NO BATTERY solar system. Under $100

Mppt Controller without Batteries
• Video
CAUTION! this setup has not yet have a fuse. I would recommend putting a fuse on this system. Thanks
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Disclaimer: although this can work as as no battery solar system it is recommended that this unit is connected correctly as per manufacture specifications. Correct fusing is also recommended. Risk of fire or damage may result if incorrectly used
Showing you that you don’t expensive battery’s inverters or charge controllers to have a functional totally useable 12volt solar system.
Solar without a battery
I picked up those 2x 250watt panels for $10 each
I was lucky enough to build this system for under well under $100 aud
The best solar system
Simple diy power system
Solar Energy
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[@Techboxreview]

www.amazon.com.au/shop/techboxreview/list/368SJCPC3RS1G?ref_=aipsflist_aipsftechboxreview Disclaimer: as an Amazon associate I earn a small commission from a qualifying purchase through the amazon affiliate program.

[@FaithwalkerTodd]

A step-down converter, also known as a buck converter, is designed to reduce voltage while increasing current. When you connect your solar panels directly to a step-down converter to convert 36 volts to 12 volts, the converter will adjust the voltage and deliver the desired 12 volts to your load. However, the process of stepping down voltage involves converting some of the electrical energy into heat. In this scenario, the step-down converter does not function like an MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) charge controller. An MPPT charge controller is specifically designed to optimize the power output from solar panels by adjusting the operating point of the panels to maximize the power they generate. MPPT controllers are more efficient than simple voltage regulators when it comes to extracting the maximum power from solar panels, especially when the solar panel's voltage and current characteristics are not an exact match for the load. On the other hand, a basic step-down converter will reduce the voltage to the desired level (12 volts in your case) but may not optimize power extraction from the solar panels. The excess energy that is not delivered to the load is typically dissipated as heat in the conversion process. If maximizing the power output from your solar panels is important, especially under varying sunlight conditions, using an MPPT charge controller is recommended. MPPT controllers can adjust the electrical operating point of the solar panels dynamically to extract the maximum available power, providing a more efficient energy conversion compared to a simple step-down converter.

[@Techboxreview]

Thanks for your comment mate 👍

[@jussikankinen9409]

Can it heat dog house with 300w panel

[@Techboxreview]

@jussikankinen9409 hi mate. It could run a small 12/24volt heater. Or even a heat pad maybe 🤔 it would be worth having an experiment

[@FaithwalkerTodd]

@@jussikankinen9409 you can buy a really cheap diesel heater under $100 that only uses 1 gallon of diesel for 30 hours of heating.

[@FaithwalkerTodd]

@@jussikankinen9409 Chinese diesel heaters are only $100. 1 gallon provides 30 hours of heat.

[@clarke6436]

As someones who's hobbie is making solar set ups and building batteries this is a fantastic idea for someone to start out on the cheap and build on it later. I would have never thought of it well done.

[@Techboxreview]

Thanks mate 👍 hope it has sparked some ideas

[@rolandveshengho3913]

Same here , as someone who's done electronics for 45 years all I can say is.....I would if never thought of it! Cool idea to start your own power station.

[@alansmith2203]

Mate, that is a great idea. I live on a boat part of the year. When the sun is up why mess with all the batteries and controllers. Just throw the panel out on the deck with the converter and charge whatever you need...powerbrics, phones, even a hot water tank if you got enough reserve in the bank. Loved it. Your idea of using different types of connectors was spot on. I will definetly be using your setup on the boat and Chevy flatbed camper. Mad Respects Sir

[@Techboxreview]

Thanks bro I’m glad I could help. You can buy converters with a 13.8volt output so you can get a little bit more efficiency over the 12volt model 👍 just find one that will suit your solar input voltage and you will be good to go. Cheers

[@groovyone5492]

That's a useful set-up but I would suggest DC-DC step-down converter 24V to 13.8 V because you cant fully charge a 12V battery with a12V power supply.

[@Techboxreview]

I have found one and have one on order 😁should get it soon

[@anthonydoyle3613]

If you are shooting a video for KZbin. I think using landscape orientation is much better than upright phone orientation. You kept panning left and right when you would have had it all in shot in standard landscape. I'm watching it on a TV and it looks bad. I couldn't get to appreciate the content.

[@Techboxreview]

Cheers Anthony 👍 Good point. I will start doing that from now on.

[@HansKeesom]

An MPPT with a load port but without a battery is doing exactly the same but better, the battery is just a nice buffer. You can use no battery, a small battery or a big battery depending on how much solar and load changes during the day (and night when battery is big enough) I recommend the Victron 100 20 as it allows for 12/24/48 volt

[@Techboxreview]

Thanks for your comment mate 👍 Victron is great quality

[@Techboxreview]

Victron Recommend being connected to a battery in pretty sure? And are a lot more expensive. I have a Victron charge controller I could test to see if it works.

[@BobBob-il2ku]

Most charge controllers require a battery to work there are a few that don’t

[@Techboxreview]

Thanks Bob. This was my thoughts also

[@johnle231]

I’m guessing comtrollers say to hook up battery first before hooking up panels because the energy from panels need to go somewhere

[@unionse7en]

for my garden hose on-demand diaphragm water pump I run it directly (no converter /regulator or anything) off two used cheap 12v solar panels in parallel. Works well. I agree large used higher voltage house panels are a good deal if you can find them locally without shipping. Just an idea for certain applications.

[@Techboxreview]

That’s awesome mate. 12volt pumps work great with solar as they can work with the fluxing voltages so no need for a stable voltage. Thanks for your comment 👌

[@paulbaker3144]

Good to hear pumps work directly. I’ve been considering floating some panels on the pond with a submersible pump in the deepest part to circulate the water. The fish can hide under the panels. Also a direct DC pump in the well to slow pump to a tank when the sun shines. The well is 180 feet deep so will take more panels. Maybe 24 volts is better because of the distance. Well pumps are available in 24 volts.

[@solardiyhobbyandrevies8118]

Yeah I run my 12 volt camping fridge in the day with this same setup. I made a short about it. I also bought a dc to dc converter you can adjust with a screw driver to adjust to 13.5 volts to run my stuff with a little more voltage. Free energy during the day.

[@Techboxreview]

Yeah nice. I will check out your short. And I also have an adjustable dc to dc converter that I am going to make another set up using a 12v panel. Gotta love free solar. Cheers

[@solardiyhobbyandrevies8118]

@@Techboxreview fun to think of the possibilities.

[@paulbaker3144]

Interesting ideas. Is there a 12VDC ice maker available? I considered making ice with solar then using the ice to keep food in a big cooler cold at night or during cloudy weather.

[@solardiyhobbyandrevies8118]

@@paulbaker3144 not sure if there is but what a great idea!!!!!

[@robertkubrick3738]

Good point, rich voltage.

[@Techboxreview]

Cheers for liking and subscribing guys it means a lot 💪

[@s.hutton2100]

A clever way to get into self sufficiently on a tight budget. Regards Stephen in Australia.

[@Techboxreview]

Cheers Stephen. Thanks for watching 👍

[@LRMc-jn3pb]

A good idea is to add a small pump that would use extra power and use it to pump water up to a tower and attach a micro hydro generator that could run all night to power refrigerator and freezer over night the water will drain into an underground tank for repumping back into the tower the next day also you could directly connect a well to the underground tank and use a second pump to take water to a second tower to make your house have water pressure in the lines , in limited water areas you'll not be wasting water just recycling for power usage and your second tower should be sized for all your water use for a week.....just saying.....

[@Techboxreview]

Great idea mate. I love that thinking. Low tech energy storage 👌

[@MuralidharRao-x1x]

I had exactly the same idea, if you space , time and energy best way to stay independent. Thanks for sharing your idea.

[@paulbaker3144]

We are building a pond but I’m concerned the evaporation losses will be high. I like the idea of tanks. I might build a ferrocement tank because i dont like plastic tanks.

[@BobBob-il2ku]

XWST also makes a 8-85v input to 5v usb/usb-c converter very versatile

[@alansmith2203]

I ended up with two 305 watt rigid solar panels for peanuts. Wanna know how? Call your local solar installation companies. They sometimes have scuffed panels, sometimes someone ordered the wrong type of panel, sometimes the company changed one lot of panels with a different configuration...on and on. These panels sit in their storage sheds waiting for placement. I got mine for a 100 dollars...Jus sayin...

[@Techboxreview]

That’s awesome. Thanks for sharing. I’m sure it will help someone out 😁👌

[@malcolmwright7440]

You need to be very cautious when switching high current DC, as you can start a DC ark at currents above 5 Amps. This ark, like a welders ark, can be impossible to stop and can destroy switching circuits designed for AC operation and start a fire ! It is the reason the shut down procedure on solar grid installations say to switch off the grid power ( mains feed ) first, to reduce ( stop ) the solar panel feed curent, then switch off the DC from the panels, so the low current does not create a DC ark in the DC switch.

[@Techboxreview]

Thanks for your word of caution Malcolm. Yes the higher the voltage the higher the risk of ark. Also higher risk of electric shock. Well worth mentioning. We all should be cautious when working with electricity. Thanks mate 👍

[@PaulSmith-u7f]

At last! Been looking for a workable solution for simply charging laptop, tablet and phone for my home in Thailand (no lack of Sun!). Been quoted ridiculous prices for setups bigger than I need. Thank you

[@Techboxreview]

Your welcome mate. Just make sure you get yourself a dc converter that matches your solar panel voltage and you will be sweet 🤙🏻

[@nerys71]

Couple of things to be careful with first by using a step down converter it depends on what kind you're using some of them are relative some of them are fixed meaning in some of the cheaper ones as the voltage of the solar panel fluctuates your output voltage could fluctuate so be sure to check that Second you should be using about 14 volts not 12 volts a 12 volt battery is not actually 12 volts actually if it were 12 volts it would be destroyed most likely it's usually between 12.1 and 12.6 volts nominal resting but under load charging it's usually around 13 or 14 volts we just call it a 12 volt battery it's not actually 12 volts it's just close to 12 volts Next you are likely not getting the full power available from that solar panel setup because your output power is going to be limited by the load rating of your stepdown converter so make sure you get a converter large enough for the maximum your solar array is capable of or use multiple converters as long as you have enough amps coming out of the solar panel that will work just fine In reality you're better off buying a charge controller it's going to cost you only a few dollars more than the step down converter it'll be able to handle more power and you will be upgrade ready for example adding more solar panels up to whatever the rating of your charge controller is and also adding in a battery later.

[@Techboxreview]

Thanks mate. Very knowledgeable. I have seen fixed stepped down converters with 12.8volt and 13.8volt output options now. So the manufactures are catching on to it. Also can you run a load from a charge controller directly from solar without a battery? Thanks for your comment 👍

[@Techboxreview]

And I totally agree you aren’t really getting the full potential from my 500watt array. This dc to dc converter would be more suited for one 250watt panel giving some extra watts for a buffer. I could run 2 x dc converters of my setup for sure.

[@TacticalGhost007]

There is a charge controller ( and pure sinewave inverter and batteries and BMS ) already built into the Bluetti. It is far more efficient and safer to simply plug the solar panels directly into the Bluetti. You're welcome !

[@nerys71]

​@@TacticalGhost007 and it also costs hundreds of dollars so no thank you :-) at least in the context of what he's trying to do.

[@TacticalGhost007]

@@nerys71 You seem to have missed the point. He already has a Bluetti; can't you see it in the video? It is logical to make full use of it given that it is there "... at least in the context of what he is trying to do".

[@seymourpro6097]

The whole point of a battery is to let you charge it while the sun shines and use the power when the sun doesn't shine.

[@Techboxreview]

I agree but some people don’t have the budget to buy everything at once. At least with this set up they can use it until they have the money to get battery’s and upgrade. 👌

[@rupe53]

@@Techboxreview budget is only one part. You can buy batteries for $100 at a time and add them as your budget allows. Seeing as you already have a battery pack (solar type storage unit) then you already have a battery with an inverter available to your system. Not everyone has $1000 to buy one of those.

[@colinfitzgerald4332]

@@rupe53 I purchased the Bluetti EB3A power station for less than $200 USD including delivery and tax. I have a small 50 watt solar panel left over from an old project to put to use. Not much solar power, but will purchase some panels as suggested here.

[@rupe53]

@@colinfitzgerald4332 That's a pretty reasonable price but do read the manual because there will be a limit to the number of watts you can use to charge it. There are also practical limitations. 600 watts won't start a typical fridge, but it will charge many portable power tools and run some LED lights. Back to the topic at hand, that unit *IS* a battery so you do have storage for when the sun doesn't shine.

[@colinfitzgerald4332]

@@rupe53 it is a small power station. It has a maximum charge rate of 100 watts at 12 v and 200 watts at 24 v. I use it for operating a buffer at a remote location, for RV camping, and charging phones etc. I like the philosophy given here to expand solar capabilities as money allows.

[@Techboxreview]

CAUTION! this setup has not yet have a fuse. I would recommend putting a fuse on this system. Always take caution when working with electricity. High voltage can be deadly. Thanks

[@gregoriocinco921]

This is very much useful for applications where you need to run a 12V equipment during day-time only. Like for example fountains, aquarium aerators or pumps. Thanks for your idea!

[@Techboxreview]

Totally agree mate. That would be perfect. Thanks for watching

[@kurtdowney1489]

Very cool great idea! Like you said you can add on when you can a lot of us can't just drop 5k to get started. Great video!

[@Techboxreview]

Thanks mate. I appreciate it 😁👌

[@Ulbre]

Top stuff. I clicked like when you said you bought the 250W panels @ten bucks a piece :) Fair dinkum unreal. I'm an expat who left Aussie in 98 and am thinking of doing some solar to my abode in Thailand......just a little at a time as you suggested that may be applicable for the more budget aligned.......this helps....thank you

[@Techboxreview]

Glad I could help. Just make sure you are getting the right dc converter for your panels and you will be sweet. And yes I jumped onto those panels for that price. I could never find a bargain like that again. Thanks for watching mate 👍

[@gavinlarsen3648]

Thank you for this video it gives me extra ideas as I do live off grid

[@Techboxreview]

Awesome mate. I’m glad I have sparked some ideas 😎👍 thanks for watching

[@paulbaker3144]

If you live where the power has blackouts this simple setup would be a extremely useful setup on the cheap. To be able to charge cell phones and lights etc. For off grid living a much bigger system would be desirable of course. I have a few unused panels laying around and would like to get my 240VAC hot water heater disconnected from the grid and connected to the panels directly. It’s sunny desert here so there’s is solar power over 300 days per year. However using the hot water heater as a preheater going to a on-demand hot water heater would cover 365 days per year and 24/7. I need to find out if there are regulating (modulating) on-demand hot water heaters that accept prewarmed water and will not scald us? Does anyone know which ones work? Thanks.

[@Techboxreview]

Thanks for the comment. I have seen some videos a couple years back about solar pv water heating.

[@martienstofmeel2192]

Thanks for this video mate.

[@Techboxreview]

No worries 😁

[@claird8991]

I've just been experimenting with solar panels I've bought on Ebay. The problem I've encountered is that the solar energy isn't always constant. Some days the skies are cloudy and some days the skies are more clear. During the day clouds may go over the solar panels from moment to moment. Early morning and late afternoon the sun is much less direct than at noon. And so on. One solar panel I've got produces different voltages depending on how strong the solar energy falling on it is at a particular moment. What is really needed is an electronic component that can even out these differences and produce a constant voltage no matter how low or high the voltage is feeding into it. I've got a solar panel system that is portable and unfolds to 3 solar panels. It feeds its output to a small electronic box that has a couple of USB ports in it for charging cell phones and such. The problem I find with it is that it just cuts off its output when the solar energy falling on the solar panels is so low that it can't produce the 5 to 6 volts necessary for charging cell phones. I suspect that it has a circuit to down convert the voltage if it gets higher than 5 to 6 volts or maybe the panels just can't produce more than 5 to 6 volts at max. I think that it should be possible to make an electronic circuit that would also cut in with an up converter to increase the voltage to 5 or 6 volts when that is needed also.

[@dougscott2408]

I'm not sure if your blue eddy can operate 12 volt items while charging, but if it can the battery will smooth out the buck convertor sine wave for whatever you run - especially electronics...

[@Techboxreview]

Not 100% sure mate. May be worth doing a test and finding out 👍

[@garybachelder8306]

@dougscott2408 the converter is DC current..... No sine wave involved.

[@billirwin3558]

I have done the same thing, just not as extensive as your setup, yet. But adding to the system is half the fun. I have my fridge running off an inverter and batteries as well. I think it is becoming a necessity to help save the planet.

[@Techboxreview]

Awesome stuff mate. I agree adding and growing the system is like a journey. Makes it worth while 😁 yes I think making our own power is great even if it is just a small fraction of our daily power use.

[@aaajimmyb7472]

Wow another fantastic amazing super great video info and analysis from absolutely the best channel on KZbin. Thank you and keep the great videos coming.

[@Techboxreview]

Second best channel 😂👍

[@Noctural-Notions]

Thanks for sharing, i will he pasding this along.

[@Techboxreview]

Thanks mate. Glad u found value. Cheers

[@degu44]

is the voltage output of the panels not affected by the available sunlight. the 32 volt would not be a constant level. does the step down converter accept a range of inputs and produce a steady 12 volt output?

[@Techboxreview]

Yes you are correct. The step down converter will accept a range voltage input. And will output a steady 12volt output

[@danni40]

add some capacitors for smoother voltage and deal with inrush and outrush

[@Techboxreview]

Cool idea thanks mate

[@Electronzap]

Yeah, that's not the ideal set up, but it's a good way to get started while you save up for (more) batteries. Or even if you have extra panels that you just want to set outside once in a while for emergencies or something.

[@Techboxreview]

I agree mate it’s not ideal but a good basic/cheap set up. It would be great for emergencies 😁

[@BobBob-il2ku]

Aliexpress XWST 18-90v input 13.8v output $45ish extremely versatile converter

[@Techboxreview]

Nice voltage range, almost all house panels will fall within this voltage. I like that it has 13.8v output. I hope your comment helps someone out. Cheers Bob 👍

[@8ank3r]

Very nice job. Thanks for sharing this

[@Techboxreview]

Thanks for watching mate 👍

[@gameoverwehaveeverypixelco1258]

I have an old suitcase solar panel with an adaptor to cigarette adaptor then USB to charge devices or power banks.

[@Techboxreview]

Yeah nice mate does it still work

[@ldmar2258]

Todos los días se puede aprender algo nuevo , y los comentarios son muy buenos y respetuosos. Gracias.

[@Techboxreview]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@jasonbroom7147]

Those are some cool ideas, but why not just use a cheap PWM controller, which has the built option for running 12v loads? That's just as cheap as the buck converter, just as capable and configurable, but you get the built-in safety of a proper charge controller. Boost/buck converters have their place, but it's a false economy to use them in place of an inexpensive charge controller.

[@Techboxreview]

Pwm charge controllers recommend being connected to a battery? I’m not sure if they will directly run a conductive load with just the solar alone? I did also mention towards the end of the video that it’s upgradable so u can get a charge controller and battery’s when you have the money.

[@kevinmills5293]

Cheap PWM controllers let the full voltage of the solar panels through to the battery/load and short to ground any power that is not needed. Not at all suitable.

[@jasonbroom7147]

@@kevinmills5293 - I've been using a cheap PWM controller (from Harbor Freight) to run 12v loads for years. Yes, you need to have a 12v battery connected, but for part of that time I used a little motorcycle battery. Perfectly suitable and inexpensive, plus you had a small amount of capacity to run loads at night, which the method shown cannot do. It's not like this is some cool, new idea. Buck/boost converters have been around a long time, but they're at least as expensive as a proper charge controller and don't offer any material advantage, other than avoiding the need for a small battery. With the availability of small, lightweight, 12v LFP batteries, even that is less and less of an inconvenience.

[@Techboxreview]

What voltage panel are you running into your controller? I have a pwm controller I may have to do some tests on

[@jasonbroom7147]

@@Techboxreview - That system uses the HF 25w, 4-panel system, so those put out around 18.5 volts. I forget what the VoC is. It doesn't get used much these days because I installed a much larger, better quality system.

[@joshuapreston4846]

thanks man this is good food for thought

[@Techboxreview]

No problem mate 👍 cheers for watching

[@jtc1947]

FASCINATING! Hope that You have a lot of projects in store??

[@Techboxreview]

I have plenty of ideas and little projects I want to show you guys 😁👍

[@Eric-bh6ie]

Good set up for a back up when other devices fail

[@Techboxreview]

100% mate. Perfect emergency back up for under $100 👌

[@bruce-le-smith]

This is really great, a very easy way to learn about solar before building a more complex system. Thank you

[@Techboxreview]

Cheers mate 👌

[@petersimms4982]

Those bluettis are amazing used one last month 😊

[@Techboxreview]

I agree mate. I have 2 an eb55 and a eb150 they are both solid units.

[@garybachelder8306]

@@Techboxreview then just plug your panels directly into the Bluetti..... then charge all other things thru the Bluetti. Not to mention you have the inverter built in for other devices. That 12.1 volts from that converter is NOT enough to charge any 12 volt batteries. 12 volt batteries require roughly 14 volts to properly charge.

[@Techboxreview]

The panels voltage is too high for the eb55 hence the dc converter. I agree a 13.8v volt converter would be better. I have actually got one now

[@peterxyz3541]

Oct 2024, 230w used panels, $20 asking, bought 4x for $17 each. Used...if it's -3%, I still have +220w output. I'm planning to buy 8-14 more if these 4 function and I have the spacing for them.

[@Techboxreview]

Nice mate that’s a bargain 🙌 what plans do you have for them?

[@ukinfamous]

I just got an Ecoflow Powerstream 800w micro inverter, no batteries but puts the power direct into your home via a socket and reduces usage by the solar power going in. Currently got 2 x 410w panels on it, better than paying the big energy companies :)

[@IYar56]

There's batteries in the ecoflow.

[@Techboxreview]

Awesome mate. Got to save those dollars 💰

[@ukinfamous]

@@IYar56 the batteries aren't very cost effective, I'm going to put another 3 x 800w panels up with a 460ah LiFePO4 battery and 2000w inverter to run a few bits through the night.

[@IYar56]

I do use some solar to save but mostly for backup at night and power out times. To eliminate batteries would be great. One could use wind or maybe a bicycle generator. 😁

[@Techboxreview]

@@ukinfamous yeah mate I hear ya. I’m still waiting for some cheap batteries to hit the market 😅😅

[@karelcerny1813]

Cz_výborně natočeno video, také jsem tak před mnoha lety začínal.

[@illusion1158]

I thought a blue edy was a battery and inverter, excellent way to get people interested in solar

[@Techboxreview]

You don’t need a Bluetti to use the system though. It will run without any battery. 😁👍 thanks for your comment mate

[@WhatDadIsUpTo]

I rely on wind turbines that compress air and I store the air for later use to run an air engine coupled to a generator. I TRULY have no storage batteries! You could do the same by using the electricity manufactured by your panels to run air compressors.

[@Techboxreview]

That’s such a great idea mate. There truly is more than one way to store energy. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@richhagenchicago]

Great deal on the panels. About $0.25 U.S. per watt is the best I've seen for panels here, but usually $0.50 goes up for shipping if you can't go pick them up too.

[@Techboxreview]

It sure was a bargain. I was lucky enough to get my mate to deliverer then for me. 😁

[@karensavageau4622]

Can you use this DC to DC to charge a LiFePO4 battery?

[@Techboxreview]

Hi mate. I have been told by some people that you can. but I have never tried. Using the 13.8volt output converter. I have got a Enerdrive dc to dc converter also and that can charge lifepo4 batteries

[@karensavageau4622]

@@Techboxreview thanks!

[@swffej]

TBR very ingenious!!! Im familiar with all the electronics and systems that make up a solar setup and your idea is great simplicity for someone just wanting to run solar without all the expense and complications. 👍💯

[@Techboxreview]

Thanks mate I appreciate it. Sometimes simple is best 😎💪 thanks for watching

[@eisvogel8099]

Brilliant! And inspiring.

[@Techboxreview]

Thanks mate 👍

[@karronlaneNOLA]

oh how i wish i was confident enough to try this but i just don't understand this kinda thing. ty for the video.

[@Techboxreview]

Thanks for watching 😁

[@samuelabdilla1449]

Thanks for the video it has been very informative and giving me some insight, as I’m trying to put together a setup for camping. I also see a lot of second hand solar panels with large wattages for sale and was wondering how to use them. So if I had a similar setup on my 4x4 I could run the Dcdc step down straight into my 40 amp king’s charger to keep the lithium topped up Regards Samuel

[@Techboxreview]

It would be worth a shot mate. Let me know how you go with it cheers

[@mackelby1]

What happens to the other 20 volts? Has to be some real heat somewhere doesn't there?

[@Techboxreview]

It gets converted to 12 volts at around 90-95% efficiency then it does make some heat

[@mackelby1]

@@Techboxreview thank you!

[@flitsies]

I take it you get a lot of sun where you are. But even so if you don't get lots of sun but get some a 12v solar system is very worth while and can help reduce your bills, I used to use a jump starter and keep it charged up using a solar panel, i could charge up phones, run small electrical stuff and boost my car when ever needed, i added a small inverter to run an electric spray gun and some other bits, as long as you didn't over tax it, it would be good. Solar is great fun to work with.

[@Techboxreview]

I am very lucky. We get plenty of sun in Western Australia. I agree I loved solar ever since I was young. Sounds like you got the most out from your jump starter 👍 You can do plenty with solar if you get creative 😜

[@johnhall7373]

Why not use a simple mechanical rheostat instead of the no-way-to-repair electronic voltage reducer?

[@Techboxreview]

Being an adjustable resistor (basically) they get far to hot! Even running small loads

[@johnhall7373]

@@Techboxreview Thank you.

[@gregorybrown1776]

Best vidio I've seen thanks very much I'm doing it

[@Techboxreview]

Thanks for watching mate

[@tomnorman5461]

1:29 You say you have two 12 Volt panels in parallel and your getting 32 Volts? Sounds to me like you have them in series if the "no-load" voltage is that high...you might want to re-check your "basic" electrical connections.

[@Techboxreview]

These panels are putting out 32v in parallel. I used the step down converter to get 12volt. 👍

[@MuralidharRao-x1x]

Did you consider putting a fuse for safety of an electrical fire? if so please post a new video how you did that. Thanks @@Techboxreview

[@heroesandzeros7802]

One drawback to this is that the 12VDC appliances and devices are very limited. The output of any solar panel goes up and down constantly, if this does not give a stable output it is worthless.

[@Techboxreview]

The step down converter will output a stable 12volt output.

[@shoalsbeverage1705]

Very cool and subscribed!!!!!

[@Techboxreview]

Welcome to the channel mate. 👌

[@peterwilson5528]

Can you charge a 12v battery also? Would be nice to save the extra day power to use after dark. Well done a very simple solution. No worries :)

[@Techboxreview]

You may be better off getting yourself a mppt charge controller. U can also charge portable packs/ power banks during the day as demonstrated in the vid. U can also find dc converters that output 13.8volts that would be more suited to charging batteries but it’s not recommended. Cheers

[@pedrobedoy9574]

The unit with 120v out is interesting 😅🤣

[@Techboxreview]

Thanks for watching mate

[@SPIDERM0OSE]

Whats a power-pack if not a battery ?

[@Techboxreview]

Yes a battery 😁👌

[@SPIDERM0OSE]

@Techboxreview So yer using a pretty shitty charge controller to charge batterys via solar panels in order to proclaim you have a solar system that doesnt use a charge controller or batterys. Have you been on tha Fosters again me"aul Cobber ?

[@leyjit3561]

A 30A PWM solar charge controller is so much cheaper and safer to use even without connecting a battery to it :)

[@Techboxreview]

Interesting 🤔 Thanks for sharing mate 👌

[@brewsterly2927]

@suleimansolarcooperationcom Could you elaborate?

[@juandelacruz1520]

Good for 12v application only

[@Techboxreview]

You can get adjustable dc converters also if you are needing a flexible dc output. Thanks for watching mate

[@cashout8582]

Is there a way I can do this from just getting adapters and have no reason to solder?

[@Techboxreview]

I can’t see why not mate. Could just connect straight from ur converter to a 12 accessory panel using some type of adaptor. I didn’t show it in the video I I would recommend using a fuse also. Cheers

[@cashout8582]

@@Techboxreview I'm not even sure what adapter to look for. Was kind of hoping you'd do the homework for us and post the URL

[@Techboxreview]

Sorry mate but I’m a bit too busy atm. I work full time and only do videos on the weekends when I get the time. But there are lots of great videos on KZbin that should lead you in the right direction. Search wire connectors 😁👍 or search wire connectors on eBay or Amazon just make sure you pick one with the right amp rating you are after. Hope this helps ya mate

[@Seafariireland]

Very interesting!

[@Techboxreview]

I think so too. Lots of possibilities. 😁👍

[@Marginal391]

Thank you 🙂

[@carscoffee5263]

You better have safety fuses between the solar output and appliances, but on cloudy days or at night youd still need the bluetti which uses a lithium battery...

[@Techboxreview]

100% would recommend Using a fuse. Thanks for your comment mate 👍

[@Icehso140]

Just for the curious...my battery backup...one lifepo 12v battery...charger...2500 watt pure wave inverter...battery switch...$700. That's with no panels or charge controller. Add $300 for 2 new panels and contdoller. I'm an electrician and just having fun building stuff.

[@Techboxreview]

Thanks for sharing

[@VirisilaRokoceu-j9w]

Hii there. I got new sollar and converter. I'm stuck here doesn't work. Wat should I do

[@Techboxreview]

Hi mate. That’s no good. What are the input and out voltages on your converter and what voltages is your solar panel you are using

[@chronobot2001]

Using solar to heat water for a portable shower would also be a good direct solar application.

[@Techboxreview]

I agree mate. Would be perfect for camping shower of a little off grid cabin

[@lonnierandall7882]

Aren't the power packs charger, battery and inverter in one?

[@Techboxreview]

Some but not all

[@mickwolf1077]

I wouldn't be powering my electronics from one of those cheap can inverters unless it's pure sine wave. Good ideas in an emergency though.

[@Techboxreview]

Yeah pure sign wave would be better for sure. I have a Victron 12v 250va that would work well with this setup

[@Mike-yl6hs]

You GO Mate!!

[@Techboxreview]

Thanks mate. I appreciate It 😁👍

[@6wildone369]

Can you run a 120-volt system with your setup?

[@Techboxreview]

Hi mate thanks for watching. If you are talking about running an inverter off this system. Yes you can but you will only be able to use a small inverter on this system

[@johnpitre1295]

Great vid 👍I COLD Brew my Teas & Coffee....then on 2nd run I use a jar inside a jar Solar HOT brewed...can U direct charge a 12v LiFePo4 w/ U'r setup ?

[@Techboxreview]

Cheers mate. I’m thinking of remaking this video one day and make it better quality as it’s very popular. I believe the 13.8v output dc converters can be used as a lifepo4 charger. Something I will have to test out soon. Great idea using a jar to heat up your coffee 🤙🏻

[@WolfeTone17-98]

You could heat a 12v element

[@Techboxreview]

Yeah mate it will 👍

[@WolfeTone17-98]

@@Techboxreview Put the element in a sand box and you have a heater

[@Techboxreview]

Yeah you can. Or a heat element in a bucket of water would work also 👍

[@steverads8816]

Thanks pal ive just subd. Its great info for a noob. Elec is so abundant and so easily harnest whether its sun,wind or water, so why are the fuckers ripping us off so much today and why so expensive? I am in cloudy uk and autumn and winter is dull, would this still work on a slight cloudy day for me?

[@Techboxreview]

Thanks for the sub mate. It should still work although you might be limited with what you can use during cloudy days. My set up still can charge small power packs during really cloudy days. If you can pick up some cheap solar panels then it would be worth giving it a go

[@1billthekid]

Great video mate, how many watts is that kettle rated?

[@Techboxreview]

Thanks mate. It’s a 12/24volt kettle so 120watt at 12v and 240watt at 24v.

[@newhopeforhealing]

Dumb question I'm sure but why use higher voltage panels if you're going to step it down to 12V anyways?

[@Techboxreview]

Because those panels are second hand house panels that run at a higher voltage. They are second hand so much much cheaper to buy. 👍

[@lesliehunter1823]

I love it!

[@Techboxreview]

Cheers mate 👍

[@jjm9902]

Couldn't the panels simply plug into the Bluetti... then run everything off that?

[@Techboxreview]

My panels voltage are too high to plug straight into my Bluetti unfortunately

[@jjm9902]

​I understand now. Thx for the vid. ❤

[@Techboxreview]

You’re welcome mate. Thanks for watching 👍

[@lowtech_1]

Thanks interesting, Subscribed. Like the ball valve on your spouting 😅

[@Techboxreview]

Thanks mate. That runs rain water into my garden 😁 thanks for the sub

[@larryhunter8245]

Running 12 volt appliances on 12 volts is very inefficient. Most 12 volt appliances are designed to run at about 13.2 volts. One something like a ham radio you would only have something like 80% or rated output.

[@Techboxreview]

I agree Larry. I have seen these dc converters with 12.8volt and 13.8volt output options now. Or you could go with an adjustable converter. I’m in the process of making a video using an adjustable converter.

[@victorsvoice7978]

You could set the solar panels up on the ground. There is no need for expensive rooftop installation. The panels can be placed at the best possible position for solar access.

[@Techboxreview]

Exactly mate. This set up is simple and cheap. Anyone can have an easy solar setup. Great for emergency power also. Thanks for your comment 👍

[@fineskills1]

Agreed. I have mine on pallets and the used car battery with pulse with modulator regulator With usb charger that only add 15$🤣

[@Techboxreview]

Awesome 😁

[@mattevans1686]

Do you have any fusing in that set up?

[@Techboxreview]

This hasn’t got a fuse. But I should put one on. I will make a note in the description. Thanks

[@philambrez]

So what happens on a sunny day if there's nothing plugged in draining the amps? I can assume the heat-sink will overheat and possibly cause a fire. IMHO without a solar controller and a battery to absorb unused electricity, this system is dangerous. A battery and controller aren't that expensive to add.

[@Techboxreview]

Nothing will happen. I have been using this dc converter for over 2 years. Just unplug it! Pretty simple

[@keitharoo1962]

32V fed into a 24V converter?

[@Techboxreview]

You can do that yes

[@keitharoo1962]

@@Techboxreview Then why is it rated at 24V if 32V is ok?

[@Techboxreview]

Sorry I miss read your last question. The converter the sticker says 24v input but the specifications say it can handle up to 40volts input. Good spotting that 😁👍

[@keitharoo1962]

@@Techboxreview Ah, that makes sense now. Thank you for the clarification and for the video.

[@Techboxreview]

@@keitharoo1962 no worries mate. Thanks for your support 👍

[@rogerlyons209]

no batteries but for 100.00 dollars you can charge up your phone battery would have to buy 12 volt coffee making but could it run my freezer?

[@Techboxreview]

This video is not for people that want to run a freezer. After all it’s only a $100 set up (including panels) You would have to spend thousands to keep a fridge/freezer running 24/7

[@kirstontozer-goaspirit61]

Thank you

[@Techboxreview]

Your welcome bud 👌

[@gabydewilde]

The most obvious idea seems to make devices that don't care what the voltage is.

[@Techboxreview]

In an ideal world. 😁👌

[@gabydewilde]

@@Techboxreview it seems rather silly to convert voltage up and down from dc to ac and back only to dump it into a heating element.

[@portagepete1]

If you just want heat on the cheap you can hook up heat lamp bulbs directly to solar panel no A/C inverter needed. C

[@Techboxreview]

Cool idea mate. I may have to try it some time. 😁

[@pereximepere8439]

very good!!!!!

[@Techboxreview]

Thanks mate 👍

[@earthspirit8286]

You advertise system as a no charge controller system. Is this not false advertising? After all the DC to DC converter is a type of charge controller without it you risk over charging things ! ?

[@Techboxreview]

It is not a charge controller it’s a dc to dc converter. It converts dc voltage.

[@rhiantaylor3446]

So all this for $100 but surely the Bluetti EB55 is a key component and that costs more than that - and includes batteries...

[@Techboxreview]

The Bluetti would an awesome addition to this system. But it is not required to work. That’s there just for some examples of what the system can do. But I agree if paired with a small Bluetti it would be perfect👍 thanks for watching mate

[@lomgshorts3]

Converters are inefficient by their nature. And batteries are needed to have 24/7 power. Need I say more???

[@Techboxreview]

Cheers mate 👍

[@loony457]

Be good idea how to wire it the the panels …

[@indrekkpringi]

If it's not 110-120 volts it's garbage.