How to Design an Off-grid Solar Power Array Wire Configuration

[@WillProwse]

0:42 3 important variables 1:12 EPever MPPT 3:19 24V 1050W Example 4:21 12V 1050W Example 5:34 MPP LV2424 Example 7:18 OCPD for multiple strings 10:13 12V PWM Example *Does off-grid solar confuse you?* Check out my DIY friendly website for solar system packages and product recommendations, and so much more! www.mobile-solarpower.com *Join our DIY solar community* #1 largest solar forum on the internet for beginners and professionals alike: www.diysolarforum.com *Check out my Book* Best-selling and beginner-friendly guide to 12V off-grid solar! amzn.to/2Aj4dX4 If DIY is not for you, but you love solar and need an offgrid system, check out Tesla Energy! They will price out a system and get your house offgrid: ts.la/william57509 *My DIY Solar Equipment Recommendations (Constantly updated! Check here first):* 12V/48V Lithium Solar Batteries: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-batteries.html Complete Solar System Component Directory: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solarcomponents.html Complete 48V System Blueprint: www.mobile-solarpower.com/48v-complete-system-blueprint.html Plug-N-Play System Recommendations: www.mobile-solarpower.com/full-size-systems.html Complete "Add to Cart" 48V System Kits: www.mobile-solarpower.com/complete-48v-solar-kits.html DIY Friendly Air Conditioner/ Heat Pumps: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-friendly-air-conditioners.html *My Favorite Online Stores for DIY Solar Products:* *Signature Solar* Offgrid One-Stop-Shop. Best Value 48V LiFePO4, Victron and Offgrid Specific Heat Pumps: www.signaturesolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek *Current Connected* SOK, Victron, Mr.Cool Heatpumps and High Quality Components. Fantastic customer support: currentconnected.com/?ref=wp *Litime* My favorite 12V budget battery!: www.litime.com/?ref=XBIA62RFcalHns *Epoch Batteries* My favorite high-quality 12V battery: www.epochbatteries.com/products/12v-460ah-lifepo4-battery-ip67-heated-bluetooth-victron-comms?rfsn=7352625.50494d *Renogy* A classic 12V solar store that has been around for ages! DC to DC Chargers and more! renogy.sjv.io/n1VjXx *Rich Solar* Renogy's biggest competitor! Similar products, but at a better price: richsolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek *Battery Hookup* Cheap cell deals bit.ly/2mIxSqt 5% off code: diysolar *Contact Information:* I am NOT available for personal solar system consult! If you wish to contact me, this is my direct email: [e-mail] Join the forum at diysolarforum.com/ if you wish to hang out with myself and others and talk about solar *FTC Disclosure Statement and Disclaimers:* Every video includes some form of paid promotion or sponsorship. Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. My videos are for educational purposes only. Information is subject to change/update at any time. Electricity is DANGEROUS and can kill. Be smart and use common sense :) DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, An affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

[@chrisstearns10]

Excellent video👍👍👍👍👍👍the dry erase board helped a lot👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@robertcs68]

Pin this Will so your timestamps will always be on top of the replies. 👍

[@lovesmykitties9672]

Awesome. Because of your inspiration pickedcup Bluetti eb240. , 4 170 w panels. N more working to get for whole house. It runs all but dryer fridge n a/c. Next 5kw w battery bank. Thanks

[@bernardthedisappointedowl6938]

You're steadily transmogrifying into that teacher we all wish we had teach us when we were at school, ^oo^

[@keltonfoster]

I'm new to solar and after watching a few of your videos I believe that a MPP inverter charger is what best fits my needs but do I need a transformer with one of those or do you have one for the US? The ones on eBay say they are for Europe and need a transformer for the US?

[@richardvandenberg6379]

Every video you make does not have any annoying music, is straight to the point, fast and clear. That is so hard to find on KZbin! Thank you for that! Keep on making great content.

[@JMaahs23]

I don't know why I'm having such a hard time grasping how this all comes together but this video is one of the clearest I've seen. This whiteboard classroom style is really really good. Please keep doing these Will. Thank you!

[@danheaterdesertlife]

just hit rewind and pause a few time

[@StitchTheFox]

I agree. I just started learning about solar setups out of necessity. These videos are the only ones I come away from with actual understanding.

[@F3hunter-2024]

Same here, putting together my first system and quite frankly..Will's videos are my go to for anything regarding this subject. I've planned this out over the last several weeks based off his tutorials and examples and the ordered parts are trickling in. Excited about starting my new build next week- wish me luck! And Will, thanks for sharing that knowledge, keep up the good work!

[@skepticalmechanic]

Probably because you don’t understand the basics of electric… volts, amps, resistance ect

[@FAB0516]

I know me too bro. Have to read the same info over and over

[@roscmon]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I wish other youtubers would take their instructional video tips from you. First of all, you didn't need to use background music as some kind of crutch/enhancement. The purpose of your video is instructional and I think you realize that trying to enhance your videos with crappy background noise only distracts and interferes with your instructions. Second, you already know the material and have the points clear in your head. You don't speak in a halting manner, you don't ramble, you explain clearly. You don't try to speak in an overly animated style and neither do you tone it down to the point that it puts people to sleep. Thirdly, you have great video quality. No shaking constantly moving screens, no blurry videos, and low sound quality. Fourthly, you use a good amount of visual aids and they're very effective. Fifthly, you actually respond to commenters. You don't just stick a video up there and then ignore the people who comment or ask questions. So many youtubers will upload an instructional video and then never even come back and respond to questions. So just thank you. Please don't change. I wish everyone could take tips from you.

[@WillProwse]

Thank you!!! :)

[@griffox]

100% agree with this. 9 times out of 10 music detracts from the video content, especially as you said, when the purpose of the video is instructional. I watch a lot of instructional videos in 2x speed (not these, though; my brain would explode), and having background music makes it annoying to listen to sped up. I wish more youtubers would cut out the crappy royalty-free music.

[@dondonofrio]

I think more people have learned about electricity from you than any other place. You are a breath of fresh air thank you

[@theresahartman7465]

I’m really not understanding it all yet, but I’m going to keep on listening and watching until I get it. Thank you so much for all your hard work!

[@jasonross5358]

It’s complicated stuff; I have to watch it several times and pause to think about it. Try writing some of it down and draw your own diagram.

[@theresahartman7465]

I’m so unfamiliar with many of the terms and their meanings that it’s hard to take coherent notes. Do you have a glossary of some sort that you could share for us beginners?

[@joeharter7498]

@@theresahartman7465 I got a lot of good information from Will's book Mobile Solar Power Made Easy.

[@theresahartman7465]

Thank you!

[@GHE2005]

Yes me too. Small bits are sinking in. lol

[@SD_Alias]

i just discovered your channel yesterday and must say you are the best teacher of that stuff i ever saw. Although i am a 50 years old analogue guy and my english could be better ( i am german ) i understand all well. It is a bit overwhelming because there are so many videos on your chanel and it is heavy to find out where to start. I know this and that about electric but not so much about electronic and computerstuff. But i think a little time investment and i will learn a lot. And although some things are different here compared to the US electrics and some Brands are unknown here it is easy to translate it to german brands or at least most are even chinese… Thanks a lot i just subscribed and will get your eBook.

[@4philipp]

Try Will book. It’s very detailed and easy to understand. Hab noch viel spaß beim basteln.

[@SD_Alias]

@@4philipp Vielen Dank! Cheers…

[@NukeFPV]

Wow ..... Your "Honesty" is staggering.... AND the reason you are no longer living in an RV.... Keep it up Bro !! We luv ya here in Melbourne Australia :)

[@DrJekyllonHydePark]

I've been in the solar industry for over 10 years now, and still feel like I learn something from every one of your videos! Keep up the great work!

[@davidjames886]

Sounds like BS to me. If you were really in the solar industry, you should already know this very basic stuff.

[@chucktrivette5723]

@@davidjames886 😅😅😅

[@davidjames886]

@@chucktrivette5723 What type of "solar work" does that person do, sit out by the beach and watch the bikini babes walk by?

[@christinebaker3293]

@@davidjames886 shows how little you know.

[@geoffershoskins5040]

over here in the uk we are loving these informative vids ...

[@fisherus]

I am glad to see you do a video of this nature for several reasons. First let me start by saying your either your articulation skills have improved or my knowledge on solar has vastly improved due to your former videos I watched before taking on a 10K Watts 48V system. Because, I still run a couple of 800W 24V systems, I like to watch you videos in this arena to see new MPPT controllers be tested alongside the battery testing you do. Some of this equipment wears out and need repairs or replacement every so often. Thanks again, Will , for sharing your genius in solar systems!

[@4philipp]

What charge controller you use for your 10kw system and how is it wired?

[@kingpin7666]

Good god…… If I didn’t feel stupid before, I do now. I only understood about a minute of that video. I’m gonna have to rewind and seriously break this down into parts. Will is on another level.

[@orbitalair2103]

Thanks to you I set up my unpowered shed with solar and a battery bank. I started at 12v, but quickly calculated that using a 24v invertor would reduce the wiring cable sizes and other headaches. So I reconfigured for 24v. But then, that meant I needed to add a 24v to 12v dc to dc convertor. Nice warning about parallel strings. Thanks.

[@christophelarramendi8143]

P

[@wakeupandbord]

All your free content is greatly appreciated and to be frank, you just seem like an amazing, contentious, good-hearted person. Videos have been great and the website has assisted me more times than I can count. Always learning something new about solar from you.

[@iztherelife1340]

Will Prowse made our system possible. After watching countless videos we began to understand things enough to finally make a decision. For us, the hybrid system all in one was answer. We got Geowatt grid assist system and bought from one of Wills suggested suppliers. We’re not running but half the system right now since we’re waiting on our batteries to arrive. But in the mornings I love when the system turns on and is producing. And it starts very early in the day. Surprisingly, it also stays on later in the evening than we ever would have imagined. We are quite pleased even with just half the system up.

[@alanhillberg]

You mention you get frequent requests for the basics. You may want to consider putting links to some of you videos in the comments, and direct viewers to them. I always enjoy your content. I'm not building anything at the moment, but watching your videos gives me the confidence that I can do it myself. Thanks so much. :)

[@bumstudios8817]

He has an awesome website that answers most questions

[@alanhillberg]

Chris Sproles Yes. I’ve been there. So much in-depth truly useful information. He’s a class act. 👍

[@davecydavecyinfotechcomslt5038]

Please help me with your website link Please

[@frankmayo1410]

Will Prowse You do a great job on your explanations. I'm 63 and a constant learner and I'm impressed on your teaching skills. BTW I bought your book as well for reference material. Fplks buy the book its worth every Penney!

[@MasatoKay]

My GF bought your book, its extremely informational and easy to follow!

[@rain0aldwaib]

i wish i can buy it from his way of explaining i am sure the book will be a nice refrence

[@marcobrian1619]

Just sent you message asking about connection of 12v panels in series on a 12v system...... This video has just explained everything..... Well explained thank you chap. Marc..... UK

[@michaelgibson5638]

Thanks Will! Helps me out a lot with choosing and wiring in my RV's solar array. Will be: 2x100w panels in parallel --> 30A PWM charge controller (renogy wanderer 100W charge kit + 100w panel) --> 2 x 215AH 6v golf cart batteries in series --> 500W inverter until I get my bigger inverter. Will add a battery monitor when I can too. Solar panel ordered, can't wait to test it out

[@durangarc]

I agree. It's a complicated topic because everyone's situation is different. I had to reconfigure my panels 4 times over 6 months to get the maximum out of my system.

[@orbitalair2103]

Ive rewired mine once, from 12v to 24v. this fall I will have to calc the median positions, and remount my array for best gathering.

[@bentleyjarrard885]

Lots of great technical details, well done. I would agree that it is very important to leave some "head room" in both voltage and wattage when designing a system. The rated output of a solar panel is determined under ideal laboratory conditions and in practical usage generally only produces real usable power of 75 to maybe 80%. Based on this, it would be tempting to install for example 500 watts worth of solar panels on a 400 watt charger which will work just fine most of the time. However, on certain days just after a good rain when the temps are down, air is clean and the clouds are breaking up there can be momentary magnifying effects that will actually intensify the sun so much that a solar array can produce more than its rated capacity. I've seen brief periods of up to 3.2 Kw from our 2.8 Kw system.

[@ginaallen3797]

Truly you remind me of the scientists who trained me in the scientific method back in the 70s. They had so much knowledge but were able to express it such that mere humans like me could comprehend and understand. Love your approach. Angry Old HIppie Hermit Peace.

[@gp7813]

Thanks Will. That was one of the easiest to understand tutorials I've seen.

[@akotabotsamuel426]

Have been thinking of how to manage the connection of this system, but thanks to you Wills, it is now like a dream come true. Keep giving us more insides.

[@oldman9178]

Will, Another Great Video. As others have commented, watching your videos is like being in a tech school or college classroom. This video was particularly helpful. I am starting to build a solar system from scratch and I am learning from you! I appreciate your attention to detail and also your referrals to equipment. I haven’t heard your story yet as to how you stopped being homeless but if there is a link available please direct me I would love to hear the story. As long as you sincerely try to help other people there is no way you will be able to fail at what you do! That is simply a universal truth. Thanks again so much!

[@williamhickinbottom9373]

From one Will to another thank you. I’ve a mechanical engineering background (before you say it righty tight lefty loosey) and you have simplified the electrical wizardry to talk to my electronic engineers about a update to my expedition vehicle. Thanks again keep up the outstanding work. 👍

[@mohsinfareed1797]

I don't know why I'm having such a hard time grasping how this all comes together but this video is one of the clearest I've seen. This whiteboard classroom style is really really good. Please keep doing these Will. Thank you!.Yes I agree with all. This whiteboard way of explanation is amazing.

[@jphatious8997]

You aren't alone!! Me + math = confusion.😵‍💫

[@robertmyers4155]

I love your teaching abilities and you for all of you have helped me getting started! Thank you so much! You provide millions like myself a real service and not to mention the solar industry a chance for really great advertisement of their newest products!!!

[@christinebaker3293]

Thanks! So much changed since my first 65 Watt System in 1998. With panels so cheap and MPPT controllers, I'm upgrading to 24 V, got two new 400 W panels and I will stop wiring in parallel unless necessary. I still hate the MC4 connectors, so hard to use (arthritis) but I guess the days of junction boxes are gone. Hoping to SOON not have to run the generator for a battery boost at night.

[@Umwee63]

Wow had me scratching my head on this one. Was way confused on how you got the voltage to be additive in parallel and watts additive in series. Blew my mind for more than a minute... Great videos Will

[@Umwee63]

Watched most of all your videos, excellent job.

[@michaelmensah2487]

Answers that my supervisor was hiding from me.anytime I ask him he said I will send you pdf to read. Love this your class room.thank you

[@StickyBit7777]

Thanks for the refresher! I'm building an off-grid building for my beehives and am just about ready to order panels. This video will help me to not screw things up.

[@4philipp]

I know everyone is doing remote work these day, but do all your worker bees get their own computer? How much power do they need? Just playing with ya.

[@StickyBit7777]

@@4philipp the drones need the computers so they can oogle over naughty queen pics. Lol The electrical needs are going to power a laptop for data collection and temperature/humidity control.

[@4philipp]

Chuck Stickelman cool. Does it need to be a laptop or would a tablet work? They use much less power.

[@MaxMax-dq1lu]

@@StickyBit7777 surely an arduous or raspberry pi would be far better as they use way less power..!

[@StickyBit7777]

@@MaxMax-dq1lu each hive will have something like you suggest, and the laptop will be used to consolidate the data. It'll likely wake up periodically to poll the hives.

[@Scrambler85]

Great video this plus your book is a real help. I am putting three 400 watt panels on a van and this plus reading the comments has answered a few questions. Always a thumbs 👍.

[@trektorsanchez556]

THANK YOU FOR NOT VOCAL FRYING! OTHERS HAVE ANNOYING VOICES AND DON'T REALLY KNOW WHAT THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT. YOU ARE CLEAR AND LOUD ENOUGH FOR ME TO UNDERSTAND PERFECTLY. OTHER START OFF WITH UMS, THROAT CLEARINGS AND OTHER ANNOYING SOUNDS THAT TAKES AWAY FROM THE ACTUAL PRESENTATION. I CAN ACTUALLY WATCH YOUR VIDEOS OVER AND OVER AGAIN AND ACTUALLY UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU'RE SAYING, THANKS AGAIN FOR EVERYTHING.

[@Bsharper77]

Everyone needs a friend or mentor like you

[@kevinsmall2844]

I had to show my wife this video and said "this 'kid' is like stream of conscience solar power information...!" I agree with others - you need some paper next to you and keep drawing it out until it makes sense. Thanks for the video - I'm trying to get enough solar and cellular to work remotely during these COVID times (when I'm supposedly working from home...)! Great Stuff! - and I bought the book (and now need to read it multiple times...!)

[@qwerty71216]

And this kid is turning 30....

[@nfdsouza]

Great video Will! I would love to see a follow up video that covers the implications of mixing solar panels with different specifications. I see so many questions where people ask "I have 2 panels with [specifications A] and 1 panel with [specifications B]. Can I hook them both up and how much power would I get?"

[@eliz1866]

I also love your videos on planters fasciitis, you are really a great teacher

[@stevetobias4890]

I use an EPEVER Tracer 4215BN SCC, I spoke to the supplier and they said I could connect the panels in 2s2p (24v 1000w) for my 12v battery bank. The controller gets up to about 48 volts and the controller delivers about 3 times the incoming current to the battery bank & load circuit. Been working great for the past couple of months.

[@dabigfo838]

dude i seriously need to be your apprentice. I feel like you know everything about solar energy. i live in a small west African country with like 8 - 9 sun hours per day almost throughout the year and i think solar will really help out here with all our energy problems. i am really interested in knowing more about solar and how to set it up.

[@keithosmundson8149]

Will... thank you for saving me alot of stress and money. Your videos and book have helped so much. And way to go! I don't know what's more inspirational your personal story or wanting to share with people everything you had learned. Enjoy the fruits of your labor my friend.

[@smithwill9952]

Great contribution in Solar Energy education. Your passion in sharing and enthusiasm in Solar Energy development motivate us to move forward ... Will Prowse is awesome.

[@woodpeckercraftsandbuilds]

You are the man will! All of your knowledge has helped me a whole lot. Keep learning and doing what you do. Wish you all of the best that life has to offer.

[@fiddlerspal]

Thanks!

[@craigdawson7632]

Thanks dude, I was directed from your series vid didn't realize you covered para series here. I sort of new but a re-fresher helped it stick in the grey matter. Not forgetting about that temp related efficiency curve is a big one. The regulations here are going through a full over haul for on site power generation and is probably going to be limited to specialized electricians. They way I interpreted regs is that fusing needed to be applied to each panel and not a string or a situation that could exceed the load/protection rating of another panel in the system. 12/10 for making this a lot easier to follow 👍

[@primavera919]

I can't stress enough how much the video is educational, thank you man

[@davidkinuthia1052]

Will, your at another level man I'm very happy to learn from you so much that I didn't know watching you all the way from Africa, Nairobi Kenya

[@mycbr600rr]

Excellent, as always! I look forward to information I didn’t know and git several notes before reconfiguring my grid tied array to “off grid “”” with charge controller snd battery backup.

[@MrEricH5470]

What kind of solar array and wiring configuration would you suggest for the EG4 6.5kw all-in-one inverter?

[@84Prerunner]

I believe in the fine print EPever says the Trever can handle up to 3x listed wattage on the input without damage. I have 1 40amp tracer running with 800watts @ 12v and another running 1300watts @ 24v. Both have been running 24/7 for nearly a year even in the 100+ degree desert heat. Awesome video for beginners!

[@johndeandr]

Hello Will. Most of your viewers who are RVer have a starter battery and house batteries like myself. So I like to park for several weeks off grid. At present I have 4 lead acid batteries. So I will start with 200 watts of solar, lead acid start and 100 A Lithium. I am very frugal with electricity. How should I use my alternator when moving to charge both types of batteries. Thanks John

[@mikehotchkiss8975]

Good timing Will, just working on a cheap pwm 4 panel 400 watt12v for my small rv for camping, not to live in but to keep the water pump and lights going. Keep up the great work

[@mikeroemole6619]

I have just setup my solar charging system for my small food truck. 2-100w panels, 30amp controller, 1500w inverter and 1-100 mah battery. I tried a small coffee maker and the inverter bells were going off many times and I shut it off. I have another battery but don’t know if I hook it up in parallel or series?? I need more amps?? Thanks

[@JeffBradway]

Great videos! I learned everthing I needed to power up a small camping trailer. I bought your book as a thank you.

[@dnhman]

Question on solar panel roof placement and impact to optimal power. Currently have four 180 watt panels with 2 on one side and two on the other side of a peaked roof. They are wired in series. The peaked roof is east west so there is good sun am to pm. Am i introducing loss by having them all in series or should i split 2 series and one side roof connected in parallel with the other side?

[@rickkitler9187]

Hey I have 4-100 watt solar panels and a victron 100/30 charge controller and a single 12 volt battery should I wire them in series or parallel?

[@lindahorn7919]

I have Epever tracer 4215bn solar charger that I got a few years ago for my lead acid batteries and seemed to work good but now just purchased Li time100 amp battery but it doesn’t seem to be charging the battery which is down to 63%. I do live in Michigan so not the best for solar battery is above 32 degrees two 100 watt panels . Have it on sealed setting which I thought you or somebody suggested since there no setting for lithium

[@YomommasWildlands]

My goodness, why do I keep thinking of Sheldon Cooper every time I watch one of your(really good) videos :)

[@ttfrhoncho6716]

Finally, the video I've been looking for. I have, or will have 4 x 45v, 300 watt panels that I want to build a 24v charge system with for an off grid, art studio cooled with a small mini-split. All the MPPT's seem to stop at 150v, and I'm at 180-200 if wired in series based on the calculator you had in another video. I was planning on getting a combiner box.

[@MicMaine]

I ordered that EPever MPPT and looking to get five Newpowa 100w panels soon. I hear the Newpowas are sometimes pulling a little more than 100 watts per panel and I want them for a 12v 200ah 2560wh battery with a 2200 watt pure sine inverter. All components that you recommended from your site! 👍🏽👍🏽

[@bedictm4682]

i have a solar aircon with DC power of 48V. it comes with 3 panels. each panel is 46.1V and 350W. should i connect the panels in series or parallel?

[@GHE2005]

Hi, I'm fallowing ur videos and new to all this off grid system. I appreciate u still willing to do videos for beginners. Especially when new viewers arrive at diffrent times and new inventions comes out that would work better, faster & cheaper that could be helpful for newbies. I'm watching ur beginner video now that's a year ago and wonder what may hv improved since the time u made that video? Thx u for all the awesome videos! 👍🏽

[@TheOrionoid]

Please be so kind to make a video on Planning an off-grid solar vfd wiring to run a 5.5 kw water pump.

[@nicksmith01uk]

If i have a maximum target of 1kw consumption, would it be better to buy 2x 500w panels or 4 x 250w or another configuration? i note that the higher panels have more amperage which would mean a more expensive charge controller. Very earlier on beginner trying to understand waht is best. (im also restricted to a maximum of 4 panels due to roof space)

[@williamjamesenkerwitz9495]

Thanks Will they say you can't teach a old dog new tricks But I learn a lot from you I'm 83 years young and still climb the roof ha ha thanks for showing from South Africa great video

[@jonathanfrimpong3901]

Great videos. Thanks for the education you always share on solar energy. I am in Ghana and have been using the 12v for about 8 years now, not bard but now want to run on the 24v system after watching your videos. Keep up the good work

[@gudrn]

Few days ago i saw you asked for tips for making new vids. Well i have 1 and will try to explain, cause english is not my first language. It is hard to find vids sizing array acording to battery bank. In my case i don't want to buy several batteries to my system cause i use only for a few lights with a inverter AND batteries are way too expensive. So i have a 70A battery in 24V with this exact charge controller. i use 2x 245W solar panels in series and am not sure if they will charge the battery bank way to fast or too slow. I want to charge my bank with the best rates cause i need them to last longer. If i made myself clear, i'd say this is very hard to find a video explaining about that from people who actualy KNOW what they are talking about. You seem to know tons about it AND know how to make people like me to undertand. Best regards from Brazil. and Keep up your vids. Great information and well explained for newbies like myself. :)

[@bharatkukreti8449]

Very nicely explained....the technical issue involved for MPPT and PWM technology . Let me compliment the speaker on such articulated lecture. Great. & Thnx

[@rhollis777]

You are so informative, thanks for helping even the lamest people like me.

[@DaisyDoesIt]

Will you are the absolute best. I’ve been watching you for several years and am always impressed. I’m totally geeking out on you videos now that I’m setting up my system! Love it

[@DocJaeBass]

I have ten 315 watt, 24 V panels in two parallel runs, hooked together for one series combination going into the exact all-in-one MPPT controller Will showed all running two "homemade" 24 volt batteries with 8 Kelb 3.2 Volt Battery Cells each (like Will shows in other videos). COST: The panels were used at about 33 Cents per volt, the rest, including BMS, wire, fuses, etcetera was all new. Throw in the used steel stem pipe (from oil wells) and the cost for a 3000 watt 24 volt system was just under $4,000. USE: It is off grid where I don't have to deal with code, just my own safety concerns. This system easily supports a normal modern lifestyle in a modest two-bedroom house with everything to include washer and dryer, except air conditioning.

[@jj80251]

Thank you very much for your videos. I am new to the solar game and my eletrical knowledge is intermediate. You have great teaching skills. My wife and I are a few months away from going nomadic and I am learning some excellent knowledge about solar power through you.

[@Saleh.Al-Ghamdi]

Been a while thanks for the video Will 😜

[@masterix6]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge Mr. Prowse. Keep helping to demystify the subject. Please don't think it is anyway unappreciated

[@adon8672]

Thanks for the video Will. I didn't know much about that inline fuse until now. Do you mind doing a video about the best ways to connect solar panels of different wattage and amperage ratings?

[@cambrian7119]

Hi; I enjoy your fine videos, and have a suggestion. Please include amperage when you discuss solar array wattage. Some of us older folks understand amperage better. I know it's old school thinking, but it's something we oldsters grew up with. Many thanks. Michael

[@danheaterdesertlife]

i havent found and good videos on 48volt systems with my 6volt batterys videos took me awhile but i figured it out working on a video now thanks i learned alot from your videos all basics and used it all to make my sysyem works great the systems i see are just to small for normal houses saved myself thousands of dollars got to love utube

[@suzytsaab388]

I love your videos however I noticed thatin this basic set-up you don't mention anything about a shunt or the need for one. Can you do a video explaining the need for a shunt?

[@JeffinTD]

Since no one answered (I’m sure Will gets thousands of comments) I can take a crack at it. In small or RV solar systems a shunt usually refers to a precise resistor of very low resistance, placed between the negative battery leads and all loads and chargers sources. A 500/50 shunt, for example, would have a 50 millivolt drop at 500 amps. By measuring the voltage very precisely a battery monitor can see .1 amp and up charge, or discharge going into or out of the batteries. Generally you can program the size of your battery bank, and the minimum state of charge you don’t want to go below, and it gives you an accurate % of charge you have left. It can also show you amps or watts going in or out. Back in the day was the Bogart TM2030, with an LED display with the processor in it that was generally mounted inside the RV. Needed to use twisted pair wires to the shunt, since it is looking at tiny voltages, or current flowing on an adjacent wire could throw things off. These days a lot of people use the Victron BMV712, or their Smart Shunt. Both handle up to 500 amps and have the processor built in to the shunt, and both have Bluetooth for a phone app. The BMV712 comes with a data cable and a physical display, along with Bluetooth. If the battery is discharging they can tell you how long the battery bank will support the load, you can get a graph of state of charge, have your phone alert if state of charge gets too low… Victron also makes a 1000 amp smart shunt intended for their Lynx system, for bigger systems. Anyhow a shunt isn’t necessary but nice. Voltage base state of charge gizmos aren’t that accurate and are thrown off if the battery hasn’t sat for say 30 minutes with no loads or charge. With a bit of experience you get to know how many amp hours your RV uses over night, so if you need to do a generator run you can do it at a reasonable hour, instead of having the fridge low voltage alarm go off at 2am…

[@carsonwhitehead1463]

Thank you for breaking this down to the point that we can "get it".

[@robertshepherd2137]

How do you connect a string of series connected solar panels and a string of parallel connected solar panels in series to a charge controller?

[@cerealtech4138]

can i use more than 1 charge controller, that connect to the same battery pack?

[@rtos]

With solar charge controllers some operation can be close to thresholds while others may destroy the device. For example its not possible to exceed the maximum operating voltage (145v in the example here) without destroying the controller. Unfortunately in cold conditions what you calculate as the worst case panel open circuit as 135V may briefly go over 145V! Again with MPPT charge controllers the battery charging current is usually internally limited, so it can handle panels capable of sourcing higher current. However this is not the case with PWM controllers, which will definitely overheat & possibly destroy with higher than rated battery current!

[@4philipp]

The cold weather aspect is often overlooked. While charge controllers may have different numbers, Midnite Solar has a great calculator on their website that will take location temperature into account. Maximizing charge controller input is not easy. PMW controllers are not designed for large systems though. I only use them for a portable 200 watt panel at 12v

[@rain0aldwaib]

@@4philipp you can use varistor and a fuse as a protection i guess

[@MattBowlerHat]

I've watched this video a few times over the last couple of years, it is a great explanation. I would love to see a new version with a larger 48V system for around 6KW, I am going with Victron Multiplus II and probably this video was enough for me but I guess there is a reason I've watched it a few times! (coincidence!) Thanks for all of your vids.

[@ammarabed95]

I feel optimistic when I watch your videos bro.😘

[@FDM33510]

Another EXCELLENT video! Perfect for right where I am at on 2 DIY systems that I am building here in Tampa. 48volt/600ah with MPP 3048Lv and 12volt/400ah with Epever. Thx for sharing your brain with us, Will! You're the Man!

[@captainkirkkirk596]

Yes definitely look at Max voltage on mppt charger cannot stress enough very very important should have watched this earlier! Nice job keep up the good work!

[@maheshssonarr1193]

I had watched many of your videos. Very technical and to the point, easy to understand for everyone.. Awesome !! Hats off to your detailed testing/comparisons ! You have become Solar God !! I think, I should get your autograph :)

[@VinceBadovinatz88]

I thought you added up the VOC. Not the Watts.. I never did check that out on my solar controller. I don't even know how many watts it can handle. everything is so confusing ..I've even had this one system going for a while and I thought I had it all correct. I didn't know you could have too many watts if the voc was okay...

[@brly4542]

Also a good idea of you live in a very cold climate to reduce your total panel wattage slightly from the max. I had an array hooked up to an Outback FM60, it was about 90% of what the controller could handle, worked fine for a couple years until one perfectly clear day and a bit colder than -40c the panels output increased over their max rating by a good margin and fried the controller. It was a 2700w array and I logged over 3000w, and that's with some loss due to a 75' cable run

[@chukwudumchibuzor2745]

So u are saying connecting solar panels in series do increase both watts and volts?

[@halrogers7074]

Just curious, you mention Max PV input wattage, but you call out Rated input wattage (520/1040W). Max is 1560/3120 for a 40A EPEVER MPPT, which looks a lot like what you're holding. If it is truly Max, then calculations could be somewhat off....you've taught me a TON, so keep it up!

[@MrEricH5470]

How do you size the determine of fuse you need for your series array?

[@GTAALLPS4]

Very easy to learn the basics of Solar system configuration!! Great job!!!

[@leeone7822]

I want you to give me good answer I have PV panel 100watt 12v, 7, and I have 120 watt 12v ,4,please can you give me best way to connect the panel together,my inverter is rated power 3000va/2400w, system voltage 24v, max solar voltage VOC)80VDC, which way is better as you're professional in solar ,give me way out to put it together thank,

[@edwardshomestead9074]

Hi will, what would be nice , if you can build a solid 6kw system from scratch. Would love to see that because even the all in one mppt inverter does not go that far

[@TchauRod]

Another great video. I need that so much. I'm doing about the same as y example. 6x200w panels (3S2P). I'm using the MPPT 3024 (Europe 220v) I could even do all in series w this unit, but since each 3 panels string is on one side, shade on one could affect the whole system.

[@hanshilzinger1779]

From the bottom end of Africa I thank you for these great videos !

[@castransfin1024]

Very technical. It can only be understood by people who are experts in solar system.

[@calmauric8218]

Yeah, I agree that high pv input voltage is the way to go. I see my battery bank getting so much more useable power in low light situations and during the morning/evening times. I found the Epever tracer 40a a great controller. Seen it go over 40a at peak times but it never seems to get hot