So, you hear things online and news talking about “renewable energy”, but you have no idea what that means and how it works. I have been studying this topic for some time and 4 years of personal experiment and use I’m here to tell you that it works! Here is how you can do this yourself and build your own power station for under $400 bucks.
A solar generator can be created using several easy to find parts. I highly recommend visiting your local Harbor Freight. Their customer service is excellent. (Harborfreight.com)
12V Car battery
Solar panels
Solar Charge controller
12v – 120v Inverter
The misconception with solar panels is that they must be directly in the sun to make power. While it would be best to generate maximum power I can tell you its not a necessity. I have been able to produce electricity with the residual light inside of my room! Solar panels take “photons” (light particles) to convert into electricity. When your room is filled with light whether that be from the sun or a light bulb you have the potential to produce power.
I am currently living in an apartment which while has a beautiful balcony becomes obstructed when wires are ran across. A solution, mount the solar panels to the wall. Not only does this add decor points but generates enough power generator to charge my smart phone (currently Nexus 4), an LG bluetooth headset and Nexus 7 tablet.
It’s almost an enlightening feeling knowing that you can be completely off the grid, even just for a second. Mobile devices are consuming less power than traditional computers. Devices become smaller, more powerful and packed the latest batteries. As renewable power sources become better and better expect to see gadgets that have 12+ hour battery life and charge in 1/4th the time. With the combination of these technologies it will be easy to see how a small solar generator set up can make alot of sense.
This investment will probably not show a return for some time however as an innovator living the life that is possible today be a man and be apart of the change you want to see in the world. Even if its generating power to power your phone from an apartment. 😉
Andy
Inventor Life 