Build your own 12V, 2000W solar setup by following these simple steps. There's no technical knowledge or skills needed ... plus there's no confusing verbiage used in this video. Here are all the items covered in this video: Wiring chart * cityprepping.tv/3YS0Ote Book * This book was extremely helpful detailing everything you need to know: amzn.to/3lT7kB2 Components * Inverter (2000W): cityprepping.tv/3QPc6KL * Charge controller (40 Amp MPPT): cityprepping.tv/3PQMNGD * Battery (12V, 100Ah LiFePO4 self-heating): cityprepping.tv/3Kmy4UM * Solar panel (100W): cityprepping.tv/3wTi3OT * Bus bar (250 amp, red): amzn.to/3YHlCTY * Bus bar (250 amp, black): amzn.to/3IibOJe * 12V fuse block: amzn.to/3xVxyG9 Cables * Connect batteries in parallel: amzn.to/3SilGaj * Battery / inverter cable: cityprepping.tv/3wrbsLd * Battery / charge controller cable: cityprepping.tv/3cnjZIi * Solar extension cable: cityprepping.tv/3Tjtf0I * 2|0 AWG cable (red and black): amzn.to/3IDk08h + 2|0 AWG cable lugs: amzn.to/3YLlH9g * 4|0, 2|0, 1|0, 2, 4, 6, 8 AWG cable: amzn.to/3SdWnGm * 12 AWG cable: amzn.to/3SgspSn Cable management * amzn.to/3XJARdN Fuses * 200 amp fuse (used in 2 places: on battery and inverter): amzn.to/3AKVNJf * Inline MC4 10 amp fuse (used to connect solar panels to charge controller): cityprepping.tv/3xEvNN6 * 40 amp fuse (used after charge controller): amzn.to/3Em7F5I * Fuse holder: amzn.to/3XFnds8 Switch * High volt, low amp (disconnects solar panels): amzn.to/3Iftkhg * High amp, low volt (disconnects batteries from system): amzn.to/3YMbBoE Monitor * BT-2 bluetooth module (connects to batteries for app monitoring): cityprepping.tv/3IfjQ5A * BT-1 bluetooth module (connects to charge controller for app monitoring): cityprepping.tv/3EmfKHN * Shunt/battery monitor (monitor battery status directly): cityprepping.tv/3lKZ8CV Tools * Cable stripper (optional, I bought it but never used it): amzn.to/3Klt96u * Cable wire lug crimper plus cable cutter: amzn.to/3xAGJLE * Cable lugs + shrink wrap: amzn.to/3XLOQzG * Ratchet with rubber grip (I bought this as I wanted rubber on the end of the handle to avoid touching the end of the handle on posts by accident): amzn.to/3XQG03D * Heavy AWG crimping tool (need it for the 2|0) cable to connect the batteries to the inverter: amzn.to/3IfNJ5R * Wire insulation cutter/stripper: amzn.to/3ICRPpP Or, if you'd prefer to pick up a kit with all of these pieces combined (to save money), you can check out these options: * cityprepping.tv/3TlAMMj Skip around with these timestamps: * Classroom: 1:21 * -- Wiring: 5:39 * -- Cable lugs: 8:13 * -- Fuses: 9:06 * -- Switches: 10:02 * -- Bus bars: 10:33 * -- Shunts: 11:11 * -- Layout: 11:26 * Lab (inverter to battery): 12:04 DISCLAIMER: This video description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support my channel and allows me to continue making videos. Thank you for your support! Support the channel by clicking here before you start shopping on Amazon: amzn.to/2vbNo1l (heck, even bookmark it for future use if you're feeling extra generous). Follow me on: Instagram - instagram.com/cityprepping Facebook - facebook.com/cityprepping Twitter - twitter.com/cityprepping Website: www.cityprepping.com #diy #solar #guide

As a retired electronic technician and wiring expert (36 years) I can tell you this is the best tutorial I have ever seen on KZfaq!!!

I just spent several months designing and purchasing items for my home solar system. I watched countless videos and read countless articles. This is a great video that would have saved me a tremendous amount of time, energy and frustration. Great job!

Everyone says they will show you how to do this step by step, and then everyone proceeds to skip some key parts of creating something like this. Usually things like how to match cable sizes with amperage etc. This is the first video I've seen that covers EVERYTHING step by step. Well done sir!

What a world where we get this quality of content for free! ❤ Thank you a million times! 🙏🏾

Great video. Since this is an instructional, please do 2 things in future videos. Remove rings or wear gloves when working with high amp equipment. You can do some serious welding with those batteries. Never use pliers on nuts. Can damage nuts and cause a short if they slip. Use wrenches or sockets that are properly sized.

Chris, this was the best step by step video out there. I have been wanting to find a video that every one can watch. I will let my grandchildren watch it with me and we will build this system together right from your video. I have most of the components already but wanted to wait until I found a great video so the grandchildren can understand the complete system. We want everyone here to be able to run and repair our systems. We want all of our systems to be able to be run and repaired by us all. Thank so much, sir!

Got tired of that Canadian guy crying wolf all the time and made this my main go-to channel. Chris is always very level-headed and good with offering perspective.

This is by far the best explanation I've found. I watched many videos before yours and had already mapped out my entire setup on paper. This made it easier to fully understand your explanation from the start. However, what sets this video apart is the detailed discussion on wire sizes for each of the hubs and converters/chargers in a 200A / 2000W setup. This helped me finalize my setup without overspending on larger cables, as I now fully understand the amps running through the system.

I know this wasn’t easy. This is incredibly useful information! Thank you for putting this together.

I've watched hundreds of videos about home solar setups and this is above and beyond anything I've watched. Thank you for the great information and explaining everything so that it is easy to understand. Awesome video!

I’ve looked at several KZfaq videos, and this is by far the best one for building a solar system. Thank you so much for taking the time to put this together!

Well done man, I don’t give compliments often, but you did an incredible job explaining. I’ve watched so many videos, talked to so many people, trying to figure how exactly things tie into together, and you managed to show me, in 20 mins. Thank you.

Chris, thanks for all the high value you information you put out. I know you worked really hard to produce this video and your efforts are greatly appreciated sir!

We had to go through the learning process for all this when we added solar to our converted off-grid cargo trailer. Definitely a valuable skill. There are a lot of ready-made kits from various companies that make it easier for people new to this. The beauty is that, if you lay it out well, it's fairly easy to scale up as you realize what your power needs are. We started with a 200w solar package, which had a 20Amp solar charge controller and 1000w inverter. Even though we live in southwest Texas, which gets more sun than a lot of the country, we don't get as much actual wattage out of the panels as they're rated at. So, we're working on adding two more 100w panels, which will obviously drive us to also upgrade our charge controller to 40Amp. Upgrading our gel hybrid battery with 200ah lithium made a huge difference and gives us a fair amount of buffer when we don't have as much sun.

Thank you for once again simplifying a topic that we are soon implementing. Every episode teaches me something new.

The best video for a beginner like me. I too have watched alot of other videos on solar sytems and setting it up and have ended up with more questions. Your video on the other hand comprehensively explained it and all I can say is that the content in this video is unmatched for someone wanting to build a system. Great job!

This video couldn't have come at a better time. I recently picked up some solar panels with charge controller for my 2500w power inverter. My goal was to do just what you did. Now I can finish my project. Thanks a million Chris.

This was an exceptional DIY guide. I'm a beginner preparing for a solar install, and this helped me tremendously. Thank you!

This is a fantastic DIY video. My husband and I have been researching solar for our home for several months. All of the DIY instructions are so confusing and contradictive to the instructions. I think we have a new plan of attack here because you so graciously and lovingly spent your time researching and then making this video for anyone in the world to learn from. Thank you so much Kris.

Very nice overview of the high level design! Your organizational approach went a long way to making this more understandable and in a very brief time frame! Thanks for your sharing your time and knowledge!

Very clean & straightforward explanation of the what and the why components needed for a typical home solar setup. Video saved for posterity!

Your guide has been the best to understand on youtube for me, and it makes it easy to see how it can be upgraded. I can send this to other people without any qualms. It's perfect.

Love the classroom to lab presentation. As always, wonderfully informative.

I have watched 50-100 of these over the past 9 months. This one I like best. Thanks for taking the time to explain things thoroughly. The addition of the shunt was not something I had considered from watching other videos. Also, I did not consider the two switches. It all makes sense when you see it built and then going back and explaining why you did what you did.

This was fantastic! I have tried watching tons of vanlife videos on how they setup solar but never understood. I finally understand! Your video was perfect. Straight to the point with only the information we need and not talking so fast I miss it lol Thank you so much!

I wish I'd seen your video before I purchased items. This is exactly what (and how -well presented for me) I wish I had seen earlier and really clears up some concerns and questions I had. I'm grateful for your putting this together. You answered so many questions and simplified the process in a way I could digest.

Easily the best tutorial I've seen on this topic! Loved the clarity of language and the logical organizational structure.

Great information, gets me thinking I need to get my system up and going. Thank you Chris for your efforts.

Thank you so much for this very clear walk through. I have been watching a lot of these videos and most leave out little things they might assume you know or show you a different set up than the one they are setting up for their demo. This is so clear and well done I wish this was the 1st video I found. Thanks again!

I have looked at hours of videos relating to solar setup , I wish I had found your one first , this is by far the most comprehensive and informative video I have seen , Thank you Chris.

Excellent presentation

Outstanding presentation! precisely explained, easy to understand, not too fast, not too slow, no extra nonsense and straight to the point. Bravo sir. And you even have the supporting links and materials list and sources. As a first timer with no experience, There is No way I could have done it without your video. Thank you!

Your method of building it horizontally and standing it up where you want it, was eye-opening for me. Thanks Chris.

I have been on line for hours trying to understand how to set up a solar system for my travel trailer. Then in your video I was blown away how you took the mystery out of how to set up a solar system. I can't thank you enough!!!

This is one of the best videos I have seen on DIY solar setup. Most of the DIY systems comes with no instructions or UL certified cables and connectors. Instructions in this video demonstrate and explains the purpose of each device very well. Cabling chart link is very helpful. My first system had no wire gauge markings on the cable I had to find lugs by trial and error. Adding fuses, circuit breakers, and battery disconnect adds an extra layer of protection.

Chris, awesome video!! I’m an EE and you explained everything perfectly. This is excellent especially for anyone who views electrical DIY projects as intimidating. Keep up the great work! 👍

Just watched this and it really helped explain a lot of stuff. I have a diagram that was pre made for my diy camper van electric system but having a good resource to walk me through the reasoning for all the fuses and breakers etc gives me the confidence to complete my system. Cheers!

I like your channel from others because you give options instead of just what's going on in the world. I don't think the idea for my workshop would work if I haven't watched your videos. Which allows me to use 80% of the workshop during a power outage by design when it's built.

Awesome, super useful and right on time for a home build. DIY water filtration next??? Keep up the great work!!!

This is by far the most comprehensive, informative video I have seen. Watching it now for the thrid time.

We live on an island in Panama and needed to learn solar systems years ago as most properties are off grid. This is the best explanation intro I have seen! And you can tell he has been through the details a few times as he even gives things to watch out for! GREAT

This was one of the most well thoughtout presentation on how to build a solar setup I've ever seen. Over the years I have been slowly collecting information on how to build a simple 12 volt system for a van and I have watched many videos. But this was the best; concise; well paced video I've seen.. I got bits and pieces from other videos but this was brilliant. I tip my cap!

Good video. Don't know if anyone has already mentioned it but some charge controllers can be damaged if you connect the solar panels before you connect the battery. I try to watch all your videos and enjoy learning from them. Keep up the good work please

I have watched many videos on "how to install a solar system" over the years, this is by far the BEST ONE. I will be returning to watch as my build is re-wired properly. Thank you.

A real expert is always able to translate the difficult into less difficult for those who are learning. Straight out awesome !

This is by far the fullest and best-explained video i have seen yet, and i have watched several over the years. I have a good handle on the task and the electrical understanding. Thank you tons for this easy-to-follow and information-packed video. The content is great, the info is logical, and the setup and layout is priceless.

Only thing worth mentioning to change is stranded wire in screw downs, is to use a Ferrel crimped to prevent wire spread in the screw terminal. Excellent video :)

As always, top quality content Kris. Have been a massive fan of the solar and battery stuff you do. Really like the idea of electricity side self reliance, rather than the back to sticks and stones folks.

Outstanding video Chris. It really helped this old man to finally make sense of the solar setup. Saving the video for future reference. Thanks again.

G'day mate. Just wanted to say that your tutorial is the best I've seen. Very comprehensive and easy to follow. Thanks and keep up the great work! 👍

For the larger wire going from the inverter to the batteries, I would use welding wire, ie 2/0, 4/0, it is a little more money but it's really flexible and much easier to use for this type of install.

You just rock, Kris!! Common sense prepping! I sooo appreciate your hard work!

This is exactly what I have been looking for. Everybody just teaches how to setup solar system. They don’t teach about what type of wires to use for a particular amount of load. They don’t say anything about shunts and many comprehensive explanations you gave. Thanks so much

Great video and super helpful. Only 2 suggestions - would be nice if you gave rough ballpark on costs for the system you covered and second, providing very high level overview on battery capacity (amp hours) and how to plan for this in your system design. I know you can't possibly cover ALL topics in one 30 minute video, and the video was very good! Nice job and thank you.

The fuse between the bus bar and inverter is redundant as the fuse you have on the battery terminal which is the same value will blow first being close to the source. The correct configuration is positive terminal to fuse to isolation switch to bus bar. You need to keep the cable positive and negative lengths from the battery and to the inverter the same. To ensure equal draw and keep the system balanced! Not sure if you mentioned that?

I have watched ALOT of videos on this subject! I felt like I was n an actual class learning!! Am sending you a high five! This was greatly appreciated!!!! Thank u so much. Easy to follow and very detailed.

By far one of the best instructional / tutorial videos on KZfaq! thanks for sharing.

What's the total cost of equipment for this DIY? I know they have some bundles/kits, but if you pay for each item that you are displaying...what's the damage?

Your 200amp wire and fuse calculation goes out the window when voltage sags below 12volts. Using your calculations if someone were to run batteries down to an extreme cutoff voltage of say 10.5volts you're then at 224amps. Also, what about temp rating of wire vs amperage.

people like you help make KZfaq University a great place to learn. I appreciate your knowledge and informative efforts on this video. Keep up the good work!

I'm impressed! Great job explaining this. As a visual learner, the diagram was helpful combined with the whole video. Thank you for this information.

I have watched several different people build and try and explain their solar setup. This is by far one of the easiest to understand and follow..

I know I'm repeating many of the thoughts stated before me, but... this IS REALLY one of, if not THE best presentation I have seen on KZfaq. If I was assessing this for a Train the Trainer course you would get 110% - ordered, explained, showed and presented perfectly. Answered all of my unanswered questions BEFORE I take the final steps to put together my own system - plus made me add a couple of components I hadn't seen/thought of before. As one reviewer said "Wish I'd found your video a LOT sooner". Thank you SO much for the time and effort you put into this video - it really needs to be the FIRST video anyone finds when searching. I don't know how I missed it before now in all of my searches.

Wow! I completely understand! I was a Electrical Mechanical Draftsman for a while two years of schooling. You explained this very well. Thanks! I never examined Solar Panels now I have a need!!

This is not a DIY video it’s a resource, store it, and use it as a reference. Knowledge is key, I’ve been through multiple basic courses this is perfect for those of us that don’t work in the electrical field daily, it’s so easy to forget the basic formulas.

I don't know anything about this stuff. You just gave me the confidence I needed to build my set up. Great video.

Good explanation of DIY. You put everything in everyday language and did not overcomplicate it.

This is probably the BEST DIY Solar video I've ever seen. And I've seen quite a few. Excellently executed. Well done, sir.

Great job! Thanks for the pain staking effort to make this the best all around solar setup video!

Thank you! thank you thank you! You made it easy to understand. I have watched tons of videos on this subject only to end up more confused. straight to the point no filler! thanks again!

Absolutely best timing in the world! Cuz I’m currently in escrow for my off grid property so trying to understand this solar setup and why is amazing!

I have to go back and rework almost everything I've done. Thanks for this video. All the information is in one place, very well done! I wish I had seen this before I started my project.

One of the best videos on KZfaq for beginners. Thank you!

Here is a huge "Thank you!" for listing all the part resources and sizes in addition to your excellent explanation of setting all this up. I'm prepping my very small camper for long-term survival with 400W solar, 4 LiFePO4 100Ah heated Battle Born batteries and 3000W inverter. Best wishes to you!

Very thorough. Very concise. Good explanation of what was used, why it was used. Anyone with general mechanical / electrical knowledge should be able to accomplish this without any issues. Very good video, thanks.

I've been researching 'adding solar power to my RV' and I've seen a LOT of different videos far as connecting from the solar panels to the charge controller , then adding in a Inverter, then to the batteries..Then I see some devices being added in between such as a shunt ? - power off switch or a disconnect switch for the solar panels and the correct size wires to use but you explained everything in detail on 'why' all the connections extremely well so that I now can decide on what to buy. I thank you sir.. This is the best video yet....I'll be be adding this to my favorites bar for reference..

I set up a 300 watt solar system in my camping trailer about 6 years ago. I visited a lot of KZfaq sites and bought an instruction manual. If this video would have been available back then, it would have been all I would have needed. This is great. It’s complete, to the point and easy to understand. And all without the time wasting hoopla that take up the first half of most youtube posters.

This was the best video on all of KZfaq. I step by step followed your directions over a 4hr period had to go back a couple times but I now have a 600w system with a 2000 w inverter and 3 Vmax slr100 100ah AGM batteries. Hoping to save up to get those lithium’s. Thank you very much for your time ❤

You done great. Thanks so much. As previously an Electronics Tech, Production Maintenance Tech. I very much appreciate your method of explanation. I've followed you for a good while. One of my first exposures to you was hardening your home to intrusion, defending your home.

This solar DIY video is very helpful to a beginner like me. Great Work! Appreciate you take time for making this video!

By Far the best video out there on this topic. As always you put out top quality videos. Thank you so much for all your hard work.

Best video i have seen so far. Clean organized detailed. Clear also. Thank you sir.

Basic ohms law. Much of this i learned about 35 odd years ago, it is still good to go over and renew some of that which has been forgotten or just not used in many years. Thanks for putting this one out there saved it for future use as well.

5min and 30sec into the video. Had to stop and comment that I already love it. Bloody great job Kris!!!

This is one of the BEST layout videos i have every seen. Amazing

Excellent set up and instructions for a simple and versatile DIY system. I plan on using an all in one charge controller and inverter since wiring and lug bonding is a major issue for beginners. I’ll also go to 48v to keep the wire sizes to a minimum.

Best diy tutorial I have seen for a solar set up. Great job!

Best video I’ve found, very informative answered all my questions I had wanting to work out new and better setup for my camper. Thanks very much for that.

Thank you! This is the info I needed presented precisely and clearly. The best how to video for dc to dc wiring I have seen. 👏

I have watched many of these, this is one of the best I have seen. Great job!

I love the new video format - talk & cover info quick. Hope to see this on more videos. Thanks

Chris Thank you for providing a simple and straight forward how to video, with all the components needed. This is exactley what I'm wanting to do with my simple 100watt system that I'm upgrading to 400watts. "Renogy pannels ordered" Having a little renewable power will be one more prep in the bank. Hopefully we'll never need it but Ide rather have it and not need it over needing it and not have it. Thanks for all that you do for us all Chris.

Great Video, basic info that will not confuse and overwhelm a beginner. Wish i watched this when i first started my system a few years back.

Exactly what I needed. Easy to follow and very well put together. Thanks!

Excellent content, thank you! I'm a retired electrician and this content is invaluable and easily understood.

The greatest teacher you made it easy to build and understand you should be given an award

Very well explained, I am about to order a controller and inverter for the first time as I moved to an off grid place, this video will help me a lot, thanks !

Incredible tutorial! Answered all the questions that I came here for and more. Bravo!

Wow, great video. I'm looking to put a small solar setup on my shed and this is the most comprehensive video I out there. Thanks