dykdidyouknow
New Member
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2021
- Messages
- 10
This build was inspired by losing power in the recent winter storm in Texas. I currently reside in an apartment, and wanted something portable, safe, and isolated. I choose this toolbox because they are modular, and there is a base box that has wheels even! The battery I chose is an Ampere Time 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 who's built-in BMS supports up to 4 connected batteries bring me to a total of 400Wh. I've got a 210W solar panel on my patio and the box is currently powering my Roomba and a pet's drinking fountain just to test a light load over a few weeks.
What do you all think?
(the extension cable on the left and the coil for PV in the middle are just being stored there while not in use)
Power button embedded in the lid for easy access/status
Total: $1,146
What do you all think?
(the extension cable on the left and the coil for PV in the middle are just being stored there while not in use)
Power button embedded in the lid for easy access/status
Part | Purpose | Cost |
LiFePo4 Battery | 100Ah of power storage, add more in parallel for greater capacity at same voltage | $569 |
Inverter | 600w pure sine wave for DC -> AC | $116 |
Solar Panels | 210w solar panel to charge/maintain battery | $189 |
Solar Cables (MC4) | Move power from panels to solar charge controller | $17 |
Solar Charge Controller | MPPT charge controller for panels to charge battery (also has bluetooth to so we can change settings and check status of system) | $118 |
Fuse Block | Fuse block so we can safely draw power from the battery without worrying about damaging it | $22 |
Mounting Tape | Heavy duty double sided mounting tape to keep things from sliding around and to mount fuse block to battery | $7 |
Extension Cord | Simple extension cord | $19 |
Toolbox | Everything but the solar panels will be arranged in this toolbox to make it somewhat portable if needed. | $39 |
Wire | 10 AWG wire to carry power | $29 |
Electrical connectors | Terminate ends of wires to create cables | $12 |
Heat shrink tubing | Wrap the connectors | $9 |