DIY Off-Grid Solar System with MPPT Controllers

In the previous DIY article, DIY Security Camera Repair & Solar Upgrade, we talked about how a broken capacitor caused the surveillance system to stop working, and how to build a solar-powered surveillance setup. Since solar power often produces extra energy, this article will continue that topic by showing how to DIY an off-grid solar photovoltaic system. If that sounds interesting, it's worth reading on.

The picture below shows two MPPT devices from Juyou Technology that are needed for the solar setup: models Y02.0-45C and Y02.6-55C. Because part of the solar panels are blocked, to avoid affecting power generation, it's necessary to separate the two devices and connect two sets of solar panels. Both devices support WiFi connection and can be monitored remotely.

The off-grid photovoltaic all-in-one machine has a 5000W capacity, MPPT functionality, and can connect to 450V high-voltage solar panels. It can even work without batteries. This is a high-frequency device with reliable power output, capable of running three 1-horsepower air conditioners, home lighting, and a TV simultaneously. Without a WiFi module, the machine cannot be monitored remotely, and the MPPT function might rarely be used.

A battery pack is required, consisting of six 4850 batteries. Additionally, two sets of Farad capacitors (48V + 48V in series) are needed to handle the inverter's instantaneous current, as shown at the top of the battery pack in the photo.

Two electrical boxes are also needed, including meters inside the machines.

Finally, the solar panels themselves consist of two sets:

· The first set has ten 300W panels, around 200V.

· The second set has three 300W panels plus three 180W panels, around 120V.

Because some solar panels are blocked by a water tank, morning power generation efficiency may be low. For this reason, splitting the panels into two separate sets is helpful. The solar panels can be placed directly on the house roof. If space is limited, laying them flat is also an option.

If there are three extra 300W glass solar panels available, they can be used for daytime charging of small solar lamps or to power a fan inside a machine room during the day.

In summary, this DIY project requires Juyou MPPT devices Y02.0-45C and Y02.6-55C, the off-grid photovoltaic all-in-one machine, two electrical boxes, multiple solar panels, six 4850 batteries, two Farad capacitor packs, and several mounting brackets. Overall, these materials are quite costly. If someone doesn't want to deal with this complexity, using regular household electricity for power supply is a simpler alternative.