How to Build a Solar Generator

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Small solar generators can be used in a number of ways: for camping, for boating and for emergencies when the power shuts off. While you can purchase a solar generator from a number of reputable dealers, it is also possible to build one yourself using easily obtainable materials.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Insulated gloves
Small solar panel, rated at least 12V
12V DC meter
DC input
12V deep-cycle battery
Battery box
Drill
12V AC inverter
Insulated wire
Tape or some kind of sealant

Step1

Put on the insulated gloves before you begin work. They will protect you from inadvertent contact with any live current.

Step2

Mount the DC meter and input to the top of the battery box using the drill.

Step3

Attach the DC meter to the wingnut terminals on the battery with the insulated wire. Make sure that you attach the negative pole first and do not touch more than one wire at a time.

Step4

Use the insulated wire to connect the DC input to the wingnut terminals on the battery. Again, connect the negative pole first and make sure you don't handle more than 1 wire.

Step5

Use the insulated wire to attach the solar panel to the wingnut terminals on the battery. As before, connect to the negative pole before the positive pole and touch only 1 wire at a time.

Step6

Close the lid on the battery box, and use electrical tape or similar material to keep it sealed.

Step7

Place the solar panel in the sun, and give the battery time to charge. You may want to mount the panel to a wall or pole, since it may take several hours.

Step8

Connect the AV inverter to the system. This will allow you to use ordinary household items such as radios and desk lamps with the generator.

Tips & Warnings

Make sure the solar panel has direct access to sunlight and isn't obscured by shadows or other obstructions. Check on it periodically as the sun changes position across the sky.
Charging a dead battery in this fashion usually takes about 6 to 8 hours. A live battery requires less time, depending upon how much electricity it has already generated.
Carefully measure how much wattage you intend to use with this generator. It can run radios, small TVs and the like with few problems, but appliances which use a lot of power will drain the battery very quickly. The battery instructions should let you know how many watts it is capable of producing when fully charged.