How to build a DIY solar power plant

This site provides information on how to build your own DIY solar energy + storage kit.
If you have a kit you'd like to get featured on the site, please send it in to hello@sunboxlabs.com

Guides

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$200 Solar Self-Sufficiency – without your landlord noticing

Parts Cost: $217

Building a solar micro-grid in my bedroom with parts from Amazon The problem Apartment renters need the landlord’s permission to install anything on their rooftops.

Jun 20, 2017 - 10 min read
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100W Burning Man Solar How-To

Parts Cost: $217

Burning Man is a crazy desert art festival and party in northern Nevada. It takes place on federal public lands and attracts about 60,000 people each year.

Sep 6, 2017 - 5 min read
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What household devices will 100W DIY Solar run

Parts Cost: $12 - $999

A lot of questions we receive here are as to what you can charge and how far the energy will reach. I thought this would be worth a separate, more in-depth analysis.

Sep 17, 2017 - 4 min read
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100W DIY Solar + Storage For Hurricane Backup How-To

Parts Cost: $217

A solar system bought and assembled off Amazon can be low-cost backup kept in the basement the rest of the year and then brought out and put together after the hurricane passes through.

Oct 9, 2017 - 10 min read
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Simplified 100W Micro Solar + Li-Ion Storage kit

Parts Cost: $246

The original article combining DIY deep cycle-lead acid batteries with solar to bring your room off-grid was a huge hit. Now, after 8 months living full-time with the system in my room in San Francisco – the battery finally died.

Feb 15, 2018 - 4 min read
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1800W Apartment Balcony Solar + Battery Microgrid that can power fridge

Parts Cost: $2,064

As promised, some shots of my solar (self-made) installation. Running 4 - 5 years straight powering full home office and TV, vacuum cleaning. 2 x 180W solar panels = 360W system (0.

Dec 1, 2018 - 4 min read

Draft 1200W system: Shortest Possible Payback Period

Parts Cost: $905.92

Based off the learnings from this midsize 1800W system, I’d like to propose an (as yet unbuilt) midsize system that is customized for short payback period to the best of my knowledge.

Dec 8, 2018 - 2 min read