How-To: Portable Solar Power
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009
Maverick of Maverick Solar put the IkePak together to help his son after Hurricane Ike. He did not spend time doing extensive calculations, but just used what was readily available — he runs a solar energy company, so he probably has a few relevant things available — or easily obtained at the local WalMart. The wheeled Igloo cooler holds a marine battery, a 400W inverter, a solar charge controller, an inline fuse for protection, and most of the wiring. It provides enough power for a few CFLs, a small TV, and a cell phone charger. The total cost was ~ $360; the most expensive item was the $175 20W solar panel.
Additional pictures and details are the link below.
IkePak [Maverick Solar]
We’re not suggesting that you get rid of your Craftsman, MAC, or Snap-On box or anything, but if you’re looking for an inexpensive roll-away tool chest for yourself, your son/daughter, or a friend, Wal-Mart may have your ticket.
Though we can’t provide you a link (as Wal-Mart doesn’t list their auto stuff online), we can tell you that we came across a set of two 2-Ton jack stands at Wal-Mart today for $9.83.
