DIY Portable Solar Battery and Panel
Channel: Odyssey Camper
Date: 2017-12-04

Build a portable solar battery kit with similar specs to a Yeti Goal Zero 400 for 1/3 the price!  In the video, I give an overview of the project and then narrow it down to the step-by-step instructions.  It's a simple project that requires no technical skills.  I also compare a couple of options for the battery pack.  When you are done you'll have the capabilities of a Yeti Goal Zero400, plus an air compressor, plus the ability to jump-start a vehicle.  To boondock (camp without hook-ups) or live vanlife, you are going to want some way to power your laptop and recharge your phone, without running the engine.

You can find everything I use at my Amazon shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/odysseycamper
Links to items in THIS video are below.  These are "affiliate" links, meaning I will get a small commission, but it won't cost you a penny more!

Don't forget to subscribe to the channel for other DIY van dweller projects. and visit OdysseyCamper.com for the companion articles.


Parts List and Amazon Links to build this project.

50 Watt Solar Panel $64.99
http://amzn.to/2zptA8z

Schumacher 7A Charge Controller $22.18
http://amzn.to/2zulUlm

Schumacher XP2260 1200 Peak Amp Instant Portable Power Source and Jump Starter $101.97
(The Amazon price fluctuates so don't buy on Amazon unless it's less than $110. You can get at Lowes for $99, link below)
http://amzn.to/2BnDKb7

22Ah SLA Replacement Battery $44.99 (optional)
http://amzn.to/2hUKGnU

12v Quick Disconnect Cables $8.64
http://amzn.to/2Bqvk34

12v Cigarette Socket Adapter  $8.95
http://amzn.to/2zqRY9S

3M Trim Adhesive Tape  $4.87
http://amzn.to/2ieykHn

The Schumacher XP2260 has similar capabilities as the Sears DieHard Portable Power 1150 but cost $50 less.  Expect to pay around $100

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Schumacher-Electric-1-200-Amp-Car-Battery-Jump-Starter/50223897

The main differences between the DieHard and the Schumacher is that the DieHard has a digital display and psi setting for the air compressor and a bigger inverter. 

DIY Project steps:
1) Connect Quick Disconnect Leads to Solar Panel
2) Connect Charge Controller to Solar Panel Quick Disconnect
3) Connect 12v cigarette lighter adapter to Quick Disconnect
4) Plug 12v adapter quick disconnect into charge controller
5) Plug 12v adapter to the battery pack
6) Put the panel in the sun and charge the battery!

http://odysseycamper.com/2017/12/04/poor-mans-yeti-goal-zero-part-2/

 #diysolar #solargenerator #vanlife