Build your own 12V, 2000W solar setup by following these simple steps. There's no technical knowledge or skills needed ... plus there's no confusing verbiage used in this video. Here are all the items covered in this video: Wiring chart * cityprepping.tv/3YS0Ote Book * This book was extremely helpful detailing everything you need to know: amzn.to/3lT7kB2 Components * Inverter (2000W): cityprepping.tv/3QPc6KL * Charge controller (40 Amp MPPT): cityprepping.tv/3PQMNGD * Battery (12V, 100Ah LiFePO4 self-heating): cityprepping.tv/3Kmy4UM * Solar panel (100W): cityprepping.tv/3wTi3OT * Bus bar (250 amp, red): amzn.to/3YHlCTY * Bus bar (250 amp, black): amzn.to/3IibOJe * 12V fuse block: amzn.to/3xVxyG9 Cables * Connect batteries in parallel: amzn.to/3SilGaj * Battery / inverter cable: cityprepping.tv/3wrbsLd * Battery / charge controller cable: cityprepping.tv/3cnjZIi * Solar extension cable: cityprepping.tv/3Tjtf0I * 2|0 AWG cable (red and black): amzn.to/3IDk08h + 2|0 AWG cable lugs: amzn.to/3YLlH9g * 4|0, 2|0, 1|0, 2, 4, 6, 8 AWG cable: amzn.to/3SdWnGm * 12 AWG cable: amzn.to/3SgspSn Cable management * amzn.to/3XJARdN Fuses * 200 amp fuse (used in 2 places: on battery and inverter): amzn.to/3AKVNJf * Inline MC4 10 amp fuse (used to connect solar panels to charge controller): cityprepping.tv/3xEvNN6 * 40 amp fuse (used after charge controller): amzn.to/3Em7F5I * Fuse holder: amzn.to/3XFnds8 Switch * High volt, low amp (disconnects solar panels): amzn.to/3Iftkhg * High amp, low volt (disconnects batteries from system): amzn.to/3YMbBoE Monitor * BT-2 bluetooth module (connects to batteries for app monitoring): cityprepping.tv/3IfjQ5A * BT-1 bluetooth module (connects to charge controller for app monitoring): cityprepping.tv/3EmfKHN * Shunt/battery monitor (monitor battery status directly): cityprepping.tv/3lKZ8CV Tools * Cable stripper (optional, I bought it but never used it): amzn.to/3Klt96u * Cable wire lug crimper plus cable cutter: amzn.to/3xAGJLE * Cable lugs + shrink wrap: amzn.to/3XLOQzG * Ratchet with rubber grip (I bought this as I wanted rubber on the end of the handle to avoid touching the end of the handle on posts by accident): amzn.to/3XQG03D * Heavy AWG crimping tool (need it for the 2|0) cable to connect the batteries to the inverter: amzn.to/3IfNJ5R * Wire insulation cutter/stripper: amzn.to/3ICRPpP Or, if you'd prefer to pick up a kit with all of these pieces combined (to save money), you can check out these options: * cityprepping.tv/3TlAMMj Skip around with these timestamps: * Classroom: 1:21 * -- Wiring: 5:39 * -- Cable lugs: 8:13 * -- Fuses: 9:06 * -- Switches: 10:02 * -- Bus bars: 10:33 * -- Shunts: 11:11 * -- Layout: 11:26 * Lab (inverter to battery): 12:04 DISCLAIMER: This video description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support my channel and allows me to continue making videos. Thank you for your support! Support the channel by clicking here before you start shopping on Amazon: amzn.to/2vbNo1l (heck, even bookmark it for future use if you're feeling extra generous). Follow me on: Instagram - instagram.com/cityprepping Facebook - facebook.com/cityprepping Twitter - twitter.com/cityprepping Website: www.cityprepping.com #diy #solar #guide
@@maddhatter3564 Yup, his batteries are gonna pop like popcorn. Also if you are going to use a 2000 watt inverter he really should be using a 24 volt setup... 1) more efficient in conversion for charging and inverter. 2) cabling half of the thickness.
I just spent several months designing and purchasing items for my home solar system. I watched countless videos and read countless articles. This is a great video that would have saved me a tremendous amount of time, energy and frustration. Great job!
same thing happened here. i spent A LOT of time on this video as the details I outlined were scattered everywhere. Most of the company's documentation was wrong, so that was even more frustrating. BUT, I learned a lot in the process.
Same here! I eventually got around to basically the same setup, but I spent so much time buying little parts here and there (sometimes the wrong parts) and it would have been so much easier if I had seen this first. Excellent video.
Everyone says they will show you how to do this step by step, and then everyone proceeds to skip some key parts of creating something like this. Usually things like how to match cable sizes with amperage etc. This is the first video I've seen that covers EVERYTHING step by step. Well done sir!
This is not a DIY video it’s a resource, store it, and use it as a reference. Knowledge is key, I’ve been through multiple basic courses this is perfect for those of us that don’t work in the electrical field daily, it’s so easy to forget the basic formulas.
Chris, this was the best step by step video out there. I have been wanting to find a video that every one can watch. I will let my grandchildren watch it with me and we will build this system together right from your video. I have most of the components already but wanted to wait until I found a great video so the grandchildren can understand the complete system. We want everyone here to be able to run and repair our systems. We want all of our systems to be able to be run and repaired by us all. Thank so much, sir!
Got tired of that Canadian guy crying wolf all the time and made this my main go-to channel. Chris is always very level-headed and good with offering perspective.
I've watched hundreds of videos about home solar setups and this is above and beyond anything I've watched. Thank you for the great information and explaining everything so that it is easy to understand. Awesome video!
6:04 question here. If the inverter is running at 85%, would we not multiply by .85 instead of dividing. If it’s working at less than 100%, wouldn’t your amperage be less than 100% (166.67 amps)? By dividing, you increased the final amperage number. I’m not an electrical engineer or electrician, just someone looking for some clarity. I really enjoy the channel and am actually a member of the City Prepping community. Stay safe out there y’all!
An inverter ideally converts 100% of DC input into AC output without losses. In reality, an inverter with 85% efficiency means 85% of the input power is converted into usable AC, while 15% is lost as heat or inefficiency. For example, if you input 30A at 12V (360W) DC, the output will be 2.55A at 120V (306W) AC, with 54W lost (not 54A). To compensate, you increase the input to 35.294A at 12V (423.528W) to achieve 360W AC output. The 2000W rating refers to continuous AC output, not the input limit.
I have watched 50-100 of these over the past 9 months. This one I like best. Thanks for taking the time to explain things thoroughly. The addition of the shunt was not something I had considered from watching other videos. Also, I did not consider the two switches. It all makes sense when you see it built and then going back and explaining why you did what you did.
This video couldn't have come at a better time. I recently picked up some solar panels with charge controller for my 2500w power inverter. My goal was to do just what you did. Now I can finish my project. Thanks a million Chris.
people like you help make RU-vid University a great place to learn. I appreciate your knowledge and informative efforts on this video. Keep up the good work!
We had to go through the learning process for all this when we added solar to our converted off-grid cargo trailer. Definitely a valuable skill. There are a lot of ready-made kits from various companies that make it easier for people new to this. The beauty is that, if you lay it out well, it's fairly easy to scale up as you realize what your power needs are. We started with a 200w solar package, which had a 20Amp solar charge controller and 1000w inverter. Even though we live in southwest Texas, which gets more sun than a lot of the country, we don't get as much actual wattage out of the panels as they're rated at. So, we're working on adding two more 100w panels, which will obviously drive us to also upgrade our charge controller to 40Amp. Upgrading our gel hybrid battery with 200ah lithium made a huge difference and gives us a fair amount of buffer when we don't have as much sun.
Outstanding presentation! precisely explained, easy to understand, not too fast, not too slow, no extra nonsense and straight to the point. Bravo sir. And you even have the supporting links and materials list and sources. As a first timer with no experience, There is No way I could have done it without your video. Thank you!
This is by far the best explanation I've found. I watched many videos before yours and had already mapped out my entire setup on paper. This made it easier to fully understand your explanation from the start. However, what sets this video apart is the detailed discussion on wire sizes for each of the hubs and converters/chargers in a 200A / 2000W setup. This helped me finalize my setup without overspending on larger cables, as I now fully understand the amps running through the system.
I like your channel from others because you give options instead of just what's going on in the world. I don't think the idea for my workshop would work if I haven't watched your videos. Which allows me to use 80% of the workshop during a power outage by design when it's built.
This is one of the best videos I have seen on DIY solar setup. Most of the DIY systems comes with no instructions or UL certified cables and connectors. Instructions in this video demonstrate and explains the purpose of each device very well. Cabling chart link is very helpful. My first system had no wire gauge markings on the cable I had to find lugs by trial and error. Adding fuses, circuit breakers, and battery disconnect adds an extra layer of protection.
Well done man, I don’t give compliments often, but you did an incredible job explaining. I’ve watched so many videos, talked to so many people, trying to figure how exactly things tie into together, and you managed to show me, in 20 mins. Thank you.
I realize that these teaching videos don't get the same amount of views as the news updates, but those of us who are trying to improve and prepare, as opposed to just doom scrolling, really appreciate them.
As an older female newby solar electrician (recently wired solar panel to a greenhouse fan powered by battery with solar controller and thermostat), this is the best explanation of solar system build that I have come across on RU-vid. Even I can understand it. This video is enticing me to put solar on my roof. Of course, I will need someone much younger to install the panels on the second story roof, but your video has helped me figure out how to do the rest on the ground. Many thanks!
Chris, awesome video!! I’m an EE and you explained everything perfectly. This is excellent especially for anyone who views electrical DIY projects as intimidating. Keep up the great work! 👍
HANDS DOWN, NOT DEBATEABLE, this is the most comprehensive easy to follow in layman’s terms both educational and hands-on video, that I have ever seen on RU-vid let alone just for solar. kudos to you, my friend, well done you just earned a subscriber.
Chris, thanks for all the high value you information you put out. I know you worked really hard to produce this video and your efforts are greatly appreciated sir!
I know I'm repeating many of the thoughts stated before me, but... this IS REALLY one of, if not THE best presentation I have seen on RU-vid. If I was assessing this for a Train the Trainer course you would get 110% - ordered, explained, showed and presented perfectly. Answered all of my unanswered questions BEFORE I take the final steps to put together my own system - plus made me add a couple of components I hadn't seen/thought of before. As one reviewer said "Wish I'd found your video a LOT sooner". Thank you SO much for the time and effort you put into this video - it really needs to be the FIRST video anyone finds when searching. I don't know how I missed it before now in all of my searches.
I’ve watched at least 100 videos in the past 3 years. This is the best I have seen yet. I have struggled to wrap my head around certain things and this makes it all make sense to me. I thank you for taking the time, spending the money and putting the effort into teaching. I will save this video and share it with anyone looking for help to understand rv/bus/van electrical systems or in designing their own system. Thanks again!!
Only thing worth mentioning to change is stranded wire in screw downs, is to use a Ferrel crimped to prevent wire spread in the screw terminal. Excellent video :)
I set up a 300 watt solar system in my camping trailer about 6 years ago. I visited a lot of RU-vid sites and bought an instruction manual. If this video would have been available back then, it would have been all I would have needed. This is great. It’s complete, to the point and easy to understand. And all without the time wasting hoopla that take up the first half of most youtube posters.
This is exactly what I have been looking for. Everybody just teaches how to setup solar system. They don’t teach about what type of wires to use for a particular amount of load. They don’t say anything about shunts and many comprehensive explanations you gave. Thanks so much
This was the best video on all of RU-vid. I step by step followed your directions over a 4hr period had to go back a couple times but I now have a 600w system with a 2000 w inverter and 3 Vmax slr100 100ah AGM batteries. Hoping to save up to get those lithium’s. Thank you very much for your time ❤
I have been on line for hours trying to understand how to set up a solar system for my travel trailer. Then in your video I was blown away how you took the mystery out of how to set up a solar system. I can't thank you enough!!!
I have watched many videos on "how to install a solar system" over the years, this is by far the BEST ONE. I will be returning to watch as my build is re-wired properly. Thank you.
This was one of the most well thoughtout presentation on how to build a solar setup I've ever seen. Over the years I have been slowly collecting information on how to build a simple 12 volt system for a van and I have watched many videos. But this was the best; concise; well paced video I've seen.. I got bits and pieces from other videos but this was brilliant. I tip my cap!
Good video. Don't know if anyone has already mentioned it but some charge controllers can be damaged if you connect the solar panels before you connect the battery. I try to watch all your videos and enjoy learning from them. Keep up the good work please
Sweet, just watt the Dr. ordered! Excellent presentation, thank you! My method of remembering the formulas is a triangle with watts at top, base are Amps & volts. Divide watts/amps=volts, divide watts/volts=amps, multiply amps/volts (base)=watts…
TOTALLY the best video I have watched. I have watched tons of videos and yours is by far the easiest one to follow. I have all my components to start my own DIY solar system on my 5th wheel this weekend. looking forward to Boondocking. WELL DONE.. KEEP IT UP.
This is by far the fullest and best-explained video i have seen yet, and i have watched several over the years. I have a good handle on the task and the electrical understanding. Thank you tons for this easy-to-follow and information-packed video. The content is great, the info is logical, and the setup and layout is priceless.
I've been researching 'adding solar power to my RV' and I've seen a LOT of different videos far as connecting from the solar panels to the charge controller , then adding in a Inverter, then to the batteries..Then I see some devices being added in between such as a shunt ? - power off switch or a disconnect switch for the solar panels and the correct size wires to use but you explained everything in detail on 'why' all the connections extremely well so that I now can decide on what to buy. I thank you sir.. This is the best video yet....I'll be be adding this to my favorites bar for reference..
I must have gone through 100 videos on solar.then I bump into this.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Seven hearts one for everyday of the week I would keep watching.professpr you are the best at presenting .clear and to the point speech .thank I will keep watching
For the larger wire going from the inverter to the batteries, I would use welding wire, ie 2/0, 4/0, it is a little more money but it's really flexible and much easier to use for this type of install.
Also the welding wire is key for safety. The wire he used does not have enough copper strands to be safe at the high current. Most solar component manufacturers specify the minimum number of strands for the specified cable size for connecting their products. Too few strands can increase resistance with could then overheat and start a fire.
We live on an island in Panama and needed to learn solar systems years ago as most properties are off grid. This is the best explanation intro I have seen! And you can tell he has been through the details a few times as he even gives things to watch out for! GREAT
Great video. Since this is an instructional, please do 2 things in future videos. Remove rings or wear gloves when working with high amp equipment. You can do some serious welding with those batteries. Never use pliers on nuts. Can damage nuts and cause a short if they slip. Use wrenches or sockets that are properly sized.
This is awesome Chris thank you. For the next power related video could you please consider doing a diy micro wind turbine setup for those of us that have dark and windy for 6 months a year? I think small scale wind power would be a major step forward.
Great video and super helpful. Only 2 suggestions - would be nice if you gave rough ballpark on costs for the system you covered and second, providing very high level overview on battery capacity (amp hours) and how to plan for this in your system design. I know you can't possibly cover ALL topics in one 30 minute video, and the video was very good! Nice job and thank you.
Your guide has been the best to understand on youtube for me, and it makes it easy to see how it can be upgraded. I can send this to other people without any qualms. It's perfect.
The fuse between the bus bar and inverter is redundant as the fuse you have on the battery terminal which is the same value will blow first being close to the source. The correct configuration is positive terminal to fuse to isolation switch to bus bar. You need to keep the cable positive and negative lengths from the battery and to the inverter the same. To ensure equal draw and keep the system balanced! Not sure if you mentioned that?
The formulas he is using is simple OHMS LAW very basic algebra. I learned this back almost 40 years ago in electronic classes while working on my degrees in electronic engineering. This is still good info to learn that everyone should learn. I plan on building a solar power system for my place so info such as this is great to refresh what I learned years ago.
What's the total cost of equipment for this DIY? I know they have some bundles/kits, but if you pay for each item that you are displaying...what's the damage?
Your 200amp wire and fuse calculation goes out the window when voltage sags below 12volts. Using your calculations if someone were to run batteries down to an extreme cutoff voltage of say 10.5volts you're then at 224amps. Also, what about temp rating of wire vs amperage.
I am getting ready to do this exact set up for my rv and I have been learning for the last 6months and this is the best video I have seen! I actually understand how to select wire size and fuses now. Thanks so much! Great job!
Wow! I completely understand! I was a Electrical Mechanical Draftsman for a while two years of schooling. You explained this very well. Thanks! I never examined Solar Panels now I have a need!!
Or, as I learned it back in Electronics Engineering school..."It's easy as PIE." So POWER (P) = Current (I) X Voltage (E) This aligns the equation to the Engineering standard notation...or Watts = Amps X Volts for the actual Units of Measure. GREAT informative video as usual !!! Easy as PIE !
This was fantastic! I have tried watching tons of vanlife videos on how they setup solar but never understood. I finally understand! Your video was perfect. Straight to the point with only the information we need and not talking so fast I miss it lol Thank you so much!
I have watched ALOT of videos on this subject! I felt like I was n an actual class learning!! Am sending you a high five! This was greatly appreciated!!!! Thank u so much. Easy to follow and very detailed.
I have looked at hours of videos relating to solar setup , I wish I had found your one first , this is by far the most comprehensive and informative video I have seen , Thank you Chris.
This is a fantastic DIY video. My husband and I have been researching solar for our home for several months. All of the DIY instructions are so confusing and contradictive to the instructions. I think we have a new plan of attack here because you so graciously and lovingly spent your time researching and then making this video for anyone in the world to learn from. Thank you so much Kris.
even after weeks of research and figuring out what i needed to order i got to the point of setup and found this video. people mention fuses and switches but rarely go into them. i have a 3000W, 12V setup that i'm trying to get going and i think you've just filled every hole i may of had of course other then nuance of solar. amazing video
Seriously read hours of information and watched so many videos! Not one explained things so perfectly! I understood everything. The lights turned on in my head
Here is a huge "Thank you!" for listing all the part resources and sizes in addition to your excellent explanation of setting all this up. I'm prepping my very small camper for long-term survival with 400W solar, 4 LiFePO4 100Ah heated Battle Born batteries and 3000W inverter. Best wishes to you!
I found 2 tools that I already had for cutting through 2/0 cable. A chopsaw with 122 tooth blade, and a copper tubing cutter. the copper tubing cutter is also helpful in cutting through the insulation before stripping. you can also use a hacksaw, but that is slow.
Wow, that was very very helpful! Even just a few years ago this kind of info was spread across multiple sources and I still felt uncertain. Thanks for making it so clear and easy to understand.
Basic ohms law. Much of this i learned about 35 odd years ago, it is still good to go over and renew some of that which has been forgotten or just not used in many years. Thanks for putting this one out there saved it for future use as well.
I'm sure I'm not alone when I say, I've been sifting through youtube videos for a long time, looking for this video, thank you so much, perfect video!!
You done great. Thanks so much. As previously an Electronics Tech, Production Maintenance Tech. I very much appreciate your method of explanation. I've followed you for a good while. One of my first exposures to you was hardening your home to intrusion, defending your home.
this is so easy to follow! my only concern is folks doing this outside the usa where the wiring requirememts/standards and regs may apply (even if its an amateur build i think id still follow local regs etc.) my point is basically that here in the uk (stuff runs on 240v) putting ground onto the neutral bar would be considered a wiring fault (ground/neutral short circuit) and would need its own grounding busbar. BUT for all im moaning, this is awesome! definitely doable! id probably say if its going to be in a set place (eg your home, not a mobile home!) install a grounding rod if possible for that extra piece of mind in the safety area. 😊
Arh.. that is exactly what I was thinking.. just watched a video saying don't mix the neutral and ground.. so I was wondering? I have built a new solar system based on the back of this video, which as you all agree seems to be the best explained video on here... its just the Neutral and Grounding combined got me wondering.. I figured seperate would be best.. glad I have a spare bus bar.. Any ideas? oh I am in the UK too North Wales to be exact x great vid, ta very much
I wish I'd seen your video before I purchased items. This is exactly what (and how -well presented for me) I wish I had seen earlier and really clears up some concerns and questions I had. I'm grateful for your putting this together. You answered so many questions and simplified the process in a way I could digest.
Just wondering if you've ever built a system this size in a toolbox. But maybe with just one 12 volt battery. I've watched and learned so much from you...and we all appreciate the valuable knowledge and time you put into these videos. Not to mention the 💰💰💰💰💰 Be safe all
I have to go back and rework almost everything I've done. Thanks for this video. All the information is in one place, very well done! I wish I had seen this before I started my project.
