Victron + LiTime MINI = beginner friendly off-grid
Today we build a simple 12v off-grid system
Affiliate links:
Use discount code: Brad for 4% off
Li Time website: bit.ly/3UXieSr
Amazon Affiliate links:
Li Time MINI Battery 100Ah: amzn.to/3ZG8kXn
Victron 100/30 MPPT: amzn.to/41JTG2A
Hydraulic Crimper: amzn.to/3MC5AHs
Tinned Copper Lugs: amzn.to/3WiPB45
Hammer Crimper: amzn.to/3InPFKj
Ferrule Crimping Kit: amzn.to/3odMDS6
BusBars: amzn.to/42TSYB9
2awg cable: amzn.to/3OnBZmd
Pre-charge Resistors: amzn.to/3IqPA84
================
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: This channel may earn an affiliate commission if you purchase products through links I provide.
================
CONTACT: bradcagleyt@gmail.com
Business/Collaboration only. Please do not contact me for for personal project help, or advice.
================
DISCLAIMER: These videos are documenting my own personal projects, and experiences. These projects, and activities can be dangerous. I am not a professional. You should always consult with a professional. This content is for entertainment purposes only. DO NOT try any of this at home, doing so will be at your own risk.
Пікірлер: 373
Amazon Affiliate links: Li Time MINI Battery 100Ah: amzn.to/3ZG8kXn Victron 100/30 MPPT: amzn.to/41JTG2A Hydraulic Crimper: amzn.to/3MC5AHs Tinned Copper Lugs: amzn.to/3WiPB45 Hammer Crimper: amzn.to/3InPFKj Ferrule Crimping Kit: amzn.to/3odMDS6 BusBars: amzn.to/42TSYB9 2awg cable: amzn.to/3OnBZmd Precharge resistors: amzn.to/3PEuRCk ================ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: This channel may earn an affiliate commission if you purchase products through links I provide. ================ CONTACT: bradcagleyt@gmail.com Business/Collaboration only. Please do not contact me for for personal project help, or advice. ================ DISCLAIMER: These videos are documenting my own personal projects, and experiences. These projects, and activities can be dangerous. I am not a professional. You should always consult with a professional. This content is for entertainment purposes only. DO NOT try any of this at home, doing so will be at your own risk.
@brianoreilly3035
4 ай бұрын
Interested to see ur fuse temp with 1/0 wire
@eugeniuszsokoow2811
2 ай бұрын
What the model inverter u have? Please get me the link
@williamkerner3758
17 күн бұрын
do you have a link for the switch?
I love this. Just a bare bones system that gets it done. Nice one
@BradCagle
2 ай бұрын
Thanks!
Toss all this in Milwaukee Packout rolling box for a convenient portable protected supply. I tested mine by running a full size frig off it for a week on one 300 watt panel with the same size battery , charge controller and inverter (but mine was blue) . It worked great . Sun powered food cooling .
@BradCagle
Жыл бұрын
Nice. I have a toolbox I bought for something like that. I need to do it :)
@jasonbroom7147
Жыл бұрын
Heck, put TWO of these "mini" batteries in that toolbox, wired in parallel.
@TheRoughGentleman
2 ай бұрын
Will it power a 2000 fifth wheel
@justicejames8023
2 ай бұрын
Do you have a fuse
You want your fuse as close to the battery (or "source") as possible. Really like the ferrels, especially for smaller screw-down connections. A much simpler setup, with quite a bit more inverter output, is the MPP 2724 inverter/charger with two batteries, wired in series. You still want the solar disconnect, but from there it's two wires into the inverter/charger and then two wires from your batteries. Easiest off-grid system you can make, because it also includes several AC outlets.
@BradCagle
Жыл бұрын
Yeah. I totally agree on the fuse. That way if the positive wire is shorted anywhere along the length it will pop the fuse. I'll check that MPP2724 out. Thanks!
@tcathunder
Жыл бұрын
@@BradCagle Nice work... I run a 24/7 mining rig. Runs 1000 watts. Will that run the miner 24/7.. Thanks.
@jasonbroom7147
9 ай бұрын
@@user-fg6lm3ef5o - So, you're saying fuses ARE a good thing?
@LiLBitsDK
9 ай бұрын
his run up to the inverter is shorter than most peoples run to the fuse holder...
@BradCagle
8 ай бұрын
@@LiLBitsDK Yeah, that's what I keep telling people but they don't seem to get it. LOL
Thank you, thank you, Thank you. For keeping it sweet and simple.. .❤❤
@BradCagle
10 ай бұрын
You're welcome!
Thank you for the video and thank the other posters for providing their expertise.
@BradCagle
3 ай бұрын
You bet!
Absolutely excellent clear instructions...exactly what I wanted...cheers
@BradCagle
Жыл бұрын
Glad to help!
Perfect parts for a beginner setup!
@BradCagle
9 ай бұрын
Definitely!
Nice build. After a few weeks of testing after receiving the goods, the refrigerator, TV, etc., the capacity is completely fine. I bought a 24V 100Ah battery. High cost performance.😃
@angel1111.
11 ай бұрын
Would it be a marine battery I'm going off grid trying learn
@tonyromano8337
9 ай бұрын
@@angel1111. car battery works 👍
@leeanderson42
8 ай бұрын
Why 24v and what sort of time are you getting out of it before you need to charge again?
@Guttersmart
7 ай бұрын
@@angel1111.I used deep cycle marine batteries to learn on because I got them for free. I learned marine battery are good enough to learn with for free. But when I bought 2, 100 amp hour solar batteries huge, huge increase in efficiency. I have no idea what the difference is but there is one
@curtisscott4393
4 ай бұрын
You bought the whole setup just changed the size of the battery?
Nice build . Very simple.
@BradCagle
Жыл бұрын
Thanks!
Great video. Thanks for the advice and tutorials.
The most informative presentation I've seen yet. just good basic stuff!!! and all the little stuff he covers is fantastic and sorely needed and missing on some of the high falutin channels!!
@BradCagle
Жыл бұрын
Thanks. Glad you like it 😁
@mrobvious1100
11 ай бұрын
@@BradCagle great video a little over my head but I'm learning. I am a 70 year old retired firefighter. My wife is disabled and stays basically in the bedroom which is about 15 by 15 and we use an air conditioner in the window 24 hours a day. I have the inverter and just need to get to solar panels the controller and I don't know a marine battery or a lifepo4. What would your recommendations be to run that air conditioner Around the Clock. And then there's the aspect of what parts could be in the room and what parts need to be outside the wall of the house other than the solar panels. The panels would be approximately 10 ft away from the house facing sunrise for 12 hours. I was thinking of getting ( 3) 300 watt solar panels
This battery is pretty lightweight and portable. I can hold it with one hand. I use it to charge my device in a field campaign and the voltage is perfect for my purpose. It is so convenient to use it in this situation. I do not need to carry my large battery of 50 lbs around anymore.
@BradCagle
Жыл бұрын
They are great!
I love my victron 100/50 controller. No charge controller for the money can beat it
@BradCagle
9 ай бұрын
I'm a victron fan, great stuff
great video, simplifies the system for beginners like me.
@BradCagle
Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
This is what i was looking for
its a great video,, easy to understand and and compelling viewing
This is something I need to do with my LiTime 100Ah Mini (which I do enjoy the lightweight of it). Great video my man!
@BradCagle
3 ай бұрын
Thanks! 👍
great video and demonstration !
@BradCagle
9 ай бұрын
Thanks!
Great video! Very helpful
@BradCagle
9 ай бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
I put my system together twisting wires and using electrical tape from dollar store.😮 Works fine!
I never knew about the Ferrule lugs. Thanks!
super informative!
Thank you for the video .
I have 2 Litime 100AH mini batteries and they're very responsive when it comes to email customer service and support.
The hydraulic crimper is the only way to go. Nice hookup.
@BradCagle
Жыл бұрын
Agree, at less than $40 no excuse not to get it :) Thanks
Very useful. Thank you
@BradCagle
9 ай бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
Nice simple little system. Greetings from Jamaica.
@BradCagle
Жыл бұрын
Hey! I need to tour the Caribbean sometime, especially Jamaica :) Greetings sir
Great Job!
Great video! As someone who loves outdoor camping and values quality family time, having a reliable power source is essential. The Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series seems like a fantastic option. With its massive capacity, fast recharging, and waterproof design, it's perfect for extended trips and unexpected power outages. Plus, the smart app control is a neat feature. Definitely worth considering for outdoor enthusiasts and RV lovers.
@CherokezPittman
6 ай бұрын
Great video! I completely agree with you on the importance of having a reliable power source when camping or spending quality time with family. The Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series seems like a fantastic option with its massive capacity, fast recharging, and waterproof design. The smart app control is definitely a neat feature. Thanks for the suggestion, I will definitely consider it for my outdoor adventures!
@user-hh6ex9md4w
6 ай бұрын
Great recommendation! The Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series seems like a fantastic choice for outdoor enthusiasts and RV lovers. Its massive capacity, fast recharging, and waterproof design make it perfect for extended trips and power outages. Plus, the smart app control feature is really convenient. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Any other outdoor gear or home backup power products you recommend?
very instructif , thank you
@BradCagle
3 ай бұрын
You are welcome!
I use a vice bench to tighten my cables ... works fine ...
Thank you for the video
Nice work 👍👍👍
@BradCagle
Жыл бұрын
Thanks!
Thanks 🙏 very informative
I like your video. Thanks.
😄Good Stuff, Great Tips
Nice project.
@BradCagle
6 ай бұрын
Thanks!
That’s what I’m gonna do at my off grid cabin it’s already got a functioning system it’s just old and I want to beef it up with 4 d8 12 vdc batteries and a new charge controller and a few more 100 watt panels I’ve got 7 grandkids and they love there electronics lol
@MrSpaceace1999
2 ай бұрын
Maybe get the grandkids off the electronics and out in real earth
Best video I have seen
@BradCagle
3 ай бұрын
Thanks!
30A continuous you'd want 8 AWG wire, I think that Victron can handle up to #6.. I like to use as thick a wire as I can within reason, esp if it's short and cheap...it's just extra insurance and a tiny more efficiency.
@Thuisbezorgdd
2 ай бұрын
10 AWG should be fine
@realAmpereD
Ай бұрын
Wrong, 10 is fine all day for 30A.
@cowboyup545
Ай бұрын
I used a old set of jumper cables wire, They cleaned up and work great.
man I used an 803 C, and its portable ones, Lol thanks for the memories.. 12vdc 100 watt (8a) renergy, 200/300w inverter, 100AH lifepo. I use a china ceiling fan led lite the led only and can get some good use, its not enough to run for long periods of time if asked. you want a fuse by your Solar panel where I got mine
Good job. Simple, easy to understand, straight forward.
@BradCagle
6 ай бұрын
Thanks!
I solder the ends on just put end eye side in vice get some flux core solder and put into the end the wire goes in and take a heat gun or torch and begin to heat the end not to much to discolor just to melt the solder and then stick the wire In and hold till cool about 10 seconds and repeat till all ends are completed.
Thanks good use of FERRULES on your stranded wire COOP the WiSeNhEiMeR from Richmond, INDIANA ...
@BradCagle
11 ай бұрын
Thanks!
Thanks for the video. Could you list the links to purchase the fuse and solar disconnect switch. Good video.
It would be interesting to see the voltage drop across the link with the warm fuse. Some good tips, thanks.
We have those same Birds here Blackbird AKA Crackle in South Texas
@BradCagle
9 ай бұрын
Yup, I'm in north TX :)
👌👍❤️🇨🇦, everyone has to start somewhere, gr8 video
@BradCagle
9 ай бұрын
Thanks!
nice battery . i m thinking of buying one for extra but will keep me back from 48v setup ... !!! maybe next year
Brad-I enjoy your videos, and most are helpful to some point. Would you consider doing a video on proper usage of a voltage meter ?
You did an excellent job! I would like to see this simplified method for each victron item. Victron is very confusing and have busy drawings showing everything. Not easy to figure out for diy's. Thanks
@BradCagle
8 ай бұрын
Thanks! glad it's helpful
Brad I like the Licitti battery box you featured in a recent video. There you have a starter system already made up for you. No tools to buy and no build time.😂
@BradCagle
8 ай бұрын
Yup, I agree :)
Probably need to use 2 awg wire throughout. Also need to size appropriate fuse sizes. Not too low of amp fuses, and also not too high amp fuses, to start your wire on fire. When wires or connectors heat up, you need to size up the wire. And check all of your connections, bolts, screws for tightness as well.
Cool info. After pricing all the parts + battery its actually much cheaper to get a solar generator with Solar panel kit
CORRECT on the in-line fuse; ALWAYS go higher than the rated capacity... Should have gone with 8ga but you honestly putting that IN the video is honest reflection and as you stated, NEEDS to be hot tested for continuity of the entire build. Great job!
@BradCagle
6 ай бұрын
Thanks!
@CherokezPittman
5 ай бұрын
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I completely agree with you on the importance of using a higher-rated fuse for safety purposes. It's great to see the video acknowledging the need to hot test the entire build for continuity. Safety should always be a top priority when setting up off-grid power systems. By the way, have you heard of the Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series? It has some impressive features like massive capacity, fast recharging, and comprehensive protections. It might be worth checking out for your outdoor adventures or home backup power needs!
nice video, thanks for posting. Is there any chance we could get a link or any more info about the two fuses?
where did you get you switch from solar to controler and in line fuse that needs to be bigger thanks
Nice video. What size are any fuzes, resistors that were used? Is the breaker disconnect a "DC" Breaker and what size? thanks
Might be a dumb questions, Is the solar disconnect switch the same as a circuit breaker switch and how do you select the right one for your specific needs. How do pick the right fuse? What type of fuse is on the inverter and how do you pick the right size? Great video!!!
You should discuss wire gauge (size).
Hey Brad. I was thinking of using this battery as an accessory battery in a polaris rzr sxs. But I think it's slightly to large.. capacity is awsome over AGM
@BradCagle
11 ай бұрын
Yeah, pretty awesome the size to capacity!
Question I have a 2000 watt inverter, and dont want to use a lithium battery, but a simple lead battery. How Big of a battery should I use? Love your channel.
I am interested in making like that 12v 100Ah LifePo4 with solar charging at may 100w solar panel and maybe add another 100w later. I am not interested in the AC inverter since most of my electronics will just running off USB C's. I will be using some 12 volt to USB C and a that can produce QC 3.0 or higher and PD protocol. Most will just be using USB C PD in 5v, 9v, 12v and 20v for my laptop. I am adding an option to charge the Lifepo4 from AC just incase the wall outlet is still ok and the solar panel is not providing enough due to weather. Like the vid very straight and simple. I saved the vid on my laptop for reference in case internet is not available.
@MHLivestreams
3 ай бұрын
Suppose you could run a 24v system then, and step down as required.
Great Video, as time goes by material prices dropping. However solar generators like EcoFlow on sale are cheaper ready to go and portable.
Which fuses I should buy (1) from VICTRON 150/35 into 48v battery and (2) from battery into Delta pro 3600Wh, 48V inverter?
I’m pretty new at this so I’m collecting information, this system is pretty simple but if you wanted to have it charging in a mobile system you’d also need a dc-dc additionally for the vehicle alternator to be able to charge it correct??
heatshrinking the fuse isn't conducide to swapping the fuse if you blow it ;-) other then that it is a fine little system
hey can you use same setup for car alternator battery instead of solar? or i needed a dc/dc charger .. can i use it both application solar and car battery thx
What kind of solar panel array were you using. How many panels and size. Thanks!
Nice video.. but the part that probably mystifies me still is what solar panels? The Precharge resistor too confuses me. Ill have to figure out what you are talking about before I try this. Ive got my first lifepo4 battery coming friday to get rid of the Starter battery they gave me when I bought the RV.. probably buy that inverter next. so I can watch baseball off the grid when camping.
I am a newbie. Do you have Amazon links to the style fuse you used at the inverter and the white switch you used for the Solar input? As for the size of the fuse to use, what drives that for sizing. If you use a 40A MPPT do you just use 40A fuses also?
@robersonmoron7891
4 ай бұрын
What fuse ?
What gauge wire would be needed to connect a 30A charge controller to 12v batterie?
Thank you, lots of good info, for guys like me, who are just getting started. My question, is, can I change that battery, with jumper cable, from car battery on days of no sun?
@jussikankinen9409
2 ай бұрын
Dc to dc, i boiled my car battery when tried charge, but relay system is same so dunno why boiled maybe too thin wire
Very informative. Is there a reason you went with that inverter? Amazon has a million and its sort of confusing.
I have a Jayco travel trailer with regular 12v LA battery. What do I need to have to connect this in place of my LA battery?
That should be good to run two fridges at same time right?
30A is right at the limit for 10AWG. 8AWG would have been a better choice.
@ronb6182
9 ай бұрын
Yeah 8 and make sure it's battery cable the more strands the better.. never use solid 10 gage or even the few strands in number 8. Direct current flows better with stranded wire. 73
@gameface7012
Ай бұрын
P@@ronb6182
also makes more work if you have to change the fuse.
Was the fuse holder copper clad aluminum wire? They don't make cheap fuse holders with all copper. You provided a lot of great info. Thanks
@BradCagle
9 ай бұрын
It was copper wire. I toss aluminum wire in the garbage anytime I come across it. The wire was not getting warm, it was the fuse, or fuse holder. I've come across heat issues with fuses, and fuse holders in the past. I just make it a habit to stress test them after install to see how they perform. If it's too hot for my comfort level, i'll replace it with something different. Thanks!
Victron is the best solar charger I've used so far
@BradCagle
2 ай бұрын
Same!
do you have a similar video using multiple batteries
Regarding the Fuses you have added, based on what you choose the Fuse amp? ( all fuses)
@BradCagle
10 ай бұрын
It's best to rate your fuses on the wire. So if your wire can handle 100A at max continuous, then you should use a 100a fuse, or breaker.
Thank you so much. I'm trying to figure all this out. I have six 100 w solar panels. Now I'm trying to figure out how many batteries I need, a controller and inverter. I have a window unit, (115-volt;12000-BTU) a 60 inch TLC Roku TV, and a lamp. If I can add a refrigerator later that would be wonderful because a $400 light bill is not for me. Now watch a lot of videos but get confused when they say volts and amps and watts. My brain just goes blank. If you or someone else could help please do thank you.
Thank you for the great video. I have only one question. What is the amperage of the fuse you placed on the positive side of the battery?
Please can 1200 watts on lights. small power tools. small air conditioners. small portable heater. television. small refrigerator. small microwave. small to medium-sized fans. If yes please which type of battery should i use 12.8v 100Ah
Can you use a breaker instead of a fuse?
good morning god bless you i have Victron SmartSolar MPPT 75/10 Solar Charge Controller w/ Bluetooth with 1 CHINS LiFePO4 Battery 12V 100AH Lithium Battery how to set up solar panel i need. , i need help
Nice starter build. I would make a few modifications though and the reason is that really NOBODY should be doing new systems with 12V batteries any more. There is just no reason to use 12V even in a beginner friendly tutorial when 24V and 48V LiFePO4 batteries are readily available. 12V seriously underutilizes the Victron and requires heavier wiring and generates a hell of a lot more heat and losses. So I would do this instead: * Victron MPPT 100/20 SmartSolar charge controller. This unit can handle 12V, 24V, or 48V. * 24V Inverter. Any brand. * And a 24V LiFePO4 batteries. Also any brand. e.g. 24V @ 50Ah has the same capacity as 12V @ 100Ah. * You can go with 12awg wiring, but actually I usually just stick with 10awg anyway because I like the feel of the wire better and losses will be lower. Or alternatively, go straight to 48V but in that case the smallest reasonable 48V LiFePO4 battery is probably going to be 50Ah, so the cost will be somewhat higher for the larger storage capacity. Still, if you need that much capacity, then I would go 48V across the board. The advantage of going to 24V or 48V is that you can expand the system later on without having to throw anything that you've already purchased away, the amperages are lower, losses are much much lower, heat is lower. The only issue to keep in mind is that the solar input on the Victron has to be +5V higher than the battery voltage. For a 24V system this means you need (for example) two 100W panels in series. For a 48V system you would need three 100W panels in series. I would still consider it to be a "starter" system though. Just having one little panel is a huge waste of effort. -Matt
@BradCagle
9 ай бұрын
Hi Matt. I have starter videos for 12v, and 24v. I also have 48v starter videos in the works. Thanks
@DeFiDuke
6 ай бұрын
can someone please do a head to head comparison of all the new 460ah lifepo4 batteries that are coming out? redodo bird, roamer, litime, epoch, basen, VATRER, power drag queen, etc.. thanks in advance! @@BradCagle
@georgewashington7444
21 күн бұрын
My small sailboat has 150W of panels and my system is 12V so there is a reason for 12v still. I have led nav lights, charger for phone IPad and a small fan to power @20ah a day required. With 100ah LiFePo4 battery it works.
@junkerzn7312
21 күн бұрын
@@georgewashington7444 Yes, 12V works for a system that small, though I'd personally still use at least 24V. There are a few additional considerations for a sailboat though that you need to think about: (1) Consider having two batteries instead of one, for redundancy so you have options if you are out to sea and something fails. Same for other components. (2) Put the batteries on an Anderson quick disconnect in case of a runaway (battery starts smoking or a fire), designed so you can rip the batteries out by main force and chuck them overboard if need be. (There's no time to unscrew or clip anything if that happens, make it so they can literally be ripped out by their pull cords... add pull cords if you don't have them already, and chucked overboard). (3) Consider a down-buffer battery for the marine radio. Well, in your case it would just be a small DC-DC (12-12) charger and a 20Ah satellite 12.8V LiFePO4 battery that is capable of running the radio. A 4A or 6A DC-DC charger is plenty for this application. Usually the home batteries are low in the boat, so flooding can cause real problems. Situating a small 20Ah battery right next to the marine radio with a little DC-DC from the home system to keep it charged and floating properly, is an important safety. A tiny little car inverter to get a few USB ports and AC for emergencies (or even just regular device charging) hanging off the satellite battery is a good idea too. -Matt
How do you know how big of an inverter you can have for a battery?
Add cable size so you won't get heat.
Clean cut video. Watt panels did you use for your set up. Make a video on it. LOL Thanks Great video.
@BradCagle
Ай бұрын
Oh man, it's been so long I don't remember :) maybe I'll make a new video. Thanks
👍
Can you explain more about our using the resistor to charge the capacitors? What did you use, where did you get it?
@BradCagle
5 ай бұрын
Precharge resistors: amzn.to/3PEuRCk
@shanedenmark5536
5 ай бұрын
@@BradCagle Awesome thanks! What watt & resistance did you use? Theres a bunch of choices.
Put in breaker fuses
12V requires the most AMPS to charge and stresses the most all the cables and fuses. This is why i sugest to ether buy a 24V battery or add another one in series. Use the same solar charger, but change the inverter. You will have way better temps for everything.
I want to expand my nature's generator 3600 do i use batteries or solar panels
👍👍👍
At least I learnt something.
do you have to be connected to the net in order to use the victron app on your phone? nice video thanks
@BradCagle
3 ай бұрын
No. It connects through Bluetooth. Thanks