DIY Solar Power System Using Car Batteries - Simple Off-Grid Setup!

In this video, I walk you through building a budget-friendly solar power system using repurposed car batteries and solar panels. With a 500W inverter and just a few components from around the shop, we’ll create a simple setup capable of charging batteries, running small appliances, and powering tools off-grid. Whether you're preparing for a power outage or just want a fun DIY project, this guide will help you make the most of your resources! ⚡🔋
Tools & Materials:
500W Inverter
Repurposed Car Batteries
Harbor Freight Solar Panels
#Wranglerstar #DIY #OffGridPower #SolarPower #PROhO
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[@katzcradul]

Thank you so much Cody. I swear, I'm not a dolt, but I have had such a difficult time understanding how to use this kind of a system. I like that you took us through every step and now I could do this. So many folks, who make KZbin videos about solar, assume that the viewer has at least a basic knowledge of how it works. I don't, so I can't tell you how much I appreciate you taking it from the top. I feel like I know something now! Thanks a lot.

[@brandon11182]

Excellent job, I love your videos they are so informative and step by step which make it easier to follow and sinks in more I think. Thanks so much for your time and efforts! Much appreciated!

[@HawkLMT]

Great set of videos. I grew up on a ranch, so saving bits and pieces to improvise with later is second nature to me. I know your primary purpose of this vid was the charging system, but your secondary lesson of hanging onto everything and thinking outside the box is equally important.

[@brandonbriggs]

Great video Cody. When connecting 2 different batteries in parallel it can actually cause them to drain themself if there is nothing charging them, can be fixed just by seperating them at night.

[@carnagie85]

Excellent Cody. Excellent project. Thank you for sharing.

[@MrGraygrizz]

Thanks again for sharing all your interesting/informative ideas/projects/tips etc., with us all again, & keep-em coming.....

[@WestCoastPrepperRN]

Thanks Cody! I agree with Katzcradul - I love how you walk us through and explain the "why's & how's". I am confident that I can set this system up with absolutely no problems...added to my "to do" list under "sooner than later" - LOL Great thing to have for the small gadgets around the house! Keep 'um coming!!

[@acm1288]

Great series, loving the solar addition to the property.

[@flhtcui2000]

Good video, Mr. Cody. I miss my Fluke 77, Still got it but quit working years ago. Fried on a high voltage power supply on a home brew linear amp.

[@iamsnake21]

a great bit of infomation, and good advice, i love your setup, thanks Cody

[@bcideinc]

Nice job and some things that I've done you might like. I took a outside LED light and instead of using it for the outside I put the solar outside and the light inside. Now when I go to the restroom at night my bathroom has a light and I'm not using power for that. OH but it gets better. I added a battery box to the device inside that charges my AAA and AA batteries. Need to add one for the D batteries but you get the idea. The outside never goes down because it's not used much and always have my remote control batteries or flash light batteries ready to go. Pull one out and plug another one. :)

[@andreweasty]

very good, I did a similar set up for the dual battery system in my truck but without the solar connection and will be doing it with the camper trailer but with deep cycle batteries

[@pr4runner]

Very cool setup. I will persue this right away. Thanks for the idea/

[@djdidge]

great vid mate!... love the slight of hand bringing your blade into play like a true skilled techncian :)

[@TheSalsy1]

Thanks for sharing. That doesn't look too difficult.

[@cooperdisciple]

Cody, I bought a Maha/Powerex charger based on your review on your previous channel (I have a video up about it). The charger uses 12VDC. I assembled a wiring harness so that I can connect the charger directly to 12VDC. It works fine without the inverter.

[@xiobus]

inverter less chargers doing dc to dc is even more effective ...instead of d-ac-dc but love it atleast u got something going

[@jwright650]

That crimping tool is nice, but you can do the same thing using a dull center punch or chisel to crimp the cable in the terminal.

[@sriprakashgovt2969]

Good that wherever the sun light is available in plenty the best way is to use the solar power, will be the best contribution to the nation by a citizen.

[@MultiOutdoorman]

Love your videos, been a subscriber for a while now... Just for clarity for the viewers. If we need to multiply DC voltage (series wired) we do indeed link positives to negatives as you say, but we must not create a closed circuit. Think like batteries stacked in a flashlight! Therefore the remaining "end" pos/neg terminals go to the load. Preferably via a suitably rated fuse / breaker and a means of isolation. Parallel wired (link all positives to each other and negatives to each other) keeps voltage the same but the batteries amp-hours are added, so we get a longer-lasting theoretical single cell... Sorry to be a stickler ...just thought i might add a little extra to your informative content. Kind Regards Si

[@JoseARivera-oi6ev]

MultiOutdoorman asiático

[@Nirky]

Nice little setup & demo. I didn't see the charge controller in this vid but you indicated it was built into the panels...if you hadn't used one to moderate the voltage out to the batteries to 14-14.5 volts then in short order the batteries would have been fried, 21 volts would have killed them quick.

[@MisterSoul99]

Yeah I notice these small units are showing up quite a bit at campgrounds, using the car or RV battery. HAving it all set up in carry box like that would help to transport it if you had to leave your area for whatever reason, disconnect the panels and go.

[@SimonQuigley]

You should consider installing some fuses between your batteries and the inverter, and perhaps even the panels and your charge controller (which you don't have) to avoid any nasty accidents if there's a short.

[@clairemillen4664]

That's good your work is really good I'll give you 12,000 likes

[@powersaverwasted]

This is awesome.. great job for this video..

[@shaunestes8353]

Dig it. Nice set up.

[@gopanBushcraft]

great idea i will try a smaller version on my balcony... thanks for another good one !! but solar panels are hard to find relatively cheep here in sweden (haha everything is expensive if you try to getaway from the grid a bit here) //zeth

[@mountainprepper21]

Always draw from opposite ends of the battery bank. Possitive from one battery and negative from the other. Otherwise you create an imbalance in the bank. You'll also have difficulty charging both batteries if you don't. Good job on the improvisation though.

[@kikilosabeyno]

Hey man, excellent vid, just make sure you use that multimeter before turning the inverter on, can save you a lot of money ;)

[@4E047RHH]

Hey there, interesting vid, Im glad you have taken the time to explain series parallel batteries, Not many people understand that,,,Ive built a portable battery pack, i would like to know what you think of it, Ammo Can Battery Pack

[@KayakFisher01]

The Harbor Freight solar kit can be purchased for around $150.00 with the coupon from their ad. For a basic kit, it is inexpensive as you stated. The charge controller is not the greatest unit and if you replace it, you can get more power from those same solar panels. Tornado/Hurricanes can kill power for weeks. Being able to run small appliance really make a difference. You can also RECHARGE cordless power tools to build or repair and most power tool kits (Makita) include a flashlight.

[@oicu2ok1]

Solar landscape lights often use AA , great way to charge batteries and you can carry them indoors for light too ! Just change to a high milliamp battery the ones that come in them are not ever readys lol ... Also on my emergency solar i used old tv wall mounts for the panels, work perty gud !

[@kwaichang368]

thanks lots of good info! I made my own panel and use it for camping for my inverter!

[@kylework9908]

What kinda battery do you use in the camper ? I’m looking to do solar to keep the battery charged and use some lights. Will a regular battery work ?

[@kwaichang368]

@@kylework9908 deep cycle with the highest amp hour rating, they last the longest!

[@4onewabbit]

You really know how to complicate a very simple process!

[@bobbieiler]

Awesome - thanks so much for sharing all your great info!!!!

[@donnya1000]

I really enjoyed this vid. Inspirational!

[@GaryVerderamo]

Small piece of advice. Disconnect those wires connected to the inverter and reverse the direction so they are not blocking the fan. The last thing you want to do is impede airflow, especially with such a small fan/opening that has to expel quite a bit of heat.

[@frankenschaf8588]

These cabels definitely won't block the airflow enough to bother

[@davidhayes2275]

Another idea I have for you, two 6 volt batteries in tandem make a lot better 12 volt. I have 2 harbor freight panels, two 6 volt batteries, a charge controller and a large inverter will hook up this spring (2018) wish me luck.

[@Graveltrucking]

Here in coastal BC many use solar panels and battery banks for their island houses where you have no power supply from the grid. Solar is the future and people will have to get away from the unlimited electricity dependancy.

[@jgwimmer]

Without a charge controller, 21VDC into those batteries will cause them to boil and gas, and destroy the batteries quite quickly. Invest in a 100W charge controller.

[@PaulPetrea]

Jeff Wimmer That isn't true. If he had full sized panels on those batteries, I would agree with you. But, those two panels are only going to charge the batteries at a trickle rate of charge. So, it isn't necessary to have a controller between the panels and batteries.

[@nbookie]

+Paul Petrea 5 watts or 500 watts. the end result is the same. the water bucket will overflow. just a matter of how long it takes to get there. many battery manufacturers and battery owners posting the proof of my statement on you tube. trickle or float charger are made to turn off when battery is full. some turn off for days or weeks at a time. the solar panel will stop for about 12 hours at a time.

[@donaldbadeaux5455]

not if he's draining power as his panels are charging...besides, he won't be putting out 21 volts...

[@davidjames1684]

Two words 4 u. Self discharge.

[@clydealspaugh8701]

When working with DC power, always disconnect the negative first and connect the negative last. Watched him do it backwards twice.

[@HawkLMT]

He mentioned that one deep cycle would be great at around 13:40. I missed it myself the first time I watched it.

[@stevekennoy]

Totally agree the most you want going onto the batteries is 13.9volts or they will be damaged over a short period

[@Hilander1298]

Good stuff Cody. Thanks

[@donaldbadeaux5455]

the mounts from satelite dish, makes great holder for solar panel.

[@alexandruclaudiu2563]

congratulations for the setup. One idea: why don't you try to use a battery charger that runs on 12V like the ones you plug in your car cigaret lighter. You can buy a 12V cigaret lighter + a 10A fuse and conect them directly to the 12V battery system without need of an inverter. Through inverter you have too much loss in current conversion (from 12 to 110V for inverter and from 110V via the transformer to the inteligent battery charger. It's just an idea I was thinking of. Plus it is known that regular inverters have a 90% efficiency. Big enough but important in solar setups where every Amp is important.

[@johnnygeejr500]

Brilliant, thanks, more folks to re purpose used equipment, I would use a controller and be protected. Twist your lubs side-ways to avoid shorts more.

[@TheTorkerman]

Great video, thanks so much for posting this.!

[@virus256]

I like how you want to show an example of things you can plug into your inverter, but keep in mind that the adapter to the Powerex dh-C9000 is 12 volt output (the adapter to run the dh-c9000). So in this case, is better to cut off/remove the adapter, split the wires and place them right on the car battery. Using a inverter to make 110v AC from 12v DC, and then converter from 110v AC to 12v DC is just waste of energy. Charging phones etc, who is somewhat 5 volt is a valid point, but also you want to invert/convert to direct voltage. Use a car charger etc. for your phone. from 12v to 5v, is far better than make it from 12 to 110 and down to 5 again.

[@AndrewDubas]

you should use deep cycle batteries not regular car batteries. Golf cart batteries are most common. Also, when doing a parallel connection, you should use the positive from one battery 1 and the negative from battery 2 to go to your inverter. This will cause the battery bank to drain evenly. Same with using a charge controller off the solar panels. Feed from opposite ends of the battery bank so they charge evenly. Otherwise battery 2 in this example will be used disproportionately.

[@pr4runner]

Question, do you really see a cost and time benefit to using MAP gas in stead of propane? I've enjoyed this series. Thank you & God bless.

[@danielroy5987]

You should always have charge controller in between batteries and solar panels so you don't overload your batteries it will help maintain your batteries keep them charged when it gets too low and stops batteries from overcharging usually stops charge at about 14.4 volts you can usually set the charge perimeters on the charge controller

[@jeffillinois]

@Wranglerstar - Electrons take the path of least resistance. For best results, connect input/output leads on opposite ends of the string (positive to the first battery, negative to the last battery.) This will keep your batteries balanced.

[@frugalprepper]

I have seen several talk about a charge controller, with that small of panels on that much battery it isn't needed. The internal resistance of those batteries will be more than enough to handle it. I would also say although the HF kits look neat they are expensive when you look a cost per watt (The may be one of the most expensive ways to go actually) You can easily get 150-200 watts and a cheap e-bay PWM charge controller for the cost of the HF kit.

[@thamesuser]

Thats just what I was thinking. I have a cheap 10W panel powering an old car battery. No charge controller needed as its never gone over 12.3 volts. But like Cody's it needs to be positioned better for more sun. I hope you have make some similar 'SIMPLE' solar vids. I'll check your channel later.

[@TheGreatishe]

Thanks so much for the information.

[@papamc1937]

Your description of how to hook up batteries in series will cause the batteries to explode.

[@notyoung]

The wall wart for that battery charger probably provides 12 volts to the charger. Find the DC cord for the charger and add a 12 volt outlet to your battery bank. No wasted power going from 12 volts DC to 110 AC to 12 DC - and some wall warts don't like the modified sine wave power that inverter provides. Ebay has basic 12 volt 10 amp solar charge controllers for under $10. Currently (July 2016), you can get a 100 watt "12 volt" solar panel on ebay for $105 including shipping. Considering that Harbor Freight wants $180 or so for 45 watts of solar panels, you're much better off to put the pieces together yourself.

[@Caliprep105]

When connecting the batteries in parallel you really should use the positive from one battery and the negative from the other battery to hook to the inverter. That way the batteries charge and discharge at the same rate.

[@winteriscoming90]

That is the first of many things I notice he did wrong!! Educate more on solar

[@frankenschaf8588]

Sry, but as long as i don't get you absolutely wrong, that is physical bullshit. Electricity doesn't care which at contact it arrives first. Both batteries get 12V and they will split the current according to their inner resistance

[@jeffillinois]

@Franken - That is absolutely incorrect. There will be resistance in the wire between the batteries. Electrons take the path of least resistance. He WILL drain the first battery before the second when wired in this configuration. Now, the wires are decent size and short, so the resistance is minimal, so the voltage difference between the batteries after draining 50% may only be 1/10th of a volt, but it will be there. Watch ANY solar install video from any experienced and reputable installer and you will see that in EVERY setup, the positive input/output lead is connected at one end of the string (first battery) and the negative is connected at the opposite end (last battery.) (The input/output leads will be connected in the same place whether the batteries are in parallel or series.) All that being said, ... for a very small set up, which isn't a means of survival, ... it's certainly not the end of the world connecting and using in this fashion. It's just that the batteries won't maintain balance as they would connected the right way..

[@rchopp]

Great idea Cody, what are you using for a charge controller to prevent overcharging your battery bank.

[@markfillery1002]

tip for your spanners put tape on it as there is nothing like shorting out the battery

[@maesteo]

Awesome video! One quick question - Did you use a charge controller? I've watched several videos on solar and I am a bit confused about what the charge controller is for. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Be blessed.

[@user6860]

If that charger is a ac adapter plug the. It would make sence to use a step down buck converter to power the charger so there is efficency of not steping up voltage to just step it back down

[@ChaplainJoe1]

Hey Cody do those panels have charge controllers built into them? Sweet little set up. Been wanting to do something similar for a long time. Still saving my pennies. Thanks.

[@excxflyr]

good job Cody, were those panel measurements in milliamps? thanks

[@kerbsters]

don't block the fan. when hooking up your inverter its wrong still works but your draining one batter faster than the other

[@efilnikufecin2004]

Using an inverter to convert 12 volts DC to 110 volts AC, then plugging an AC adapter into the inverter to convert the 110 volts AC to 12 volts DC is rather inefficient. I would find a car plug for the charger and add a lighter plug to the system to go direct with the power. I would also get car chargers for other items I have which I can do so with. If you can find a junk motorboat they normally have a battery cut-off switch which can kill the power to the inverter when not in use.

[@MultiOutdoorman]

You always do some great vids ...just thought though, that a "charge controller" might be needed to stop the panels overcharging the batteries ? Great stuff ;-)

[@taposh95]

Hi Boss Verry helpful vedio. I need some advice. I want to run my fridge/ fridger by soler panel and 1000w inverter,but with out any kind of battery system.Is it possible? What kind of system i need to use? Tnx

[@TzunSu]

The big problem with using AA batteries is that they're quite bad, performance-wise. If you want your SureFire to light up properly, your going to have to go for some kind of lithium battery.

[@nicospokernw]

Guess i could use tbis configuration for a couple lights in minibarn

[@bobbailey4954]

Shade in any amount is an enemy to solar. All be it in your application I doubt it will matter much. For safety Sally sake a cheep midnight solar charger controller would be a plus 30 amp or more and you could use it for when you expand you solar projects as most do when they first start dabbling in solar. I started 20 years ago and 90% of my home in Phoenix is solar and my remote cabin in the nearby mountains is 100% solar. Never looking back to grid power again.

[@Nirky]

The charge controller is a computerized charger which takes the power from the panels and gives it to the batteries at a voltage & current level that the batteries require. Too much and it would shorten the life of the batteries, too little and they wouldn't get charged.

[@lordkashan]

Good for make led lights for a workshop to not spend money for electricity :)

[@almollitor]

Do you think such a system (with, I assume, a modified-sine-wave inverter) could run the electronic and mechanical controls on a residential steam boiler? I'd love to be able to have natural gas/steam heat in a blackout.

[@guardiandevil3]

Will the batteries continue to pump out juice into the converter as long as it's on or will they hold their charge so long as nothings plugged in?

[@robroberts1473]

I thought you were suppose to use deep cycle batteries I guess like golf cart batteries?

[@davidlord5664]

That is an awesome video bud. Any chance you'd be able to make a small generator for a tv or fridge. I'd be willing to buy one like that. Please let me know if that's a possibility.

[@davidlord5664]

Where would I be able to find one of those inverters. Very interesting video. Gonna try and find these items. Wish me luck. Any help would be appreciated.

[@Electromech]

I saw 1 other commenter talking about charge controllers, are we the only ones thinking that you might want to look into one?

[@groundhog7652]

I did this very thing and would up ruining my batteries. I thought I was being clever by using 2 big solar panels. The water bubbled and the water got low. It charged fast at first, but the batteries did not last. I wound up sleeping on my boat in the dark. Glad I had a flashlight. Just glad the batteries were used. How do I limit the charging process?

[@tecter100]

+Groundhog Buy a Solar charge regulator, you can get one on-line from Amazon for cheap ( I do), otherwise as you noticed, you will cook your batteries as the panels usually put out around 20+ VDC on their own, the controller will reduce the charge to between 13,8 - 14.2 volts and also stop charging when batts are full, Amaozon has a pretty good one here: www.amazon.com/LotFancy%C2%AE-Solar-Regulator-Charge-Controller/dp/B00P9DOM0C?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage -- I bought the same one and like it...Good luck!

[@tittiger]

WARNING: To someone that doesn't know much about electric your description of series wiring for those batteries, could easily be construed as making an arc welder out them. i..e a dead short with wire. Listen to what was said and see if you don't agree. BTW I really would like to have a link to those crimpers. Having a hard time determining what works on what. I searched for variations of "MC tools MIC-850 crimper" but nothing even came up.

[@patricklewandowski9011]

Joe Tittiger

[@luckyluke9225]

do you have a voltage regulator on there so you don't over charge your 12 volt batteries? Or were you just going to monitor them no and then?

[@mmaruiz57]

thank you really helpfull

[@livingtherufflife]

Will you be doing an updated solar for the new homestead?

[@MatthewShermanHappy420]

cheap charge controller would be a good idea dude

[@estomihmarley4413]

ineed to learn more

[@cowencoal1]

suggest for safety and no battery explosions disconnect batteries,, connect accessories leaving battery connections until very last this eliminates any shorts between + and -whilst live

[@simonruszczak5563]

If you want to charge flash light batteries using car batteries, just use a purpose made "plug in" vehicle battery charger. Using an inverter is crazy. Also, vehicle batteries are the wrong type to power inverters, purpose made deep cycle type should be used.

[@jorgehernan7407]

good

[@bruceforster4209]

I went somewhere other than Harbor Freight. I got an 85 Watt panel and a charge controller for UNDER $200.00. Your Panels are BARELY sufficient for the the task you've given the system. But, if you don't have a CHARGE CONTROLLER to REGULATE the volts-Amps going to your batteries, you WILL DESTROY YOUR BATTERIES AND VERY POSSIBLY START A FIRE!

[@panzerabwerkanone]

Exactly. Even your car has a voltage regulator to keep from burning up the batteries by limiting the voltage to less than 15 volts.

[@jessicahux9443]

You should always connect hot first and ground last. Then remove ground first. The reason being the hot will spark when the circuit is completed could cause explosion, thats what I was taught.

[@unicycle67]

Gary Busby I was saying same thing as he was telling different

[@oldladyme]

dont block your air flow to the fan turn those wires the other way

[@funny1048youtube]

do you know where to buy new screws to screw the wires to the inverter because i lost one

[@gangesexcavating]

Interesting.

[@davegoodridge8352]

I would really like to rig up a solar/wind power to run my water well

[@eudaimoniacat5668]

cool..thxs

[@Footrotflats251]

did you use a charge controler?

[@chulamadu]

Were u buy thise soler pannels

[@thetorvic21]

Wait I'm so confused so charge to u don't first connect the to car batteries together one positive the negative in the other and your left with the other 2 terminals as ur new merged battery

[@sushildewan2222]

You don't need charge controller?

[@KublaVeruca]

Wondering if you are considering using Elon Musk's new "Home Battery" when it becomes available. Should be sometime later this year. Sounds tailor made for this type of situation. It is of course new tech and being an early adopter will be expensive. Maybe you could crowd fund it. Would be nice to see this technology catch on.