Intro
00:51 - High Level Overview of System
01:19 - Article
01:54 - Wiring Diagram
02:20 - Solar Shed Recap
03:18 - Grid & Power Goals
05:40 - Solar Overview
07:14 - Planning & Building the Ground Mount
08:07 - IronRidge Design Assistant, Parts, & Panel Install
11:57 - Wiring Solar Panels
16:07 - Lithium Battery Bank
19:03 - Buying Lithium Cells from Alibaba
23:21 - Building the LiFePO4 Battery Back
27:05 - Fusing & Protecting the System
29:03 - Battery Management System (BMS)
31:01 - REC BMS
33:30 - REC BMS Wiring Guide
38:24 - Victron Color Control GX
42:02 - Victron Quattro Inverter Charger
43:45 - Grounding the System
44:50 - Victron MPPT Solar Charge Controllers
48:52 - Final Tweaks & Adjustments
50:28 - Real World Impressions & Usage
51:56 - What Would We Do Differently?
54:20 - Wrap Up
55:00 - Thanks
LINKS//
HYPERADOBE BAGS: tinyshinyhome.com/hyperadobebag
MEMBERSHIP: tinyshinyhome.com/homies
WEBSITE: tinyshinyhome.com
NINE NINE : www.strongdoodles.com
INSTAGRAM: / tinyshinyhome
FACEBOOK: / tinyshinyhome
COURSES: tinyshinyhome.com/products
AIRSTREAM RENOVATION: tinyshinyhome.com/airstream
MUSIC: artlist.io
We have an affiliate partnership with some of the links above, and may receive compensation when items are sold. This helps support our family, and we only recommend products we truly love.
#diysolar #offgridsolar #lifepo4batterybank #victronengery #ironridge #recbms #santansolar

[@TinyShinyHome]

📄 *MAKE SURE TO READ THE SOLAR WIRING ARTICLE, TOO!* tinyshinyhome.com/diy-off-grid-solar-system ⚡️SOLAR WIRING DIAGRAM: tinyshinyhome.com/off-grid-solar-wiring-diagram

[@bricelarie6527]

Thanks for sharing ... One point here onto parallel mounted solar array is that each string of solar panels absolutely need its own diode . So yours needs 6*10Amps diodes that you should be clicking in between mc4 connectors onto the combiner boxes ... It's just to avoid any failure in any solar panel string to back feed the others, or in case any difference in between production equilibrium ... Dare, care, ride safe, clean, have fun ... From France with .

[@stevelamperta865]

@@bricelarie6527 Solar panels come with diodes built right into each panel ..... Are you getting panels without diodes in them somewhere ?? I don't even know of solar panels without diodes ... Please explain . I may not understand. I have 21 210 watt panels , there in 3 strings of 7 panels each . Each string has a 15 amp fuse , then each has its own 15 amp breaker before going into the smart solar charge controller , which is mppt 150/100- TR VE.can by victron energy

[@bricelarie6527]

@@stevelamperta865 Hello, well i'm currently running 3 strings of 7*265w each photowatt solar panel ( it's Spanish cells and french panels ... the sandwiches are made in France, and cells in Spain ) which I don't know if they have an in built diode . So each string of 7 should have its own diode mainly cause they are not reacting the same ... I strongly recommend you put diode at least on each string of panels when connecting them to the same mppt . I don't intend to bother mostly cause I don't run victron ... But strings of 7 panels leads to a circuit voltage under load at approximately 210v Dc and an open circuit at 260v Dc . If you tied those 7 panels string to a victron 150/100 mppt you overloading it . Cause it is designed and sold to accept a max voltage of 150v under 100amps ... 150/100 ... The current unit I use start at 90v up to 500v Dc . It's A 7048max Mpp hybrid inverter . It's a dual mppt . I got 2 strings facing south and one facing west . Point stand ... If your don't have diodes on the tied strings, when the mppt boost the voltage to start the production, the non producting panels will kinda absorb the energy that could have been produced till all the string are able to produce ... It kinda "eat" the benefits . For instance try to have different string orientations on the same mppt without diodes, you'll be surprised to have almost nothing at all as an energy production ... Plus, in any case of a panel failure, you don't loose the benefit the others connected strings ... You will identify the faulty one easily if needed . ( we got case of overheated connecting encasing ... sometimes here ... ) I might be wrong, but I doubt all solar panels got their own diode . Most of common panels don't have integrated diodes by here . Please, check the info . Thanks.

[@TinyShinyHome]

Like Steve mentioned, any recently produced solar panel has bypass diodes built right in. Blocking diodes aren't needed anymore either because solar change controllers include them by default. But also the combiner box can have them as well. It's possible the Spanish and French panels are built differently, but here in the US diodes aren't some the we really have to think about much anymore. Check out this video from Will Prowse: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6nCZ4KCmaaimtU

[@RND17]

I am also making plans to use solar panels, but for use on fishing boats. The power required is about 40,000 watts. I'm still studying it. Because it is still a question for me about the safety of lithium in the fiber ship. I'm afraid, the battery will get splashed or there will be moisture that can make the battery burn in the hull of the fiber ship as a place for storing lithium batteries. Is there anything that can help me?

[@albertv.siniscal2304]

As a Registered Professional Electrical Engineer in CA & NV, you built a spectacular solar system. Al Siniscal, RPEE

[@mannymota3442]

After having watched countless (I do mean countless) off-grid solar system videos, I must say that your video was the most informative, clearest and best presented video that I've seen. The production and graphics were excellent and engaging. Well done! This is the video that I will recommend my friends view when they're seeking information. Truly well done - thank you.

[@chimpo131]

Maybe you should learn how to count 😂

[@dailylife6432]

Thank you for the step by step break down. It was very informative. I have subscribed and will continue to follw you. Thanks again. Roy

[@andrew2004sydney]

An excellent, entertaining,, well produced video with great desert sunset scenery shots, nice editing, great audio and entertaining commentary from your wife.

[@byondlight]

Very informative...

[@pack1send1]

Your videos beats a regular television program any day if the week. Cudos on your homestead.

[@iit9006]

In last 10 years, all the videos I watched didn’t give complete picture but your video covers all aspects with proper guidance. Great work!

[@TinyShinyHome]

Thanks :)

[@cinder7183]

Your homestead "reality show" is the BEST. You have a little piece of paradise, created with your own hands and minds.

[@anibaldamiao]

I'm just amazed that humans go through the effort to make such detailed videos

[@boblatkey7160]

24 years living off grid and 20 years as an off grid installation contractor and I have to say good job dude! That is technical stuff and you did a really nice job.

[@MrThat0nekid]

I do solar for a living and man that ground mount is awesome. That’s exactly how we build ours. Great work

[@TinyShinyHome]

Thanks man! It was a beast 😂

[@cameronalexander359]

Its crazy with the number of videos out there on youtube, that THIS is the only one that takes us from start to finish (explaining all the way) to give a overall view of what's involved. And its under an hour long too!

[@TinyShinyHome]

:) glad you enjoyed it

[@jameshorourke2]

Wow! Thank you so much for the video, info, and diagrams. You two are very kind to give us noobs a great starting point. 😁👍

[@budhicks101]

The more I study your battery build the more impressed I am.

[@samsteel4456]

I don't have any plans of building a solar system but I thoroughly enjoyed watching this and learning. Thank you for putting in the time and effort to create something so useful.

[@TinyShinyHome]

You are welcome, thanks for watching!

[@mrstrangetiger3228]

We need more nerdy videos like yours. Your mistakes, corrections to the mistakes and shared knowledge helps educate people like me. It makes the process of wiring a solar system less stressful. Thanks =)

[@TinyShinyHome]

You are welcome!

[@consciousnesspuppies5941]

You are the most awesome person in the world for doing this. All of this info you are providing is a ridiculous amount of work. Thank you!

[@woodjunkie_yt]

Hats off for the video and for the system!

[@toolate6971]

This was one of the most valuable and amazing start to finish videos that I have ever seen! Bravo to you and your family for getting this done. I hope to follow your instructions and do the same in NC. Bravo!!!

[@DChrisRasmussen]

82

[@ProductsChannel]

This is the first video I've watched from your channel. Lots of useful info here. Thanks a million. Keep up the good work. I subscribed to your channel just because you put so much effort into helping folks with all the info. Not easy making videos like this. Respect.

[@0900McShizzle]

Love that you mentioned all the other KZbinrs who inspired you in your solar build. You’ve inspired me as well and I hope I’ll get the chance to thank you soon as I start working on my off grid home ❤️

[@DesertDog8989]

What a fantastic public service announcement! Helping people find freedom - and giving them the tools - nothing better.

[@StoneKathryn]

The look on your face Jonathan at 19:13 talking about the search for Alibaba lithium batteries is priceless! I am amazed how much you figured out to protect the system. I would have never thought about the protection factors you build into this. The pre-charge delay is great to protect the contactor hooked to the BMS and is brilliant! All the breakers and switches to turn off power to the various portions of the system makes working on the system easy without getting shocked! Getting across DC voltage is no fun. The A/C output you wouldn't want to get zapped by either because the alternating current will put your heart in filbrilation. Having the shunt to check for voltage is also brilliant. That's how a multimeter works too. With such a high resistance the voltage drop is huge but the current flow is low so voltage can be measured across the resistor. I assume that the REC Wi-Fi module is password protected! That is nice that you can use any device to look at the system. Thanks for including all the steps in turning on the whole kit and kaboodle! This seems so daunting and I give you lots of kudos for getting all this figured out! That's a bummer that the settings for your back-up generator is difficult to make in the Victron Quattro Inverter. I never even knew there were solar power controllers. So what does MPPT stand for? Too bad the voltage wasn't sensed at first when you turned it on. Wow, that's so much to think about. Nice to know that REC will help with the BMS settings. So glad you have a huge system for less cost! Congratulations! I loved that pesky T-Rex sticking his head out from behind the solar panel mount at 54:17! I loved this guys! Such a huge bunch of information but very well diagrammed and explained! Jonathan you should be very proud of yourself for creating this excellent video!

[@kele1264]

THIS IS FANTASTIC. Thank you so much for doing this, and explaining it so well. Best of luck in all your endeavors. Good healh and happiness to you!

[@arbusco]

I got a tell ya, I love you guys. I look forward every day to seeing your progress. I can go on and on and on about how much I’ve learned from you guys but I just wanted to say that you’ve become important in my life. The fact that you’re doing what you’re doing you’re living your life & that you’re so funny at times, thank you just thank you for letting us have a window in. It’s greatly appreciated!

[@TinyShinyHome]

Thanks Amelia 😊❤️

[@satyampatel1472]

Solid informative video. All relevant content. No fluff. Nothing useless. Never too technical. I wish more people did videos like this.

[@TinyShinyHome]

Thanks!

[@stevelamperta865]

I built my own off grid system over the course of 5 years . It took me that long due to lack of money. during my build I researched different video's for information on how to . I have to say I believe this video is by far the best ! Very well done.

[@TheMuffin1967]

The best solar DIY video I've seen! Excellent, thanks for posting.

[@stevelamperta865]

This is the only video I've seen from you and I subscribed ! I never do that ! Thanks again for all the time and effort you put into your video for us. I will recommend this video to anyone building solar project . Very well done. great presentation .

[@Sean-vh8pm]

Holey Moley! What an excellent video. This answered so many questions in an easy to understand, no nonsense way. I wish you guys all the very best in your future projects.

[@jimhager8583]

Hard work pays off, your family is lucky to have great parents and such a beautiful backyard

[@FrankCarbo]

When I was 10 years old in Tijuana, my parents rented a house but had purchased land on the way to Rosario. The rental house owner needed the house, so my father chose to build on the purchase land within the time frame given to him. We moved into a neighborhood that was not fully developed and lacking the electrical utility. Though we did not have electricity, my dad had had the tv connected and a few lights to a car battery. Today I am a CA certified electrician and I do not own a solar system. It is insanely stupid how many hands dip their hands to take a profit from an install. I was feeling pressured to make a choice due to our stupid high bills and reducing incentive of 26%. Your video is such an inspiration to me, because it reminded me from where I come from and how at 10 yrs old I already knew how to run my dads system, a simple one but when he was working and we got home early from school I would power it up to watch after school cartoons. Thanks guys for the beautiful work you have shared, feeling blessed.

[@pack1send1]

The T-Rex at the solar panels @ the end

[@sunnyfeng19988]

FANTASTIC VIDEO

[@seanimfeld4167]

Hands down, the absolute best video that I have ever seen on the solar and batteries (and the rest). Outstanding work, thanks for sharing.

[@TinyShinyHome]

Thanks Sean!!

[@jquigley4]

Really awesome video!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to put this all together and share with us!

[@pruiz3564]

This is absolutly the BEST BEST video EVER!!!!!!! Thank you so much for sharing

[@tonymunn]

Best off-grid solar video ever. Thank you. I am a do-er and making the videos is harder than the actual work.

[@toofewacres5690]

My husband plans on building a solar system and this is the best video out there, thank you for being a good CC.

[@declanking-williams356]

A great fan, and finally a clear and detailed description on solar. Other channels have had my head spinning. Thank you.

[@emmanuelojo4282]

This is the best video i have come across on off-grid inverter installation, simple and direct

[@philipinwood]

As already said by others, this is an absolutely amazing presentation… such clarity & attention to detail… all delivered w/charismatic intelligence & production quality! Thank you!

[@TinyShinyHome]

Thank you!

[@missannthrope365]

Great video Jonathan! Quality production and information.

[@ourunlimitedchoices]

Great informative video! Solar is one of the next things on our list to upgrade to remain off grid. We've been so impressed with our small ones we got in the mean time!

[@user-lv8lb2jx4r]

the best solar panel explanation that I have received on youtube. Than you so much

[@denisewilson8367]

Thank you for all of this info. So nice to see it laid out step by step.

[@johnuppole]

Excellent video, I'm thoroughly impressed with your detail and thoroughness. Thank you for sharing, earned another like/subscribe after this for sure. Look forward to seeing what's next!

[@karatheriault6715]

Thank you for all this information. You, your family Amaze me.

[@davidschaeffer7327]

Awesomeness. Thanks for breaking this down. I watch the KZbinr you mentioned. But you did the WHOLE enchilada! Thank you. I can’t wait to begin my build in Gila county Arizona.

[@scout4locations]

This is the video I have been looking for these last 3 years. Thank you. And not nerdy. Very mellow and thorough. I'm in the Antelope Valley, so I will be imitating your work as much as possible. I got my 10 solar panels for free so that's one big expense dodged. 345 watt Jinko's. But what I am truly looking forward to watching are your construction videos. I'm starting out with a 20 foot cargo container which has been home since COVID hit. I have collected lots of building materials and lumber, mostly from abandoned pot farms in and around the valley. Every year, about 300 or so spring up, harvest a million bucks and then just split leaving most of the investment behind. Or they get busted and it all gets bulldozed and piled up. Either way they leave behind lots of stuff. Also, I have a feeling that I've met you before. Ever live in the Redondo Beach or Lancaster areas or worked in the movie business? I saw what I thought was Trona Pinnacles in one of your drone shots, so I figured out paths may have crossed. I was a location scout for 25 years.

[@TinyShinyHome]

Thanks so much for the kind words :) Well, we sure do have a lot of building videos for you to watch so that's good 😂. We've been to Trona a bunch of times, but just because we loved boondocking there when we traveled full-time.

[@douglasvamateurradioandmore]

I have been looking at this stuff for years. I will be watching more of your videos.

[@tommiejones1072]

Love the picture on the thumbnail. It is a Hugh deal so thankful you had the help from friends. Chicken garden is big, so big it seems enough area to be the footprint of a home. Massive work! Go Tiny Shiny.

[@prof.victormartins7762]

Amazing instructional video dude. Amazing! It deserves millions of views...seriously. Top notch public service video! s2

[@dad5825]

Ditto Manny Mota. Great production! The layout represents an immense thoughtfulness, it's obvious. Just super great!

[@pewheretic7967]

Pertinent, genuine and useful. Very, very well done. Thank you for your effort and info. Gloriously appreciated.....

[@EastLondonKiwi]

Well done, this is a great watch and demystifies a lot of the technical issues that are very confusing to most.

[@Thejakegee]

Legit solar video. Thank you.

[@makad2675]

Excellent video guys. Super helpful for when I do my build. Thank you!

[@melissamoonfire4323]

I needed this information so bad. Thank you so much 😊👍🌵🦖 Hope Mable gets well soon 💕

[@user-fs6wt9bt8y]

yall are doing great work. I love the genuineness in your videos. Im a lic Electrician with my own company and im using this information to learn on thanks.

[@tikitiki7610]

y'all are amazing!!!!! thank you so much. i am so darn envious. good for you and your desire for what you really want!!!

[@JasonandRachelOlson]

I LOVE YOU GUYS!!! Thank you so much for sharing all this. I'm so happy I found your channel!

[@paulas_lens]

Haha, I saw Rex! My husband loved this video. Thank you for sharing all of your experience!

[@scott1099]

this is the best explanation i have ever seen . Well Done thank you

[@MelissaMalzahn]

Thanks for sharing you setup. It will help Manu people.

[@rchavez1840]

I was just excited and asked before i forgot. Im still watching. Thanks

[@26longlongtime]

Shoutout to SanTan Solar. Panels from them are working great for me too. Great info here!

[@FolkloreMcgrin]

Thanks for making the video guys.

[@CharlesPryor-ic9ek]

Excellent production of your system! Thank you and congrats!

[@luckydogfarms]

Hello from Idaho! Subscribed and we enjoy your videos!

[@danielchukwu5062]

This is not just for entertainment it a lecture, thank so much

[@gbadishomeassistant748]

In my bookmarks i mark you as 'Top of the top'. Very serious video. Bravo from Greece

[@ToddLarsen]

I have dreams of a solar setup like the amazing one that you guys have put together. This video is going to help me realize my dream setup, Thank you for sharing and as always keep building👍

[@TinyShinyHome]

You are welcome!

[@SriRam-yq4id]

Very knowledgeable and highly informative video. Thank you for taking your time in sharing your knowledge.

[@larrybell4599]

Thank you for sharing this long nerdy video! It was great.

[@ititloga]

I did not understand and will not be able to build a solar system. But, I watched right through to the end. Your explanations are clear and detailed. If only I had some basic understanding of watts, etc. Your visual was superb!

[@basemhana7569]

Thank you for sharing your experience and all detailed information 👍

[@arizonaguy7574]

Very nice. Probably the best solar system article out there.

[@stevenpearson9474]

Well done, this is an impressive install and your vid was high quality!

[@ChongBoy1]

Not nerdy at all guys, thanks for the detailed info!

[@carmenmarcinkiewicz7149]

You guys are SERIOUSLY THE BEST CHANNEL on KZbin!

[@TinyShinyHome]

Aww thanks :) ❤️

[@mariuszuk79]

Thank you for so much detail it will help a lot in my project

[@williamlewis8741]

bonjour la famille. so i spend my Saturday morning watching your 'nerdy' and yet, comprehensive vidéo. although technical, i'm about 70 percent sure of the terminology and how-to. thanks for the vidéo. i'll watch is again and again in order to fully understand what i must do to rig up my house in the south of France. cheers

[@rayduffy6172]

Wow! You guys are amazing ! I love this stuff.

[@brokenmonitorgaming3206]

One of the best vids I have seen on solar

[@ent3ngk4bis0te]

Hello there! My first time on your channel and I enjoyed watching the whole 56 minutes and 41 seconds of it. Got a lot of tips that I should remember when I start building my own solar power system. I plan to build 4 times as much power than the one you have. Fingers crossed that I can do it. Lastly, thank you so much for being so unselfish. Good job man. Keep up with the good work and good luck on your future projects.

[@TinyShinyHome]

Thanks for the kind words, and I love that you’re building an even bigger system good luck!!!

[@saleemthupseetechnologies4166]

Cheers Jonathan !

[@bethanyfields4706]

So, so helpful! Thank you guys very much.♥️

[@Legendinvincible]

Watching this today from sub Saharan africa where the heat from the scorching 12hrs of sun light is rather intimidating... planning to try out this project for my off-grid power system and also spare some power to run water pumbs for my irrigation system

[@2point..0]

Thank you so kindly, as my Wifee and I are also going to be building Off-Grid too!!! Be Happy, be kind!!!

[@sidiebnou4958]

Excellent presentation. I Respect your hard work

[@paulfaulkner6299]

I found this really informative - even though I live in an ordinary suburbian house and will end up with a couple of Tesla Power Banks which are installed by people that do it for a living - this has given me an understanding of the how and why and alternates

[@debbiee7850]

incredible info and detail. thank YOU !!

[@wineryproductions]

Super fun to watch guys. Congrats and greetings from Japan!

[@michellejean8068]

You guys are awesome.

[@svnelliejowestsail3222]

Thank you for a great video! We will be starting our off grid cabin/home next year in the mountains of New Mexico. This video is exactly what I was looking for plus your diagrams which I will by when the time to build gets closer. Thank you again!

[@TinyShinyHome]

Awesome!!

[@RockinBarBRanch]

My brain bulged with all the info, you are great for providing this information in such detail, thank you!

[@TinyShinyHome]

You’re welcome!

[@jenniffersantana13]

You guys are the best of the best! :) always inspiring others to be independent plus always giving showing both side of homestead 💕

[@pamelaorisek4822]

You two are the bomb. Best OG vid yet

[@nasty661ss]

Love your informative videos they're very helpful thank you

[@phinehasfenne]

Nicely done! Great video! I could follow along easily! 👍👍👍

[@nn1392781]

Very Impressive - Apart from all the infinite techniques that needed to be mastered and put together to complete such a massive real life project - u folks are probably creating winners out of ur 4 kids by teaching them how to be builders/creators/thinkers/hardworkers........very nice indeed. Appreciate all the effort that went in to create such a comprehensive video.

[@TinyShinyHome]

Aww thanks 😊