Inergy Apex Solar Generator Review: Air Conditioner Test/ Assembly/ Price Comparison/ Load Test

[@WillProwse]

Quick update (video table of contents below), the Kodiak is 20 pounds, the apex is 25 pounds. I switched them on accident. I can't recommend the apex. After further testing I found out it's not worth buying: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpCup6mtp8mApLM Everything you guys want to know and more! This video is huge, so I have created a Table of Contents to help navigate: 0:53 Overview of Ports 2:08 How to Turn it On and Read the Display Screen 3:36 Screen Metrics: CHG and DIS Explained 4:28 How to Attach Solar Panels 6:23 EC8 Plugs: How to cover with marine grade heatshrink for long term outdoor use 12:39 How to wire 12v appliances to the Apex Tests: 5:12 Solar Panel Output Test 8:18 Max Inverter Load Test 10:13 Inverter Efficiency 11:00 Air Conditioner Test 11:53 USB Output Test 13:59 Price Comparison (video mentioned with in-depth price analysis can be found here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKmaeGykoZx5f68) 14:47 Conclusion: Pros/cons and so much more Other Solar Generators on the Market: www.mobile-solarpower.com/plug-n-play-systems.html Inergy Apex Affiliate Link (use code "mobilesolar" to get $362 off MSRP): glnk.io/p5q/will-prowse ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Does off-grid solar confuse you? Check out my DIY friendly website for solar system packages and product recommendations, and so much more! www.mobile-solarpower.com Join our DIY solar community! #1 largest solar forum on the internet for beginners and professionals alike: www.diysolarforum.com Check out my best-selling, beginner-friendly 12V off-grid solar book (affiliate link): amzn.to/2Aj4dX4 If DIY is not for you, but you love solar and need an offgrid system, check out Tesla Solar. Low prices and great warranty, and they can take your entire house offgrid with their new Powerwalls: ts.la/william57509 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My solar equipment recommendations (Constantly updated! Check here first): 12V/48V Lithium Batteries: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-batteries.html Solar System Component Directory: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solarcomponents.html Plug-N-Play Systems: www.mobile-solarpower.com/full-size-systems.html Complete 48V System Kits: www.mobile-solarpower.com/complete-48v-solar-kits.html DIY Friendly Air Conditioner/ Heat Pumps: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-friendly-air-conditioners.html Complete 48V System Blueprint: www.mobile-solarpower.com/48v-complete-system-blueprint.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My Favorite Online Stores for DIY Solar and Coupon Codes: -Current Connected: SOK, Victron and High Quality Components. Best prices and warranty around: currentconnected.com/?ref=wp -Signature Solar: Cheap Server Rack Batteries and Large Solar Panels: www.signaturesolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek -Ecoflow Delta Official Site: My favorite plug-n-play solar generator: us.ecoflow.com/?aff=7 -AmpereTime: Cheapest 12V batteries around: amperetime.com/products/ampere-time-12v-100ah-lithium-lifepo4-battery?ref=h-cvbzfahsek -Rich Solar: Mega site and cheaper prices than renogy! Check them out: richsolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek -Shop Solar Kits: Huge site with every solar kit you can imagine! Check it out: shopsolarkits.com/?ref=will-p -Battery Hookup: Cheap cell deals bit.ly/2mIxSqt 10% off code: diysolar -Watts 24/7: Best deals on all-in-one solar power systems, with customer support and distribution here in the USA: watts247.com/?wpam_id=3 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Contact Information: I am NOT available for personal solar system consult! If you wish to contact me, this is my direct email: [e-mail] Join the forum at diysolarforum.com/ if you wish to hang out with myself and others and talk about solar FTC Disclosure Statement and Disclaimers: Every video includes some form of paid promotion or sponsorship. Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. My videos are for educational purposes only. Information is subject to change/update at any time. Electricity is DANGEROUS and can kill. Be smart and use common sense :) DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, An affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse Excellent, excellent review, Will! Thank you so much 😊

[@mikefranks4528]

Will, I’ll be honest… you’re the reason I’m getting back into the world of electricity and electronics. Your content is so thorough and amazingly interesting. This stuff is so fascinating! I’m totally Geeking Out on this! Love it.

[@humblepie3416]

Sub'd this dude when he was at like 1K followers and this was just a funky nomad channel. Love to see this guy take his gifts to the next level. Love watching his progression.

[@WillProwse]

Thank you so much!! You have been here from the beginning :D

[@chriseudy4684]

Good eye

[@Cryo837]

Reminds me of a hardcore PC gamer reviewing a Mac...never good enough. But he is a good reviewer who covers all the bases. If you are into DIY systems...HE IS THE MAN!!! For me, the Apex is "good enough". It is light, fast charging, and has great solar panels. The only extra work is covering those connectors. And that is not a deal breaker.

[@AMILLER415]

The RV 30 amp plug saved me one time when my RV trailer battery was dead and I had to retract the slide out living room expansion early in the morning. I plugged the trailer to the Inergy and it did the trick! I quickly got on my way and it seriously saved me a major headache from having to unhook my truck, turn it around and jump the trailer in the dark and then re-hook back up! Win for the Apex. I guess I could have invested in longer jumper cables too.. but hey, it impressed my wife after spending all that money on it. lol

[@timinsandiego6979]

My brain is fried. Kid, you knock it out of the park. When I get to the point where I do anything with solar, your channel and website is where I intend to start. Nice job!

[@HomesteadAtLast]

Your honest and factual opinion may be brutal but is buyers appreciate it. My hunt for the superior solar “generator “ continues..

[@richardhobbs9038]

I like the Goal Zero 1K open box I got for $774.00 . It's inverter (1500 watt pure sine) will output 1400 watts steady for more than 5 minutes in my experience. I don't like to work it that hard for the reasons Will said. Charging slower is also best for the battery, but it will take around 300 watt charge rate with no problem . . . if you have more than one input .

[@maggiesjourney3877]

I am so glad you are honest.

[@beginnerspanishforenglishs1600]

I purchased this same Inergy Apex. I am still learning how to activate it. This video has been very insightful. Thank you, Will Prowse. Keep up the good work.

[@tubetop123]

Which solar panel did you buy?

[@DanGentry]

Great review as always! I appreciate your attention to detail and accuracy. I have an RV with 30 Amp service, and I can see how this would be helpful. If my house battery is dead I could use the Apex to power the water pump, furnace fan, or lights (maybe not all at the same time). It would be a lifesaver on a cold night. Sure, I'm not going to run the A/C or the microwave, but the 12v stuff would be available.

[@MikePeraltag]

You reviews are amazingly in depth, thanks for your work!

[@memphisriver1001]

sorry to be so off topic but does someone know of a way to get back into an instagram account?? I was dumb lost the password. I would appreciate any assistance you can offer me

[@remingtonzechariah6687]

@Memphis River Instablaster :)

[@memphisriver1001]

@Remington Zechariah thanks so much for your reply. I found the site thru google and im waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@memphisriver1001]

@Remington Zechariah it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thank you so much, you really help me out !

[@remingtonzechariah6687]

@Memphis River happy to help =)

[@sevekj]

Looking to make my garage extra fridge and freezer and some lighting and koi pond pump powered off grid with a solar rechargeable. And when I want to leave for a camping weekend, literally switch back to local power company and grab this portable generator and put it in my camper to keep my small electronics charged. I am excited about this full system, thanks for your deeply in depth review.

[@Formulabruce]

Thanks so much Will for your in depth reviews. The amount of info, and your frankness makes all your videos a must watch !

[@realcecewilson]

Thanks for a thorough and thoughtful review. I enjoy that you talk fast and edit tight.

[@drhjr7516]

I agree totally. I hate when people talk slow and ramble on. I just want the facts, quick and concise.

[@371508129]

Bought the book. Well written and an easy read. My first interest is powering two cpap machines in the motorhome when no shore power is available.

[@SandySez]

Great video! Very well done, you are a gem!!! I was so close to buying one of these a few months ago ... but my instincts keep telling me to wait it out. Either they will come out w/ another improved version &/or the competition will come along and start a discount war. Glad you're going to do more generator comp vids! I'm going to go watch your other one on the small gens now, I might settle for one of those while I wait it out to get one of the big boys.... the right one at the right price!

[@3dprint-tech787]

Just putting electrical tape around the wire and heat shrinking around that will keep out water really well. I work at a audiovisual company and this method has proven really reliable after multiple years in muddy concert grounds and bad weather. Apologies for my Englisch and regards from Belgium!

[@kennaoconnor4633]

Bought the Inergy Apex with 3 solar panels. Got it on Cyber Monday for $1800+-. Will buy more batteries from Inergy.

[@13Hangfire]

*Great unbiased and honest information Will! Thank you so much for making it available... you rock dood:)*

[@12thandgrantcollectibles]

Cant wait to see what new more powerful generators are coming out. Looking for something to use more permanent. Great video. Thanks

[@MrDavidcarp]

Yes the testing I’ve been waiting for so long 👌🏿👌🏿🔋🔋🔋🔋👌🏿👌🏿 ✊🏿

[@henryalfaro9125]

The level of knowledge that you possess in this matter is Amazing !!!! Thanks very much! Young Man.

[@oldcrow6990]

Well, I ordered the kit yesterday. I'm a newbie. Good to hear the down side. I hope it'll get me through. Thanks!

[@MrMinimalst]

Old Crow watch the next video 😕

[@oldcrow6990]

@@MrMinimalst I did, and sent email to cancel and not charge me any fee. They've already borrowed the money for a few days. Thanks, already watched it.

[@bullet1218]

Learn so much from watching your vids. .keep up the good work. .

[@SantaSirGlennDrHeald]

i built 700 amp battery and 3k inverter i'm happy with it

[@jimsmij]

What / whose components did you use?

[@SantaSirGlennDrHeald]

@@jimsmij 3 yrs ago I bought 18650 cells, using vruszend connectors and lots of tape. I assembled 7, 14.8v 100 amp battery packs with bms connected for each. Then paralleled them for 14.8 volts and 700 amps Its a power wall and weighs 25 pounds use it with a 3000/6000 inverter and solar panel

[@PaDutchRunner]

Santa Sir Glenn Dr Heald wow. And no mishaps with the battery, no failed cells, etc?? Where did you get the cells?

[@artb8300]

I had to hear your advice on this because I wanted one for camer life and they need to quickly improve the functions for long term usage, do to the cost.

[@rickieodem488]

I would love to use one of these gadgets, but we spend most of our time in Arizona and Texas where the heat inside the vehicle can get to 120 F for hours at a time. So we are stuck with SLA batteries at the current technology. Thanks for your honest reviews and great instructional videos!

[@WillProwse]

Oh sla batteries don't like the heat either. Not just lithium. Make sure to keep them cool if you can

[@cliffandrews]

The 30 amp receptacle is what first caught my eye. Lol . I always enjoy your video's Will. I received my Aili Battery Capacity Monitor today(Victron clone). I like it, I like it a lot !

[@JCs-Music]

Outstanding video! Will be moving onto my boat in July. Solar will be right behind safety and basic functions (water/waste). Thanks and will be reaching out soon

[@webbtrekker534]

I lived aboard for 10 years. Loved it!

[@kingrpriddick]

This seems like the best place to mention it, I started using pentrox and really like it. It's a conductive grease made to prevent dissimilar metal and any other corrosion between electrical contacts. Be careful with the amount you use because it is conductive and will cause shorts. It's best used on well isolated connectors and plugs as well battery lugs.

[@ethanpoole3443]

The better option for sealing those connectors is to tightly wrap first with splice tape (unvulcanized rubber) and then wrap that tightly with two layers of electrical tape in opposing directions to protect the splice tape - always overlapping both tapes by about 50% every pass (use 3M tape, not the cheap no-name stuff). Before wrapping the splice tape with electrical tape squeeze it tightly around the wire/cable at each end to make a good seal, then wrap it tightly with the electrical tape. The splice tape, being unvulcanized rubber, will actually fuse together and fares better at keeping out moisture than even the adhesive lined heatshrink would have after several years of temperature cycling (which tends to break the seal on heatshrink over time). The electrical tape plus splice tape is also much easier to undo later on if you need to get into the connection for any reason, you can either unwrap it or slice it open with a knife.

[@daveduncan2748]

Regarding the RV plug, it is still nice to be able to plug in a small RV to the Apex, even if just to run small appliances off the regular 110v plugs in the unit without needing to plug into shore power or run a hydrocarbon-powered generator. I considered it for this purpose. Someone I know bought it for that purpose. In the end, I decided it wouldn't do enough (I looked at the Inergy Kodiak, at the time, but it was similar to the Apex). In the end, I wanted a system that would do more, so I'm installing a 540watt solar panel, 2500 watt inverter/charger, and 400ah of lithium batteries. But at $7000+ for all of the parts (installing it myself), it is substantially more money than the $1500 Apex!

[@Skiiwa]

Plugging that AC unit it was a eye opener! Next you need a Fridge and possibly a Chest freezer. Seeing how long an expensive unit like this will run something like an AC unit is what made me want to buy it! Even at $1800(OUCH)

[@DM49-]

A heat shrink trick i use when sealing heat shrink or heat shrinkable terminals is melt some gluestick onto the wires before shrinking. the glue will push out sealing any gaps when you apply the heat.

[@carlcox7332]

They sell a rubber electrical splice tape that would work great for that space aroind the heat shrink. Actually wrap it around the wire next to the connectors then the heat shrink over the entire thing and shrink. It would create a good water proof seal

[@KellyKE8MWQ]

Great review I have ordered one of those plan on using it during power outages witch happen often in my area. I am also getting ready for my first build only have my battery and battery protect to get can't wait. Thanks for all the information love the book keep up the good work.

[@Dandraperuk]

You are helping me so much! This is why I love KZbin, being dislexic I flunked college because I just can’t learn by reading, but I can learn from KZbin in my sleep, I shit you not!

[@chadgarrett7247]

You are a very smart, impressive young man. Thank you for the time you put into your videos - they're very informative. My question is this..... I'm a musician and I run a 500 watt max system and there are times I need mobile power without the noise of a gas gemerator. How long could I expect the apex to run the system? Thank you so much.

[@Djalesalty]

I have the same question, i am a DJ and sometimes i need power to move 2 qsc k12. i wonder for how long this can power my speakers

[@hummingbirdbumblebee4618]

chad get a generator that uses propane and is an inverter with electric start, which is better than pulling a rope. The inverter cuts the noise down, and you can build a box and tack insulation around the inside of it to drop the noise. The thicker the insulation. There is another youtube about how to build these boxes or how to buy them already built.

[@jagardina]

I'll keep building my own systems. Just built a 1Kwh pack in a pelican knock off case. Will be installing it in my RV with solar.

[@CamboLivin]

I really appreciate your information and your presentation. Good job.

[@IDVDalot]

Interesting but whats my best bet to run my fridge so all my ice cream does not go melty along with a few lights and charge my phone and run a microwave off and on for a few days if the grid goes down. IM really confused thanks

[@陈大文-w8m]

Thanks for sharing this super awesome video.

[@liemu2446]

Dude, you look like you're 19 but you talk as though you invented it. Great job!

[@Lex10999]

your videos are so awesome and full of great information. Thanks for making videos to help us. :)

[@richardhobbs9038]

I like the Goal Zero 1K open box I got for $774.00 . It's inverter (1500 watt pure sine) will output 1400 watts steady for more than 5 minutes in my experience. I don't like to work it that hard for the reasons Will said. Charging slower is also best for the battery, but it will take around 300 watt charge rate with no problem . . . if you have more than one input .

[@YalesykaBanks]

So my question is since you can connect what at ever solar panels you want... Can it be that you dont really need the cables thru sell which are not weather proof... Just converted early at the beginning by the kodiak and keep the others tuck away from weather as possible?... Would that help?

[@Wolverine2222]

I am still waiting for my apex and I order my in February

[@techsir8866]

One could pull the terminals out of the connectors and heat shrink the terminals once connected individually. This should eliminate the excessive bulk from those connectors. Just find a way to mark the wires for when taken apart and putting back together. Also buy smaller heat shrink.

[@phinehasfenne]

It looks like the Kodiak is it the same rebranded?

[@belvajenkins7339]

Also size of wiring needed. Thank you Will.

[@ricknelson947]

Great videos, extremely relevant information. Instead of liquid electric tape. I would wrap the power connection like a coax connector on a tower. One wrap of regular electric tape, then a layer of butyl rubber and a final two to three wrappings of electric tape. The liquid electric tape option is quite a bit messier, but functional.

[@samanthadodd8112]

Awesome review.👍👍 Looking forward to all the comparisons in the future.

[@AlmaWells]

Shocking ! Absolutely shocking ! When Will was living in an Odyssey van, he claimed this solar generator was... "over-kill." and now... he receives commissions for convincing his viewers to buy it. hmmm... wishy-washy... or what ??? still believes God isn't real ??? or what.

[@macmcleod1188]

So how long can it run the air conditioner while connected to solar panels during the day?

[@steveanthony769]

Thanks once again. Interesting stuff.👍🏽

[@danielplainview2092]

so what do you recommend if not this for a solar generator?

[@chriswilliamstunes1]

You can put hot glue in those holes. its compliant and will seal

[@steyer-crmg]

You needed heat shrink with glue in it, the glue seals everything water tight. This is a special heat shrink with the glue embedded to the inside of the heat shrink.

[@RCI136]

Good review! The RV plug is nice for those who want to plug-in the unit into an RV grid directly without having to use a 110 to TT-30R converter but yes it's limited to 12.5 Amps continuous. 110 plugs are only 10 Amps continuous each...so you gain a little but not much :-) The whole thing would be a lot better if it had a higher top voltage like 13.2 or so and a much more efficient inverter but that's what they had to do to keep the cost down.....someday they will get it where it needs to be but the cost of lithium batteries needs to come down more for that to happen.

[@WillProwse]

Only 4.5 amps continuous due to discharge rate of battery

[@RCI136]

@@WillProwse 12.5 Amp is what the the RV plug fuse is rated for and is what I was referring too, I have ran over 11 amps for over 6 mins through it which is long enough for my needs. That was with my Kodiak. Maybe it was cooler ambient temperature so it didn't overheat and shut down like in your test with the heat gun. Anyways always room for improvement, I appreciate your critical review, almost everyone else comes across as a infomercial for Inergy when reviewing their solar gens ...not you :-)

[@danagalloway1217]

For waterproofing the connectors, would it work to add an extra piece of the shrink wrap on each side of the wrap that is directly over the plugs? That might cover that gap and seal it to the cord.

[@lightning4871]

What do you recommend to get? This Apex does seem to work ok.

[@jm4672]

God I was thinking about buying one of these until I seen ur DIY thank u.. I almost got it finished still working CV on it.thank you for ur DIY video s

[@TheChadWork2001]

So Will, which is the best if I want a solar generator system? 1. Inergy Apex 2. Renogy Lycan (has replaceable batteries) 3. Goal Zero 3000 4. PointZero Energy Titan ? Thanks

[@WillProwse]

What size solar array

[@WillProwse]

I haven't tested the Titan but it seems to have everything

[@TheChadWork2001]

@@WillProwse I was thinking to start a 200 watt array.

[@TheChadWork2001]

@@WillProwse I'm waiting for the Titan to come out then..... And your review of it. Thanks.

[@WillProwse]

@@TheChadWork2001 lycan seems great on paper but horrible reviews. Inverter likes to shut off. Goal zero has horrible solar input, but 200 watt array works with goal zero and apex. So either one would work for what you are doing. And yes, I can't wait to test the Titan.

[@SmoochieMcgoo]

@will. I know you are no longer recommending the Apex. I get it. However, for someone like me, this product fits my needs. I am curious about the 550 watt internal battery. Have you tried adding batteries to the expansion port? If that happens, do the extra batteries act as a "charger" for the internal battery, or will the extra batteries effectively reduce the overall continuous output of the internal battery which would allow you to "circumvent" that 550 watt recommendation? If you still have the Apex, can you try a test of it using expansion batteries to see what happens? Maybe see if you can do the heat gun test again, but with the reduced stress on the internal battery, assuming external batteries can help, how long will it run?

[@anthonydiiorio]

Self amalgamating tape + a layer of electrical tape to protect from UV might be a better alternative to the heat shrink

[@ChrisNguyen01]

Fantastic video. Anyone know of a similar all in one system that is more like a UPS for large appliances instead? I've been trying to find a system to allow me to share the load between mains and solar. Then automatically switch to battery + solar during emergencies. Although I have a grasp on how to DIY a solution together, a prebuilt product (powerwall being overkill) would be nice to know about.

[@patricklee780]

Like you said you could hook up a battery charger from the Kodiak to lead acid batteries but then it's still going to be a separate power source requiring it's own equipment.

[@oldmaninthemirror]

Once again..very informative video Will..Thanks

[@Toaster-v1z]

A tear down would be awesome.

[@steve-o6413]

🌤Hi Sunshine, love your reviews, very precise an well put together in down to earth but intelligent manner thanks...

[@steve-o6413]

A split bolt connector wrapped in Electrical tape would be a good choice.

[@margaretwaters7715]

Is it possible to run a fridge/freezer along with an AC ? What and how much do you suggest I have installed in my minivan ?

[@jodeluna62]

Hope The Company Takes Your Advice!

[@alanfujimori1127]

does your diy system overcome all of the "cons" in the apex unit?

[@AaronGeller]

I would say the DIY can overcome almost if not all limitations -- it is DIY after all so you can buy the components that fit your needs :)

[@y00s0kwazy]

What's the best solar generator? Goal zero? Inergy apex? What do you recommend

[@rizipt]

What air conditioner did you use for the test? Would you recommend that for a van installation?

[@foodstampz]

We power a solar soundsystem for edm partys. We have 300 watts up top and a 700 watt rms subwoofer..provides a great party for 100 to 150 people feeling the bass. Would you recommend getting 2 of these boxes..one for subwoofers and one for highs and dj equipt ? We tried it out at the beach and ran 200 watts in to 1200 watt out from sunset to 1:30 am. But we do need backups.

[@Mark-mm9br]

I have One cable that is MC4 to Neutrix and a Neutrik to EC8. Can I just splice off the neutrik (they are both male) and then join the wires back up? If no, what would be the recommnendation to connect my MC4. I watched the video then received my cables. I'll watch the video again to see if you already answered there.

[@WillProwse]

If you are using mc4, I wouldn't go over 3x 12v 100 watt solar panels in parallel. But yeah, just hook it up. And I covered some of that at the very end. Just make sure solar input voltage is not exceeded

[@Mark-mm9br]

Thanks for a quick reply. Great videos! I will splice off the neutriks and connect the 2 cables. Thanks again!

[@tinananez]

Damn, wished i would have watched this before i bought mine! That said, this is super helpful. Thanks!

[@reneeknight1874]

Same here!

[@chrisxx012]

Okay so let's build a 2Kw that will blow it out of the water. They could be charged in 6 hours or 8 with solar or wall. Charge laptops cell phones run a box fan & LED lights for the same money or someone over. Keep up the good work. Thank you.

[@ms.anonymousinformer242]

Sounds like you described the Titan I just watched some reviews n....but I'm sure since it seems to be fairly new product, it wasnt yet talked about when you made that comment. ;-)

[@zednott]

what is your aversion to silicone based on? just fill the ends of the heat shrink with 100% silicone caulk.

[@belvajenkins7339]

Will can you make a video showing how you created the wiring to connect to your own system with the reasoning behind these type of connectors. I would like to use 3 of my own 100W solar panels.

[@InTodaysVideo]

Hey Will. I have one of these Inergy Apex. Can I connect/expand it using 200Ah LifePo4 battery? Thanks!

[@janrachels2467]

Will this work in my van to run a 12V 95 quart refrigerator? Now I’m worried. I don’t want to run it on the AC outlet all the time and run down the Apex quickly. I plan to be on solar all the time.

[@WillProwse]

Actually the apex should be able to run that. Will need to keep battery at 60% state of charge or higher unless fridge might turn itself off though. May need at least 400 watts of solar to keep it running smoothly. Diy system would be better

[@fishingbear69]

Uhmm..will I was thinking to myself. Its it possible to cover those connections, connectors..with seran wraps on both sides 4-8" past the connectors themselves,,in a few layer wraps..or first using electrical tape,,then follow with seran wrap..!?

[@Brian-xp4cn]

Is it possible to charge it through the 12 volt port using your own charge controller?

[@PaulBeaudet]

Looking at the manual the C ports will do 12v 1.5A max. Just an fyi for those interest in c powered laptops you'll still need to use an adapter (Mine needs about 65watts @ ~20v). I would be interested to see in the future test on these built in USB C ports vs using adapters. Or even DIY options for getting a decent C power delivery port. I'm guessing the efficiency will be better than dealing with inversion loses with adapters. Would be interested how much and whether its a negligible difference or not. Thanks for the detailed videos! Cheers

[@WillProwse]

Good to know! Thank you

[@WillProwse]

And great idea

[@vanessag0910]

Do u have a video showing how to charge it? Do I have to turn it on?

[@TFrakesTanks]

can you use your devices and keep them left on while the solar panels are plugged in taking light?

[@TheRamireztzr3]

hi there please advice I have a small rv diesel generator and when we arrive at the camping grounds is little late cant run generator too longe noisy and smelly people get mad I need a solar portable generator I was looking the Inergy APEX but now Im confuse, can you please advice me Thank you.

[@calicojunctionisclosed]

I'm glad I canceled my order with them. I could not use my solar panels since the connector will not interface. I have 3 new AGM's that they say, I could use with it also. A shame all that money and they still can not get the bugs ironed out and their information right.

[@augustusmccrae7714]

InergyTek is now offering a MC4-to-EC8 adapter on their website. Costs $23.00. They said they got so many complaints from the solar power using community about their effort to put a proprietary clamp on their customer's unmentionables, and force them to buy entirely new solar panels - either the Solar Storm ($137) or the LINX foldable, flexible and portable panels ($242) - that they decided to offer this adapter that will let people use their older MC4 type panels. However, It appears as if the EC8 connectors are rated at 100 amps and the older MC4's are only 20 amp rated. That is a substantial difference and would vastly improve the efficiency and speed up the recharge time for the Apex via solar panels. I would suggest shopping around and looking to see if you can find cheaper EC8 type panels, or if you can't, and don't already have the older MC4 type panels - bite the bullet and go with the EC8s that InergyTek sells. I am also curious to see if its possible to mix both the newer EC8 panels and the older MC4 panels. I do like that 100 amp rating advantage, though.

[@stevek6486]

I think this could have been a great system ...1.5 years ago when they said it was coming out. R&D is tedious and expensive - at least they are moving the tech forward, but they could do more at the same price point.

[@bretthawton]

So if you want to power more 12v products in a van, could you wire an external fuse box to the Apex's 12v expansion ports? 2 cigarette lighter ports just isn't enough for me.

[@AaronGeller]

You could but I remember Inergy telling me on the phone each port can handle only 15 amps

[@AaronGeller]

It might have been 20 amps but you might need to use both depending on your applications.

[@bretthawton]

@@AaronGeller I think you may be thinking I wanted to hook up the fuse box to one of the cigarette lighter ports (these ports are limited to 15 or 20 amps). I'm actually talking about wiring the fuse box up directly to the 2 lugs on the side of the unit which are normally only used for attaching another battery.

[@AaronGeller]

Brett Hawton yeah I’m honestly not sure if that’s possible or how it would work. Inergy would know for certain

[@bretthawton]

@@AaronGeller They said "I sound like a smart guy and that they were sure I could figure it out" since it could void the warranty. Not really the answer I was looking for but it seemed encouraging if you read between the lines of their statement...

[@inappropriatern8060]

Another great informative video. Thanks, as always. So, I really like your idea to leave some of the components out in the elements to get an idea of degradation. That said, you live in SD, which is kind of in the goldilocks zone for weather conditions. I think you should drive over to Yuma and leave some here for the summer. Bring Dave

[@WillProwse]

Great point. Totally different game out there in the desert

[@bobbybrown6646]

Thank you so much Will.. I'm a beginner I bought the lynx 300 watt system..only because I was going to use temporarily outside then put on Van or RV in the future. I will do the Marine shrink as it will rain everyday in Florida... My question is. Will I be easily able to undo all the shrink Etc when I move the panels? Wondering if I also need to return it...will doing the shrink void the warranty? Ill call Inergy tommorrow.. and give you some feedback in what they tell me.. the whole idea with the lynx panels was so I can easily move them around..lol.

[@AaronGeller]

The heat shrink isn't the issue -- Inergy recommends the heat shrink in combo with the liquid electric tape as Will explained. Would you even need to remove the heat shrink? I don't think you will. How do you plan to use it?

[@WillProwse]

Oh Inergy only recommends heatshrink, but it's a bad idea.water can still get in due to size of the plug. Liquid electrical tape was my idea while adding the heat shrink. I don't think Inergy has tested these methods yet. And Bobby, I would do some waterproof 10-12 butt splice connectors and remove the ec8 plugs. Takes seconds to crimp and it will look much nicer. 100 times easier to add heatshrink over the waterproof butt splice connectors too. Just make sure that you mark which wire is which. You cannot switch the wires unless you will have problems.

[@bobbybrown6646]

@@WillProwse Gez..im a single older woman...crimping, cutting.? Oh man, whaaa? Breathe Bobby Breathe..Jeez I should just buy your book...lol. Thanks again ill keep watching more of your teachings and videos...

[@bobbybrown6646]

@@AaronGeller i dont know.. I just wanted something easy peasy as my first starter set...thanks Aaron!

[@AaronGeller]

bobby brown new things can feel daunting but just start watching some videos and once you know more, you’ll fear less. I get - I too was overwhelmed. We all start somewhere.

[@Theis124]

Will you be reviewing the SUAOKI G500? Or a final buyers guide on what is your best bet for under $300 and 600.

[@WillProwse]

They emailed me. I have a list of videos but I will eventually. My best friend got the g500 and it turns itself off randomly. Seems cheap. Will see in due time

[@Theis124]

@@WillProwse cool, it does seem cheap because I've seen them under different names on amscott and eBay and it's the exact unit. Just looking for the best option for hurricane season in Miami.

[@alanfujimori1127]

I just thought that since the cons were thing that were major, the diy at the same price would have over come these short comings. Now if the diy system with the "proper" components costed significantly more, then you're comparing apples to oranges. Holding cost is a fair analysis but what are the specs for the two systems?

[@kellykelly7747]

Love your reviews! So much great information. 👍👍👍

[@OhioPrepperOne]

Nice review, nice product, any experience with the flexible solar panels they sell? I’m getting one with the flexible panel.

[@connors4836]

hi will. is there a way to connect renogy panels to the apex? I can't find any MC4-EC8 adapters. Would like to use renogy panels on roof of van with apex inside for weekend outings.

[@pamcolechadwell1302]

I'm looking for something that will help run my Skoolie RV?AC, Heater, Dryer, washing machine, Fridge, T,V, Computer just watch ever I need for that day! Is this what I need? Can I use this like for my Freezer or TV? Everyday?

[@deankoch7305]

Don't you like higher watt rated panels?