How To Build A Solar Generator (Step-by-Step Guide)

Have the lights in your home ever flickered out? The fear of a power outage is real. However, a solar generator can put your mind at ease. They are quiet, efficient, and portable. Whether you reside in the country or city, solar generators are a useful tool. It may seem like solar generators are super high tech – while they are cool, a portable solar generator can be built by any motivated person.

To build a solar generator, you will need four primary components: a solar panel, a battery, a battery charge controller, and an inverter to convert stored energy into a usable form.

Building a solar generator can be a huge benefit. Yes, you can purchase the generators pre-made. However, in the next section, we will explain some of the downsides of buying pre-made and the benefits of making your own.

If you’re looking to install a generator that runs your entire home, see our article on if a whole house generator raises the home’s value.

For a high capacity solar generator, you might be looking at a price tag of over two-thousand dollars. And that price is for a semi-portable model. If you want to install a large system, you’re going to be spending even more.

When you build your own, you can expect to pay nearly half the price on parts. And get a generator will probably give you more power than the fully assembled models.

Not only do you save money outright, but, were the generator ever to need service, you would be able to do it yourself – instead of paying to have it shipped back, or for a technician to visit your home.

Finally, the generator we will be explaining how to build today is a portable version; however, if you wanted an extensive solar power system installed in your home, you might be paying hundreds of dollars towards install fees. There are no install fees when you do it yourself.

The commercially made and preconstructed generators are known to lack optimal power. This has a lot to do with the parts used. When you build your solar generator, you can use an inverter rated at higher capacities. Also, you can install a battery that best meets your situation.

And, of course, you can install a much larger solar panel. Many solar generators come with an undersized solar panel. Your solar panel size will directly impact how fast your battery charges and how much power you can use for extended periods.

Many people report that their self built solar generators charge faster than the ready-made models. When you build yourself, you can optimize the solar panels to their full potential.

When you buy a pre-made solar generator, you pretty much get what you get. But what if you want a built-in floodlight? Or maybe you want your battery enclosed in a completely waterproof case. When you build yourself, you can incorporate everything you want.

Maybe you’re thinking: I want a power system to charge my whole house! Well, you’ve got to walk before you can run. But, when you start by teaching yourself how to build the basics, you can add advanced parts later.

You want to make sure everything works before you begin attaching things or making more permanent connections. Testing will also help you avoid frustration later on in the process.

For instance, you might think you did something wrong when really, you just have a faulty piece of equipment. Testing also gives you a basic understanding of making the correct wire connections before assembling everything. Test each component by wiring to the battery. Ensure everything turns on and works as it should.

You may want first to connect a port – sort of like a plug for the solar panel. This port will allow you to detach your battery pack from your solar panel for easier transport.

Be sure to outline where you will place the connection sites properly. You may also want to put some caulk around any ports leading to the outside of the battery pack. After attaching your solar panel, your solar generator is ready to test. Let it charge in full sun. If it’s not working correctly, check all your wire connections.

Last thing. It isn’t needed to build your initial solar generator, but a battery maintainer will certainly extend your battery’s life. The battery maintainer is built into your battery so you can plug it into the wall when it’s not in use.

If you’re curious, see our article on how much a 1000 watt generator can run.

A solar generator is a power source that can be used in emergencies and everyday activities, like camping or off-grid living. These generators gain all their electricity from the sun. A solar generator is perfectly quiet and requires very little up-keep. As solar technology becomes more advanced, more and more people are purchasing or building solar generators.

Solar power is one of the best options available for generating free electricity. It’s completely passive and requires very little upkeep. Another way is wind turbines. However, most people prefer solar for powering their homes. Wind turbines require more maintenance due to their moving parts. Also, it’s hard to generate much power with a small turbine.

Solar generators can last over 20 years. The life of the solar panels will determine how long a solar generator lasts. You may have to change out your battery after several years, or as technology increases. But, as long as your solar panels are still intact, you can keep harnessing the power of the sun.