Portable solar panel systems are great for outdoor trips where there are no wall sockets but plenty of sunlight to spare. The energy generated from these systems can be used to power electrical gadgets such as laptops, portable televisions, radios, and lamps. Here is how you can make one on your own for your next outdoor adventure.
- Before purchasing any parts, you must first determine the power wattage that you require to help you determine the quantity of components that you will need. It is advisable to start small as the great thing about these portable solar panel systems is that it can be expanded later on if you require more power wattage.
- You can start with a 15 watt solar panel, one deep cycle battery, a 75 watt power inverter, 7 amp charge controller, mechanical lugs, electrical tape, 2 AWG wires, wire strippers, 4 gauge battery cables, a battery charger, and a 30 gallon giant cooler or any other type of air tight, tough and portable container. These components can be purchased from your larger hardware stores, although they may be expensive. However, having a portable solar panel system around may prove handy, especially in emergency situations.
- First of all, connect your deep cycle battery to your battery charger and fully charge it.
- Next, use the 30 gallon giant cooler as a container to store your portable panel. Start by placing your deep cycle battery into the cooler as a battery bank.
- Then, using the copper mechanical lug and the AWG cable, connect the negative end of the battery to the charge controller. You can mark this side down as “Power In”. The charge controller should also be connected to the solar panel.
- After that, connect the power inverter to the positive side of the battery. This side can be marked as “Power Out”.
- Your portable solar panel system is now ready to receive sunlight. Take it outside and turn the power inverter on. Remember to connect the system to your gadget for it to work!
Additional Reading:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4435110_build-portable-solar-panel-system.html
Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeremylevinedesign/2903370723/
