DIY 200 Watt 12 volt Solar Power System "The Minimalist" Beginner Tutorial

[@WillProwse]

Parts list, cost estimate and blueprint photos available for free on my website: www.mobile-solarpower.com/the-minimalist-great-for-small-vans-and-cars.html If building your own system sounds like a pain in the butt, check out these pre-built systems: www.mobile-solarpower.com/plug-n-play-systems.html

[@VansVanGestures]

You're kicking your tutorials out fast.

[@videoadult1]

Now that you have done this video what is your view on the inergy kodiac since you did the review on it in August 2017. Do you still think that the Kodiak is the best option for traveling and using solar or do you think that building a system like this would be more affordable plus convenient for space?

[@milvolts1]

Good day Will, will a 60ah lit-ion battery be enough for a 1500 what inverter. Grant it would be used as a stand by solar generator for need be scenarios. Thanks, hope you are well

[@WillProwse]

@@milvolts1 Probably not. You need to find the discharge rating of the battery. I doubt that it can handle that inverter size.

[@milvolts1]

Will Prowse RV Living and Off-grid Solar , what size inverter do you think would more practical or realistically? In your opinion..

[@Hobi6411]

Hello youngman, I am from South Africa and want to share with you. 35 years ago we started installing a solar system at home. Think about it, 35 years ago Solar was still brand new technology and extremely expensive. We installed the biggest panels we could find at that time weighing in at 85W each, we installed 3. And that is what I want to talk about. South African sun is very similar to where you live, in other words harsh at best of times. These three panels a still on the roof after 35 years and even with the harsh conditions it maintained integrity surprisingly well. The voltage on the panels when new was 22 Volt ( I know it sounds odd) @ 85 Watts. The Amps delivered at that time was 3.8 A each. Now after 35 years the cells have degraded a little. I tested the panels last week and was surprised to find the deterioration was only approximately 4%. If my math is correct the supply voltage is still 22Volt @ 3.7 A. The manufacturer of these panels do not exist any longer if memory serves but it was BPSolar SA. Just thought to share and show that if you take care of a system it can last almost forever. These panels are still chugging along happily. Keep up your good work.

[@jamesvillas428]

would love to know what kind of solar panel used

[@melvynvanwyk3614]

Hello. Where are you? Im in Muizenberg. We too want to fit solar . Load shedding sucks .

[@Hobi6411]

@@melvynvanwyk3614 hello Melvyn. I only saw your question now. My apology. Well to answer you frankly, it depends on your budget. You can install a simple cheap system and still look at a starting price of R15K. Then you can go all the way and go completely off the grid that means anything from R150K and up. Let me know what your requirement is and I can put together a plan for you

[@sbdr.1241]

I did this exact project for my parents in puerto Rico after hurricane for their tiny home to power 2 led lights, fan, small flat screen tv, small fridge w/timer, now the village on her road went solar after they saw what she had( what i put up) 8 houses so far all with small solar kit setups 200-500 watts...

[@jenyooin]

Awesome..... Good job. Hope all is well.

[@MrBrianDuga]

That is amazing

[@sofouli]

Kudos for the Video! Sorry for butting in, I am interested in your initial thoughts. Have you thought about - Schallingora Computer Reconstruction Scheme (Sure I saw it on Google)? It is a smashing one of a kind product for saving money using this smart solar power trick minus the normal expense. Ive heard some pretty good things about it and my mate after many years got cool success with it.

[@AurelienCarnoy]

😻

[@nellyfarnsworth7381]

God bless you. God bless Will for his SOLAR System design.

[@brian_abroad]

This is exactly what I have been thinking about and need for my van (yeah, I'm a not-by-choice vandweller). Having watch all of your solar-power videos (supported by my own understanding and experience in electronic/electrical assembly) I have total confidence in your knowledge and expertise. You are my one-stop source for solar video tutorials.

[@garrydossous2477]

In only one day, I have learned a lot from you. You make it simple for everyone to understand. Thanks for everything.

[@eliirvin5576]

Will - I can't begin to tell you how grateful I am for one specific bit in this. I constructed very nearly this exact system in my cargo conversion trailer. One thing that I dorked up was connecting the battery leads to the charge controller. I accidentally created a dead-short at the terminals. Because I'd put the output to the battery through the fuse block, I merely poped a fuse which saved me from cooking my brand-new MPPT charge controller. I might not have wired the thing this way if I hadn't seen your video and followed the best practices you set forth. I owe you one. Thank you for all you do.

[@richdobbs6595]

Thanks for this tutorial. I did my first solar experiment today with 2 "100W" flexible panels, a Victron MPPT controller, two 10AH LiFPo batteries and Iceco Go20 refrigerator/freezer. Nothing started a fire and I was making ice all afternoon. Didn't notice any wires heating up. Need a little bit more packaging, and confirmation that I can keep the freezer below freezing all night, and I should good to go for some car camping.

[@LucianSchmit]

Just built my first system after watching this, my favorite video to date. So simple and elegant and future updates can be done easily. I think all in I'll be just short of $800 after I buy a battery. Using a lead acid deep cycle that is close to it's end for now.

[@shanedownes983]

I'm as dumb as a mule when it comes to electrics but your video was precise and very helpful, I have the confidence to build my own set up now, thank you Will.

[@jay-rus4437]

Velcro brand industrial velcro my friend. Awesome stuff. The adhesive is crazy strong, and the velcro is super strong. And those BlueSea systems fuse panels are really nice. Used them in a recent project

[@Silverado1st]

First time viewer here. Thank you for all your time and effort. I'm a retired Army electrical engineer and this video was totally awesome, packed with valuable information and design ideas. The furthest I went with solar was for my motor home. 3 175 watt panels, 4 12v gell cells and a 5kw inverter. Came in real handy when out of gas for the 5kw generator and no mains to tap into. But now looking into putting some panels on my small shed for my mobile home. We get winter storm outages now and then. Thanks again for a great vid and loads of info!

[@mariaesteladeluna6805]

Thank you for sharing, you're a good person with a big heart. More patience to the seniors with solar panel installation. God bless

[@purp0susanoo99]

I’m new to this and I’ve been wanting to learn about all this for a while especially since I have a house now. These summer light bills ain’t no joke. Last bill cost me 900. I might as well invest in some solar panels while learning

[@yankyjoe2023]

Thanks alot for all your tutorial on solar... You indeed a blessing to our generation.... More wisdom

[@beefyvvl]

Luckily I found your video just in time. I have a 2000W Renogy Pure Sine Wave Inverter installed in my Prius. I have it connected to a 100A circuit breaker and quick connect/disconnect to my 12V battery. I'm planning to add a 200Ah LifePo4 to is using an Isolator to charge both batteries and run the inverter with the LifePo4 but also wanted to connect solar panels to it. I purchased EcoFlow 220W Bifacial portable solar panels but I have no clue what MPPT controller I needed. I kind of have my setup like this minus the controller and fuse box. I have it all on piece of plywood because I want to use it in different vehicles for camping. I'll buy your book because I need to calculate what fuses to buy and what controller I need. Definitely will look into systems on your website to build for a tool shed I'm putting together also.

[@Melvinschroeder]

How much your life has changed from than to now. Been following you since living on the streets. Great inspiration.

[@joelincolnlincoln6315]

Will is the man. In my life I never seen someone blow up like this. Tom Macdonald the rapper did it too but I wasn't following him b4 he blew up. With will it just makes life feel good to see him blow up and then take care of his family

[@dondicey6528]

I'm looping around and watching you (Much younger!!) again to see if I missed anything before getting to the build. I wondered about 2 things. Grounding of the "non-mobile" systems and staying with DC power? I.e no need for big draws on watts so batteries don't take a big hit. Thanks for what you're doing in the future also!

[@egn83b]

Make sure in a long term install to use some grease on the connections to stop corrosion.

[@downsyndromebear]

I've been looking into solar for about 2 years now. I just found your channel and it may get me to dive in this summer!

[@shaunmcgowan827]

metal plumber strap will work on just about anything and you can shape it and form it in any shape that you want it's got holes pre-drilled in it for your screws

[@jgarcia9011]

You show and explain things really, really well. Thanks Will!

[@RachelDorrington-ku9jg]

I love watching your videos, I hate electrics, but but you seem to explain things in a way that I understand, it's so helpful and I have learned so much from you, Thank you Will and keep up the good work 🙂🙂🙂 x

[@robertbrown3291]

Your a young guy and you have a lot of knowledge in your field thanks very much buddy you make it easy to understand thanks again 👍

[@MrKeenaz]

Good info. Thank you for sharing. It really helps old souls like myself that can’t afford a sparky to do it for you. Cheers from Australia.

[@christiedionne1155]

Thank you so much for the simplified breakdown of the system, this is going to make my van setup so much better!

[@pdx650]

Will P., Thanks for the instructions on building this set up.

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

I have a small 7x14 cargo trailer camper that I have been wanting to install a solar system in. Right now it only has 12 volt lights and a 12 volt tv, but I plan on installing a Maxx Air ceiling fan and a 12 volt refrigerator. I had a 12 volt AGM battery that just died and am using my boats old lead acid trolling battery. The camper is wired for 120 volts with lights, a roof ac and mini refrigerator, but I want to start doing some dispersed camping. It also has a 1.25 amp Battery Tender charger/maintainer that will charge either AGM/flooded and lithium LiFeP04 batteries so in a pinch I can just charge the battery off of the generator. On your recommendation I just purchased Li Time 100 AH battery with low temp protection during Amazon's Prime Day sale for $309, and it is the start to my solar setup. I was thinking of going with a 200 watt solar panel setup to start, but I am very limited for storage space and many time I may have to, or prefer to park in the shade so I was wondering if there are any portable solar panels that you would suggest?

[@battery-Maggie]

It looks very nice. I bought your book on Amz, waiting for its arrival.

[@toddbissell4312]

Hey Will Love this show. How about building a solar tracker with springs or lifter struts and water. 50\50 so it doesnt freeze. Have a small pump at night fill a bucket with water. At a certain time in the morning open a hole to release the water. The spring will pull it in the opposite direction And at night the bucket will fill and pull it back. I saw the ecoflow tracker and saw the price. I think it could be done for a couple of hundred or cheaper.

[@GratefulWarriorMom]

Great video and very helpful.Since your channel has exploded and you now have all the right parts laying around, You should do a new video with components that you really recommend for rvs and vanlife.

[@missshalvah]

I want you to come to my place and help me put my solar power in my van. I bought your book. You just make it look so easy.

[@Z3n1tHL0rD]

The way that you crimp using the hammer crimper outside with a heavy stone block as an anvil is the perfect way, i saw a youtuber using a similar crimper but on a wooden bench and thought that it needs to be done as you are doing. An anvil underneath the load transfers the force directly to the crimp ensuring a good solid connection, the lady was doing the procedure on a wooden bench where most of the force disappears into the bouncy bench. Avidly watching all your videos as soon i will fit a system in my off grid Transit van build, I doubt that there are many people who know as much about solar systems as yourself, thank you for sharing your knowledge with us :)

[@TerrydeAlaska]

I'm glad you're using the blue seas fuse block, they are so clean and simple. Now if I could just get you to paint your plywood black it would really look like you have something there... Good job will happy New Year

[@WillProwse]

Yes I love blue sea systems. Great stuff made right

[@pakde8002]

I see a sheet of plywood and I want to paint it black... tribute to Mick Jagger

[@klebberbezerra1610]

as usual, awesome video. you are awesome and because of your decision to help people, I decided to build a van.

[@gertielove]

awesome, thank goodness for summer weather and no socks, you always get my attention, btw, i still use these vids to keep upgrading my rv, keep it up, shorts and all.

[@WillProwse]

Exactly!! So warm out here. I love it. And that's great!

[@fillbrainnow1245]

You are awesome Will ! Q: Could you have connected the negative charge controller wire to one of the negative screws on the fuse box instead of the negative terminal on the fuse box?

[@jamesbarros950]

Thank you for putting this up. Perhaps a stupid question, Is there any reason one would need to use fuses instead of a breaker box? would substituting in, perhaps a marine breaker box with the correct size breakers be acceptable?

[@goprobeto_1527]

We need answers!!

[@flgirl250]

@@goprobeto_1527 he definitely does not answer questions being asked…shame on him

[@goprobeto_1527]

@@flgirl250 I still think his videos are great in general and the content he does give out for free is extremely worthwhile.

[@duane2243]

My first foot steps with this Video.. Thanks !

[@richarddrummond1614]

Good tutorial will.i hope you have a happy and healthy new years there in SD!

[@larryn500]

Awesome how well you make the complex seem so simple.

[@michaelmontes3933]

Excellent video buddy!! Well done 👍

[@paulhaywood5197]

Thanks for the valuable information, great video, Paul.

[@ronkausin9707]

Best vid so far for this newbie

[@atsushisato3019]

Thank you very much for the instruction. After studying a lot from your youtube, website, and the book, I built-up my own system! The final thing I have to do is install the solar panels on the roof. Lot of fun! Thank you very much again.

[@dougle03]

More of these opening shots.. Nice package.

[@yesyoga]

Gr8 Portable! Still over my head, but thanks I’ll read your book… 😘👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@jennym.9099]

Just discovered your channel and website. Such great info you give and very easy to follow. Subbed.

[@kolbyosesik664]

what the van life community needed.

[@michaelcunningham8582]

Hi Will, great video. I was wonering if you could tell me where to put the dc to dc on board battery charger in with this configuration? Thanks again for all your insight.

[@HM-pu9zc]

You are so cute and have such a nice sweet spirit with a purpose of helping others.

[@deltalima1340]

Are you talking to me?

[@deltalima1340]

Are you talking to me?

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Beautiful job, Will! Happy New Year, to a very happy and satisfied man, living his dream!

[@henrys6099]

Nice video. I wonder if you know the interoperability of powerpole, sb50, and mc4 cables ?

[@johnperry5960]

Will the system as you have it there charge 24-volt batteries? Great video video thank you I want to get started on this almost immediately.

[@frankgallivan4262]

why don't you use the DC load connectors on the MPPT controller?

[@ladio]

I had the same question. Were you able to find an answer? To my understanding, you would be able to monitor the output current and voltage if you were using the load terminals of your Renogy MPPT controller instead of connecting the load directly to your battery. I think that the load terminals of the MPPT controller are limited to 20A so that could be the reason to connect the inverter directly to the battery.

[@davidlanglands2700]

Why did you connect the fuse block to the battery outlet on the solar controller and not the load outlet?

[@duncanneale6164]

I'm sorry, if you are going to do a "Tutorial" in the future, please have the proper items!! 30 seconds into the video you mention this is not the proper items to use.! I love the "Minimalist" approach you teach which is why i'm your biggest fan, and will be using what you've showed in this video in building my own van in 6 months.

[@lastngwenya8000]

Hi there, 04:49 you said if you multiply 20 by 1.25 it gives you 25, i understand 20 is for amps but what is 1.25 that i will be multiplying with.

[@paololusenti9508]

It’s the safety factor

[@tabaccopuro]

One suggestion Will: Help us build some power failure/automatic on lighting for the home. I'm working on power failure gizmos that will automatically charge 12v lithium packs and sense a power outages (at home), then automatically switch on 12v led strips.

[@BikeHelmetMk2]

What are you building these gizmos out of? I wonder if you could cannibalize old UPS circuits? (From battery backups with dead batteries.) When wall power cuts out, they kick in and supply power from the battery.

[@will5244]

5:15 I don’t know if you’re using the new Sony but those light levels and the sharpness of the lens, super pro!

[@joeyfirriolo4800]

That's so interesting that you connect the battery feed from the controller to the fuse box and not directly to the battery, same as the inverter. I have my controller and fuse box going directly to the battery...is this just personal preference?

[@Azam_Pakistan]

How neatly you work.

[@thedjob]

i keep blowing my 150a fuse between my batterys and Inverter when running an ac minisplit on my ac. going to try a 300 watt resetable breaker. Great vid ! Thank you

[@southjk]

awesome stuff Will! I live in Santa Barbara and am trying to put together a small system as we have had several power outages since moving there 2 years ago. Weve gotten by thus far with 3 Goal Zero's, 2 400's and 1 1400. It would be nice though t have a ore permanent residential setup. I gave up on Tesla after waiting over a year for a power wall and the they doubles the price. Love all your content.

[@1231dre]

Hey Rich; do you have a video showing step by step king solar system.

[@Curiousaboutstuff]

You are the most knowledgeable solar guy so I'm asking you. I have 180 watt Renergy solar panel on my van roof. I don't know how much my battery under under the passenger seat stores. Can I run a 200 watt 12v coffee pot on my 180 watt solar panel without blowing a fuse? All my appliances are 12v and under 180 watt. I only use one appliance at a time, other than my 12v iceco Go2020. Thank you.

[@waynefilkins8394]

What's the best way to start small and keep scaling up with batteries and panels? Just buy a huge overkill inverter and a few panels and a battery? I want to be able to do just 100 or 200 watts, and as I get the money throw on more panels and batteries, and eventually get it up to run my mining rig which takes 800w and runs 24/7.

[@skeeterdiablo]

Just starting my research on doing something like this. I've learned a lot from your videos. Thanks! My question is why aren't you using a busbar to connect the different components? I've seem some videos where it's done but it's not consistent. Why didn't you use one here?

[@robertthompson3447]

I have that same CENTECH inverter. I had it under my hood with a single zip-tie for months. Then one of the alligator clips got hot while under only 350 watt load. It is now on my useless table. (the useless table is not a table of useless things. it is a table so full of clutter that it can no longer be used as a table.)

[@marcobrian1619]

Hi I'm in the UK, I'm ok with DC/AC power ect.....did 10 years on generators. Bit new to solar power, so I'm just following the basic rules. You mentioned near beginning of your video that you was connecting 2x 100w panels in series (=24v+) for a 12v system. My question is can I do this with my epever mppt charge controller? Thank you Marc

[@nicolasbarroso]

Hello Will could you please show me a link to that fuse box you're using? this is not for sale in my country I need to but it outside. thanks!!

[@FlorianoEsse]

All your post are so informative, thanks for sharing, could you please clarify on hooking up your solar charger with the fuse box and not with the battery?

[@danieldennis9500]

Great video. I just ordered your book because I am building a 200 watt by 200 ah solar system with a 1500 watt pure sine inverter for my van. I am convinced that your knowledge will be priceless. That’s what’s in my wallet 🤓

[@WillProwse]

Nice!!!

[@gigel99324]

9:57 can't (shouldn't) you use resistors so you don't risk flames/killing inverter?

[@ima4tubing]

You have very good explanations so at 0:40/12:10 did you mean to say put two 12v panels in parallel vs series? Best wishes. Keep on Truckin'

[@ima4tubing]

Later on at 1:03/12:10 you state that the two panels could be hooked up for 24v which would be in series like you said at 0:40. so would be 2 in series for 24v and 2 in parallel for 12v. So you all can ignore my first comment as you like.

[@jdekong3945]

Happy new year Will x

[@turbothetechnerd]

I have a question. I bought a camper van that has a converter in it so when the vehicle runs it charges the house battery. It I wanted to add a solar panel kit to the roof to also charge this battery when the vehicle is not running. Will it back charge and cause damage to the panels through the mppt charge controller when the vehicle is running?

[@saposilvestre9257]

Awesome video! I learned a lot. I have one question about the fuse box, though. I am a total beginner so I do not really know why do we need it, if I just wanna plug in my laptop and a couple lights to the inverter, do I need it? (If we aren't planning on running 12v devices) I get that it is necessary to have a fuse right between the battery and its wire, but what is the purpose of this 1.25*20=25A fuse in the fuse box?. If it is necessary for safety reasons, why do I need the other fuses in the box if they are not being used? Can I simply use a 25A fuse between charge controller and the inverter/battery?

[@jerrydeanswanson79]

Hey...thanks for your videos. I pick your brain all the time for my new trailer conversion. So...I am planning an install of two 200W panels (Newpowa 200W Monocrystalline 200 Watt 12V Solar Panel High Efficiency Mono Module RV Marine Boat Off Grid (200W New)) on the roof of my new 6x10 trailer conversion. Each panel will have an inline fuse on the positive cable. I also have a portable set of panels (Dokio 300W kit), which I normally use to charge my portable Jackery 1000. I will be joining the two rooftop sets of wires from the panels into one set using a y-connector and then entering my trailer roof. Then in the electrical compartment, install another y-connector which would allow me to , on occasion, connect my portable panels to add to the system solar input. Sound like a workable plan? The system I am building in the next few days: Renogy 40A controller with Bluetooth, feeding a 100 Battleborn Lithium. The battery is also feeding the busses which feed a 12v fuse box, which feeds my trailer lighting, fridge, and stuff. There is a catastrophic 300A circuit breaker and then a battery switch between the battery and the positive Buss. The 12v fuse box is also fed by a converter (Progressive Dynamics PD9260CV Inteli-Power 9200 Series Converter/Charger with Charge Wizard - 60 Amp). That charger plugs into a shore power outlet, for the times I would be plugged into that shore power. My shore power outlets are fed by a breaker box with two 20a SquareD breakers. That breaker box is fed by a plug in the outside trailer wall for the shore power connection. The Buss also feeds a Renogy 2000W inverter. Nothing installed yet. Am I good to go? What am I missing?

[@ericagibbons7697]

My main thing on the road is my Krups digital electric tea kettle. It uses 1500w. I've done some researching and hopefully it is correct. 3000w inverter, (2) 100AH deep cycle batteries, (2) 100w solar panels, and a 20a solar converter. Found everything for about $623. Am I correct in the calculations?

[@bryanzogbaum1188]

Your videos are awsome i want to set up a solar system to run lights in every room and some ac outlets separately from my grid connections. So you could walk into a room and turn on either the power company light or an off grid light atonamoslly of each other. Thanks.

[@penelopegreenland3537]

Instead of the fuse box can you just add a 40amp inline fuse? If the answer is yes would the 40 amp go on the positive cable?

[@harrybennett231]

You have explained very clear. Thanks

[@SpaniardCat]

Do you have an updated video or picture of a system I can use in an enclosed trailer conversation to a toy hauler?

[@magalirodriguez7830]

I would like to use something like that to lower our power bill on simple things like to, floor light, barge phone and ryobi tools. Could I put this inside the house?

[@davidrumbolt7940]

Where do I find a fuse box like that, what size would I need for a 2000 watt pure sine wave inverter ? I already have two new 6 volt 445 amp hour lead acid batteries. Planning on building a system for my cabin. What size solar panels would I need.

[@Good-Enuff-Garage]

love your videos Will, but Christ on crutches the Battle Horn LiFePO battery is almost a grand!!!

[@brian954]

I don't see if it was answered below, but what is the reasoning/ benefit/ difference of running the inverter straight through the fuse box and into the "battery" input on the MPPT?

[@azycray4801]

Do you have a video on what you are using and why? I know how to make all the connections.

[@maxwellnansongole8744]

Hi my teacher, I only have a simple question. I didn't see you putting that blue cable when you were building the system. Please let me know what is the use of that blue cable and is it necessary? Thank you, hope you reply.

[@emanuelemanuel5198]

Friend, where do i buy this Hammer type crimp? I liked this crimper it was perfect. I want to get this model. Thank you 😊

[@vento3232]

Hi Will, how far can I position the battery from the rest of the components? Can I have the plank of wood in the front of my mini van and the battery next to the van's battery at the back?

[@stephaniemcbroom9615]

Happy new year sweet guy!!!

[@WillProwse]

Thanks :)

[@pallie233]

When I win the lottery, I will ship you over to the UK to sort all my solar worries out ;)

[@fester.]

great vid,would you not fuse the inverter to the highest it could go as most inverters double the output for a small time

[@JorgeHernandez-ib1px]

Great video! Quick question when going to a 24 watt system can you use 2 12 volt batteries (not sure if it's in series or parallel) to make 24 volts? Thanks for the feedback! Feedback is welcome from anyone thanks!

[@NergeN]

you are amazing, love your videos

[@freedomfred6518]

Looks easy enough. Thanks for making this video, Will.

[@jimpwe1sax645]

Would it be safe to use something like a SB350 SB Series 350 Amp Anderson Powerpole Kit between a larger 1200 to 1500 watt inverter and beefier branch connector as well as another between battery and branch connector to give flexibility to not mount the larger inverter but connect it when you need to move your system around? Would like to understand how to add resistor into this circuit to reduce spark when connecting and disconnecting battery.

[@loucrisostomo2570]

Happy new year Will🍻

[@marcdaquina5472]

Can I used this exact DIY for an dogs or cats heating pad and lighting outdoor?