SHTF - Cheap Emergency Solar Power! Use Any SINGLE Solar Panel! 1/2
Nate's DIY Solar
788,178 views
In this video, I show you how to build a cheap emergency solar power system that will work with practically any solar panel. I will power USB and small 12-Volt appliances by harvesting power directly from the solar panel. This simple system uses only a couple of cheap parts and does not require an inverter, battery, or charge controller. USB (5v) and 12V are the most common DC power sources used for small electronics.
If you are on a homestead, this system can be deployed with a small car battery to power remote cameras, lights, radios and alarms.
** Schematic And Parts List (01-22-2025) **
https://www.natesdiysolar.com/project...
The Ultimate Buck: Directly from AliExpress:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/325680...
SHTF - Cheap Emergency Solar Power - The U...
Portable USB Solar Chargers
Testing USB Solar Chargers with LiFePO4 Ce...
0:00
0:03 - Intro
1:00 - The Parts
3:58 - Wire Buck Converter
4:39 - The 12V Appliances
5:12 - The USB Devices
5:40 - Something Cool
6:25 - Wire MC4 Connectors
7:30 - Test USB Devices
8:45 - Test 12V Appliances
10:36 - Make Coffee (clouds)
12:30 - Renogy 100W Panel Test
14:43 - Charge LiFePO4 Battery
18:18 - Something Cool #2
18:47 - Conclusion
** Reputable Companies (affiliate links) **
SignatureSolar: EG4 12K, 18K, 6000XP Inverters, Ready-to-Run Kits
https://signaturesolar.com/?ref=natesdiy
Crazy Deals on Battery Modules and Cells, The eBay of Batteries!
10% Coupon Code: NATESDIY
https://batteryhookup.com/?ref=NATESDIY
AmpereTime/LiTime: Great LiFePO4 Batteries
3% Coupon Code: NATESDIY
https://www.litime.com/?ref=XBwnqBoJf...
Current Connected: Ready-to-Run Solar Kits and Victron Equipment
https://currentconnected.com/?ref=lbh...
SanTan Solar: New and Used Solar Panels:
https://www.santansolar.com/?ref=8496...
SFK: Quality DIY Battery Enclosures and Ready-to-Run Batteries:
6% Coupon Code: NATESDIY
https://www.sunfunkits.com/
Contact Information:
I am not available for personal solar system consult!
Email: nate@natesdiysolar.com
Website: https://www.natesdiysolar.com
FTC Disclosure Statement and Disclaimers:
This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, which means if you buy something, We'll receive a small commission.
Videos on this channel are for EDUCATIONAL purposes only. Electricity is dangerous and can kill. Please use common sense.
Nate's DYI Solar is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, An affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
20 Comments
Maybe figure out a way to cool the wires by heating the water for coffee 😉
SHTF - Cheap Emergency Solar Power! Use Any SINGLE Solar Panel! 1/2
Nate's DIY Solar
788,178 views
In this video, I show you how to build a cheap emergency solar power system that will work with practically any solar panel. I will power USB and small 12-Volt appliances by harvesting power directly from the solar panel. This simple system uses only a couple of cheap parts and does not require an inverter, battery, or charge controller. USB (5v) and 12V are the most common DC power sources used for small electronics.
If you are on a homestead, this system can be deployed with a small car battery to power remote cameras, lights, radios and alarms.
** Schematic And Parts List (01-22-2025) **
https://www.natesdiysolar.com/project...
The Ultimate Buck: Directly from AliExpress:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/325680...
SHTF - Cheap Emergency Solar Power - The U...
Portable USB Solar Chargers
Testing USB Solar Chargers with LiFePO4 Ce...
0:00
0:03 - Intro
1:00 - The Parts
3:58 - Wire Buck Converter
4:39 - The 12V Appliances
5:12 - The USB Devices
5:40 - Something Cool
6:25 - Wire MC4 Connectors
7:30 - Test USB Devices
8:45 - Test 12V Appliances
10:36 - Make Coffee (clouds)
12:30 - Renogy 100W Panel Test
14:43 - Charge LiFePO4 Battery
18:18 - Something Cool #2
18:47 - Conclusion
** Reputable Companies (affiliate links) **
SignatureSolar: EG4 12K, 18K, 6000XP Inverters, Ready-to-Run Kits
https://signaturesolar.com/?ref=natesdiy
Crazy Deals on Battery Modules and Cells, The eBay of Batteries!
10% Coupon Code: NATESDIY
https://batteryhookup.com/?ref=NATESDIY
AmpereTime/LiTime: Great LiFePO4 Batteries
3% Coupon Code: NATESDIY
https://www.litime.com/?ref=XBwnqBoJf...
Current Connected: Ready-to-Run Solar Kits and Victron Equipment
https://currentconnected.com/?ref=lbh...
SanTan Solar: New and Used Solar Panels:
https://www.santansolar.com/?ref=8496...
SFK: Quality DIY Battery Enclosures and Ready-to-Run Batteries:
6% Coupon Code: NATESDIY
https://www.sunfunkits.com/
Contact Information:
I am not available for personal solar system consult!
Email: nate@natesdiysolar.com
Website: https://www.natesdiysolar.com
FTC Disclosure Statement and Disclaimers:
This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, which means if you buy something, We'll receive a small commission.
Videos on this channel are for EDUCATIONAL purposes only. Electricity is dangerous and can kill. Please use common sense.
Nate's DYI Solar is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, An affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
https://www.natesdiysolar.com/projects/shtf-emergency-solar-power/
The Ultimate Buck: Directly from AliExpress:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805802656119.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt
https://youtu.be/UUH9kHPPX2Q
Portable USB Solar Chargers
https://youtu.be/gbXcJI6VRcI
>> 07-31-2023: Some buck converters will serve as an emergency battery charger but should only be used as such. I have been doing more testing with buck converters charging 12-volt batteries and have gotten mixed results. I am not quite sure why, but I think some buck converter expect to see a load in order to output any power. Either that, or it just is plain inefficient. Some will work and some will not. Even the junkiest MPPT is better at charging batteries from solar panels. Check my website for more details. Update video coming soon!
>> Do not use wire nuts as mentioned in the video. Use XT60, Lever Nuts or BUTT Splice Connectors. They are not DC rated or water proof and if the connection is not good, could create heat. I used them because I needed to quickly disconnect and re-connect to do this testing.
>> If you plan on using this long term, be sure to use larger wires on the USB panel (12AWG - 14AWG). I use the same USB panels on my Solar Power Station but I have upgraded the wires to 12AWG. The 10A fuse that comes with some of these USB panels have a 10A inline fuse that is junk, it will work for the USB and PD module and smaller 12V appliances. Larger 12V appliances like the ones I used in the video will melt that fuse. I would replace that fuse with an automotive blade style 15A - 20A fuse instead and place it on the output of the buck converter (positive) wire. I will update the schematic on the website to reflect this.
>> Just found they actually have a tiny buck with USB-C and USB built in so no USB panel needed. So if you are looking for USB charging only take a look at this one. You can also just get a USB Solar Charger but this unit lets you use any solar panel. But if you already have a solar panel, this unit is cheaper than a USB Solar Charger.
Enjoy :)