Affordable office solar system

1

Hello,

I recently built a mini diy solar system. And I will be sharing the steps on this thread.

IMG_20160605_143431.jpg2160×3840 985 KB

First, Iet me point out what this system can and cant do.

Can do:

  1. Power your laptop for a full day (tested)
  2. Power other smaller devices (phones, bulbs)

Can’t do:

  1. Take you off grid (you will need a bigger system for this)

Next is the components/items, which are:

  1. 200watt mono solar panel => 45k
  2. 30amps pwm charge controller => 7k
  3. 100ah deep cycle battery => 33k
  4. 1.2kva inverter => 28k
  5. 6mm wire => 2k (had to reduce wire distance <10yard).

Everything under 120k

Installation was easy.
Decide where to mount the panels. Either on the ground or the roof. Also pick a sweet spot that isn’t (always) shaded.

Connect the battery to the charge controller, positive to positive and negative to negative. The place to connect the battery to is always indicated on the controller. Then connect the panel to the charge controller, this is also indicated on the charge controller. Finally connect the inverter to the battery. You might see a little spark while doing this, which is normal.

All done. If its a new battery charge for some hours before switching the inverter on.
You could also cut cost by using a used ups instead of an inverter. How To Create A Locally Made Inverter With Ease - Science/Technology - Nigeria

For detailed instruction and proper component sizing you can use this instuctable: http://m.instructables.com/id/DIY-OFF-GRID-SOLAR-SYSTEM/

Have been using this for 4 days now and so far haven’t seen a low battery alert on my laptop or phone. Haven’t gone out to buy fuel too. In the future I hope to add more panels and battery so I can power more things but for now am okay charging my laptop and using hand fan.
Questions are welcomed.

IMG_20160608_145936.jpg2160×3840 762 KB

IMG_20160608_145853.jpg2160×3840 896 KB

IMG_20160608_150133.jpg2160×2910 407 KB

4 Likes
6

Good work @Chidera.

Also worth noting that constantly replying a thread which you’ve created is frowned upon, simply because it can be interpreted as forum gaming. Best to desist.

2 Likes
7

@Chidera You should either write all your updates at once, or wait for other people to join the conversation. Monologues don’t look good.

8

this is great… would do this also… what inspired you to take this route?

9

Really nice.
I currently enjoy a 500 watt system from arnergy solar.
Powers my light, laptop, phones and fans - 24/7.
Have not had to rely on the gen for a long time.

10

How much did it cost? @Chisomy_SOG

11

Read what he wrote…

12

It’s quite something but it is worth every kobo.

IMG_20160609_102634 arnergy 1.png720×720 158 KB

IMG_20160609_102641 arnergy 2_edit.png720×382 55.2 KB

13

@Chisomy_SOG Cool. They didn’t specify charge controller. Is it pwm or mppt ?.

14

This thread: Home Solar Project

15

I’m sorry I’m not familiar with those technical terms.
But you can contact them to find out more details
Or visit - www.arnergy.com