In this livestream, you provided an in-depth walkthrough of your solar-powered coffee trailer, including its components, setup, performance, and potential upgrades. You also addressed a number of audience questions ranging from combiner boxes, remote monitoring, and batteries, to ideal solar setups for RVs and DIY solar builds. You shared real data, system performance stats, project costs, lessons learned, and upcoming build plans, while highlighting the importance of understanding your power needs—whether for full-time RV living or weekend trips.
🔸 Topics Covered
☀️ Coffee Trailer Solar System
🌟 Uses a 24V solar setup with two 370W solar panels
🌟 Panels are mounted on rails for easy removal
🌟 Victron MPPT 100/20 charge controller
🌟 Connected to bus bars, inverter, and appliances
🌟 Runs freezers, lights, pumps, and espresso machine during events
🌟 Actual usage during an event showed ~8 kWh consumption
⚙️ System Design & Limitations
🛠️ Current setup not enough for full espresso trailer operation
🛠️ Proposed upgrades:
🔧 Add 3–4 more panels
🔧 Use fold-out/hinged panels
🔧 Increase battery bank to 20–25 kWh
🔧 Wiring & Build Lessons
🧰 Mistakes with wrong wire types (speaker wire)
🧰 Custom battery mounts due to size constraints
🧰 Final solution: marine-grade tinned copper wire + bracing
✅ System Testing & Success
🔋 6-week road test was a full success
🔋 Panels worked even under overcast skies
🔋 Able to avoid RV park hookups entirely
📊 Monitoring & Tools
📡 Uses Home Assistant + Solar Assistant
📡 Tracks battery status, charge/discharge, and solar input
📡 Bluetooth BMS (JK) data integrated into dashboard
💬 Viewer Q&A Highlights
❓ Combiner box vs. direct connect — depends on layout
❓ Inverter recommendation — Victron for compliance; EG4 6000XP works well
❓ Can it run espresso + fridge + pump? — Yes, with proper sizing
❓ Keep stock batteries? — Yes, just manage isolation/charging
❓ Best battery for DIY? — Depends: rack batteries for houses, Amazon ones for trailers
🔜 Upcoming Content
🛠️ Next week: Build a complete 12V solar system live
🔋 Batteries → bus bars → breakers → inverter → charge controller
💸 Cost Breakdown
💰 Initial investment: ~$8,000–$10,000
💰 Surprise costs: wiring errors, marine environment upgrades
💰 Worth it for full-time off-grid functionality
🔍 Other Highlights
📆 Weekend warriors vs. full-timers: different sizing needs
🌄 Weekend: fewer appliances, smaller system
🏠 Full-time: larger battery & panel capacity for AC + comfort
📈 Solar tracking systems discussed (not yet implemented)
☕ Livestream hosted from Supervillain Coffee – Cocoa Beach, FL
👍 Like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the chat or comments!
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Have questions or suggestions for videos please write me at matt@mattmansolar.com
Shed Results - https://youtu.be/B6K8E_GKO6w
Where to Get Panels - https://youtu.be/3v3E5FVInzg
RV Batteries - https://youtu.be/PzpBXpTUKqA
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