ULTIMATE DIY SOLAR GENERATOR 3.0 // CHINS 200AH LIFEPO4

#offgrid #solar
Well, think this is the final version of my solar generator carts, complete with 12v charging ports , perimeter lighting and a 2000w pure sine inverter! This should get the job done for anything I plan to throw at it.
Below are some Amazon Affiliate links for the products used in this video. Affiliate links can provide the channel a small commission if links are used to purchase, but at no cost to you.
CHINS 200AH LIFEPO4 Battery
amzn.to/3wLTIKx
Yinleader 2000W Pure Sine Inverter
amzn.to/3KA9cHi
Ferrule Kit and crimping tool
amzn.to/3QYqy2Z
2awg cables
amzn.to/3TwmdFL
LNEX Battery Monitor w/ Shunt
amzn.to/3KBqzYr
Music provided by Epidemic Sound
"On the Trail" by Tigerblood Jewel

[@jimmythepowerful]

Apart from the great diy solar project, this guy’s workshop is by far the neatest and organized one I’ve seen in like since ever !

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Jimmy👍🏻

[@davemorton3195]

I saw the same thing and it’s stocked to the teeth in a single bay……Could we get a tour sometime on video? I’m redoing mine and this is a superb example of how it should be done….

[@johne1460]

This is one of the best, cleanest diy generator builds I've seen. Thanks

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thank you👍🏻

[@Steve-Goff]

That is the Taj Mahal of solar carts. It turned out really well. Definitely a good backup plan

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻👊🏻

[@mr.makeit4037]

I have to say like others here that your garage and solar generator is super organized, detailed, and of good quality. 👍

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thank you👍🏻

[@farside87]

Just a couple suggestions. Put the shut-off switch on the front so you can reach it quickly. With the lid down, someone is going to place stuff on that nice shelf you built. And, hopefully those flood lights can be rotated down to shine on the work space. Put it on wheels, or make it portable somehow. A dolly or hand truck would do the trick. It's looking good, and i like the idea of MORE POWER.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Yeah, the floodlights are adjustable, and I’m putting casters on this as soon as they get here👍🏻

[@Tjensen999]

Before everything is installed, it looks like a nice chair.... or a Commode when you flip the top open. 😇😇

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I knew I got my inspiration from somewhere😉

[@Tjensen999]

@@BrianWatersOutdoors Great minds think alike.

[@Rob555ism]

You are answering questions I have wondered about for years. Thanks. I want to build much the same thing.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@Neel71]

BEAUTIFUL! BEAUTIFUL!! BEAUTIFUL!!! The best and the most flexible design out there.... Building the cart is my challenge🙂

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@RyanVlogs_1]

I love these types of videos you do because I’ve learned so much about electrical wiring and how it works.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Ryan👍🏻

[@danaharris5654]

I installed the 400ah CHINS in my RV and it has performed great. It also has Bluetooth monitor to my phone.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@SD-ki4fe]

Love this one. I love switches so it stood out to me - I'm like a little kid with the click-click sound especially if it has lights! Installed a bunch of led rocker switches in my Jeep for one touch control of different lighting mounts, winch, air compressor, etc, so now I'm going to think on what all I would connect to a build like this. Would have to have some toggles though for the satisfying tactile "thunk". This would be a very fun project so thanks for sharing! It's not a heat gun, though....it's a solar de-generator. Sheesh. Every good Hobotech fan knows that.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Hahaha, very true. I forgot and did call it by the wrong name🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️👍🏻

[@theone4572]

I love watching your builds as much as your camping videos!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thank you 👍🏻

[@naybrann]

Just bought my first round of parts. Excited to build a similar setup. Very cool video

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@vinniec5286]

Great build and that resistor momentary switch is brilliant!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@princeeze9414]

Nice work boss i love this

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Cheers!👍🏻👍🏻

[@kenluning909]

That is a nice power box build. Now I got to get mine going. 😂😂

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks👍🏻

[@BrisketMedic]

Clean set up Brian. Nice work.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thank you👍🏻

[@240weatherby3]

Best cart so far

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@Barc7580]

Just found this video and it really helped clear up some questions I had about an emergency DIY 12v system. I know it’s been a while since you made the video, but you have to check out the Watt Cycle 12v 300ah mini batteries. You could probably fit 10 under the cart where you have the Chins Excellent video and many thanks

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thank you! I have t had the chance to review the watt cycle battery yet.

[@jeffincabo]

You're a sharp dude Brian !

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Lol. My wife just thinks I’m crazy👍🏻👍🏻

[@miles5884]

You do great work. And your shop is awesome very neat and everything has it place. Shows you care about the work you do.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Miles👍🏻👊🏻

[@billwiley7216]

Nice build, the main thing I would do differently is mount the main battery on/off disconnect switch to be accessible from the outside and I would probably add a 30 amp A/C battery charger to the cart so I would also have the capability to recharge the battery from the grid or a generator if needed say several days of bad weather and no sun.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks👍🏻

[@d.j.radioroyspinner8]

Hey Brian, Really looks good was thinking of building something similar myself. I would suggest a general price range in the future as well. Also being a former electrician for almost 40 years I have to agree with Farside as well to put the Bat shut off switch on the front and outside(at least the knob) - always taught to expose switches and plugs.Otherwise great build and TY for including links to find with you have, Here's a tip for those who can't afford that tip crimping tool you can always solder the leads and that makes a good connection as well. Cheers!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thank you for the advice👍🏻

[@lawrencedavidson6195]

Very nice setup. I got some great ideas for my second build which i'm starting shortly. Greetings from sunny Jamaica.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@rosskilpatrick934]

Loved your set up.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Ross

[@taxibob23]

very nice very clean setup i am going to build one like that thx for the good idea

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thank you👍🏻

[@366drew]

Another awesome vid Brian with all 3 portables you’ve built you’re ready for grid down I’ve learned a lot from your vids thank you from KatyTx🇺🇸🦅🇺🇸

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻😃

[@t3angling575]

Cool video Brian. Did not know you built one. Nice and clean. Well done.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks bud👍🏻

[@joshuaburks]

This is super similar to the setup I just built! Thanks for posting.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻

[@stevebeals3862]

I've built three of these , I used junk gas grill frames with wheels , no cost , built in modules , in the summer , use in my camper , in the winter use in my home

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@tshirley05015]

Great Build! That would work great on a hand truck for an off cabin, or rough ground.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Tracy

[@dje7335]

Agreed! A very nice build 👌. I just finished mine (or so I thought), i used a hand truck. Standard wheels at rear and two swivel casters at front. Easy & versatile mobility. Your electrical is perfect. The resistor wired through a momentary switch is brilliant. (Hence the reason I though I was done). Thanks for sharing! ✌️

[@tumbleweed1976]

Hot water kettle is a great test for 1200watts. Thank you for this video it was very beneficial 🎈

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks👍🏻

[@ET_Videos]

Now you need a 4x4 Van to build out!!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Absolutely!

[@russelladkins6988]

Nice setup learning a lot watching you

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thank you👍🏻

[@davef.2811]

Great work with the explanations you do there. Thanks.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Dave👍🏻

[@hughickrath6671]

Forget about how good your videos are. Those clamps that you use to get your cabinets square are awesome....lol Who makes them? Seriously, really enjoy your videos.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Hugh👍🏻 the clamps are from “Woodpeckers”. They make a lot of woodworking tools

[@hughickrath6671]

@@BrianWatersOutdoors Thanks!

[@JoshuaThomasVideos]

Awesome build

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks bud

[@MrWizdancer]

Hey Brian great video as always keep up the great work.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks👍🏻👍🏻

[@FuccoTheClown]

you know that speaker fabric they wrap speaker cabinets in? that stuff would look great on there. nice build!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks 👍🏻

[@garytrawinski1843]

A very good video. I appreciate your effort!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thank you 👍🏻

[@allkindsofoutdooractivities]

Very nice build!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks👍🏻

[@Xettera]

Nice. I would have used 12v lights though so you don't need to turn the inverter on.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@markronck3415]

I wonder what solar disconnect switch I'm going to need? I have a Renogy 40 amp MPPT Rover and three 175 panels from Renogy panels?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I’d pick one rated anywhere between 10-30 amps over the max amps your panels would ever be able to produce. But that’s just me. I’m no expert

[@brentjohnson6654]

Great video! I didn’t see a AC Charger for the Chins battery. You might consider having it to be a sort of UPS. I use mine as a UPS plugged into the wall that runs my CPAP so when we get rolling blackouts in Texas I can sleep without knowing the power went out. All the best !

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Great idea. I do have a charger for this, just not built into this cart though.

[@brentjohnson6654]

@@BrianWatersOutdoors sounds good. I am looking into various parts for portable Ham radio box that I am gathering up the pieces for solar/portable battery/radio, etc. If you want to add it - cool, not trying to tell you what to do. Haha. We have enough of those people in our lives.

[@ascubapro]

Great build on the box. Maybe you can do a video on building a cart. Yours are the best I have seen. I and others probably willing to pay for the plans as well.

[@Mike_Cross]

Thanks for sharing. Good info.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks Mike👍🏻

[@kennethwilson8633]

That button won’t pre charge your inverter if you drain everything with the floodlights. Nice build keep showing them. Have fun stay safe.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Right. I was basically just showing that it worked, but you’re correct.

[@winstonsmiths2449]

The pre-charge idea is genius! I am far from an expert but that pre-charge setup should work no problem. I built a 5200wh cart from a composite material cart ordered off Amazon. Setup the batteries on the lower shelf/bottom, enclosed it with panels held on with velcro. My Hybrid MPPT is mounted verticaly on wood, facing away from the cart. Built a cover for the storage area of the cart and it provides a flat working surface. I also replaced the two wheels on the cart that were fixed with swivel wheels that lock. I can push the cart in any direction with ease, and I do that often as I use the power cart for various tools and equipment. I am going to install a 12v panel for USB amd charging HAM radio box via Anderson Powerpoles. P.S. How about a capacitor discharge button?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@migsmarq5114]

I think it would be best if you could build the box onto a Dolly. This would provide you bigger wheels for moving it around and you could easily haul it on to your truck or roll it to a grassy backyard/sandy beach. Also, I'm sure it will be alot heavier once you put the second battery on there.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@traumatech75]

That was an awesome vid6

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@williamsuttle3645]

I like the cart better than wall mounted.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@roadblock952]

Great video im going to try to make one

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@larrytommanley]

Great project!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks👍🏻

[@villano31]

Gave me some really good insight on a project im gonna start working on. Link to the momentary switch? Also any videos of a system like this with a ac to dc charge option?

[@ssergei]

hi! Nice setup, i build almost the same, but i went with 24v 100ah instead of 12v 200ah battery + victron inverter is better just because it will be in the same app you'll use for controller

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks👍🏻👍🏻

[@bernardobohorquez4272]

Excelente diseño, es posible colocar tira led para iluminar el interior, gracias

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@disabledoffgridadventure9580]

I so need a box like that.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻

[@disabledoffgridadventure9580]

@BrianWatersOutdoors i have the gear just need the box lol. I'm about to run 2 12v power queen 240ah at 24v. Start the shed to cabin build next month.

[@ibrahimbek2804]

Thank you

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@JamesSmith-z4k]

Nice build, I Like it! I'm kinda new at this, but I don't think the inverter has anything to do with 12v DC lights.

[@ChrisEpler]

I'd go 24v 100Ah, will cut down wire sizes and free up capacity on the MPPT controller for more power input.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@kenkrommenacker8649]

I have a couple I have built and I run 100 watt batteries just in case one goes bad I still have power.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@baneverything5580]

I have a 300 ah Ampere Time, 2000 watt inverter, and 60 amp MPPT charge controller. This is what I`d like to do with it but on a dolly so I can roll it to the garden to power a tiller. Still don`t know for sure if I can build one safely. Spent the last of my savings on the stuff and I`m terrified of damaging the battery somehow. I may need it in the future to survive. I have solar power stations for everything from freezers on down. I need the large battery for heavy loads and emergency power for a small window air conditioner. I still need about 500 watts more in solar panels to max out the charge controller and ability to use air conditioning during the day without draining the battery so I can have another 6 to 7 hours of AC at night.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@varman001]

great setup. one thing... no need to charge the capacitors when the wires are already connected.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@tommanning7337]

Dam smooth!!!! 😎👍🏻👍🏻

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻🍻

[@AlwaysAniceBeauty]

Can you make a video explaining what solar is and how we can use it in emergency situations? Like how to charge it, how the solar work etc…

[@vince1738]

Great build have you provided a wiring diagram somewhere? Thanks

[@silentmajor]

thanks, nice video.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks👍🏻

[@renmedia]

Maybe too late but, 2 things: First, that resistor is not needed anymore because you have all the wires hooked up already so no sparks will happen when you turn on the big Battery switch. Second, the shunt must be placed on wiring immediately after the battery, otherwise metering is not correct.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@jjm9902]

How bout an uninterruptible power supply addition? Thinking maybe for the frig and freezer during power outages when I'm not home. Manufactured power stations are including these these days. Thx!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@rwstarke]

Do you have a lumber stretcher? The lights on top will help in case any deer walk in. You can also add a USB C PD port.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I don’t. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@generalcoulter]

Do you have a video of the cart build itself?

[@neilmcalester]

Great video thanks. Would the inline fuse not be better before the busbar i.e. much closer to the inverter?

[@IFKY]

Where can I find more info/the video you referenced detailing how to add the momentary switch w/ resistor? Seems like a great idea!

[@lgixxer]

Great built. I almost completed a si.ilar built using a rigid cart. I was able to power a fan, so I think everything is working. However, I was a bit surprised that I have to manually power the inverter when I used the disconect switch. Should this system be completely switched off after use, or can the switch stay on? I am having a hard time finding best practices on how to use.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

For me, I keep the inverter manually turned off as well as using a disconnect switch. The inverter will continue to use power even when not running a load.

[@lgixxer]

Thanks so much for the quick response. Your video is one of the best ones and I was very helpful.

[@Zbee167]

Great build! Would you mind sharing the link to the LED flood lights??? Thanks for sharing.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I’ll see if I can find them again. Just some pretty cheap LED “cube lights” off Amazon I found.

[@Zbee167]

@@BrianWatersOutdoors Ok. Thank you. I found them.

[@raymondneale8414]

Brilliant

[@whatsworthfightingf4]

awesome videon Thank u

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@spineblaZe]

killer, thanks!

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@dannydivine7699]

Have you considered a Victron monitor so you could access both battery monitor and charge controller via their mobile app?? Or is there a reason to avoid the Victron monitor?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I love Victron stuff, and buying a little bit of it at a time because it’s a bit pricey. But well worth the $$

[@d.j.radioroyspinner8]

PS: ruff figure for me was $ 1059.00 USD - that includes an estimate of thos LED lights & switches plus my state tax but you can even rnd that up to around $1070 on the high side - which over all isn't that bad. My main concern was running a fridge with it and from what I can tell it will.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Good estimate! Literally about the amount this cost me👍🏻

[@gary-gilbert]

Can you add a way to charge with portable generator or grid power?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Sure! You can connect a charger directly to the battery and then plug into a generator to charge up

[@waynestonesr4936]

#BrianWatersOutdoors rocks !

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@bggfarm]

Do you prefer this battery used here, over the Redodo you used previously?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Honestly, they are virtually the same. Likely made on the same production line and put in a different case. Both are good batteries and I’d get whichever is on sale at the time.

[@redwood1957]

Nice job no ac power to keep charge up? What were material cost? Thank you

[@igoslomo]

This was great! So helpful. Can you tell me what kind of heat gun you used? I think that was what it was… you used it to heat shrink the ferrules?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks. It was just a 1500 watt Porter Cable heat gun. Think I picked it up at a Lowes

[@todamnbad]

When you kill the power does your battery monitor keep its memory?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Yes

[@jeremyhunter6001]

Great vid. I see that u haven’t earthed/grounded ur system is it needed or not. Was thinking of doing something like this for my caravan/home

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks👍🏻 I do not have this grounded right now. Would be nice to have it grounded, once I get around to doing that b

[@jasminerogers9971]

How would I install a 30am outlet on a diy generator so I can plug it into a transfer switch on the house?

[@markblankenship8289]

Hi thank you for the Video I have a question Do you have to turn off your mppt charge controller if you shut off the main battery switch?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Yes, otherwise it will be a slow drain in the battery. I just flip my breaker to cut power completely from it.

[@Merlinsluck]

another great build. I am doing the same build now. What brand lights are you using? Also where do you get your copper wire? I am getting ready to install the solar shut off switch and 12 volt fuse block next. Lastly what is the brand of your heat shrink lighter or pen?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thanks. The lights are Nilight brand, super cheap…copper wire is from WindyNation on Amazon, and I got the torch while standing in the checkout line at Lowe’s👍🏻

[@djyoungcity]

Thanks Brian. Ive always wondered, how would you connect an AC charger to the battery as well, so you can charge it before taking it off-grid, even if you dont have solar? Do you have any good recommendations for AC chargers for 12V Batteries? In my dumb brain you would attach it to the positive and negative bus bar and it would charge the batteries, but that doesnt seem correct.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Hey Jonathan. You can connect to pos and neg bus bar. That’s essentially how my solar charger is connected to this system. Or, you could connect the leads of the battery charger directly to the posts of the battery If you don’t have those bus bars👍🏻

[@djyoungcity]

@@BrianWatersOutdoors Thanks for the response

[@kimmer6]

I like the Aims 75 amp chargers. They have dip switches so you can set them for different battery chemistries. They are so reliable that you can connect to a lithium battery and watch it charge at 1000 watts, walk away, then come back and find it throttled back to 2-3 watts with fully charged battery. For lithium, it stops at 14.4 volts as needed for 100% charge.

[@TheClowntology]

Can you run a small window unit all night with that setup ?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Not with a 200ah battery. You might get 4ish hours with a 5000 BTU ac.

[@davidparker7156]

for 1000.00 you can get a much smaller Portable Power Station 2000W, 2220Wh Battery Backup Portable Generator. I understand its not expandable but for the size easier to use.

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@fabiolopes9090]

I need a little help here, I have a 175w renogy solar panel Can I connect 1 or 2 100w solar panels in parallel To the 175w? Thank you

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

To make it super simple….you don’t want to connect different size solar panels together. You can….but it brings in a lot of problems.

[@jonleone777]

Would have loved a much better look at the interior wiring to see how to connect it up.

[@flycow69]

Nice job except there is no subtitle or voice on this video for the most part of the video. One year later from the published date and it was not corrected . Do people that make videos watch them before uploading them?

[@raymondneale8414]

Hi Brian I'm in the UK so I guess I need a 240v inverter is there anyway you could e-mail a schematic and parts list I know it's a big ask.

[@Merlinsluck]

P.S. Hello from Van Alstyne

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@benmims1949]

How are you grounding?

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

I’m not

[@trw7530]

Nice. 👍

[@BrianWatersOutdoors]

Thank you👍🏻