DIY Solar Generator! 1536Wh Portable Power Station Lithium LiFePO4 HOW TO
Cahn shows you how to make an easy DIY 12V solar generator / portable power station - check this out!
Inside is a 120Ah 1536Wh Lithium LiFePO4 battery, 25 Amp DC DC charger, 500W Pure Sine Wave Inverter and a Touch Pad Switch Panel so you can turn on all your accessories and power all your gear!
With a solar input, alternator input, movement-activated ignition sense charging capability, pure sine wave inverter automated cooling fans and more it’s a serious bit of kit that offers seriously good value and is a great fun weekend project!
Whether you use it for camping, 4WDing, van life, overlanding fishing or just at home in the backyard you’ll find some many uses for a portable all in one 12V and 240V off grid power setup! We’ve used it to run a camping fridge, power camp lights with a cig plug or USB devices, charge a laptop or even run the 12V Adventure Oven. After all it's basically a portable dual battery system in a box!
It might not look as pretty as a Bluetti or an Ecoflow but this is a modular DIY design that you can always update or upgrade later on!
If you want to see more DIY vids like this, let us know in the comments below!
Install DCDC charger vid • Step-By-Step DC-DC Cha...
► Gear used for this build:
120Ah LiFePO4 Battery here: bit.ly/2YcWomo
25A DCDC Charger: bit.ly/3xMCds5
500W Pure Sine Wave Inverter: bit.ly/3nAoa4U
Touch Pad Switch Panel: bit.ly/3kaEYPI
50A Wiring Kit: bit.ly/2ZlTj3N
More Great Gear: bit.ly/4WDSupacentreWebsite
Stayzcool 12V Fridge/Freezer bit.ly/3c41e8Z
12v Adventure Oven - bit.ly/3KZn7qh
160W Fixed Solar Panel bit.ly/3n2ucMC
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► ABOUT US
4WD Supacentre is an Australian owned company offering quality 4WD, camping and outdoor products at wholesale prices. We carry a wide range of products designed to make your 4WD or camping trip that much more enjoyable. Products range from air compressors, awnings, awning tents, camping gear, exhausts, led lights, Titan rear drawers, recovery gear and heaps more!
We have all the right gear you need to keep you out on the tracks for longer at incredibly low prices every day. Thanks for watching from all the team here at 4WD Supacentre!
► OTHER VIDEOS YOU MAY LIKE:
• Off Grid 12V Battery Masterclass: bit.ly/3c8uICO
• Solar Regulators Explained: bit.ly/3fBvXNd
• Beginners Guide To Camping: bit.ly/3iz5gKM
• Beach 4WDing Secrets Revealed: bit.ly/2R9chH0
• Torture Test - Lethal LED Lights: bit.ly/3fEzmLi
► Check Us Out Online:
• Website - bit.ly/4WDSupacentreWebsite
• Facebook - bit.ly/4WDSupacentreFacebook
• Instagram - bit.ly/4WDSupacentreInstagram
*NOTE: This description contains links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video. Thank you for your support!
Just wow. If Kings sell ready made versions, that would be fantastic!
This does seem like a Kings advertisement 🤔
Wow, have been looking at making a new upgraded (from agm to lithium) 12v portable power unit for camping and the back of the 4wd and this is the best setup I've seen, thanks for the video.
Awesome build. Would definitely be keen to see a bigger version... more battery, 1500w invertor, 40a DCDC, Ciggy outlets, LEDs inside and outlets, maybe control panel in the lid... So many options. Loving these vids :)
Brilliant idea with the Mercury switch and timer. I also like the fan cooling control. Great build.
Awesome build. Great quality and well thought out.
Great job. I'd definitely be keen to see you put together a bigger version.
Jeez Cahn, you really are the King of DC power! That was a superb build and a fantastic multi function solution. Well done mate! Cheers.
Cheers Murray! Glad you liked it - there was a debate that it needed to show every single step, which we did film, but I figured it was better to keep it as inspiration so whoever watched could make their own version! Cheers, Cahn
Thank you SO MUCH for this amazing how-to video. I was able to build one of my own (with my son's help). For the case, I used a rolling toolbox from Harbor Freight to make it more easily 'portable' when I need to move it around.
Wow, this solar generator from Segway looks like a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts like us! With its massive capacity, fast recharging, and waterproof design, it seems perfect for camping trips or even as a home backup power source. Definitely worth considering for anyone in need of reliable power on the go. Thanks for sharing this video!
The motion sensor and fan are a great idea
@7:36 realize he over cut the hole, improvises (nicely done), plays it off as a simple change of mind! That is exactly how DIY goes... If you don't make mistakes and then find ways around, then your not doing it yourself! Bravo!
I saw your comment, checked the time code and ended up watching the rest of the video haha I really need to revisit this with all my updates - and should finally build that bigger version too! Cheers, Cahn
Would love to see that video with a breakdown and total tally of costs. @@4wdsupacentreAu
Please do so @@4wdsupacentreAu
This is a brilliant idea...... I never thought to use one of those storage boxes. This may be my next holiday project I think ;)
Love a good DIY project (clearly!) so I’m glad I helped you think of some ideas! My favourite part regarding the box is that you can strap it down by the handles and still open it for access / to check on it or turn things on and off. Super handy! Cheers, Cahn
When you consider the charge cycles for some of the overlanding market's most popular power chargers this setup blows away the competition. The fact that it's serviceable, not limited to size and output is what I like the most. Thanks for sharing.
Cheers mate! Really appreciate the thoughts and comments! - Cahn
@@4wdsupacentreAu how come there’s no solar control box when you plug the solar panel into the supply on the bdvkz?
@@cameronmcdougall458 The DC2DC charger has the solar controller in it.
@@cameronmcdougall458 my understanding is that the DCDC charger automatically selects the solar input when that supply is available. The DCDC charger also contains mppt solar charge management as well.
Love to see a 200 or 300 Ah version of this with bigger inverter. Also a component list to take to your store! would be a great help.
Dude this is mad, perfect solution for what I'm thinking can't wait to make one 🤙
easily one of the best project videos I have watched on making your own power station. would be cool doing this as you said with a much bigger battery and having this as a ready to go system mounted on the vehicle easy to swap around between vehicles might be heavier then the one in this video but awesome and much easier to service upgrade and replace components. awesome video guys.
This is awesome! Love watching people work on things which they are passionate about and enjoy doing. Very cool 😊
Thanks Lachlan! Appreciate the feedback and glad you liked it! I also like being called ‘passionate’ and not a nerd for once hahaha Cheers, Cahn
@@4wdsupacentreAu Haha mate we "passionate" people gotta stick together 🤣 keep up the great videos
You're much nicer than my workmates after they saw my new baby that's for sure hahaha Thanks again, Cahn
@@4wdsupacentreAu sounds like they can bring their own batteries to the next camping trip 😊
That's slick. I think the only thing I would do differently would be to run the sense wire from the alternator back to the box instead of relying on the tilt switch. You can run it along with the power wire since they are both up in the engine compartment. but man, that is about as clean a DIY portable LiFePo4 battery setup as you can get.
Another 👍 for this build, keen to see the larger version when you get to it... well done 5 ⭐
Thanks mate much appreciated! Cheers, Cahn
unreal system , yes would like to see a bigger one
Nice job! Looks like you thought 💭 of everything 👍😎
Awesome job mate! I'm actually considering to build one for my own, toss it at the back of my rover for when i'm wandering around the mountains. The specifications would be that it could power an electric kettle so I will have to put hardware that supports at least 1000w. I would be really interested in the general wiring diagram of the installation! Thanks for sharing!
I want that sooooo much. It looks freaking amazing. So cool.
Fantastic setup. Would love to build something like that
Yeah I’m gonna do this, thanks mate what a great idea👍🏾
BIG fan of that tilt switch 5 minute solution. That's a fkn gem.
This is awesome! Thanks so much for sharing
Nice job - especially the idea about motion switch! A very neat looking setup! What I've done is used an off-the-shelf battery box ($150 on sale at the time) that has a bunch of (4) Anderson plugs (plus 12v sockets / USB / manual voltage check etc). I put a Voltage Sensitive Relay ($40) in line with one of the plugs (it then becomes the dedicated car charging port). I already have a 2nd battery (AGM) in the engine bay, so this is the third => portable power source and runs from a 50A line coming from the same source as the AGM. The Kings DC-DC blue ignition wire is linked to the controlled side of the VSR (only live over 13.2V - i.e. alternator running.) The Solar input is a separate Anderson plug mounted beside the DC-DC. I guess I could have stolen another plug from the box.... :) The Kings inverter is also mounted to the outside of the box and wired to the inside. I've added a inexpensive isolator switch to the 12V side so it's not always powered.. I'm not worried about waterproofing as I'm not going to use 240V in the wet (!) and the units mounted to the outside avoid any issues with fans and stray current draw from fans and the temp/voltage sensors.
G'day mate - sounds like a pretty elegant solution! the VSR on the input is another good option and one that I considered too - as I said in the video this was a bit of an experiment (which has worked well so far) but could absolutely be changed up! Thanks for watching and letting us know about your setup! Cheers, Cahn
one word, love it. ok two words, its twice as good.
I’ve just finished making a setup incredibly similar to this, I’m reasonably handy but it took me 4 full days. I didn’t put in an inverter but did use the other kings dcdc charger and added a battery monitoring system. Just a heads up for anyone else wanting to do the same. A very good system none the less
Very COOL. Keen to see a bigger version with the 1500 watt inverter
You sell and campers would definitely buy, I would 100% get one
Hi mate, I love this idea. I have just bought the kings 200amp hour lithium battery and am going to set up a very similar box but with the kings 3000 watt inverter. I am going to see if the bigger kings 78 litre box will fit the components. I love that it is portable and can still have car or solar charge it. That way does not have to be a permanent set up in car or if upgrade can simply go with. Keep up the good work!
Great DIY video. If only we had a Kings here in Texas !
My dude, this is the cleanest box build I've seen and I've watched a lot of these videos. Fantastic job although I'm sure everyone has already told you so. Sadly, we don't have any boxes like these in the States and everyone ends up using these terribly lightweight tool boxes that would break if you sat on them. Love these!
Totally agree that those flimsy battery boxes aren't ideal for building a power station. We do have those boxes that he used, look up "rotomold" case or box should get you on the right path....
Look up Hardigg cases. Or Pelican boxes. but that Kings box looks a lot like a Hardigg case. You can even find them (sometimes) on craigslist.
Fantastic build but hanging to see one made with a lot more power please build one with a lot more amps🤠👍
Awesome a stackable extension battery pack would do great with that as well
A good effort. I have made heaps of these I have found minimum battery is 200Ah, and minimum inverter is 800w run 1600 watt peak pure sine. Then, you can run your fridge at home for 24h in a power failure, or your tv for 43 hours. Then it is really useful. I use a victron inverter/ charger, as it shuts down automatically when there is no load ( like when your fridge is cycled off) and sames standby current. I also used the victron inverter charger, as then it works as a UPS and charges the battery, from the mains. I also add an RCD and an earth spike so when camping and a mains appliance gets wet, it wont shock you.
Thanks for the feedback! You're right I could've made it a little 'bigger' but I think I'll do that for the next one! This has been awesome so far as it's so portable and I can throw it in a bunch of different vehicles as I need it! Cheers, Cahn
I thought you'll need at least a 2000 watt inverter with a 3000 or higher watt peak to run like a standard size fridge at home since when you first power on a fridge the wattage spikes around 3000w or higher..
@@genso3065 Not so I do it all the time an 800 watt victron inverter will run a big fridge no problem I run my two fridges ok in fact.
@@rogerandlyndabeall3840 nice thanks for the info. I'm a noob to this.haha. So all the info is appreciated. It'll be cheaper for me as well to get a lower wattage inverter
@@rogerandlyndabeall3840 but I would definitely need a much higher Amp battery battery than a 12v 20ah right to be able to do that?
Wow! Amazing. Please I wanna learn more from you.
You guys should sell this ! It’s soo awesome so easy and neat looking definitely I will buy this set up 🙌🙏🏻 soo good
Cheers mate! As I wrote in another comment, I might have to start doing them on weekends hahaha Getting lots of interest so we’ll see what we can do about making a proper one! Cheers, Cahn
@@4wdsupacentreAu If you make off the shelf versions, please make them modular like this one so components can easily be swapped out if needed.
G'day! here's an update for you! We're going to start making these to order and selling them from our stores. So, if you're interested you can shoot me an email at 12Vsupport@4wdsupacentre.com.au and I can run you through the process! As of today, all the bits you need from Kings are about $1675 total and I reckon about $1800 for all the extra bits included so we can figure out a price ready to go for you! Cheers, Cahn
@@4wdsupacentreAu You have got me. I'm in for 2 when available.
What's the total cost for this diy?
Was nice to meet you and your grew today at the grand opening of 4WD SUPACENTRE EASTERN CREEK. Your voice was the first thing I heard when I walked in to that massive store. hope the young bloke gets some time away from hearing your voice on repeat when editing your videos. and heard you took some photos of my cousin with his full trolleys on his way out. LOL
Nice work! Great idea 💡
Thanks James, appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment! Cheers, Cahn
Everyone rips on the gear but thanks for taking the time to make this video.
Nice build mate well done! I did a similar build during my COVID lockdown in Melbourne. Using a 120Ah Lithium, 3000W inverter and DC to DC charger. It runs my coffee machines, portable induction hotplate and fridge no problem at all. I have even used it for my rotary hammer drill on the farm. As I have only got the 1 x 120Ah Lithium and want to use it for everything I've linked 2 portable solar panels to give it a charge capacity of around 12amps. I've also added a battery monitor that give me Amps in and out so I can see how much I'm using and how much the solar panels are putting back in, which has been very handy, when one of the solar panels wasn't charging. Keen to see how the bigger box goes as mine is heavy enough now! I am thinking of being able to just plug in, via a Anderson plug, another 120Ah lithium in parallel to give me more capacity. But at this stage I haven't run it near flat yet!
G'day Ian, Not a bad way to spend time indoors, but I'm glad you've been able to get out and use it now! Thanks for the comment and taking the time to watch - with regards to the battery monitor you're right it's something I'd definitely consider if I made another one of these! Cheers, Cahn
now this I'd love to see, do you have a build on KZhead or somewhere please?
This needs to be an off the shelf item, could finesse it a little more. A 1500w inverter would be unreal. Have it without the battery to keep costs down, also for those with existing batteries or for those who may want agm or lithium. I’d buy one in a heart beat
I’m getting a lot of positive comments saying similar things… might have to look into it more seriously! Again you can buy ready-made (more pretty) ones but I like this cos it is modular and I fully intend to add more accessories to in the next couple weeks as I use it more Cheers, Cahn
Make this as a ready unit with or without the battery and if it’s done with good quality, I will definitely buy one with everything Cahn included. 100%
G'day Clarky, I've had so much interest in these from this video that we're going to start making these to order and selling them from our stores. So, if you're interested you can shoot me an email at 12Vsupport@4wdsupacentre.com.au and I can run you through the process! As of today, all the bits you need from Kings (including the LiFePO4 battery) are about $1675 total and I reckon about $1800 for all the extra bits included so we can figure out a price ready to go for you! we could definitely do one for you without the battery so you can drop your own in, or make some customisations... I'd have to see how a 1500W inverter fits though - you might have to re-position the 240V outlet to make it work! Cheers, Cahn
G'day mate, as per the comment above we're going to start making these to order and selling them from our stores. So, if you're interested you can shoot me an email at 12Vsupport@4wdsupacentre.com.au and I can run you through the process! As of today, all the bits you need from Kings are about $1675 total and I reckon about $1800 for all the extra bits included so we can figure out a price ready to go for you! Cheers, Cahn
@@4wdsupacentreAu are you still taking orders? I’d be super keen!
amazing review
Super helpfuls and yeah, make the video for the bigger 12V box
Such a great video 👍🏻
Would love to see a new video with what updates you have made to the box, as well as a review on how it went in practical use positive and negative things
Excellent video thank you!😎
So good, great build.
Cheers Dean, much appreciated! - Cahn
Absolutely love it ❤️
Loving this video. Just wish I could get these cargo boxes in the UK. Nothing I've seen over here comes close.
Very nice video Thanks for share
Good video, but I based my build with all DC outputs using Grey Anderson Style plugs, the Solar Panel Input is a Green Anderson Style and the 12VDC/Alternator input using Red Anderson Style. May seem cumbersome but it absolutely guarantees no mistakes in plugs because, as you mentioned in the video they physically will not mate each other and provides another level of protection for those expensive electronics in the box.
Very neat work 👍👌👊
Nicely done!
Very good video. Thank you.
Hi, Nice build, I build a dc2dc and battery set up in a trailer, Anderson for the main power to the trailer from the vehicle and when wired the ignition signal on to the trailers tail lights circuit, so when towing just turn the parker/ lights on and the dc2dc is up and way. Cheers
You guys should sell this as a complete kit. ITS A Guaranteed product winner. The other thing is to do a Masterclass VIDEO work shop of step by step wiring as a complimentary addition for those wishing to do a DIY.
That is a budget friendly solar generator I can get behind.
Cheers mate! A lot of people saying “just buy one” but that would’ve been much less fun! Cheers, Cahn
awesome .. def doing it like yours
Yea definitely keen to see a bigger version! This one is very cleaver, I like the temp switch fans and tilt switch. It makes it a very smart setup
Love it! What was the initial outlay though?
I wish I could find Kings products in Denver Colorado USA. Your vids are amazing.
Wow. I’d buy one if you were to make and sell. Awesome.
4:14 Almost got a heartattack when he touched the battery terminals lol
Can you provide a wiring diagram?? And full list of kings components and aftermarket components….love this design
I just subbed. Thank you. Awesome build!!! 👍👍 For equivellent cases in N America Pelicans are perfect for this. One Canadian company has a pre-built system in one that's awesome but huge $. Princess Auto has a Storm Case 21 1/2"X14"X9" $150CDN with a heavy duty weather resistant plug installed already. I own 2 Pel travel cases. $$ but they're indestructable and water tight! They also have knockoff cases that should work just as well and I want a bigger case anyway. N/s about the knockoffs but the Pels have a retractable extension handle and wheels and a pressure valve to eliminate condensation @ altitude flying. That pre-made is completely weather proof as a result. Should be a fun project. Harbor Freight knockoff should work for the Patriots down south. Aussies and Kiwis are our Brothers and Sisters. We even share the same balloon headed "leaders" in a freakish competition for incompetent and marxist. Think we have you ALL beat though! My kingdom for a Toyota Hilux. Don't sell em in N America. Thanks again!!!🇨🇦
Please make one off the shelf. I'll buy it!! Great job mate 👍
G'day Mate, Thanks to comments like yours we're gonna make some! We're going to start making these to order and selling them from our stores. So, if you're interested you can shoot me an email at 12Vsupport@4wdsupacentre.com.au and I can run you through the process! As of today, all the bits you need from Kings are about $1675 total and I reckon about $1800 for all the extra bits included, so we can figure out a price ready to go for you! Cheers, Cahn
Nice one, I would put the switch panel flush mounted to the outside, and add a way to see amps in and out, and battery percentage. Otherwise great build.
G'day Scott, A few others have suggested the switch panel on the outside so it's something I'm looking at for V2. A battery monitor would really help too - but for the moment at least there is a volt meter to very roughly keep an eye on it! Cheers, Cahn
This looks great. Do you have a parts list ?
cool build, how would you go about changing the wiring to accept top up charging from a cigarette lighter (like 5A max) or a dc adapter instead of the dc-dc charger?
I have no idea how you managed to Tetris that all together. I'm seeing, but the believing is still trying to catch up. Nailed it. Yes please to a larger box version.
Nice one i decided to build one myself. 100ah lithium ( produces Max 175 amps for 5 mins output) 2000 watt inverter. Victron smart shunt with screen, temp sensor, relay and Bluetooth. Finally ac/dc charger. Fans come on when it’s over 30 degrees. Large capacity relay turns inverter on without opening box. Externally mounted ac in for charger, ac out for inverter and 2 anderson plugs to my dcdc charger mounted in car and. External 12v control panel from adventure kings located at back off my tub for easy access. Good idea. Thanks.
Just started building one. But a low power 20Amp unit. ❤ George
Hey Cahn if I wanted to do a budget version of this and use my existing deep cycle 130ah battery would that work and then later if I buy a lithium just replace it ?
Kings need to sell this as a kit
Just finshed building one but in a 78lt box Just a little run down on some stuff 78lt box 115ah battery 1500w inverter Touch pad switch panel Thermostat Fans Gotta say it's not to bad of a kick ass build but almost a two person lift as it can be a bit of a back breaker lifting on your own to carry
hi, looks great! Well done. Have you found you needed the fans for cooling? this is the only video i have seen with them, so interested in how that has worked and if you think it is needed?
I wish we had a store like that in the US to pick up all that.
Maybe one day! I'd volunteer to come over and help set them up for a good old working holiday haha! Cheers, Cahn
So nice project would love to make one or sell these parts here in reunion island
Mate good effort that! Reckon that would've required some calming beers and patience! 😉👍👌
The most frustrating part was having to go back to the local hardware three times as I didn’t buy enough nuts and bolts the first time hahaha Other than that it wasn’t too bad! Cheers, Cahn
Just purchased a fridge/freezer at that shop last weekend. Haha. Love your builds, would you be able to do an updated build fo3 me.? 😅 Ofcoarse I'll pay for the materials 😅
Noice mate…need one like it
Epic build. Sorry a dense question. As usb is 5v did you have to reduce the voltage to it or is the 12v supply still ok? Am I missing something? Cheers.
Hey i love your video. Making one myself too. Can i Charge the battery using anderson port , while running my fridge on the other port @ the same time? will it blow up my 12v fridge? thx
love to see the ugrade model
Great video... Are you running 1 x 50A and 1 x 120A circuit breakers?
This is great. The only change I would do would be put the switch panel on the outside so you don't have to open it every time you want to turn it on. I wish these boxes were available in the United States.
G'day Michael, Thanks for watching! I did think about having it on the outside, but this setup has worked pretty well for me so far. Basically I open it up, turn everything that I need on, and then close it up and pack it in the ute. you can still open the lid even if the box is strapped down by the handles which is good, but really you don't need to be getting in and out all that much while you're camping. That said, there's no reason you couldn't have it externally so I might give it a go next time! Cheers, Cahn
@@4wdsupacentreAu externally so you don’t lose precious packing space & ease of access if you’re camping in the back of your van/car etc 👍
Hey Cahn, do you mind posting a pic of the tilt switch to relay to DC-DC wiring please?
1500w inverter would be for me. A wiring tutorial would be gold as a parts list too
Made one last year. Didnt think to add a dc to dc charger though. Guess i found my next project
Very clever
awesome setup! to confirm you have to manually open up and turn on the inverter each time? no remote option?
Great box. One of the best I've seen. Has that tilt switch and timer been a good solution for that blue cable signal?
Hey man. I'm glad I found your video. I just got 2 100w solar panels not too long ago that I'm planning to add on the roof of my forester. Well, going to start off with one panel first . Was thinking what kind of storage box that I would want to use to keep my charge controller, battery, and inverter in. Never thought about a cooler box. Thanks for the idea. Haha. Now I can't even wait even more to start on my solar project. BTW, quick question. Since I'm a noob to this whole solar power project. I was thinking with just one to two 100 watt solar panel to charge a standard home fridge. Would a 12v 20ah battery and a 12v 10a-20a charger controller with a 1500w inverter with a wattage peak of 2400w suffice like just keep the fridge plugged during a power outtage?
Can you verify if this battery box is somehow grounded when it's connected to the dcdc charger? All the wiring diagrams I see say the negative terminal needs to somehow be grounded. Any help understanding how this is accomplished with this build would be greatly appreciated.
Nice 👍
Great idea, but is there any reason you didn't use the same flush mount anderson plugs for the solar/vehicle charging? and also 2x 80mm exhaust fans instead of another 120mm for the exhaust fan? Just curious as I don't want to run into any fitment issues...
Another way for the 240 volts would be a caravan plug outlet but the storage box is a great idea