How to build yourself a portable power generator
Solar energy generator.
The following small solar system can be used in a caravan, a remote area where there is no power supply, in a boat, etc. Even at home in cases of power failure.
The solar generator consists of a small solar panel of 10 watt/p, which can charge a sealed battery 12v - 18Ah. It could also get a bigger battery.
In order to be transported easily, I put the battery and the inverter
in a tool case. 
I have connected a 300W inverter on top of the battery which converts the DC into AC 230V. This is how it can power up devices of 230V.
It doesn’t matter how many devices will be connected simultaneously, provided they do not exceed the 300 Watts.
Wiring the solar power system
The wiring of the solar panel system is being described below. In the outlet of the inverter we can connect the devices that require 230V.
Comments on solar panel generators
In order for the solar panel to charge the battery, it will need 2-3
days in summer and 3-4 days during the winter. Since it is going to be
used mainly on cases of power failure, this time is more than adequate
(we don't have power cuts every day).
Thus, a bigger battery can be used even if it needs more days to be fully charged.
In practice, when the power failure happens, the battery will be fully charged even if it has a capacity of 100Ah.
The cost
- The solar panel, 69 Euros.
- The solar charge controller, 23 Euros.
- The power inverter 300 watt, 37 Euros.
The total is only 129 Euros! We can put a battery of 18AH and above (12V lead, sealed). The suitcase and the multiple plugs are optional. The above system works perfectly only with the solar panel, the solar charge controller, the battery and the 230V inverter.
Testing the solar power system 
I tried connecting both a 21" TV (65w), a lamp (25w) and a radio.
They worked flawlessly while the test took place (for one hour), whereas the small battery of 18Ah was able to give almost another hour of operation before needing recharging.
Applications
This system can be used in a caravan, a remote area which no power, a boat etc. Even at home in cases of power failure. With a 20Ah battery we can have power for all of the following simultaneously:
- Lighting in our house (e.g. 2 economy lamps) for 3 hours.
- A small (14 "-21") TV and a laptop for 2 hours in total.
- A radio for several hours.
- Charging mobile phones and other devices.
According to this use, as described here, when a battery of 20Ah empties, a solar panel of 10Wp will need about 3 days to fully recharge. As we said above, since it is not intended for everyday use, this time is more than adequate (we do not have power cuts every day).
Thus, we can put a battery of double capacity (by doubling this way the operating time of the above equipment).
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