Solar panel to USB power banks
Collecting, storing and using solar electricity to power my phone, computer and wearables
Apr. 30, 2018 - Willem L. Middelkoop
For the past 10 days I have powered my personal electronic devices (phone, computer, wearables) using nothing but energy collected using a small solar panel. I disconnected all grid-connected chargers. I hoped that by going off the grid, even in such a small way, I would gain insights that enable me to save energy (and money).
Continue reading![The solar panel directly placed behind the glass](/blog/2018-04-30_off-the-grid-working-on-100-renewable-energy/images/i_02_The-solar-panel-directly-placed-behind-the-glass_500px.jpg)
![Measuring energy usage with an in-line USB power monitor](/blog/2018-04-30_off-the-grid-working-on-100-renewable-energy/images/i_11_Measuring-energy-usage-with-an-in-line-USB-power-monitor_500px.jpg)
![Once the front of a server, now part of the solar panel mounting fixture](/blog/2018-04-30_off-the-grid-working-on-100-renewable-energy/images/i_08_Once-the-front-of-a-server-now-part-of-the-solar-panel-mounting-fixture_500px.jpg)
![Achieved a nice angle with three legs, suitable for fixture on my balcony](/blog/2018-04-30_off-the-grid-working-on-100-renewable-energy/images/i_09_Achieved-a-nice-angle-with-three-legs-suitable-for-fixture-on-my-balcony_500px.jpg)
![Clamping the solar panel using server parts](/blog/2018-04-30_off-the-grid-working-on-100-renewable-energy/images/i_07_Clamping-the-solar-panel-using-server-parts_500px.jpg)
![The Tesla PowerWall is a large battery pack that can be used to power an entire house](/blog/2018-04-30_off-the-grid-working-on-100-renewable-energy/images/i_14_The-Tesla-PowerWall-is-a-large-battery-pack-that-can-be-used-to-power-an-entire-house_500px.jpg)