Recently, I’ve gained a big interest in solar panels and batteries. It all started when I saw an add in the paper for solar panels and batteries from Harbor Freight. I originally knew nothing about electricity, but this interest pushed me to learn more about how electricity works. Instead of purchasing what I saw in the ad, I decided to build my own setup and learn along the way.
While building out these portable solar powered battery boxes, I learned a lot about charging profiles, various batteries and their properties, how to size/use wires and battery cables, where to locate fuses and breakers, what charge controllers do and how they work, solar panel limits and efficiencies, and much more! One can learn a lot while building out these boxes.
I now purchase used batteries and make various type of solar battery boxes for all types of use. I primarily use them as a backup power supply for when the power goes out. This specific box will charge some lights and my fridge for about a day.
I’ve also been recycling lithium ion batteries from old laptops and reusing them for other projects. These lithium batteries have some amazing power and capacity still left in them. Just be careful as these batteries are very volatile.
