My DIY Portable Solar Power "Generator" (For Vans, Camping, Off-Grid, etc. - Ammo Can Style)

In this video I show you the build of my little portable solar "generator." It consists of a 100-watt solar panel, two 35 Ah batteries, a 400-watt inverter, and a charge controller. I made this video very detailed to show you that it's possible even if you don't really know anything about solar or electronics.
** Parts list, etc: suvrving.com/diy-portable-sola...
** Renogy solar schematic/diagram: suvrving.com/wp-content/upload...
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OTHER LINKS
** The Store: kamchatkagear.com
** SUV RVing the Book: www.amazon.com/dp/B01HYMKE2K/... (Affiliate link)
** The Blog: suvrving.com
** Instagram: / suvrving
** FKB.me (My free Kindle book website): fkb.me
CHANNELS YOU MAY LIKE (Tell them Tristan sent you!)
** Colorado Backcountry Adventures (Truck camping, winter camping, off-grid cabin life): / @offgridbackcountryadv...
** Finding Simon (Vanlife, motorcycle road trips, and now boat restoration): / shelbyandsimon
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My name is Tristan, and I camp and travel for months out of the year in my 2011 Toyota RAV4.

[@SUVRVing]

** Parts list, etc: suvrving.com/diy-portable-solar-generator-ammo-can/ ** Renogy solar schematic/diagram: suvrving.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/renogy-solar-diagram.jpeg ** My online store: kamchatkagear.com

[@bruceforster3709]

What are your impressions of that little Bestek inverter?

[@SUVRVing]

Works great, as far as I can tell. I haven't exactly pushed it to its limits through. But for a laptop and charging other little things, I have no complaints.

[@ConBrioLady]

an outstanding demonstration, Tristan !

[@donaldfinkler2490]

What kind of fuse wire did you use

[@cindywilliams8279]

Is this still working well for you? I’m trying to do something like this.

[@davidmerida9576]

*Great **Generater.Systems** so far. We have the same brand just a little less power. This one is so much quieter then our first one. Great buy*

[@mk500]

This is really well done, and a great budget setup. My only advice is about the loose connections on the battery terminals during testing. With electrical, always make tight connections immediately. Loose connections can easily cause arc (sparks); which can lead to blown fuses, damaged equipment, and possibly fire. Once you are ready to make a connection, just commit and make it tight. You can always loosen it later to add more. Hope this doesn’t come across as overly critical; you did a great job on this video!

[@SUVRVing]

Great point! Thanks for the input, and I'm glad you liked the video.

[@bobgade6733]

Crimp the secure on a wire, then connection area, same reason you tie a knot BEFORE climbing.... Everyone, many professionals aswell, say to do opposite of that for the same reason as battery connectors.... My thoughts are "heyman, if your crimping on a live wire, do it however you want my dude, imma be over here with 9&1 already entered into my phone... Also, hey man, don't forget how deadly that arc is. Wired in series, you can stick weld off some jumper cables and 2 car batteries..

[@kelleykolpitcke9055]

I love this video. Even if I have a slightly different setup, it makes TOTAL sense to me now. I have basic electrical knowledge, but only that of "teaching circuits" to 3rd graders. I've also conducted invention camps during the summers, where students take a part old electrical devices, just to see how things are connected inside. I have been watching KZbin for SUV RVing and with my retirement approaching, am converting my SUBURBAN to get me across the country. There are so many different setups, and I was uncertain that I would be able to repair something on the road. THIS allows me to build something, that I can fix on my own. I love it. And I appreciate anyone that "teaches." As far as criticism on your thread, that's about them and not you. It always is. It's sad to know someone treated someone unkindly and that is the only way they know how to be heard. SO KUDOS! I feel so much better about this!

[@lizzy2shoes557]

Thank You, Tristan! You have such a straightforward , practical setup AND ability to TEACH ...Always look forward to your videos! 🚗👍🌞

[@SUVRVing]

Aw thanks :) I always appreciate you watching and commenting. I'm glad you liked the video.

[@Odenix75]

Agreed. I'm interested in all new system (for me) and very little knowledge of how things work .Thank you good start for me

[@tomcervenka7404]

I'm wondering why it took me so many videos to finally get to this one. This is a good one!

[@ldprice2008]

I’ve been doing electronics for over 35 years. And I can be as critical as anyone else. My opinion is that you absolutely nailed it in this video. Including seeing wire pull out of a crimp. Very educational. Love the inclusive information, parts list, and pricing. Keep up the good work and contributions.

[@SUVRVing]

Awesome, I'm glad you liked the video! Thanks for watching, Larry.

[@barbarapadgett5538]

I’ve been watching van life videos on KZbin for two years now and that’s the best electric and most practical for any camping application!

[@barbhayes5613]

Wow! I really like this setup. Having all the bits in the heavy-duty tub makes it so much more doable for my situation. My Winnebago really has no good space to put extra batteries for solar, but this setup would enable me to put them either in the passenger foot area or behind the driver's seat. Thanks for the great ideas!

[@SUVRVing]

Yep, it's great that it's portable. If you consider a small 50-lb box portable. It's a pain to move around, but at least it is possible to move it around. I really like it. Thanks Barb.

[@vetinger]

SIMPLE, BUT IS SO HELPFUL ASSEMBLY OF THE POWER BOX.

[@melissahankoff4034]

U r a Great teacher!!! I've watched a few of these kind of videos and NOW I understand❣. Thanks so very much😍

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Melissa!

[@fraidofthedark]

Exactly what I'm planning on, this helps immensely. Thank you !

[@dlight2669]

This is really to the point, nice, a clear, well put together video. i understood the process completely thanks to your excellent demonstration. I especially like how you showed what tools are needed, the parts involved, and then read the steps. I giggled when you said, "Crisis averted". What a fine, 5 star presentation. This was really helpful.

[@SUVRVing]

Great! I'm glad it was helpful! It's the kind of tutorial I wished existed when I was learning about the stuff.

[@cathymackay5534]

Thanks for that. Nice to see an amateur going through something as if talking to other amateur...like me! I’m an older lady needing a bit of power for my allotment so this has been really useful. Cheers from England xx

[@SuperDeut4]

Dear, dear, dear young man! You are such a great blessing! This is more than a 101! This is also a hands-on and demo. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Hugs and gratitude from Texas!

[@SUVRVing]

I'm so glad you found it helpful! I appreciate you watching and commenting :)

[@23Michael23]

Nice. I'm putting my first solar panel on my travel trailer tomorrow.

[@SUVRVing]

Awesome! You'll love it. I really like mine.

[@65sheilakay]

Very good video. I think I could do this! You made it very easy to see what you're doing as well. Thanks for taking the time to video this.

[@SUVRVing]

Glad you liked it. My frustration with all of the other videos out there was they they assumed you're an electronics wizard, so I wanted to create the video for people like me who have basically no experience with this kind of thing.

[@65sheilakay]

SUV RVing Yes, I know,right? It's like if I was an electronic wizard, I wouldn't need their video in the first place. That's why I appreciate your video so much. Also the sound is good, and I can understand what you're saying,haha. Thanks again.

[@garys58winch]

@@SUVRVing Such an informative video. Agreed. I've watched many of these DIY solar videos and yours is so deliberate and easy to follow. Three questions I have you may or may not be able to help with. PWM vs MPPT controller. Which gives me best bang for the buck? Also, to show you how little I know, how does the controller "know" when to stop feeding power into the batteries? Finally, can I charge my Bluetti AC50S with this setup? Thanks Tristan. Amazingly helpful video as usual.

[@jerryearp6403]

Thank you so much for your video, this is precisely what I was looking for, I feel confident enough to do my own solar build, look forward to your channel, thanks again.

[@maehay4065]

I enjoyed watching your detailed instructions on how to use and connect all the parts and the tools you used to put this Solar system together! All thumbs up 👍 for a very informative video. Sometimes just hearing the words of the description as well as watching in real time without speeding up the video ( except redundant parts) really shows that most of us could do this project with the exception of picking up that many pounds which I cannot do by myself! Thank you for sharing your experience with hooking up your Solar power. 👍👍👍👍

[@SUVRVing]

Great, I'm glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@fastmovingwaters]

Good job Tristan! Very clear. When I’m ready I will use your link.

[@SUVRVing]

Great, I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching.

[@webbtrekker534]

One of the best videos of its kind for simplicity. Thanks.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Webb Trekker!

[@debbiem6682]

Thanks for this great lesson. I've added it to my "watch later" so that I can follow along when/if the time comes. Thank you for sharing this set up with us!

[@SUVRVing]

Great, happy to help. Thanks for watching.

[@paula...sister1of12]

Thank you so much. Solar can be so confusing if you have no experience with it. Your video is very informative and makes it seem doable. Good job.

[@SUVRVing]

I'm glad it was helpful. Thanks Paula!

[@TravelingGranny]

I appreciate your video! Next year I plan on heading out boon-docking in my Jeep! At 53yrs old, I can do this!!! Thank you!!!! 👍🇬🇧

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching!

[@JSTJPN]

Excellent video. You did a very good job walking through the process and not assuming everyone who watches this knows how to build this set up. Really enjoying your videos.

[@DEE-xv1gs]

Man that is the best easiest most portable solar system I've ever seen for someone like me who's just getting started I won't have to work to install anything it's portable if I were to have to change vehicles I can instantly take it with me you can build those and make a living on the road that's a sweet setup thank you so much you have no idea how simplified you've made this for me thank you

[@SUVRVing]

Yep, it's a great little setup. It's heavy, so it's not the easiest thing in the world to move around, but it definitely can be moved between vehicles or in and out of one vehicle. It works great for me. Thanks Dee!

[@carolsikes5069]

That was a very awesome and inspiring video! Makes me think that even I, old lady that I am, might be able to do something like that! Thanks for taking the time to show step by step what you did.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Carol! I think anyone can do it. Just lots of little steps that you need to follow, but no step is very difficult.

[@assadibnfourat2082]

Merci beaucoup monsieur ! C'est bien instructif votre vidéo ... j'en ai appris bien de belles choses MERCI ....continuez ..Bon courage

[@nightwolf1592]

Thanks for the comprehensive instructions. Really clear and enjoyable to learn like this from a 'none expert' who learnt on the job and through research. Also thanks for the car sticker which is on its way to England as I type. Looking forward to your further adventures.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Rod! I'm glad you liked the video. Let me know when you get the sticker; I want to know how long it takes to get to you.

[@patriciadickerson6628]

Great how-to video for setting up solar panels, thank you! I was concerned about the batteries off-gassing too, glad that was addressed in the comments. Can't wait to see the videos from your month long adventure!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Patricia! I posted the first video from the trip yesterday if you haven't seen it.

[@ridgerunner66]

Great job. A very clean set up. Looks very portable. I'm sure it would make boondocking a lot more comfortable. Thanks for showing us. Davin

[@SUVRVing]

Yep, it makes the car feel more like a small home rather than a metal-sided tent. It's great! Thanks Davin.

[@CarlosBenjamin]

I love the modularity of this. You could even park in the shade and set this out in the sun on hot days! I’m only three minutes in and want to build my own.

[@SUVRVing]

Yep, exactly. It takes only a couple of minutes to take the solar panel off. Works great.

[@MrPuddinJones]

THANKS for uploading this. helping me along my path to my DIY solar generator. I have all of my components, im just looking for box mounting ideas. and your video helped me to make decisions on how i want to proceed. cheers

[@rollingbnb2146]

Wow. One of the best how-to videos I've seen on KZbin. I could see and hear everything and you did it in such an orderly way. Mmm, maybe I could do my solar setup myself. I loved how you mounted everything to the box--makes it so accessible.

[@SUVRVing]

If I can do it, you can definitely do it too. It's not overly difficult, you just need to make sure you follow all of the little steps. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@roylindsey7030]

Looks like you did a great job! I have plans to do something similar and this video will be very helpful. Thanks!

[@micahkenneth8612]

Thats cool Brah !! I used to fall asleep with my radio on ..so I did this and it literally jumpstarted my car from the trunk DAILY!! I couldnt imagine not doing this foreal...

[@rosemason2071]

You are amazing. This shows me exactly what i need. Thank you for the detailed video.

[@debthern]

I have watched a ton of solar diy videos and by far your's taught me the most. You did an amazing job. Thanks a ton.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Deb! I'm glad it was helpful.

[@colinhammacott2396]

Nice job Tristan, safe travels!

[@clovermark39]

This is what I needed to know. I just need to get batteries and can make my own solar set up, thanks you for the great instructions.

[@funzeevanzee]

Thank you for posting this. I greatly appreciate it. I also have a Toyota RAV4 but I have not tried to do this yet. I only slept in it one night on the beach. You made this look like I can accomplish the solar panel system also.

[@SUVRVing]

RAV4 owners unite! The build process isn't difficult, but there are just a bunch of little steps you have to do. You can do it!

[@kamikazekunze]

I’m a noob with this as well, thank you for this video. It helped me a lot!

[@SUVRVing]

Glad to hear it! Thanks Alex.

[@Tatdude1957]

Great, clear, informative, practical, logical video! Kudos!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Jim!

[@denisemanier6871]

You do a nice job with your instructional videos.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Denise :)

[@809castro]

You explain it really good you have the gift to teach I watch so many video but still was confused and yours made everything clear good work and God blessed..

[@brians7727]

Awesome 'step-by-step' instructional! Thank you! Before you mentioned it at the end of the video, I was thinking, 'He should've made a tray so the batteries don't slide around.'

[@SUVRVing]

Yep, the sliding around was definitely something I didn't think about beforehand but was pretty apparent as soon as I started moving the box around. Thanks Brian.

[@CroakerOutdoors]

Nice set up. I upgraded from a SLAB to LiFePO4 and it made life so much easier. Highly recommended since you only have 35Ah usable right there but it's all based on your needs.

[@leochang6164]

Thank you Sir for the absolute best and easiest guide to Solar Generator Assembly !!!! Two thumbs up!!!!

[@SUVRVing]

I'm glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@GavCritchley]

Thats a great build. Impressed!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Gavin!

[@TINBED291]

Great setup. I will make same for my graphine battery pack. Then when these are fully charged send to my home solar system... Great video

[@argospilotsigyn]

I have basically the same power box setup that you have (although a different brand of solar panels). I bought an extension cable so that I could place my panels out about 25 feet from my car. In that way, I could park under shade and still have my panels fully exposed to the sun all day long. I mounted a really large deep cycle battery in a plastic toolbox that came with wheels. This is so helpful when I need to move it around. My battery doesn't require maintenance, but I vented the top of the tool box to allow for the escape of any potential off-gassing.

[@SUVRVing]

Sounds like a great setup. Thanks for watching!

[@Rebeccamyst]

Very informative and easy to follow. Thanks!

[@SUVRVing]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@AggyGoesOutdoors]

Fantastic walkthrough

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks!

[@caraoosterhouse7348]

Great project! Thanks for doing this!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Cara!

[@HPeterJi]

Very informative and useful even for just a small solar project like this! Liked the Velcro idea at the end!

[@SUVRVing]

I'm glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching :)

[@SilverShadow2LWB]

very nice presentation. Clear and precise and with candid mistakes we can all learn from. Enjoy your solar project!

[@SUVRVing]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@jmrichsonsr]

Good job. You researched, planned and executed well. Thank you for sharing your well done video. Now "To infinity and beyond!"

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks James!

[@livinglike_lisa7954]

Excellent detailed video that is very easy to follow. Thank you!

[@SUVRVing]

I'm glad it was helpful. Thanks Lisa!

[@pikifrino]

ALL very good. Thank u 4 sharing!

[@sergiodamascenosoares1920]

Excellent job!

[@laurab9247]

Amazing! I actually understood it! Thanks!

[@crcsalim]

Incredible Video! It is very useful. Thank you for sharing all this information.

[@mooney411]

Hello, I just found this video. Thank you very much for showing the whole process. I was looking to add another batter to my fishing boat to run the fish finder and any possible device that I might need at the same time using the original battery for the electric motor. Thank you again! I'll be looking into building this for my self.

[@BeezyKing99]

I’m already a subscriber of Will Prowse... he’s good, but you’re great as well, because of this DIY kit you featured in the video, it’s really simple and something i can start off with... also another reason why i subscribed, clear, to the point. Looking forward to more great content.

[@anthonymarino4260]

LOOKS GREAT ENJOY ALWAYS LEARNING

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Anthony!

[@shawnbailey.parkie7585]

Nice clean job Tristan! Looks like it came together well. My solar setup worked well in the Utah sun when I was there a couple weeks ago.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Shawn! I just got back from a monthlong trip, and the solar setup worked perfectly. I'm really happy with how it's turned out. I appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@sandylee1717]

This really helped me understand solar

[@dayveda3736]

Your video was the easiest to understand. Thank you!

[@SUVRVing]

I'm glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@threedogsandacamper503]

It’s Alive! Very nice video. I wondered if you were going to do a solar set up eventually.

[@SUVRVing]

I put it off for a long time, but I'm happy to finally have it now. It makes life on the road easier, for sure.

[@deetrvl4life875]

Fun to share your happiness. Well done! You made that so simple, I think even an Ol' girl can do it.

[@tomascharles5080]

I like how you show how to do it step by step thanks.

[@kimberlychicago7608]

Your channel is really good and informative. I'm planning an suv adventure and utilizing many of your tips and advice.

[@azsnradsrt7]

Well done! Very informative, very clear. Really appreciate you, and your channel.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks! I'm glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@daniele.sandri]

ottimo, semplice e razionale! grazie

[@ChiefinGuam]

Very nicely done!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Alex!

[@HandsONreviews4u]

Great inspiration !!

[@dinohicks7959]

Great information, thank you for sharing.

[@SUVRVing]

I'm glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@news-latest9471]

Very good, very nice video. Thank u 4 sharing!

[@RandallW20]

I appreciate this vid Tristan, thank you!

[@SUVRVing]

Great! I'm glad you liked it, and thanks for watching.

[@JackHunnicutt]

Good job and thanks for sharing. One recommendation: to balance the load across the two batteries you should use the positive of one battery and negative of the other battery going to the inverter and coming from the charge controller.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Jack, I'll look into doing that.

[@darylphipps8663]

Dont under estimate yourself Tristin....great video for the beginner / novice to follow/use! You did great!.. Hoping 2cu out there real soon!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Daryl! I'm glad you enjoyed the video and found it useful.

[@gigglinggypsy4636]

BRILLIANT!! Thank you so very much!

[@SUVRVing]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@safeharbor7]

Nice job... Thumbs up...

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks!

[@dennisnifong9086]

A few things to improve battery effiency. Over all it is very nice light weight build. I would advise that you use the other cables and wire it directly to battery terminals. I would keep the cigerette lighter tube. If all you need is usb just plug a car usb to the cigerette charger. The charger uses electricity from battery when the sun is down. Inverters eat 12 to 20% of energy produced. If you just need to charge at night this is much more effecient. If the sun is up the charge controller must be on to recharge. Only power up the inverter when you really need 110 ac. Unplug the usb when not in use. It does pull power even when not charging.

[@dalekundtz4603]

Did a nice job explaining what you were doing. Connect positive always first just like jumping car battery.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Dale!

[@positivelyportugal]

Thanks for a great video!

[@fcruz3242]

Awesome video !!

[@christinaoklaohio7926]

❤️ very informative. Will be sharing this with my family..ty so I can’t wait to try this also.

[@SUVRVing]

Awesome, I'm glad it was helpful. Thanks as always for watching and commenting.

[@silentone3142]

Good job and atleast your honest

[@gregdavidd]

Great build thanks for the video. Suggestions: I wouldn't use the cigarette lighter for several reasons including increased resistance, reliability and fuse amperage. Second, you should solder the ends of the wire before putting them into the screwdown connectors. This will decrease resistance and increase reliability (you mention in your video that they pulled out).

[@RonaldBaylon]

This is what i am looking for. Thanks.

[@420WHEREVERIROAM]

A open MIND is so much more useful THAN A CLOSED ONE ;-) Good thinking on your feet young man

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks!

[@OMGitsmercer]

I'm really liking your videos. Keep it up!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Brent!

[@alanread6596]

Excellent video very informative has given me the courage to try it myself thanks. Alan in the England.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching, Alan 👍

[@michaelstobierski5155]

Great video! Thank you for sharing.

[@SUVRVing]

No problem. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@TheRock-xj7hs]

Fantastic tutorial, thanks much

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks The Rock!

[@drexldog]

You're such an amateur! Which is exactly why I think this is a great video. Not everyone is an electrical engineer, nor can most laymen understand them. Your intro really sold me when you explained everything from wind noise to the fact you've never done this before. 👍👍👍

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@touffe3611]

I think its the best video i found very easy Thanks again, you make the Best video

[@martykong3592]

Well DONE and shared! Great idea for my Forester, or Van I want to get:) Like the all in one box idea, and may use bigger batteries... Thanks again! all the BEST to you! Cheers:)

[@cabovercamperdarrenthomas1286]

nice set up

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks!