DIY solar PV system
Here are some details on the prototype for the ‘build your own’ solar power system I ran as a workshop at the Nottingham hackspace. I’m pretty pleased with how it looks.
Basically it is a micro solar PV (photovoltaic) system, which includes a 10Wp solar panel, charge regulator and voltmeter, all encased in a laser cut wooden enclosure. This can be used to power small loads such as charging mobile phones, running a small sound system or even charging a laptop. The maximum output is 50W.
Here is a link to the Instructable design which has full design details.
Here are some photos and more details:
The kit contains the solar panel and all parts within the regulator box.
The enclosure is laser cut ply wood with ‘T’ shaped nut holders. This was prototyped using the laser cutter at Nottingham hackspace.
Knowing the battery voltage is very important, hence the unit has an in-built voltmeter. Press the button to check the voltage.
The output is via a 12V ‘cigar lighter’ automotive socket and protected via a 5A fuse. (Yes – I know I have spelt ‘output’ wrong. Its a prototype….).
The solar panel is connected via a plug and socket. The enclosure is held with no glue, but can be easily taken apart.
Inside the case is a charge regulator, connection block, voltmeter and switch and fuse and 12V socket.
I ran a weekend course on DIY solar power, the first day building one of these off-grid systems and the second day running a ‘DIY solar PV panel’ day (check out the notes I made on building your own solar PV panel here). This was run at Nottingham hackspace on 4/5th of August 2012.
If you are interested in this then I can supply a kit of parts for £70 plus postage and packing (£15 within the UK as its quite heavy-around 3kgs), including solar panel, regulator, connectors and case, but excluding a battery. Please email me if you are interested, or click the paypal link here to buy it now. Edit 30/8/13: This item is out of stock – please email if you are interested.
Here are some photos and testimonials from the solar DIY weekend:
“Many thanks for the excellent workshop last weekend. …(We) not only learnt a great deal, but also had an extremely enjoyable time and met lots of interesting people. If you are thinking of running any other courses, or even repeating the second part of this one again, we would be very interested in hearing about it.”
The course participants had a number of uses for these systems:
- Solar powered sundial
- Solar powered lighting for shed
- Solar powered chicken coup montioring system
Hey Matt, looks really good. For info I’m now running my wireless router and Raspberry Pi web server from my similar system: http://alexlittle.net/blog/2012/07/08/raspberry-pi-as-pythondjango-webserver/
A
Creating your own solar panels is good, but remember to be cautious. IT is still better to have your solar panels from MCS NAPIT accredited installer. http://essexsolarsolutions.co.uk
Yep – I agree for large high-voltage grid-connected systems – get it installed by a professional.
This design is for a small stand-alone power supply system at safe extra low voltage. It is useful to supply a small amount of energy and also as an educational system to learn the basics of solar PV system design.
Regards,
Matt