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, signup for the email list and I will send you a FREE Solar Diagram right now!

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

Featured in This Week’s Livestream

Solar System Basics Video Series

Watching the livestream? These are the core videos we’re discussing tonight.

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.

See the full Solar Basics series below ↓

Most Popular Equipment From My Builds

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

EG4 LifePower4 Batteries
Reliable rack batteries for 48V systems.

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

• Signature Solar - Discount Code: MMSGET50 ($50 orders over $500)
• Amazon
• LiTime - 8% Site Wide Discount Code: MMS8
• Refoss - Save 8% with Discount Code: MSOLAR8

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 50a RV. (Link to Kit)

Typical components include:

• EG4 6000XP inverter - Primary Inverter

• 48V LiFePO4 battery bank (3 Batteries)

• All used panels - New Suggested Panels
  • • Aptos 550W Bifacial Solar Panel
    • URN 390W solar panels

• Busbars

  • DaierTek 300A (Power Side)
  • Heavy Duty 500A Bus Bar Waterproof Power Distribution Block (Battery Side)
  • Good Alternative -- 600A 12 Stud Busbars | Red & Black Kit

• Wiring

  • PV Wire (Amazon) (Signature Solar)
  • Battery Wire (2/0) 
• Victron 500A Shunt
• Combiner Box 

• DIHOOL 200 Amp DC Breaker

RV Solar System

Great for RV living, travel trailers, or mobile solar setups. This is a version of what I built, it also exist in my RV today with the 6000xp inverter, but that version is closer to the 48v system above that support 240v spilt phase. This version is 120v for those RVs with 30A plugs (Starter Kit)

Typical components include:

• Installed 10 Aptos 370W Bifacials (So a few alternatives) 
  • Aptos 550W Bifacial Solar Panel
  • URN 390W solar panels

• Victron 150/30 - MPPT charge controller (Amazon)

•  Busbars
  • DaierTek 300A 
  • 150A Mini Power Distribution Block Max 48V DC
  • Heavy Duty 500A Bus Bar Waterproof Power Distribution Block 

• 48V LiFePO4 battery bank

• Componets
  • Victron 500A Shunt
  • IP66 Solar PV DC Quick Disconnect Switch - 6000XP Shutoff
  • Solar Panel Disconnect Switch 32 Amp 500V DC Miniature Circuit Breaker
  • EG4 6000XP inverter - Primary Inverter

Coffee Trailer Solar System

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!

Typical components include:

• EG4 300EHV inverter

• 48V LiFePO4 battery bank

• Componets
  • Victron 150/30 - MPPT charge controller (Amazon) - Allows charging without getting to 120v with 6000xp 
  • DC Miniature Circuit Breaker, 2 Pole 1000V 63 Amp Isolator for Solar PV System
• Installed 2 Aptos 370W Bifacials (So a few alternatives) 
  • Aptos 550W Bifacial Solar Panel
  • URN 390W solar panels 

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!

• Battery (Main Build) ECO-WORTHY 12V 280Ah LiFePO4 Battery
• Low Cost Smaller Battery Option 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery 
• BESTEK 300W Power Inverter    
• Bigger Inverter Option #1:  1000W:  BELTTT 1000Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter for RV, Truck, Off-Grid 
• Bigger Inverter Option #2: Vevor 1500W Inverter
• Solar Panel ECO-WORTHY 195W Bifacial Solar Panel 
• Charge Controller Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/20 
• Battery Disconnect Switch Nilight Battery Master Switch 
•  BOJACK MRBF Terminal Fuse Block 125 AMP Marine Rated

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 battery options:

• EG4 LifePower4 batteries

• EG4 Power Wall Batteries (280AH) (315ah) (280AH Outdoor)

• Wiren | 48V 100Ah - Best Price 48v (100AH) (6pk 100AH Kit with Rack) 
• LiTime LiFePO4 batteries (8% Site Wide Discount Code: MMS8)

• Eco-Worthy metal case batteries (12V 280AH) (24V 100AH) 

• Eco-Worthy 48v Rack Batteries (6 Pack 30.72kWh Solar Battery Kit)

All of these are LiFePO4 lithium batteries, which provide:

• long lifespan

• deep cycle capability

• excellent safety

• high efficiency

Inverters I Recommend

The inverter converts your battery power into usable household electricity..

These are inverters I frequently use in my builds.

Recommended options:

• EG4 6000XP inverter

• EG4 12000XP inverter - SPECIAL DISCOUNT RIGHT NOW!

• EG4 3000EHV inverter

• FlexBoss Inverter
• Victron MultiPlus 5000VA Inverter

   

These units are well suited for:

• Off-grid homes

• RV systems

• Workshops

• Mobile business trailers

Solar Tools I Use

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

Tools I frequently use include:

• Hydraulic Crumping Tool

• Cable Cutters

• Torque Tools

  • GROWNEER Digital Torque Screwdriver, 2.66-53.1 In-lbs/0.3-6 Nm, 1/4'' Drive Inch Pound Torque Screwdriver Electrician with Buzzer & LED Indicator
  • 1/2" Drive Digital Torque Adapter Set with (1/4", 3/8") Sockets, ±2% Precision, 1-22 ft·lb
• Multimeter (With Clamp) (W/O Clamp)

• MC4 solar crimping tool

• Refoss Power Monitor (Video) - 8% Discount Code: MSAVE8

• Wire Strippers - I love these things

• ZIBOO FT-2000W Solar Panel Tester MPPT Meter - 2000W Max Power

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:

• Busbars
  • DaierTek 300A 
  • 600A 12 Stud Busbars | Red & Black Kit
• Wiring
• PV Wire (Amazon) (Signature Solar)
• Battery Wire (2/0) 

• DIHOOL 200 Amp DC Breaker

• Disconnect Switch

  • Battery: 
  • PV Shutoff: 

• Wire Lugs

• Fuse Holder
  • ANL - Victron (Amazon)
  • T-Class - Blue Seas (Amazon)
  • BOJACK MRBF Terminal Fuse Block 125 AMP Marine Rated

• Off-On Switch

  • Blue Seas 6010
  • Victron 275A

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 - Componets
• • Off-On Switch
  • Breaker and Fuses
  • Busbar
  • Shunt
  • Wiring

     

👉 Please note not all video in list above it available to public yet, they are member only content till release date

⚡ 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.