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Build Your Own Solar Power System

Welcome! If you're learning DIY solar or building your own off-grid power system, this page lists the tools, components, and systems I personally use and recommend on the MattMan Solar channel. If you need a FREE solar diagram to get you started, sign up for the email list and I will send you a FREE Solar Diagram right now! You can even get a diagram that keeps a frigerator running when the power go out! 

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I update this page regularly as I test new gear and build new systems.

⚡ You’ll find:

  • complete solar system builds

  • recommended batteries and inverters

  • tools I use for installs

  • wiring components and accessories

These are the same components used in my:

  • solar shed

  • RV system

  • coffee trailer build

  • off-grid test systems

Equipment From My Builds 

🔹BigBattery 48V NEXUS 15kWH LiFePO4 Battery | Off-Grid Home Back-up  (BigBattery: Discount Code: mattman5)

Watt Cycle 48v 314AH Wall Mount (DISCOUNT CODE: MATT)
This is the most popular home battery format 

ZLPOWER 48V Hybrid Solar Inverter 10KW - Dual MPPT Controller AC Input/Output 120V/240V Single Phase/Phase Split Pure Sine Wave Max 200A Charger Off Grid/Hybrid Parallel Ready WiFi Optional UL1741 (ONLY $1299 Shipped Prime)

 

EG4 6000XP Inverter
Used in my solar shed and off-grid builds.

LiTime Batteries (8% off code: MMS8)
Great value LiFePO4 batteries.

Hydraulic Lug Crimper
Essential tool for making battery cables.

Busbars and Breakers
Key components for safe battery wiring.

Affiliate Links

I will add more as I get them! 

Complete Solar System Builds

These are the actual system types I build and demonstrate on the channel. Each one uses reliable components that work well together.

48V Off-Grid Solar System (EG4 6000XP)

A powerful system capable of running a full off-grid home, shop, or large shed, or a 50a RV. (Link to Kit)

Typical components include:

RV Solar System

Great for RV living, travel trailers, or mobile solar setups.This is a version of what I built. My RV currently uses the EG4 6000XP inverter, but that setup is closer to the 48V system above and supports 240V split phase.This version is 120v for RVs with 30A plugs (Link to Kit)

Typical components include:

Off-Grid Solar Coffee Trailer

This setup is designed for small business or mobile food trailers that need reliable off-grid power. This is the newest build that will be taking place in 2026 March-April timeline. Diagram Coming Soon! (Starter Kit)

Typical components include:

Build Your Own Portable Power Station | 280Ah LiFePO4 DIY System (Expandable & Repairable)

Instead of being locked into a sealed system, this setup allows you to upgrade batteries, swap components, and repair parts easily. This portable solar system is perfect for: ⚡ RV backup power ⚡ Off-grid camping ⚡ Emergency backup power ⚡ Portable solar projects ⚡ Learning how solar systems work

Default Build with a few upgrade options!

Solar Batteries I Recommend

Batteries are the heart of a solar system, storing energy for use when the sun isn't shining.

These are brands I have personally tested or used in my builds.

Recommended 48V Battery Options:

Recommended 12V Battery Options: 

All of these are LiFePO4 lithium batteries, which provide:

  • long lifespan

  • deep cycle capability

  • excellent safety

  • high efficiency

BigBattery

Inverters I Recommend

The inverter converts your battery power into usable household electricity.

These are inverters I frequently use in my builds.

Recommended options:

These units are well suited for:

  • Off-grid homes

  • RV systems

  • Workshops

  • Mobile business trailers

Solar Panel Mounting Hardware & Racking

Mounting your solar panels safely matters just as much as choosing the right panels, batteries, and inverter. The right mounting setup depends on whether you are installing panels on the ground, on a roof, on an RV, on a shed, or as a temporary/portable setup.

Below are a few mounting options I recommend looking at depending on your project.

Ground Mount & Yard Mount Options

✅ Chiko USA GroundFlex U2V Solar Panel Ground Mount Kit
A more serious ground-mount option for standard solar modules. This is a good place to start if you want a cleaner, more permanent ground-mounted solar array.

https://signaturesolar.com/chiko-usa-groundflex-u2v-solar-panel-ground-mount-kit-ground-screws/?ref=jizqdwzt

✅ PowerField PowerRack 1200 Solar Module Mounting Rack
A simple ground rack option that can work well for smaller systems, temporary setups, or situations where you want panels low to the ground without building a full custom rack.

https://signaturesolar.com/powerfield-powerrack-1200-solar-module-mounting-rack/?ref=jizqdwzt

✅ IntegraRack IR-30 BallastRack Solar Module Rack
A ballast-style solar module rack that can be useful when you do not want to penetrate a roof or permanently attach the rack into the ground. Always make sure ballast systems are appropriate for your wind conditions.

https://signaturesolar.com/integrarack-ir-30-ballastrack-solar-module-rack-1-fixed-leg/?ref=jizqdwzt

Adjustable Tilt Mounts for RVs, Sheds, Boats & Small Systems

✅ Renogy 28-inch Adjustable Solar Panel Mount Brackets
A solid option for mounting smaller panels on RVs, boats, sheds, or other flat surfaces where you want the ability to tilt the panels for better solar production.

https://amzn.to/49C9yLt

✅ Adjustable Aluminum Solar Panel Tilt Mount Brackets
A budget-friendly adjustable tilt mount option for smaller solar panels used on flat surfaces, RVs, boats, sheds, and off-grid projects.

https://amzn.to/3Pwt313

Basic Z-Brackets for Fixed Mounting

✅ 16-Pack Solar Panel Mounting Z-Brackets
Simple aluminum Z-brackets for mounting panels to RVs, trailers, boats, sheds, walls, and other flat surfaces. These are best for smaller fixed-mount setups where tilt adjustment is not needed.

https://amzn.to/4dqYrXV

Solar Tools I Use

Building solar systems requires a few specialized tools to ensure safe and reliable connections.

Tools I frequently use include:

These tools help ensure:

  • Strong electrical connections

  • Safe wiring installations

  • Reliable system performance

Wiring Components & Electrical Hardware

Proper wiring and electrical protection are critical for any solar system.

Common components used in my builds include:

These components help ensure your system is:

  • Safe

  • Serviceable

  • Reliable

Learn DIY Solar Step-By-Step

If you're just starting out, check out my Solar System Basics video series where I explain each component in a DIY solar system.

Topics include:

  • Phase 1 - Basics

    • What is a Battery? - Learn how batteries store solar energy and power your system when the sun isn’t shining.

    •  What are Solar Panels? - Understand how solar panels convert sunlight into electricity for your solar system.

    •  What does a Solar Charger do? - See how charge controllers safely manage power from panels to protect and charge your batteries. 

    • What is an Inverter? - Learn how an inverter converts battery power into usable household electricity.

  • Phase 2 - Components
    • Off-On Switch - Learn how disconnect switches safely turn power on and off for maintenance, emergencies, and system control.
    • Breakers and Fuses - Understand how breakers and fuses protect your solar system from overloads, short circuits, and electrical damage.
    • Busbar - See how busbars provide a clean, organized way to safely connect multiple electrical components together.
    • Shunt - Learn how a shunt measures battery current to accurately monitor power usage, charging, and state of charge.
    • Wiring - Understand how proper wire sizing and connections safely deliver power while minimizing voltage drop and heat.
    •  

⚡ Thanks for supporting the channel!

Many of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means the channel may earn a small commission if you purchase through them. This helps support future videos and solar system builds at no additional cost to you.