How to Make a Solar Powered Generator

The demand for solar power energy is heating up. A solar powered generator can be used just about anywhere and you can easily make one with parts found in a local store.

Things You'll Need

• 25W or 40W Solar Panel
• Deep-cycle 12-volt sealed gel-battery
• Battery box
• Insulated wire
• DC Input

Instructions

1. Buy a Solar Panel. You can get one in RV or marine supplies store or you may choose to buy one online, which will allow you to search through a wider variety to look for the best deal.

2. Get any size deep-cycle 12 volt gel battery. You need the battery for continuous use, so the more energy you want to store the bigger the battery should be.

3. A battery box is important if your storing your generator out in the open. It will protect children and pets from exposed terminals.

4. Buy a triple inlet model DC input. You can find them at an auto parts store in the cigarette lighter section. It will provide enough to power DC appliances, like fans, lights, hair dryers, baby bottle warmers, and vacuum cleaners.

5. Use insulated wire to attach the meter to the wingnut terminals on the battery. Connect the negative (-) pole first. Be careful and only handle one wire at a time.

6. Connect the DC inlet and solar panel to the battery in the same way.

7. Close the battery box.

8. Sit the solar panel in the sun. A dead battery charges in about 5-8 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• AC appliances will need a inverter to convert the stored DC power into AC power.