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 1: Gather Tools and Materials

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)

Robotic_mage says: Sep 22, 2011. 11:57 AM

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