EXACTLY - How To Use the Controller on your Harbor Freight Solar Panel Kit

How do you read and use the controller that comes with your Harbor Freight solar panel kit? Watch me go through all the connections, and each display and function screen to show you EXACTLY how to best use it!

[@thomaslum2]

You did a better job explaining this controller than anyone else I have watched. Saving this video to refer back to when I purchase the kit. Thank you!

[@OffGridNorthIdaho]

Wow! Thank you!

[@EE-cd6gm]

Totally agree.

[@11jhustle]

@@OffGridNorthIdaho Thank you for a great video. Would you happen to know why my control panel is not showing the left or 1st arrow and the battery icon is not filling up?

[@illegalgambit]

@@11jhustle That would seem to indicate that your solar panels are not properly connected to the charge controller.

[@johnpeace1149]

It's been a year since this comment was posted. And this is still true.

[@trishgraham7639]

Thank you so much! I tried to find info on this little controller. Had a code pop up. But wanted to learn more. You explained this better than anything I found. You helped me.

[@serenereadings271]

You taught me more in 6 minutes than the three years I have had this.

[@secretmuse420]

You are awesome! 2 years later and this information is gold. Thank you! 🙌🏽

[@shaunbeil3143]

Thank you for your explanation! It was very concise and to the point without silly music and "fluff"!

[@johnpeace1149]

AGREED!

[@normasmith4090]

I cannot thank you enough for this video. You did an awesome job of explaining how the controller works - that even I can understand. Like Marilyn Voss Savant (a genius) told somone who wrote to her - a truly smart person can come down to anyone's level and explain something in a way that anyone can understand. The man was said he was so smart that others could not comprehend his explanations or terminology.

[@terrisebring1151]

Thank you so very much for this video. YOU are the first YT to actually explain how my charger actually works. I did not get any instructions with my kit. Thanks again, Terri from Central Michigan 😎

[@binggo2787]

This is the best explanation of this controller ❤ thanks a bunch! From Wahnapitae Ontario Canada.

[@Edward6441]

Great explanation for the use of the controller

[@underdog24861]

Thanks! A awesome detailed description of how Thunderbolt charge controller works! You are the best!

[@neodentist]

The best explanation to this kit ! thank you, thank you !!!

[@jimbojones9665]

Thanks a bunch! I lost my manual and was having a tough time figuring out the different settings.

[@postalinVT]

Just bought one of these , haven't even opened the box ! Some kind of glad I ran into this vid. Thanks !!

[@dennisclark8766]

Forgot to tell you that your explanation of the controller was the best I've seen, and I've watched a bunch.

[@alphastarcar]

I should’ve watched your video as the very first thing that I did. It would’ve saved me hours of research. Thank you for this excellent tutorial!

[@EvaWright]

Thank you so much 💓 One of our batteries was dead. Couldn't figure out how to use the controller. Our neighbor gave it to us, and we don't know how to use it yet.

[@Praetoria113-zm3no]

I like this lady, she seems pleasant and down to earth. You've gained a subscriber.

[@eloneverett4318]

I realize Im quite randomly asking but does anybody know a good place to watch new tv shows online ?

[@kingstonenzo8872]

@Elon Everett I watch on flixzone. Just google for it :)

[@Praetoria113-zm3no]

@@eloneverett4318 Hulu?

[@msaudimus]

I just had a freak out moment when my alarm sounded on my system and displayed an error code! Im a solar newbie. I started googling and found you! You explained this in such an easy and simple way that made sense to me!! I now understand my controller screen (i have this same system)! My error code was a low battery and apparently resolved itself while i was learning from you lol! Thank you SO much!! I am definitely a follower now! 😊

[@bagingospringo4396]

What error message if u don't mind me asking

[@msaudimus]

@@bagingospringo4396 it was code E11.

[@bagingospringo4396]

@@msaudimus me too. It said too thin of wire going to ur inverter, are u using one?

[@msaudimus]

@@bagingospringo4396 apparently the code has a couple meanings. Lol I tested my battery and charge controller (i thought my charge controller was bad) with a voltmeter to ensure they were both operating at 12V. And they both were. So I completely disconnected my charge controller for a few to reset it. That seemed to work so far. Before I did all that though, I did the hold down the load button for 10 seconds thing but that didn't clear it.

[@bagingospringo4396]

@Audrey Ford I disconnected mine to reset it too, and idk how to hook up the charge controller because the way the wires are it looks like id need another plug it's got those weird silver and black plugs...I don't have my charge controller set up it's only the display and battery

[@barbaramorgan2887]

I have listened to 3 or 4 'instruction' videos and yours is the first on that was simple and understandable. Thank you. Not a bunch of 'cut this wire, add this connector, crip here, yadayada... Just a great explanation. I agree with all the positive comments.

[@OffGridNorthIdaho]

Thank you Barbara!

[@kathybrewer7985]

What does the code E11 mean on the screen?

[@drlisarains7927]

Excellent video! Explaining the controller was outstanding!

[@kingsoutdoors4379]

Thank You!! Just bought the HF 100 watt kit with no instructions in the Box! now I understand 👍😊

[@Praetoria113-zm3no]

I think it's cool when you have people who decide to DIY self sustaining. I'm 90% done on a 4×4 HB trailer that I've customized for off grid camping. I've managed to build it from HB, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, and Lowes so far. 20lb propane tank feeds two burner Coleman and Mr. Heater, LEDs for spots, solar lights for night, garage way sensors for intruders while camping and a Camp Rite cot/tent mounted on top. Currently using small solar at 35Ah, but will upgrade to eventually 105Ahs using three HB batteries powering a small 800 w invertor. The 20lb tank will last approx 5-7 camping trips running the heater all night. Reinforced all the bolts and nuts, used flex seal on all the bare metal, has a mounted spare, fender tool boxs and still weighs less then 500lbs.

[@russellborrego1689]

Can I ask what "HB" is an abbreviation for?

[@Praetoria113-zm3no]

@@russellborrego1689 Meant to be HF...Harbor Freight.

[@Praetoria113-zm3no]

Update: Now have 70Ah, Renogy 20A charge controller and (2) 100 water solar panels, the new type from HF. Upgraded to 800/1500W invertor also. I just do a little at a time when I can afford it.

[@onthegopowerwashprollc1077]

Very awesome job of explaining that system. I have been debating getting one from Harbor Freight for my new enclosed pressure washing trailer. I believe I will give it a shot. I still need to learn more about Amp Hours and all that good stuff, but this video was very very helpful....thank you

[@glennrogers697]

Just got this same setup, looking forward to expanding it, will be testing household things like slow cooking

[@SsDiBoi]

the best PMW video. from sum lady in Idaho 😮🤔🧐 who woulda thunk it😂😊

[@32cra21]

Great information and it’s appreciated. However I might suggest a tripod for the zoomed in videos.

[@OffGridNorthIdaho]

Thank you, and I finally got a tripod! I agree, it was sorely needed, lol.

[@mostrogolf22]

Thank you, I just assembled mine today for the 1st time, this helps a lot. Tomorrow I will bring ut out again ant put a load on it to see how it performs.

[@OffGridNorthIdaho]

That's awesome! Let me know how it does with the load on!

[@mostrogolf22]

@@OffGridNorthIdaho kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpfFon6an5iCec0 This is the 1st video I made a daybor two ago. Cycling through the controller is a little difficult for me, I believe it I leave it alone and when I start it, the 1st display if arrow is blinking from the panel to the battery it tells me the actual voltage coming in to the batteries from the panel. Am I correct in saying this? Thank you for responding.

[@johnbutler5208]

Very good explanation. Thank you. I will be watching. John

[@NateT602]

Great video very informative straight to the point and well spoken thanks for sharing!

[@choctaw2sticks193]

just got our kit, your vids are clear and to the point. that's what I like. thanks

[@OffGridNorthIdaho]

Thank you!

[@jaredalston7382]

This was so helpful and just what I needed. Thank you! Be well.

[@thesavo]

Very helpful info. The Shaky cam is difficult to watch though. Thanks for posting.

[@shioncallam41]

Awesome. Thank you! I was really trying to crack my skull looking at that second button😂. Didn’t have a clue, now I do.

[@maneysmountainhomestead]

I just bought one of these for my barn and posted a video also. Thanks for the great information

[@RiddlelnYourHead]

Awesome, hands down the BEST Video out there! Can you do an update on what you are using it for and how well it's holding up. What kind of battery is that you are using? I just ordered this 😊

[@OffGridNorthIdaho]

Wow, thank you!! I sure will!!

[@davelatham2003]

Great video! Thank you for taking the time to make it- very helpful

[@RoyalGrandYoungsta]

Thanks. I was a little confused on how it worked. 👍🏽

[@jennymohr6768]

Thank you sooo much for this video! My family and I are preppers and we have been wanting to go solar for quite sometime but didn't have a good enough explanation until now. I have sleep apnea and need to be able to run my bi-pap machine, along with us charging our phones, our daughter's tablet, and a small refrigerator. If you can message me on how I need to do this we would greatly appreciate it or anyone who can explain it to us. We just had a new Harbor Freight open in our town so we want to be able to get everything if possible from their. Thank you again for this video!

[@OffGridNorthIdaho]

I will try to reply tomorrow after church!

[@jennymohr6768]

@@OffGridNorthIdaho oh thank you so much!

[@XantherBlaze]

Solar kit, 12v marine battery and you might need a 2000 watt inverter for most of your day.

[@davidgarcia-mo4ob]

well u just explained how it works and u was alot of help than the other videos from other people think u so much

[@thomasgilkey9140]

Good video, good luck with that thing, mine does good to keep a cell phone charged and use one of the lights that came with it once in a while. Have it on a new trolling deep cycle battery. And if you give it a few days between using it, gives plenty of power, but I'm off the grid and don't have days for the junk system to catch it up

[@deborahb4013]

Thank you for the excellent video. You made it so simple! Well done.

[@OffGridNorthIdaho]

Thank you!

[@jam5387]

Thank you for sharing this information! Very helpful!

[@PermacultureHomestead]

thanks, that was helpful. i am using this kit and an inverter to power a small freezer

[@jeremyfield4148]

Thank you for this video series I just bought this to charge my rv battery when I am off grid. All other videos I watched you needed to be a electrician to understand. One question if all I want to do is charge a battery and not hookup anything to the controller am I fine with the default settings?

[@OffGridNorthIdaho]

You are so welcome! Yes, for just charging up the battery, default setting should be fine. It could be set up to charge faster, but it's totally not necessary.

[@Resist-Lockdowns]

Great instructions. Thank you for making this video

[@melissaterrito4398]

Thank you so much you made it very easy to understand and use.

[@jasnadao]

I love our solar panels. Great tips!

[@Just4FunFishing]

Best video explanation thank you

[@kaystill8358]

Yes! Finally a female that explains thing throughly. Just subscribed. Girls rule!!!

[@andrwepreston6186]

Great video. Thanks for explaining it!

[@AmusedSketchpad-mh1qz]

Amp output is the figure you want to look at. Controllers like those are 4 or 6 amps. Anthing higher amp draw will pop breaker on controler. If more amps needed get their inverters that hook to batteries and get more output 4500 watt 10 amp inverter will run a small refrigerator like in campers. Run batteries in series/phase, also for more amp output. Or bigger Charge control center, nice ones with batteries all in one package. 30 amps and 230 volts on one that I seen.

[@buckaroundandfindout]

Thank you for your time.

[@HotRodTom47]

BIG HELP....THANKS GOOD VIDEO AND INFORMATIVE

[@jjames5475]

You did a GREAT EXPLAINING. BUT I HAVE 1 QUESTION ❓.. HOW DO GET THE AMPS COMING FROM THE SOLAR PANEL ON THE CONTROLLER . WHAT BUTTONS DO YOU PUSH ON CONTROLLER .. Thank You 😊

[@djemsmortimer]

Not bad. Not bad at all. Actually, I take that back. It's excellent. I've already been doing solar for about 2 years now but I wish I had found your video when I first started. My cabin is completely off-grid although I don't live in it. I'm using it as a getaway. You seem like a genuinely nice lady 👩 and your tutorial was easy to follow. I've gone ahead and subscribed. Godspeed!

[@OffGridNorthIdaho]

Thank you!!! Godspeed to you, as well!

[@jimnunya1253]

Looking for the id with proper instructions on the other settings like changing the min/max voltage and changing the voltage cutoff. I already made changes to mine, more charge! AGM & Lithium 💪

[@richardbrady2818]

I just bought this set up, hey thanks now I don't have to read the dumb book

[@RONMAYS71]

Very excellent video, Thanks for sharing

[@jamesd5463]

much better than the direction that came with the kit !

[@lesliebeeman2499]

Thanks for these videos like Jeremy Fields stated been looking into solar but couldn't understand what they was talking about. Have you tried using the USB port and any trouble.

[@eddiebender8256]

Thank you very much!!.👍🏼♥️

[@alanurquiza6897]

Thank you for the good explanation

[@CedarSproutHomestead]

Thanks for showing what we all can figure out and not the part we can’t ! So thanks for nuttin!

[@joshwayop]

There's a feature with the controller that you probably didn't know that I use to make my porch light turn on at night for how many hours i want to that i can set which i have set to 5 hours and when then turns the load off after the timer goes or if sunlight hits the solar panel and works fully automatically.

[@OffGridNorthIdaho]

Wow, that's awesome! I need a tutorial on that!!

[@melanieking724]

Thank you. I was so confused 💙

[@chaseglenn4817]

Very helpful

[@rolandedrummer9723]

I still refer back to this video when I forget how to use it.

[@farrelpayton5432]

Good post maam

[@thymekiller]

very helpful. thank you

[@alpha_y2k438]

You did an awesome job on explaining. I'm very simple minded, so simple is good for me So a question about the screens. For say boost, do you have to be in the screen for it to boost, or is it automated no matter what screen your on?

[@MyBackyardScience]

Great review! Liked and subbed to see more.

[@leslie8248]

Very helpful 👍

[@Praetoria113-zm3no]

At 12.1 volts you've already depleted half the amps. If it is an AGM or Lead battery you're already damaging it. 12.2v is the lowest you'll want to drain the battery more then 50%. Lithium is different, up to 90% drain.

[@OffGridNorthIdaho]

Yep, you're exactly right. I had thew wrong battery, and I'm learning more all the time!

[@Praetoria113-zm3no]

@@OffGridNorthIdaho This is the way solar batteries work. If it is AGM or Lead for example rated for 35Ah as the HF batteries are really means about 17.5 actual Ahs to use because you don't want to drain more then 50%. If it is Lithium, at 35Ahs, you get 35Ahs of use because you can drain down to 90%. Difference is price. Lithium is expensive but worth it. Also, your batteries only have a certain amount of recharging cycles. The more the battery is depleted, the faster it will die. Try to have enough batteries to run your needs but doesn't need constant recharging from the limits of the battery. Match your solar wattage with the invertor. If you use a 1000 w invertor, you need at least 100 w of solar panels. If 2000 w invertor, you need to have 200 w solar. The reason behind that is the wattage used by the invertor needs to be replenished at the same rate it's being fed. Keeps the invertor from overheating. Also, a 1000w invertor likes around 100Ah of battery. So, 2000w likes 200Ah of battery.

[@mouthboehm]

Good explanation! Thank you.

[@Brian-mp2mv]

Thanks for the video explanation! 0:35 such a shame they didn't make that plug come out the bottom of the charge controller (solar panel input power)... that connection will always have stress on it, and the potential to be broken off. especially since the unit is designed for wall mount.

[@fredfried8786]

Hello Brian you will probably find that you would like to add another kit later. Using the circular Hub system also available at Harbor Freight you can add more kids together and then use the direct wire function at the bottom of the controller to connect the Hub. As soon as you add the Hub and one more kit you have effectively doubled your charge. The Hub will handle up to 400 watts of input and output. However 400 watts of panels will not produce 400 w especially if placed in a semicircular array to catch the Sun from east to west. So........my plan is to connect five sets or 20 panels to maximize output with the Hub. I am currently running three sets and expanding shortly. Good luck with your install.

[@lja1229]

I made need thicker wires to connect the controller to the batteries and I'm getting more power to the batteries

[@Spidermonkeys29]

I like your videos. I bought the kit if i only want to use one 25watt panel can i bypass the connector? Instead of connecting all 4

[@jamesmorrison6653]

Good job

[@kelvinsmith2995]

Very good info. To the point.

[@tonykaczmarek278]

Thank you very much

[@starvet07]

Great video! Thanks

[@stephenm8100]

great video, Do you know anything about using the terminal on the bottom instead of the DC plug on the front?

[@WhstlblwrBlastingEpsteinsILK]

Great video! Thanks so much!

[@ae77769]

Thank you for sharing.

[@susan7627]

Thank You I need help😳you freakin ROCK....Smart sweet 🐬🐬🐬💥

[@cw5034]

K glad I came across your video went to Habor Freight yesterday bought Jackery 290 explorer and then solar panel 100w any kind but in back of solar panel that hookup doesn't work for that Jackery question can I just buy the controller your speaking about at harbor Freight just for solar panel it's thunderbolt it's called

[@OffGridNorthIdaho]

Did your panel kit come with a controller? I know the Jackery you're talking about, and I'm going down today to harbor freight, so we can help you figure it out.

[@cw5034]

@@OffGridNorthIdaho Your to sweetie no but I came across video that may can help me but please stay in touch sweetie

[@cw5034]

@@OffGridNorthIdaho Sorry about typos I type without checking my spelling of word's and just send

[@sleepwalking117]

I'm the desert getting plenty of sun. I'm only getting 11.8 volts currently in direct sunlight. Should I try cleaning the panels or checking connections?

[@unclerico8161]

Thank you

[@matcravens3414]

I just got this system and used my battery through a modified sine to fun a fan. My battery is drained and now it says E11 when try to charge it. Did I ruin my battery? Do you know what I need to do in order to get it to charge. Thank you for your videos. Most other info I've found comes from pompous know it alls who talk like I'm an idiot for not knowing all the ins and outs of solar.

[@TomInAcworth]

well done

[@JTLand]

3 years later- how did this setup work out for you?

[@kmwrites7456]

you are a good teacher but could you get a tripod for the video. I felt seasick a few times :-)

[@capnrob97]

That load button doesn't send power to the 3 light plugins, it sends power to the the connector to the right of the battery connector that has that same lightbulb picture next to it. You could wire a 12 vlight to that connector, or a fan, etc, and turn it on and off with the red button.

[@OffGridNorthIdaho]

Oh, I want to go try this! Thank you capnrob!

[@tjs77tsa]

That button does send load to the lights they turn off when you press it.

[@trainmaster0217]

How do you set the controller battery type? I was going to buy the solar panel kit. I already have a 50ah lithium battery and am wondering how to set that controller for the lithium battery I have.

[@davidbedard3915]

Awesome stuff!

[@7secondcommute]

VERY helpful!!

[@OffGridNorthIdaho]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brianbannon2675]

Great video

[@brandonGCHACHU]

I need a solar kit for a van. I just need some lights and power for a TV. Would this be capable of that?

[@cottonpreppinpoor2709]

Never let your batteries get below 12.1-12.3 volts for the longest life of your batteries.

[@ko.ko33]

wow !!!babygirl ...l ty soooooo much 4 this info in laymains termz!!! perfect demostration !!! yes yez

[@jessarellanes6648]

I have that but my controller looks different….