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As someones who's hobbie is making solar set ups and building batteries this is a fantastic idea for someone to start out on the cheap and build on it later. I would have never thought of it well done.
Same here , as someone who's done electronics for 45 years all I can say is.....I would if never thought of it! Cool idea to start your own power station.
If you are shooting a video for RU-vid. I think using landscape orientation is much better than upright phone orientation. You kept panning left and right when you would have had it all in shot in standard landscape. I'm watching it on a TV and it looks bad. I couldn't get to appreciate the content.
Mate, that is a great idea. I live on a boat part of the year. When the sun is up why mess with all the batteries and controllers. Just throw the panel out on the deck with the converter and charge whatever you need...powerbrics, phones, even a hot water tank if you got enough reserve in the bank. Loved it. Your idea of using different types of connectors was spot on. I will definetly be using your setup on the boat and Chevy flatbed camper. Mad Respects Sir
Thanks bro I’m glad I could help. You can buy converters with a 13.8volt output so you can get a little bit more efficiency over the 12volt model 👍 just find one that will suit your solar input voltage and you will be good to go. Cheers
for my garden hose on-demand diaphragm water pump I run it directly (no converter /regulator or anything) off two used cheap 12v solar panels in parallel. Works well. I agree large used higher voltage house panels are a good deal if you can find them locally without shipping. Just an idea for certain applications.
That’s awesome mate. 12volt pumps work great with solar as they can work with the fluxing voltages so no need for a stable voltage. Thanks for your comment 👌
Good to hear pumps work directly. I’ve been considering floating some panels on the pond with a submersible pump in the deepest part to circulate the water. The fish can hide under the panels. Also a direct DC pump in the well to slow pump to a tank when the sun shines. The well is 180 feet deep so will take more panels. Maybe 24 volts is better because of the distance. Well pumps are available in 24 volts.
CAUTION! this setup has not yet have a fuse. I would recommend putting a fuse on this system. Always take caution when working with electricity. High voltage can be deadly. Thanks
A step-down converter, also known as a buck converter, is designed to reduce voltage while increasing current. When you connect your solar panels directly to a step-down converter to convert 36 volts to 12 volts, the converter will adjust the voltage and deliver the desired 12 volts to your load. However, the process of stepping down voltage involves converting some of the electrical energy into heat. In this scenario, the step-down converter does not function like an MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) charge controller. An MPPT charge controller is specifically designed to optimize the power output from solar panels by adjusting the operating point of the panels to maximize the power they generate. MPPT controllers are more efficient than simple voltage regulators when it comes to extracting the maximum power from solar panels, especially when the solar panel's voltage and current characteristics are not an exact match for the load. On the other hand, a basic step-down converter will reduce the voltage to the desired level (12 volts in your case) but may not optimize power extraction from the solar panels. The excess energy that is not delivered to the load is typically dissipated as heat in the conversion process. If maximizing the power output from your solar panels is important, especially under varying sunlight conditions, using an MPPT charge controller is recommended. MPPT controllers can adjust the electrical operating point of the solar panels dynamically to extract the maximum available power, providing a more efficient energy conversion compared to a simple step-down converter.
An MPPT with a load port but without a battery is doing exactly the same but better, the battery is just a nice buffer. You can use no battery, a small battery or a big battery depending on how much solar and load changes during the day (and night when battery is big enough) I recommend the Victron 100 20 as it allows for 12/24/48 volt
Victron Recommend being connected to a battery in pretty sure? And are a lot more expensive. I have a Victron charge controller I could test to see if it works.
A good idea is to add a small pump that would use extra power and use it to pump water up to a tower and attach a micro hydro generator that could run all night to power refrigerator and freezer over night the water will drain into an underground tank for repumping back into the tower the next day also you could directly connect a well to the underground tank and use a second pump to take water to a second tower to make your house have water pressure in the lines , in limited water areas you'll not be wasting water just recycling for power usage and your second tower should be sized for all your water use for a week.....just saying.....
We are building a pond but I’m concerned the evaporation losses will be high. I like the idea of tanks. I might build a ferrocement tank because i dont like plastic tanks.
Yeah I run my 12 volt camping fridge in the day with this same setup. I made a short about it. I also bought a dc to dc converter you can adjust with a screw driver to adjust to 13.5 volts to run my stuff with a little more voltage. Free energy during the day.
Yeah nice. I will check out your short. And I also have an adjustable dc to dc converter that I am going to make another set up using a 12v panel. Gotta love free solar. Cheers
Interesting ideas. Is there a 12VDC ice maker available? I considered making ice with solar then using the ice to keep food in a big cooler cold at night or during cloudy weather.
At last! Been looking for a workable solution for simply charging laptop, tablet and phone for my home in Thailand (no lack of Sun!). Been quoted ridiculous prices for setups bigger than I need. Thank you
Wow another fantastic amazing super great video info and analysis from absolutely the best channel on RU-vid. Thank you and keep the great videos coming.
This is very much useful for applications where you need to run a 12V equipment during day-time only. Like for example fountains, aquarium aerators or pumps. Thanks for your idea!
You need to be very cautious when switching high current DC, as you can start a DC ark at currents above 5 Amps. This ark, like a welders ark, can be impossible to stop and can destroy switching circuits designed for AC operation and start a fire ! It is the reason the shut down procedure on solar grid installations say to switch off the grid power ( mains feed ) first, to reduce ( stop ) the solar panel feed curent, then switch off the DC from the panels, so the low current does not create a DC ark in the DC switch.
Thanks for your word of caution Malcolm. Yes the higher the voltage the higher the risk of ark. Also higher risk of electric shock. Well worth mentioning. We all should be cautious when working with electricity. Thanks mate 👍
Top stuff. I clicked like when you said you bought the 250W panels @ten bucks a piece :) Fair dinkum unreal. I'm an expat who left Aussie in 98 and am thinking of doing some solar to my abode in Thailand......just a little at a time as you suggested that may be applicable for the more budget aligned.......this helps....thank you
Glad I could help. Just make sure you are getting the right dc converter for your panels and you will be sweet. And yes I jumped onto those panels for that price. I could never find a bargain like that again. Thanks for watching mate 👍
I ended up with two 305 watt rigid solar panels for peanuts. Wanna know how? Call your local solar installation companies. They sometimes have scuffed panels, sometimes someone ordered the wrong type of panel, sometimes the company changed one lot of panels with a different configuration...on and on. These panels sit in their storage sheds waiting for placement. I got mine for a 100 dollars...Jus sayin...
Couple of things to be careful with first by using a step down converter it depends on what kind you're using some of them are relative some of them are fixed meaning in some of the cheaper ones as the voltage of the solar panel fluctuates your output voltage could fluctuate so be sure to check that Second you should be using about 14 volts not 12 volts a 12 volt battery is not actually 12 volts actually if it were 12 volts it would be destroyed most likely it's usually between 12.1 and 12.6 volts nominal resting but under load charging it's usually around 13 or 14 volts we just call it a 12 volt battery it's not actually 12 volts it's just close to 12 volts Next you are likely not getting the full power available from that solar panel setup because your output power is going to be limited by the load rating of your stepdown converter so make sure you get a converter large enough for the maximum your solar array is capable of or use multiple converters as long as you have enough amps coming out of the solar panel that will work just fine In reality you're better off buying a charge controller it's going to cost you only a few dollars more than the step down converter it'll be able to handle more power and you will be upgrade ready for example adding more solar panels up to whatever the rating of your charge controller is and also adding in a battery later.
Thanks mate. Very knowledgeable. I have seen fixed stepped down converters with 12.8volt and 13.8volt output options now. So the manufactures are catching on to it. Also can you run a load from a charge controller directly from solar without a battery? Thanks for your comment 👍
And I totally agree you aren’t really getting the full potential from my 500watt array. This dc to dc converter would be more suited for one 250watt panel giving some extra watts for a buffer. I could run 2 x dc converters of my setup for sure.
There is a charge controller ( and pure sinewave inverter and batteries and BMS ) already built into the Bluetti. It is far more efficient and safer to simply plug the solar panels directly into the Bluetti. You're welcome !
@@nerys71 You seem to have missed the point. He already has a Bluetti; can't you see it in the video? It is logical to make full use of it given that it is there "... at least in the context of what he is trying to do".
I agree but some people don’t have the budget to buy everything at once. At least with this set up they can use it until they have the money to get battery’s and upgrade. 👌
@@Techboxreview budget is only one part. You can buy batteries for $100 at a time and add them as your budget allows. Seeing as you already have a battery pack (solar type storage unit) then you already have a battery with an inverter available to your system. Not everyone has $1000 to buy one of those.
@@rupe53 I purchased the Bluetti EB3A power station for less than $200 USD including delivery and tax. I have a small 50 watt solar panel left over from an old project to put to use. Not much solar power, but will purchase some panels as suggested here.
@@colinfitzgerald4332 That's a pretty reasonable price but do read the manual because there will be a limit to the number of watts you can use to charge it. There are also practical limitations. 600 watts won't start a typical fridge, but it will charge many portable power tools and run some LED lights. Back to the topic at hand, that unit *IS* a battery so you do have storage for when the sun doesn't shine.
@@rupe53 it is a small power station. It has a maximum charge rate of 100 watts at 12 v and 200 watts at 24 v. I use it for operating a buffer at a remote location, for RV camping, and charging phones etc. I like the philosophy given here to expand solar capabilities as money allows.
I've just been experimenting with solar panels I've bought on Ebay. The problem I've encountered is that the solar energy isn't always constant. Some days the skies are cloudy and some days the skies are more clear. During the day clouds may go over the solar panels from moment to moment. Early morning and late afternoon the sun is much less direct than at noon. And so on. One solar panel I've got produces different voltages depending on how strong the solar energy falling on it is at a particular moment. What is really needed is an electronic component that can even out these differences and produce a constant voltage no matter how low or high the voltage is feeding into it. I've got a solar panel system that is portable and unfolds to 3 solar panels. It feeds its output to a small electronic box that has a couple of USB ports in it for charging cell phones and such. The problem I find with it is that it just cuts off its output when the solar energy falling on the solar panels is so low that it can't produce the 5 to 6 volts necessary for charging cell phones. I suspect that it has a circuit to down convert the voltage if it gets higher than 5 to 6 volts or maybe the panels just can't produce more than 5 to 6 volts at max. I think that it should be possible to make an electronic circuit that would also cut in with an up converter to increase the voltage to 5 or 6 volts when that is needed also.
One drawback to this is that the 12VDC appliances and devices are very limited. The output of any solar panel goes up and down constantly, if this does not give a stable output it is worthless.
I have done the same thing, just not as extensive as your setup, yet. But adding to the system is half the fun. I have my fridge running off an inverter and batteries as well. I think it is becoming a necessity to help save the planet.
Awesome stuff mate. I agree adding and growing the system is like a journey. Makes it worth while 😁 yes I think making our own power is great even if it is just a small fraction of our daily power use.
Yeah, that's not the ideal set up, but it's a good way to get started while you save up for (more) batteries. Or even if you have extra panels that you just want to set outside once in a while for emergencies or something.
You may be better off getting yourself a mppt charge controller. U can also charge portable packs/ power banks during the day as demonstrated in the vid. U can also find dc converters that output 13.8volts that would be more suited to charging batteries but it’s not recommended. Cheers
I just got an Ecoflow Powerstream 800w micro inverter, no batteries but puts the power direct into your home via a socket and reduces usage by the solar power going in. Currently got 2 x 410w panels on it, better than paying the big energy companies :)
@@IYar56 the batteries aren't very cost effective, I'm going to put another 3 x 800w panels up with a 460ah LiFePO4 battery and 2000w inverter to run a few bits through the night.
I do use some solar to save but mostly for backup at night and power out times. To eliminate batteries would be great. One could use wind or maybe a bicycle generator. 😁
TBR very ingenious!!! Im familiar with all the electronics and systems that make up a solar setup and your idea is great simplicity for someone just wanting to run solar without all the expense and complications. 👍💯
Those are some cool ideas, but why not just use a cheap PWM controller, which has the built option for running 12v loads? That's just as cheap as the buck converter, just as capable and configurable, but you get the built-in safety of a proper charge controller. Boost/buck converters have their place, but it's a false economy to use them in place of an inexpensive charge controller.
Pwm charge controllers recommend being connected to a battery? I’m not sure if they will directly run a conductive load with just the solar alone? I did also mention towards the end of the video that it’s upgradable so u can get a charge controller and battery’s when you have the money.
Cheap PWM controllers let the full voltage of the solar panels through to the battery/load and short to ground any power that is not needed. Not at all suitable.
@@kevinmills5293 - I've been using a cheap PWM controller (from Harbor Freight) to run 12v loads for years. Yes, you need to have a 12v battery connected, but for part of that time I used a little motorcycle battery. Perfectly suitable and inexpensive, plus you had a small amount of capacity to run loads at night, which the method shown cannot do. It's not like this is some cool, new idea. Buck/boost converters have been around a long time, but they're at least as expensive as a proper charge controller and don't offer any material advantage, other than avoiding the need for a small battery. With the availability of small, lightweight, 12v LFP batteries, even that is less and less of an inconvenience.
@@Techboxreview - That system uses the HF 25w, 4-panel system, so those put out around 18.5 volts. I forget what the VoC is. It doesn't get used much these days because I installed a much larger, better quality system.
Great deal on the panels. About $0.25 U.S. per watt is the best I've seen for panels here, but usually $0.50 goes up for shipping if you can't go pick them up too.
@@Techboxreview then just plug your panels directly into the Bluetti..... then charge all other things thru the Bluetti. Not to mention you have the inverter built in for other devices. That 12.1 volts from that converter is NOT enough to charge any 12 volt batteries. 12 volt batteries require roughly 14 volts to properly charge.
Thanks for the video it has been very informative and giving me some insight, as I’m trying to put together a setup for camping. I also see a lot of second hand solar panels with large wattages for sale and was wondering how to use them. So if I had a similar setup on my 4x4 I could run the Dcdc step down straight into my 40 amp king’s charger to keep the lithium topped up Regards Samuel
Nice voltage range, almost all house panels will fall within this voltage. I like that it has 13.8v output. I hope your comment helps someone out. Cheers Bob 👍
Just for the curious...my battery backup...one lifepo 12v battery...charger...2500 watt pure wave inverter...battery switch...$700. That's with no panels or charge controller. Add $300 for 2 new panels and contdoller. I'm an electrician and just having fun building stuff.
I'm not sure if your blue eddy can operate 12 volt items while charging, but if it can the battery will smooth out the buck convertor sine wave for whatever you run - especially electronics...
I take it you get a lot of sun where you are. But even so if you don't get lots of sun but get some a 12v solar system is very worth while and can help reduce your bills, I used to use a jump starter and keep it charged up using a solar panel, i could charge up phones, run small electrical stuff and boost my car when ever needed, i added a small inverter to run an electric spray gun and some other bits, as long as you didn't over tax it, it would be good. Solar is great fun to work with.
I am very lucky. We get plenty of sun in Western Australia. I agree I loved solar ever since I was young. Sounds like you got the most out from your jump starter 👍 You can do plenty with solar if you get creative 😜
If you live where the power has blackouts this simple setup would be a extremely useful setup on the cheap. To be able to charge cell phones and lights etc. For off grid living a much bigger system would be desirable of course. I have a few unused panels laying around and would like to get my 240VAC hot water heater disconnected from the grid and connected to the panels directly. It’s sunny desert here so there’s is solar power over 300 days per year. However using the hot water heater as a preheater going to a on-demand hot water heater would cover 365 days per year and 24/7. I need to find out if there are regulating (modulating) on-demand hot water heaters that accept prewarmed water and will not scald us? Does anyone know which ones work? Thanks.
I rely on wind turbines that compress air and I store the air for later use to run an air engine coupled to a generator. I TRULY have no storage batteries! You could do the same by using the electricity manufactured by your panels to run air compressors.
You could set the solar panels up on the ground. There is no need for expensive rooftop installation. The panels can be placed at the best possible position for solar access.
You better have safety fuses between the solar output and appliances, but on cloudy days or at night youd still need the bluetti which uses a lithium battery...
Oct 2024, 230w used panels, $20 asking, bought 4x for $17 each. Used...if it's -3%, I still have +220w output. I'm planning to buy 8-14 more if these 4 function and I have the spacing for them.
is the voltage output of the panels not affected by the available sunlight. the 32 volt would not be a constant level. does the step down converter accept a range of inputs and produce a steady 12 volt output?
Thanks pal ive just subd. Its great info for a noob. Elec is so abundant and so easily harnest whether its sun,wind or water, so why are the fuckers ripping us off so much today and why so expensive? I am in cloudy uk and autumn and winter is dull, would this still work on a slight cloudy day for me?
Thanks for the sub mate. It should still work although you might be limited with what you can use during cloudy days. My set up still can charge small power packs during really cloudy days. If you can pick up some cheap solar panels then it would be worth giving it a go
Great vid 👍I COLD Brew my Teas & Coffee....then on 2nd run I use a jar inside a jar Solar HOT brewed...can U direct charge a 12v LiFePo4 w/ U'r setup ?
Cheers mate. I’m thinking of remaking this video one day and make it better quality as it’s very popular. I believe the 13.8v output dc converters can be used as a lifepo4 charger. Something I will have to test out soon. Great idea using a jar to heat up your coffee 🤙🏻
So what happens on a sunny day if there's nothing plugged in draining the amps? I can assume the heat-sink will overheat and possibly cause a fire. IMHO without a solar controller and a battery to absorb unused electricity, this system is dangerous. A battery and controller aren't that expensive to add.
Running 12 volt appliances on 12 volts is very inefficient. Most 12 volt appliances are designed to run at about 13.2 volts. One something like a ham radio you would only have something like 80% or rated output.
I agree Larry. I have seen these dc converters with 12.8volt and 13.8volt output options now. Or you could go with an adjustable converter. I’m in the process of making a video using an adjustable converter.
The Bluetti would an awesome addition to this system. But it is not required to work. That’s there just for some examples of what the system can do. But I agree if paired with a small Bluetti it would be perfect👍 thanks for watching mate
Hi mate thanks for watching. If you are talking about running an inverter off this system. Yes you can but you will only be able to use a small inverter on this system
@Techboxreview So yer using a pretty shitty charge controller to charge batterys via solar panels in order to proclaim you have a solar system that doesnt use a charge controller or batterys. Have you been on tha Fosters again me"aul Cobber ?
You do have battery’s. Also a charger controller and pure sine inverter. If giving an example of your title remove the Bluetti and the other lithium battery pack.
Thanks mate. I’m Australian. Grew up in Tasmania. Tasmanian’s do have a different accent from other parts of Australia I reckon 😁 and yes it’s a great little set up for cheap.
I bought a cheap charger controller for maybe $20 then deep cycle batteries were I think $80 each at Walmart. I have two to make a 24 volt system, which I run 12 v lights off of each battery. $10 each was a steal!
I can’t see why not mate. Could just connect straight from ur converter to a 12 accessory panel using some type of adaptor. I didn’t show it in the video I I would recommend using a fuse also. Cheers
Sorry mate but I’m a bit too busy atm. I work full time and only do videos on the weekends when I get the time. But there are lots of great videos on RU-vid that should lead you in the right direction. Search wire connectors 😁👍 or search wire connectors on eBay or Amazon just make sure you pick one with the right amp rating you are after. Hope this helps ya mate
Hi mate. I have been told by some people that you can. but I have never tried. Using the 13.8volt output converter. I have got a Enerdrive dc to dc converter also and that can charge lifepo4 batteries
This video is not for people that want to run a freezer. After all it’s only a $100 set up (including panels) You would have to spend thousands to keep a fridge/freezer running 24/7
Sorry I miss read your last question. The converter the sticker says 24v input but the specifications say it can handle up to 40volts input. Good spotting that 😁👍
