Solar powered generators can prove to be efficient during times of power shortages, or during periods of time when you would like to go and keep a close watch on your electric consumption due to electric bills. While solar powered generators can prove to be quite an expensive and pricey venture for purchasing, one can actually resort to making their own solar powered generator themselves. Not only will this prove to help you save money and electricity, it will also aid you in outfitting the solar powered generator to your purposes.
How to Make Your Own Solar Powered Generator
The main item that you would need to focus on when making your own solar powered generator is the solar panel that you’ll be using. Among the choices, something that will lend to simple use for the home would be solar panels that are rated at 12 volts or higher. Make sure you get enough to make at least an 8 x 12 inch solar panel that you can place above your roof. This will provide ample space for energy gathering during the time that the sun is out.
The next thing that you will need would be a battery. The varieties are limitless, but ones that can work best to being powered by a solar power generator would be lead acid or gel batteries. Since you are working on a solar panel of 12 volts, you should deep cycle 12-volt batteries as well, because you would need to match it with the corresponding voltage and since deep cycle batteries are highly durable for such purposes. Try to figure out as well the amps that you might need, but for starters, twenty amps would be a good idea.
You would then need to buy a battery box to house your batteries. This will ensure that all exposed terminals are covered, and will also help in preserving battery life. After purchasing such, you would need a battery meter. This will help you keep track of the energy that the battery still has as well as the energy that is being consumed. With a 12-volt battery, you would need a 12-volt DC meter. One should bear in mind not to discharge the battery when levels are below 50%, as it can damage the battery. The same thing goes with overcharging it. A charge of 80 to 90% can help keep your battery life last long, so keep a close watch.
To harness the energy that the solar powered generator will accumulate for Direct Current appliances, you would need a DC input for the task. This will enable you to use the energy to power appliances like fans, lights, stoves, and vacuum cleaners. Keep in mind though that devices that generate heat can consume the most power easily, so pay mind to the appliances that you use.
To use the energy you’ve stored for Alternate Current devices, you can avail of an AC converter. This will help transform stored DC power from your solar powered generator into AC, which are basically other appliances that do not work with direct current. Availing of an AC converter will help you utilize the energy that you will gather, thus making your solar powered generator more efficient for other purposes.
Ensure that you close the battery box tightly, preferably with a bungee cord. Keep in mind that the solar panels will be able to gather energy in the time that you leave it out. Dead batteries take 5-8 hours of charging to power up, and weak batteries will need 1- three hours. Items can be purchased from a local marine shop, a recreational vehicle store, or the Internet.