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$1,000 DIY Solar Setup vs Solar Generator

Watt's Next?

230,548 views

Pick up the Weize Kit here: https://www.weizeus.com/?ref=ELIWATTS...

$230 OFF WEIZE Solar DIY Kit 1, use code WN230
7% OFF all WEIZE batteries, use code WN7
These codes are valid until October 31

EcoFlow Delta 2: https://amzn.to/4w0p38W
ZOUPW 450w panel: https://amzn.to/4aVjJLA
200A Terminal Fuse: https://amzn.to/4fipB2J

(affiliate links)

Is it better to build your own DIY solar system, or just buy a portable solar generator? In this video, I compare a $1,000 WEIZE 400W DIY Solar Kit against the EcoFlow Delta 2 to find out which setup offers the best value, performance, and ease of use.

The WEIZE kit includes everything needed to build a basic off-grid solar system, while the EcoFlow Delta 2 offers a plug-and-play solution with fast charging and a polished user experience.

In this video, I cover:

☀️ Complete setup and installation for both systems
🔋 Battery capacity and real-world performance
⚡ Solar charging speed and efficiency
🛠 Ease of installation and expandability
💰 Total cost and long-term value
🏠 Which system is better for backup power, sheds, cabins, and off-grid projects

Whether you're a beginner looking for the simplest option or a DIY enthusiast who wants maximum flexibility, this comparison will help you decide which solar setup is right for you.

Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:52 unboxing
3:01 Charging the Solar Generator
3:30 Assembling the Weize Kit
3:51 connecting solar cables
4:31 Adding a fuse
5:36 Connecting battery
5:50 connecting inverter cables
6:25 connecting inverter
6:55 Using a Resistor
8:16 connecting solar panels
10:14 solar generator - 30 mins of charging
10:26 connecting temperature sensor
10:39 connecting remote
11:07 comparing the two setups
12:02 Pushing both setups to the limit
14:22 Advantages of a solar generator
14:42 weize kit advantages
15:49 what do you think?

Important: I am not a licensed electrician or solar installer. This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. Always check your local laws, utility rules, electrical code requirements, and hire a qualified electrician before attempting anything like this.

FTC Disclosure Statement:
Every video includes paid promotion or sponsorship (such as free products for review). Some links on this YouTube channel may be affiliate links. I may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these.

Disclaimer:
Watt’s Next? cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Watt’s Next? assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Watt’s Next? recommends safe practices when working on machines and or with tools seen or implied in this video. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Watt’s Next? Please consult a licensed electrician before attempting anything seen in this video. Viewers are responsible for ensuring compliance with all local laws, codes, and safety practices.

20 Comments

@WattsNextSolar25 Creator 2 months ago (edited) Pinned

Pick up the Weize Kit here:
https://www.weizeus.com/?ref=ELIWATTSNEXT

$230 OFF WEIZE Solar DIY Kit 1, use code WN230
7% OFF all WEIZE batteries, use code WN7
These codes are valid until October 31

EcoFlow Delta 2: https://amzn.to/4w0p38W
ZOUPW 450w panel: https://amzn.to/4aVjJLA
200A Terminal Fuse: https://amzn.to/4fipB2J

(affiliate links)

@cwallcw 2 months ago

I think the next manufacturer who makes a serviceable and modular solar generator is gonna stomp the market.

@nix4644 2 months ago

Nothing says "I take my job seriously" like ball sweat. Subscribed.

@reldegartGi 2 weeks ago

when you are increasing the budget the DIY setup makes more and more sense.

@edolson1698 2 months ago

Use a test light instead of a resister, when the light goes out the capacitors are charged.
Easy peasy

@ryaldeveau207 2 months ago

Im going to go with whatever i can make better over time, more batteries, more panels, more everything.

@davetitus5772 2 months ago

I did DIY 300hr 3840W setup. $600. Battery 300hr $250 last year. Used many times in snow, rain, camping, Not for outdoor tools. $90 1100 Watt Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter and wire setups plugs ~$100. Case with wheels $80. Used a year now. I was camping for 17 days and did not need a charger. I used a 300 Watt Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter 12V DC to 120V converter for camping. Check the picture, there is a lot of used power with 300ah just car plug. I used a 10 year 100 watt solar panel for 18 days and never lost power. Camping used CPAP (50v for 7 hours), 12v refrigerator (25w hour on day), charger cells, lights and fan.

@ImASurvivorNThriver 2 months ago

We started out with the commercially made power stations until I educated myself and started building our own. I think both have their places though. Since we live in an area that gets hurricanes, we experience power outages frequently during hurricane season.

It's nice to be able to help family members and neighbors by handing out power stations to them during power outages while they provide the fuel for our dual fuel inverter generator that keeps the power stations charged up. We don't lend out our DIY setups because we don't want to risk them getting damaged or risk a curious child getting hurt from pulling on the exposed cables.

This is the LAST year that we will lend out our power stations though except for an elderly neighbor who is on a fixed income. They know by now what they need to supply their own backup power systems for power outages.

@keyoflife24 2 months ago

The only thing I would add is a breaker fuse instead of the 300 W regular fuse that pops. If it does pop your breaker, you can reset it. Especially if you're in an emergency or out in the field or away in a place where you don't have a backup fuse.

@trainmaster0217 5 days ago (edited)

The DIY system all the way just for the repairability. Upgradeability gets my vote too.

@chris_moodie9 2 months ago

missing a few parts to keep things safer or have a proper install but this will defiantly get you cooking

@AZREDFERN 2 months ago

For a smaller more simple setup, they make “dual purpose” batteries now for vehicles. They have a 100Ah storage battery with 100A output and a 5Ah super capacitor with 1000A output. Because it’s for vehicles that are continuously charging, they have a BMS that’s more suitable for that. Plus with inverters that sometimes experience peaks, the starter battery hand handle it like a champ. It’s also important to get a “pure sine” inverter if at all possible. They’re about twice as expensive, and seem to stop at 2kw. But it’s significantly better for some devices. I have two of those batteries in my Jeep. One in the engine bay, and the other in the cab with 4AWG cables parallel. That way you get twice the capacity, and less resistance loss with the main power source as close as possible. I also took it a step further (because amateur radios hate alternators), and added two 50 amp diodes, a large audio capacitor, and a marine 50a breaker between the battery and the accessories terminal block. Because shorts can dangerous at those powers, there’s also a 100a marine breaker between the two batteries.

@derrickjac 2 months ago

I bought an Aferiy P180 1800W station after configuring my own build on a spreadsheet. It just made more sense to spend essentially the same money on something portable and easy, prewired with USB-C, Solar, MPPT, 4 110v outlets, compact design than try to make my own solar battery box.

Where I found it would make the most difference in savings was at higher capacities. It seems the savings MASSIVELY ramp up as you increase capacity and wattage. When I eventually buy a travel trailer, I'm going to build something similar to what you have built here but for my camping/home emergency needs, the power station will suffice for now.

@ShanePowell-d2t 1 month ago

Dear lord,,,,, THANK YOU FOR MAKING IT SO SIMPLE THAT EVEN I CAN UNDERSTAND IT!!😂 DEFINITELY SUBSCRIBED. GOD BLESS

@Sixbears 2 months ago

I did a DIY setup over 30 years ago. Third set of batteries. Added more panels. Swapped out a perfectly fine old school charge controller with a better one. Went from a modified sine inverter to a true sign inverter. The modified sine does not play well with LED lights. A lightning strike took out the inverter so that was replaced. I definitely like being able to modify the system. By the way, the original panels are still cranking out the power. I have a number of small systems: to power a shed, another for camping and one on a boat.

@havoc7415 8 days ago

Thanks for the in depth content brother 👍🏽

@Therealesu 2 months ago

After a lot of research and actually taking apart an EcoFlow delta 2, generally modern power stations are actually significantly more efficient than conventional vehicle 12v systems. Especially if you primarily use usb pd powered devices. A lot of it has to do with voltage sag, heat loss, cell architecture, boost converting. What you gain with traditional systems is, customization, flexibility, modularity, and reduced cost. 24v systems help even the playing field a bit tho.

@JohnMFlores 7 hours ago

Good video. Thanks. One question - no fuses for the charge controller?

@Timmylongstroke 2 months ago

This demo helped me get started with my project, still looking forward to see more videos from you and others. 🎉

@DocHolidaydaisyifyoudo 2 months ago (edited)

Very helpful Enjoyed the content..
Tip for newbies who don't read the manual.. Always plug the battery into the converter first.. Always disconnect the solar from converter first.