Portable Solar Generators 101
If you’re new to solar power, you may want to start with building your own portable solar generator - even if you have no experience, it’s easy to figure out and it’s certainly easier to build and maintain than a full-fledged system. Plus, if you go on a lot of camping trips it can be quite convenient.
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You can spend under $200 to create your very own portable generator - and it can pay for itself within only a few weeks.
Try to make your parts as small as possible, because this is supposed to be a portable generator. You’ll need 1) Solar Panel 2) Charge Controller 3) Battery and 4) Inverter to create your first system.
Try to get a small, 12 Volt solar panel - that’s all you need for camping trips and for miniature appliances. Once you attach the charge controller, the power drawn will be greatly limited as well and your battery life will be extended.
The battery stores energy that your solar panel collects, and lets you use it when you actually need it - and the inverter converts direct current on your solar panel into the alternating current used by appliances.
You need 4 steps to make this device: first, connect the solar panel and charge controller. Then, connect the controller to your battery, and then connect your battery to your inverter. Finally, your appliances should be directly connected to your inverter.
To get these parts, you could go to your local hardware store, or just find someone who’s giving them away or selling them for very cheap.
To add even more, start with a “battery box” to protect your batteries from the elements and from outside threats. You could also get a system meter to see how full your battery is and to point you to problems early on.
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