Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 9 hours ago
Most people assume “about 2,000W of solar” is enough to run a mini split… but when you actually do the math, the answer gets a lot more interesting. In this first Community Q&A, I pull questions straight from your comments and walk through the real numbers.
In this video, I break down whether 2,000W of solar can realistically keep a mini split going, how much battery you’d need for 24-hour operation, and what happens when panel production and load don’t line up. Then I tackle your questions on non–pure sine wave inverters with charge controllers, plug-in solar “legal in all 50 states,” how grid-tie inverters really behave with fridges and extension cords, whether a mini split in an RV makes sense, and why your Bluetti sits there bouncing between 99% and 100%. If you’re planning a DIY solar or off-grid HVAC setup, this will save you time, money, and a lot of guessing.
NEED HELP? Ask me a question and get a personal in depth response: ko-fi.com/s/8d8df1880c
OR
Sit down for a personal 1-On-1 hour long video consultation with me and I’ll provide answers and insights to anything you want to ask me about from this channel: ko-fi.com/s/dd139831a7
All donations get 100% re-invested in the channel:
buymeacoffee.com/theresatrickforthat
🔍 Looking for something specific? Search across hundreds of my videos — way better than YouTube search: https://tatftsearchapp.netlify.app/
Chapters:
0:00 I’m starting a Q&A weekly video
0:32 Question #1
1:05 Question #2
3:19 Question #3
4:38 Question #4
6:02 Question #5
6:14 question #6
6:59 You’ve got to see what I’ve made!
#Solar #DIYSolar #OffGrid #SolarAC #MiniSplit #SolarBattery #PortablePowerStation #TheresATrickForThat
Affiliate Disclosure
As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you! Thanks for your support!
Disclaimer: Due to factors beyond the control of There’s a Trick for That, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. There’s a Trick for That 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. There’s a Trick for That recommends safe practices when working on machines and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of There’s a Trick for That, 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 There’s a Trick for That.
Most people assume “about 2,000W of solar” is enough to run a mini split… but when you actually do the math, the answer gets a lot more interesting. In this first Community Q&A, I pull questions straight from your comments and walk through the real numbers.
In this video, I break down whether 2,000W of solar can realistically keep a mini split going, how much battery you’d need for 24-hour operation, and what happens when panel production and load don’t line up. Then I tackle your questions on non–pure sine wave inverters with charge controllers, plug-in solar “legal in all 50 states,” how grid-tie inverters really behave with fridges and extension cords, whether a mini split in an RV makes sense, and why your Bluetti sits there bouncing between 99% and 100%. If you’re planning a DIY solar or off-grid HVAC setup, this will save you time, money, and a lot of guessing.
NEED HELP? Ask me a question and get a personal in depth response: ko-fi.com/s/8d8df1880c
OR
Sit down for a personal 1-On-1 hour long video consultation with me and I’ll provide answers and insights to anything you want to ask me about from this channel: ko-fi.com/s/dd139831a7
All donations get 100% re-invested in the channel:
buymeacoffee.com/theresatrickforthat
🔍 Looking for something specific? Search across hundreds of my videos — way better than YouTube search: https://tatftsearchapp.netlify.app/
Chapters:
0:00 I’m starting a Q&A weekly video
0:32 Question #1
1:05 Question #2
3:19 Question #3
4:38 Question #4
6:02 Question #5
6:14 question #6
6:59 You’ve got to see what I’ve made!
#Solar #DIYSolar #OffGrid #SolarAC #MiniSplit #SolarBattery #PortablePowerStation #TheresATrickForThat
Affiliate Disclosure
As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you! Thanks for your support!
Disclaimer: Due to factors beyond the control of There’s a Trick for That, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. There’s a Trick for That 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. There’s a Trick for That recommends safe practices when working on machines and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of There’s a Trick for That, 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 There’s a Trick for That.
![EG4 12000XP DETHRONED? WattCycle 12kW Super [TESTED]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ERKf4LQGJAo/mqdefault.jpg "EG4 12000XP DETHRONED? WattCycle 12kW Super [TESTED]
Is the WattCycle 12kW Super actually capable of dethroning the EG4 12000XP? I put this new 12,000-watt split-phase off-grid inverter through extensive real-world testing including maximum output, severe load imbalance, AC charging, smart-load control, generator assist, closed-loop battery communication, noise, idle consumption and an internal inspection.
The WattCycle delivers 12,000 watts of continuous output, up to 24,000 watts of solar input, a massive 200-amp AC input connection, 125-amp pass-through capability and a smart-load port that can also support AC-coupled solar. It even pushed beyond 13,600 watts during overload testing! But its higher price plus UL Listing make the final EG4 12000XP comparison much more complicated than the specifications suggest.
Buy a WattCycle 12k SUPER All-In-One Inverter: https://www.wattcycle.com/products/48v-12kw-split-phase-inverter-200a-bypass?ref=fspaohfd
LIMITED TIME: Use code: TRICK300 to knock a whopping $300 off this inverter! After that code expires, then use code TRICK.
Buy a WattCycle 314Ah 51.2V Battery: https://www.wattcycle.com/products/16kwh-48v-314ah-wall-mounted-lifepo4-battery-bluetooth?ref=fspaohfd
Be sure and use the code: TRICK
Watch the full review on the wall mount battery: https://youtu.be/hYWQ0ibds7E
Buy WattCycle Server Rack Batteries: https://www.wattcycle.com/products/48v-100ah-server-racks-bluetooth-lithium-battery?ref=fspaohfd
Be sure and use the code: TRICK
Watch my full review of these server rack batteries: https://youtu.be/u_71NV2Z1U4
WattCycle for my UK friends: https://uk.wattcycle.com/?ref=trick
Be sure and use the code: TRICK
Buy the cheaper less capable WattCycle 12k Inverter: https://www.wattcycle.com/products/12kw-split-phase-solar-inverter-48v?ref=fspaohfd
Be sure and use the code: TRICK
OR buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4yMWtcR
Watch the full testing and review of it here: https://youtu.be/hofoZklTnyI
Watch my AC coupling video with my EG4 12000XP: https://youtu.be/wgzCEOCY4lQ
Buy EG4 1200XP: https://payoffsolar.com/product/eg4-12000xp-off-grid-inverter-v2-eg4inv12kxpv2us
IMPORTANT: Be sure to use the code TRICK5 at checkout!
Buy an EG4 Chargeverter: https://payoffsolar.com/product/eg4-chargeverter-gc-48v-100a-battery-charger-5120w-output-eg4cv48v100av3
IMPORTANT: Be sure to use the code TRICK5 at checkout!
Buy my favorite full size solar panels on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4w6qkLR
OR buy a pallet of 36 of these panels! FREE shipping & NO Tax! https://callsunsolar.com/products/450w-n-type-solar-panel?ref=THERESATRICKFORTHAT&variant=55469569573032
Use code: THERESATRICKFOR and save a whopping $600 off your pallet order!
Buy battery cables: https://amzn.to/44UcLDi
Buy PV wires: https://amzn.to/4gYOaEB
Buy 6 AWG wire: https://amzn.to/4fr94ej
Buy multi-meter: https://amzn.to/4xdKYty
Buy my deluxe heavy duty wagon the inverter was sitting on: https://amzn.to/4fI8cAT
Buy space heater: https://amzn.to/4vVi6Fu
Buy Makita heat gun: https://amzn.to/4sZ1U4k
NEED HELP? Ask me a question and get a personal in depth response: https://ko-fi.com/s/8d8df1880c
OR
Sit down for a personal 1-On-1 hour long video consultation with me and I’ll provide answers and insights to anything you want to ask me about from this channel: https://ko-fi.com/s/dd139831a7
All donations get 100% re-invested in the channel:
https://buymeacoffee.com/theresatrickforthat
🔍 Looking for something specific? Search across hundreds of my videos — way better than YouTube search: https://tatftsearchapp.netlify.app/
Chapters:
0:00 Did WattCycle just destroy the competition?
0:54 Unboxing the WattCycle 12000 Super all-in-one solar inverter
1:35 Specs and Features
8:52 Screen & Settings
11:54 Idle Power Consumption Test
12:27 Heavy load testing
14:45 Imbalanced load testing
16:29 Testing Smart Load Output
17:11 Testing inverter input breaker
18:07 Max AC charging test
18:52 Testing hybrid capabilities and CT clamps
21:32 Testing closed-loop communication
22:25 App Review
25:42 Testing generator assist mode
30:20 Inverter Teardown
32:49 Pricing Breakdown
34:27 Comparing side by side with EG4 12000 XP
#DIYsolar #OffGridSolar #SolarInverter #EG412000XP #WattCycle
Affiliate Disclosure
As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you!
Disclaimer: I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. There’s a Trick for That 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. Due to factors beyond the control of There’s a Trick for That, 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 There’s a Trick for That.")
![I Built the BEST DIY Solar System on Amazon [Destroys EcoFlow]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/F49sjwduoKw/mqdefault.jpg "I Built the BEST DIY Solar System on Amazon [Destroys EcoFlow]
I built the best bang-for-the-buck DIY solar system you can source entirely from Amazon with 5,000Wh of LiFePO4 storage, 2,000W of output, and room to scale to a whole-home backup, for about $1,340 without panels. Thats just $240 more than a $1,100 EcoFlow Delta 3 Max Plus, but you get nearly 3X the battery capacity and 3X the solar input. Two 450W bifacial panels, a 51.2V golf cart battery with an included weatherproof charger, an app-controlled MPPT charge controller, and a 48V inverter all shown wired step by step with proper overcurrent protection.
Buy 450W CallSun Panels: (White style like you saw in this video) https://amzn.to/4wIhBiG
Buy 450W CallSun Panels: (All black style) https://amzn.to/4w6qkLR
OR buy a pallet of 36 of these panels! FREE shipping & NO Tax! https://callsunsolar.com/products/450w-n-type-solar-panel?ref=THERESATRICKFORTHAT&variant=55469569573032
Use code: THERESATRICKFOR and save a whopping $600 off your pallet order!
Buy Temgo battery kit (includes the AC battery charger): https://amzn.to/4f5OlN3
Buy MPPT solar charge controllers:
https://amzn.to/4gAgv3Q
https://amzn.to/4fhbmv3
Buy Junbpaw inverter: https://amzn.to/4wdgaJu
Buy 100A DC rated circuit breaker: https://amzn.to/454R03s
Buy 40A DC rated circuit breaker: https://amzn.to/4bKToA9
Buy battery cable for other side of breaker (the Junbpaw inverter comes with the other 2 cables): https://amzn.to/4fjFciy
Buy 8AWG silicone wire: https://amzn.to/4yjmEaV
Buy a Ferrule crimping kit: https://amzn.to/4vuUas8
Buy MC4 cables for the MPPT charge controller: https://amzn.to/4fde9pa
Buy solar extension cables: https://amzn.to/4pnJLwQ
Buy EG4 12000XP: https://payoffsolar.com/products
IMPORTANT: Be sure to use the code TRICK5 at checkout for the best possible pricing.
Videos:
Watch full review of the 450W solar panels: https://youtu.be/crXHXBqQigU
Watch full review of the Temgo golf cart battery: https://youtu.be/dboHXnSY9LI
Watch full review of the Junbpaw inverter: https://youtu.be/bcXmFFIzG0M
Watch how to make your own solar cables: https://youtu.be/Spca1AO1Cbw
Buy my favorite solar panel stands: https://minutemansolar.com/product/portable-solar-panel-stand-legs/?ref=y6yfs
Watch my full review video of them here: https://youtu.be/-F7PPfeRTM8
NEED HELP? Ask me a question and get a personal in depth response: https://ko-fi.com/s/8d8df1880c
OR
Sit down for a personal 1-On-1 hour long video consultation with me and I’ll provide answers and insights to anything you want to ask me about from this channel: https://ko-fi.com/s/dd139831a7
All donations get 100% re-invested in the channel:
https://buymeacoffee.com/theresatrickforthat
🔍 Looking for something specific? Search across hundreds of my videos — way better than YouTube search: https://tatftsearchapp.netlify.app/
Chapters:
0:00 Best Amazon 48v DIY Solar System
0:28 Overview of the components
3:35 Building the system step-by-step
7:58 It works!
8:52 Pricing Breakdown
10:54 What about cheap solar panels?
12:10 What kind of battery should I use?
13:02 Why use 48 V?
15:08 Do you agree this system destroys portable power stations?
#DIYsolar #LiFePO4 #offgridpower #solargenerator #homebatterybackup
Affiliate Disclosure
As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you! Thanks for your support!
Disclaimer: Due to factors beyond the control of There’s a Trick for That, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. There’s a Trick for That 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. There’s a Trick for That recommends safe practices when working on machines and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of There’s a Trick for That, 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 There’s a Trick for That.")
