This portable solar power generator is built with a 10 watt solar panel, battery, controller, 120w inverter, volt meter, on/off switch and outputs.
It’s large enough for higher capacity jobs yet still very portable and will cost you under $150 to build.
How portable do you want your solar generator to be? Think about how heavy and large it should be? Are you going to use a hand truck to carry around a huge toolbox filled with batteries and a large solar panel or do you want a tiny one that will fit in your glove box? The wiring and concept will be the same for either size so the choice is yours. I wanted something in between that I could carry but still had some decent capacity to do some work.
First I bought a case that would be a good jumping off point that I could fit a 10 watt solar panel on and in. Your case doesn’t have to fit your panel in but I thought it was convenient for me.
Video detailing the parts:
Wait. The solar panel can only put out 10 watts, but the inverter puts out 120? Then it is relying on battery or something because the power input comes from the solar cells, and you cannot put out more than you take in. 6″ by 6″ solar cells are 4 watts each, 1/2 volt at 8 amperes. To get 12 volts you need 24 cells. To charge a battery you need a few more to get 13.8V, or a DC-DC boost converter.
If you cut the cells into smaller pieces you still get 1/2 volt each, but they put out less current, so you can get 12V in a smaller area with basically useless amperes available. It might be better to use say 28 solar cells in panels forming a TP over the boat, or in camp forming a lean to or shelter top.
But that’s just my opinion. I think the biggest mistake people make is not designing their panels large enough then they get disappointed and quit. 6×6 cells can be bought on eBay for $2-$3 each. TI makes nice charging circuit chips, or you can buy solar-battery charger controllers for various prices from $20 on up at eBay, Jameco, DigiKey, Amazon, Element 14, Newark, Harbor Freight, and others.
What did you say Willis?
ok, 10watt solar panel is not enough for “big jobs” this is hype yall. it sounds great, but just hype. 1 lightbulb is 13 watts (most efficient led bulb) this is only functionalif you use it for a few hours once a week, and leave it charging the rest of the time, its science, you cannot create energy from nowhere.
think about it, my parents have 12x30watt panels on their roof and it only cuts 30% off their power bill, you cant do much with 10watts.
major says:
“What did you say Willis?”
From: http://www.truthandaction.org/build-portable-solar-power-generator-150/comment-page-2/#comment-432833
major says:
“Hey- At least you have enough to power your cell phone, just in case. You know what I mean?”
From: http://www.truthandaction.org/build-portable-solar-power-generator-150/comment-page-2/#comment-432836
Hey- At least you have enough to power your cell phone, just in case. You know what I mean?
Well, Maybe buy some solar cells for $2.5 ea, make some panels the same size as the one on the case and attach them on top of each other with velcro, then spread them out when you are ready to use them. 28 6×6 cells would give you 14V for battery charging at 8 amperes.
the problem is it is worded to look like if i hook this thing up to my camper, i could live in the woods indefinately, i was meremy stating, if you only use it a few hours a week, thats great, but it is not comperable to an emergency generator for storm preparedness in the region i live in.
Mike Smith
Better read the artic
dbvehicleelectrics.com says:
“You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something which I think I would never understand.
It seems too complex and very broad for me. I am
looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!”
From: http://www.truthandaction.org/build-portable-solar-power-generator-150/comment-page-2/#comment-551026