DIY Solar Power - Made Easy!
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Budget Friendly
Handtruck Solar System

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Anyone can build it!
  • 3,000-5000W AC Output
  • 1,800W AC Input
  • 5,000W PV Input 
  • PV Voltage Range: 120-500V
  • Scalable
  • Easy to Build! This took me 25 minutes
  • Can be mobile or stationary
Turn off the battery and make all connections. Then add solar and turn everything on! It does not get easier than this.

You can throw this into a RV or Van, or even a closet. Easy to move and very powerful.

Choose an Inverter:

(Different brands, same manufacturer. My Favorite is the 5000W)
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$699 for 3000W
Click Here to Purchase

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$764 for 5000W
(very popular unit, out of stock often)
Click Here for Supplier #1
​Click Here for Supplier #2

Click Here for Supplier #3 ( do not get the other models! They are not the same)


Choose a 48V Battery:

Both are fantastic! But one has communication, and the other has a built in screen. These are the best I have tested this year:
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Vatrer:$899 for 5kWh
Click Here

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Ecoworthy: $839 Click Here to Purchase Version 3


Get a Handtruck:

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Hand Truck From Harbor Freight: Click Here to Purchase


Everything else you will need:

  1. ​​AC Input Cord: Click Here To Purchase
  2. AC Output Cord: Click Here To Purchase
  3. 10 AWG MC4 Extension Cable (connect any solar panels to this system with this cable): Click Here to Purchase
  4. Solar Disconnect Switch: Click Here to Purchase
  5. Tie Down Strap: Local Hardware Store
  6. Screws/Bolts to Mount Everything: Local Hardware Store

Put it all together!


Wiring this system takes minutes:

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The battery cables come with the EG4 all in one. Strip the ends, insert in the terminals and tighten it down with a screw driver.

​You can use any 48V server rack battery you wish!
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The AC connections are dead simple as well. Here we have one appliance cord for the AC input, and a surge strip connected to the AC output. As long as the proper color wire is in the proper terminal, you are set!

If you need to run 12V loads, add a converter:

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These golf cart converters have a 48V input, and a 12V output. The 12V output in the picture above is connected to a 12V fuse block to add loads. You can find a converter for any size you wish!

​48V to 12V Converter: Click Here to Purchase

Add an MC4 Extension Set to Connect Solar Panels

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This is the proper configuration for connection

Recommended Solar Panel Array

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The biggest difference between this system and a traditional 12V system is that the solar panel string voltage is much higher. This system requires 120VDC at the PV input for it to charge. 

​If you buy 400W solar panels, put at least 3 in series. 4-8 is recommended for this system though. 

Do not exceed 500VDC at the PV input! 

Click Here to See What 400W Solar Panels I Recommend

Have a small or low voltage solar array? No problem!

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Ever wondered how I charge my golf carts 48V battery with a small 50W solar panel? The answer is a boost MPPT charge controller. This device allows you to charge higher voltage batteries with a low voltage solar panel. 

This is great for those people who do not have enough space on their RV or Van's roof, but want to still use a 48V system for reduced cost and increased efficiency.

Click Here to Purchase

Or you could avoid spending more money on this charge controller by using higher voltage panels. There are some nice 200W panels by rich solar that can be put into series. As long as you get the voltage above 120VDC you, you can use whatever solar panels you wish!

Need alternator charging? No problem!

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You will need a dedicated and externally regulated 48V alternator. This will reduce stress on your vehicles charging system which is not designed to charge large, deeply discharged solar batteries. Most overland and van building shops will add these alternators to your van or rv easily. 

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  • Home
  • DIY Solar Packages
    • Handtruck System Builder
    • Off-grid System Builder
    • Hybrid System Builder
    • Mobile Systems >
      • The Minimalist (great for small vans and cars)
      • The Classic 400 Watt (RV's, Vans, Buses)
      • 400 Watt w/ Alternator Charging
      • The Off Grid King (Power Anything!)
  • Solar Batteries
    • 48V Server Rack LiFePO4
    • 48V Vertical Mount LiFePO4
    • 12V Lithium Batteries
    • Raw Cell DIY Batteries >
      • Raw LiFePO4 Cells
      • BMS
    • Battery Capacity Testers
  • Solar Components
    • 50-250W Solar Panels
    • 300W+ Solar Panels
    • Ground Mount Solar Racking
    • Inverters
    • Solar Charge Controllers
    • Battery Chargers
    • Wire and Connectors
    • Fuses and Circuit Breakers
    • Tools
    • Battery Monitors
    • Automatic Transfer Switches
    • Battery Isolators
    • Solar Friendly Air Conditioners
    • 12v Fridges
  • Free Solar eBook
  • Plug-N-Play Systems
    • Full Size Systems
    • Ultra Portable Systems
  • Videos
    • Solar Power for Beginners
  • The Forum
  • How to Mount Solar Panels to a Vehicle
  • Contact Me
  • Policies and Disclaimers