Making and Using Solar Generators

Welcome to solargenmaker.com, your resource for how to make and use solar generators. Here you'll find maker projects and information about portable solar power systems. We make it easy for any maker or garage tinkerer to build a solar generator and learn about portable solar power.

You can make a pro-grade solar powered generator with the right instructions and minimal tools. We'll give you help so you can build a quality portable solar generator like commercial products sold for thousands, and do it at home in your garage or your local maker lab.

Solargenmaker.com has solar power generator plans with instructions, photos and videos, maker projects for building solar generator accessories, tips about maker tools and techniques used in the projects, and details about all the parts and products used with portable solar power generators.

Solar Powered Generators - Portable, Renewable, Silent Power

Our interest in making portable solar power systems came by necessity. We needed emergency power for emergency preparedness -- to power HAM radio gear, lighting, and electronics and electrical things during power outages.

Like most we thought of gas generators. Because we didn't want to store lots of gas and didn't like the noise and fumes, we looked for something better. We found solar generators.

Make a Solar Generator?

While solar generators seemed to be the solution there weren't many to be found and few commercial systems were a good fit. Systems with capabilities we wanted were expensive -- but very cool. Portable solar systems that fit our budget fell short on features, durability and quality -- but were still cool.

We wondered why we couldn't build our own.

So we did.

First we had to decide what we wanted. We needed a definition.
We decided to build portable solar generators that:

        -   are light enough for one person to carry;
        -   are simple to build, operate, and maintain;
        -   are similar to systems costing thousands of dollars;
        -   can be built for the least cost possible;
        -   can be built using readily available parts;
        -   are durable enough for extended use;
        -   will operate even if key parts fail;
        -   are easy to repair with minimal tools;
        -   use weather-resistant or waterproof enclosures;
        -   can be charged using 12v solar panels --100w or so ;
        -   use multiple batteries so systems can operate if batteries fail;
        -   can power a small 12v inverter for reasonable amounts of time;
        -   can charge or operate 12vdc, USB, and 120vac electronics; and;
        -   connect to devices using common connectors or adapter cables.

We'll show you how we made our own solar generators.

Why We're Doing This...

We like the idea of sharing knowledge -- and making useful things!

Our mission is to educate about today's simple portable solar technology. We'll give the average maker the know-how to build their own portable solar power, show how it's used, and talk about solar generator stuff. While doing this we'll show how to use some cool tools to get high quality results, the coolest of which you don't even have to own yourself.

We're also very pro-manufacturing, especially as it relates to the revolution in manufacturing that's taking place. Advanced tools that used to only be found on the factory floor or in businesses are now showing up in garages, maker labs, the kitchen table (yes!) and even The Home Depot.

...and what's all this about makers and manufacturing revolutions?

Manufacturing is changing. Inexpensive technology is making it possible for individuals rather than businesses to build at pro levels and reasonable costs.

The average DIY'er can manufacture sophisticated things that until now have been out of reach. We'll promote the growing maker movement by offering projects that use easily accessible but advanced tools that allow DIY'ers to build at commercial levels of product quality.

Whether you're looking for information about portable solar power, technical details about solar power system parts, or to join the maker revolution and build a solar power generator, you'll find something here that's just right.