DIY Solar Panel System - 300 Watts Off Grid Ground Mount - Christian Dude

How to build a DIY solar panel system off grid, with 300 watts of power using an adjustable ground mount system. UPDATES and PARTS LIST below. Video includes an explanation of every component plus useful installation tips, pros and cons of devices, how much it costs, how solar power can be used in emergencies during grid outages down and for everyday use including growing vegetables. Detailed design including the solar panels and accessories, adjustable ground mount, lightning protection and grounding, solar charge controller, DC/AC inverter, ANL fuses, Blue Seas switch and UB121000 AGM 100 AH batteries - everything you need to build your own DIY solar panel system and save money, while having fun doing it!
2021 UPDATE: Upgrading batteries to superior 300 AH Lithium Iron Phosphate + BMS battery controller (needed for overcharging protection).
2020 UPDATE: Changed power inverter connections from diagonal across batteries to connections on the same battery. Replaced original power inverter with a superior Krieger model. Did not change solar controller and voltmeter connections diagonally across the batteries.
Parts List for the Outside Solar Panel Structure
Qty 3 RENOGY 100 Watt PV Solar Panel Module
Solar Panel Cable 30 Ft - MC4 PV Extension - 8 AWG
Solar Panel Cable MC4 Connectors: One Female to Three Male (F/MMM) & One Male to Three Female (M/FFF)
Qty 18 Nylon 6/6 Washer, 3/8" Hole for Galvanic Corrosion Protection of Panels
Qty 2 Superstrut ZA1200HS Gold-Galvanized for Main Supports
Qty 5 Superstrut ZB1400HS Gold-Galvanized for Solar Panel Frame
Qty 3 80 LB Bags Quikrete Ready-to-Use Concrete for Footers
Qty 2 Quikrete 8” Concrete Tube Forms
Qty 5 ILSCO GBL-4DBT Solar Grounding Lug 14-4 AWG Tin Plated Copper
Qty 5 10-32, ¾” Stainless Steel Screws for ILSCO Grounding Lug
Qty 5 10-32 Stainless Steel Keps Lock Nut with free spinning star washer
Lighting Protection: 8 Foot Copper Plated Grounding Electrode, 6 AWG Bare Copper Conductor, Wire Bonding Clamps
Assorted 3/8” Stainless Steel Bolts and Nuts, Various Lengths
Schedule 40 ¾” Conduit, Elbows, Terminations and PVC Glue
100% Pure Silicone Sealant
Parts List for the Indoor Solar Panel Electronics
Morningstar TS-45 TriStar 45 Amp Charge Controller 12-48V PWM
Whistler Pro-1600W 1,600 Watt Power Inverter
Square D BY Circuit Breaker Box QO24L70S
Square D 40 Amp Circuit Breaker QO240CP
Blue Sea Systems 6006 m-Series (Mini) Battery Switch Single Circuit
Absolute ANL 60 and 200 Gold Plated Fuses
E2 by Scoshe EWFH Single ANL Fuse Holder
SMAKN 2 Wire Green DC 4.0-30V LED Voltage Meter
Qty 3 Universal Power Group 45978 Sealed Lead Acid Battery
Qty 3 Camco 55372 Large Battery Box - Group 27
6 AWG Red and Black Cable for Solar Controller Connection
Qty 4 - 6 AWG X 5/16” Tinned Copper Lug Cable Connector
2 AWG Red and Black Cable for Inverter and Battery Connections
Qty 17 - 2 AWGX5/16" Tinned Copper Lug Cable Connector
TEMCo Lug Crimper Tool

[@CycoWardDrew]

This panel can put out close to 100 watts kzbin.infoUgkxOqI2yqX0XVrhR2BMJciTWrHJpG8FhJyg when positioned in the appropriate southernly direction, tilted to the optimal angle for your latitude/date, and connected to a higher capacity device than a 500. The built in kickstand angle is a fixed at 50 degrees. Up to 20% more power can be output by selecting the actual date and latitude optimal angle.The 500 will only input 3.5A maximum at 18 volts for 63 watts. Some of the excess power from the panel can be fed into a USB battery bank, charged directly from the panel while also charging a 500. This will allow you to harvest as much as 63 + 15 = 78 watts.If this panel is used to charge a larger device, such as the power station, then its full output potential can be realized.

[@srfrg9707]

I came for the solar and I left with blessings and joy in my heart. Thanks and greetings from Greece. God bless you and your family.

[@stephenwilder3525]

Excellent video my brother. Clean and meticulous install, best I've seen yet. Thanks for closing with a personal message of faith in Jesus.

[@MrClownWorld]

That moment when you’re watching videos about solar panels and the message at the end hits you like a true preacher. Great job. God Bless you.

[@OG-767]

In addition how informative your video was on the subject matter that I searched it up for, I just loved the brief word that you gave to end it. Amen🙌🏽

[@seminolerick6845]

FINALLY have found an exact duplicate of my thoughts on mounting the panels horizontally, w/ unistrut, close to the ground, at a comfy working height. Very nice cable layout + management. The 90° bends... awesome. The parts list is great for us to get a little at a time, budget permitting. A shoutout to the folks who warned of the religious transition... I heeded & left the vid at that cut. Thanks ALL !

[@michaelangel6201]

Great video Jim, very thorough with your set-up...impressive. I also liked your closing comments, sometimes we get confused and angry about life situations and lose our trust and belief.

[@danielstoescu3311]

Nice to be able to finally hear professional language and terms when describing an electrical project. Thank you

[@phreebeere]

great video Jim, and great message! PROVERBS 18:10 "The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe"

[@garyjohn316]

Nice set-up Jim!We cannot be prepared enough.I liked your transition into the gospel,and you are right we do not have any excuse in our preparedness or salvation.In Amos 5 it says to prepare to meet your maker.

[@luckienuckie]

one of the best detailed vid on home solar setup on KZbin. thanks!

[@BWWGL9]

Nice, Clean, and laid out professionally. You took us through your system like a Professional, WITHOUT all the MUSIC in the background OVER-RUNNING your presentation, some people on the tube just need attention. Thanks for your time and effort.

[@jeremiahmcarthur1780]

Wow... Great job. I kept going on to another video for some reason I kept coming back to yours. I found out why at the end of your video. He was telling me something. I was lost in life until the end of video . I'm still here and breathing because of you and God. Thank you Jim.

[@JimKirchner]

Hey Jeremiah thanks for the comment - makes it all worth it. How can I help bro? Would be an honor to walk with you thru the storm. I've got some heavy storms at the moment too...lemme know.

[@jaypstech]

This video is 6years old but this was exactly i was looking for to build a small setup (300watt solar), i will be doing mine with 2x100ah Lipo4 batteries. Its alot cheaper now to build such a system and with better devices. Not sure how yours held up through the years. Thanks for sharing your faith as well. Its sad how this world has turn into now but it is prophesied, so it should not be a surprise. Thanks again.

[@JimKirchner]

You're right, it is prophesied so why not get excited about our part in the Great Commission?! Sure, news is a drain and life is full of trials, but Jesus...Hey I want to upgrade my system using Lipo4 etc. can you share what components you chose? Thanks

[@MrsMika]

I love how you explained everything very clearly and how neat and tidy you set up looks. Thank you for your informative video!

[@monana1711]

I just want to thank you for including your grounding method. So many solar setup videos don't mention grounding at all. I will view your video a few times until I have confidence my setup will work and be safe. This may take awhile as I have to keep viewing your closing comments. :)

[@derekdewey9242]

My favorite part was the message at the end. I enjoyed the info on solar but faith in Christ is so much more important. Bravo.

[@garyjones3364]

Five years old and still current. Thank you.

[@cottoncb]

Thank you for your insight, experience, and words of encouragement in the days we live in. Have a blessed day sir!

[@jimkerr2654]

Thank you Jim for the tips on building a solar system. Special thanks for sharing the truth about our Lord and Savior, Jesus. God Bless, sincerely, Jim

[@patd4u2]

Well Done, Very professional install with great attention to detail, And a well spoken review, Only thing I do not like about your solar system is that it is installed at your house and not mine...

[@IdahoDualSport]

Very nice setup Jim! Thank you for putting this together and having the courage to share the good news of our Lord :) God bless brother!

[@johnmurraycompton569]

An electrifying evangelization! Great off grid set up, AND spreading of the word of God!

[@thewaytaken7678]

Thanks, Jim for a very informative video about DIY solar and spiritually sound advice!

[@mktwatcher]

Thank you for sharing your Solar PV project details and your Witness. I enjoyed both.

[@DownTheRabbit-Hole]

Thanks for the video. As a retired C-10 electrical you did a nice install. I would like to add a few pointers to DIY out there. 1)Superstrut/Unistrut are different brand names of basically the same product. Superstrut is what is sold at HD/Lowe's and has basically same specs sizes etc. 2) I see a lot of people use strut for platforms with loads etc. Sometimes they support huge barrels of 300-500 lbs. I guarantee these strut platforms with manufacturer strut brackets will rack over time. Strut corners and brackets have a tendency to slide around. Of course, this depends on direction and amount of loads etc. Most people purchase cheaper 1/4 nuts washers etc. If you notice strut/bracket slots and holes are a bit larger than 1/2". This causes wimpy 1/4" nuts and flat washers to compress into the slot (on brackets etc) and bend/ and oftentimes slide/twist around no matter how much you tighten. (The washer at 1:12 appears to have a gap) I recommend 1/2" spring beefier nuts and bolts/flat washers in combination with a small amount of JB weld in areas where there might be side loads/racking issues. JB weld is probably easiest but not as strong as brazing corners but comes apart with sawsall if needed. I use JB weld after everything is lined up and permanent with manufacturers brackets in place and tightened. Seems to work OK. Strut is mostly galvanized zinc and brazing can create noxious fumes. Brazing/ welding is much stronger but uglies up the install unless you grind and paint. Muggyweld has a lower temp silver solder technique with Mapp gas. I have tried this with only modest success. The large pieces of strut wick away too much heat for the newer MAPP gas. Spot welding structural corners with Oxy/Acet is probably best. I hate welding but sometimes it is necessary. I have also drilled my own proper sized holes with my own brackets/nuts/washers. This works extremely well but takes more time. 3) Using Sawsall with bi-metal blade works OK but will never really get a square corner or 45. Using and abrasive type cut-off saw works OK. Lots of sparks, not so accurate 45/90 corners, hot metal and grinding of corners is needed. I also have tried Diablo metal blades in my normal wood chop saw. But I ended up changing out blades too much. I ended up with low RPM low temp, non-abrasive type Evolution Rage saw ($226 at HD). This saw is low temp, creates clean 90 and 45 cuts and requires very little clean up/ deburring. A bit long winded but helpful to DIY'rs God Bless. Have you or any commenters noticed any sliding/movement in your strut corners?

[@TheGreatishe]

Thanks very much Jim for the Video very informative and thanks for sharing the Gospel with us. God bless you and continue to use you.

[@Cementhead48]

Great video. I have studied solar for quite sometime and finally bought 1 100 watt panel to get started. I don,t understand electricity that well, but I am learning. Thanks , and God Bless, Tom

[@jessiedalaqui1830]

Thank you for this video. I appreciate it much especially your closing statements. God bless- Jessie

[@paulleadingham]

+Jessie Dalaqui Agree!

[@wesleycountry5986]

Jim, finding this video was no accident, thank you.

[@GypsyBrokenwings]

Amen! Hey I'm off grid. Getting ready to set up. Thanks for the help!

[@kerriobartlette4668]

Enjoyed the Video, Thanks. Looking to build a system myself here in the caribbean but by his grace it will be done, Thanks again and Praise the Lord Our God!

[@laynemaehara5845]

Thank you for sharing to the people on You tube! Yeshua commanded us to go and spread the Gospel to the world! Blessings brother and great video!

[@sethm1845]

great video. your ending message was awesome as well!

[@stephenrakun2427]

I have watch alot of youtube about alot of stuff (solar system grids but have never hard what the presenter beliefs - Great Message

[@genebodenberger]

I have just started (one piece at a time) something that is about 90 percent of what you are have done. My mount will be different and brand names on equipment may be different, but mostly the same set up. My goal is to have a system that like you said can preserve food in a fridge and freezer and will give some time until my generator can be set up to supply AC and charge batteries. Subscribed so that finding this video again is much easier. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@jmrichsonsr]

Cleanest installation I have seen. Lot of attention to detail. Thoroughly enjoyed your video. Thanks for sharing.

[@marbbridges]

Man that was a work of art, and I love to testimony. I really needed to hear that God bless you

[@thereynolds2725]

You did a pretty good DIY job. As an electrician, I will tell you about some (minor) quibbles I have. First, while you can get away with the MC4 connectors as a disconnecting means, I think an actual disconnect switch would be better. The thing I didn't like the most was the lack of connectors when you entered your indoor equipment. At the very least you should have some Bushings on those knock outs. Good job overall.

[@dukeisang]

I love you 100%... I wish I have your kinda courage to speak about Christ without fear or favor as you just did... I am blessed brother.

[@107retired]

I should'a paid more attention in shop class!! I love the set up! Neat, orderly and easier to maintain. I have a WHOLE lot to learn....maybe give some credence to the expression, teach an ole dog a new trick! Never was good with math! Thanks for sharing Gods good news at the end.

[@bradleyharr]

Thank you for posting this! I was able to use your design to make a stand that holds 6 100watt panels.

[@TheGrayman1234]

A little over kill for my needs but thank you so much for the details and explaining exactly how you did it. I will have to watch it 3 times to get all of the info, but the video is very well made.

[@ge45gecalled39]

inspiriting thank you for loving our Father

[@evgenpatotskiy177]

Great to see that inplix has new instructions to save my money and energy to build it.

[@gilbertlopez3313]

I really enjoyed your video and learned a lot but I really, really, thoroughly enjoyed your message at the end. Thank you.

[@opengatechristianfellowshi4359]

Loved your closing message segment. Thanks for the insight on solar energy too!

[@yuan1]

Thanks you for making this video and including a parts list, much appreciated!

[@LandtoHouse]

Very clean install! Thank you for posting your setup. I will keep this in mind when I install my panels. :)

[@2olvets443]

Thank you for posting this. I had been pondering ways to have an adjustable system and this helps. 🙏

[@JimKirchner]

I upgraded it this year and made a modification to allow for easier tilting with the sun. Basically, I rounded the bottom of the square bracket on the rotating frame that rests on the vertical struts.

[@2olvets443]

@@JimKirchner I have a 3k 24v expandable on the way that I need to plan for. I have 6 panels now but will add 3 more so need to build for the 9. The cost of uni strut being 30.00 a stick now is crazy and I will need to do framing with wood and the rails with uni strut.

[@isaiahhesslup8463]

Wonderful video, and thank you very much for your comments about Christ He is THE GREATEST!!!

[@skeptictiqer6902]

If "the greatest" means "without proof of existence", then yes

[@neilwani1178]

Thank you for this. Very good for a small install but many principles can be used for larger systems.

[@zachmonsue]

I didn't understand alot of this video but I enjoyed the message at the end.

[@Stephen069able]

totally unexpected ending, but the best part of the video. praise God, praise Jesus. and thank you for the solar info brother.

[@jplevasseur2797]

Thank you for the idea of the mount and conduit. I did something very similar with my 400W system. It's interesting how before I saw your video we did something very similar looking inside with the disconnect. charger, etc. Thanks again. Very helpful video.

[@unarammer2003]

great video especially the end of it.keep up the great videos brother.

[@erikthompson4874]

very organized clean set up... great job, and I share your faith

[@CarMaintenanceGuy]

Congrats on having the absolute nicest solar panel setup on all of KZbin. I have no idea where to get all of those mounting brackets. Those are exactly what I'm looking for. I found a 310 watt solar panel 6.5 x 3' for $130 brand new.

[@CarMaintenanceGuy]

I have 16 huge panels that I want to ground mount like this. What a royal P.I.T.A.

[@DavidLouthan]

This is great! What alot of important info especially useful video. I wasn't thinking of the dissimilar metal connections on the ground of panels. I'll have to get a few of those connectors. Thanks!

[@lonetrader00]

Nice small system. One suggestion on making battery cables. Crimp, then solder, then shrink wrap with glued shrink wrap. Crimping for a mechanical connection. solder for a good electrical connection..

[@capellanluismartinez2746]

Amen brother keep doing this the ALMIGHTY God is using you to give and be light in the darkness GOD bless you amen.

[@duanemerchant3979]

Nice job on all the information on solar. Very proud of you to state your love for Jesus Crist.

[@noughsenough6386]

Great install. So much better than a gas powered generator for back-up. it can be used before the power goes out and pay itself back over time.

[@jamminjimmy3848]

Thanks VERY much for all of your info. Awesome system and so clean. EXACTLY what I needed to see. Again, thanks so much for sharing the solar info and the word, I can see it ALL helping a lot of people in the near future!!

[@karenannc]

Thank you, this is exactly what I’m looking for, perfect!!! 👍🏻

[@dkduvall4145]

Thanks Jim for the video. It was spot on and helped me a great deal with my own off grid solar installation for my small cabin. The information was correct and concise. If a picture is worth a thousand words then this video should be enough to at least a small book. Great job brother!

[@NYCamper62]

Nifty build/design on the panel rack.

[@ThundarrZ]

Beautiful Layout dude...very clean and attractive!

[@SolarizeYourLife]

Nice crimper, have not seen that before... thanks for showing...

[@glbell4024]

Thank you for the video, God Bless you, Keep the message going.

[@monana1711]

Thanks for this video, it's perfect for my needs. I also thank you for the comments at the end. Do you have an older brother?

[@JimKirchner]

I do not. By the way, once the weather breaks in April I'll be posting my updates to this system, including lithium iron phospate batteries, MPPT charge controller, another solar panel, and structural functional improvements.

[@robertellis1856]

If i am seeing this right, you have the bare copper wire going to the negative side of your batteries. That Copper wire is going to the grounding post set in the ground. If lighting hits your solar array you are going to have problems with your batteries.

[@fourzerofour7860]

System looks nice. Well put together. I disagree that an MPPT controller isn't worth it at that size array. You'd lose less in transmission if those panels were in series, and you'd have saved a bit by being able to use thinner wire potentially.

[@delamota2]

Great video, thanks for sharing and spreading the word of God. God bless you and your family

[@fleabag72]

That's one neat (tidy) setup ! Well planned and executed ! Thanks for sharing Atb lee

[@99somerville]

Nice installation. Very professional looking. Thanks for mentioning specs etc.

[@aleciatang473]

this was awesome.. thanks for sharing this.. now I am sure that I'm going off the grid..

[@georgemoomaw9437]

Very, Very Nice!! Thanks for sharing. I'm going to "borrow" your plans. The only thing I will do different (living wet Michigan) is either have the wires from my panels enter through the bottom of my connector box or leave enough wire to form a drip leg. I Just want a little extra protection from water intrusion. Thanks again Jim

[@evianway]

Jim, you did a great neat Job on your setup and video. It is one of the few videos to the point also most importantly for me showing the grounding fashion you used. I have been a bit perplexed on that end, and still not sure if this grounding of the negative battery pole works for all setups and inverters. I have a pure sine 300 watts inverter that has a chassis grounding screw, and 2 connectors for the plus and minus from the charge controller. Instructions are very poor on it's grounding connection and I'm still researching. Thanks again for sharing your setup and I don't mind the end at all, better to hear you share instead of watching too many ads :-) Best wishes!

[@90dcp]

Your clean install is outstanding! Nice work!!!

[@videosrfun4me189]

one flaw needs to be noted for others watching. on the wiring going into your supply post, the cables should droop lower than the entry hole and then upwards into the hole thereby if water runs down the cable it will drip off instead of going into the hole if not sealed perfectly.

[@NSNorfolk]

Very nicely presented. Thank you for sharing.

[@neilkoni90]

Great video and great testimony at the end!!!! That is really what it all is about! We only live once and time is short!! So glad to see and hear you sharing the true gospel at the end as that is VITAL for all to hear!!! Godbless brother!!!

[@azamali3131]

One off Best explainantion videos i've seen! Thanks

[@practicalreadiness2314]

Very nice video! Really clean setup. Thanks for sharing!

[@altrehab7084]

Thank you for saving the best for last! Good job keep it up

[@MyReefLiving]

great setup and enjoy the reminder of God and his goodness. amen

[@highflowhighflow9896]

you would be suprised what a storm can do, your setup is great but i would recommend to make some horizontal profile too between the vertical ground poles, or maybe better crossed.

[@barryclark1613]

Very nice setup going presentation but I'd say best msg came at the end well done

[@sampop5875]

Praise God, great video and thanks for sharing in this way the Word of God and how Jesus Loves us.

[@alexsmith9328]

Not to ground the inverter chassis to the battery negative which I think this is what you did in your breaker box inside, since you connected the grounded box to the battery negative and you said to the inverter also. It might work for your inverter, but not in mine and maybe others. Thanks!

[@rodmartel3143]

Hi Jim. I have an off grid near the Canadian Border and put in a small system also (2 -100 amp Battle Born Batteries and 2 -200 solar panels with a 40 amp Rich Controller). The ONE subject that has a CRAZY amount of differing and confusing opinions is GROUNDING!! I can't believe how much stuff I have watched and how many DIFFRENENT opinions I have gotten on something that should be so simple. our installation is so orderly, but I was wondering a couple of things and look forward to other's perspectives. First of all, Electrical guru Mike Holt, says that lightening protection is a whole different animal. AS I understand it, you do not want lightening connecting with your system, but rather if one wants lightening protection, that is done by creating a "shell" of sort over your structure that is separate from the electrical system. Secondly, (again I am a novice and looking for more opinions) , in a 12 volt system of your size, grounding the system is not necessary, but bonding the frames of the SA and then going straight to a ground rod, like you did will help dissipate a lightning strike, but the in that event, your panels will be toast no matter what you do. BUT, by connecting them with another grounding cable, like you did to your whole system, you would be inviting lightening INTO your whole system with the associated damage in the event of a lightening strike. Curious about what you and others think. Like I said, I am a novice, just trying to get a grip on it. In my case, many of the issues I have with my 2000 watt inverter or my honda 2200i generator when I bring AC into the tiny cabin can be mitigated with my GCFI's which are cheap protection from short circuiting issues. Any opinions are welcomed!

[@JimKirchner]

Great points Rod. I tend to agree with your assessment. Lightning will toast it no matter what you do since everything is so close. Keep spares on hand and let me know your final decision regarding grounding.

[@terrypalmore7314]

Thanks Jim. Excellent Solar project, heart felt WORD of Faith! God Bless you!

[@petersonbenonyangoh]

So good

[@qualityelectricsavi2]

awesome solar panel, I still got on my beginner size panel... i really need to upgrade..

[@daleknox8104]

Thanks for the messages!

[@jbkroeger]

Excellent share...and completely loved your ending comments about God...very well done!

[@redsquirrelftw]

Wow that's a nice setup. I just built a shed and have it running on a small temporary solar setup (everything just kinda thrown together on the ground) but I ordered 4 100w panels off Amazon and now looking into the best way to mount them on the roof. May do unistrut, have a few ideas. So this is quite inspiring. I would experiment with putting those panels in series if your charge controller can handle the voltage, that way even when it's overcast it might get enough voltage to trickle charge the battery. I personally like to do everything in multiples of 2 though so it's odd to see 3 panels and 3 batteries and not 2 or 4, but either way it works. I guess being a computer geek does that to you, so that's why I went with 4 panels myself. I will probably do 2 groups of 2 in series/parallel, but I'll experiment to see what works best.

[@edhollingsworth2335]

Wonderful that you gave Gods message!

[@tinynhhouse5467]

Thank you for this informative video and the parts list. I am planning on installing a 250 watt panel this summer and this info will help me a lot. God bless. -- Dave

[@andrewdavis6917]

Fantastic setup. God Bless you and yours.