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Solar Powered Briefcase

Solar Powered Briefcase
I had a solar panel laying around along with a charge regulator and a fairly large 12 Volt battery for a home security system... So, I decided that since its all just sitting in my room and I can't tie the Solar panel into my home's breaker box (too expensive), I would build something that I could transport around to give me a charge for anything with a USB or Car Charger. I used it outside, inside, camping and even took it to work.

This is how I did it.... 
 
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Step 1Gather Tools and Materials

Gather Tools and Materials
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Materials you will need:

1. Briefcase (bought mine from Goodwill for $5.00 and mine was very tough plastic with big metal hinges)
2. Solar panel or a group of cells that will fit nicely on your briefcase
3. 12 Volt solar charge regulator (Amazon.com sells them for around $25.00, you could most likely build one using a capacitor and a diode)
4. 12 Volt battery (I got mine from an unused security system)
5. 1x6 piece of wood long enough to fit in your case
6. Small piece of cloth or some paint to coat your piece of wood
7. Multiple socket car charger (I bought mine at Walmart for $15.00 but now I see they are only $5.00 on Amazon.com)
8. Some extra wire to connect the regulator to your battery (I just trimmed some off of my solar panel)
9. Screws and
10. Bolts with washers and nuts
11. Electrical Tape
12. Zip Tie or Velcro Strap

Tools you will need:

1. Power Drill
2. Glue
3. Screw drivers (phillips and flat  head)
4. Wire strippers
5. Saw (Jig and Table)
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10 comments
Sep 22, 2011. 11:57 AMRobotic_mage says:
Great idea, Have you thought of Putting the Solar panel on the inside of the brief case, on a Hinge. Then the panel is protected from wear and tear, but when you need it open the case, swing out the panel, lock it into place and go to town.

Love the project. Congrats on winning.

Paul
Sep 4, 2011. 11:09 PMdrbill says:
Like the I'Ble though. 4 staRS.
Sep 4, 2011. 11:08 PMdrbill says:
You got to be kidding with that rinkey dink little generator.
Sep 2, 2011. 10:40 AMzazenergy says:
Awesome job!
Sep 2, 2011. 4:02 PMHexKrak says:
Would not want to try and take that though airport security! Nice instructable though :)
Sep 2, 2011. 6:56 PMtjesse says:
This is great! I love it, simple and useful. I want one!

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I am currently a full time student going for my Mechanical Engineering Technology Degree, hence the "eliteMET". I feel like I lack the experience that most Engineering Students have but I make that up...
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