How to build a Solar Power Station

Step 2 The Parts

Next I shopped around and purchased my parts.
Below is a list of the parts I used.

Solar Panel - - - - - - - - - - - - $68.95
12 volt battery - - - - - - - - - - $58.00
400 watt inverter - - - - - - - - $21.99
rolling toolbox - - - - - - - - - - $22.88
auxiliary 12 volt plug - - - - - $4.87
auxiliary 12 volt plug - - - - - $4.87
14 gauge wire (red) - - - - - $2.48
14 gauge wire (black) - - - $2.48
heat shrink ring conectors- $2.45
3/16'' heat shrink tube - - - $1.99
bridge rectifier - - - - - - - - $1.99
SPST switch - - - - - - - - - - $2.99
utility - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $.54
solder - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $1.49

total - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $197.97


My battery is a 12 volt deep cycle battery. Deep cycle batteries are
made to be fully charged and discharged; unlike car batteries which
are not supposed to be fully discharged. The battery is rated 75 amp hours.


The inverter converts the battery power (DC) into regular AC power.
The inverter is rated 400 watts.


I bought the solar panel at a farm supply store.
The Solar Panel is rated 5 Watts.


I bought this toolbox because I thought everything would fit in it well,
and it had wheels which would make it easier to transport.

 

Comments

[CorProTechno]

Dave, great project. Can you provide more information on the bridge rectifier? Brand / Nomenclature? Where did you install it in your toolbox? Thanks.

[john17831]

I think it would be a good idea to also add some ventilation to this just to help with efficiency in a situation where you would want the lid down. it looks like you have the lid closed with the Solar panel on top for support. If there are no vent ports, the inverter will heat up. Without a charge controller this could be even more important for your battery. Your solar array probably isn't large enough to cause a major problem, but on a small scale, heat reduces your efficiency.

[devilmaycry]

Instead of using a big inventer! can you use a small in-car inventer.

[DIY Dave]

Yes, actually that is what I originally planned to use but I found the 400 Watt inverter on sale so I decided to use it instead.

[devilmaycry]

can i use a 1000 watt inventer instead of 400 watt one?

[DIY Dave]

Yes

[theone57]

where did you get the solar panel and what voltage and amperage is it?

[DIY Dave]

I bought mine at Tractor Supply Co.( http://www.tractorsupply.com) But since then I have found them for cheaper at menards and Northern Tools (http://www.northerntool.com) The one shown is ~15 Volt and only 1/3 Amp, but I now usually use a 15volt 1 Amp panel.

[theshades]

Where did you get the rolling toolbox?

[DIY Dave]

I bought mine at Walmart, but I've also seen them at Lowes.