So Now you know you can build a solar generator, just for lights for shed or house or both, more on that later, I have mentioned batteries briefly, so I am going to chat about batteries, YOU CANNOT USE CAR batteries, because they are made to fast charge and fast power for starting, we need batteries that are slow at charging and HOLD power, cheapest way is golf cart batteries they too are DEEP Cycle batteries, they come in 6 volts so you would connect them up.
Personally I went for Deep cycle GEL 12 volt battery although more expensive, needs no maintenance and no fumes come off them so safe in box type generator with a lid similar to picture above.
they will last for 5 to 6 years or longer depending on use.
So depending on budget does depend on battery/s you wish to use.
OK now I use 1 battery at present and is sufficient for my storage , but I can always get more if my needs change, this is for emergency, that said we also supplement our lounge light in evenings, and saves some power as we can turn off our mains lights,
OK so battery sorted you will need next solar panel or panels, it it is just for shed lights then a small south facing panel UP to 25 watts is ample
these can be purchased relatively cheaply, but I decided I wanted faster charging and potential for future add ons later so went for 2 x 100 watt
panels and a 50 watt panel , so all my future use is covered.
more to come
in Part5
Posted from my blog with SteemPress : https://infojohnic.info/2019/02/22/solar-power-for-emergency-and-home-part-4/