100 Watt Solar Panel Kit Setup for Complete Beginners - Start to Finish!

[@footprinthero]

PRODUCTS used in this video (affiliate links) Renogy 100W 12V solar panel kit - amzn.to/49eXywQ LiTime (fka AmpereTime) 12V battery - amzn.to/3Svguk9 2000W 12V inverter - amzn.to/3usFoso 150W 12V inverter (very small, not recommended) - amzn.to/3w10EpH 12V car socket (for connecting 150W inverter to battery) - amzn.to/495xmVI

[@suecastillo1733]

Thank you for a beautifully concise and thorough explanation of this basic system!

[@footprinthero]

you're welcome 😄

[@ChrisOberg-jh6tg]

Would this work to power a mini split i just want to know how much juice it’s pulling from a battery

[@ernestelijah-d5q]

PLEASE HELP 1) WHAT WAS THE RATING OF THE CHARGE CONTROLLER YOU USED 2) WHAT ARE THE DEVICES THIS SYSTEM CAN CARRY 3) WHAT IS THE OUTPUT WATTAGE THIS SYSTEM WILL GENERATE ???

[@kburkes4245]

Thank you for this video. I am a 66 year old woman, kinda tech savvy, but thinking about trying some solar for a few things. It's nice to see a simple system broken down step by step, so I can make a decision if I want to go that direction or not. Doesn't look too hard. I appreciate it very much.

[@judyrichards7336]

Same here...ready to try...

[@beckyd6050]

Same here😊

[@michaeletukudoh1598]

Same here. I now understand better

[@kcfaces]

I have search a whole lot of videos on how to set up a solar panel to my RV that is solar ready and your video was absolutely the Best!

[@ILHunter]

This is by far the best basic explanation I have seen on You tube about hooking up basic solar. Some of the videos there are so many other components involved and it leaves my scratching my head for a beginner to solar. Thanks for this video, it was helpful.

[@letsdiscoverflorida]

I'm new to solar technology and I found this video to be really helpful even though I've already installed my first solar panel system. What a great orator!

[@footprinthero]

Thank you!!

[@Pyarpyarindia]

How I can start my carrier with solar installation. Plz suggest

[@ddickinson2351]

You did a great job!!! Thank you for not making novices feel stupid.

[@leeinwis]

Noob !

[@DBbyDesign]

That fact that you know to hookup the positive first. Tells me your one of the better guys making these videos.

[@wolfenstein6676]

Why so?

[@BedsitBob]

Any car mechanic knows this.

[@abundantYOUniverse]

LOL!

[@BrotherWitch]

I was taught to connect the negative first, as it will act like ground. Where if you connect the positive first, the battery is live but not grounded. How were you taught?

[@BedsitBob]

@@BrotherWitch I was taught to connect the negative last, especially on a vehicle, where the bodywork forms the negative path. If you connect the negative first, and your spanner touches the bodywork, while tightening the positive terminal connection, you've short circuited the battery, causing at the very least a spark (in an engine bay potentially filled with petrol fumes), and possibly causing the spanner to become very hot, burning you. A dead short, on a fully charged car battery, can be several hundred amps.

[@charliejohn1]

I just started to set up a solar system (100 W panel) a few days ago, and your video was right on time. Thank you 👍

[@kennthbrowne7051]

nice how much amp solar panel have may i asked

[@demogirlsworld]

I came across your website a year ago and could not for the life of me find where I had bookmarked it. 3 days of searching and I have found your website AND YT channel. While I am only setting up fans for my greenhouse, your website was the knowledge I needed that made sense to me!

[@jamiemartin7556]

Honestly a great video for beginners, if i could make one suggestion, as an electrician who also does solar, always connect the bare ended wire to your charge controllers first, it is possible to get a shock from the panel making a little bit of energy if you touch the bare copper, then you can connect the mc4 connector after. Great job!

[@ianemery2925]

Agreed; the connectors are insulated, the screwdriver used here isnt - there is also the danger of the bare wire touching something else while you are hooking everything up, and causing arcing; potentially damaging/destroying the controller. Screw in connections should never be done when the cable is "live", no matter the voltage/current. (Time served sparky)

[@kayimamosielu3566]

​@@ianemery2925 Solar panels power doesn't kill anybody. Have ever seen someone killed by solar panels power?🤣🤣🤣

[@ianemery2925]

​@@kayimamosielu3566 I've never seen an atomic bomb explode, either; it doesn't mean they arent dangerous or dont kill people. Solar panels come in a range of output voltages. Linked together, that can quickly exceed the voltage and current needed for a serious jolt; and DC shocks are the most dangerous as they are continuous current. I only PERSONALLY know of one solar panel related death - my brother in law - he fell 40+ft, on to a concrete floor, dying instantly.

[@JustinRamatladi-jz8xd]

How many batteies one need that can produce 220v? Can solar energy cook food? Can it convert DC to AC which inverter u need to do that

[@ianemery2925]

@@JustinRamatladi-jz8xd A standard 12v car battery can easily produce thousands of volts, we used to make the circuits to do this for fun, as electrical apprentices; you could also do it with a 6v battery. Yes, solar energy can cook food, either directly, or by converting to electricity.

[@rvvanlife]

Best begginer solar install video I've seen yet. Thank you 👍

[@cherrylynn7173]

Subscribed! This is possibly the easiest video I've seen on solar setup. I'm not the best when it comes to technology Thanks. I'm saving this for future references.

[@EthanMiller-h6g]

This video is super helpful for beginners! When I decided to go solar, I had Johnson Electric and Controls in California handle the installation-they made it so hassle-free and got everything set up perfectly. Definitely worth checking out if you’re looking to get started!

[@samanthacastleberry6341]

I subscribed after seeing how well you break things down for beginners. This was an excellent video, and I look forward to watching many more of your videos. Thank you for being so thorough!

[@deepsouthNZ]

Thank you for explaining that in a way us dummies can understand

[@mackychloe]

Agreed.

[@rustyS-r1z]

I'm insulted... Lol

[@MM-sq5pf]

You're welcome

[@billyboozer8806]

Your video was great to explain to new solar panel users how to make connections simple and safe.

[@bieragaino440]

I am a complete novice/ beginner .So helpful Thank You Sir.

[@john-j7e7e]

this helped alot. my first setup for garage I bought two power queen 100amp 12volt batteries, renogy 700watt inverter, lion energy savanna solar charge controller and three lion energy 12volt 100 watt panels. subscribed.

[@mikeworley2158]

No torque screwdriver?

[@john-j7e7e]

@@mikeworley2158 hmm no just plain screwdriver. quick question. both the inverter and charge controller cables should be hooked up positives to one battery and negatives to the other battery?

[@couerleroi1]

You're the best!! First time I ever understood, the process

[@petersom4882]

This is great video step by step for beginner and intermediate . Very easy to follow and understand .

[@ashben74]

Nice and clear for a beginner like me ! Thank you.

[@footprinthero]

You're welcome!

[@donaldknapik2706]

Great way of breaking down the topic into easy bits. I would connect your power source (battery and panel) bare wires first then the battery connections and finally the premade connectors on the panel. This minimizes exposure to potentially live wires.

[@Allen-Doe]

I've been looking for the Explanation for years. Thank you so much

[@sewfantastic7257]

I am converting my van into a camper and decided to add solar panels changed my mind after not finding anyone to explain to me how to go about it. Saw your video now the solar panels are back in the plan.Thanks

[@grandacres427]

Thank you and I SO appreciated those zoom shots for DETAILs - that we wonderful editing 🤗

[@powoxi]

This is indeed an outstanding product! It has exceeded my expectations

[@brianjessen547]

Great video! Perfect explanation for a newbie like me. I feel confident adding an inverter to my toyhauler now.

[@StarCaledonia]

Many thanks for this easy explanation. DIY van conversions made easy 😁

[@lalaboota56]

Thank you for taking the time to explain this so well.

[@4098operry]

Ok 100watt solar is done. How and where to add fuses/breaker to it, at what amp. I love your explanations i will follow you and build one🎉keep them coming

[@mvakleko]

Yes exactly this is the important step. Everything he already did has been repeated. We need guidance on fuses, how to size them and when and where to use them.

There are easy charts on line. Simple to follow and understand. Gives you wire size, fuse size, breaker sizes.

[@vitogriffin8902]

Bus bars, fuses, breakers etc aren't really necessary for this size setup. Sometimes people still prefer to use that stuff, but the battery has a management system, the charge controller has management, and your inverter has management and likely at least one fuse. That's why on all the 100w kit diagrams you don't see fuses and breakers on there. If you do want to add more fuses then there's a few different options and many people on KZbin have detailed videos. Will Prowse is kind of the man when it comes to solar so I'd recommend starting there.

[@tejanikerroumi9633]

Yes good question

[@user-gi3xj8nz3s]

Awesome 😎 keep up the good work

[@CherrieMcKenzie]

Thanks so much for this video. I'm getting ready to set up a solar array and I'm learning as I go. This explained some things I already knew and a LOT of things I didn't. I guess you could say you completed my learning loop. 😂

[@Ramen.Butterbeard]

Have always been anxious about setting up a solar system, but thanks to your through explanation, I now have the confidence, to buy one and set it up, also have subscribed for more of your great videos, cheers 👍

[@proplockfistanterlis]

Thank you for this - can you also do a video on how to connect more than 1 solar panel to another please.

[@TomMaterene]

Very good howto Alex. I'm thinking about setting up a small system to have light when we get another hurricane. One week without power is just terrible when you can,t see how to be miserable. I would say not being able to make coffee is probably the worst but then of course a good candle can heat water to have instant coffee. I once had a 1000 watt Honda little small generator and believe me a coffee maker really puts a strain on a small generator, it really surprised me that it could struggle to make coffee. People that use gasoline generators are usually lined up for blocks at all the gas stations and I've even seen them filling garbage cans full of gas without even a lid for the can. I learned it was wasted time sitting in a gas line just to run a 1000 watt Honda even if it did run very efficiently. I did have TV and a floor fan that was a win for a week. My hot water in the hot water heater lasted that one week and I was able to take a very fast shower every day.

[@TheCarExp]

This was very helpful! Very detailed! Thank you!

[@maskofsorrow]

Excellent video. Brilliant straightforward, easy to follow instructions. Keep up the great work.

[@chriswhinery]

Good video. Most folks don't realize that what you built is a "solar generator" That's how easy it is, and you can make your own for a third of the cost. Something to consider... If you want to upgrade to more panels and more batteries, your charge controller has to be rated for that load. IE: 600w worth of panels will require equipment that can handle that wattage. I'm running a 1200w charge controller just to be safe.

[@ForeverYoungKickboxer]

Thank you for this video! Thanks to your easy to listen and follow instructions I was able to set up my simple 12v 100w system today.

[@mickyjb2003]

Great video,didn’t realise the set up was that easy. Thanks again.

[@sandrafitzpatrick7657]

Best video for down to earth explaining thank you so much for making this video you have made my solar experience so much easier 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@VikkiG1970]

Thank you. Extra thanks for warning about the sparks, I would have thought something had gone wrong, so a big thumbs up 👍 😀

[@nurilahi2378]

Excellent demonstration!

[@JorgeHernandez-ib1px]

Great video and information! Just a quick comment, I liked that you are talking about the project, you should talk about Safety before starting any part project e.g. Electrical gloves, "don't" forget the Insulated tools and eye protection (Really important to protect your eyes from sparks it can send small metal projectiles in the air and into your eyes!). It's a good practice for any type of voltage. Thanks for the video! Keep up the great work!

[@kmjkj2]

This is very useful - my kid is doing a science project and watching this really helped her understand how this works. Thanks much !!!

[@capnkirk5528]

Great video for beginners!

[@footprinthero]

🤠🤠

[@thefuntimefamily5869]

Thank you I've looked at others but I actually can understand what your saying very good for someone who has no clue what to do but need to learn I'm a disabled single mom of 2 amazing children but spoiled and bit lazy working on that but it was important to make sure the had a childhood i didnt . I know TMI. I'm not bad mom just over thoughtful. My kids are great

[@codywalls5765]

Love the info man great video

[@footprinthero]

Appreciate it!

[@daniloloayon8888]

Thank you so much Alex you did a good job in explaining the basics of how to install the solar panel system. You had an obvious demonstration step by step therefore I have a clear understanding of the topic. I'm excited to work on my own solar panel project pretty soon.

[@eduardolibed1082]

Awesome video. I’m baby stepping into solar energy.

[@stevegrundy1989]

thanks a really well explained video that even I could understand

[@pauletteconstantino9131]

Thank you for your simple explanation of this system

[@Ms.Frankenbuilder]

Good beginner video, I tried to make a little short one for a couple friends but it wasn't too clear. Going to send them over to you.

[@TravisBrady-wn8fr]

Good video. Im going all solar. Thanks for making it easy to follow.

[@MaxwellSeales]

Very good tutorial brother!!!

[@KONGNO2000youtube]

Thank you very much for sharing this very informative very easy to follow and clear tutorial about how to set up a solar panel home energy supply I look forward to seeing more of your videos like this one

[@gadgetcaches5485]

Very thorough and easy to understand tutorial! One question: What does the charge controller and inverter do? Sorry for the newby question.

[@leecooper8589]

I'm a newby too but my understanding is that the charge controller regulates the power going into the battery from the panels so that it isn't getting overcharged. The inverter converts DC current from the solar panels/battery to AC at a voltage that can be used to power your mains devices. Obviously far more to it than that but I think that's the absolute basics.

[@jacksonbooth2462]

Excellent video - you did a very thorough job of explaining everything.👍

[@franical]

I'll be hooking up my 1st solar system soon. And your videos are very easy to follow. Sub and Like!

[@anitachisnell8412]

I think grounding is important too if you use more than one device on the inverter if the devices aren’t already insulated.

[@carlosbujanda4862]

thank you, sir. your effort is greatly appreciated you made it simple and easy step by step.

[@AbimbolaJonathan]

Nice one I really appreciate the instruction, like what this can power

[@michaeletukudoh1598]

Thank you so much for the training. Please where did you connect the lamp to?

[@explorethewonder]

Thank you so much for sharing! Very helpful and informative

[@footprinthero]

You're welcome :)

[@timmcclary5137]

EXCELLENT, MUCH APPRECIATED! WELL DONE.

[@John--qh9xl]

Thanks, again. Great beginners' video.

[@MPPT_Walter]

Can you do a teardown video of a RevoPower Rebel? I've been using my rebel for 3 years and it's survived 2 hurricanes!!!! It kept my wife and daughters safe and comfortable in the last one, want to see your thoughts now!

[@marshallohio5512]

Simply Smooth 😊

[@kouros0]

Thank you very much for showing us how to do it

[@blueracer66]

Thank you for making this video! It's super easy to follow along.

[@1acudoc]

Good job, very easy to follow.

[@tonyv8925]

Thanks for the video, well done. PV is short for Photo Voltaic, another name for solar panels.

[@kakes1958]

Wow! You made that so easy to understand!

[@stevenshircliff393]

Great video. You can buy a cheap precharge resistor and eliminate the spark.

[@footprinthero]

Thank you! And appreciate the tip 👍

[@adeladahdah4418]

Excellent explanation! Thank you so much!

[@L5959]

Good job explaining solar connecting for a novice/beginner , Thanks

[@krope7]

Great teaching video

[@POW2000]

After watching this clip, I am confident that I can do this! 🙏 Thanks

[@CHILDOFTHELIGHT777]

Thank you this was a helpful video.

[@chrisrosenkreuz23]

excellent explanation

[@antboulet3861]

Thank You. Best one I've seen so far. I live in r.i.. where can I get everything I need?

[@Curtis-i6o]

How do you know if your battery is fully charged using the solar panel? And how do you know how much power is left in the battery when using electrical equipment plugged into the inverter?

[@SuperCanto-u4p]

the solar charge controller can display everything

[@SuperCanto-u4p]

also the inverter can display

[@dominicestebanrice7460]

This is a superb instructional, one that I plan on using as the basis for a joint project with my teenage son. Question please: if the system is intended for DC devices only, do you need the inverter? If so, does the inverter just sit idle because it is smart enough to know there is no DC-to-AC conversion necessary and therefore not suck power unnecessarily? If not, then avoiding the cost of the inverter would be nice but then how would you recommend connecting a USB charger cord from a phone/laptop/USB fan etc? Basically, I want to build this system but have no intention of running AC appliances and if the inverter sucks power even if its not needed I'd like to avoid having it in the first place. FWIW, you're a natural teacher and a gifted communicator; well done on getting yourself another new subscriber in a very competitive arena! Edit: I watched your 'Dirt-Cheap Solar Generator Setup - What Can It Power?" video and got the info I needed!

[@j.v5188]

Thanks very detailed information.

[@1999JAMES.]

I learned some new things,thanks

[@heatherregimbal4552]

Awesome video very easily understood, thank you

[@FreddyDuran-ew4cb]

Love the step by step.👍

[@silaslongshot941]

Only thing I would add to your method is to mark BOTH ends of each positive cable so that if you're running wires through an RV or whatever, you can get both wires to their connections at the same time.

[@Robphoto37]

What size of battery, panel and inverter do I require to use a table saw for my setup? I appreciate your basic setup. Dead easy.

[@billloveless6869]

Why does your inverter have 2 alligator clips on each lead? Thanks

[@davi75668]

What are the pros and cons of using separate charge controllers/inverters vs just getting an integrated power station?

[@micahthompson3762]

Good clear setup explained. Not sure if you will see this comment due to age of video. However, the one question I have is... my charge controller has a load output on it. My assumption is... since I am using a 5000 watt inverter with #2 cabling, I just leave the "load" connections on my charge controller unused. Would this be correct?

[@jieqiu1316]

First I gonna say your video is very clear and easy understanding Just got a question, if I use 100w solar panel to charge the battery and use 100w appliance to withdraw the battery at the same time Is the current from solar to the battery then battery to the appliance Or solar power to the appliance straight away? Just curious Thanks

[@dallasnerwande4062]

Love it man thanks so much

[@BibiProvenceBBSmoothMusic]

Thank you very simple explanation!❤

[@CheesusSVT]

Thanks for the video brother! ❤

[@DEOHGE-yn7ng]

Question.. On the stripped wire end, Did you cut the wire? The solar panel i'm trying to buy has two adapters on each end.. I'll leave the adapter that attaches to the panel itself, but can I cut the other adapter off on the other end and just run it into the solar charger?

[@max7w311]

Have you tried any of the products from Megsun?

[@0KBXX]

tysm I needed this to power my death ray!

[@gvsf5946]

Great video, can you do one by using a toolbox?

[@Donekise]

Thank you for this