Easy Solar Power for
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- Опубліковано 5 жов 2024
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My Favorite Online Stores for DIY Solar Products:
Signature Solar
Offgrid One-Stop-Shop. Best Value 48V LiFePO4, Victron and Offgrid Specific Heat Pumps:
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Current Connected
SOK, Victron, Mr.Cool Heatpumps and High Quality Components:
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Ecoflow Delta
My favorite plug-n-play solar generator:
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AmpereTime
Cheapest 12V batteries around:
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Renogy
A classic 12V solar store that has been around for ages!
renogy.sjv.io/...
Rich Solar
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richsolar.com/...
Battery Hookup
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Contact Information:
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FTC Disclosure Statement and Disclaimers:
Every video includes some form of paid promotion or sponsorship. Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. My videos are for educational purposes only. Information is subject to change/update at any time. Electricity is DANGEROUS and can kill. Be smart and use common sense :)
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Does off-grid solar confuse you? Check out my DIY friendly website for solar system packages and product recommendations, and so much more! www.mobile-solarpower.com
Join our DIY solar community! #1 largest solar forum on the internet for beginners and professionals alike: www.diysolarforum.com
Check out my best-selling, beginner-friendly 12V off-grid solar book (affiliate link):
amzn.to/2Aj4dX4
If DIY is not for you, but you love solar and need an offgrid system, check out Tesla Solar. Low prices and great warranty, and they can take your entire house offgrid with their new Powerwalls: ts.la/william57509
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My solar equipment recommendations (Constantly updated! Check here first):
12V/48V Lithium Batteries: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-batteries.html
Solar System Component Directory: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solarcomponents.html
Plug-N-Play Systems: www.mobile-solarpower.com/full-size-systems.html
Complete 48V System Kits: www.mobile-solarpower.com/complete-48v-solar-kits.html
DIY Friendly Air Conditioner/ Heat Pumps: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-friendly-air-conditioners.html
Complete 48V System Blueprint: www.mobile-solarpower.com/48v-complete-system-blueprint.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My Favorite Online Stores for DIY Solar and Coupon Codes:
-Current Connected: SOK, Victron and High Quality Components. Best prices and warranty around: currentconnected.com/?ref=wp
-Signature Solar: Cheap Server Rack Batteries and Large Solar Panels:
www.signaturesolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek
-Ecoflow Delta Official Site: My favorite plug-n-play solar generator:
us.ecoflow.com/?aff=7
-AmpereTime: Cheapest 12V batteries around:
amperetime.com/products/ampere-time-12v-100ah-lithium-lifepo4-battery?ref=h-cvbzfahsek
-Rich Solar: Mega site and cheaper prices than renogy! Check them out:
richsolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek
-Shop Solar Kits: Huge site with every solar kit you can imagine! Check it out:
shopsolarkits.com/?ref=will-p
-Battery Hookup: Cheap cell deals
bit.ly/2mIxSqt
10% off code: diysolar
-Watts 24/7: Best deals on all-in-one solar power systems, with customer support and distribution here in the USA:
watts247.com/?wpam_id=3
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Contact Information:
I am NOT available for personal solar system consult! If you wish to contact me, this is my direct email: williamprowsediysolar@gmail.com
Join the forum at diysolarforum.com/ if you wish to hang out with myself and others and talk about solar
FTC Disclosure Statement and Disclaimers:
Every video includes some form of paid promotion or sponsorship. Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. My videos are for educational purposes only. Information is subject to change/update at any time. Electricity is DANGEROUS and can kill. Be smart and use common sense :)
DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program,
An affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Hi will this is a long shot but here it goes I've bought the 2000w inverter charger from renogy and I've reversed the polarity from the input output terminals and it sparked and smelt burnt. I had just installed it and now the alarm won't go off I'm so annoyed by my mistake any help would greatly appreciated 🙏 love all you videos 👍
I’m surprised you do not have this renogy running with the new RENOGY smart LFP battery? Can you make one please?
Learned more here than from the Renogy video! Thanks! :)
12:55
I've just bought one of these for my van. The 50A version. The manual says on Page 18 that the max solar input voltage is 30V for the 30A version and 50V for the 50A version. Then later on Page 33 it says the Solar over-voltage protection will shut off solar at 30.5V and switch back on lower than 29.5V for the 30A model, and switch off at 50.5V and switch back on below 49.5V. Maybe I have a newer version ( The manual is dated Feb 2023 Revision B1 ). I have a couple of 23 volt panels so I will test them in series and see if they will work! That would be better if it works in series and save a little power loss from the cable runs.
This Dude is so legit on all his videos and has just great reviews and has helped me with all my solar questions.
For real, I mean I still suck at this but I feel a little smarter every time I watch one of these and they're very well done
Yeah, this man makes great and USEFUL content.
Im so proud of you Will. I have followed yiu for years and know your story. I wish I could do what you do. I am autistic. And just can't understand it. But I am trying to teach myself. I wish I could afford lithium batteries. But I live on ssi and only 780.00 a month at that. So I don't think I will ever be able to get one. But I just want you to know how proud i am of you. Your a great guy with a big heart for helping everyone the way you do. You were blessed with the ability to understand these things and are very smart man. Maybe one day i will be able to afford a lithium battery but until then I will have to use lead acid although I caught my van on fire cause i did something wrong. My brain just won't let me figure out stuff like this. Thank you for your help for all people. God bless you Will. And i know he had. I might be autistic and not too sharp. But i do know when a person has been blessed by God. And you have been blessed. Stay safe stay true. You're the most honest guy out here helping folks. Ty and ttyl. God bless.
Anyone doing this in a camper will need to add in a converter/charger to this system. Will didn't mention it but its standard for charging when you have shore power or run an on board generator. So when your not driving, or there's not enough sun, a couple hours of generator will get you back in business. I guess it could be added to the output terminals of this unit but I would call Renogy to be sure. Thanks for another great review WP. You are always ahead of the pack.
Will, You are the best MANUAL on everything "WE" need to know~~~ I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!!!
Keep on Rock 'in My Friend!
Absolute wealth of knowledge
Will thank you thank you ..I'm going grind tied bills high asf..🤑I ordered 1 mppt from Renogy and your book on Amazon.. waitn on delivery.. do you think I can add self generator system 12v making 14.4v and 7amp to alt post also can I add a wind turbine pushing 12v 600w to the solar or alt post? Thanks again for your brain n your presentation 👍👍👍👍
I've been vandweller for a long time and I don't think I've ever seen a van with more than 400watts of solar on the roofs. This product seems fantastic 👌
you could easily fit 4x400 watts of the renogy flexible panels
Those of us who are visual learners really appreciate the extra step (board build) at the end!! Being visual learners is exactly (emphasis) why we're on YT. Pretty sure I was just reading a forum post about this product and its lights. I couldn't follow that post/replies at all. Now I could. Thank you, young man!!!
I love to see young people excited about their work. Good Job (again).
I just looked at this video and it answered all my questions about transforming a camper from single acid battery to a full solar camper. Thank you so much !!!!
Not sure how I missed this video, but this is EXACTLY what I'm looking for right now!!! An all-in-one charger that will make life so much simpler.
We are so blessed to have this channel.
" THANKS WILL " AGIAN , THIS IS SUCH A BLESSING , For learning !
I love your videos. You make something that's so complicated easy (or easier) to understand for those of us who aren't electricians or solar experts.
I don't know spit about electricity or solar so I very much appreciate your channel
This one thing eliminates so many different components to make one amazing product and makes an camper/RV build so simple.
Will, I recently installed one of these on my sailboat after watching your review. Your review is on the money. Easy to install, and it works! Thank you!!!!!!
Another absolute unbiassed brilliant presentation. Everytime I watch these I feel more confident and knowledgeable on 12v dc. Thanks from Australia.
Good on yah Wayne. Love this guy. We need him in Australia :) from Adelaide cheers Marty.
Thanks Will - you're such a hard worker and generous to share your information and time.
These came out right after I finished installing their 40A DC/DC charger (which works great BTW). If I had to do my system over again, this would be it...so simple
These will probably sell out by Monday because Will just gave them a good review. 👍
pjbikerful I’m waiting till Black Friday 😎
@@AaronGeller Only 11 left in stock - Good Luck
pjbikerful I’m in no rush 😎
1 left....
Already unavailable on Amazon
The two main issues are the one you mentioned (the wiring in parallel) and the logic that it uses when you're getting both solar and alternator power (like when driving down the road). If the device sees ANY power at all coming from solar, it will limit both sides to a Max of 25a. So let's say you're driving down the road on a cloudy day, where you're getting under 5a from the sun. You'd probably want to get the full 50a from alternator but you can't unless you disconnect solar. You'd be limited to 25a from alternator + the 5a from solar. Other than that, it was really easy to install and I'm enjoying the convenience.
It seemed like Renogy's support wasn't so sure about it so maybe you could test it just to be sure. Put a small 5a charge on the PV side and a high charge on the ALT side and see if it caps the ALT to 25a so you only get 30A Max.
And this would also mean getting a Solar panel that inputs 40A would be a waste of money, yes? Because I'd only be able to use the max input charge of 25A?
@@josied8533 as I understand it, the limit only applies when both power sources are running, and you can get around it via having a switch on either side. So no, a larger solar panel wouldn't be a waste. You'd want to confirm that with Renogy though.
@@RENTFREEVANPLAN so if i understand correctly, you could overcome this issue by having an isolator switch on your solar... i.e. when you know you're going to be on the road for a while and want max input from your alternator, you can isolate the solar input and it will give you the max 50A from the alternator? Then once i park up, flip the isolator and the solar then kicks back in and can deliver the max available from its side?
@@AdamShinwell as far as I understand it, yes.
@Mojo that depends on how big your battery bank is.
Good job. I have been using CTEK (D250SA + Smartpass120) which appears to be a predecessor of this renogy unit. CTEK now makes a D250SE and compatible Smartpass for LiFePO4 batteries. CTEK is likewise limited to about 25A so fo rthose with largerneeds sepaarte MPPT and accessories would be needed. I do like the simplicity of this Renogy as it mimics the CTEK. You go a little fast fo me, as I struggle to keep up, but watching multiple times, even pausing the video at times, allows me to finally grasp all that good info you are providing. Thanks again.
I'm so broke and I have been hanging my head into a wall trying to figure out what route to go for power in my van for now. I have been thinking of a hackery, and charging it at work, or a smart isolator and an AGM battery, or renogys cheapest solar kit and an AGM. This video just made up my mind. I'm getting this and an AGM to start, and I will add a panel or two asap!!!! Thanks once again Will!
2Wheels OutDoors If you're not using a lithium battery, CTEK (reputable brand from Sweden) does a dual unit like this one, for slightly cheaper. The only issue with it compared to the Renogy one is that it doesn't do lithium.
helping an old boy learn things he could never grasp ! many thanks!
Great review. I have been looking at this for my build as it definitely provides enhanced dual battery charging/maintenance capabilities that you don't get otherwise. As mentioned the major downside is you are limited to 12V batteries systems including solar. For vans, the 660W limit is probably going to cover 90% of the applications,. If you are going really big, you can probably put two DCC50S parallel for 1320 Watt total.
The other benefit is that you can just connect a 120V (shore power) to 12V DC battery charger to your Car battery and it will automatically charge the service battery as well.
This is still a first generator product. In the future, they will probably make this for 24-48 volt systems with higher solar voltage inputs as well.
I built this system for my pickup truck. I only changed two things. 200 watts of panels and only one 100 ah battery. It works great! Thank you for this very clear tutorial, the "blueprint" and the equipment list.
Still performing great? I am planning to build the same set up as you wit ha single battery but I wonder if the 50A charging current is too much. What current does it charge your battery approximately?
I was so waiting for this review, just finished installing it in our RV, there is little info out there on it. Happy to hear that has your blessing. Thank you !!
How is it going after 9 months? What type of battery bank are you charging?
Paul Meyer
2 battle born 100amp batt. So far so good. Recently went on a 10 day camping trip with using the generator at all. When driving charge batt bank easily and for sure combined with the battle borns take all the stress of having to plug the rv to the house. Usually start inverter a day before leaving and batteries will be fully charged within our usual 2 o 3 hour drive.
I also installed
2000w GoPower inverter
60amp smart converter
360w portable solar
I have had this V1 and now the V2 in a 600w system on my motorhome for a year now and I love this unit. The V2 now works with the Renogy bt-2 so you can monitor what’s happening on a smartphone or tablet. It’s really great. Highly recommended! Thank you will.
Will, thank you so much for this review. It came as I was just about to have solar installed at the van build, and I bought it.
With no signal out there, they haven’t been able to watch the video.
I’m glad I watched it again this morning because based on this, there are things we need to change up before we connect it to any power!
Blessings 🧚♀️
In a Way, This remain me about the old school Battery Isolator, back in time. When I put 500 incandescent bulbs on my van for Christmas Deco. Back in the early 80's
This is a huge improvement! For my use I would use one panel just for trickle charging and use the alternator to charge when driving. Then a second array of panels going to a second mppt for when actually boondocking.
Oh a second mppt for a larger array is smart! Just use DC DC charger as an isolator and trickle charger. Super smart!
@@WillProwse I feel clever because I thought of that too. And twelve months ago I didn't know anything about solar. I learnt a lot of it from you, thanks Will.
@@WillProwse IIRC Bob @ CRV replaced a dead MPPT controller with a DC DC w/MPPT for half his system a while back.
Bruce Starr That was a CTEK unit, that unfortunately does not work with lithium batteries.
@@Jayjay11111 but the general idea is the same. If you have a mix of different voltage panels, run one MPPT for part of them, then the rest with a DC-DC + MPPT.
Did my first van solar build watching your videos and web site, came out perfect, per your instructions, sold van, getting ready to buy a second taller van to build out. You the man, be blessed with goodness and wisdom.
Love it, your my go to source for quality and integrity with regards to electrical/solar products, hats off as always. 🎩
No good for me my solar panels are 37.5 v 250 w 8a
I have been working on putting a dual battery system in my SUV, and have been watching your videos. I had pounced on this unit because it was way cheaper than others for the same amps. That was a couple of days ago, and I was beginning to doubt my purchase. I stumbled over your video, not realizing it was the same unit. Now I am comfortable with my decision, and have all the bonus schematics and info I need to finish the project. Thanks so much ...you're a legend!!
Thanks Will. I hope Renogy does something good for you since you just boosted their sales big time.
Thank you Will. I have ruined several batteries on my motor home in storage because of not being home for long periods of time. This looks like this would be perfect to use to maintain the charge of the batteries while I'm traveling.
Before anyone comments. I use my motor home as a weekend'r when at home and travel with my 5th wheel for the comfort in its size.
Thanks again
Great video Will. I'd love to see similar reviews of the Redarc and Sterling products that compete with this. Thanks for all of your work.
Great suggestion!
Redarc and cetec for us 4x4 / trade use. 12v inverted to 240v in the UK. Your book is excellent Will btw.
Watching this video, I decided to change my build goals. Thanks for the excellent explanation. I'll be posting a sanity check post to the DIY forum once I pick up my 100ah Renogy battery.
Will, you just rock teaching! I love your videos because you make things clear. Things that aren’t simple to some of us are put within our grasp by how you explain them. I’m finally building my solar “system” for the campers. I just clicked from your web page and bought the things you suggested, including this charge controller.
This thing handles my 4x 210w NewPowa mono panels really nicely. I've never seen it even slightly warm at noon pulling max amperage with a Silex 90 mm computer fan sucking air across the heat sink. Less thermal expansion on your electronics means they'll last longer.....
I would like to see you test the Redarc version of these bcdc charger/solor input for a source for charging lithium battery.
not only do you rock, but i love how other tubers refer to your knowledge..keep rock n rollin...
Now there's only 11 left in stock! Lol! Thanks Will, great vid!!
1 left now
I installed these systems into caravans for a company, they work really well.
This is perfect. I was planning on splitting my van into 2 different battery banks... 1 for small electronics and the bigger bank for pressure cooker, small tools, etc and also have my generator as backup backup.
Getting a DC to DC for 12v to 24v with 50-60amp for lithium batteries would be great. If Renogy added an option for output voltage I would get one.
Tactical Advance Sterling makes a 12 volt to 24 volt charger. It costs a little more.
@@paulbaker3144 Made my own one using a DC to DC constant voltage convertor. Works well managed 15amps gets worm but works
I have the 30 amp version of this Renogy DC-DC charger installed in my 4WD. A couple of things I have learnt that may be of help to others.
For a start I ran 4 metres of 50 amp cable from my starter battery to the DC- DC charger, but I found this wire was no where near heavy enough as I was only getting about 15 amps out of the charger.
Next I upgraded the wire to 140 amp, probably could have got away with 100 amp but decided to go for heavier gauge to be on safe side and also give me option to upgrade to the 50 amp charger in future. This helped a lot as the output from charger was now 30 amps, but it wouldn’t hold that charge for long and it would then fluctuate between about 9 and 25 amps.
I hadn’t connected the ING SIGNAL WIRE at this point as I wasn’t sure I needed it but after some research I decided my vehicle probably had a smart alternator so connected the wire. What a difference that made, my charger now puts out 30 amps continuously and I couldn’t be happier with the unit.
Great tech content btw, great data but easy to follow. Good work.
So glad I found your videos...I just bought a fridge/freezer for my Jeep and now I’m looking at how to run it at night...this until might be the way to charge a second battery just for the fridge...thanks for the great lesson :)
Love it! Assuming you'll fuse it at the starter battery too :)
yes, check out my schematic on the website which includes OCPD sizing and wire gauge size.
@@WillProwse Indeed. One of the biggest mistakes people make with wiring is forgetting to properly gauge wire with not only load but taking into account distance or length of cable. A lot of fires get started because of under sized wire, lack of fuses or circuit breakers. If you guys notice, Will says this a lot, and in his mock ups, you will see those added in.
I mentioned you in today's video as my inspiration for including this charger in my current Pleasure-Way upfit. Thank you Will for sharing your knowledge! George
Bummer about the low solar voltage. I think it'd be good to just use a DC-DC converter from higher voltage panels. Otherwise definitely looks really sweet! Needing a higher voltage to start charging and a lower voltage point to cut off charging is known as a Schmitt trigger :). The area between those 2 points, where it keeps in the on/off state at what it was last changed to, is called hysteresis.
Hey Will,
Sometimes it is hard to find an honest broker of information, You are that my friend!
Question, does this also work as an isolator?
Thanks again I really appreciate your channel!
Freedom overspill!
Oh yes, absolutely. Use this to safely charge and isolate. No need for solar input if you wish.
@@WillProwse
Are you saying I can hook up shore power, solar and converter charging and it will Automatically pick one and turn the others off? Like a transfer switch? Or is it just DC to dc?
@@WillProwse
Hi will, I'm building a 5k 48v system as you did with your shed.
I'm considering using the identical inverter that you used, how is it performing so far
@@WillProwse Love your videos have you ever looked at testing the Australian made redarc BCDC 1250d they have a very good name here in Australia and they are very compact and can handle a 32 v Solar input and maximum power output of 750w regards Mitch from down under
@@alaska-bornfloridaman - Great question...
Greetings Will. Something you don’t discuss is the draw on the alternator. If used without solar, should I be concerned about damaging the alternator of my van? I have a Sprinter... Sincere thanks for any input!
I’ve use two of these on my catamaran for the last 4 years with 3000 watt inverters also from Renogy no problems. Keep solar under 400 watts👌
As always, great info and video, Will!!!
Will,
The likely reason the simple unit has a separate ignition feed to turn it on, is the unit is designed to have and input voltage of 8-16 volts and still be able to charge the batteries on the output side. This kind of setup is actually a huge advantage when dealing with long wire runes (think 5th wheel RV w/a crew cab dually tow vehicle) and thus voltage drop, which is more common than most realize. This eliminates the need to run monstrous heavy cable from the tow vehicle all the way back to the RV. So, I really like the concept and functionality of Renology's simple charger.
It would be interesting to do a test on this new MPPT combo unit you just tested, simulating voltage sag, and see if it is still able to charge the house batteries. If it doesn't, then it is not as advantageous as it would seem, and people would need know that they need to oversize their charge input wire, especially when dealing with real long runs.
I also have a suggestion, if you could possibly test some high end solar charge controllers like Outback Solar, Midnight Solar, specifically against MoringStar TriStar MPPT60. Comparing not only the output efficiencies, but specifically the performance and especially the speed of their MPPT tracking ability. It would be really interesting which one is the quickest and most efficient, as the unit with the quickest tracking speed should outperform the others in partly cloudy and/or partial tree shade conditions.
Thank you for your review and please let me know you thoughts on what I just mentioned.
Hi Will, the unit's manual mentions that when dual input is connected (solar & the alternator) then it will only provide 50% of the total output from each. So, you will only receive 25 Ah from the alternator at night even though the solar input is 0. Is there an easy work around (not disconnecting wires) for this to attain 100% output from one source when desired? Maybe a circuit breaker between the alternator/solar input to the unit? Thanks for the information you have already provided!
if the solar output is zero at night, would it still sense it is connected and provide half power from each?
Just got mine installed today. Had a Renogy 20 amp dc-dc charger and a 20 amp Renogy solar charger. The old units had been running continuously for the past 2 years and still work fine.
If this had an input for "shore-power" this would cover all (?) charging situations.
You can get an inverter charger to cover shore power and still have only 2 units.
Thank you!!! Good videos, I have seen a few of your videos and they are far better than most not only because of the information but the way you share it! As far as I'm concerned an instructional video is NOT a music video, so I appreciate the fact that no music is included, and we can clearly hear what you're saying, just like in a classroom, thanks! :) If teaching was more effective with music, classrooms would blare loud music while the teacher is speaking... ;) Keep up with the great instructional videos, the information is what's important! :)
Thanks for the review! I was looking at getting the Redarc BCDC1250D but this is half the price, plus it can charge both the starting battery and the house battery from the solar. I don’t think the Redarc can do that.
Same here. Glad I saw this video.
So did you go with this or the Redarc? Im trying to decide myself
How bizzare I was eyeing this off yesterday. I really like this concept. Thanks Will. The other thing I like is it actually available to buy in Australia at a reasonable price.
3:13 Have you done the same tests with the Sterling or Redarc?
I recently installed your schematic with this charger and a used Valence 138ah LiFePO4 to my 2015 Mercedes Sprinter campervan alternator. Everything seems to be running great. It’s a super compact system. Thanks so much for the super clear info and instructions. I like the idea of being able to add PV to the system. I love your channel.
I want a 3rd charging option for my work trailer. I love this thing where I can use my truck alternator as well as solar panels. Is it possible to also attach a 120v charger to the batteries? Will the 2 chargers fight with each other overlooking my batteries or will the wall charger turn off the MPPT charger? I'm using AGM batteries.
If you're adding in a 110v charger, connect it to the alternator post on the controller. Most scenarios you won't be running the engine while plugged in as well, so the controller will charge as if the alternator is running while plugged in. I've installed probably 20 systems with this setup, it works really well.
Hey Will, this appears to be a nice option for my van. I am hesitant about using parallel vs. series configuration for my solar considering the potential for charging issues/shade etc. - and using more real estate with 4 panels.
Any considerations adding shore power with this combo B2B/MPPT?
Thanks for sharing your knowledge in a way that electric newbs such as myself can understand!
Will you are the MAN. Great videos. Watching one after the other. Glad to have found them. Manufacturers could learn from you to make better products. Plus you simplify info for the regular Joe. Thank you
Hey Will, thanks for your videos. I’ve learned a ton watching them. Any MPPT Charger combo like this Renogy but with a higher voltage capacity. I’d like to connect two 200 Watt solar panels in series to charge a 12v 200ah LiFePO4. Also would like to charge from the alternator. My starter battery is a 100ah AGM. I like everything about this Renogy unit but the 25 volt limit. Thank you!
Did you ever find anything
@@mertz3hack68 ectives dc-dc/PV solution takes a higher voltage
Ive been using this on my sailboat for several months and have been very impressed and would highly recommend it. A fewvthins you didn't mention is it delays charge from the starter battery for about 5seconds after the alternator begins charging, if you have solar cells attached it will only use a max of 25 amps from each source, and in the mobile app you can change the max charging rate in case your alternator can't supply a full 50 amps for charging.
Will, what battery charger would you recommend for this system to add shore charging? What do you think about the Progressive Dynamics 60amp LiFePO4 charger?
This kid is genius.
Curious how you would also add the ability to charge using 110 shorepwr?
Nice work mate, I love how you simplify sometimes complex design needs so we can all understand them, and with your usual enthusiasm, top marks from me, many thanks Andy.
Another great video, thx. Can you review any Redarc products? I'm interested in the manager 30 specifically.
did u ever find anything about it? all the videos seem sponsored about it,,,
Rick Van nope, not so far. I did see some vids on another Aussie electric brand called King's I believe. Pretty good series on system build/design but I think they're affiliated with the hardware company... Still to give them their due, it's useful info and good production. Redarc has a solid reputation, that's about as far as I've gotten on detailed critical info.
Wow, what an incredible young man. Thanks for an excellent video and book. I will be using your links to purchase hardware.
I called Renogy a week ago and they won't have any until mid December (2019), out of stock.
travelingman21000 the power of a good review
Per Renogy tech support, the input charge is 50a total, but if both input can simultaneously have 25a each, so totaling 50a. It will activate both charge battery and solar inputs until house battery is full, then yes, trickle on either. The input voltage is settable via the app when to allow charge battery to activate charging the house battery while car is running. And yes, you can have the solar charge the vehicle battery as well. So you will not have a dead battery when you need to start the vehicle. I have this installed in my SUV and all my accessories off the house battery.
I bought DCC50S after watching your video. It's kind of working well and simple to install. In addition to this, you can add BT-2 module, which support bluetooth connection to your smartphone and can monitor charging status.
How do I know if I have a smart alternator on my camper van
I have this same question.
Just ask the alternator
I did some google diving on this question. I came up with 2 answers. 1 check your battery terminals. If they are plain terminals your alternator is most likely a standard alternator and NOT Smart or Voltage Regulating. 2 use a multimeter star your vehicle and measure the voltage at your battery at start and after 5 minutes idling a Voltage Regulating or "Smart" Alternator the voltage will stay around 12 to 13 volts a standard alternator will be putting out higher voltage of 14 volts or higher. Keep in mind these are answers off the internet I found reading from various forums and you are now getting g that information 3rd hand from someone who was looking for the answer to the same question you had. I am not an expert just sharing what I found best to check that information with someone who actually knows.
@@landonashby2029 thanks amigo. Guarantee you are the only one who actually looked it up.
@@StephenShreds hhahahahaha
I have been using this for vehicle installed amateur radio for 7 months and am very happy with it. Also note that it comes with a battery temperature sensor so lithium based batteries don’t get charged when the temperature is below freezing.
The temp sensor is for lead acid only, since the charging voltage needs to be adjusted when temp drops. This is in the manual. Lithium battery should be protected from low temp charging by its bms (or by a self heating feature)
Great review as usual Will,
I'm looking for a combined MPPT and B2B charger like this Renogy, but I'm concerning about overheating my 60A alternator. How do you work out what would be a safe load for the alternator? this unit max's at 25A if solar is charging aswell, but if not it's capable of accepting 50A which is near the alternator's max. Any suggestions welcome.
Hee Thomas, I have the same question. My old Vito have a 115A alternator without temperature sensor and I am also concerned about overheating. Have you already found an answer to your question? Bram
@@bramso18 Hi Bram.
I'm now considering using the CETEK 250SE it will only take 20ah max from the alternator, but I've not actually ordered anything yet so if anyone knows of a better alternative I'd like to know.. thanks
@@leightonthomas8233 It looks great! Did you find other alternatives?
@@bramso18 it's the best option so far..
Simple explanations and great enthusiasm in your presentation makes for maximum understanding. Well done Will😊
*”William Prowse Approved”*
Impressive. I'm still in a daze from all the videos but I have the book now and I will watch the vids again. Maybe some of it will start sinking in. Thanks again for all your efforts.
Well done. I was gonna purchase one regardless but your explanation completely solidified my decision to go with that particular product. Thanks for a great video.
All this renogy stuff looks great! So much better value than victron and the big brands. Can get a 100ah lipo4 battery, 200w folding solar, and dc-dc 30a charger for less than £1000
I'm using this in my RV. This is an outstanding all around solar charger. Thanks for reviewing it, I bought it based on this review. I do wish it allowed 24V batteries and higher voltage series solar, but maybe that was a marketing decision to avoid cannibalizing their other chargers?
If you have a battery isolator in your RV as I did, it won't trickle charge your starting battery. I had to bypass the battery isolator and connect direct to this charger. Now I use a 50A breaker to this charger for safety - and as a shut-off when I need to disconnect from the RV load.
I also noticed that the alternator charge current is higher if you connect the ignition wire. 25 Amp seems the limit on alternator charge current, by design. (In my experience, it's less without the ignition wire connected, so I connected it even though I don't have a so-called smart alternator). I think the 25 Amp alternator current limit makes sense, to avoid alternator overload and burnout. My particular alternator is rated 90Amp, but some are lower, so 25 Amp current limit is conservative.
I am about to purchase a renogy dc/,dc charger
inverter and solar controller
your video was EXCELLENT and d I'm so glad I came across your video
You my friend, are a great teacher . Nice clear instructions with out the ego . Thank you
Very nice little unit. Perfect for a smaller solar and battery backup combo.
I just bought my Promaster and I’m going to pour over your videos to set up my electrical FIRST!! You are AMAZING! I hope you read the comments to see how much you are appreciated.
thank you for sharing your knowledge about this item ! It sure will make my life easier by installing it in my situation ..
Wish I could like this again & again... Have now purchased one with solar, thank you :-) and let's not forget the discount.
I watch many of your videos and I'm impressed by how you pass the info to the average person; however, this new product is sort of anemic in that it has a maximum of 600 watts of solar that can be connected. I've recently watched your video on the Renogy 50 amp DC to DC charger and I believe that's what I'm going with. I already have an EV Evers 100 amp MPPT charge controller that is Lithium capable. I just need something to protect my alternator from destroying itself as it charges the lead acid starting battery.
I didn't even know these existed! Need something like this now.
Thank you so much I am building a van an I need an trust ur input.i wouldn't know what to do without you teaching me .thank you so much
Oh that is brilliant. That will be perfect for my design for my Peterbilt. Thanks Will
Glad I found this because I will be converting a Promaster city van and adding lithium batteries and solar. This will make it super easy
Hey mate. How did you get on with this renogy? We have a 240ah lithium battery and 4×120W 18.8v solar panels. Thanks :)
Hi, great video. I think you can easily check the MPPT function by disconnecting the chassis battery/alternator and push for instance 24V/5A from your fake solar (power supply). If the output to your depleted chassis battery is in the area of 12V/10A (account for some efficiency loss) it is MPPT. If it turns to be in the ballpark of 12V/5A then we have PWM.
Did you end up doing this? If so, how does it seem to work?