Easy Solar Power for  

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: williamprowsediysolar@gmail.com 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

Im so proud of you Will. I have followed yiu for years and know your story. I wish I could do what you do. I am autistic. And just can't understand it. But I am trying to teach myself. I wish I could afford lithium batteries. But I live on ssi and only 780.00 a month at that. So I don't think I will ever be able to get one. But I just want you to know how proud i am of you. Your a great guy with a big heart for helping everyone the way you do. You were blessed with the ability to understand these things and are very smart man. Maybe one day i will be able to afford a lithium battery but until then I will have to use lead acid although I caught my van on fire cause i did something wrong. My brain just won't let me figure out stuff like this. Thank you for your help for all people. God bless you Will. And i know he had. I might be autistic and not too sharp. But i do know when a person has been blessed by God. And you have been blessed. Stay safe stay true. You're the most honest guy out here helping folks. Ty and ttyl. God bless.

This Dude is so legit on all his videos and has just great reviews and has helped me with all my solar questions.

We are so blessed to have this channel.

I just looked at this video and it answered all my questions about transforming a camper from single acid battery to a full solar camper. Thank you so much !!!!

" THANKS WILL " AGIAN , THIS IS SUCH A BLESSING , For learning !

Thanks Will - you're such a hard worker and generous to share your information and time.

I love to see young people excited about their work. Good Job (again).

I love your videos. You make something that's so complicated easy (or easier) to understand for those of us who aren't electricians or solar experts.

Will, thank you so much for this review. It came as I was just about to have solar installed at the van build, and I bought it. With no signal out there, they haven’t been able to watch the video. I’m glad I watched it again this morning because based on this, there are things we need to change up before we connect it to any power! Blessings 🧚‍♀️

Will, You are the best MANUAL on everything "WE" need to know~~~ I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!!! Keep on Rock 'in My Friend!

Will, I recently installed one of these on my sailboat after watching your review. Your review is on the money. Easy to install, and it works! Thank you!!!!!!

I recently installed your schematic with this charger and a used Valence 138ah LiFePO4 to my 2015 Mercedes Sprinter campervan alternator. Everything seems to be running great. It’s a super compact system. Thanks so much for the super clear info and instructions. I like the idea of being able to add PV to the system. I love your channel.

I was so waiting for this review, just finished installing it in our RV, there is little info out there on it. Happy to hear that has your blessing. Thank you !!

Another absolute unbiassed brilliant presentation. Everytime I watch these I feel more confident and knowledgeable on 12v dc. Thanks from Australia.

Those of us who are visual learners really appreciate the extra step (board build) at the end!! Being visual learners is exactly (emphasis) why we're on YT. Pretty sure I was just reading a forum post about this product and its lights. I couldn't follow that post/replies at all. Now I could. Thank you, young man!!!

Not sure how I missed this video, but this is EXACTLY what I'm looking for right now!!! An all-in-one charger that will make life so much simpler.

Love it, your my go to source for quality and integrity with regards to electrical/solar products, hats off as always. 🎩

Great tech content btw, great data but easy to follow. Good work.

I just bought my Promaster and I’m going to pour over your videos to set up my electrical FIRST!! You are AMAZING! I hope you read the comments to see how much you are appreciated.

not only do you rock, but i love how other tubers refer to your knowledge..keep rock n rollin...

Great review. I have been looking at this for my build as it definitely provides enhanced dual battery charging/maintenance capabilities that you don't get otherwise. As mentioned the major downside is you are limited to 12V batteries systems including solar. For vans, the 660W limit is probably going to cover 90% of the applications,. If you are going really big, you can probably put two DCC50S parallel for 1320 Watt total. The other benefit is that you can just connect a 120V (shore power) to 12V DC battery charger to your Car battery and it will automatically charge the service battery as well. This is still a first generator product. In the future, they will probably make this for 24-48 volt systems with higher solar voltage inputs as well.

I've been vandweller for a long time and I don't think I've ever seen a van with more than 400watts of solar on the roofs. This product seems fantastic 👌

Did my first van solar build watching your videos and web site, came out perfect, per your instructions, sold van, getting ready to buy a second taller van to build out. You the man, be blessed with goodness and wisdom.

I just installed my solar setup on my van and felt fairly confident in the way I wired everything up thanks to you and your videos and website! Thank you very much Will!

Will, you just rock teaching! I love your videos because you make things clear. Things that aren’t simple to some of us are put within our grasp by how you explain them. I’m finally building my solar “system” for the campers. I just clicked from your web page and bought the things you suggested, including this charge controller.

Now there's only 11 left in stock! Lol! Thanks Will, great vid!!

I mentioned you in today's video as my inspiration for including this charger in my current Pleasure-Way upfit. Thank you Will for sharing your knowledge! George

Nice work mate, I love how you simplify sometimes complex design needs so we can all understand them, and with your usual enthusiasm, top marks from me, many thanks Andy.

As always, great info and video, Will!!!

Thanks Will. I hope Renogy does something good for you since you just boosted their sales big time.

This is perfect. I was planning on splitting my van into 2 different battery banks... 1 for small electronics and the bigger bank for pressure cooker, small tools, etc and also have my generator as backup backup.

I have been working on putting a dual battery system in my SUV, and have been watching your videos. I had pounced on this unit because it was way cheaper than others for the same amps. That was a couple of days ago, and I was beginning to doubt my purchase. I stumbled over your video, not realizing it was the same unit. Now I am comfortable with my decision, and have all the bonus schematics and info I need to finish the project. Thanks so much ...you're a legend!!

I don't know spit about electricity or solar so I very much appreciate your channel

Great video Will. I'd love to see similar reviews of the Redarc and Sterling products that compete with this. Thanks for all of your work.

A big thank you. I'm a complete beginner to all this and I'm converting a minibus to a camper and will be fitting solar so this is a Godsend ( I've just ordered your book and can't wait for it to arrive ) . I hope to start the solar fitting in a weeks time so again Thanks Will.

Good job. I have been using CTEK (D250SA + Smartpass120) which appears to be a predecessor of this renogy unit. CTEK now makes a D250SE and compatible Smartpass for LiFePO4 batteries. CTEK is likewise limited to about 25A so fo rthose with largerneeds sepaarte MPPT and accessories would be needed. I do like the simplicity of this Renogy as it mimics the CTEK. You go a little fast fo me, as I struggle to keep up, but watching multiple times, even pausing the video at times, allows me to finally grasp all that good info you are providing. Thanks again.

I'm so broke and I have been hanging my head into a wall trying to figure out what route to go for power in my van for now. I have been thinking of a hackery, and charging it at work, or a smart isolator and an AGM battery, or renogys cheapest solar kit and an AGM. This video just made up my mind. I'm getting this and an AGM to start, and I will add a panel or two asap!!!! Thanks once again Will!

I have had this V1 and now the V2 in a 600w system on my motorhome for a year now and I love this unit. The V2 now works with the Renogy bt-2 so you can monitor what’s happening on a smartphone or tablet. It’s really great. Highly recommended! Thank you will.

Thanks for you ongoing efforts to bring quality and educational diy videos for us to understand and take on challenges that we would normally wouldn't take.

Ya , you just keep getting better and better Thx for being so gracious, nicely done ✅

These will probably sell out by Monday because Will just gave them a good review. 👍

Watching this video, I decided to change my build goals. Thanks for the excellent explanation. I'll be posting a sanity check post to the DIY forum once I pick up my 100ah Renogy battery.

Anyone doing this in a camper will need to add in a converter/charger to this system. Will didn't mention it but its standard for charging when you have shore power or run an on board generator. So when your not driving, or there's not enough sun, a couple hours of generator will get you back in business. I guess it could be added to the output terminals of this unit but I would call Renogy to be sure. Thanks for another great review WP. You are always ahead of the pack.

The two main issues are the one you mentioned (the wiring in parallel) and the logic that it uses when you're getting both solar and alternator power (like when driving down the road). If the device sees ANY power at all coming from solar, it will limit both sides to a Max of 25a. So let's say you're driving down the road on a cloudy day, where you're getting under 5a from the sun. You'd probably want to get the full 50a from alternator but you can't unless you disconnect solar. You'd be limited to 25a from alternator + the 5a from solar. Other than that, it was really easy to install and I'm enjoying the convenience. It seemed like Renogy's support wasn't so sure about it so maybe you could test it just to be sure. Put a small 5a charge on the PV side and a high charge on the ALT side and see if it caps the ALT to 25a so you only get 30A Max.

Bummer about the low solar voltage. I think it'd be good to just use a DC-DC converter from higher voltage panels. Otherwise definitely looks really sweet! Needing a higher voltage to start charging and a lower voltage point to cut off charging is known as a Schmitt trigger :). The area between those 2 points, where it keeps in the on/off state at what it was last changed to, is called hysteresis.

I'm so glad i came across this video after purchasing this device. Makes me feel a lot better haha.

These came out right after I finished installing their 40A DC/DC charger (which works great BTW). If I had to do my system over again, this would be it...so simple

Getting a DC to DC for 12v to 24v with 50-60amp for lithium batteries would be great. If Renogy added an option for output voltage I would get one.

This is a huge improvement! For my use I would use one panel just for trickle charging and use the alternator to charge when driving. Then a second array of panels going to a second mppt for when actually boondocking.

Perfect explanation. You are incredibly intelligent, and the go-to for many people looking for help with their batteries/solar set-up. Thanks man, you are very appreciated.

Thank you Will for the thorough review and great ideas on how to use it. I just purchased mine today ! very excited to install. Love what you do

Love it! Assuming you'll fuse it at the starter battery too :)

You can get a voltage sensing relay, to power on the DC charger when the voltage hits 13.5v+ to charge the house battey,

In a Way, This remain me about the old school Battery Isolator, back in time. When I put 500 incandescent bulbs on my van for Christmas Deco. Back in the early 80's

Impressive. I'm still in a daze from all the videos but I have the book now and I will watch the vids again. Maybe some of it will start sinking in. Thanks again for all your efforts.

Hey Will, this appears to be a nice option for my van. I am hesitant about using parallel vs. series configuration for my solar considering the potential for charging issues/shade etc. - and using more real estate with 4 panels. Any considerations adding shore power with this combo B2B/MPPT? Thanks for sharing your knowledge in a way that electric newbs such as myself can understand!

3:13 Have you done the same tests with the Sterling or Redarc?

Thanks Will, I was looking for something like that, space being at a premium on my build aud a product that I can trust 👌👍 Your explanation are priceless, keep educating us 😊

How bizzare I was eyeing this off yesterday. I really like this concept. Thanks Will. The other thing I like is it actually available to buy in Australia at a reasonable price.

I would like to see you test the Redarc version of these bcdc charger/solor input for a source for charging lithium battery.

Thanks for the review! I was looking at getting the Redarc BCDC1250D but this is half the price, plus it can charge both the starting battery and the house battery from the solar. I don’t think the Redarc can do that.

Will you are the MAN. Great videos. Watching one after the other. Glad to have found them. Manufacturers could learn from you to make better products. Plus you simplify info for the regular Joe. Thank you

Just bought the Renogy 30A for a 200w single 100ah battery truck camper system. Love seeing your video before wiring it up - thanks!

I want a 3rd charging option for my work trailer. I love this thing where I can use my truck alternator as well as solar panels. Is it possible to also attach a 120v charger to the batteries? Will the 2 chargers fight with each other overlooking my batteries or will the wall charger turn off the MPPT charger? I'm using AGM batteries.

I have two Renogy MPPT controllers in my RV and I'm shocked they put such a low solar voltage limit on this. Kind of makes it useless for those of us running panels in series.

So glad I found your videos...I just bought a fridge/freezer for my Jeep and now I’m looking at how to run it at night...this until might be the way to charge a second battery just for the fridge...thanks for the great lesson :)

I didn't even know these existed! Need something like this now.

If this had an input for "shore-power" this would cover all (?) charging situations.

Hey Will, Sometimes it is hard to find an honest broker of information, You are that my friend! Question, does this also work as an isolator? Thanks again I really appreciate your channel! Freedom overspill!

Just got mine installed today. Had a Renogy 20 amp dc-dc charger and a 20 amp Renogy solar charger. The old units had been running continuously for the past 2 years and still work fine.

Will, this is awesome! I'm in the process of planning out a system to boondock with, this may be the best for my needs! Thank you :)

Another great video, thx. Can you review any Redarc products? I'm interested in the manager 30 specifically.

Will, what battery charger would you recommend for this system to add shore charging? What do you think about the Progressive Dynamics 60amp LiFePO4 charger?

You are amazing!! Keep doing thee videos. They are so helpful for a beginner like me. Your honest opinion is also extremely refreshing and the way you can break everything down. Awesome!

Very nice little unit. Perfect for a smaller solar and battery backup combo.

Greetings Will. Something you don’t discuss is the draw on the alternator. If used without solar, should I be concerned about damaging the alternator of my van? I have a Sprinter... Sincere thanks for any input!

Hey Will, thanks for your videos. I’ve learned a ton watching them. Any MPPT Charger combo like this Renogy but with a higher voltage capacity. I’d like to connect two 200 Watt solar panels in series to charge a 12v 200ah LiFePO4. Also would like to charge from the alternator. My starter battery is a 100ah AGM. I like everything about this Renogy unit but the 25 volt limit. Thank you!

helping an old boy learn things he could never grasp ! many thanks!

Yes this is what I was talking about.thank you for showing it.

Hi Will, the unit's manual mentions that when dual input is connected (solar & the alternator) then it will only provide 50% of the total output from each. So, you will only receive 25 Ah from the alternator at night even though the solar input is 0. Is there an easy work around (not disconnecting wires) for this to attain 100% output from one source when desired? Maybe a circuit breaker between the alternator/solar input to the unit? Thanks for the information you have already provided!

Curious how you would also add the ability to charge using 110 shorepwr?

Will, The likely reason the simple unit has a separate ignition feed to turn it on, is the unit is designed to have and input voltage of 8-16 volts and still be able to charge the batteries on the output side. This kind of setup is actually a huge advantage when dealing with long wire runes (think 5th wheel RV w/a crew cab dually tow vehicle) and thus voltage drop, which is more common than most realize. This eliminates the need to run monstrous heavy cable from the tow vehicle all the way back to the RV. So, I really like the concept and functionality of Renology's simple charger. It would be interesting to do a test on this new MPPT combo unit you just tested, simulating voltage sag, and see if it is still able to charge the house batteries. If it doesn't, then it is not as advantageous as it would seem, and people would need know that they need to oversize their charge input wire, especially when dealing with real long runs. I also have a suggestion, if you could possibly test some high end solar charge controllers like Outback Solar, Midnight Solar, specifically against MoringStar TriStar MPPT60. Comparing not only the output efficiencies, but specifically the performance and especially the speed of their MPPT tracking ability. It would be really interesting which one is the quickest and most efficient, as the unit with the quickest tracking speed should outperform the others in partly cloudy and/or partial tree shade conditions. Thank you for your review and please let me know you thoughts on what I just mentioned.

thank you so much for being simple and honestly the best person to learn off.

I called Renogy a week ago and they won't have any until mid December (2019), out of stock.

Great review as usual Will, I'm looking for a combined MPPT and B2B charger like this Renogy, but I'm concerning about overheating my 60A alternator. How do you work out what would be a safe load for the alternator? this unit max's at 25A if solar is charging aswell, but if not it's capable of accepting 50A which is near the alternator's max. Any suggestions welcome.

I built this system for my pickup truck. I only changed two things. 200 watts of panels and only one 100 ah battery. It works great! Thank you for this very clear tutorial, the "blueprint" and the equipment list.

Your review and web page have saved the day with my overland build, thank you.

How do I know if I have a smart alternator on my camper van

Does my 2019 MB Sprinter have a smart alternator? (I should know this already I guess)

Can't believe I missed this video! What a deal and we're getting a travel trailer soon.

*”William Prowse Approved”*

Thank you Mr. Prowse for another informative class, you are awesome young man

Great video man! This is exactly the thing i'm looking for for my micro camper! Love your videos man, keep up the great work!

Thank you Will. I have ruined several batteries on my motor home in storage because of not being home for long periods of time. This looks like this would be perfect to use to maintain the charge of the batteries while I'm traveling. Before anyone comments. I use my motor home as a weekend'r when at home and travel with my 5th wheel for the comfort in its size. Thanks again

Great DIY video and the blueprint and parts list, linked above, is excellent. Thanks.

Thanks Will! I'm definitely going back to this video when I'm ready to build my second van :)

This one thing eliminates so many different components to make one amazing product and makes an camper/RV build so simple.

Oh that is brilliant. That will be perfect for my design for my Peterbilt. Thanks Will

Well done. I was gonna purchase one regardless but your explanation completely solidified my decision to go with that particular product. Thanks for a great video.