How to build a Solar Power Station

This Instructable is on how to build a battery power pack that charges from the sun. I built it this past summer to have a portable device that I could run and charge my gadgets on.

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step 1Wiring Diagram

The first thing I did was draw a wiring diagram.

step 2The Parts

Next I shopped around and purchased my parts.Below is a list of the parts I used.Solar Panel - - - - - - - - - - - - $68.9512 volt battery - - - - - - - - - - $58.00400 wat…

step 3Battery Mount

I built a battery mount out of 2X4's to hold the battery in place in the toolbox. 

step 4Pre-Wiring

Before I started wiring I had to put in a utility box for all theconnections. I removed three of the punch outs on the utility box;the middle bottom one, the middle side on…

step 5Installing power input plug

Next I cut a hole for the input power plug. I mounted it so thatthe connection end of the input plug would go directly into theutility box.

step 6Hole for battery wires

Then I cut a hole under the utility box for the wires going to the battery.

step 7Preparing the wires

In preparation for soldering, I crimped ring conectors on one end of both the positive and negative battery wires. Once they were on, I used a lighter to shrink the heat sh…

step 8Soldering

I ran the battery wires up though the hole in the bottom of the utility box and soldered everything together. To keep them from shorting out I put heat shrink tube on all t…

step 9Installing the power output jack

I found where I wanted to mount the 12 volt power plug, drilled holes and bolted it on.

step 10Wiring for the inverter

First I drilled holes and ran the two wires through. Then I cut and stripped the wires just long enough to reach to the battery from the inverter. After that I crimped smal…

step 11Finishing up

When you are finished, plug it into the solar panel and charge it. Once it's charged you'll be able to use free power from the sun. If you have any questions I would be gla…