How to set up a portable solar-recharged battery system

Join Sam as he guides you through setting up a portable solar system. This in-depth how-to takes you through hardware connection, wiring and termination of a simple portable solar system. This is perfect for free camping or any semi-permanent installation keeping you batteries topped up and 12v appliances powered up.
Be sure to check out all our solar products here:
AU www.jaycar.com...
NZ www.jaycar.co....

[@grazstarr]

Thanks for the info, very informative!

[@MsNZgal]

This is brilliant Sam Thank you. I went to buy a solar panel and battery box and came home empty handed because I didn't understand 90percent of what the sales man was talking about. You have made it very clear and helpful.

[@mrtee3988]

What did you end up getting?

[@MsNZgal]

I ended up buying a Eccoflow power box and portable solar panel recommended by a friend who had one.@@mrtee3988

[@GDoggProductions]

i've been looking around the internet for something like this and I never knew that you can get housing for a car battery 😄💯🔋 that is such a game-changer and it looks safer aswell

[@DriveInTheaterGuy]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJycl5t7Z9qLp5Y I am getting the same solar panel for my battery.

[@Shakyy007]

Keeping things simple but effective. Thanks for this.

[@farrenyellow6599]

This is a frugal person paradise!! 😍

[@MegaChotoo]

Thank You Sam. You are such a brilliant Teacher. Such an easy step by step explanation. Marvelous!.

[@Thevictor79]

You kept it simple and straight forward, good job

[@gretavains8707]

Very professional gentleman. Thank you very much. For my caravan. 🌹🇭🇲

[@wynand8218]

Can you send a link to all products used in this video please ?

[@j.najohnfmulbah3004]

Thank you very much for the video, but I really want to know how many watts solar panel can change 200A battery.

[@garydurandt4260]

Sam I have heard that the most effiecient way to charge your battery is via an MPPT controller as opposed to the standatd PWR controller. Secondly, the controller must be as close to the battery as possible. If this is correct would this mean I need to get an unregulated solar panel and fit a seperate MPPT controller next to the battery? Would appreciate your reply please.

[@cameronbarratt2189]

You are 100% right, stay far away from Jaycar. Useless

[@collowood]

Just saw if it's a lithium battery it's the other around.

[@stanroark55]

Can the battery be used inside as a back up to some things and charge with an ac charger as well?

[@paintballgod33]

I assume this would be the same hookup for a battery power pack? I have this one: MotoMaster Nautilus Portable Power Pack & Battery Booster/Jump Starter with Air Compressor, 800-Amp, 400W

[@dennisclark8766]

Great video! Nice steady tripod video for a change. Thanks for sharing loved it.

[@coletan952]

Hi , you ever consider selling this whole set online ?

[@rimasmeleshyus9486]

Very informative, many thanks I bought 100 W solor panel kit for $ 99 dollars, no charge controller what kind batteries need to buy ? Question

[@GarvinLynch-p5l]

When the red light comes on, on a GM 65L solar charg controller and not the green what must I do.

[@dukeofearl6256]

Great info, but why do you play your music at the beginning at such an ear splitting volume?

[@ralphsammis7330]

Looked at sites included. Cannot find battery holder used.

[@napper1496]

How can a solar panel feed a smart charge system in a camper van? You know say my alternator is feeding my smart charge system but I also want to add a solar panel

[@PhilippinesSunsetTravel]

How can i get one that has a power point so i can run lights/tv etc. ?

[@kirstinmcdonagh]

Thank you so much for this easy to follow set up video 😊 very helpful

[@michaelvaughn536]

Where are the links for the battery box, solar panel with charge controller please???

[@hellbendert35]

Can you use the battery while its charging? like with a fish finder?

[@FrederickDunn]

Can that battery box be placed inside, or does it need to be in a utility space to prevent exposure to off-gassing? This is an interesting system, and I could use something like this in our honey bee study buildings :) Thank you for the demonstration.

[@JaycarVideo]

It's always good idea to keep a 12v battery in a separate location. With gel cell or absorptive glass matt type batteries rather than Sealed Lead Acid Batteries, there is little danger, but caution around electrical equipment is always advised

[@FrederickDunn]

@@JaycarVideo Thank you !

[@SWTGVET1]

Great content. Thank you much for sharing your knowledge.

[@VANESSASVANLIFEJOURNEY]

*quick and easy connection*

[@ramioushenville8226]

I need a setup like that

[@fogersoli1953]

How does it connect to appliances? I plan on running a pump off it, where do I connect it and how?

[@simondarrylfernandes2204]

If I connect this solar charger to the batteries of the boat do I need to disconnect before starting the engine

[@candyscatmobilervlife3884]

Can I get a 200 Watt solar generator and use it to charge my 2000 watt solar generator? My 2000 watt had an Anderson port/jack and it won't work, and the only other way to charge it is by using my coach gas generator. I don't want the gas expense, it's noisy and won't stay on long enough to charge it anyway. I HATE Anderson connectors!! TY

[@vulvo4763]

Can you connect one 400w panel with a 270w panel in series

[@jenniferlelliott6739]

Great clear instructions, just what I needed Thank you!

[@bradpage3452]

Instead of securing the solat panel to the battery box with ring terminals, could i connect the solar panel to the battery box via an anderson plug that is preinstalled on my battery box?

[@JaycarVideo]

sure can

[@sarvarzjjatt9240]

good info, can you guide me how i can setup for 240 w for outdoor activities. plz

[@Tekniverk21]

nicely explained 👍

[@felixrojas9029]

Hi please let me know where I can buy all this stuff to build my solar station thanks felix from Chicago

[@hotforit]

Very helpful video. Is it ok to put a load on the battery while charging?

[@stevecrowe176]

In a normal camping situation you'd be running a 12v fridge 24/7, naturally the fridge once up to operating temp will kick in when the temp rises, just like your house fridge. You'd be also recharging your battery during daylight hours. The short answer is YES.

[@marktheunitedstatescitezen185]

Did you make you’re battery case ? If so where did buy the thicker battery terminals that can handle a 560Ah battery bank at 48v

[@Psychonaut1974]

Funny, i built an almost identical one a few months ago...same box, same brand of the solarpanel etc...and now i saw this. I guess i made mine right, haven't tried yet :)

[@liwaliwtravelandtours]

Where can we purchase that solar panel set?

[@elboregojhb]

keep the battery cool and it last longer and charge better

[@padswaggle]

can you have the panels and an inverter connected at the same time? can you keep the panels connected and use something with the cigarette lighter sockets?

[@leebliss3622]

Yes and yes

[@ReviewsandTech]

Very nice and well put together, Excellent bro, thank you so much.

[@Ritterkritterz]

How come you didn't get jolted when you touched both battery poles in the beginning?

[@JaycarVideo]

the low voltage of the battery combined with the high electrical resistance of human skin means that when you hold both poles of a 12v battery, you may feel a tingle as a small amount of current passes through you, but not much. If you were to reduce your skin's resistance by wetting it with water however, a higher current can flow through, causing damage

[@Ritterkritterz]

@JaycarVideo thank you so much for taking the time to answer. I thought touching both poles was a no no. I get intimidated by electrical stuff and I realize I need to become more comfortable with it and learn it.

[@DarrenGerbrandt]

Looking to make a Li-Ion 12V 4s12p x2, so it will actually be 4s24p, just waiting on my battery box for the actual battery size I can fit but in the meantime, I was looking at getting a flexible 175W solar panel which does not come with a charge controller, so wanted to know what I should be looking for, don't really see any that specify a certain wattage but ranges from 10A to 80A with most sitting at 30A. This battery will be used mostly to power a motor for my canoe which I believe pulls about 25A but haven't tested this yet on my motor under load. Any info provided would be appreciated.

[@nzbrotrev9028]

Is it able t be charged up using the cigarette lighter as your driving

[@JaycarVideo]

This kind of setup sounds like it would be best achieved through speaking to one of our experts in store, or an automotive specialist to fully understand your specific requirements. And double checking any regulations that may apply in your area You can find your local store here: NZ -> www.jaycar.co.nz/store-finder AU -> www.jaycar.com.au/store-finder

[@eward1963]

Would a 1000watt pure sinewave inverter be too much for this set up ?

[@JaycarVideo]

with this setup, a 1000W inverter would be going overboard, and result in less energy yield. but it is appropriate f you plan to expand your solar array in the future.

[@eward1963]

@@JaycarVideo thank-you!

[@kctcs2teach2learn]

This is a great explanation of the front end of solar power --- how to set up the panels & charge the battery. But, is there a video that demonstrates the setup on the back end - how to connect appliances to use the power stored in the battery? TIA! (and, are there retailers in the USA that offer the products demonstrated in this video?)

[@TheJimulike]

That’s exactly what I was looking for! 🙂

[@leebliss3622]

You need an inverter to convert the current from DC to AC, connect that to the battery, then connect your 120/140/220/240w appliances to the inverter You can buy an inverter from most electrical suppliers, just explain you need to convert DC current to AC current (direct current to alternating current) and find out what the wattage is on the appliances / items you’ll be using most to tell the customer service reps so you make sure to buy the right inverter

[@tb01803]

Hi, with a cross over power cord, could you plug this into a homes wall socket, to feed into a house? and potentially if no one is home, could it power the items that are always on, like refrigerator, and microwave, and clocks, etc? Or is there additional components needed for a back feed?

[@leebliss3622]

It’s not powerful enough to replace shore power

[@WK2299]

Will it be possible to run a fridge at the same time the solar panel is hooked up to the battery box and charging the battery inside? Thank you

[@JaycarVideo]

yes depending on the current draw of the fridge and the size of your battery.

[@dewanehill1435]

So a 120 watt panel will fully charge a battery in one full sun day. Is that right. I saw somewhere that you need 3 100 watt solar panels to charge one battery.

[@JaycarVideo]

Solar panels are very efficient. anyone telling you to buy three for one battery is misinformed

[@dewanehill1435]

@@JaycarVideo, my question wasn't about efficiency. I'm curious how much power is needed to fully charge a 12volt 100AH battery. Apparently a 120 watt solar panel produces about 6 or 7 amps on a sunny day. That would take about 15 hours of full sun. We get about 6 here, so I think that means at least two panels to charge one battery on a perfect day. a partly cloudy day maybe 3.

[@JaycarVideo]

@@dewanehill1435 over 6 hours of sunlight, we could usually expect a combined 3.1 "peak sunlight" hours in total, giving us 372 watt hours from a 120 watt panel. Assuming a 30% loss due to imperfect energy transfer, we end up at 260 watt hours generated during a full day from a 120 watt panel with a 12v battery, that 260 watt hours comes out to about 21.6amps, not 6-7 if you're looking to charge a 100Ah battery from an 80% discharge dead you'll take a few days from one panel, but discharging that much from a Lead Acid battery before charging is going to begin to severely impact future battery capacity.

[@dewanehill1435]

@@JaycarVideo, that makes perfect sense. So a single 120 watt panel could recharge two 12V 100Ah batteries from 50% in about 3 hours. Is that right?

[@JaycarVideo]

@@dewanehill1435 I'd lean towards 3 hours of perfect conditions per battery. If you're using a power heavy setup, more panels is better, but 2 per battery is overkill

[@juppman77]

This looks perfect for the outdoor electricity I want for my Gazebo outback, is it okay to have the battery box stored in another box, and have the solar panel posted 24/7/365? I want something I can just put there and leave for when I want to come out and use it

[@juppman77]

Also, is there a reason why there is no regular plug ins, and instead the cigarette lighter ones? I want to plus in just regular lights, I suppose I could get a converter, but I was wondering if that is an option, and if not why not?

[@AnikaTL1]

I would just like to know where I can buy this kit?

[@michaeltheboss2010]

Can i use a 300 watt solar pannel to charge the battery?

[@kabluwi]

If the battery box has Anderson clips on it, can I go straight from the controller to that?

[@scabblemoon7604]

The product works well and certainly does the job... However, The power cord needs to be secured to the Solar unit - then run into the PAW. By securing the outlet power cable only at the PAW connection, you've made this the pulling point... The "+" & "-" connections are way to close and it's beyond obvious that, being a portable device, this will be pulled, knocked and possibly blown over occasionally... If the wires pull out slightly, there is an extremely high chance they will short and as the battery current can feed back on the circuit, things will get ugly very fast. Your set up does not include a fuse installed between the Battery and the PAW, just the circuit breaker on the Battery Box. I have doubts the breaker will save the wire melting into a one core wire and the Battery discharging to a fatal level. I'd imagine many customers would feel like it's their fault the cable shorted or it was just an accident and not report it, but ultimately, we have an obligation to engineer portable electrical products to a standard.

[@dr.stevenwalker3385]

How can I purchase this? U.S.

[@dementhegreat2550]

can you use this to power a small room of plants and does it matter what battery u use?

[@JaycarVideo]

Your best to get the right sized battery for the total current draw of your devices. I hear small rooms of plants take allot of power to run.

[@colinl9018]

@@JaycarVideo Only daffodils..........................................

[@watchman6104]

Can you use a lead-acid battery to run a low load, like a computer fan? .55A

[@johnmason3058]

Where do you get your stuff from

[@LittleSheep]

you should sell it 1 set in website.

[@Djr67]

I put a volt meter on my solar panels with and without the charge controller attached, with the controller it was 8 volts with out the charge controller it was 16 volts, is that normal for the charge controller to cut the voltage back so much? makes me think how can it ever fully charge the battery at 8 volts

[@craiglawer6427]

Maybe you only read off one panel.bthe controller links in series, thus doubling the voltage. Parallel doubles the amps output

[@logangoose]

This is why I'm moving to AZ

[@CharlesReedPi]

Nice, easy

[@yashuahjunior9332]

Can you help me , please ! IHave a 22 Wh portable Generator (powerstation ) and i want to charge it with a Foldable 5V 14W and 2,33A solar panel , i understand that if i buy a 5 -15 volt step up convertor will work , what do you thynk , will start ? I thank you in Advanced

[@saviorchief3651]

Could this power a 250 watt ceramic heater and for how long?

[@wientz]

a 100 amp hour battery could only supply 250w for a quarter hour or 15 minutes. And 250 w is a very small heater by most standards. Unfortunately solar power is not as strong as a lot of people think. But it is slow and steady at times which can be ideal for charging if you can wait

[@Electronzap]

Good info.

[@thegreatcomback5952]

How much does it cost for both and where do I go to buy it

[@chockydog6960]

At jaycar electronic stores in australia. I got a 160w panel and a 110ah battery plus battery box for about $A400 (about 300 usd id guess). Can get better deals on ebay if you know what your after. The jaycar sales people know their products and can give advice

[@wicksey74]

I reckon he's superman. It's the glasses.

[@Djr67]

Can I charge the battery with the solar panels and run the inverter at the same time?

[@stevecrowe176]

Yes

[@henrybuffaloe6905]

where do you find that battery box, been looking ever where.

[@johnbutcher4748]

BCF

[@henrybuffaloe6905]

@@johnbutcher4748 thanks for reply to my ?, but is BCF

[@AViewThroughLensLens]

@@henrybuffaloe6905 I'm fairly sure he mean this Australian website: www.bcf.com.au/4wd-and-caravan/4wd/battery-boxes-and-accessories

[@henrybuffaloe6905]

@@AViewThroughLensLens THANKS !

[@sam11tw]

Great video!

[@RevoPowerUSA]

What size solar panel will this need? What are the differences between Anderson and MC4 connectors? Do I need a charge controller for this solar installation ?

[@JaycarVideo]

It all depends on the size of your battery and your power needs in this example you'd need a minimum or an 80W panel. An Anderson connector is design for repeatable quick connection an MC4 it more of a peppermint solution. It's always best to have a charge controller.

[@addothomas4234]

This is very educating

[@milesmoore5422]

I have no idea what "Mains" means ?

[@ronschreiber3635]

Jaycar what Panels are you using ? great Info thanks .

[@josephjackson5330]

Pwm! Mpp solar charges put more power in & with overcast.

[@JaycarVideo]

both have their advantages in different situations

[@nanyt1812]

Is this system compatible with UK

[@Win94ae]

Thank you!

[@267BISMARK]

if you use solar to charge capacitors then to an inverter you produce much more power

[@Bajaguy75]

Good video. Thank you

[@cliveneilands1449]

I would avoid those charge controllers, look for MPPT type, loads better.

[@CuringDaHOOD]

Can I mount the panels to roof of my p30 stepvan?

[@JaycarVideo]

yes you can or you can get different panels.

[@kotence]

he's so cute i forgot why i'm here for

[@pxlpainter]

What brand is that battery box and where can we get something similar?

[@roller9158]

Amazon

[@nightdays6965]

U didn't go threw the power converter

[@eddyizm]

Can you get these in the USA?

[@pshh.]

Also I own a solar panel with a ac charging cord attached to can I convert the set up on your battery box to accept the charge from the ac solar panel? And if so how?? Thanks

[@JaycarVideo]

This sounds like you have a solar panel and inverter in one. You would need to find the wires on your Panel before the inverter this would be DC you need.

[@pshh.]

@@JaycarVideo no I have a goal zero solar battery bank/ inverter in one..and also a goal zero solar panel..it has a chord with a ac plug in (small round plug) that plugs into the bank...I see your set up has some kind of dual prong set up coming from the panel to the power bank...how can I use MY panel with YOUR battery box? Sorry I'm no electrician...im more into carpentry...so my lack of electrical knowledge and lingo is laughable..lol sorry..your probably thinking what the hell is this guy talking about!! Lol, if you have any ideas let me know please..and thanks for responding I appreciate your time :)

[@JaycarVideo]

@@pshh. the lead between your panel and the battery/invert will be the DC output from the panel

[@hmax1591]

@@pshh. Just imagine you asking these questions about carpentry when you first started to a carpenter. What's a nail? Which way does it go? Can I nail a screw in with a hammer? Come on dude! Go to any video about understanding electricity on You Tube and learn the basics. Batteries have Direct Current (D/C) your panel (by what you say, which is weird that a solar panel outputs A/C already) and your house has Alternating Current A/C.....not interchangeable.....read up on basics and stop asking such dumb questions. You must be some lazy asse carpenter.

[@pshh.]

@@hmax1591 lol..shut your mouth you fucking youtube troll!! Your mom must be proud ;) ....did i ask you shit? Lol typical rat..

[@raroraroraroo9675]

Is there a portable solar system that can charge a BMW 330e?

[@nou4898]

1:00 NICE!

[@Athfos]

Is this kit sold in store ready to go?

[@JaycarVideo]

not already package up as everyone needs vary but we stock all the parts you can start looking here www.jaycar.com.au/power-batteries/solar-power/c/0H?sort=popularity-desc&q

[@leyglay2446]

Thanks for the sharing

[@baby1971baby1971]

We have used the kzbin.infoUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!

[@jimmyn1357]

Thanks man

[@secuuda]

Hi Sam is it possible to charge 3 batteries from 1 solar panel and 1 controller with a rotary or a 4 position switch to charge 1 at a time and switch to the second battery then switch to the 3rd battery not wanting to charge all at once. and if so what switch can I use. all three batteries are close by in other areas but not as a bank.

[@JaycarVideo]

yes but you might also want to use relays as well so you are not over loading the rotary switch,

[@secuuda]

so how many relay should I use and what size. Also would that be for each battery?

[@pshh.]

Can you connect multiple battery boxes to create a larger bank?

[@JaycarVideo]

yes you can, depending on the size of the panel will limit how quickly it can charge.

[@pshh.]

@@JaycarVideo thanks bud

[@tothepoint1401]

Thats it ?.

[@adamgilligan3688]

I am trying to get 470 exajoules per hour can anyone help me with that?

[@raykeogh1972]

What is the battery box called ? great video by the way very helpful, Thanks

[@JaycarVideo]

Try this www.jaycar.com.au/battery-box-with-voltmeter-and-usb-charge/p/HB8502?HB8502r&

[@Ich_slage_dich_in_dominos]

This box is sold now in aldi for 50 buks

[@GDoggProductions]

@@JaycarVideo do you guys no longer sell the box anymore?

[@colinl9018]

@@Ich_slage_dich_in_dominos Buy two and get a free fire blanket hahahahahahaha.

[@stevecrowe176]

@@GDoggProductions they still sell them, saw them 2 weeks ago (April 2022)