>>1554818When I decided to build the solar generator, I was actually just looking for a car jumper/inverter to keep in my trunk during winter.
A friend recommended me to buy one made with more of a prepping element in mind, and showed me a guy who makes solar generators out of Eastern Washington.
https://www.tacticalwoodgas.com/online-store/Battery-Bank-with-800W-AC-Inverter-plus-solar-wall-car-charging-ports-p68927669I did some research, and asked some handy man friends of mine their opinion, and everyone said just make your own, its cheaper.
My end result was something almost identical to the video at tactical woodgas.
It uses a marine battery from walmart, a cheap amazon solar controller, a 600w pure sine wave inverter (most expensive part) and then all the wiring, a wall/anderson charger cable, and battery box.
The whole thing probably cost about 500ish with a 100w solar panel.
I've since gutted it, replaced the battery (due to a mix of bad initial wiring, and neglect for a few years) and re- wired it for better efficiency, and to clean up some corners I cut the first time.
It was one of the best projects I've under taken, because once all the pieces arrived, i put it together in an hour, and now I know how to set up a solar display. It's the exact same system at a bigger scale to have as much solar as you need.
My first solar panel was a big fixed inch thick metal frame. It didn't make the move across the country with me, because it took up way too much room. When I re-built the charger I got pic related suitcase panel, and It's the total way to go if you want to have it lightweight, and very mobile. This setup goes car camping, can power an RV, and like I mentioned, I spend a day a week challenging myself to use it exclusively. I have the solar panel in an apartment window, and it keeps it topped off. Also getting used to monitoring levels, and limiting usage.