How to Make Your Own Solar Power Generator
Although the idea may sound difficult at first, building your own solar power generator is actually not that hard at all. In fact, using parts that are easily available from your local stores, you can make a small solar power generator for only around $300. Solar power generators are great for power failures and for taking along on camping trips.
Building Your Solar Power Generator
The first thing you need for your solar power generator is a small solar panel, which you can typically find for around $100. Then you need to buy a battery, and you want to get any size deep cycle 12 volt lead/acid or gel battery. You need a battery box to put this battery in, and this is also good for covering up the exposed terminals in case there are children in the area.
Next you need to buy a 12 volt DC meter, as well as a DC input, the triple inlet models are best, and they offer enough power to supply DC appliances. You will also have to invest in an inverter, as this is what is going to convert the stored DC power in the battery into AC power for most of your household appliances.
You need to use a drill to attach the meter and DC input to the top of the box, and then use insulated wire to attach the meter to the wingnut terminals on the battery. Now you want to connect the negative pole first, only handling one wire at a time, and connect the DC inlet to the battery in the same way.
Now connect the solar panel to the battery, again in the same way, and close the lid. Now you just have to put the solar power panel of the solar power generator in the sun, and it generally takes about five to eight hours to charge a dead battery and a few less to top off a weak one. A pop-up circuit breaker can also be added, between the positive terminal and the volt meter, and you may even want an ammeter as well.
By building your own solar power generators you will not only be saving yourself a great deal of money, but as well you will be doing a huge favor to the environment because solar power is the only form of energy which does not harm the environment.
Steven Harris has some great resources including showing you how to build a battery bank for your home or your car.
When things run smoothly, we enjoy a comfortable and convenient life. But if something happens to disrupt that grid, then what we depended on will come crashing down. When you depend on anything else but your own resources, you can’t count on it always being there for you. That’s why you always need to find a way to live off the grid.
Download the FREE ebook,
“A Guide to Going Off the Grid“.