DIY Solar Generator - Save Thousands by Building Your Own

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Here are the components used in the follow up video 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 our follow up videos. building a better version: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fanLkGWLlMuGhJI 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

[@chupacabra4897]

What LED light was that that wasn't showing any draw ? I want one lol

[@HarryVonhoene]

If you are in doubt, spring for the better inverter!

[@michaelstanley3961]

Just don't run motors pumps or charge lithium batteries, but for kettles most small electrical devices for camping will be fine, be running them for 2 years plus no problem.😊

[@sunshineammorgen1365]

Thank you ❤

[@waynehobbs5175]

A good video guys but a few things you do or omit are not necessarily good advice. You cabled the two batteries together in parallel good but, the inverter and any solar controller should always go to positive of battery A and negative of battery B so both batteries draw equally. Fuses are required on all positive cables to protect the cables. Cable sizes need to be as short as possible and the guage needs to reflect power draw. For example that 1500W inverter is going to draw 125A with 250A start up surge so that needs 00AWG cable and 300A fuse. Pairing batteries should only be done after ensuring their condition SOH is virtually identical. I appreciate what you are trying to do but if you factor in the real cable cost, fuse cost, cable connectors etcetera your budget will be a lot higher. Mount the inverter on top of the box, not inside as it will get hot. Most have suggestions of gaps required. I have a 200AH LFP battery and 2000W inverter (240v here in Australia) and am going to build my own battery box. These aren't generators BTW as they merely convert 12V DC to 110v or in my case 240v AC supply. I like your plastic trolley box! Please accept my comments as constructive criticism not meant to sound nasty. Be safe guys. Shalom

[@bobbygene8274]

Thank you for addressing my pet peeve in your comment. These are energy storage devices, with an inverter.....they do not "create" power, they store it, so NOT a generator.

[@kiowablue2862]

Your comment on positive lead to battery A and negative lead to battery B doesn't make sense. How can they _not_ draw equally given they are in _parallel?_

[@lbfaith]

@@bobbygene8274what if there was a way to charge it as well. Like using an alternator magnets and copper wire? I seen a video a while back where someone created energy using those items. Very simple. I came across this video looking for that video.

[@castleoracottage]

And whatever you do--cherish the times you spend with your dad. These moments will come back to you in later years!! I know!!

[@lockandloadlikehell]

That's the opposite of what happened Some dads are pos

[@stevehobbs9015]

Absolutely. I still miss my dad.

[@petcuyvers]

@@lockandloadlikehell Unlucky for you and others in similar situations. Try to be happy for those others though.

[@leeinwis]

@@petcuyvers Drunken abusive pos he was.

[@KravMike08]

As a 42 year Master Electrician I can validate this set up!!!!!!!! 100% spot on iv'e been doing it this way for years and years...... I currently have a 1500 Watt power inverter and a huge deep cycle marine battery with the Harbor Freight 100 Watt solar charging system....... It comes with the charge controller and the system works like a charm!!!!!! I can run my fridge and internet and some lights no problem..... No way I was going to spend a couple grand on something like you said I can build from the things I have available to me in my shop.... Great job guys!!!! Very useful and practical set up that will last years and years!!!!!!!

[@babyreps365]

Can you use the electric appliances while this is charging? I'm new to this stuff.

[@KravMike08]

@@babyreps365 Absolutely but you cannot go over whatever wattage your inverter is.... And really you want to stay at around 50% max load so it will work longer and not strain the system..... 75% is ok but I try and stay at 50% or less

[@keithmaggard9024]

Thank you for the positive comment

[@icecreamladydriver1606]

I am happy to find your comment as I am old and know nothing about solar usage in any way. My husband uses a cpap at night that uses about 350w and I use oxygen at night only. I would use my portable oxygen machine in a grid down situation and it uses about 350w. Between the two of us it would be 700-800w. We would use this maybe 8-10 hours at night. How many 100w solar panels would we need and about how long would it take to charge them on an average sun day in order to use it the next night. Would this homemade generator work for our needs. Are there tweaks to make to the generator. I sure hope you see my question and answer it. Thanks.

[@CardiacCat]

​@@icecreamladydriver1606 Are you sure you don't mean the cpap machine would use 350Wh (watt hours)? From what I understand most only cosume about 40w to use. So 40x 8 hours = 320Wh which is different from 320W. If you meant watt hours instead of watts, then a 100Ah Deep cycle LifePO4 battery (100x 12.8v=1280Wh) would do you both for emergency backup for 8 hours. You would need a couple of panels and a charge controller to charge it back up during the day.

[@RobAbdul]

It's really cool working with your Dad. Love Dad's T shirt message.

[@introvertincognito4518]

Love Dads shirt!! Praise Jesus Christ. And thank you for this

[@paulcasefarms9933]

I love Keith's Shirt. That is far more powerful than either inverters.

[@silverandblackentertainment]

Amen 🙏🏽

[@JCWren]

There can be some issues with charging batteries in parallel. Ideally you should be using a balanced charger, and the batteries should be the same chemistry, capacity, and approximate condition. For periodic use, it's not going to make a big difference. But if you're using a DIY power station regularly, batteries will fail sooner when they're not properly balanced. Search for "charging 12v batteries in parallel", there's a bunch of articles on the topic.

[@charlesmurphy4075]

Like when a tractor or diesel truck require 2 batteries. Same thing.

[@Mr.J345]

Your thinking series connection. Parallel requires no balancing

[@SuperVstech]

@@Mr.J345no, they are correct. Series is far more difficult of course, but parallel has specific wiring considerations to keep them at the same level of charge and discharge.

[@exgenica]

From what the "Power Queen" batteries (the ones used by these folks) product page shows, it looks like each LiFePO4 battery has its OWN BMS, so as long as the user is providing the correct voltage and power requirements, and an appropriate amount of charging, one shouldn't have to worry about balancing and so on. However, when initially connecting the packs together, I would ensure they are very close in state of charge to each other to prevent high currents/sparks in the cables when first connecting them together...and when in use you may want to ensure each battery alone could handle the expected load because the BMS of a depleted battery pack may "shut off" one battery pack, leaving the other(s) to supply all the power (although ideally if there is an overload the remaining batteries' BMS controllers should also in theory disconnect those batteries due to potential overload.

[@jimbaranski4687]

Series charging is the thing that is difficult. For parallel charging, just make sure that the path to each battery is the same length. If you have a string of batteries in parallel in a row, connect to positive to the battery one end of the row, and the negative to the battery at the other end of the row. Make sure all the cables from the battery bank are the same length.

[@PWoods-cd6tk]

Good basic how to, but...1 LiFePO4 100 amp hour battery has more capacity than 2 lead acid, weighs 20 to 25 pounds and will last ten years. The cost is around $300. The max output of 1 would be 1200 watts, so you need two to run 1200 to 2400 watts. If you are starting from scratch and have to buy new batteries, I strongly suggest buying a LiFePO4. You can tip them over and not worry about spilling acid, you can safely use them and store them inside your house, you can run them down all the way and maintain most of the voltage until the very end, and they are so much easier to tote around.

[@keithmaggard9024]

Your right and at the time we put this together lifepo4 batteries were still very expensive but the price has dropped dramatically

[@PWoods-cd6tk]

@@keithmaggard9024 I just replaced the deep cycle lead acid in my shed with a LiFePO4 for $165. It's crazy how much they've dropped. 48 volts have really come down too.

[@bstamatin]

I like your video but i love your father`s t-shirt inscription: " We walk by faith not by sight "! Amen! Blessings from Greece !

[@MikeO-p8l]

Wish my dad was here and grandpa , they would love this stuff ...

[@idk8964]

Even with Bluetti's 2048Wh AC200 on sale for like $1150 ish for prime day, which is actually incredible and hard to pass up, it's just extremely important to me to be able to easily replace broken parts. If something breaks in that thing, you might be out $1150.

[@BoeingJetTech]

The best part of this video was watching you and your dad doing something together. My parents were heavy cigarette smokers 2-4 packs a day, the horse always had a smokey had inside, so at 21, I got married and moved put. I hated to visit them because of the disgusting cigarette smell. Looking back since both parents are dead now, I feel like a selfish pos that I didn't spend alot of time with my dad much. Enjoy your time with him.

[@blktuscangirl6863]

Thank you so much, for someone who has never camped and all of this is new, thank you so much for the simplicity.

[@akiko009]

That works. Something to keep in mind though is that unlike LiIon those lead acid batteries don't like deep cycling. But if you only use the top 10-20% of capacity, it's a great way to go.

[@imnottheonlyone9171]

If you use marine batteries or golf cart batteries they are made for deep discharge and are only a little more than regular car batteries or use gel cell but those are expensive

[@akiko009]

Yeah. Those will help. My recommendation is to go Lifepo4 if the budget allows for it, as they will most definitely pay for themselves in the long term. On the other hand Lifepo4 isn't as forgiving to high temperatures, which cuts into their cycle life. So if things might get hot where the battery is stored and used, Lifepo4 might not be the way to go. YMMW.

[@exgenica]

You also need to use the right "float" charge when they are not being actively used or mainline charged after being used. The right float charge varies not only on the battery technology, but can vary depending on manufacturer. Not using the right float charge will significantly reduce the lifespan of a battery. Note: I've seen UPS units by highly respected UPS manufacturers that use MUCH too high float charges on their "gel-cell" batteries, which seriously reduces their battery life from what could be well over 5 years to less than 3 years. edit to add: Of course, they are happy to sell you replacement battery(ies) at usually quite high cost (sometimes using proprietary connectors to try to force one to buy only their replacement pack(s)).

[@dexterousx92]

*Thank you for sharing this valuable information in the video. I would like to add that used batteries can often be found in major cities for around $40, and Walmart also offers some batteries priced at $86. Overall, this is an excellent idea for DIY enthusiasts who, like myself, enjoy building projects.*

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Thanks for sharing

[@spanishtreasure9551]

dont forget lowes has good stuff decent marine deka lead

[@douggoff5784]

We have used the kzbin.infoUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!

[@chrisloving6647]

Got my 305 lipo4 set for about 500 dollars. Also make sure you are getting pure sine wave inverter. The modified ones can burn up some electrics. I am making a 305 ah (about 4kwh) with pv and 2000watt for a little over 1000.

[@ericklein5097]

Just made a long ass comment about how cheap it is to put together a 4kwh battery with prismatic cells. Can't believe more people dont know.

[@yelowfruit]

where?

[@ericklein5097]

@@yelowfruit Battery Hookup has 20S CATL modules made with uncycled 280Ah cells. They are 2 years old but will give full capacity and after a few cycles should give your typical 285Ah+ of new cells. I'd guess IR is probably a tad higher than normal but for an ESS its perfect. I think it comes out to $85 a cell which is dirt cheap for Grade A CATL cells (ok these might be considered high quality Grade B since they are NOS) Downside is you have to buy 2 20S modules to get that price. If you buy 4 20S modules that means you can cut the bus bars on the 4 batteries you don't use for the 16S 48V system (best voltage to use as its most common) and then string together the 4 sets of 4 to create a 5th battery . Someone here on KZbin has a great video on doing it. Yes, its several thousand dollars but each 16S battery is 14kwh....so four modules would give you 70kwh which is more than enough to run a house for days including AC and hot showers.

[@ericklein5097]

305Ah cells, a 2000W inverter and how much PV for under $1k? I know you get those cells from 18650 Battery Store for about $120 if you don't mind high quality Grade B but shipping is going to be another $150. The cheapest 2000W pure sine wave inverter is $175 and even if you use used solar panels 2kw of solar will run you a couple hundred dollars. Then you need a charge controller and thats another $100 minimum.

[@RockhillfarmYT]

We built a better version here Build a Better Solar Generator for 1/2 the Price! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fanLkGWLlMuGhJI

[@tinkering123]

Thanks...Just caught this one. You did a great job. Now I'm near 70 and just started my U-Tube. "Tinkering Geezer". You fellows made it look PROFESIONAL. WOW

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Best of luck to you and making videos. Feel free to reach out if I can help in anyway.

[@yoursurgerysister]

II will subscribe

[@karl-heinzklimach1284]

I did that ! Powered my in attached garage with 2 I00 watt solar panels via 2 Deep cycle boat batteries & 4000 watt inverter.

[@randybailey7801]

I like your shirt .We walk by faith ,not by sight.

[@arrond316]

Amen!

[@winstonsmiths2449]

The loose end of that positive flailing around made me nervous LOL! I use a 3 inch piece of heat shrink tubing, tape one end closed and slip it on the end of the cables I am working with. No chance of touching the wrong power post. I have a few made up ahead of time so when I need to connect or disconnect the cables, I slip the appropriately colored tubing on the loose end.

[@BamaJoe2023]

Good Idea Brock. That inverter has a cooling fan, do not run with the lid closed unless you add ventilation.

[@obfuscated3090]

Tip for your steel building: I use "sleeve nuts" on the inside of the shell to mount wiring, hang compressed air hose and much more. My Steelmaster uses 5/16" bolts so I use matching sleeve nuts. I anti-seized all the bolts when I erected mine which paid off when I got orders because it was a breeze to tear down then reassemble at my new location.

[@nathanmaker7824]

when you connect the inverter you should always connect to positive on one battery and negative on the other one (this will draw and charge evenly from both batteries and prevent you damaging 1 battery or both)

[@francis-s3u]

yea those inverters

[@75jcesar]

THis is, by far, the best DIY solar system video I have ever seen on the internet. Nice work you guys!

[@HarryVonhoene]

Don't recommend for electronics due to the modified square wave output. But for most tools and lights it will work fine!

[@HarryVonhoene]

@trentbishop7793 Just like the name implies, the voltage varies from + to negative 60 times a second. lights transformers, and most motors don't care, but it can play hell on some electronics. Google sine wave vs. square wave and you will see what I mean! Hope this helps.

[@jasonm.1370]

Aka dirty electricity

[@sehajpreetsingh4177]

This is much simpler and I can just go ahead and upgrade my car battery early and use that to build my backup battery. Thank you very much to you and to your Dad!

[@barntt]

JFYI Car batteries don't live very long as a power source that will be deep cycled like this! These things KILL starter batteries!

[@waynehobbs5175]

Car batteries aren't ideal as they are not designed to deep cycle. Their plates are positioned to allow high cranking amps for a starter motor then rely on the alternator replenishing the power. Buy marine or camping deep cycle. Better still buy LFP which is half the weight and can get the full amp hours out of them. Lead acid batteries of 100Ah only have 50 usable amps before getting down to 12v. After that if not recharged immediately they degrade rapidly.

[@loubzac3]

Great video! The inverter in the name brand generator is probably a pure sine wave witch is better and more expensive. Something to keep in mind for your electronics. I have been thinking about getting one but I can’t justify the cost. Great video on a cheaper option. Any power is better than no power

[@lokosi]

Hello good morning to you

[@exgenica]

Both the 2000W and 3000W Renogy inverters pointed to by Brock/Keith claim "Renogy 2000W *_Pure Sine Wave_* Inverter 12V DC to 120V AC" "Renogy 3000W *_Pure Sine Wave_* Inverter 12V DC to 120V AC"

[@wesjordan1908]

You can usually purchase used solar panels from your local solar farm as they replace them yearly and at that point your getting a commercial grade solar panel for next to nothing

[@brianrhodebeck6465]

For my tractors I use Grover technology. 12 V. Capacitors where I don't need a battery to start my tractor. Victron charge controllers with solar panels do really nicely with inverters and batteries Good video

[@The-Good-Life-Off-Grid]

Lots of money but for someone like me that is worried about anything electrical it dubs the job for me great job on the video just wish I could do my own 😊

[@seansysig]

Brock the diy version needs battery terminal insulators and the box needs to be ventilated as charging batteries release hydrogen sulfide gas! Don’t use in an unventilated space!

[@diannaday2180]

Making that box extremely flammable no lighters or open flame should be used around it. Ventilation is a must for sure even a little exhaust fan may be useful.

[@RockhillfarmYT]

@diannaday2180 I didn’t cut any holes in it for cords… It can only be used with the lid open

[@edwinsparks2165]

yo dope video!!!! shout out to your dad for his knowledge and experience!!!! So cool!!!!!!

[@AdamNicholasSievers]

Made one years ago, tool box with a truck battery in it. Everything wired through a low voltage cut off so I didn't over drain the lead acid battery. After taking it camping about 3 times I was tired of lugging the damn thing around 😂

[@TubeRadiosRule]

I use a CPAP and I used to take an RV battery and inverter with me when I went tent camping (I have a camper now, with its own battery). An RV battery will take a deeper discharge than a standard car battery.

[@MrPabco]

Rock - Great video, very useful. I too can not justify (regardless of whether I can afford it or not) spending 3K for something I would only use occasionally. Are the high-end units nice, of course. Do they make financial sense for ME, not. For the record, I put in a Kohler 20Kw whole house generator with automatic transfer for switch for like 5K a few years ago. Looking at that comparison alone should give a good sense of value. However, I do give the manufacturing world credit for being able to teach the Gen Z'ers that they actually need this... Smile. Thanks for bringing us all alone. Great Video !!!

[@hannahalexander7005]

Great help may the Lord bless

[@bobhale8325]

What an excellent idea. I have one spare deep cycle battery and a pure sinewave inverter. I think I'll hook them together and give this a try. I live in the California mountains and our power company gave warnings that they may shut off the power yesterday and today due to high winds. So far, no shut off.

[@keithmaggard9024]

I have a small one set up on a shop that isn't located near my house I use it for lights and fire up the generator on the occasion that I need more it keeps me from spending a fortune on wiring and paying a monthly minimum on a building I don't use much.

[@Cowboy_Steve]

Howdy Brock and Keith! Really cool how-to video. Shows what can be done on a budget. A couple homesteaders I follow made something similar. I'd like to make one eventually... be a lot quieter and lighter than toting a generator around the property where I might be needing power for a short time. Thanks for sharing 🤠

[@andrewanderson1436]

Not a bad price point considering how much folks probably already have laying around. I could build one today with all the stuff sitting in my little shop.

[@holdfast7657]

Add 12V ports and then you can also charge from your vehicle and easily use 12V accessories. USB ports are a useful as well.

[@keithmaggard9024]

The inverter has usb ports the 12 volt is a great idea

[@78shaney]

Nice video. In Australia your dad would be known as a bush mechanic. Just gets it done!

[@jonmac3569]

Make sure you are getting an inverter that is pure sine wave if you are plugging in sensitive electronics. I am not sure if Harbor freight is making pure sine wave inverters yet, maybe.

[@jimbob1096]

They have one

[@lylachristopherson865]

This is so good for people like me with no idea. Thanks.

[@jeffclarke1540]

Maybe some ventilation for the lead acid batteries would be good

[@-GrimEngineer-1337]

I see lots of problems. That inverter is not a sine wave output, it is probably modified sine which is bad for a lot of sensitive electronics and it most likely has terrible overload handling. It's very likely to produce an audible hum on a lot of audio gear. The VRLA batteries you chose weigh a ton versus Lithium and have a poor cycle rate, which you already knew. Mismatching battery sizes in parallel reduces efficiency due to currents that get circulated between the batteries which waste power while discharging. Should use identical batteries when possible. Is that a PWM battery solar charger? You need MPPT or you are just throwing away power with that PWM charger. And that solar panel type is awful, those types of panel have bad efficiency. I'll stop there. 90% of the functionality, I don't think so...but hey for the price what do you expect right? Git' er done...maybe.

[@ceeweedsl]

90% agreed. A pwm charger will work ok, though. Not gonna lose more than 10%. I have both and where it counts, MPPT all the way.

[@ItsAllInTheBag]

The idea was hey you dont have $3000 heres what you could do to save some money. They do videos on doing everything right.

[@MrHeat1up]

I appreciate this comment. I look for people giving corrections and suggestions. Thanks

[@jeffgendron1959]

Yeah the modified inverter is not good for sensitive electronics which are pretty much in everything we buy now, I only use pure sign wave, furthermore I only use Victron Energy or Go Power! inverters which are staples of the RV community. All other brands I see on Amazon seem to be based off cheap China designs electronically. VRLA or AGM batteries are not optimal for a portable system. I used them for a large home backup system for decades. They are robust, cheap and can last many years if cycling only to 50% DOD. My AGM system worked great for 10 years. My LiFePO4 portable on the other hand lasted 2 years before the battery bricked due to BMS failure. I still think LiFePO4 is the better way to go even though its expensive and a more sensitive chemistry.

[@LaneyaWiles]

No, please go on for us in the back!

[@CherokezPittman]

User's Comment: "This solar generator looks amazing! I've been looking for a reliable and powerful portable power station for my camping trips. Definitely going to check out this Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series!"Your Reply: "I completely agree! The Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series is a fantastic choice for your camping adventures. With its massive capacity, waterproof design, and fast recharging capabilities, you can rely on it to keep your devices and appliances running for extended periods. I highly recommend giving it a try!"

[@bubbaredneck75]

this is what im going to do once i finish my house. reuse my current system from this old camper and use my craftsman tool box the wife got me years ago.

[@ssprofirewood]

This is a very helpful video. Great job, guys! Thanks for sharing. Take care 👍

[@2u263]

👍Thank you neighbor, this video is really helpful could be a life saver 👍

[@RockhillfarmYT]

My neighbor?

[@2u263]

🤣Not literally friend, a way of melting divides among us. Besides your sharing such important information seems very neighborly. A good thing. Thank you @@RockhillfarmYT

[@keithmaggard9024]

I think we may be missing the point i have thrown one of these together ina few minutes during a power outage out of things i had and that exact geniverse with pannels list for 3700 it is an amazingly powerful product we aren't really saying something put together on the cheap is better but it ain't bad for the price

[@claudemontezin911]

you are very smart people. thank you so much. God bless!

[@shellythie6227]

I would think that you would still have to open the lid so the inverter can stay cool running it's fan. You don't want it overheating!

[@stormthrush37]

Or you could cut a vent hole

[@lokosi]

Hi, I apologize for my manners for being too rude to leave a comment on your comment box without your consent. You always share great posts here,

[@82ndpara21]

Brock, are you familiar with Missouri wind and solar? It’s a privately owned solar off grid type store in Seymore, Missouri. I purchased all my solar off grid equipment there for my cabin. It’s a large store that you can actually look at quality equipment before purchasing. The windmills maybe your thing also.

[@RockhillfarmYT]

I was not familiar with that. Thanks for sharing.

[@keithmaggard9024]

I have seen there videos

[@richardclark8262]

Great job of breaking it down it is the best video on the subject I've ever seen

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Thanks. We did a follow up with some better components Build a Better Solar Generator for 1/2 the Price! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fanLkGWLlMuGhJI

[@breakdownbill1]

I have both set ups. A Bluetti 200Max generator then my own set up. Renogy solar charge controller. 2 agm batteries and a 3k watt power inverter from harbor freight. The Inverter is not pure sine wave and I’m scared to plug anything into it,,specially small items like charging laptop and phone. Since I have the Bluetti my homemade set up I’d only for emergency use. Don’t want all that weight and used up space in my cargo trailer that is off grid. 😊 Thanx for the rolling battery cart idea.

[@briantrout7051]

I like the concept of "doin' it cheap" but you haven't really come close to the capacity of that more expensive unit. Almost apples to oranges. I like apples. I like oranges. But I kinda think you did a little more blending than is honest. For running a few LED lights or even a bit larger load for just a minute or two, those two lead acid batteries might handle it. If you need to run a refrigerator and freezer overnight, I have a feeling I know which one will hold up. There are reasons why things cost as much as they do and it's not all "corporate profits". Building it yourself can save a little money in most cases. If you're honest about capacities, though, maybe not as much as you'd like.

[@michaelboyle4119]

Nicely done . Planning on building something like it soon . Want to be able to camp off grid or boondocks as some call it . Thanks .

[@anthonyg6924]

EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT ! That was a great video guys.

[@Desert-edDave]

LIFEPO4 batteries like what are used in nicer commercially-available power stations are safe for indoor use, charging/discharging lead-acid batteries can release gas - might not want hydrogen gas in your home - Also something to keep in mind when in a box like that when housing certain types of batteries that can produce gasses. If kept in a sufficiently vented garage or shed or something, deep-cycle lead acid batteries are a great choice with a MPPT controller.

[@raptureseason]

Pure Sine Wave Power inverters are the new big thing. ...but great video.

[@keithmaggard9024]

I agree this video we used what was readily available in our area or in this case we already had.

[@ezmac622]

I LOVE your shirt! ✝

[@corevalues6244]

As Americans, I like the way Americans think. Your the greatest !

[@lawrencedavidson6195]

A 50ah LiFePo4 is now less than $200 now and will out last the 2 lead/acid batteries you have. Nice build anyway. Greetings from Jamaica.

[@walterschrier704]

Get a lifepo4 (lithium iron phosphate) battery, good for 3k cycles, much lighter too. About $120 for a 30ah unit

[@karimismail3734]

Best to use Marine Batteries designed for heavy duty use plus they can afford to go very low on voltage. Already made Power Bank is safer& compact as well as efficient.

[@ramongonzalez6122]

I love the idea presented here. The Craftsman toolbox-on-wheels is about $100US if bought new. One concern i have - having the batteries and inverter sealed in the toolbox may create an overheating and trapped gas (from the batteries) condition. Brock, I am curious if you have had this issue. I am thinking that a cooling fan from an old computer (or similar) and vent holes drilled into the toolbox would help. Any thoughts on this?

[@lleass]

Nice piece of work you have done there...but I do have something to say to it. First those plastic zip-tigts can melt because of heat the inverter can emit when in use and second when you drill those holes at the top of the box you are losing water-proof features of the box itself so the water can run into it in heavy rains ( of course there should be some holes or vents on sides with some gap above it to prevent rain dripping into it). Anyway nice piece of work you done there and I hope that you inspired lot of peoples.

[@bowlampar]

Nice to have a cheap DIY solar generator, but it is way better to have a cheap and also a safe one while saving thousand..

[@CardiacCat]

Nice video. A year later things have changed a bit. I just picked up 2 x 100Ah LifePO4 for $328 total from Redodo. They are the larger ones with low temp monitoring, 5 year warranty, 4000 deep cycle charge, and have the carrying straps. So 2560Wh worth of backup. I was attempting to do exactly what you guys are doing here. I like that you put it all in a rolling cart. I got a 1000w (2000peak) inverter and 2x 200w Bifacial panels for charging ($285 total for panels) with a Redodo 40A MPPT charge controller for $129. I could add a 17gal Craftsman rolling tool box with 200lb capacity for about $52 and I would have a pretty decent backup/mobile powerstation. And that would bring me in around $893 today. I COULD buy a generator for that. But then I have the carbureator and all to clean and deal with, and need gas to run it (we found out with Helene here in NC gas stations don't have gas when all the power gets knocked out!) I really like this option of building your own. You get more bang for the buck, it's expandable, AND you customize it more to your needs.

[@kc9pxz]

I subscribed because of this video for my pop up camerer that I live in

[@W4GHW]

You really should consider putting fuses on the output of the battery. I built one of these about 20 years ago. I wish I could send you pictures. I made it on a battery box.

[@bobman4362]

Watching now. Love your Dad's walk by faith shirt. Preparing for the coming days!

[@vwbustube]

I haven’t watched the whole video yet, so forgive me if you cover this, but using trickle charge 6volt golf cart batteries wired in 12v sequential order is a great solution to the storage component here.

[@shawntilton9170]

This set up is fine, if you are using 2 used lead acid car batteries laying around. But you can't mix regular car batteries with deep cycle batteries, or lead acid with LiPo batteries. And if you have a used regular car battery, and a new, or newer deep cycle battery, you will reduce the deep cycle batteries lifespan. It would be better to only use deep cycle batteries for this type of use, and put trickle chargers on your tractor and whatever else you have on the farm. We take every battery out of the farm equipment that isn't used during the winter months, and keep them indoors, and individually hooked up to trickle chargers. We made 4 of these, and made sure the batteries were compatible with each other, by charging them up, and checking the voltage the next day, and putting batteries together that were the same voltage, or the most closest to each other. There is a charging station for the portable power carts, like the one these guys made. We have both solar and wind turbines. So, no matter what, we have a source of power to charge things, and run hous3 and shop power. We also have a good wood heater that has a pellet feeder, to keep it burning at night, when nobody can feed it chunks of wood. And this saves us a lot of money for warmth. Summer we use a water Solar heater, hooked up to a 24v power. We are also making a couple power walls, like Tesla sells. And use 18650 batteries.

[@rowdydood8694]

Quick question guys...would a deep cycle battery( as in a marine type) be better??

[@shootinon3]

Just sub due to your dads shirt. First time viewer less than 2min in

[@RonaldDaub-g7z]

There's a couple of guys on KZbin saying they're small inverter runs their air conditioner and I try to not argue with them but it takes quite a bit for an AC to start.

[@centralfloridagmrs]

I'm going to do this. Wow!! We need this in Florida

[@stephtheforgewitch]

did it work? thinking of trying it myself.

[@centralfloridagmrs]

@@stephtheforgewitch No as easy as seen in the video but it did work yes

[@stephtheforgewitch]

@@centralfloridagmrs incredible, thank you. if you have the time would it be alright if i asked what modifications you made?

[@joshuamorin2762]

You can find used 300-400 watt solar panels on market place and similar for 50-75 bucks a panel. Perfect for s project like this!

[@drigen223]

I think people missed the point of the video... most aren't looking to run their expensive electronics daily from this, they want to run a fan on a camping trip or power a gas furnace during a winter emergency. It does exactly what it was needs to do.... cheaply

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Exactly. If you’re planning to use this all day all the time to live off grid, you should buy an expensive unit. If you just wanna plug something in every once in a while, save some money

[@malcolmrowe5031]

Using Standard batteries with a large inverter will destroy the battery in no time, they aren't designed to push out the large current for a long time like a Lipo4 battery can

[@kiowablue2862]

EXACTLY. Automotive starting batteries are designed to put out a large amount of current for a short time, e.g. 30 seconds. They don't do well when deep cycled.

[@adamchuilli9416]

So educational and helpful! Appreciate you guys!!

[@adamchuilli9416]

Im looking into making something like this using 2 H.F. batteries 35A/H ea. and a solar panel, controller, inverter and case for running a cpap machine independently while camping. This video was exactly what I was looking for. I think the 100W panel will recharge batteries just fine if im getting 6hrs sleep using the machine.

[@bluegrallis]

I have thought about doing this for my corn burner stove. I would make a quick disconnect for the inverter, so I could use it on my truck for "portable" power when needed. "My truck" is a 1995 E350 with 7.3 diesel and has a HUGE alternator( it was a cab chassis with an ambulance box on back when new). I'm not sure of the amperge output, but I imagine it's pretty healthy.

[@keithmaggard9024]

In a power outage I rigged one up to run my parents pellet stove so they would have heat

[@keithmaggard9024]

During a power outage I set one up to run my parents pellet stove so they would still have heat

[@vlatter9537]

I like this set up. I think I'll add a regulator from the inverter to the battery too. Right?

[@lovelygameworld4628]

very good option for dig. thank you

[@stevecunningham936]

LiTime has a 100 amp hr battery for $250. I have 3 of them and they are awesome .

[@KikoLozada-th1yg]

The gentleman has my favorite bible verse on the shirt🙏✝️

[@RonaldDaub-g7z]

I built mine in a cooler like that with two marine batteries and a 2001 inverter and another inverter lights wiring gauges and it works fine and my solar panels are outside ready to be plugged in

[@cookman45]

Can you do a video on that set up! Sounds like you did the right thing!

[@slydog7131]

100 Ah lithium phosphate batteries are now available on Amazon for $229. I recently replaced my car battery and it cost over $200.

[@dement3djoker]

you both seem special to say the least... take that as you want it.

[@davidyummus6259]

A long way from ideal I put an old Car Battery I had in an old Cooler I had then mounted an Inverter I had to the lid of the Cooler,...Ran my Internet Router/Gateway for 8 hours with more to spare :)

[@RokDAWG1]

Awesome information! Thanks for the killer video! It’s definitely worth saving time and money

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Thanks

[@SuperVstech]

Never hook loads cables both to the same battery in a parallel configuration. Same with chargers, always spread to opposite ends of the battery bank.

[@lunax71]

You can buy reconditioned batteries at auto salvage yards. for $50 or $40 with core. Good as new. 😊

[@kiowablue2862]

A better lead-acid solution would be golf cart batteries. They're designed to put out a substatial amount of current for a muxh longer period of time than an automotive starting battery.

[@RobertYonng]

Car batteries can only discharge to 50% over that damages the battery killing is recharging capacity. Get four batteries and use a 48 volt inverter the money you save in wiring will pay for the two extra batteries. Also balancing the wiring helps