In this master class I will show you how to make a completely autonomous power supply system for your garage. Although the garage has a stationary electrical network, I decided to abandon it, since there are too many interruptions in its operation... Often there is no light for long periods of time.
One of the main advantages of a solar power plant is its complete autonomy and independence. Considering that I am not in the garage all day, the power of my system is sufficient for all my needs.
I used a powerful 100W solar battery, so the battery can be charged even in cloudy weather. Of course, a 10W solar panel would be enough, but I decided to take it with a reserve in case I suddenly have to increase the power of the entire system.
What does the solar system provide?
- - LED light in the garage. Taking into account the current consumption of LED strips (no more than 2 A), the continuous glow time will be about 25 hours, which is twice as much as needed, given the average length of the night is 12 hours.
- - Network with three 220 V sockets with a load capacity of 400 W. An inverter is used to convert the current. The output is a stable sinusoidal voltage. Plus, the inverter has two USB inputs for powering mobile devices, with a current of up to 3.1 A.
- - The light turns on automatically when the gate is raised, which is very convenient, especially at night.
All elements of an autonomous power supply system have been purchased, with the exception of junction boxes, pipes for wires, etc.
I provide a list with links to the store:
The 100 W solar panel is ready, you can of course assemble it yourself, but I bought it - aliexpress
Charging controller - aliexpress
Rechargeable battery 12 V 100 Ah - in the nearest auto store.
Battery terminals - aliexpress
Inverter 400 W - aliexpress
Reed switch with magnet - aliexpress
LED Strip Light - aliexpress
Solar power plant diagram
The solar panel and battery are connected to the controller. The controller controls the charging of the battery, provides optimal current and prevents it from being completely discharged. LED strips and inverters are connected to the controller output.
To make the light turn on automatically, I used a reed switch. Since LED strips consume a current of about 2 amperes, they cannot be switched with a reed switch; you will need to add a relay that will take on the entire load.
I don't think there will be any issues with the scheme.
A few words about installation
The entire system is sorted according to the standard. Wires are packed into pipes, connectors into distribution boxes.
The photo shows how the reed sensor with a moving magnet is attached to the gate itself.
LED strips are simply stretched and secured in special clips.
Separately, I would like to tell you about installing a solar panel. A hole is drilled in the roof into which a piece of pipe is inserted.To prevent any leakage of water, a piece sticks out from the top of the roof at a short distance. We seal it and coat it with liquid bitumen or tar. We connect the panel, pass the wires through this tube. We lay the panel horizontally and coat the edges with liquid bitumen. Everything turned out airtight. The roof does not have a large slope, and water will roll off it in any case.
I will say again that the system is completely autonomous and does not require maintenance. If only it is necessary to periodically check the battery.
Result after several weeks of use
The solar power plant has proven itself to be excellent. It can be made for a summer house, barn, etc. In general, where there is no electricity supply. You can make a power plant yourself with any power and not depend on anyone else.
It’s very healthy not to depend on anyone.
