Portable DIY Solar Cart

When grid power goes out I wanted to be able to have a simple backup power source to power an LED light, a laptop, a small fan, to charge cell phones, etc. I built this easy DIY portable solar cart for that purpose. We do have a gas generator also but it's not always needed for basic things...if the power doesn't remain off for a longer period of time. To use a laptop for this solar cart setup you'll want to use a pure sine wave power inverter which mimics grid power.

The only parts I bought online from eBay were the solar panel and the charge controller. Everything else I purchased at Walmart and a local hardware store.

If you have questions please feel free to ask. Thanks for looking!

Here is a list of items I used for this project:

1. Solar panel brackets.

2. Rivet gun or bolts to assemble bracket.

3. Paint to match color on toolbox.

4. Deep cycle marine battery.

5. 4x4 lumber to support battery weight.

6. Glue to keep lumber in place (Shoe Goo works well).

7. Tie down strap.

8. Battery cut off key/switch.

9. Vents for heat and battery gasses.

10. Power strip.

11. Power inverter.

12. Charge controller.

13. Solar panel.

14. Weather proof door.

15. Quick connect/disconnect plugs.

Approximate cost for these items: $250.00