How to build a Solar Power Station

Step 11 Finishing up

When you are finished, plug it into the solar panel and charge it. Once it's charged you'll be able to use free power from the sun.

If you have any questions I would be glad to answer them. Also feel free to post pictures of your own creations.
 

Comments

[GreenD]

Yeah, good work! 
I plan to make my own - but with a bit modification:
I won't have your bridge rectifier - just a diode (still don't know how I choose which type)
Is your SPST switch for the solar panel charging the battery? Why?
I was going to have the solar panel always connected to the battery - with a trickle charge indicator that will shut off current into the battery.
Then, for outputs I'm going to also add a USB port along with standard wall plug.

Have fun with your project, it's the best damn idea people don't have yet!

[DIY Dave]

Yes, the SPST is for the solar panel charging the battery. The reason why is because I didn't install a charge controller that prevents overcharging and so I put a switch to control charging manually. Also mine does have a 2 standard wall plugs and a USB port; that is what the inverter is for.

[shinjikun34]

 Great idea for camping or emergencies (or when you want to be cool and tote it around with you for max battery life)

but a lot of the build pictures didn't give a relative view of where you put everything inside. I know the battery was in the bottom and braced with wood - but besides that I have no idea of where anything else was at.

Would you go back and take some zoomed out shots of everything to help me understand placement so I can build one myself (maybe even a better one)

also some more info on why you did what you did - what was the reasoning for using the 12v plug instead of a standard wall plug for power from the solar panel to the battery. just touch up and such like that would be appreciated.

Awesome build!

[DIY Dave]

I just posted a new picture of the inside of the toolbox. I hope that makes it clear where everything is inside.

The reason I used a 12 volt plug for the solar panel input is because the solar panel came with a 12 volt plug on it (because its made to be plugged into a car cigarette lighter plug).

If you have any more questions feel free to ask.

[ex92]

this is fricken awesome dude!!!