Simple solar solution

[JamesWu]

Just wanted to share my DIY solar setup, it might be helpful if you want to stay off grid and don’t want to spend a lot of money.


As attached pictures, the panel sits on the windshield using suction cups, charge controller stays with the battery in the battery compartment using a few magnets. A quick DIY job after watching YouTube.



Here’s what I bought,

• A semi flexible solar panel from eBay, probably not the best quality or durability, but it only gets exposed to the elements when needed, should help on the life span.
• A charge controller, I glued a few magnets on the back of the controller, it fits perfectly in the battery compartment, only pull the cables out from under the chair when in use.
• A jump start cable from toolstation, cut the alligators, much cheaper than buying cable alone.
• Two MC4 connectors, two lugs (for connecting battery), I borrowed tools to clamp the MC4 and lugs.
• Extended cables with four MC4 connectors pre clumped from Amazon - now I look back, should have just bought a longer jump start cable and 6 MC4.

Tests:
This month (June), the panel outputs maximum 70% rated power, 4.4A before the controller, 5.4A after controller (controller transforms 18V to 14V so you gain a bit amps), I'm pretty happy with that. On cloudy days I still get a bit over 1 amp to the battery.

 

[edzt]

James, have you got a link to the YouTube you watched, for the wiring. I can’t find it!
Cheers

 

[JamesWu]

can't remember which one(s) I watched, try Indie Project, Combi Life, but the wiring the pretty simple, solar panel goes to controller PV, battery goes to controller Battery, think that's all.

 

[edzt]

Thank you

 

[JamesWu]

Review after a year - Think I'd like to update this, after a year of use (40-50 times of uses), the panel only outputs up to 40W (rated 120W), it degrades much faster than I have imagined, I'm looking into a solid panel now.