All of us wish there were an alternative to paying expensive electricity bills. We know that solar panels are expensive and it would be great if we could avoid such an expense. For that, a home-built solar generator is a perfect solution.
It is lightweight, inexpensive, and super easy to make. Without much time and effort, you will have the perfect solar power supply that will reduce your electricity bills and, even better, helps save the environment.
In this guide, you will learn how to make the perfect generator for yourself and what its benefits are, along with a list of components you will need. Keep reading to know how to build a solar generator.
Table of Contents
What is a Solar Generator?
A solar generator is one of the best alternatives for an electric power supply. It is a low-maintenance power station that uses photovoltaic cells to convert solar energy into usable power.
While saving the environment, a solar generator helps you get clean electricity as well. It enables you to save time, energy, and money, all at the same time. Therefore, it is a very beneficial addition to your home.
How does a Solar Generator Work?
A solar generator converts solar energy into electrical current by using solar panels, a battery pack, a charge controller and an inverter to one system. The components used in it are each made compatible with the electricity rating of the device it will power. Nonetheless, solar generators usually feature 12, 24, and 48 volts of voltage rating.
Since a solar generator cannot preserve energy in itself, it needs a battery pack to get the job done. Commonly, it uses Lithium-ion batteries since they are affordable and durable. However, Lead-acid batteries are also common.
The charge controller, on the other hand, regulates the electrical current to make sure there is no electrical damage. It ensures the batteries receive the proper flow of current. Its rating determines the current tolerance of the cell.
Since many devices are AC-based, an inverter converts all the DC into AC. The appliances that do not use AC do not require an inverter. Its job is to increase the voltage rating of the generator to up to 110 or 240 volts.
Solar generators use the photovoltaic cells present in the solar panels to absorb the sun’s energy and then convert them into electricity that transfers to the battery pack.
Advantages of a Solar Generator
There are a lot of benefits to using a solar generator. Here are a few of them:
Reduced Electricity Bills
Since solar generators use only the power from the sun, you do not have to worry about it consuming the electricity of your house. In this way, it reduces the consumption of electricity and thus, reduces your electricity bills as well.
Low Maintenance Costs
A solar generator does not require a lot of maintenance. All you need to do is keep the panels clean. But cleaning them about twice a year is enough. If you have smaller solar panels, there are more chances of them getting dustier. So, you might want to clean them a little more than a couple of times a year.
Multi-purpose
A solar generator is a cost-effective way to keep your entire house environment-friendly. Apart from producing electricity, they are usable for indoor and water heating systems. Thus, they are highly multifunctional and will help you save money and energy in multiple ways.
Renewable Source of Energy
While helping you save money, a solar generator also enables you to save energy. The sun is a reusable source of energy. So, as long as the sun gives out its rays, you will be able to generate power from a solar generator.
Components to Use
Here’s a list of components you will need to build your very own solar generator:
- A solar panel
- Charge Controller
- Deep Cycle Battery
- Battery Box
- Inverter
- 12V DC Merer
- Wires
- Wire Connectors
The Making of Your Own Solar Generator
Step 1: Prepare the Outside of the Box
If you plan on using a battery box, you should determine the layout of the DC meter and the outlets. Consider how your battery box will sit while in use and make sure the DC meter goes to an easy-to-read place. Also, make sure you know how to arrange your chargers, plugs, and other accessories next to each other.
Then, keep account of how you will mount everything inside your box. Make sure the outlets fit perfectly with the inverter and the battery. After making sure everything will work without interference, start to drill and install your outlets and DC meters carefully.
Step 2: Connecting the electrical components
You can now place the battery into your battery box. Connect the DC meter to the terminals using insulated water and make sure to connect the negative first and then the positive.
Connect the outlets to the battery, in the same manner, using insulated wires. Make sure all the connections are secure enough for proper readings.
Then, connect the solar panel to the battery. You can do this in two ways:
- The Temporary Connection: Use connector plugs to plug the solar panel to the front or rear of the battery box.
- The Permanent Connection: Connect the panel directly to the battery like the other components.
Now the solar panel is properly connected. Ensure everything is wired correctly and is protected. Then, go on to test your solar panel.
Step 3: Testing the Solar Generator
You need to test the generator by placing it somewhere the solar panel gets a lot of sunlight. However, make sure you keep the battery box protected from heat and water.
After placing the solar panel under direct sunlight, check your DC meter. It should be reading the voltage that the solar panel is generating. If the reading is correct, let the panel collect more sunlight, until it fully charges.
Step 4: Using your Solar Generator
Finally, you can use the quick connects in the solar panels. You can place the solar panel according to your convenience. You can disconnect the battery box and take it with you to connect to the appliance you want to charge or power. Make sure you connect it to the correct outlet.
Once your device has finished charging, monitor how long it took to charge and how much electricity you have left.
Conclusion
Overall, constructing your very own solar generator is a quick and simple way to charge your appliances without consuming any electricity. You can build this generator and save yourself from unexpected electricity bills and stay environment-friendly. So, it may be best you consider building a solar generator yourself.
(Last Updated on July 20, 2021 by Sadrish Dabadi)
