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Solar power generator
A solar power generator could be a very handy thing to have around, especially if you live in an area that regularly deals with severe weather like hurricanes or things like that. It would also be very useful to have in an emergency if you live in a highly remote location where power outage can last for weeks or is irregular in the first place. There are two ways to obtain a solar power generator: purchase or do-it-yourself.Whether you want to purchase a solar power generator or you want to make one will depend on two main factors. The first is cost - stand alone solar power generators can run around $2500 to buy. These are built like a regular generator in that it is self-contained (other than the solar collector) and is easily portable. The second factor is if you are capable of building your own solar power generator. Since it is relatively easy to do and it's not necessary to have a highly evolved skill set, most people can build their own fairly easily and it only costs around $300. Obviously, if you make your own solar power generator, you will save a good bit of money.
The components of a solar power generator should be available with a minimum of travel to most anyone. You can find a small solar panel for about $100 at an RV or marine supply store. The panel should be rated 16 volts but can go as low as 12 volts if that's all you can find. You will need a deep cycle 12 volt battery which will cost around $60. You also want to go the extra step of getting a battery box to put the battery in for only about $10. This way the terminals will be covered for safety.
You'll need a 12 volt DC meter which you can find at Radio Shack or similar stores for right around $25. Now you'll want to go to the car part store to purchase a DC input which will enable you to run many smaller appliances or electronics directly. If you want to be able to also power AC appliances, you will also need to pick up an inverter which will run you around $50 for a 140 watt inverter. If you need more power than that, you can find higher wattage inverters online or perhaps through a specialty supplier.
Using a drill, you will need to attach the meter and the DC input to the top of the battery box. Then you need to use insulated wire to attach the meter to the terminals on the deep cycle battery. Make sure you handle the wires one at a time and connect the negative pole first. You then need to connect the DC inlet to the battery as well as the solar panel - again, one wire at a time and starting with the negative.
Close the lid and fasten it somehow - a hasp would probably be suitable here. Put the solar panel in the sun to charge. It will take 5-8 hours of sunlight to fully charge the battery if it's dead to start with. Your newly created solar power generator will give you about 5 hours worth of 115 volt AC power when charged.
As you can see, it is much more cost effective to build your own solar power generator than to buy one. If you are hesitant of your ability to do it yourself, at least investigate and compare prices to purchase a pre-built solar power generator. A solar power generator will help keep you in touch in times of emergency by powering your radio or allow you to charge your cellphone in order to call for help.
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