Generator Blog

A solar generator can benefit the home in a variety of ways. Depending on the size, it can allow a homeowner and family to remain unaffected in the event of a power failure. It can also be used to simply cut the costs of daily energy use.

In very simplified terms, a solar generator works by converting solar energy into electrical energy. This energy can then be used to do such things as power lighting, heat water, and run the TV. The generator consists of solar panels (which must be placed where they will receive the most possible sunlight,) a deep cycle battery for continuous use, and an inverter.

The inverter is necessary to convert the DC power stored in the battery into AC power. Determining the appropriate strength of an inverter for a solar power system is a fairly simple task to accomplish. First, add up the wattages of all of the appliances the solar generator is intended to power. Then, purchase an inverter that is slightly more powerful.

Of course, if the generator is only going to be used to run DC appliances, there is no need for an inverter. A DC meter and DC input will suffice. It is also possible to buy a ready-made solar generator, one complete with all the necessary components.

Many solar generators are capable of lasting a lifetime. Most are easy to install and easy to use. They are often ideal for usage in remote locations such as a winter home in the desert or a cabin up in the woods.If you intent to buy solar generators,I recommend a good station, cheap and high quality:Made-in-china.com.

How to Make a Solar Power Generator ? Follow me:

1.Buy (or make) yourself a small solar panel. You should be able to get one rated at 12 volts or better (look for 16 volts) at an RV or marine supplies store .

2.Buy yourself a battery.Get any size deep cycle 12 volt lead/acid or gel battery. We recommend rechargeable batteries from these green companies: Greenbatteries Store and Batteries.com. You need the deep cycle battery for continuous use. The kind in your car is a cranking battery–just for starting an engine.

3. Get a battery box to put it in.This is good for covering up the exposed terminals in case there are children about If you going to install the system in a pump shed, cabin, or boat, skip this.

4. Buy a DC input.This is enough to power DC appliances, and there are many commercially available, like fans, one-pint water boilers, lights, hair dryers, baby bottle warmers, and vacuum cleaners. Many cassette players, answering machines, and other electrical appliances are DC already and with the right cable will run straight off the box.

5. But if you want to run AC appliances, you will have to invest in an inverter. This will convert the stored DC power in the battery into AC power for most of your household appliances.Count up the number of watts you’ll be using (e.g., a small color television(=60 watts) with a VCR(=22 watts), you’ll need 82 watts.

6. Use a drill to attach the meter and DC input to the top of the box.

7. Use insulated wire to attach the meter to the wingnut terminals on the battery. Connect the negative (-) pole first. Only handle one wire at a time. Connect the DC inlet to the battery in the same way. Connect the solar panel to the battery in the same way.

8. Close the lid (I use a bungee cord to keep it tight). Put the solar panel in the sun. It takes 5-8 hours to charge a dead battery; 1-3 hours to top off a weak one. It will run radios, fans, and small wattage lights all night, or give you about 5 hours of continuous use at 115 volt AC, or about an hour boiling water. This system may be added on to with larger panels, inverters, and batteries.

Options: A pop-up circuit breaker may be added between the positive treminal and the volt meter. Some of you will want an ampmeter as well. The panels I recommend have built-in bypass diodes, but I recommend charge controllers for people who have panels without diodes. Another option is a voltage regulator, which is not necessary for a system this small, but a larger system would require one.