Solar energy is currently the cheapest source of power worldwide. It is also one of the few energy sources that don’t pollute the environment. Instead, it takes the focus away from other energy sources that emit harmful substances. Statistics indicate that solar energy users conserve some 75 million barrels of crude oil yearly. This is a considerable step towards purifying the atmosphere, considering the amount of pollution crude oil usage causes annually.

Solar generators are an excellent solution to generating and accessing power supply throughout the day and night. The solar panels can generate enough power during the day to cover continuous usage and still store some in the batteries for use at night or during blackouts.

If you want to have more control over your solar power generation and usage, you can build a solar generator instead of buying one of the existing models. Building one from scratch could cost you more, but you would be able to tune it as it suits you.

Some of the essential components you would need to build a DIY generator include:

• A suitable waterproof case that is durable enough to withstand degradation by weather.
• Solar panels for collecting and converting solar energy to DC. They are portable; you could even fold some into more compact shapes.
• Solar battery, for storing the power generated. Lithium Ferro Phosphate batteries are the most efficient and most durable of the two major forms.
• AC inverter, which will convert Direct current into Alternating current.
• Solar charge controller, which protects the battery from overcharging. It regulates the charge by determining a safe output rate based on the sun’s daily intensity.
• Wiring, for safely connecting the components one to another. You should get a recommended wiring kit that contains fuses and 12-gauge wires for secure connections.

Apart from these, you will need regular DIY tools for cutting and attaching the individual components to the case. Some of such tools you should have are drillers, screwdrivers, electrical tape, silicon glue, and wire cutters.

A simple four-step procedure for building your solar generator is described below:

1. Get the case ready

Your DIY generator must be a plug-and-play setup, making it easier for you to plug in whatever you want to charge. Hence, it would help if you created outlets for such connections.

Also, you should cut some space open for wire connections from the panels outside to the charge controller. There should also be some space for a switchboard, from where you would control the inverter.

You can make holes with the driller, ensuring that you seal every opening with silicon glue to make the generator waterproof.

2. Place the battery

The battery is the bulkiest part of the generator. As a result, you have to place it in the case first. Place the battery in a corner, securing it with battery straps.

3. Attach the solar charge controller and inverter

The charge controller comes next. You have to glue it in place after connecting it to the panels and battery via cables.

The inverter is the next largest component of the setup, so you should also set it in a corner. It should be closest to the outlet. It would be best to secure it with straps, as it will be easier to maintain.

4. Wiring and fixing fuses

The components are securely placed in the case, and you need to wire them appropriately. Connect the outlet to the inverter and then the inverter to the battery using 12-gauge wires.

Attach wires from the battery to the charge controller and from the controller to the panels outside.

While wiring it up, you should place fuses in the appropriate places: between the inverter and the battery, the battery and the controller, and between the controller and the solar panels.