Victron + LiTime MINI = beginner friendly off-grid

[@BradCagle]

Amazon Affiliate links: Li Time MINI Battery 100Ah: amzn.to/3ZG8kXn Victron 100/30 MPPT: amzn.to/41JTG2A Hydraulic Crimper: amzn.to/3MC5AHs Tinned Copper Lugs: amzn.to/3WiPB45 Hammer Crimper: amzn.to/3InPFKj Ferrule Crimping Kit: amzn.to/3odMDS6 BusBars: amzn.to/42TSYB9 2awg cable: amzn.to/3OnBZmd Precharge resistors: amzn.to/3PEuRCk ================ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: This channel may earn an affiliate commission if you purchase products through links I provide. ================ CONTACT: [e-mail] Business/Collaboration only. Please do not contact me for for personal project help, or advice. ================ DISCLAIMER: These videos are documenting my own personal projects, and experiences. These projects, and activities can be dangerous. I am not a professional. You should always consult with a professional. This content is for entertainment purposes only. DO NOT try any of this at home, doing so will be at your own risk.

[@brianoreilly3035]

Interested to see ur fuse temp with 1/0 wire

[@CARSSUCK-PRAY4EUC]

What the model inverter u have? Please get me the link

[@williamkerner3758]

do you have a link for the switch?

[@andrewford80]

I love this. Just a bare bones system that gets it done. Nice one

[@BradCagle]

Thanks!

[@jamesj.j.3096]

Finally some one does a set up any one can follow basic and simple, the rest is up to the individual

[@robert4027]

I love my victron 100/50 controller. No charge controller for the money can beat it

[@BradCagle]

I'm a victron fan, great stuff

[@onthelake9554]

Toss all this in Milwaukee Packout rolling box for a convenient portable protected supply. I tested mine by running a full size frig off it for a week on one 300 watt panel with the same size battery , charge controller and inverter (but mine was blue) . It worked great . Sun powered food cooling .

[@BradCagle]

Nice. I have a toolbox I bought for something like that. I need to do it :)

[@jasonbroom7147]

Heck, put TWO of these "mini" batteries in that toolbox, wired in parallel.

[@TheRoughGentleman]

Will it power a 2000 fifth wheel

[@justicejames8023]

Do you have a fuse

[@Osborn-mj4qc]

Nice build. After a few weeks of testing after receiving the goods, the refrigerator, TV, etc., the capacity is completely fine. I bought a 24V 100Ah battery. High cost performance.😃

[@angel1111.]

Would it be a marine battery I'm going off grid trying learn

[@tonyromano8337]

@@angel1111. car battery works 👍

[@leeanderson42]

Why 24v and what sort of time are you getting out of it before you need to charge again?

[@Guttersmart]

​@@angel1111.I used deep cycle marine batteries to learn on because I got them for free. I learned marine battery are good enough to learn with for free. But when I bought 2, 100 amp hour solar batteries huge, huge increase in efficiency. I have no idea what the difference is but there is one

[@curtisscott4393]

You bought the whole setup just changed the size of the battery?

[@jasonbroom7147]

You want your fuse as close to the battery (or "source") as possible. Really like the ferrels, especially for smaller screw-down connections. A much simpler setup, with quite a bit more inverter output, is the MPP 2724 inverter/charger with two batteries, wired in series. You still want the solar disconnect, but from there it's two wires into the inverter/charger and then two wires from your batteries. Easiest off-grid system you can make, because it also includes several AC outlets.

[@BradCagle]

Yeah. I totally agree on the fuse. That way if the positive wire is shorted anywhere along the length it will pop the fuse. I'll check that MPP2724 out. Thanks!

[@tcathunder]

@@BradCagle Nice work... I run a 24/7 mining rig. Runs 1000 watts. Will that run the miner 24/7.. Thanks.

[@jasonbroom7147]

@@user-fg6lm3ef5o - So, you're saying fuses ARE a good thing?

[@LiLBitsDK]

his run up to the inverter is shorter than most peoples run to the fuse holder...

[@BradCagle]

@@LiLBitsDK Yeah, that's what I keep telling people but they don't seem to get it. LOL

[@MrErik038]

Never forget the dangers of litium batterys. My batterys life in an insulated shed outside my home... nice and warm in winter, cool in the summer. Nice video.

[@zeratul143]

Probably *the* video that got me 100% interested into making my solar power system. Thank you.

[@BradCagle]

Glad to help :) Thanks!

[@MrErik038]

Everybody should, its a strange feeling running something on solarpower for the first time. It gave me a sense of freedom my firsttime😂

[@NukaVaultReadiness]

This is something I need to do with my LiTime 100Ah Mini (which I do enjoy the lightweight of it). Great video my man!

[@BradCagle]

Thanks! 👍

[@kenneth6847]

Thank you for the video and thank the other posters for providing their expertise.

[@BradCagle]

You bet!

[@edyoung6573]

Awesome Video!!!! Nice and basic, easy to understand, no fancy terminology!! Well done! thank you for putting this together!

[@scottsherwood8555]

That hydraulic crimped is really cool. Thanks for the introduction to this tool.

[@zekecanada5244]

Thank you, thank you, Thank you. For keeping it sweet and simple.. .❤❤

[@BradCagle]

You're welcome!

[@Robinsson91]

Perfect parts for a beginner setup!

[@BradCagle]

Definitely!

[@TheVaga9]

The most informative presentation I've seen yet. just good basic stuff!!! and all the little stuff he covers is fantastic and sorely needed and missing on some of the high falutin channels!!

[@BradCagle]

Thanks. Glad you like it 😁

[@mrobvious1100]

@@BradCagle great video a little over my head but I'm learning. I am a 70 year old retired firefighter. My wife is disabled and stays basically in the bedroom which is about 15 by 15 and we use an air conditioner in the window 24 hours a day. I have the inverter and just need to get to solar panels the controller and I don't know a marine battery or a lifepo4. What would your recommendations be to run that air conditioner Around the Clock. And then there's the aspect of what parts could be in the room and what parts need to be outside the wall of the house other than the solar panels. The panels would be approximately 10 ft away from the house facing sunrise for 12 hours. I was thinking of getting ( 3) 300 watt solar panels

[@tomhill4003]

this is the best video yet for walking me through a system I know very little about. THANK YOU!

[@ronpeterson9055]

Very well explained as I have never worked with solar and just bought an RV and want to camp off grid. Very helpful. Thanks.

[@vinny9349]

Nice build . Very simple.

[@BradCagle]

Thanks!

[@TurnFullCircle]

Absolutely excellent clear instructions...exactly what I wanted...cheers

[@BradCagle]

Glad to help!

[@ericwitt4586]

That’s what I’m gonna do at my off grid cabin it’s already got a functioning system it’s just old and I want to beef it up with 4 d8 12 vdc batteries and a new charge controller and a few more 100 watt panels I’ve got 7 grandkids and they love there electronics lol

[@MrSpaceace1999]

Maybe get the grandkids off the electronics and out in real earth

[@Roll2Videos]

The hydraulic crimper is the only way to go. Nice hookup.

[@BradCagle]

Agree, at less than $40 no excuse not to get it :) Thanks

[@ChrisEpler]

30A continuous you'd want 8 AWG wire, I think that Victron can handle up to #6.. I like to use as thick a wire as I can within reason, esp if it's short and cheap...it's just extra insurance and a tiny more efficiency.

[@Thuisbezorgdd]

10 AWG should be fine

[@realAmpereD]

Wrong, 10 is fine all day for 30A.

[@cowboyup545]

I used a old set of jumper cables wire, They cleaned up and work great.

[@pinkiepie1656]

If it can maintain 30 amps for more than a few hours, it's supposed to be increased from 10awg to 8awg.

[@lawrencedavidson6195]

Nice simple little system. Greetings from Jamaica.

[@BradCagle]

Hey! I need to tour the Caribbean sometime, especially Jamaica :) Greetings sir

[@Brad_Sevens]

This battery is pretty lightweight and portable. I can hold it with one hand. I use it to charge my device in a field campaign and the voltage is perfect for my purpose. It is so convenient to use it in this situation. I do not need to carry my large battery of 50 lbs around anymore.

[@BradCagle]

They are great!

[@afrocarpers]

Nice simple build. Easy to follow, upscale, and start my own project. Thank you very much 🫡

[@da7heaven]

great video, simplifies the system for beginners like me.

[@BradCagle]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rkg456]

I am a newbie. Do you have Amazon links to the style fuse you used at the inverter and the white switch you used for the Solar input? As for the size of the fuse to use, what drives that for sizing. If you use a 40A MPPT do you just use 40A fuses also?

[@robersonmoron7891]

What fuse ?

[@timkinney9690]

The fuse between the solar charger and the battery ​@@robersonmoron7891

[@barntt]

Safety demands that a fuse be connected to the Battery POS Post (Source). Think about it.... Your mains AC breaker box the incoming power coming into the box (Source) is fused then distributed. Same with DC. You size the wire to carry the load it has to handle and THEN you size the fuse to carry that load and the length of wire run. Good content. Think Safety first.

[@MrBowser2012]

The NEC allows unfused conductors, called taps on high voltage AC systems as long as the over current device, distance, and wire size are correct. Putting those fuses 6 inches from the battery post is not a hazard and I wouldn’t think twice about it.

[@rickb169]

Uhm... He did use fused cables???

[@UnhingedHarry]

It would be interesting to see the voltage drop across the link with the warm fuse. Some good tips, thanks.

[@scottsherwood8555]

Really informative video for a 12v off grid mini system. I learned a lot, thanks.

[@you166mhz]

I use a vice bench to tighten my cables ... works fine ...

[@MrErik038]

Great experiance running something on solar for the first time!

[@teresavichkon4053]

This is what i was looking for

[@acuraintegra101]

I solder the ends on just put end eye side in vice get some flux core solder and put into the end the wire goes in and take a heat gun or torch and begin to heat the end not to much to discolor just to melt the solder and then stick the wire In and hold till cool about 10 seconds and repeat till all ends are completed.

[@deursloten]

Soldeer smelt. Bij mij 2 x 100Ah batterij parallel. Door de kabel 50> 100 Ampere gemeten bij het aansluiten 12/220V 2000Watt (Hapjespan 1650 watt). Meet ook de temperatuur van de kabels in bedrijf.

[@leeinwis]

I didn't realize how small those minis were, wow !

[@AXNJXN1]

CORRECT on the in-line fuse; ALWAYS go higher than the rated capacity... Should have gone with 8ga but you honestly putting that IN the video is honest reflection and as you stated, NEEDS to be hot tested for continuity of the entire build. Great job!

[@BradCagle]

Thanks!

[@CherokezPittman]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I completely agree with you on the importance of using a higher-rated fuse for safety purposes. It's great to see the video acknowledging the need to hot test the entire build for continuity. Safety should always be a top priority when setting up off-grid power systems. By the way, have you heard of the Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series? It has some impressive features like massive capacity, fast recharging, and comprehensive protections. It might be worth checking out for your outdoor adventures or home backup power needs!

[@ChuckisOutside]

Thanks for the video. Could you list the links to purchase the fuse and solar disconnect switch. Good video.

[@ARLGD]

Great video! As someone who loves outdoor camping and values quality family time, having a reliable power source is essential. The Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series seems like a fantastic option. With its massive capacity, fast recharging, and waterproof design, it's perfect for extended trips and unexpected power outages. Plus, the smart app control is a neat feature. Definitely worth considering for outdoor enthusiasts and RV lovers.

[@CherokezPittman]

Great video! I completely agree with you on the importance of having a reliable power source when camping or spending quality time with family. The Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series seems like a fantastic option with its massive capacity, fast recharging, and waterproof design. The smart app control is definitely a neat feature. Thanks for the suggestion, I will definitely consider it for my outdoor adventures!

[@ARLGD]

Great recommendation! The Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series seems like a fantastic choice for outdoor enthusiasts and RV lovers. Its massive capacity, fast recharging, and waterproof design make it perfect for extended trips and power outages. Plus, the smart app control feature is really convenient. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Any other outdoor gear or home backup power products you recommend?

[@youcanthide004]

Thank You Great video. I'm building a 12 system and I have all the components. Were I struggle is selecting the correct wire size and fuses and where to place them. Can you help?

[@lukeskywalker2116]

30A is right at the limit for 10AWG. 8AWG would have been a better choice.

[@ronb6182]

Yeah 8 and make sure it's battery cable the more strands the better.. never use solid 10 gage or even the few strands in number 8. Direct current flows better with stranded wire. 73

[@gameface7012]

P​@@ronb6182

[@petersamios5409]

Nice presentation. I'd get bigger cables from the Victron to the battery and also get better fuses.

[@RR-wd1do]

Love it ! Back to the basics.If u can understand this much u can build up from there.Thanks bud gave u a sub and a like.

[@producthype87]

You gave me the confidence to try building my own system as opposed to buying a solar generator

[@rockygrindstaff7312]

Great video! Very helpful

[@BradCagle]

Glad it was helpful!

[@seoverland316]

Thank you for such a clear explanation of building a 12v system!!

[@bill7884]

Best video I have seen

[@BradCagle]

Thanks!

[@HaywoodKitty]

I have 2 Litime 100AH mini batteries and they're very responsive when it comes to email customer service and support.

[@weswalker1208]

We have those same Birds here Blackbird AKA Crackle in South Texas

[@BradCagle]

Yup, I'm in north TX :)

[@JohnThomas-ou2rn]

Good job. Simple, easy to understand, straight forward.

[@BradCagle]

Thanks!

[@fensterputzernuernberg]

its a great video,, easy to understand and and compelling viewing

[@donjacoby8581]

You did an excellent job! I would like to see this simplified method for each victron item. Victron is very confusing and have busy drawings showing everything. Not easy to figure out for diy's. Thanks

[@BradCagle]

Thanks! glad it's helpful

[@charlesd3376]

Will you tell what solar panels you are using? Thanks in advance.

[@BradCagle]

Sunpower 435w E-Series Commercial

[@gwb8445]

I put my system together twisting wires and using electrical tape from dollar store.😮 Works fine!

[@MrErik038]

If multipel solar panels are used i connect it in such a way that it delivers enough voltage (not amps) to start charging from sun upp untill sundown, but not to much to shorten the lifetime or destroy the regulator. Its really the sunn-ours you need for charging any battery. Just like batterys, groups can be made of solarpanels. Paralelle or series. I use groups of 3. Sunset the most (east in europ) south the smallest (less panels or smaller ones) at the end of the day all panels produce all day long. I choose the winter/bad wheather sett-upp, and turn some panelgroups off in summer 😉

[@Thecherokee4x4]

Great video. Thanks for the advice and tutorials.

[@aaronsmith593]

Probably need to use 2 awg wire throughout. Also need to size appropriate fuse sizes. Not too low of amp fuses, and also not too high amp fuses, to start your wire on fire. When wires or connectors heat up, you need to size up the wire. And check all of your connections, bolts, screws for tightness as well.

[@twc9000]

I'm new to this, but since the inverter and controller have cooling fins on the back of them, wouldn't you want to have some space between them and the wall? Just like you are supposed to have a couple of inches between your refrigerator and the wall so it can dissipate heat.

[@goodcitizen4587]

I never knew about the Ferrule lugs. Thanks!

[@russellthompson6204]

What a good and helpful video. Thanks for making it. How many, say 100w solar panels can this system handle?

[@jessemellon6258]

great video and demonstration !

[@BradCagle]

Thanks!

[@victorthecarguy3126]

Was the fuse holder copper clad aluminum wire? They don't make cheap fuse holders with all copper. You provided a lot of great info. Thanks

[@BradCagle]

It was copper wire. I toss aluminum wire in the garbage anytime I come across it. The wire was not getting warm, it was the fuse, or fuse holder. I've come across heat issues with fuses, and fuse holders in the past. I just make it a habit to stress test them after install to see how they perform. If it's too hot for my comfort level, i'll replace it with something different. Thanks!

[@phillippmorris4109]

where did you get you switch from solar to controler and in line fuse that needs to be bigger thanks

[@rangertommy]

Great video! Thank you! A couple of questions for you: 1. What kinds of things can be powered by this setup? 2. Is there a way to also have the main vehicle battery charging the battery in your setup so that solar is sort of the secondary charging source? Thanks!

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

Thanks good use of FERRULES on your stranded wire COOP the WiSeNhEiMeR from Richmond, INDIANA ...

[@BradCagle]

Thanks!

[@alimardan4485]

Nice work 👍👍👍

[@BradCagle]

Thanks!

[@jimgresham5529]

You should discuss wire gauge (size).

[@andrievbastichy8551]

what is the fuse you used? rating.. links etc plz.

[@jcadag8789]

I am interested in making like that 12v 100Ah LifePo4 with solar charging at may 100w solar panel and maybe add another 100w later. I am not interested in the AC inverter since most of my electronics will just running off USB C's. I will be using some 12 volt to USB C and a that can produce QC 3.0 or higher and PD protocol. Most will just be using USB C PD in 5v, 9v, 12v and 20v for my laptop. I am adding an option to charge the Lifepo4 from AC just incase the wall outlet is still ok and the solar panel is not providing enough due to weather. Like the vid very straight and simple. I saved the vid on my laptop for reference in case internet is not available.

[@MHLivestreams]

Suppose you could run a 24v system then, and step down as required.

[@Cgconst1]

Great video and setup. What is the solar panel config you used here? Would like to know that detail. Thanks!

[@Curtis-i6o]

Looks VERY complicated and does that hand held meter come with the system?

[@Dave-xr9bc]

i have also this Hydraulic Crimper but when i want to crimp 35mm M8 on a 35mm cable it comes off.maybe i have to use the 25MM to crimp the lug on the cable?

[@BradCagle]

Yeah, I've had this problem on some sizes. Also not all lugs are the same, some are thicker than others. But yes what I do is go one size smaller if this happens. You might get some of the lug material squeezing out the sides, you can just clip this off.

[@Dave-xr9bc]

@BradCagle I thought the crimper was the issue but the lugs are.i ordered new lugs so I try a smaller crimping size. Thx👍👍

[@BradCagle]

@@Dave-xr9bc Yup that's my finding, some lugs fit differently.

[@Dave-xr9bc]

@@BradCagle do u mean i have to use smaller crimping dies or smaller lugs?i have 35mm cable,if i connect a 25mm lug maybe it melt with the higher amp?im new to this...

[@BradCagle]

@@Dave-xr9bc I usually just try a smaller die

[@mattharris2398]

Cool info. After pricing all the parts + battery its actually much cheaper to get a solar generator with Solar panel kit

[@melissa-jh4wb]

Great, informative video. Thank you.

[@angel1111.]

I want a 2000 watt so i need inverter and what battery? I was going get jackery but thery are 700 dollars i want run ac n mini fridge

[@BradCagle]

Check this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKXae3WamN2LkJY

[@Rooki3_]

Are you able to charge the battery by plugging in the system, at home, through the inverter?

[@solo63137]

Love the video on setting up a small solar power setup. I'm going to build one for portable Ham radio ops, camping and power outages, so I can power a few things.. I'm going to buy one of those moderate sized stackable tool boxes for building everything in. Already ordered a 100aH batt and a 200w panel... What were you using for the circuit breaker and fuse? I want to make sure to run those. Thanks again for the video!

[@RoyceMunday56]

Very useful. Thank you

[@BradCagle]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mightyhippy]

do we need to install the ground on the inverter to the grounding rod?

[@JorgeHernandez-ib1px]

Might be a dumb questions, Is the solar disconnect switch the same as a circuit breaker switch and how do you select the right one for your specific needs. How do pick the right fuse? What type of fuse is on the inverter and how do you pick the right size? Great video!!!

[@hailuc8829]

Very good job thanks you so much❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jgbelmont]

Will an inverter break just connecting it to a car battery? I think i busted mine or it arrived doa. Dont they have safety features for this?

[@luisegilm]

Great video, thanks.

[@ehd1990]

What do you think about adding a battery protector to this setup? To protect the battery from over discharging or overcharging?

[@morgantorres362]

good morning god bless you i have Victron SmartSolar MPPT 75/10 Solar Charge Controller w/ Bluetooth with 1 CHINS LiFePO4 Battery 12V 100AH Lithium Battery how to set up solar panel i need. , i need help

[@Rooki3_]

Are you able to charge the battery by plugging in the system through the inverter?

[@MikeJones-rk1un]

What size fuse on the battery?

[@joseno69]

Very nicely explained. How many and what kind of solar panels you used?

[@timcreech9644]

I just bought the same victron controller. It specs out 6 awg wire from the battery to controller I noticed you have 10 gauge being used. Could that be why it’s warm at the in-line fuse? I thought the 6 gauge spec was overkill for 30 amps but maybe not now. Thanks

[@BradCagle]

10awg is plenty for 30amp. It's the fuse/fuse holder itself that is getting warm. The negative 10awg wire was cool. I have a different fuse type that I think will be better in an upcoming video.

[@timcreech9644]

@@BradCagle ok that’s what I thought. I wonder why victron specs 6 gauge? That seems way overkill. I have 10 gauge in my current setup with a pwm charger and I wanted to just use the same wiring in the RV and not have to buy the 6 gauge.

[@bitsurfr46]

Brad I like the Licitti battery box you featured in a recent video. There you have a starter system already made up for you. No tools to buy and no build time.😂

[@BradCagle]

Yup, I agree :)

[@MikeJones-rk1un]

I cannot find any information on how to use an AC charger to keep my batteries up while using solar panels?

[@mrobvious1100]

I like to ask a dumb question. A bright sunny day in December at 35 degrees and a bright sunny day in July at 80°. Do the temperature conditions affect the solar panels ability to put the same W back into the controller? The batteries will be indoors. I'm just trying to figure out the efficiency of solar panels during the winter time when the sun is out not so much a cloudy day or snow or something like that to strictly sunny days

[@BradCagle]

Yes, cold winter sunny day will beat a hot summer sunny day as long as the angle is good.

[@DD-sc4il]

super informative!

[@shanedenmark5536]

Can you explain more about our using the resistor to charge the capacitors? What did you use, where did you get it?

[@BradCagle]

Precharge resistors: amzn.to/3PEuRCk

[@shanedenmark5536]

@@BradCagle Awesome thanks! What watt & resistance did you use? Theres a bunch of choices.

[@IngBey-5710]

very instructif , thank you

[@BradCagle]

You are welcome!

[@robpeters7637]

Nice video. What size are any fuzes, resistors that were used? Is the breaker disconnect a "DC" Breaker and what size? thanks

[@PEH999]

I’m not seeing any purchase information on the solar disconnect switch, you mentioned at around 8.0 minutes. Is there a favorite brand and/or Amazon link for that particular switch? Thanks😊😊

[@anthonyglaser929]

nice video, thanks for posting. Is there any chance we could get a link or any more info about the two fuses?

[@pocketchange1951]

👌👍❤️🇨🇦, everyone has to start somewhere, gr8 video

[@BradCagle]

Thanks!

[@cowboyup545]

Clean cut video. Watt panels did you use for your set up. Make a video on it. LOL Thanks Great video.

[@BradCagle]

Oh man, it's been so long I don't remember :) maybe I'll make a new video. Thanks