Mini Solar Generator

Hello everybody!

in this instructables, I will show you how to make a low cost solar generator with all components of one photoelectric solar system.

For this generator, he used a 6.8A battery, installed a 300W power inverter, and used a 30A MPPT charge controller to control it all. Everything inside a plastic box with a handle for easy transport.

These components can be adjusted and customized according to individual needs, but the connections and operating principles of all solar generators are generally the same. Therefore, this tutorial can assist you in creating your own solar generator, regardless of the battery, inverter and charge controller you select for use.

Materials:

• Solar panel 10W (Aliexpress /  Amazon)
• Charge controller (Aliexpress / Amazon)
• Battery (Aliexpress / Amazon)
• Current inverter (Aliexpress / Amazon)
• Any container that is airtight is valid as a casing
• 12v socket (Aliexpress / Amazon)
• Wires, fastons and currents stealers

Tools:

• Soldering iron, to make the holes in the container
• Hot glue/silicone gun
• Pliers
• Thin flat screwdriver
• Blade

In the diagram upper, you can see the connections between the components of the generator.

Thanks to its 12v socket, the connection between the solar panel and the generator is fast and straightforward, meaning you'll never have to worry about disconnecting the plate. The 12v output of the controller is left free, making the inverter's direct connection to the battery practical and efficient. With this setup, the solar generator will be easily transportable and can be taken wherever it's needed.

Once we have identified the exact locations of each component and connection, we can begin making the necessary holes for the controller, inverter and 12v socket. This will allow for easy access to the controller, efficient connection of any device to the inverter and direct plugging of the solar panel into the battery for charging.

To fashion the holes, I used a soldering iron, following the markings of the components. Other alternatives, such as a knife, scissors or pliers, may be employed depending on the individual situation.

To start, we'll use fastons to connect the wires from the controller to the 12V socket. We will need a screwdriver to attach them securely.

Next, using the same method, we'll make the connection from the battery to the said controller. Once everything is in place, the controller should start up automatically. Following this, we'll use wires to connect the devices to the 12V socket from the controller.

To finish, we'll connect the inverter to the battery through current stealers.

Before taking any further steps in assembling and fixing the different components and elements inside the generator container, we should first perform a few tests to ensure that everything functions as expected and that we won't encounter any unexpected surprises.

The tests we will perform include connecting the solar panel to the 12v socket to verify that the battery is correctly being charged, as well as testing the inverter to guarantee that all processes are operating properly.

Once the testing of this mini solar generator is complete, it's time to get down to the business of assembling the elements within the plastic box. Secure fixings are an absolute must, and I've opted to use hot glue here. Not only does the glue help to attach the components in place, but it also serves to seal off any gaps in the final assembly. As an extra caution, be sure to disconnect the battery when affixing the parts and leave this activity for the very end.

Finally, make a few wholes in the upper portion of the solar generator to allow for the circulation of air when the inverter is turned on as there is a fan involved.

This small home-made solar generator is a great example of a compact, inexpensive photovoltaic system that can be used in any location. With a fairly low power output, this system can charge electronic devices, any 12V motor and even 220V appliances that use relatively low power.

You can see this project in Spanish here

I hope that you like!