Open Source Solar

What’s the size of a standard euro-palette, goes together in 15 minutes, and can charge 120 mobile phones at one time? At least one correct answer is Sunzilla, the open source solar power generator. The device does use some proprietary components, but the entire design is open source. It contains solar panels, of course, as well as storage capacity and an inverter.

You can see a video about the project below. The design is modular so you can pick and choose what you want. It also is portable, stackable, and easy to transport. The team claims they generate 900W of solar power and can store 4 kWh. Because of the storage device, the peak power out is 1600W and the output is 230V 50Hz AC.

The storage component is the heaviest part, of course. The entire thing weighs under 200 pounds without batteries. With them, the weight leaps to about 550 pounds.

Although the focus is on impoverished places, it would be easy to imagine a ham radio club using something like this for Field Day operations or working in disaster areas. Outdoor festivals could use something like this, too.

We have covered many solar power builds, but this one is particularly complete and modular. Then again, if all you want to do is heat your redneck hot tub, Sunzilla might be overkill.

Filed under: solar hacks

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