I was wondering where you got your wire (going from panels to combiner box and charge controller)? I have 10 50W 100V panels, and I am thinking of going with a grid tie inverter to start. I have priced out a couple places for #12 tray cable, but I wondered what you used in this project? Thanks!
thats a cool setup. i didnt think you could wire batteries in series and in parallel at the sae time though. you think i could use a 124V panel to charge batteries to run a 1000W space heater? how many batteries u think i need? where can i get these answers. thanx alot. good workk with your setup.
@Loye911 You sure can. If you notice I have wired two 6v batteries in series to make them 12v, then paralleled them to another two 6v batteries also wired in series to build amps. It is basic battery wiring, you can find diagrams all over the internet.
@1antennaman These are just ordinary 6 volt golf cart batteries that I got at Sams Club for about $60 each. Any similar deep cycle battery would work though.
nice to see ur reply. could u please tell me some online video that can give me satisfactory knowledge about installing solar panels i mean thoroughly explained....cheers and thanks 4 ur reply... appreciated.
hi i need to knw that, if i need to run an airconditioned of 1500 watts the panels of how many watts i needed and if i add fridge as well than how many more panels i need to run both appliances!!!
@TheRizzee I kind of understand what you are asking. If you want to run your A/C from the panels, then you will need 1500 watts of panels. if you want to run it from batteries, then you will need to convert it to amp hours then size a battery pack that will allow you to operate it. At 1500 watts it would take a large battery pack to get any decent run time, and also alot of panels to recharge it.
skippy3840, great stuff thanks yes i intend to get a bigger battery later but for now I want it to charge a laptop from a 300w inverter do you think it will be ok.
@skippy3840, Thanks great I tried to charge LAPTOP without charger block and just the plug into the lappy and it didn't work so when my inverter comes I'll try it through that with the proper chARGER.
I Love ur vids and now I'm learning every day. I rely like ur setup it looks so neat and tidy. I see you parallel connected the batteries up to gain more AmpHrs cool. I did a bit of research and you can increase voltage as well so if U ever need 24v you can link plus to minus. I had a fire
@WakkieRob1 You can charge several, but it might take a while. Of course the 12AH battery will work, but what are you going to run off of it? 12AH will not power much for very long. To give you an example my battery pack is 880 AH and I only run lights and a small TV from it.
@skippy3840, Ok I'll but some more batteries, also does it matter if the batteries are different AmpHrs or will it be ok to use to different rated batteries. (The voltage on the batteries will be the same)?
@WakkieRob1 Ideally you want to keep the AH as close to equal as you can. Different AH batteries will charge at different rates and you run the risk of overcharging some while undercharging others at the same time.
@skippy3840, Ok I'll buy some more batteries, also does it matter if the batteries are different AmpHrs or will it be ok to use to different rated batteries. (The voltage on the batteries will be the same)?
@quester57 That is correct. From the chart above if you read across you will get state of charge, specific gravity, 12v reading, and 6v reading. 100% 1.265 12.7 6.3. So, 12v batteries are 100% charged when they are at a specific gravity of 1.265 and at a voltage reading of 12.7 volts.
how about using bTTERY FOR 6 FLOOR BUILDING ... AND I WOULD LIKE TO ASK after charge can i use whole night of soar energy how much to apply this kind of solar energy???
i found 6 new 6v golf cart batteries for $300 is this a good deal? i was going to try 12v batteries but this seems like a deal is it hard to wire it like your setup? thanks for any info.
if you have almost 8000w of storage and 4000w available @50% discharge rate in your ds 6v system . 65 watt panel hardly does it justice Are you planning on upping it to something like 400watts? Are you running an MPPT charge controller?
Very nice starter system with plenty of room for expansion!!!!
I didn't know about grid tied inverters when I bought my sunforce 60 watt system and a deep cycle RV battery. I agree it's good having back up power but i think using batteries for day to day use is expensive. I remember reading back then it's the batteries that make solar never reply for it's self vs grid power. On a side note i'm looking at /watch?v=S7R1ExQNPO8 this guy is selling 120 wat system for $215+81 ship on EBAY. What do u think? cheap chinese junk or a good deal? Best price ive found
@whateverujoke You can get a few more amp hours per battery using 6V's. If I had to do it again I would most likely use 12V. They cost around $60 each at Sams Club.
Can you email me some of the installation process and the setting up of the batteries. I would probably have 2 deep cell batteries. You can leave me a small video at TheSignGuy32 Thanks
@source69 You probably could, but not for very long. Depends on how many amps your appliances draw. Remember, this is mostly for lighting, TV and other emergency things.
Ok, so, I bought 2x45W sets of panels. Total of 90watts. 5 continuous amps in good sunlight. I've got 375 amp hours on batteries. ... Boy, I drained the juice out of those, and it took me at least a week to recharge to full capacity, given we had several days of rain. Still at least 5 days (not using batteries at night, at all) to get the batteries full from 11.3 Volt inverter shut down. ... What wattage does your tv run and for how many hours? How many watts & hours for lighting.
@source69 I have a total of 880 ah of batteries. My TV is a 19" flat screen that only draws 45w. All of my lighting is CFL's that draw 14w each. I run 3 lamps and the TV for a total draw of 87w for about 8 hrs each night. Amps are more important though and I am drawing 4 amps/hr for the TV, and 2 amps/hr for each light for a total of 10 amps/hr from the batteries. 10 a/h x 8 hrs = 80 amps or about 10% of my battery bank. Your only problem is that you need more batteries.
I may be stupid, which I am, when it comes to all the breakdown here, but, how do you get that I need more batteries when it takes 5-6 days to charge the ones that l have. & unfortunately I just purchased 360 more W of solar panels, since I was sure that that's what I needed. I turn my lights off, when not using but I have regular incandescent/florescent 60w bulbs. Anyway, the TV/Dvd player pulls around 200w. I may need more batteries, but it seems i also need panels.
@ireddiamond I guess it will over time. I use batteries because I need a stand alone system. I am in FL and when we have a hurricane and the grid is down, no need for a grid tied inverter. However, as I add panels and components I am going to have the capacity for a grid tied inverter and will propbably install one.
@skippy3840 Ah and the puns continue, the solar powered guy uses the "dark" ages in an example...excellent work :) Good job on the solar stuff! I'm just getting started myself. Anything you would have done differently had you had to do it all over again?
Running your 4 amp charger how long does it take for your battery bank to recharge? How long do you run your devices? Are you anticipating running 12 volt DC CFB in the future?
@cruz47144 Actually, I have taken the 2 amp AC charger out of the system because I never used it! The panels charge the bank nicely. I switch the inverter on at dark every day and turn it off when I wake up the next morning, leaving at least 1 outside light on all night. The rest of my interior lights and TV are on timers so they shut off after I am asleep. I have wired 1 more room to run from the batteries and am running some computer equipment in the daytime now also.
If your batteries are 220 AH each. Why do you only have 660AH? Why not 1320 or 6X220= 1320? One more question how does your charger controller not know when one of the three banks is fully charge? Should you have three seperate controllers to protect each bank? Couldn't you incorporate another inverter? Thanks
@cruz47144 Because my system is 12v and I am using 6v batteries, I have to connect each pair in series, then connect the pairs in parallel. When you connect in series, the voltage is additive, and when you connect in parallel the amps are additive. Hence the 660ah for 6 batteries. I connect the leads to opposite sides of the battery bank so it charges across the bank to help with even charging. Yes, I could incorporate another inverter, but don't need it at this time.
@CrashTestDummies09 No, it does not draw much. All of my stuff is set on timers, so when I am sleeping the lights and TV kick off automatically, then the inverter idles until I get up in the morning and turn it off. I would not suggest leaving it on 24/7 though as it would probably wear out the inverter fans. I only run mine when I am using it.
I did not know you can run a batch of batteries in series and parallel at the same time. What is the advantage of having the dual set up? Where do you get info on this type of wiring? I have 6 12v 100ah batteries but they are in parallel only.
@taineasy I have 6v batteries but a basic 12v system. So, to get to 12v each pair of 6v batteries is wired in series to make 12v, then each 12v pair is paralleled to another 12v pair and so on. Basic wiring system.
Very nice, but is the 60 watt panel enough to charge your batteries? A 600 ahr system needs approx 300 watts of solar charging. (you should never discharge your batteries more than half way, this will shorten their life spans. Your probably charging the batteries mostly with your AC charger.
@donvee2000 It was a little weak, so I have upgraded to a total of 200 watts of charging capacity. I was never using the AC charger, so I removed it from the system entirely. Now I actually have more power than my lights and TV can use every night so I added another room to my circuit for additional stuff. My batteries consistently discharge about 25% every night and are now almost 4 years old with no issues.
@MrEnergyCzar Thanks. This was my first system, and although I have expanded it the basics you see in this video are still there. I mostly use this system to provide 100% of my nighttime lighting and TV. I am now working on building my own panels and removing more items from grid power in the daytime. Your videos have given me some great ideas also. Being in sunny Florida helps also!
@skippy3840 If you are in Florida, people are making solar batch pre-heaters down there...there is a good video on a guy in florida doing just that, its saved under my last playlist...
@MrEnergyCzar Thanks. This was my first system, and although I have expanded it the basics you see in this video are still there. I mostly use this system to provide 100% of my nighttime lighting and TV. I am now working on building my own panels and removing more items from grid power in the daytime. Your videos have given me some great ideas also. Being in sunny Florida helps also!
@cohiba780 Thanks. Yes, I have changed things quite a bit since this first video. See my others. I have been getting free power every night for the past two years. I am now working on building my own panels and increasing my production. Free power is very cool.
Im guessing you probably already fixed it, but for a thousand or so watts of draw on that inverter, you may wish to run at least #4 or better wire. I actually have made thinner wire pretty hot running high load in the beginning. Cool setup though. I have that same inverter you have :) Also, I can tell the other commenter that the fan on that thing will eventually have bearing problems. open the unit and replace with a good ball bearing fan as it runs continuously as you say.
Make sure you have a fuse on that 12 gauge wire that leaves the batteries to the inverter. That wire should be heavier to be able to take the much higher current.
Hey, check out my website at ScientificallyGreener(Dot) com and get all the new and improved Equipments to build or buy your own solar panels and wind energy turbine systems ScientificallyGreener(Dot) com is a website that sells the most modern environmental products available
Good setup video, very useful, but when it is on a rainy day, or if it is overcast condition, then it's not possible to generate electricity, so this may not be viable yet, unless new technology comes out.
Thats what the batteries are for :). Remember that solar panels work on light, not sun so when it is overcast the panels are still putting out a small amount of charge. There will always be disadvantages to any system.
Hi, thanks for posting the video. I liked that you showed the inverter power going to the outlet. I checked the price on the batteries. Do they really cost $220-300 each?
Thanks. What would power be without an outlet to use it from? I got the batteries at Sam's Club for about $70 each. They are 6v, EGC2 golf cart batteries. I am running them as I type this.
Nice going skippy. A lot of you tubers post non useful videos but yours are very simple and to the point. I just installed my HF 45watt setup and am going for my solar cert.
Hi skippy thank for all your advise; when are you going to show us your system upgrades, I can tell you that thanks to you my electric bill has been cut in half, I was surprised of all the money am saving. Thank you again an keep up the good work.
Love the setup, but I think you have a to small wire going from the batteries to the inverter, I have the same inverter and I'm gauge #4 for the wires.
In this video it was too small. I have since changed the set up so that there is #10 guage solid core wire going from the charge controller to the batteries, and #2 guage (300 amp) wire going from the inverter to the batteries directly.
ya, very nice, I'm looking to get started for this to power my diy can air conditioner, led lamp and later I want to power other stuff, like a pc and monitor
I think my 7AMP battery is dead, I have - 1 AMP/hr charge rate, but the battery never seems to get energy. - Only a tiny bit. - Perhaps I need an amp meter and charging regulator to help out? Or new battery ?
hi Skippy, question, how would i benefit by connecting the cables parallel to four batteries and then series to two batteries. i'm thinking they might blow up. by the way, your system is awesome. i would like to try your way...good video, simple and complete instructions are very understandable.
You connect batteries in parallel to increase amps, and in series to increase voltage. If your system is 12v, and you have 12v batteries, you would only need to connect them in parallel to increase your runtime. But, if you are like me and have 6v batteries in a 12v system, you must first connect 2-6v's in series to make a bank at 12v, then connect multiple banks in parallel to increase your amperage. I can send you a diagram if you like that explains it.
Does anyone know what it actually takes to run a house or how can I check, what would I look for on my appliances? I want to know what and how much goes where to know what kind of setup I need.
A good place to start would be to look at your last electric bill. It should show how many KWH's you used last month, you can then break this down to a daily average before tracking back to how much each appliance uses. That helps you kind of guage how much power you would need on a daily basis, and would help size a system for you.
If my math is correct. 8 6volt = 4 12 volt @ 220 = 880 amp hours with a 65 watt array. What do you run on them each night? How low do you drain the batteries and how long does it take to bring back to full? I currently have the Harbor Freight 45 watt system with a 105 amp hour battery. I have not really used it yet. I also have 4 55 watt panels I got used for cheap. That will give me 2220 additional watts once I upgrade my charge controller. Just trying to get a feel for use vs recovery.
That is correct, 880 amp hours. I added another 70w panel, so now I am running about 6-8 amps/hour charging capacity. I run several lamps with CFL's in them and a 19" flat screen TV. My batteries have developed a "memory" now and never go below about 70% of capacity. They are right back up to full by the next afternoon. Remember, your batteries work on amps in vs. amps out. Figure out how many amps your appliances will use and size your battery bank accordingly to stay at above 50%.
I'm glad you explained the wiring in series AND parallel. My mind does not compute for Both. Can you post the exact setup, maybe go over it in a little more detail, as the wiring is rather unique, at least to me. Cool setup. Thanks!
Nice job on the tech aspect but this exactly why we have inspectors. You demonstrate exposed terminals there with plenty of potential. You don't consider that a hazzard? Other than that, is very nicely done.
Hi there..How would this system work in the UK where the batteries available are 12volts /110 w..I am quite keen to install such a system but am unsure how to incorporate the differing parts to the US versions..
I think that 12v is 12v anywhere, so I think that this would work anywhere there is sunlight. I don't know what you mean by the 110w though. Batteries are usually expressed in amp/hours for capacity.
An Amp/Hr is simply 1 amp flowing for 1 hour from one place to another. For example, if you used a 100w bulb on a 110a/c circuit for 1 hour, that bulb used 1 amp/hr of power. The equation is W/V=A, and can be rearranged to solve for any of the three variables if you know at least two.
Dude, that is ultra sweet. A few more panels and a couple more batteries and you can power a ton of stuff with that inverter. Where did you get the inverter?
You can get four 20 watts for cheaper than $1,000. I got my panels from my friends website for approximately $400 or less. I also got multicrystalline solar cells too, so I can make my own solar panels. They're multicrystalline solar cells 6" x 6". Powerful output. Probably 2-3 times more powerful. ~3 watts. Help support him.
Awesome setup! Are you planning on getting a wind turbine added to it or is that enough power for you? I like the setup and may need your help on setting up mine.
Thanks. I thought about adding a wind turbine, but there is not enough wind on a consistent basis where I live to make it worthwhile. I will be adding more solar panels though, and am going to be shooting a new video soon.
You inspired me to build my solar set up, I just upgrated mine, I added six more batteries to a total of 12 giving me a total of 1600 amps. I also added 3 more solar panels a 65 w and a 100 watt and a 130 the all of them are sunsei.I love craigslist. Now my question is you think with a setup like this could I be able to run my central ac unit. and also can I connect two inverters to the system.
Now that is alot of batteries and alot of amps! You could power quite a bit of stuff with that setup, but I don't really know if you could power your central ac since I don't know what kind it is or what it's energy use is.
Very nice ! So what became of the 4 panels can you not combine them with the new panel ?? Where did you pick up your new panel and how much ?? Looking forward to your next video ..
In the interest of trying to stay on a low budget, I sold the 4 panels on ebay and rolled the money over into the new panel. I could have combined them using the combiner boxes that i make, but I decided not to. I got the panel from Arizona Sun Power for $300 shipped.
ok i like it...you said you had 4 ...15 panel that makes it 60 watts..ok..how long it takes to charge thoes battery ...and what are you runnning in the rooms?how long could they runn....with out charging..
I have since replaced the 4 panels with 1 65W 4 amp panel. I takes about 8 hours to recharge the batteries. I am running 3 pamps with 14w CFL's and a 19" flat screen TV that uses 45w. I figure I could get a good two nights worth with no charge at all. The new panel that I got is very efficient and charges even on very cloudy days.
First let me say this is a great video. It really got me thinking about setting up my own system. I was wondering, can this be used as a continuous power source for my water softner?
They are the same panels, amorphous silicone, but I built my own frame from 1x2's. I have since sold them and upgraded to a single panel that I can expand. The charge controller is a JUTA I got off of ebay for $69. Thanks on the wireing job, I have added a couple of batteries so it is time to update my video.
I have to series wire them because they are 6V batteries and I have to step them up to my 12V system. Then I parallel wire them to increase the amp hour capability of the system.
i see that said you wish you would have used 12 volt batteries insted, from everything i have learned so far, it looks like 6 volt golf car batteries are the best thing for this application because they are true deep cycle unlike marine batteries. nice setup but i would move the batteries away from the inverter to prevent the electronic equipment from igniting any hydrogen gas coming off the batteries. and maybee put in a safety disconnect too.
I leave the inverter on, put the sleep timer on the TV to cut it off. I let the inverter idle until I wake up in the morning then turn it off. Idleing doesn't hurt them at all.
The inverter is 1,200 continuous, 3,200 surge. It is a Harbor Freight cheapy, but it is over 1 year old now and still going strong. Batteries are 6V golf cart batteries from Sams Club. If I had it to do over again I would step up to 12V batteries.
I wouldn't stress too much about keeping the huge 2awg cables short,that 12awg wire to the inverter is gonna have major losses with any kind of load. (probably OK for a small TV,and a couple CFL lights though.)
Personally,I would have wired the inverter straight to the batteries,with some nice heavy wire,say 8awg,or bigger.
good video ,i bought me a set of panels like yours. they are 45 watts i have 2 ,410 ah batteries and a 1000 watt inverter. do you know about how long the batteries will last in one day or how do i friger it up . thanks nice job on your ,letosh
Cool. How long the batteries will last depends on what you run off of it.. Count up how many amps you appliances take to run, then multiply by how many hours you want to run them, then divide by the total amps in the batteries. That will tell you how much of your batteries you will use for a given situation. Try to stay around 30-40% of total capacity used.
Looks like you have everything you need for a solar system. I just watched a video before this just like your video except the guy didn't have a charge controller. I was wondering if that matters that much. I have a simple system and use a small charge controller.
It depends on how much charging capacity that you have. Too much amps coming in from the panels can overcharge and damage your batteries. At least a small charge controller can prevent this.
Thanks. I have had pretty good luck, believe it or not, on ebay, as well as Northern Tool and Harbor Freight Tools. Just do your research into what you want and need, then you can get good quality panels in a variety of places. Prices are coming down rapidly also.
I have a cabin in the west Texas desert that is electrified by three 45 watt Harbor Freight solar panel kits, 750 watt inverter, and six 6 volt golf cart batteries. I use the screw in florecent bulbs everywhere. When I need more power for saws etc. I power up the 2500 watt generator and flip a switch that sends the load from the inverter to the generator. This works great. You could even run a washer or dryer this way. If I need a quick charge, I hook jumper cables to my jeeps 90amp alt.
I like your system, but I think you need heavier cables to power your inverter. I would suggest using the same size cables you used connecting your batteries together. I think you should probably run the heavy cables directly from the batteries to the inverter.
hi bud, i like your system. i have a small one just like that, 140W solar. i live in the northeast where the winter sun is short and the cloudy days are numerous. i want to add a trickle charger. will this interfere with the solar charge?
Thanks. I hook a 2 amp trickle charger to mine occasionally, doesn't hurt a thing. In fact, you can see it in my video. I recently changed my 4 15w panels out for a single 65w panel and it gives me a ton more charge.
Sweet. The inverter works pretty good for basics like lighting and stuff doesn't it? This inverter/battery setup runs all of my lighting every night and a small color TV. I am in the process of upgrading to 3 larger panels. I am buying them 1 at a time to defer the cost. Thanks.
I got the panels at my local Northern Tool store. They are 15w panels and I got them on sale for $80 each. Remember that I am only using the panels to charge the batteries, then using the batteries to run my stuff.
I have a little experience at this and see a couple of improvements that could be made. First and most important is the inverter should be hooked to the battery with the biggest wire that will fit into the inverter connection. I could not see the watts of your inverter but it go like this. A 2000 watt inverter divided by 120 is 16amps ac but divide it by 12 is 160 amp dc needed to produce the 16 amp ac. So the ac wire is ok at 14g but the the dc should be 4 gauge. modified sine wave inverter
After I made this video, I discovered that I should not be running the inverter from the load side of the charge controller, although you can if you want to. I now have the inverter connected directly to the batteries with #2 guage 300 amp cables. My inverter is 1200 watt mod sine and I have no load problems now. Thanks for the advice.
If you drained those batteries dead it would take like 2 weeks for those 60W to top them up.
I learned the hard way. Even a day charge on my 1 lead acid battery get it up to 12.8V but it can only power a 13W Fluorescent bulb for about 2 hours on the battery. The 40W in solar panel I have can't top the batteries off. I'm going to have to leave the battery alone for about a week charging.
Yes, it would take a while to charge them all the way up. Also, if I consistently used all of the charge, it would prematurely damage the batteries. I try to only use about 30% of capacity on a cycle. That way the batteries develop a much better "memory", recover more quickly and charge up faster.
I'm not sure what battery memory is but I heard that eerm before.
You wouldn't know of a good way to deterime if a battery is fully charged? I just put completely discharged AA rechargeable into my battery charger. Pulled it out 30 seconds later it said on the volt meter 1.35V LOL. Volts in a battery. are not a indicator of "much at all".
I was wondering where you got your wire (going from panels to combiner box and charge controller)? I have 10 50W 100V panels, and I am thinking of going with a grid tie inverter to start. I have priced out a couple places for #12 tray cable, but I wondered what you used in this project? Thanks!
bpointnh 2 weeks ago in playlist More videos from skippy3840
thats a cool setup. i didnt think you could wire batteries in series and in parallel at the sae time though. you think i could use a 124V panel to charge batteries to run a 1000W space heater? how many batteries u think i need? where can i get these answers. thanx alot. good workk with your setup.
Loye911 1 month ago
@Loye911 You sure can. If you notice I have wired two 6v batteries in series to make them 12v, then paralleled them to another two 6v batteries also wired in series to build amps. It is basic battery wiring, you can find diagrams all over the internet.
skippy3840 1 month ago in playlist Uploaded videos
where do you buy these batteries ?
1antennaman 1 month ago
@1antennaman These are just ordinary 6 volt golf cart batteries that I got at Sams Club for about $60 each. Any similar deep cycle battery would work though.
skippy3840 1 month ago
what if you want to set up a solar panel system on your own but have limited knowledge anywhere I can learn online or any guides?
Sety777 5 months ago
nice to see ur reply. could u please tell me some online video that can give me satisfactory knowledge about installing solar panels i mean thoroughly explained....cheers and thanks 4 ur reply... appreciated.
TheRizzee 7 months ago
hi i need to knw that, if i need to run an airconditioned of 1500 watts the panels of how many watts i needed and if i add fridge as well than how many more panels i need to run both appliances!!!
TheRizzee 7 months ago
@TheRizzee I kind of understand what you are asking. If you want to run your A/C from the panels, then you will need 1500 watts of panels. if you want to run it from batteries, then you will need to convert it to amp hours then size a battery pack that will allow you to operate it. At 1500 watts it would take a large battery pack to get any decent run time, and also alot of panels to recharge it.
skippy3840 7 months ago
very nice
mostenan 8 months ago
ready for zombie apocalypse. lol
GenerationDarkness 8 months ago
skippy3840, great stuff thanks yes i intend to get a bigger battery later but for now I want it to charge a laptop from a 300w inverter do you think it will be ok.
The charge regulater is 7amps lol
WakkieRob1 9 months ago
@WakkieRob1 It should be more than adequate for charging a laptop.
skippy3840 9 months ago
@skippy3840, Thanks great I tried to charge LAPTOP without charger block and just the plug into the lappy and it didn't work so when my inverter comes I'll try it through that with the proper chARGER.
I Love ur vids and now I'm learning every day. I rely like ur setup it looks so neat and tidy. I see you parallel connected the batteries up to gain more AmpHrs cool. I did a bit of research and you can increase voltage as well so if U ever need 24v you can link plus to minus. I had a fire
WakkieRob1 9 months ago
Do you know how many batts I could charge off of a 40w Panel Please.
I bought a 12v 12AH Platinum Battery will this work. lol
WakkieRob1 9 months ago
@WakkieRob1 You can charge several, but it might take a while. Of course the 12AH battery will work, but what are you going to run off of it? 12AH will not power much for very long. To give you an example my battery pack is 880 AH and I only run lights and a small TV from it.
skippy3840 9 months ago
@skippy3840, Ok I'll but some more batteries, also does it matter if the batteries are different AmpHrs or will it be ok to use to different rated batteries. (The voltage on the batteries will be the same)?
WakkieRob1 9 months ago
@WakkieRob1 Ideally you want to keep the AH as close to equal as you can. Different AH batteries will charge at different rates and you run the risk of overcharging some while undercharging others at the same time.
skippy3840 9 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@skippy3840, Ok I'll buy some more batteries, also does it matter if the batteries are different AmpHrs or will it be ok to use to different rated batteries. (The voltage on the batteries will be the same)?
WakkieRob1 9 months ago
In your video you were using a volt meter and that is what I am referring too not Specific Gravity
quester57 10 months ago
@quester57 That is correct. From the chart above if you read across you will get state of charge, specific gravity, 12v reading, and 6v reading. 100% 1.265 12.7 6.3. So, 12v batteries are 100% charged when they are at a specific gravity of 1.265 and at a voltage reading of 12.7 volts.
skippy3840 10 months ago
Batteries are fully charged at 14.4 volts not 12.72 volts. Batteries are considered dead at 11.0 volts. Just something to think about.
quester57 10 months ago
@quester57 I suggest you do some internet research. If you do you will find hundreds of reference tables like the one below:
State of Charge Specific Gravity Voltage 12V 6V
100% 1.265 12.7 6.3
*75% 1.225 12.4 6.2
50% 1.190 12.2 6.1
25% 1.155 12.0 6.0
Dead1.120 11.9 6.0
Just something to think about.
skippy3840 10 months ago
How did you run the wire from the inverter directly to the 4 plug outlet box?
Thanks
thefulmers1 11 months ago
@thefulmers1 Just ran it from the top plug to the outlet.
skippy3840 11 months ago
nice one
how about using bTTERY FOR 6 FLOOR BUILDING ... AND I WOULD LIKE TO ASK after charge can i use whole night of soar energy how much to apply this kind of solar energy???
mrpun 1 year ago
i found 6 new 6v golf cart batteries for $300 is this a good deal? i was going to try 12v batteries but this seems like a deal is it hard to wire it like your setup? thanks for any info.
kawasaki251 1 year ago
if you have almost 8000w of storage and 4000w available @50% discharge rate in your ds 6v system . 65 watt panel hardly does it justice Are you planning on upping it to something like 400watts? Are you running an MPPT charge controller?
Very nice starter system with plenty of room for expansion!!!!
1971mgb 1 year ago
I didn't know about grid tied inverters when I bought my sunforce 60 watt system and a deep cycle RV battery. I agree it's good having back up power but i think using batteries for day to day use is expensive. I remember reading back then it's the batteries that make solar never reply for it's self vs grid power. On a side note i'm looking at /watch?v=S7R1ExQNPO8 this guy is selling 120 wat system for $215+81 ship on EBAY. What do u think? cheap chinese junk or a good deal? Best price ive found
ireddiamond 1 year ago
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tilleypete4 1 year ago
why did you use 6v batteries? Cost?
whateverujoke 1 year ago
@whateverujoke You can get a few more amp hours per battery using 6V's. If I had to do it again I would most likely use 12V. They cost around $60 each at Sams Club.
skippy3840 1 year ago
Can you email me some of the installation process and the setting up of the batteries. I would probably have 2 deep cell batteries. You can leave me a small video at TheSignGuy32 Thanks
TheSignGuy32 1 year ago
@TheSignGuy32 I have another video that explains how to connect batteries in series/parallel. Check it out.
skippy3840 1 year ago
wondering if you could run kitchen appliances with your set up? (ie: stove, oven, microwave) Id so, I'd like your shopping list for this set up.
source69 1 year ago
@source69 You probably could, but not for very long. Depends on how many amps your appliances draw. Remember, this is mostly for lighting, TV and other emergency things.
skippy3840 1 year ago
@skippy3840
Ok, so, I bought 2x45W sets of panels. Total of 90watts. 5 continuous amps in good sunlight. I've got 375 amp hours on batteries. ... Boy, I drained the juice out of those, and it took me at least a week to recharge to full capacity, given we had several days of rain. Still at least 5 days (not using batteries at night, at all) to get the batteries full from 11.3 Volt inverter shut down. ... What wattage does your tv run and for how many hours? How many watts & hours for lighting.
source69 1 year ago
@source69 I have a total of 880 ah of batteries. My TV is a 19" flat screen that only draws 45w. All of my lighting is CFL's that draw 14w each. I run 3 lamps and the TV for a total draw of 87w for about 8 hrs each night. Amps are more important though and I am drawing 4 amps/hr for the TV, and 2 amps/hr for each light for a total of 10 amps/hr from the batteries. 10 a/h x 8 hrs = 80 amps or about 10% of my battery bank. Your only problem is that you need more batteries.
skippy3840 1 year ago
@skippy3840
I may be stupid, which I am, when it comes to all the breakdown here, but, how do you get that I need more batteries when it takes 5-6 days to charge the ones that l have. & unfortunately I just purchased 360 more W of solar panels, since I was sure that that's what I needed. I turn my lights off, when not using but I have regular incandescent/florescent 60w bulbs. Anyway, the TV/Dvd player pulls around 200w. I may need more batteries, but it seems i also need panels.
source69 1 year ago
@skippy3840
One other thing. Do you think it's safe to use your combiner box recipe on 2 180 watt panels?
source69 1 year ago
@source69 I sent you a personal message with my email address so that we can communicate more freely on this subject.
skippy3840 1 year ago
that is so cool, i am buying solar. how much did it cost all together with all the stuff
MultiJamie12345 1 year ago
@MultiJamie12345 The whole thing cost around $1500, but I started small and added components as I went so it really was not a big cost thing.
skippy3840 1 year ago
@skippy3840 will this type of system ever pay off for it's self? Why do you use batteries when you could have a grid tied inverter ?
ireddiamond 1 year ago
@ireddiamond I guess it will over time. I use batteries because I need a stand alone system. I am in FL and when we have a hurricane and the grid is down, no need for a grid tied inverter. However, as I add panels and components I am going to have the capacity for a grid tied inverter and will propbably install one.
skippy3840 1 year ago
My only question is, did you actually just say "Color TV"? lmao
helloman1976 1 year ago
@helloman1976 Yes, I did, just to make sure that you don't think that I am in the dark ages and still watching a B&W!
skippy3840 1 year ago
@skippy3840 Ah and the puns continue, the solar powered guy uses the "dark" ages in an example...excellent work :) Good job on the solar stuff! I'm just getting started myself. Anything you would have done differently had you had to do it all over again?
helloman1976 1 year ago
Running your 4 amp charger how long does it take for your battery bank to recharge? How long do you run your devices? Are you anticipating running 12 volt DC CFB in the future?
Thanks
cruz47144 1 year ago
@cruz47144 Actually, I have taken the 2 amp AC charger out of the system because I never used it! The panels charge the bank nicely. I switch the inverter on at dark every day and turn it off when I wake up the next morning, leaving at least 1 outside light on all night. The rest of my interior lights and TV are on timers so they shut off after I am asleep. I have wired 1 more room to run from the batteries and am running some computer equipment in the daytime now also.
skippy3840 1 year ago
If your batteries are 220 AH each. Why do you only have 660AH? Why not 1320 or 6X220= 1320? One more question how does your charger controller not know when one of the three banks is fully charge? Should you have three seperate controllers to protect each bank? Couldn't you incorporate another inverter? Thanks
cruz47144 1 year ago
@cruz47144 Because my system is 12v and I am using 6v batteries, I have to connect each pair in series, then connect the pairs in parallel. When you connect in series, the voltage is additive, and when you connect in parallel the amps are additive. Hence the 660ah for 6 batteries. I connect the leads to opposite sides of the battery bank so it charges across the bank to help with even charging. Yes, I could incorporate another inverter, but don't need it at this time.
skippy3840 1 year ago
Does that inverter draw a lot off the batteries just running with nothing plugged in? Can you leave it on 24/7 or will it take too much power?
CrashTestDummies09 1 year ago
@CrashTestDummies09 No, it does not draw much. All of my stuff is set on timers, so when I am sleeping the lights and TV kick off automatically, then the inverter idles until I get up in the morning and turn it off. I would not suggest leaving it on 24/7 though as it would probably wear out the inverter fans. I only run mine when I am using it.
skippy3840 1 year ago
Get ready for the hassle. Make sure you keep those clean alteast twice a week or you will waist all your money on the panels.
xXwhygodwhyXx 1 year ago
I did not know you can run a batch of batteries in series and parallel at the same time. What is the advantage of having the dual set up? Where do you get info on this type of wiring? I have 6 12v 100ah batteries but they are in parallel only.
taineasy 1 year ago
@taineasy I have 6v batteries but a basic 12v system. So, to get to 12v each pair of 6v batteries is wired in series to make 12v, then each 12v pair is paralleled to another 12v pair and so on. Basic wiring system.
skippy3840 1 year ago
Very nice, but is the 60 watt panel enough to charge your batteries? A 600 ahr system needs approx 300 watts of solar charging. (you should never discharge your batteries more than half way, this will shorten their life spans. Your probably charging the batteries mostly with your AC charger.
donvee2000 1 year ago
@donvee2000 It was a little weak, so I have upgraded to a total of 200 watts of charging capacity. I was never using the AC charger, so I removed it from the system entirely. Now I actually have more power than my lights and TV can use every night so I added another room to my circuit for additional stuff. My batteries consistently discharge about 25% every night and are now almost 4 years old with no issues.
skippy3840 1 year ago
can u detail the conection from the solar panel to what kind of cable ???
thanks for u video was good!!
kricotoy 1 year ago
@MrEnergyCzar Thanks. This was my first system, and although I have expanded it the basics you see in this video are still there. I mostly use this system to provide 100% of my nighttime lighting and TV. I am now working on building my own panels and removing more items from grid power in the daytime. Your videos have given me some great ideas also. Being in sunny Florida helps also!
skippy3840 1 year ago
@skippy3840 If you are in Florida, people are making solar batch pre-heaters down there...there is a good video on a guy in florida doing just that, its saved under my last playlist...
MrEnergyCzar 1 year ago
@MrEnergyCzar Interestingly enough, that is on the list for one of my spring 2010 projects! I am trying to find a "donor" water heater right now.
skippy3840 1 year ago
@MrEnergyCzar Thanks. This was my first system, and although I have expanded it the basics you see in this video are still there. I mostly use this system to provide 100% of my nighttime lighting and TV. I am now working on building my own panels and removing more items from grid power in the daytime. Your videos have given me some great ideas also. Being in sunny Florida helps also!
skippy3840 1 year ago
art...
chadfredrickson1 1 year ago
Looks fantastic, could that system run a refrigerator if thats all you had on it?
VicStorm54 1 year ago
@VicStorm54 Yes I could. I have added a couple of batteries and changed the panels so now I am getting even more free power. See my video #4.
skippy3840 1 year ago
nice set up and a good video
eidtaaron 1 year ago
Thanks for taking the time to explain things in detail.You have a nice set up.Please continue to share your knowledge;;
ollie5573 1 year ago
What kind of batteries are you using, I have read that deep charge types are good for this.
Great Vid, Great Info!
reddog694uk 2 years ago
@reddog694uk I am using 6volt, 220 ah deep cycle batteries. They are a little over two years old now and going strong.
skippy3840 2 years ago
i would recomend a few more batterys and a better power invertor try get 2000 watt
MrWeedluv 2 years ago
Great Job! Have you added any new panels?
Plus how long have you beeen getting FREE power?
Thanks again for sharing!
cohiba780 2 years ago
@cohiba780 Thanks. Yes, I have changed things quite a bit since this first video. See my others. I have been getting free power every night for the past two years. I am now working on building my own panels and increasing my production. Free power is very cool.
skippy3840 2 years ago
awsome Quality
need4speed402 2 years ago
Im guessing you probably already fixed it, but for a thousand or so watts of draw on that inverter, you may wish to run at least #4 or better wire. I actually have made thinner wire pretty hot running high load in the beginning. Cool setup though. I have that same inverter you have :) Also, I can tell the other commenter that the fan on that thing will eventually have bearing problems. open the unit and replace with a good ball bearing fan as it runs continuously as you say.
docchocobo 2 years ago
You are right, I have already fixed it. See my video #4.
skippy3840 2 years ago
Make sure you have a fuse on that 12 gauge wire that leaves the batteries to the inverter. That wire should be heavier to be able to take the much higher current.
12 gauge isn't enough.
hbillhi 2 years ago
does anyone know if the H.F. chicago inverters have temp fans or do all of them run all the time. The cheap one I have runs all the time.
Great VId BTW.
When is a new vid to come?
1kzrider 2 years ago
The one that I got from Harbor Freight runs all the time also, no problems yet. I have a total of 6 videos posted, check them out.
skippy3840 2 years ago
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Hey, check out my website at ScientificallyGreener(Dot) com and get all the new and improved Equipments to build or buy your own solar panels and wind energy turbine systems ScientificallyGreener(Dot) com is a website that sells the most modern environmental products available
scientificallygreene 2 years ago
Good setup video, very useful, but when it is on a rainy day, or if it is overcast condition, then it's not possible to generate electricity, so this may not be viable yet, unless new technology comes out.
mclarenf45 2 years ago
Thats what the batteries are for :). Remember that solar panels work on light, not sun so when it is overcast the panels are still putting out a small amount of charge. There will always be disadvantages to any system.
skippy3840 2 years ago
where kan i get all of that
varogeneral 2 years ago
I picked up most of that stuff from ebay and various other stores like Sams for the batteries, Harbor Freight for the inverter, etc....
skippy3840 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I just got my 5" monocrystalline solar cells at Solar-Deals(.)com for a great price! I'm going to use these for my DIY solar panel.
SolarXpert 2 years ago
Hi, thanks for posting the video. I liked that you showed the inverter power going to the outlet. I checked the price on the batteries. Do they really cost $220-300 each?
trade350 2 years ago
Thanks. What would power be without an outlet to use it from? I got the batteries at Sam's Club for about $70 each. They are 6v, EGC2 golf cart batteries. I am running them as I type this.
skippy3840 2 years ago
Nice going skippy. A lot of you tubers post non useful videos but yours are very simple and to the point. I just installed my HF 45watt setup and am going for my solar cert.
AmericanDiaz 2 years ago
Hi skippy thank for all your advise; when are you going to show us your system upgrades, I can tell you that thanks to you my electric bill has been cut in half, I was surprised of all the money am saving. Thank you again an keep up the good work.
cerrocoloradogtomx 2 years ago
Love the setup, but I think you have a to small wire going from the batteries to the inverter, I have the same inverter and I'm gauge #4 for the wires.
cdesigns222 2 years ago
In this video it was too small. I have since changed the set up so that there is #10 guage solid core wire going from the charge controller to the batteries, and #2 guage (300 amp) wire going from the inverter to the batteries directly.
skippy3840 2 years ago
awesome!
grecoguy75 2 years ago
ya, very nice, I'm looking to get started for this to power my diy can air conditioner, led lamp and later I want to power other stuff, like a pc and monitor
cool70200 2 years ago
when are you going to do a new vid of your new panels ? just checking thanks
lamartosh 2 years ago
I think my 7AMP battery is dead, I have - 1 AMP/hr charge rate, but the battery never seems to get energy. - Only a tiny bit. - Perhaps I need an amp meter and charging regulator to help out? Or new battery ?
ancientsolar 2 years ago
hi Skippy, question, how would i benefit by connecting the cables parallel to four batteries and then series to two batteries. i'm thinking they might blow up. by the way, your system is awesome. i would like to try your way...good video, simple and complete instructions are very understandable.
packagewarren 2 years ago
You connect batteries in parallel to increase amps, and in series to increase voltage. If your system is 12v, and you have 12v batteries, you would only need to connect them in parallel to increase your runtime. But, if you are like me and have 6v batteries in a 12v system, you must first connect 2-6v's in series to make a bank at 12v, then connect multiple banks in parallel to increase your amperage. I can send you a diagram if you like that explains it.
skippy3840 2 years ago
Does anyone know what it actually takes to run a house or how can I check, what would I look for on my appliances? I want to know what and how much goes where to know what kind of setup I need.
joelito101 2 years ago
A good place to start would be to look at your last electric bill. It should show how many KWH's you used last month, you can then break this down to a daily average before tracking back to how much each appliance uses. That helps you kind of guage how much power you would need on a daily basis, and would help size a system for you.
skippy3840 2 years ago
If my math is correct. 8 6volt = 4 12 volt @ 220 = 880 amp hours with a 65 watt array. What do you run on them each night? How low do you drain the batteries and how long does it take to bring back to full? I currently have the Harbor Freight 45 watt system with a 105 amp hour battery. I have not really used it yet. I also have 4 55 watt panels I got used for cheap. That will give me 2220 additional watts once I upgrade my charge controller. Just trying to get a feel for use vs recovery.
bcaouette85 2 years ago
That is correct, 880 amp hours. I added another 70w panel, so now I am running about 6-8 amps/hour charging capacity. I run several lamps with CFL's in them and a 19" flat screen TV. My batteries have developed a "memory" now and never go below about 70% of capacity. They are right back up to full by the next afternoon. Remember, your batteries work on amps in vs. amps out. Figure out how many amps your appliances will use and size your battery bank accordingly to stay at above 50%.
skippy3840 2 years ago
Be smart - don't pay any more electricity bills. more info: solar.xfollow.me (Copy to your browser's address bar)
iknowyoux 2 years ago
I'm glad you explained the wiring in series AND parallel. My mind does not compute for Both. Can you post the exact setup, maybe go over it in a little more detail, as the wiring is rather unique, at least to me. Cool setup. Thanks!
thermal71 2 years ago
I have another video about how I hooked up my batteries. Check that one out, I think that it will answer a few of your questions.
skippy3840 2 years ago
Can you connect 2 inverters to the same system?
Thank you
cerrocoloradogtomex 2 years ago 2
Nice job on the tech aspect but this exactly why we have inspectors. You demonstrate exposed terminals there with plenty of potential. You don't consider that a hazzard? Other than that, is very nicely done.
DVPZU2B 2 years ago
Hi there..How would this system work in the UK where the batteries available are 12volts /110 w..I am quite keen to install such a system but am unsure how to incorporate the differing parts to the US versions..
trevca1 2 years ago
I think that 12v is 12v anywhere, so I think that this would work anywhere there is sunlight. I don't know what you mean by the 110w though. Batteries are usually expressed in amp/hours for capacity.
skippy3840 2 years ago
What do you guys mean by amp/hours? Is that how many Amps can be maintained by so many hours?
joelito101 2 years ago
An Amp/Hr is simply 1 amp flowing for 1 hour from one place to another. For example, if you used a 100w bulb on a 110a/c circuit for 1 hour, that bulb used 1 amp/hr of power. The equation is W/V=A, and can be rearranged to solve for any of the three variables if you know at least two.
skippy3840 2 years ago
Check out my solar generator video!
pozzerbob 2 years ago
Dude, that is ultra sweet. A few more panels and a couple more batteries and you can power a ton of stuff with that inverter. Where did you get the inverter?
skippy3840 2 years ago
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cerrocoloradogtomx 2 years ago
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pozzerbob 2 years ago
cool set up
evallstar 2 years ago
Nice setup, Looks good. I like it (:
Microillusions 2 years ago
You can get four 20 watts for cheaper than $1,000. I got my panels from my friends website for approximately $400 or less. I also got multicrystalline solar cells too, so I can make my own solar panels. They're multicrystalline solar cells 6" x 6". Powerful output. Probably 2-3 times more powerful. ~3 watts. Help support him.
Check out: solar-deals*DOT*com
SolarXpert 2 years ago
I cannot really see the savings, I purchased a total of 400 watts for $800 and all of them are multicrystalline. I love craigslist.
cerrocoloradogtomx 2 years ago
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SolarXpert 2 years ago
Awesome setup! Are you planning on getting a wind turbine added to it or is that enough power for you? I like the setup and may need your help on setting up mine.
white2eagle 2 years ago
Thanks. I thought about adding a wind turbine, but there is not enough wind on a consistent basis where I live to make it worthwhile. I will be adding more solar panels though, and am going to be shooting a new video soon.
skippy3840 2 years ago
You inspired me to build my solar set up, I just upgrated mine, I added six more batteries to a total of 12 giving me a total of 1600 amps. I also added 3 more solar panels a 65 w and a 100 watt and a 130 the all of them are sunsei.I love craigslist. Now my question is you think with a setup like this could I be able to run my central ac unit. and also can I connect two inverters to the system.
cerrocoloradogtomx 2 years ago
Now that is alot of batteries and alot of amps! You could power quite a bit of stuff with that setup, but I don't really know if you could power your central ac since I don't know what kind it is or what it's energy use is.
skippy3840 2 years ago
Very nice ! So what became of the 4 panels can you not combine them with the new panel ?? Where did you pick up your new panel and how much ?? Looking forward to your next video ..
dracos78 2 years ago
In the interest of trying to stay on a low budget, I sold the 4 panels on ebay and rolled the money over into the new panel. I could have combined them using the combiner boxes that i make, but I decided not to. I got the panel from Arizona Sun Power for $300 shipped.
skippy3840 2 years ago
ok i like it...you said you had 4 ...15 panel that makes it 60 watts..ok..how long it takes to charge thoes battery ...and what are you runnning in the rooms?how long could they runn....with out charging..
ricdog266 2 years ago
I have since replaced the 4 panels with 1 65W 4 amp panel. I takes about 8 hours to recharge the batteries. I am running 3 pamps with 14w CFL's and a 19" flat screen TV that uses 45w. I figure I could get a good two nights worth with no charge at all. The new panel that I got is very efficient and charges even on very cloudy days.
skippy3840 2 years ago
First let me say this is a great video. It really got me thinking about setting up my own system. I was wondering, can this be used as a continuous power source for my water softner?
ksabrown 2 years ago
I don't see why not, as long as the batteries don't run down too much on a continuous basis.
skippy3840 2 years ago
i meant im learning
lamartosh 2 years ago
No problem man, I learn something new from every one of these videos that i watch. I have changed my system a little bit, time to shoot a new video.
skippy3840 2 years ago
thanks alot ,i learning thanks to yall lol!!!
lamartosh 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
hey i have a vid now check it out an tell me what u think
lamartosh 2 years ago
Is that a sunforce kit with the pvc stand?
Amphorous crystalline panels?
What brand of charge controller.
Great wireing job!
I like how you can charge the batteries from the grid also.
Hope you expand to a bigger system!
pgm98387 2 years ago
They are the same panels, amorphous silicone, but I built my own frame from 1x2's. I have since sold them and upgraded to a single panel that I can expand. The charge controller is a JUTA I got off of ebay for $69. Thanks on the wireing job, I have added a couple of batteries so it is time to update my video.
skippy3840 2 years ago
How/why are you wiring the batteries in series and parallel at the same time?
zavatone 2 years ago
I have to series wire them because they are 6V batteries and I have to step them up to my 12V system. Then I parallel wire them to increase the amp hour capability of the system.
skippy3840 2 years ago
i see that said you wish you would have used 12 volt batteries insted, from everything i have learned so far, it looks like 6 volt golf car batteries are the best thing for this application because they are true deep cycle unlike marine batteries. nice setup but i would move the batteries away from the inverter to prevent the electronic equipment from igniting any hydrogen gas coming off the batteries. and maybee put in a safety disconnect too.
macgyverthesecond 2 years ago
I agree, the setup has changed some since I shot this video and I have moved things around a bit. All in all, I am very happy with the 6v's.
skippy3840 2 years ago
Nice work skippy. I'm hoping to set up solar this year. Thanks for the video.
matrixm777 2 years ago
No problem, cheap and easy system over i.5 years old and still going strong.
skippy3840 2 years ago
hey ,do you leave your inverter on all the time or do you cut it of at night when you go to bed ?i did not know if it was safe. thanks
lamartosh 2 years ago
I leave the inverter on, put the sleep timer on the TV to cut it off. I let the inverter idle until I wake up in the morning then turn it off. Idleing doesn't hurt them at all.
skippy3840 2 years ago
what is the power inverter capable of ? continuous ? surge ? Where did you get the batteries if you dont mind me asking thanks
dracos78 2 years ago
The inverter is 1,200 continuous, 3,200 surge. It is a Harbor Freight cheapy, but it is over 1 year old now and still going strong. Batteries are 6V golf cart batteries from Sams Club. If I had it to do over again I would step up to 12V batteries.
skippy3840 2 years ago
Nice system I built mine thanks to you.
I don't understant why would you want to replace the 6v volt batteries for 12v. Is that better for the system.
cerrocoloradogtomx 2 years ago
I think that 12v batteries would have conformed a little better, but I am about 1.5 years into the 6V batteries with no problems at all.
skippy3840 2 years ago
I wouldn't stress too much about keeping the huge 2awg cables short,that 12awg wire to the inverter is gonna have major losses with any kind of load. (probably OK for a small TV,and a couple CFL lights though.)
Personally,I would have wired the inverter straight to the batteries,with some nice heavy wire,say 8awg,or bigger.
Just my 2cents. :)
PhattyMo 2 years ago
Not long after I made this video, I got some #2 cables from Harbor Freight and have them wired directly to the batteries.
skippy3840 2 years ago
hey,i told you wrong about my batteries. they are 74 amphour 410 cold cranking amps.sorry about that letosh
lamartosh 2 years ago
good video ,i bought me a set of panels like yours. they are 45 watts i have 2 ,410 ah batteries and a 1000 watt inverter. do you know about how long the batteries will last in one day or how do i friger it up . thanks nice job on your ,letosh
lamartosh 2 years ago
Cool. How long the batteries will last depends on what you run off of it.. Count up how many amps you appliances take to run, then multiply by how many hours you want to run them, then divide by the total amps in the batteries. That will tell you how much of your batteries you will use for a given situation. Try to stay around 30-40% of total capacity used.
skippy3840 2 years ago
Looks like you have everything you need for a solar system. I just watched a video before this just like your video except the guy didn't have a charge controller. I was wondering if that matters that much. I have a simple system and use a small charge controller.
Gerpinator 2 years ago
It depends on how much charging capacity that you have. Too much amps coming in from the panels can overcharge and damage your batteries. At least a small charge controller can prevent this.
skippy3840 2 years ago
Nice system... simple and effective.
Can you tell me where I find good quality solar panels at a reasonable price?
razter111 3 years ago
Thanks. I have had pretty good luck, believe it or not, on ebay, as well as Northern Tool and Harbor Freight Tools. Just do your research into what you want and need, then you can get good quality panels in a variety of places. Prices are coming down rapidly also.
skippy3840 3 years ago
I have a cabin in the west Texas desert that is electrified by three 45 watt Harbor Freight solar panel kits, 750 watt inverter, and six 6 volt golf cart batteries. I use the screw in florecent bulbs everywhere. When I need more power for saws etc. I power up the 2500 watt generator and flip a switch that sends the load from the inverter to the generator. This works great. You could even run a washer or dryer this way. If I need a quick charge, I hook jumper cables to my jeeps 90amp alt.
RUBYDORA 3 years ago
I like your system, but I think you need heavier cables to power your inverter. I would suggest using the same size cables you used connecting your batteries together. I think you should probably run the heavy cables directly from the batteries to the inverter.
RUBYDORA 3 years ago
I changed to #2 inverter cables a few months back, and they are running directly from the batteries to the inverter now. It works alot better.
skippy3840 3 years ago
hi bud, i like your system. i have a small one just like that, 140W solar. i live in the northeast where the winter sun is short and the cloudy days are numerous. i want to add a trickle charger. will this interfere with the solar charge?
i appreciate your expertise. thanks...D
ditmar11 3 years ago
Thanks. I hook a 2 amp trickle charger to mine occasionally, doesn't hurt a thing. In fact, you can see it in my video. I recently changed my 4 15w panels out for a single 65w panel and it gives me a ton more charge.
skippy3840 3 years ago
iam teying to get started not sure what to buy with out wasting money can you help thank you matt
leprecon722 3 years ago
hi, good video. I like how your charge controller has a screen giving you info on the charge. What brand is that?
stemcellssave 3 years ago
Thanks. It is a Juta that I got on ebay for about $60.
skippy3840 3 years ago
Sweet. The inverter works pretty good for basics like lighting and stuff doesn't it? This inverter/battery setup runs all of my lighting every night and a small color TV. I am in the process of upgrading to 3 larger panels. I am buying them 1 at a time to defer the cost. Thanks.
skippy3840 3 years ago
hi have a similer set up with 320 watts panels ,ineed to get a fridge ,do u use it for refridgeration
onefgeof 3 years ago
No, I mostly use it for lighting and my TV. I am upgrading the panels right now so that I can use my system for more stuff.
skippy3840 3 years ago
you might have already said this but where did you get the panels? how much did they cost? thanks
Coodude26 3 years ago
I got the panels at my local Northern Tool store. They are 15w panels and I got them on sale for $80 each. Remember that I am only using the panels to charge the batteries, then using the batteries to run my stuff.
skippy3840 3 years ago
I have a little experience at this and see a couple of improvements that could be made. First and most important is the inverter should be hooked to the battery with the biggest wire that will fit into the inverter connection. I could not see the watts of your inverter but it go like this. A 2000 watt inverter divided by 120 is 16amps ac but divide it by 12 is 160 amp dc needed to produce the 16 amp ac. So the ac wire is ok at 14g but the the dc should be 4 gauge. modified sine wave inverter
bandbtompkins 3 years ago
After I made this video, I discovered that I should not be running the inverter from the load side of the charge controller, although you can if you want to. I now have the inverter connected directly to the batteries with #2 guage 300 amp cables. My inverter is 1200 watt mod sine and I have no load problems now. Thanks for the advice.
skippy3840 3 years ago
can you please send me a diagram of wiring i am just starting and i need guidance
jugheadfresno 3 years ago
If you drained those batteries dead it would take like 2 weeks for those 60W to top them up.
I learned the hard way. Even a day charge on my 1 lead acid battery get it up to 12.8V but it can only power a 13W Fluorescent bulb for about 2 hours on the battery. The 40W in solar panel I have can't top the batteries off. I'm going to have to leave the battery alone for about a week charging.
12643 3 years ago
Yes, it would take a while to charge them all the way up. Also, if I consistently used all of the charge, it would prematurely damage the batteries. I try to only use about 30% of capacity on a cycle. That way the batteries develop a much better "memory", recover more quickly and charge up faster.
skippy3840 3 years ago
I'm not sure what battery memory is but I heard that eerm before.
You wouldn't know of a good way to deterime if a battery is fully charged? I just put completely discharged AA rechargeable into my battery charger. Pulled it out 30 seconds later it said on the volt meter 1.35V LOL. Volts in a battery. are not a indicator of "much at all".
12643 3 years ago