How to build a basic portable solar power system -camping,boating,off grid living-

Useful info for those thinking about leaving their power bills behind. This detailed video shows how to build a basic solar powered set-up.
Ideal for camping, boats, motor-homes, caravans or if scaled up can be used to power an energy efficient house.
If you have any questions about the items used in this video, I'd be happy to answer.

[@JonEhBee]

This video... What a boss. Straight to the point and thorough as fuck! Finally, a tutorial without any bullshit, lip smacking, grunting or UM UM UM's. Bravo, sir.

[@AngryRambro]

Jon B Thanks man

[@ThisIsSolution]

Angry Ram No, thank you.

[@AngryRambro]

***** Thanks man. Data is expensive here, uploads cost $$... I try not to f@#k about ;)

[@JonEhBee]

Oh and YOU STARTED THIS!!! Thanks again man. You made the initial concept easy to understand and very plausible. for $375, I'll be able to leave the power company behind and for about $2k, I'll be able to leave the apartment life behind and quit paying someone else's mortgage by pimping out a camper van.

[@AngryRambro]

Jon B Sounds like a nice project, you should make a vlog of your progress decking out the van

[@leonscorpio19]

I wish this was the first "solar power system" video I saw when I didn't know anything about them. Straight forward, to the point. Great video, great job Sir.

[@AngryRambro]

leonscorpio19 Thanks, glad you liked it. One of these days I'll do a more in-depth vid showing how to use an analog plc as a controller, they're so much better than a standard charge controller

[@leonscorpio19]

Thank you TrueBlogge, I just finished putting my small system together and finally realized that what you say is true!! lol.. I do need to fine tune as I didn't calculate properly for the power draw from my water pump, but am in the process of fine tuning now. Once I get that right, I'm moving on to another solar project!! Thank you again.

[@izzzzzzzzzzzie]

have to agree there, the bit about the excess volts being used to charge a spare battery really got my attention along with ref to a 'blue smoke generator' got a laugh out of that, very well presented vid

[@jefflindsay42]

This video inspired me. It was simple and intuitive and encouraged me to fit out my 4x4 with a 200w permanent mount panel, the same pwm 30A charge controller as you had and a 105A deep cycle battery to run my fridge/freezer and all manner of 12v camping goodies. Thank you buddy, it all works flawlessly.

[@davis7099]

Thank you for your clear, no unnecessaries, well paced video Sir.

[@asoluatauiliili5114]

showing a knowledgeable (smart) person, on this field. Thanks for sharing.

[@kevintores8948]

I learn a lot just by reading all of your comments and answers in this video and I thank you for that.. great job.

[@richardgray115]

Very nicely done, couldn't suggest any improvements as it was very clear & informative. I already knew the theory of all this but this hands on video put it all into perspective. Excellent work...

[@tipstoavoidscam3931]

with the help of your video I can start making my very first solar power system!! thank you for sharing this!

[@blueskies00]

You're a smart man, you make it look so easy. I guess I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer, ugh. Don't believe I could do it without watching this video 50 times. Thanks so much.

[@WillyBillyBoy24]

It's the calm smooth voice that makes this video better. Hahaha

[@slapstixs4585]

And NO MUSIC - Beautiful !! Two thumbs up - nice job

[@suprafan246]

Love the video mate. Explained easily and easy to follow.

[@trimthemonkey]

great description of each item needed and why, with text. very helpful.

[@T_3rR4h]

Nice work mate. love seeing it all laid out there!

[@stevenknight993]

Of all the videos I watched as a beginner on KZbin this was "the best by far." I make total excuses because of the battery used - of course. That takes experience to figure out. Thanks for being so down-to-earth. 10 years ago I was in NZ. First was Milford Sound and the beaty therein... Visited Dunedin and the Albatrosses... Christ Church before the Earthquake... Tauranga and Lake Rotorua (with NZ travel agent friends)... and finally 3 days in Auckland... then when I wanted to leave they sole my Australian case of wines... and wanted $25.00 to exit... I asked them if I could stay... being a comedian of sorts... Loved the place...

[@danieldavies1715]

Awesome video man, hope everyone's having a great and sunny day!

[@derekah.3359]

this is a straight down to the basics video... this helped me more than another video i saw.

[@PRNTproductions]

Dereka I was beginning to think I was the only Black person interested in information like this. Off grid living has never been more useful than it is in this day and age in my opinion.

[@derekah.3359]

PRNTproductions No, sir/ma'am you are not alone. I was thinking of doing a container home (that is a genre you might want to check out too- no mortgages and etc. debt free). Anyhow, i was thinking of sky lights which would reduce energy consumption as well with this system. ran into a container home video where this older gentleman and wife said that they have been living off grid for 3 years! Can you imagine- NEVER PAYING A ELCTRIC BILL AGAIN. i also have been checking out rain water harvesting and storage and etc. this is a good trick to keep up your sleeves in case of emergencies and natural disasters. It doesnt hurt to know. Its all about priorities. What are the basics that you need in life... So much that we work to have and want to have- so we work... it is like spinning tires in mud (not getting anywhere). More people are dying in debt than all time.

[@PRNTproductions]

So true that debt seems to be choking the life out of families countrywide, I have been looking into earthbag homes which seem to be even more energy efficient than container homes. My plans are to go off grid within the next 5 years by purchasing some land in Tennessee where there are less building restrictions. I want to buy enough land that my family and I can allow people to live on the land for free and start a community of like minded people, it'll be sort of like a homestead where the community is self sustaining. By the way my name is Jayson nice to meet you

[@derekah.3359]

PRNTproductions sounds like a good goal to me. im here in Texas and there are not many restrictions either. there is a dude on here that made a home out of aluminum cans in houston- NO LIE. my family owns a town here in Texas that we have had in our family since the 1800's. it is a freed man's land (purchased by emancipated slave couple (great grand parents). over 5,560 something acres. Plus my mom owns 300 but that has oil on it. Well, i was thinking of branching off from my family and starting my own legacy. If i rented, i would want to rent off grid living for less than $25 a month or possibly lower. It is nice to meet you Jayson. this is my name and i am on facebook. feel free to holler at me.

[@PRNTproductions]

Dereka Heath hey I'm going to look you up on Facebook and friend you if that's OK.

[@terry2cows]

Great video , I started off learning about solar with a similar setup and then built smaller and larger single and duel battery portable solar power systems which I have uploaded some videos about in hopes that I can also give others ideas etc , solar is a lot of fun and very simple once you get into it

[@terry9119]

The best video on DIY solar setup I have seen. Australia

[@stevenknight993]

Well DONE ANGRY RAM! Very well done.

[@JasonWee]

For beginner like me, the load terminal on the solar charge controller confused me. Many others videos did not explain that function, you explain briefly, that help a lot

[@SonLeDang]

was watching Rambro vids couple of days ago. Then did a search on solar power basic for my van build and realized Im watching the same aussie bloke again... Haha you are awesome mate!

[@TheMiningSock]

Son Le he's a kiwi bruv

[@wildbsc]

Theres a lot of know all's in your comments some disparaging. But I found your little video entertaining and rewarding you should have a Heath Robinson garden shed medal! Well done mate.

[@nereidapr1]

That's great. I think that people should learn this, especially where I live. Loved and Subbed

[@claudecene2221]

claude.cene

[@calvinfarrow3819]

Amazing video. Very comprehensive and straight to the point.

[@forresteralex]

Easy for you over there in sunny England we probs be lucky to get 1amp on a major sunny day lol good video mate helped me out a lot

[@stevemichelle1203]

Thanks mate. Your simple explained video set me on a solar power system path that has progressed over a few years with research and trial and error. I now made a solar power plant with 960 amp hr 12v battery bank with a 2000 watt pure sine wave inverter and a small solar panel array producing about 800 watts in direct sunlight hooked up to a 40 amp mppt charge controller. All that including a 2.0 Farrad Capacitor between the inverter and battery bank to help reduce low wattage power inverter shut down that runs a small portable 10,000 BTU AC unit for a short time. And I haven’t stopped. LOL.. All because of your video here. How is Rambo?

[@AngryRambro]

Well done, glad my video helped. Rambro's all good, slowing down in his old age but still has a go every now and then

[@OffTheGridLifestyleSolutions]

That is a really cool job and helps a lot. I also made a Solar Powered Shed for my Off-Grid living on my Channel and I plan to improve my setup more. Thanks for sharing!

[@78wesley]

awesome job very well done, just shows people the potential for off the grid living

[@wilwad]

Thank you for the great video. This is the first time I've seen the diode being used to prevent leak-back.

[@pcking2008]

Thank you. Best video I've seen so far.

[@euromodeller]

Plain and simple Perfect ! thanks for posting

[@jeffbeck6501]

I'm loving it!!!!! It'd be more fun with more solar panel wattage. I could see a party barge have a solar panel roof on it. You could have 4 batteries with say 1000 watts, and have a band play on the party barge.

[@georgegibson707]

Thanks for doing this tutorial. I have been thinking of doing a small PV system for a while. I like the way you can set the parameters on that charger.

[@AngryRambro]

Yeah it's a good little charger, also works with 24 volts, I used it as a backup when my house controller gave trouble

[@kamakiri700]

awesome video, really well explained, really clear and perfect for what i need which is outfitting a small hut.

[@MACLADILLY]

Thanks - great video and really clear information. Have 12v split charger system in camper and inverter already, so hoping to add solar panel = more freedom :)

[@labraberting]

Great video. Simple and clear! Thanks!

[@fabian1324]

wish i saw this simple best vid ever many vids ago yes straight down to basics ... BIG TY:)..

[@MatthewShermanHappy420]

dude I got 12, 160w panels...your one panel set up is cool for small applications...thanks for the info bro

[@mandysalcova90]

This helped me more than another video i saw.. glad I watch your videos..

[@Manchew]

Check my channel out will help you out more then this video.

[@sinatranic]

I'd pay you to read me a bed time storey, your voice is so soothing

[@sitatt]

Really informative! Thanks for posting!

[@shockwavegaming9012]

this is good man..thank you for sharing....good luck and more video..

[@LulasticHippyshake]

Hey! We live on solar power here in NZ (we live in a yurt) but we also have a little set up like this that moves between our bus and caravan and little yurt. Pretty easy to set up! :D x x

[@AngryRambro]

Hey, sounds like you're living the dream, why spend your life working to pay off a million dollar house when you can live off grid in a yurt ;)

[@julanesutton9626]

This is classic Marty, I want a wall hanging with your comment. I'm new to off grid living and found your source suggestions helpful. Cheers J

[@spikedupclay]

Thanks for taking the time to post this. Greatly appreciated!

[@claudecene2221]

I

[@bigdogpete43]

Nice description. Thanks for the info.

[@chadpreston5549]

there he is..... been looking for my caterpiller! thanks.

[@dianegron]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@fmxinsane]

awesome video!!! you make it so simple to understand thank you for uploading. helps me on my custom camper that im building

[@electriciandallastx9182]

Thanks for the strategies you have provided here.

[@cmchannel1111]

Brilliant information man. Thanks for the video.

[@techtinkerin]

Great demo, running a toaster is genius! 😄😎❤️👍

[@familykeepersca]

Thanks, with price in each item helps a lot to understand how much it really cost.

[@wayneosmand7652]

Thank you, made it all make sense! appreciated!

[@mickgatz214]

Basic and straight to the point! Subbed & Liked. :)

[@howtoenergyefficient]

this is awesome video, thank you for sharing your information and great job for sharing this..

[@FruitVeg]

great video many thanks for the information, I am thinking about putting solar into my allotment shed, and adding it to my videos, so this will help

[@donlynefullofpeace7054]

great job keep it up and make more videos about this topic, getting ready for dooms day need to learn more

[@savionics7923]

Nice video. Well demonstrated. Thank you....

[@Mr-yl1px]

this was a favorite of mine too. I haven't seen it for a long time but when it popped up I got excited and had to watch it again too

[@MuhammadAhmad-mp2ug]

Best video find untill now to understand things

[@VilasMartandDeshpande]

Thanks for the video. I plan to make a single battery set up myself,

[@davidisongbassey9003]

Great working I love this.

[@garustech4393]

Informational. Thanks for the vid!

[@04JALD]

Really like this video. Thank you

[@davesimpson4153]

Great job, it's very educational

[@carlosleon1162]

nice clear instruction , thanks

[@dolcemantin1050]

i have been wanting to build this kind of solar panel, good thing I watch your video... great job!

[@chaosad1976]

Awesome video!! Thank you!!

[@mitchmackenzie3293]

Awesome video!

[@colinstohr6063]

Great vid mate thanks

[@benwessels6887]

gr8 work ......thanks for a straight tutorial......now to implement it with my skills ......lol

[@haji76]

Great Video Man.

[@rawatsurendra]

Nicely described. Appreciate it for its ease. Thanks.

[@mscir]

Nicely done.

[@JohnSmith-rn3vl]

Nice explanation!

[@anglerbeaudry1027]

Thanks for the video. I plan to make a single battery set up myself, using a EverStart MAXX Deep Cycle Battery for RV, Marine, Trolling Motor applications. It is 12v, 105 amp hour and not that big at all and cost only 100.00. My plan is to use the Renogy 50w Solar Panel Kit, that comes with a 10 amp charge controller. Will also use a 1500w inverter. Hope it works out, as your's has. Thanks again, Angler.

[@CloverStarz]

you'll need an 80-100 watts solar panels, 50 is too small for recharging your battery and other accessories.

[@christophershultz1620]

+Angler Beaudry you should get a 30 amp charge controller. same price.

[@thebighat99]

I like your video nice job!

[@Jetblacksmash]

great video thanks

[@sajali2923]

This was very kind of you thank you very much

[@youpmac1]

good vid mate helps heaps

[@byronsito504]

Great video

[@chaz-mi1ch]

informative and to the point. thank you sir.

[@daniele_go]

great video.....thanks!

[@MicBkb]

Very nice!

[@kvarpowersaver1200]

thanks so much.. this video is what i need...

[@DavidBylsma]

good video...thanks for uploading

[@carslover3509]

great work

[@princegerald2320]

Great channel, subbed you.

[@WildKraftyAotearoa]

Kia Ora! Oh wow fantastic! I'm from Arapawa Is originally, Otanerau East Bay. Isn't Rambro sooooo funny. I think hes related, judging by his pre hair/wool cut curls lol! Great videos, look forward to watching more!

[@AngryRambro]

Yes he's a character.. did you used to live on Arapawa Island? I've read the book - once upon an Island, sounds like a nice place to live.

[@wrestlingfan4ever76]

Thanks for sharing.

[@anahitsoghomonyan9787]

I found your video on Ewans energy roadmap - there's lots awesome videos there that should help you

[@SusanneBark]

Brilliant, even I understood that!

[@daviddawkins743]

enjoying. hope. to. see more

[@brianpisces]

awesome vid thanks for that

[@jiasmith1]

Thank you. Good vid

[@henryhuggins2540]

Authorities on this subject seem to strongly suggest using a deep cycle battery and NOT a car battery for these uses. Deep cycles are designed to be slowly drained and charged up. Car batteries are designed to give a huge amount of power at one time and are not meant be drained down very much. If taken down too far you can kill the battery and it may not recharged.

[@AngryRambro]

Correct, I was doing this on a tight budget and already had the battery, It suits my needs for the boat, new deep cycle batteries are quite expensive

[@deodog7135]

Henry Huggins yeah he said that in the video if you paid attention

[@cliffbooth7075]

When watching this I kinda knew that he’d already know of the car battery pitfalls. Just thought that he was experimenting with it or was going to replace it soon after. He ended up explaining that he was going buy a deep cycle later on anyway. Car batteries can still do what a deep does, but not for years or over a thousand cycles. They’ll put up with slow long low amp draws down to a 50% discharge before recharging for a few dozen cycles from brand new. But if you plan on trying to use that same battery as a cranking battery then forget it after about 2 dozen cycles. But if it’s just low amp draws it’ll do that for a while.

[@andrewmarkmusic]

Fantastic...Thanks!

[@python178]

very good video

[@LearnEnglishESL]

Thanks for the valuable basic information. "...a single infinitesimal atom in the ray of the sun through a shining beam of the solar energy becomes glorified and radiant." ~ Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace

[@mattburrows2615]

One little thing to help. You don't need a blocking diode to stop power flowing back to the solar panel at night as the solar regulator performs this function. In fact some regulators may not perform too well unless the panel is connected directly. Most larger panels with a diode built in are for a different purpose and they are called a bypass diode. May pay to do a little more research but hope it works well.