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Power · 3 hours · Intermediate

Small Solar + Battery Power Station

Wire a 100W panel, charge controller and battery to keep lights, radios and phones running indefinitely.

This is for educational purposes only. Not professional medical, electrical, or safety advice.

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Small Solar + Battery Power Station
  1. 01

    Battery first

    Always connect the controller to the battery FIRST, then the panel. This lets the controller detect system voltage.

  2. 02

    Fuse the battery line

    Place an inline fuse within 7 in. of the battery positive terminal.

  3. 03

    Connect the panel

    Cover the panel, wire it to the controller's PV terminals, then uncover.

  4. 04

    Add loads

    Connect USB/12V sockets to the controller's load terminals so it protects the battery from deep discharge.

  5. 05

    Budget your watts

    100W panel × ~4 sun hours ≈ 400Wh/day: plenty for LED lights, a radio and phone charging.