SolarDIY

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SolarDIY is a vibrant community dedicated to embracing the power of solar energy. Here, we encourage you to showcase your ingenious ideas, innovative projects, and inspiring stories, while also seeking valuable advice, fresh ideas, and fostering meaningful connections.

Our passion lies in witnessing the remarkable achievements of individuals who have harnessed the potential of solar energy. Whether you have successfully wired your entire house with solar panels, created a portable solar-powered generator, or crafted an efficient solar pool heater, we are eager to learn from your experiences and celebrate your accomplishments.

Join us on this empowering journey as we explore the endless possibilities of solar energy and inspire one another to make a positive impact on our environment and our lives. Together, we can unlock the full potential of solar power and shape a sustainable future.

Share your DIY solar projects, exchange knowledge, and let your creativity shine!

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pdavis

New build, 40a solar generator. (imgur.com)

submitted 2 weeks ago by FauxPseudo to c/solardiy

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2 20 amp batteries. 2 USB ports outside. 2 USB ports inside. 2 AC outlets. 300 watt inverter that I'll probably have to upgrade.
DeWalt rolling toolbox. Water resistant. Charging posts for when solar isn't the best option.

But it accomplished my goal. It can charge power tool batteries by plugging in the standard tool charger or run A CPAP.

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 weeks ago

it accomplished my goal

That's the most important part, IMO.

I was in the boonies once with another camper and rigged up something similar for them. The goal of this one was to run small loads off the inverter while the sun was out. I had a spare motorcycle battery from another project, a small spare inverter, and a relay. The battery was basically just a way to stabilize the solar charge controller and was not intended to run loads in the normal sense.

200w of panel -> 20A single-stage PWM like pictured in the OP -> 12Ah AGM
PWM load output -> relay trigger
battery -> relay power -> inverter -> 120vac loads

Basically whenever the sun was out they could run their small loads. When the battery voltage dropped below 12.7v (ie, sun no longer out) the relay would turn off the inverter and the loads would no longer be powered.

Since the controller was a single statge charger I set it to the Vabs of the battery, 14.5v.

[–] FauxPseudo 1 points 2 weeks ago

Tried adding pictures directly but as with so many Lemmy communities I got a 403 error. So they are attached via the imgur link.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 weeks ago

Very nice.