How to Make a Solar Power Generator for Less Than $300

1. Buy a Solar Panel at your local Solar supply store (12 - 16 volt) for about $100 (approximately 15" X 24")

2.Buy a 12 volt deep cycle golf cart battery at your local discount store for about $60

3. Buy a battery box at your local Marine supply store for about $10.00

4. Buy a 12 volt DC meter for about $25.00 at Radio Shack

5. Buy 2 DC power adapters ( the kind of device you stick into the cigarette lighter into) If they have it, buy one with three outlets. Should run about $10 at your local auto parts store. There are a bunch of items that you can buy that will plug right into your adapter.

6. Attach the meter and DC input to the top of the box.

7. Use insulated wire to attach the meter to the terminals on the battery. Connect the negative (-) pole first. Connect the DC inlet to the battery in the same way. Connect the solar panel to the battery in the same way.

8. It generally takes 5-8 hours to charge a dead battery; 1-3 hours to top off a weak one. It will run radios, fans, and small wattage lights all night, or give you about 5 hours of continuous use at 115 volt AC.

9. Should you desire, you can also purchase a 115 volt AC inverter at your local RV store for less than $75. Doing this will allow you to run any device that requires 110 volt AC power.

Solar panel.....$100
Battery..............$60
Box....................$10
Volt Meter..........$25
DC Adapter.......$10
115v Inverter......$75

Grand Total $ 260

Original at: http://geocities.com/~y2k-survivor/solar_generator.html