DIY Off Grid Home Solar System


System Components

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Victron MPPT RS 450V/100A, 450V/200A SmartSolar Charge Controller
The system I demonstrated would work just fine with the 100A version and it is much cheaper. I installed the 200A version so I have room to expand.

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Victron 48v Multiplus-II Inverter Charger 3000va 120V
Very efficient and very reliable inverter. Comes pre-programmed when purchased through Current Connected!

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Victron 48V MultiPlus-II UL1741 3kVA 120V Inverter 35A Charger
This is the exact same inverter as the standard Multiplus II except it is UL listed. If you need to get an inspection, you will want this version. One difference between the two is it has a larger wiring compartment, which is worth the extra $70 in my opinion.

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Victron Cerbo GX Kit
The Cerbo GX will allow you to dramatically increase the visibility and control of your Victron system. You can monitor on your phone or computer anywhere in the world.

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Inverter Communications Cables for SOK 48V100Ah Pro Server Rack Battery
Use the Victron cable to connect to SOK Server Rack Batteries. Or make your own using the diagram included in the circuit diagram document above.

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Victron VE.Direct Cable – 0.3m to 10m Lengths
Compatible with GX Devices, BMV-70X Series Battery Monitors, and MPPT Charge Controllers

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NEW BUDGET VERSION!! - SOK Battery 100Ah 48v Server Rack Battery
This is supper exciting! Get an SOK quality serviceable battery at the lowest price on the market. Currently $1,350!! This budget no frills version has built in BMS with 2 temperature sensors and built in circuit breaker. There is no pre-charge circuit, so be sure to use a pre-charge resistor when connecting to inverters. All cells have bolted connections. This will save you $1,500 on a full server rack! This battery is not UL listed, so keep that in mind if you will need to get an inspection.

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SOK 100Ah 48v Server Rack Battery
Quality construction. Built in BMS with temperature sensors and built in pre-charge circuit. Built in screen for easy monitoring and control. Best 48V battery for serviceability. All cells have bolted connections. If you are just getting one battery and don't want to have a separate battery monitor this is the best solution. This battery is UL1973 & UL9540A certified, UL9540 pending.

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Fully Loaded 25kWh SOK 48v Server Rack Battery Kit
Bundle & Save

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Batteries
Click here to review value-priced battery options.

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RS232 Cable for SOK 48V100Ah Pro Server-Rack Battery
You only need this cable if you want to interface with the batteries.

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Victron SmartShunt 500A~2000A 6.5-70VDC
This is the cheaper monitor, you can still access by Bluetooth. Use this one if you have a Cerbo GX and touch screen.

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Victron BMV-712 Battery Monitor
I like this monitor a lot. It has an independent display and Bluetooth connection. It's reliable and easy to set up.

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2/0 AWG – Pure Copper Battery/Inverter Cables – Red and Black
Use the 9" version for connecting the batteries in series on the rack.

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Silicone Battery Terminal Covers – Black & Red
These terminal covers are extra large and work with the 2/0 cables. They protect the connections from accidental contact.

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DIY Battery Cable & Lug Kit – 2/0 AWG
This is a great kit to make your own cables if you have a crimping tool. I used 2/0 AWG cables for the battery to Lynx Distributor and from the MPPT charge controller to the Lynx Distributor because I installed the 200A version.

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Custom Made | Red + Black Pure Copper Battery/Inverter Cables
Good pricing on quality cables made-to-order cables and lug sizes. I used 1/0 for the Inverter chargers.

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Battery Cable Lugs 5/16″ or 3/8" | 6AWG - 4/0
Quality lugs, choose the size and quantity you need. I used 1/0 Battery Cable Lugs 5/16″ for this project.

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Victron Interface MK3-USB Configuration Tool – VE.Bus to USB
You only need this interface dongle if you want to reprogram your inverters and you don't have a Cerbo GX. If you order from Current Connected they will program them for you and you won't need this. If you're like me you have to keep playing with things then you need this... : )

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Victron LYNX Distributor – Power Distribution System
This unit greatly simplifies the connection of the inverters batteries and charge controllers. Totally worth the money.

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LittelFuse MEGA-Fuse ~ 60A to 300A ~ For 12V, 24V, & 48V Systems
Use 125A fuses for the Victron MultiPlus II

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10 AWG Solar PV Cable – 7 Strand – Bulk 500Ft Spool

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Dinkle DIN Rail Block Kit DK10N Red/Black with Jumpers Ground Terminal Blocks, 6-20 AWG, 60 Amp, 600 Volt
International Connector created this package by my request to provide everything you need for a clean solar combiner box with breakers and surge protectors. I like the DK10N size to give some margin for most installs.

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UV Resistant Black Zip Ties
You need UV resistant zip ties or they will break down in a couple of years.

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VEVOR Electrical Enclosure, 20'' x 12'' x 10'', UL Certified NEMA 4 Outdoor Enclosure, IP65
These enclosures are great for DC combiner boxes. The come in lots of sizes and are very well made for the price. Plus you can get 5% off site wide with the code: VVMH5%OFF

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VEVOR Electrical Enclosure, 20'' x 16'' x 6'', UL Certified NEMA 4 Outdoor Enclosure, IP65
You can also purchase multiple sizes on Amazon. Be sure to purchase the UL listed version for inspection.

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Smart Home Energy Monitor - Emporia Vue
Smart Home Energy Monitor with 16 50A Circuit Level Sensors | Vue - Real Time Electricity Monitor/Meter | Solar/Net Metering

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Siemens 2P 60A 240V General Duty Safety Switch Outdoor
Use this for a disconnect for grid-tie connections up to 60A.

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SIEMENS Q250 50-Amp Double Pole Type QP Circuit Breaker
This is just for reference, you need to get the breaker that matches your load center.

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Transfer Switch
This is a great independent transfer switch for switching between mains and generator or solar power.

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CH250 2-Pole 50-Amp Circuit Breaker
This is the brand breaker needed for the transfer switch listed above if you want to change the rating.

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50 Foot Liquid-Tight Conduit
1/2" flexible conduit is cheap and easy to use.

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6 AWG 19-Stranded THHN Black Copper Building Wire
6 AWG is needed if you are using 50A circuits. Use black for L1.

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6 AWG 19-Stranded THHN White Copper Building
6 AWG is needed if you are using 50A circuits. You will need twice as much white as black and red since neutral is used for every connection.

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6 AWG 19-Stranded THHN Red Copper Building Wire
6 AWG is needed if you are using 50A circuits. Use red for L2.

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100ft - 10 AWG Gauge Insulated Stranded Copper - 600v
10 AWG can be used if you are using 50A circuits. You will need twice as much green as black and red since ground is used for every connection.

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Pylex 10555 Adjustable Helical Post 50"
You can get these in different lengths, be sure to get one that will go deep enough for your soil conditions and frost depth.

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Tools
If you are interested in the tools I use here is a link.

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Disclaimers:

This video is for information purposes only, and does not constitute professional advice. Solar systems can and do involve dangerous electrical connections. If you do not have experience with electrical wiring, please seek professional support.