Solar powered shed: 01 Basic solar setup

See how the basic components for a simple DIY 12v solar set up are connected together.

[@danielslocum7316]

This panel can put out close to 100 watts kzbin.infoUgkxOqI2yqX0XVrhR2BMJciTWrHJpG8FhJyg when positioned in the appropriate southernly direction, tilted to the optimal angle for your latitude/date, and connected to a higher capacity device than a 500. The built in kickstand angle is a fixed at 50 degrees. Up to 20% more power can be output by selecting the actual date and latitude optimal angle.The 500 will only input 3.5A maximum at 18 volts for 63 watts. Some of the excess power from the panel can be fed into a USB battery bank, charged directly from the panel while also charging a 500. This will allow you to harvest as much as 63 + 15 = 78 watts.If this panel is used to charge a larger device, such as the power station, then its full output potential can be realized.

[@Sku11yoneleg]

This is the first solar panel install video I have watched that I actually understood! Thank you so very much for making such a clear cut, step by step instructional video that defines each component within the solar panel system and explained how each piece is necessary.

[@cathymackay5534]

Thanks for keeping it simple! As a lady of a certain age I'm not used to electrical stuff...so this was just what I needed! xxx

[@cslcojoco]

Brilliant. Thank you. Finally, someone made this look easy. Of all the solar videos I've watched, none have shown how the system is actually put together and attached.

[@homestead2607]

Thanks. I make it simple so I can understand it myself.

[@sebastianoguerini1591]

Homestead

[@vishalchowa6435]

It very goog and want to know it cost . The Dust

[@waynesWyrdWorld]

cslcojoco I completely agree. I've wasted so much time looking for someone to actually break it down like this!

[@maldonvic]

Calming voice, birds chirping and the background sounds of nature can't get better than that for an instructional video. Two thumbs up! I would have gave him three but that"s all I had.

[@bobeverett2249]

Fuse close to the battery so that unfused cable can't touch neg. terminal ,fuse rating should be not more than 1.5 times rated safe current capacity of cable .D.C.current is 20 times A.C.current @ 240 volts & 40 times @ 120 Volt's

[@Gingerzilla]

Absolutely, I went and made a cup of tea and had a snooze afterward and forgot all about installing my solar panel, so relaxing :-D

[@agizambo1748]

maldonvic gr atulalok

[@CraigMansfield]

That's very good to know. I may incorporate that in my setup. Thank you.

[@rayqueipo351]

maldonvic : the price of the inverter was omitted otherwise the price could go up.... However the presentation was excellent as it was easy to understand.... Thanks

[@OH8STN]

I think this was the most informative yet relaxing video I've seen in a very long time. Your voice and style of speaking are wonderful to listen to. Thanks for sharing.

[@robertwren8878]

Do you know what I searched you tube for ages then up came you! You have inspired me to get up off this bed and get cracking in my garage. I can't thank you enough for putting this out because I live in a flat! So informative,clearly explained. I can now do all the things I wanted to do. God bless.👍🍺

[@bmmaaate]

I've been researching Solar for about 10 days and this video is the best one so far. Simple and informative. I just want to run lights in my shed and maybe use the occasional power tool so this was the perfect video for me. Thank you. Now I must find out where to buy the best parts.

[@jacksmith3951]

used deep cycle battery 12 volt 100 amp 1200 watts lithium cost lot 2000 watts inverter used pure sine wave its best inverter

[@1twilight9]

Very helpful, you took all the big words out and made it none confusing. Thanks!

[@ahfddhfc9866]

1twilight9 নাযির

[@youtobe2921]

1twilight9

[@tommyc9237]

Great video, exactly what is needed vs. the standard know-it-all.

[@alittlehouseinlancashire6347]

What a nicely done 'how to' video. This is what the BBC used to be like in1959 - but in black and white. Lovely. Thank you.

[@larryferguson3387]

SIMPLICITY there is nothing like keeping it simple, I liked the calming affect of his voice! Thanks my British friend.

[@eyeswideshut2800]

GREAT VIDEO! I have seen a lot of power building videos of every kind and I get it but this was the best explanation and show and tell videos on the basics I've seen. You explained it in a way with visuals so easy for those who know nothing to understand the components and what they do and how they convert and link...Thanks

[@WideWorldofTrains]

Very cool solar setup demo, great narration also 👌👍✔🧑

[@sewwilson4185]

This video is the best and easiest one to follow for a novice like me. It’s exactly what I’m looking for. Why can’t all tutorials be this is easy to follow!!

[@zmezgar2387]

Amazing video! I just purchased my first solar panel about that same size and I was praying to find a video that can easily show me step by step on a how to. Thank you again!

[@kawarthahillbilly]

Thank you for simplifying solar. I like the simple approach

[@wilsnich02]

Great video, really simplified it for me. i just bought my 20 watt panel to keep the boat battery charged and I can now install this weekend with confidence

[@motocattie5242]

I started to feel like David Attenborough was teaching me about solar power... ;) Thanks for including the bit about adding a circuit-breaker!

[@machi-full-of-coffee]

I'm very keen on installing solar panels even just to power electric fans, your video has been very helpful. Simple and direct to the point.

[@GlennnD]

Its like watching a documentary from David Attenbrough. :D Good job !

[@tervermaak]

Good and informative video and most of all: very well told in a relaxed manner with birds whistling in the background! Reminds me of the good old Bob Ross video's! ;-)

[@thanimkwende4713]

Very important to poverty people in our country

[@abduselamali1813]

People like you should be admired, as you are sharing your knowledge for free. Well-done and keep it up.

[@michaelcorbett6927]

Watched this in 2016. Now I'm using a 50/50 blend of (26), 15 watt, 14.5 volt and 25 watt 18 volt, Harbor freight panels, bought on sell. 7 deep cell marine batteries. A 500 watt charge controller, (2) 750 watt 110 volt inverters. I run small refrigerator, 19 inch tv, with satellite (2) 12 volt lights, a 12 volt fan, a 110 volt box fan, and a 110 volt pump for my fish tank. As needed, I have chargers for computer, cell phone, and (4) 20 volt batteries for my tools. Yes I am off grid and heat water by fire. This system has been in continuous use for 18 months. So far the only day I had problems was when it snowed. I have $1,700 u.s. invested in it. Solar systems work great.

[@westwonic]

Good video presentation, but note the battery should be wired to the Controller before the panels, else you may damage the controller.

[@davidrumbolt7940]

That's right

[@StephFourie21]

And also, the battery needs to be a deep cycle battery unless you plan on replacing battery's often.

[@CuttingEdgePowerLLC]

Totally agree!

[@koningbolo4700]

@@StephFourie21 If he does not draw the battery down to below 60% depth of charge he will be fine... A PWM charge controller like this one can very easily charge a regular lead acid battery.

[@StephFourie21]

@@koningbolo4700 Yes you are absolutely correct, as long as you keep it topped off like a cars alternator does, then it would be fine, however the deep cycle batteries are much better suited for this type of a application and also you could get longer use of the battery without damaging it due to draining it to below 60% in cases where you might need to do so. Also deep cycle batteries arent really that much more price wise.

[@mafiantinocrown631]

Damn! You must be a good instructor. I learn and understand how d solar works bit by bit. Tnx for you sir. 😁😁

[@kennethhoward5773]

This man made it simple! I tried following other's instructions and burnt out an appliance because I didn't have the circuit breaker, I didn't know or remember that step. I'm not an electrician and my mechanical skills are close to zilch. I don't care about all the voltage and watt stuff others include in their videos - that just confuses me. Thank you for the easy to follow instructions! I saved the video to watch again if I become lost.

[@courtsandy5552]

This is interesting I love the fact how you did a complete and basic way of doing the solar and battry etc

[@electronicshelpcare]

Nice video. thanks.

[@domejuan6097]

This is so informative for beginners like me.Thank you for sharing. I cant wait to see more especially for lighting of the house.

[@albertawuah53]

Well done, you are so much better than many instructors. Is a simple straight-on-point tutorial.

[@bazinga0236]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I have never had such a clear and concise explanation of setting up a solar panel for light in a shed and for connecting and using a power inverter, until now. You make it really clear and simple. Thanks a million!

[@paulochidubem8268]

Please can I have your contact

[@selinaolaja2288]

@@paulochidubem8268 just answer my question plz

[@boatingforbeginners7949]

Excellent video, very simply explained and enjoyable too, Thank you for sharing and Greetings from Greece

[@lorenedowney5467]

+- Bridgett wi Wi

[@WayneRigley]

Always hook your battery up first then panels.. just a good rule to follow ..but great video

[@jajodegard]

Love the background sounds and you were very clear for this beginner. Thank you

[@aussietim7974]

Thank you for making this simple to understand video, I very much appreciate it.

[@stevelangdon7905]

Really enjoyed the presentation, it has given me the confidence to install one like this in my shed. Thank you.

[@charlieoscar09]

What a brilliant well explained tutorial video... thanks for that and look foward to any more Solar videos you may be doing.

[@homestead2607]

Thanks - it's my first video. More are planned so watch this space.

[@chrissewell1608]

I wish all things in life, were explained this nicely!

[@carolmedford9836]

Thank you for slowly and methodically explaining every step in detail and simply. I have looked at many solar making videos but yours is by far the best and easiest especially for someone not a big fan of electrical stuff, also thanks for the detailed list of components used. If I were to try this, which most likely I would, I can ask for what I need specifically instead if fumbling around asking staff at the stores using women lingo and sign language...lol.

[@jasonbroom7147]

Superb video! I have a similar shed in need of illumination and now I feel a lot more confident about my ability to rig up a solution like this, myself. :)

[@chrissewell1608]

This was both educational & the most relaxing video I have ever watched and listened to. The background sounds were soothing to the soul. Even the guy hammering away, on his shed. I think I will just watch this video, over and over, any time I feel stressed out, or need a good nap! Thanks for sharing. I am subscribing, just to see and hear more! 😁

[@fiddlesticksbessette398]

THATS NOT NICE.

[@judichristopher4604]

Yes... he has a soothing voice.

[@chrissewell1608]

@@fiddlesticksbessette398 That was a complement. Just like watching Bob Ross, paint happy little trees!

[@proshantabiswas6389]

Thank you so much.

[@williamwiese9963]

Great video! The song birds in the background are a great touch

[@victoriwuchukwu2084]

I find this your video very useful and instructional. It's basic and straight to the point, devoid of technical jargons. Looking forward to a more advanced part of the video, e.g. working with more than one solar panel with more than one 12v battery and double source of charging system, i.e. mains supply and solar. Good work.

[@palusisko]

Really good presentation "how it works". I am going to install fan( pushing warm air) to my garage.. :-) so thank you a lot!

[@PIAMUSA]

informative, easy to learn. bought two panels awhile back, now i can start connecting. thank you

[@robertplutz8221]

Awesome video! THANK YOU so much! Total solar newbie here, in sun-kissed California.

[@francocarrieri1988]

The clearest exposition of a simple solar set I clocked so far.

[@syedsalikhussain594]

waw Just Amazing that birds chirping and the background sounds of nature

[@shoukatalihunzai1]

nicely to the point.sound of nature in the background is amazing. God bless

[@yusufvickram5703]

Nice

[@igweedube3384]

Too slow video

[@DaveInJeddah]

Very helpful, stripped down how-to guide on basic solar power setup for newbies like me. Thank you.

[@dbrunetti6770]

How could anyone not like this video - LIKE LIKE LIKE!!! Very helpful, you sir have common sense and BEYOND! Making this very easy to follow

[@humbertini900]

Great insight into the build just subscribed and it’s a nice compact turbine I also have built a homemade 650 watts wind turbine, a treadmill motor turbine and a little but powerful ametek 30v turbine and built 2 diy solar panels, be careful in high winds one of my first turbines blew up 😕and now have only 2 wonderful turbines working daily 😊it’s very satisfying watching those things working, keep up the good work buddy 👍

[@Bernieclark45]

thanks for a very good video.

[@ginacardarella]

thank you for making this so simple I've watched so many videos and walked away frustrated yours is very simple thank you : )

[@Goorney]

Fantastic tutorial. Easy to understand for a beginner like myself.

[@novacolonel5287]

This was so lovely to watch, well-explained and with charming voice and background sounds :)

[@acemoore7204]

The sounds were better than some that have loud music. LOL I like the birds.

[@jimdavis9036]

Very interesting. I live in Canada and would appreciate more info about the source for the portable solar panel. Looking forward to your updates on your progress.

[@CuttingEdgePowerLLC]

It's the same set up for portable solar panels cuttingedgepower.com/blogs/q-a/basic-solar-system-set-up

[@mozilla2576]

I highly recommend Renogy. They have excellent products. I personally use their 150-160 watt panels. They ROCK!

[@dcw1467]

This is the best tutorial and most basic understanding for a Beginner,...Excellent👍

[@EdwardRLyons]

Superbly made video. In the best tradition of British-made instructional films!

[@SmudgeOfficialUK]

The David Attenborough of Solar Panels! Love it! aha

[@arnystevens7165]

Lol indeed...

[@outdoorsrob3023]

good video C3P0

[@jamesperrin5691]

Yes master Luke.

[@robroytoy1]

Thank you for the vid. Just one thing I would add I bought a led strip lamp from tool station and put it on my inverter to a 12v car battery and it lasted 5.5 hours from fully charged, super bright light !

[@justaleksithings6002]

Very clear and well explained video of the basic components and how it works! I also did a solar power system to my shed with pretty similar setup and made a video of it!

[@andyprairiedog4829]

Thank you for this video. With common language, explanation and actual demonstration and chirping birds....you made me feel less dumb and stupid unlike other videos and their math-e-matific, rocket-science, moon-mission talk jargon. Now I can stop scratching my caveman head and put my club aside to try this out for myself. Very helpful :)

[@homestead2607]

Thanks for the comment Andy. I like to tinker and try things out rather than learn all the maths and science.

[@klajdicolladeja1191]

very nice from all the systems so far it explains very nice and clean I have a question how much is the power that conces. and if I need to add power I need to have 2 panels and other interfaces? Thank you for giving me a reply

[@homestead2607]

The amount of power depends on how sunny it is. If you need more power you can add more solar panels to the controller.

[@preciousredeemed4165]

Where do I get the wires ,best battery etc

[@abrahamofoesottie9857]

So far so good, one of the best and simple video I have watch

[@JackMuasa]

The dog barking and the birds. So nice. Very good video - simple and clean.

[@noelwdful]

Hi. Thanks for the video. My charge controller which looks quite similar to yours says you must hook up the battery first so the controller correctly identifies the battery type. Secondly do you think it is overkill to put a fuse inline from the battery to the controller I say this as I am putting mine in a moving caravan and I'm worried that a movement of something in the storage area may pull the wires out of the controller and cause a short which may start a fire

[@ChazzCoombes]

i thought that the battery had to be connected first to protect the controller? That is how i set mine up in my garage to power led strip lighting and to keep power tool battery's on charge when not using them. good video

[@1981dasimpson]

That is correct so the charge controller knows to set for 12v or 24v

[@homestead2607]

Yes. I got that bit wrong. Sorry everyone.

[@stephenpadley6684]

Any work you do on the batteries, always disconnect the panel first.

[@samuelhelen733]

Am from Kokopo, Papua New Guinea and I decided to come up with a home that'll be energized by Solar since I believed that its more environmentally friendly and that my kids should impart what we meant by making use of the natural resources we have

[@ewanmacgregor3056]

Thank you for a fantastic well presented video in lay man terms. Your narration was excellent. Cheers.

[@pinarellolimoncello]

I thought the video was good, I can see people are picking you up on a few points but I still think you've done a good job. Person below me is saying battery should be before charge controller , I'm no electrical expert but I would have thought that would defeat the object i.e. you don't want to cook the battery. Be glad if somebody could elaborate?

[@codenamenel]

They mean you should connect the battery to the charge controller, in the battery position terminals, Then connect the Solar panel to the charge controller, in the Panel position terminals. Otherwise the panel is producing electricity to the controller with nowhere for it to go

[@kevcarp7373]

Exactly right.

[@PakPunjabi]

Perhaps you misunderstood. They mean order of wiring, that is when making connections, first connect the controller to the battery and then connect the controller to the panel. Order is the same: Panel->Controller->Battery->Inverter. DC load can be taken directly from the controller

[@cleaverp]

Fascinating stuff, but what is the clear plastic pipe leading from the battery for? And what did you use for a switch for the light?

[@latheadventures1390]

that clear plastic pipe is a breather/over flow as it looks to be a lead acid battery but it could have mineral water init instead, as the battery charges it can give off hydrogen gas which needs to vent so the pressure dosnt build up inside the battery, also the caps on the top of the battery are used for maintaining the acid/mineral water levels, as over time they can evaporate

[@BobsMaginty]

Great video, your voice reminds me of a 1970's children's programme narrator, fantastic!😀

[@mikemotorbike4283]

NIce little setup and tutorial, thank you for your clarity and encouragement Allways hook battery up first, so the power from the solar panel has somewhere to go. I've read you can burn out your charge controller hooking up the panel first. store panel face down when idle -It's a PWM controller, the MPPT lable is pure artistic licence. It even says PWM on the screen. Not surprising for these cheap chinese controllers. -And probably nowhere near 30A. Maybe rated 4A. Perfect for your 2A. -Check the fluid level in your battery, even if its a "maintenance free" SLA(Sealed Lead Acid). Add distilled water to 1/4" below bottom of filler tubes. -Needs to be desulphated if sitting a while at low charge, and/or with low water. Find a charger that has a desulphation step. It's basically 15.5v for awhile after charging cycle. -Charge it up before you use it! Once in a while, put a real battery charger on it to make sure its getting the best. Good Batteries are mucho $$$, cheap charge controllers are not trustworthy. Car battery: (hard to find consistant numbers) deep cycle numbers slightly higher -3.1v Virgins dancing around dad in dreams -12.9v is full, 100%.. Furious discussion begins on dad's internet -12.7v when buying brand new. 75%. dad satisfies mum -12.6v daddo happy camper, comfy slippers, tea hot -12.2v "I'm tellin dad!" =12v fully discharged, flat. bad boy! -11.4v is 0 percent. time to find a new dad -10.5v dead as a dodo. halves the life . kid sold to rag and bone man -rated for 300-500 cycles @50% discharge.

[@simplifygardening]

Did you just say you had all that for under £100? if so where the hell did you buy it all?

[@SuperFkv]

www.aliexpress.com/store/520886?spm=2114.10010108.0.0.32d1dff9PRQBO6

[@SuperFkv]

UK Here We Grow BTW NO tax or fees

[@-JonnyBoy-]

www.jex-electronics.com sells those circuit breakers they are based in the USA but ship worldwide.

[@shubhmaprson8662]

UK Here We Grow g

[@evmcg]

UK Here We Grow eBay

[@Markle2k]

David Attenborough does DIY.

[@BlackJedi169]

Markle2k Richard Attenborough

[@tervermaak]

I was thinking more of Bob Ross, but Sir David Attenborough is also good!

[@stevenmattson3164]

I like this video much more than the many I've seen. It's well edited and not about you going on and on about this that our the other thing. Straight forward, rational and well explained. Thank you.

[@preciousredeemed4165]

Where do I get the wires ,best battery etc

[@julyseng5653]

I love you video. You are excellent teacher. You provided step by step. Thank you.

[@gloriafredsall8151]

Around how much you need for this project ok I just saw it and I really like to thank you so much

[@brickwal92tt]

Why not simply delete your post if you've figured it out...?

[@willswomble7274]

@@brickwal92tt Gloria stick to your knitting project - much safer.

[@jel5034]

The chirping birds and barking dog in the background are great but i'd have shot that neighbour doing that banging all the time.

[@teejaychiwetalu6393]

Quite an easy way to pass knowledge through your calm instructions. Thanks for making this beginners video. I'd also want to draw your attention to 9:10 of your video time where you said, "..it converts 12V dc battery power to 24v ac power". I think what you meant to say was "..to 240v ac power"

[@JanetteGailFrancis]

Excellent, thank you from South Australia.

[@greenolive2715]

why put in a fuse on your inverter? they all have one from manufacture and usually rated at 20amp.never seen one without. @9.10....24v ac power from a wall socket in the house? i dont think so

[@homestead2607]

Looks like mine has an internal fuse. You have to crack the case open to get at it. My external trip fuse just makes resetting it easier. Not that it's ever tripped. I've been running my stimmer, drill and other small power tools off it in the garden. I get a couple of hours use before the battery voltage drops too low.

[@rhyspana]

you could do C3PO's voice double Good vid btw

[@spencerdodds2207]

Why, because he's British? He sounds nothing like Anthony Daniels.

[@stratocaster539]

These regulator/charging units will gradually bring a tired battery back to decent condition. The third position on the charger will switch on a light circuit when the sun goes down! Good vid.

[@daniloenano8507]

Very nice presentation... thank you so much... you help a lot specially to those who don't have enough knowledge in installing solar panels at home. GOD bless you always...🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@johanschandevyl5383]

You have to connect the battery first!!!

[@irzackihmj5259]

What if the battery already full?

[@armandobevard2]

background sounds like golfing game "links on the green" im not sure the name but it was similar.. the bird

[@ebenburger111]

This is by far the best explanation and video I've watched. Thank you brother!

[@juliogonzo2718]

Ive jury rigged a few things in my time, but never occurred to me to use gear clamps on battery terminals. Never heard of them as "Jubilee Clamps" either. Learn something new every day!

[@greenolive2715]

no sun and your getting a high voltage (you say over 20 volts on cold cloudy British day) reading. the thing is if you don't have amps and watts the voltage can be reading a million but wont power anything at all and absolutely wont charge a battery. you need the watts and amps.you also state bare wire must not touch? its dc power not ac...i use cheap 1.2v nimh AA batteries in series to make up 12 volts and each batt being 2500ma im getting a battery rated at 12v-25 amps. try it as they last much longer than car or deep cycle marine batt and much cheaper.

[@homestead2607]

You're right. That was the 'open' voltage, without the system doing any work. On most days It charges the 12v battery at between 0.5 and 1.0 amps - so just a trickle charge. However it keeps the battery ready for when I need it and it gives me a few useful hours. Interesting what you say about other batteries. I'll look into that in future but I've got a free source of partly used car and marine batteries and not much is cheaper than free!

[@uskazcity]

Battery should have been connected before charge controller.

[@zaboomafia]

Exactly! We need more people to be educated on this step. I wish the world in general knew more about solar panels, charge regulators, and batteries.

[@alwaleedahmad3903]

James D

[@ahmedsallam4989]

can you please explain why is that necessary

[@ChrisD4335]

i doubt its necessary, this is youtube

[@ddd228]

I agree. Battery hook up FIRST,people.

[@eecodrive]

Sir, YOU sound David Attenborough... nice presentation and informative... this is the basic details i was looking for long time... thanks to u Sir.

[@etienneswart8700]

Very informative, You didn’t race through the method. Like most other KZbin instructions. 👍🏻

[@jwm1020]

when you connect a solar panel to a charge controller you first need to connect the battery you will confuses people if you don't know what you are doing yourself.

[@kevcarp7373]

I thought that when i watched the video.

[@franciscohen4242]

I would like to power up a fridge and 1 light bulb what size solar panel would I need, will 12 V battery be sufficient or do I need 24V...? When does one need to use an Inverter?

[@victoriwuchukwu2084]

@@franciscohen4242 A moderately sized fridge, like 200 litres, and an incandescent light bulb of 15 watts, will require a solar panel of about 400 watts charging capacity with a 12v battery of about 200 amps. My rough estimates.

[@michaelthorpe9560]

I liked your video,, but you made one ""very big mistake!"" you should never connect the battery last!,, the battery is all ways connected first and then the solar panel is last,, also you should not disconnect the battery if the solar panel is still connected to the solar regulator,, the reason for that is the regulator needs to ""see"" the battery so it can work out the voltage needed to safely charge it,, IE: @ 12 or 24 volt's,, you were very lucky you did not ""blow up!"" your regulator when you hooked it up to your battery with the solar panel still connected,, other than that,, you got things right!

[@wadja62]

Very good instructional video. I'm getting ready to do the same thing to my shed. I'm using a 100w set from Harbor Freight and a converter for power tools and lights...

[@strontiumstargazer3124]

Really clear. Love the birds and dog - and banging - and crow - and dog again