this post was submitted on 02 Jul 2023
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Start by learning the fundamentals of how solar actually works at a technical level. The pictures show parts and results of a completely solar powered automatic watering system I built.
It is battery powered and cost about $75 USD. It has been up now consistently for 36 days since it last reset. Once you understand the fundamentals, larger systems operate on the same principles.
A world powered by solar (and other intermittent renewable sources) will have to look different than our current world because of the challenges inherent to renewables. We want power 24/7 (and we can have it) but we will have to re-build the world to accommodate it. That’s pretty punk in my book.
Do you have recommendations for a beginner solar kit? I am very interested in small project/portable solar and saw Home Depot even had kits these days but didn't know if they were any good...
Sure, a little kit is a cost-effective way to start, if you consider yourself a true beginner. Most kits are aimed at a young market. Find one that is more science and electronics oriented than toy-oriented, in hopes you’ll learn better fundamentals.
If you are a bit further along, you might be better off dipping into microcontrollers or raspberry pi projects, of which there are a million.
Don’t overbuy, but don’t skimp when it comes to tools. No need for a premium soldering iron, but the mid level model is a better bet than the lowest price item, for instance.
If you aspire to really make something ambitious, check out adafruit and sparkfun. They have entry level kits and modular projects where you get into electronics and programming.
I meant the 600 watt panel/battery/AC inverter kits meant for RVs lol
I think you're thinking breadboard kits for children?
Yep, that’s what I was assuming. Ha! The kits you are talking about are highly abundant too and very special purpose. Since the original post was about low cost easy ways to be solarpunk, I was going for hobbyist scale projects like mine.
It sounds like you are talking about something with real practical power generation ability, at least for camping or van life? Just do your homework and understand the fundamentals so you don’t damage your expensive batteries, I guess. The kits are all very different and special purpose so it really depends on your application.