Off-grid Solar for Dummies: Beginner Basics

[@williamjordan811]

Ok, first of all, I did not need to buy your book, I am an ex Navy Electronics Technician and Reactor Operator, and I have a BS in Industrial Engineering, after getting out of the Navy, I worked as a Field Engineer for Northrop Grumman fixing all kinds of Servers, computers, networks, laptops, and huge plotters and printers. I bought your book. Because not everyone has had those opportunities I have had. I LOVE the fact that you have made this available in the Kindle format, as I now live in a Motor home and am disabled I do not have room for books. So in complete support of your efforts, I have purchased your book. You are doing great work with this resource. My compliments, very well explained and put in a way that most all folks can understand. Cheers and God bless

[@WillProwse]

Thank you so much!!!! Your comment made my day :)

[@charlesmckinley29]

William Jordan thank you for your service and your endorsement of Will. I know just enough to be dangerous and wanted to be sure his information is as good as it seemed to my limited knowledge.

[@charlesmckinley29]

DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse, Will plug your book a little more. I've been checking your videos out and this is the first I had heard about it. Thank you for all the work you have put into these videos.

[@davidguillory4311]

@@WillProwse can you help me out for a wheelchair? I have two battery to my wheelchair, and I wanna to get a solar panels for my wheelchair and I need help to get the right kinda solar system for it so I can go places without having to stop somewhere to charger.

[@TOMAS-lh4er]

WELL ! I was the emperor of the world at one time ,and i made my own airplane after I swam underwater from my house to Hawie ! , then I became ruler of the universe

[@JoyinFlorida]

I'm a beginner and have been so confused by this that I literally typed in solar 101 and got this 15 yr old kid who's blowing my mind with common sense teaching lol!

[@lindastent-campbell5130]

I typed Solar for Dummies, lol

[@JoyinFlorida]

@@lindastent-campbell5130 😄

[@javiercoronel1169]

He's 33😅

[@JoyinFlorida]

@@javiercoronel1169 lol I know...but at 55 EVERYONE looks 15😄😄😄😄

[@karronlaneNOLA]

@@javiercoronel1169 not when he made this video??

[@69mickdogg]

After watching litrerally hundreds of videos, this is the First one that actually made any sense to me. Thank You so much!

[@brandyprice7578]

Im at the ad at the beginning of the video. I really hope I feel the same way after watching! I feel so stupid learning about these, they might as well be in another language. I dont understand it at all. Im a hands on learner unfortunately and theres no where i can just go "play" with solar panels!!

[@brandyprice7578]

Within 2 mins ive already learned so much. Makes sense with the whole battery thing. Its also good to know how that I can hurt myself so I need to be very careful. And wth this kid has his own book? Nice

[@holdendeshawn835]

a trick: watch movies at KaldroStream. I've been using it for watching lots of of movies lately.

[@maisoncayson4542]

@Holden Deshawn Yup, I've been watching on flixzone} for since december myself :D

[@IJUSTWANNAFLYDJIDRONES71]

Our Watched hundreds geewizz i thought i was slow.

[@michellehattlewright601]

so happy to finally have someone start from the actual beginning and explain the very basics. Not everyone can explain things in an idiot proof manner without being condescending like you. Im so grateful to have found your channel. Keep up the good work.

[@ronniewrong1539]

Here here. Guys like this kid are what makes KZbin the best place to be. I love this channel.

[@RevLeonPLeon]

Dude, you sold me within 15 seconds. Wow! I love how direct and clear you are. No wasting anyone's time. Bam! You're awesome!

[@jennyhoman195]

Thank you! I just came across your video as I am beginning my solar journey and this grandma is so grateful for your simple explanation. I will be watching all your videos over the next few weeks to learn all I can. I’m headed to Kenya in a few months to begin my off grid retirement journey.

[@zen1752]

You look young but still take complete sense. Thank you. Some people inspire you are one of them.

[@larry-z9m]

7/6/24. Wow! Like every other comment on here, I think you’ve done a great job of explaining basic principles. In fact, your presentation has swung me from shelling out a fortune to buy a prepaid panel to AC generator to making my own. I spent my career as an electronics mechanic for the Navy so your explanation was easy to follow. Will buy your book.

[@GuitarGangsta]

Man, this is the best no nonsense explanation of a basic hookup - unbelievable how people have missed explaining this stuff that simply for this many decades.

[@rkrUT1]

As a retired engineer (ME), few years ago I reviewed many KZbin videos before getting started on my 2x100 watt solar panel system. I loved your video the most. Your description was most clear and helpful. Keep up the good work and maintain your style of explaining the way all can understand. Good luck. - RKR 210830

[@unhappyhousecat9303]

Dude had to watch a few hour of your videos , didnt understand anything but I got everything I needed. Them boom watched a bunch of other videos about safety and grounding wore size etc etc. Came back and watched this again and I finally understand what your saying. Thank you very much.

[@ISLAGIATT]

“you can cause fires, and that’s really bad” LOL!!! THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH for this very straightforward explanation. This has (probably literally) saved my life.

[@brandyprice7578]

Lol thats what I said. Fires bad. Got it!

[@JustMeValerie6]

Hahaha, i said the same thing. 😂😂 Loving this video, everything makes so much more sense now. Thank you!!

[@gionniutah542]

I need everything in life explained and presented exactly like this lol

[@larsturner310]

lol That's what I'm talking about, Gionni. lol

[@gingerspencer6628]

@@larsturner310 I totally agree going to follow suit myself.

[@larsturner310]

@@gingerspencer6628 Nice.

[@spiceweasel945]

Absolutely. It’s called “good teaching” 😉

[@Bigboats619]

Wow, I found the answer I was looking for in the first 3 minutes of the video. Thank you.

[@Steve_1999]

I used to wire up & install car audio systems... This is all natural to me. I recently read your solar power book though lol! It's very well explained for anyone to understand.. Excellent book. You should definitely teach more.

[@Melodyloveshorses1]

I agree, Steve! I'm hungry to learn more about solar, wind, and medium & small sized turbine power. I hope Will will continue to find a way to study and make his future an even bigger success! I'm proud of you, Will. Don't give up! And Will, you may be qualified for a Pell Grant or other scholarships and funds if you wish to be an electrician or anything u want! (Y) I know it's hard, but again, you've persevered so much already- so u know what to do! 😀 Make-it-so!

[@chriskiro]

Bro what?! I’ve tried learning this for my van build for years .. and this dude is breaking it down so EASILY. Bro thank you 🙏🏾 can’t believe this vid is 5 yrs old

[@ubifidessemperspes]

Thank you William! Your video has provided a clear introduction for this beginner!

[@this-is-slammin-549]

It is remarkable how well you explain things. You have a bright future ahead of you. Young people don’t embrace learning about trades the way you obviously have. And your ability to explain and teach is your unique gift. I’m off to Amazon to buy your book.

[@frankieshankly703]

Watched many videos of this guy, he really desreves your attention. Cant say much more but I will make my system from his guides.

[@stopmakingmemakeaccounts8648]

The "for someone who" at the beginning had me instantly hooked. GREAT EXPLANATION THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@PatrickNdaiMcPato]

Finally I understand these things, in simple language. Thank you man. God bless you

[@terrahurst2228]

Thank you so much!! I’m installing solar on my RV and have no idea what I’m doing. I’ve watched countless how to videos and have remained confused until I watched this video. You have a gift for teaching! Thank you!

[@peace2all]

I’ve been watching dozens of your more recent videos over the past few months, and despite the fact I didn’t understand much of the technical jargon, I enjoyed your enthusiasm and energy. But this one video here is a game changer for me. Thanks so much!

[@garytredwell5649]

Bought the book because Will is a very good teacher and I will build a system in the future with this knowledge.

[@kellymanas6133]

I love a young guy teaching such a well executed lesson. Thanks! I think I need your book.

[@randyedwards1091]

Very good communication. You are the best solar teacher on there, without a doubt. Still I wish you were my neighbor. I want solar , but I hear so many horror stories. Thanks for the info.

[@jannezack]

Who says you can’t teach an old dog a new trick?! This is great introductory material and was explained so clearly without getting way over my head too fast. I’m going to enjoy your book! I’ll also be watching your videos too! Thank you for keeping it simple!

[@tammy3458]

ANOTHER EXCELLENT VIDEO!!! Thanks so much for this knowledge…u make it make sense lol!

[@belowme9891]

Awesome video. I've been living off off grid solar since 2015 self built. Teach the world.

[@originalnightshade4582]

Thank you for this! I am a disabled female, that needs solar for when TSHTF! You made this so easy to understand, it was all in my head but watching this made it "click" Guess I understood more that I thought!! BLESSSINGS

[@voyeurette1]

Where are you? I am a disabled female in FLorida and would love to have others to discuss prepping with.

[@hammer1312]

Will. You are a super smart young man. I know this is an old vid . I watch ALL of your vids. You are hands down the best solar you tuber out here bar none. Im still trying to understand my solar. I just got it hooked up 3 days ago. It's a small 200 watt system and i have 2 100 amp hour agm batteries. But i AM learning. And it's thanks to you. So see an old dog can learn new tricks. Again tyvm and God bless you. ✌ Puff Puff Passin By.

[@whereislei929]

the absolute MOST informative and HELPFUL. beats every other video, THANK YOU

[@Jungleboy-z4c]

A charge controller. A battery. A inverter and a battery. And worse and connectors. Best video so far. I watch many of them but am clueless. I signed up on the forum but haven’t been able to figure out how to engage or anything other than log in. But I’ll keep going

[@divisionbreak]

Thank you Will. The diagram you drew there is very clear, precise & easy to learn. I have watched many other RV's solar-electrical wiring set-up videos but I couldn't catch the details how they were actually connected to each component/equipment. Thank you very much.

[@jerryjean2135]

I'm glad that you mentioned your book. I just bought it. I'm going to Haiti and I will make good use of it. Thank you brother!

[@ledesclos5321]

You are an excellent teacher and so well spoken,. I have learned so much from you. God be with you.

[@Nunyabizniz_BHL]

Already bought four of your books. Sent them to two of my brothers and making notes in mine. That way we can all be on the same page and reference the same stuff. I appreciate your book and videos!!

[@Kievlar]

This video is for me whose got no experience with anything solar and electricity/circuitry. Very helpful! Thanks!

[@kacgifts]

This really is for dummies. I know very little about volts, watts etc. Thanks

[@LifeRenewed]

Anyway you could recommend one of your videos for a large school bus conversion. I am looking at running 2500 watts of solar on the roof so that I can run an A/C mini split, fridge, and so on. Not trying to cheap out but trying to depend on solar with rarely if ever using a generator.

[@blessed7927]

Wow thank you! I'm a woman and this was very helpful. You explain everything so clearly! Thank you and God bless you! Will check out your book too.

[@eliseemmel]

You are delightful! Thank you for helping this old lady understand this complicated stuff. I’m buying your book.

[@borandell9915]

I know the solar power world has changed a lot in 3 years but still to this day this is your most important video (IMO). I've held off buying a portable "solar generator" until someone can build one at a price point with the power of anything near what your DIY builds can produce. Thanks again Will.

[@caravandanadventures]

KZbin search. This is the most to the point video I have found. Saved me very much frustration. It's to the point. Too many YT videos trying to gain views on bullshit. Thank you Will. Hope your Mom is doing fine. Long time viewer of yours. Peace.

[@littlejohnnymiller3465]

I know this video was made a few years ago. But I'm so glad I got to see it. Its starting to make sense now. Your a smart man and I hope your making lots of money with your knowledge.

[@guymaninu]

Nice job Mr. Prowse! Like many guys here in the comments, I believe in “giving credit” where credit is due. Im 41, and you are doing a excellent job of explaining this system of technology. When you are this good, age ceases to be an issue outside of pleasant surprise. Lol! 👍🏽🇺🇸💯

[@MadSkilzGP]

Its 17 Feb 2020 now and since finding your videos recently when needing to do an offline system at home due to Load Shedding here in South Africa ... I went ahead and bought your book as my support to you (Its the LEAST I could do) for all the information you have given me in the videos ... having successfully built a home system that works for me based on your videos. So thanks for all the great information that I think has helped MANY people! :) I wish you all the best brother!

[@linda_sue]

Best book EVER! Love this video, too! So glad I found it! I have your book and it's SO worth getting! Thank you for writing it and for how easy it is to follow! You're a very good teacher! We need this information!

[@bruchlandung1]

Hi Will Even I understand what you are talking about. I am a kind of person who needs it explained the easy way step by step. All your videos are very helpful and in combination with your book

[@anthonysantillo1358]

PERFECT GOT IT.Dude knows his SOLAR, ,building solar on my camp THANK YOU

[@stephanieamedee7172]

Yayyy!!! I understood EVERY thing!!! I am just now exploring backup solar power for emergencies and I am SO glad I found you!! And yes, I need your book!!

[@smithwill9952]

A young kid teaches an UNCLE (me) what's solar energy system design. Awesome. Learn a lot. Bright Future. Congratulation! Keep going ... Be my teacher. I need your help to become better and better in solar design.

[@suefreivald7031]

OK. My husband has worked as an electrician and he understands all this stuff. I am a mom, a nurse, an equestrian - and I know nothing about this stuff. I want and need to understand and my husband wants to be sure than in any situation I can function efficiently and independently. Your site is indispensable. And I know your book will be for me as well! Ordered it today. Your videos are coherent and clear, but the non-technical mind appreciates being able to look back, reference, refresh, understand. Thank you.

[@esling77]

Book is now on the way ! Planning on converting an old Sailboat over to Solar! Ty. I'm excited to jump in !

[@agspr]

Man, you explain things so well that I bought your book midway through the video, then came back to finish it. Thanks!

[@lovepeacetrust22]

I admire your expertise and patience in educating us. Thank you.

[@tshedisomapule4995]

I watched a lot of vid's about this topic and I have to say: Yours are most user friendly. My question is: What protects me, the user. How and where do we Earth/Ground the system? Or is it not necessary?

[@wynnkidsnannylorivance4111]

Finally! You are bright boy! This was very easy. I have multiple degrees and could never understand it. Thanks!

[@figgiefigueroa7372]

First time I see your videos and I love it. Thanks for your dedication. I'm determined to learn about solar power. I see the benefits are immeasurable.

[@toriless]

That is true for cars too which is why the positive terminal is covered.

[@jay-rus4437]

For my ham radio shack I place a cpu fan on each shelf to assist in air flow outside of the power supplies, radios etc. Works really good to keep things cool

[@drbettyschueler3235]

Fantastic! For the first time I understand what you were saying in your book. I'm one of those people who does best watching someone do something I've never done before. Fortunately, I've done enough wiring to understand your connections. I didn't really understand how the controller worked, however, as it seemed like I already had that capability on my Kodiak battery. I have other batteries, however, that don't have that capability, I wanted to use to keep my Dodge Grand Caravan's battery topped as it seems to discharge really quickly when not driven. So thanks for the help. I feel much more confident that I won't blow anything up now lol.

[@beckydavidson6322]

thank you for this video. I had been searching for a video to dumb this down for me and luckily enough came across yours.

[@mrderekholmberg]

I love it---- "this is so simply and the voltages are so low that you can't really hurt yourself, that bad"

[@k5jrx3]

Amazing channel. Really appreciate your vids. I have a civil engineering background, and for the past 8 years own a family home renovations business. As a HAM radio operator I have been looking to convert my shack to all DC power. The less that my shack is connected to AC power, the better. You do a great job of explaining and teaching. As an analytical person I much prefer when someone just gets to the point, covers all necessary information, and is thorough without covering unnecessary information. Im looking at the West Mountain Epic PWRgate as the controller for the solar panel. I called their tech dept today to verify that the power gate is a replacement for a solar controller. Its a nice piece of equipment for radio operators since it allows us to connect a battery, a solar panel, and a power supply to feed our DC distribution system. Our radios prefer 13.8 volts, but can operate on less under less than ideal conditions. However, its important not to discharge the battery too much so as to protect the battery and the equipment. With all of that....I have taken in a lot of info from your many vids. Even some of these earlier vids are well presented. Good job

[@luiscruz3509]

the best explanation I have ever heard for solar connections and Power thank you very much sir

[@Sirus2828]

I thoroughly enjoy watching your videos. You make them so informative and interesting. You have a talent explaining things. I spent 4 years doing electronic engineering and have learnt more from you than the college!! Well done, I'll be getting the book, and look forward to more of your videos!

[@31marcpaul]

Thanks will. I'm trying to figure out how many panels and batteries I'll need. So this was useful, I just need to learn more about connect multiple panels and multiple batteries

[@V.Hansen.]

It sounds so doable when you explain it.

[@numnumlandful]

Thank you so much for this! I finally get it! I think! I've ordered your book, and look forward to setting myself up with solar in my box truck.

[@saoirses_travel_bug7426]

And yes, yes, yes, more tutorials! :) You explain things so well so looking forward to you putting those up :) Much appreciated!

[@TheAmazingFantazmo]

Watched the video and went strait to amazon to buy the book, hello from Manchester 😁

[@Aoneeyedcatandme]

By far the most helpful. By far

[@XX-ol7lf]

Thank you so much. You are very good informing viewers. Great job. The best I have seen. 👍

[@GSBMxyz]

Best solar power channel ever!

[@donkimball6174]

Well done Will with your explanations. I also appreciate that you communicate in an honest realistic fashion not geared towards bilking people out of money.

[@message_temple216]

Thank you for all your videos. They are the most informative for me. I am not a scientific/physics/electrical-know-how person AT ALL. But your manner of teaching the basics despite your expert knowledge is so so helpful.

[@alleykat7945]

Thank you!!!! Finally someone explaining this stuff so that the average person can really understand.

[@seariousjones]

Only video that has made sense to me! THANK YOU!! Bought your book straight away!

[@darinmckillop6196]

Your great and a pup younger that my son and I learn from you just like him thanks again

[@korkalba8658]

Thanks bud! .... I'm old school with the lanterns in the cabin. I'm thinking of trying this.

[@gingerspencer6628]

I studied and bought a sign wave inverter and a regular deep cycle battery.. I haven't mastered this by far..Job Well Done !:)Will :)!

[@johnandmichelevaughan1638]

What I know of this topic wouldn’t fill a thimble but this simple, clear, truly “for dummies” explanation has me thinking I might actually be able to do this and to be able to learn more! Thank you!

[@chuckspeer2163]

Thankyou , you are very good instructor/teacher hopefully my old brain will absorb it all

[@georgewilkinson1027]

Very good for begginers like me ,easy to follow and well explained

[@awkward-stranger]

Thank gawd! Finally something for dummies!🤔

[@chrisreed26]

Much needed video..I have owned 11 RV's over the years from class A to travel trailers but mostly diesel class A as well as 54 cars!! (I buy, flip and sell) I can fix anything on an RV from engine to all the house components such as fridge, water heater, electrical and DC system but one area that I am clueless about and I can admit it is SOLAR!! haha

[@jeffrey9407]

I'm a slow learner, your videos are great someday i want to go off-grid. thanks a lot...

[@blitzburghbilly7813]

VERY KOOL "STEP by STEP" TUTORIAL HERE YOUNG BLOOD, WELL DONE 👏🏼.....

[@jannmacdougall1448]

Thanks for making it simple...after mastering the basics..then it will be time to move on....

[@Wonderhussy]

You are a godsend!

[@WillProwse]

Thanks 🥰

[@TheJestar30]

This is what I needed to begin this work....My friend, ty

[@toriless]

Yes, proper gauge is always important with electricity.

[@LuisALugo-qi7du]

I have your book which is very useful and bought about a year ago. What I know of off grid solar energy I owe to your book . Thank you.

[@vaskylark]

Complete noob to using battery banks so appreciate the video. This was very clear and I understand now the role and the hook ups of this simple example. Question--What if instead of solar you want to use hydroelectric for at least some or all of your needs assuming your power needs aren't that high. How would that be hooked up to the battery bank? Bought a couple Water Lilys' since we have river property and trying to research how we would connect it to battery bank of probably lithium ion batteries but maybe the cheaper type. Depends if the Water Lily is compatible or not.

[@robertvandenbrink6187]

Thank Will ...for a simple in depth explation of solar...I am setting up my first solar system tomorrow.

[@LeroyGreen]

Excellent presentation. Clear and concise.

[@markmagielse6364]

Excellent introduction, exactly what I need, just starting to learn! I live in Cape Town, South Africa and we have lots of "grid" power issues. I'm not sure where this learning is going, perhaps a new business building cost effective standby solar generators 😁 I'm getting your kindle book and hope it will teach me how to use a solar generator system (12 volt battery) to for example run a 240 volt fridge (we use 240 volt in South Africa). Great going, THANKS!!

[@paulortiz5047]

Rather than a 240-volt fridge why don't you get a 12 volt fridge and make it easy on yourself? When I lived in Europe and we had 240 volt induction cooktops you could boil a pan of water in literally 3 minutes or so. Coming back to the States with the 120 voltage the water took forever it seemed. So when I do my RV solar system I hope to have a 240-volt Outlet for a 240-volt cooktop! They are absolutely worth every bit of work or money it might cost get it to run. While you can get a 240 volt refrigerator to run on a 12 volt solar system I don't think you'll get it to run very long unless you have a huge array of panels and a huge battery system. If I understand it correctly that refrigerator will use electricity at 20 times the rate of the 12 volt refrigerator. When the sun's up that is still a huge problem at that rate of electric consumption, but what are you going to do at night unless you have buku batteries? You might consider a 48 volt system, just for that refrigerator, if that's what you really want to do. But ask William because I am certainly no expert, but he is, thankfully.

[@markmagielse6364]

@@paulortiz5047 thanks so much for the clear explanation, hèhè, this makes total sense! My best bet would be to indeed get a 12volt fridge for my RV😁 and just transfer critical foods at times of power outage. Ps RV in Suid-Afrika is still a consideration, not final!

[@anastasianikolaou3492]

Thank you!!! I finally understand how this works! Next step, buying your book 👍

[@kokosage]

I just ordered your book. I'll get it Monday. What I would like to know is MORE about how to estimate what size system I need. I want to run both a dometic fridge, and a fantastic fan. The hardest part for me is understanding amps, watts, and how to calculate what size system I need. Do I just set up 100 solar watts? Also, what about sine wave inverters. Do you need more or less power to run them? What's the best solar panel to buy? What should I look for in a battery? I have a very small van, and the biggest demands I'll have are the fan and the fridge. I may run a hot plate or something electric to cook with. But I want to know how to calculate all that so I don't exhaust my batteries. I hope that gives you some ideas about the kinds of videos people want! Thank you! I'm 63 years old, female and good with power tools and basic electric, but this stuff has baffled me. LOVE your video. Very easy to understand and I hope the book is even better!

[@WillProwse]

Oh I think you will love the book then. Every question you have will be answered. Let me know what you think when you get it. :)