I'm working on a school project to set up a 200-watt solar panel system that can charge a Chromebook. I really like the Renogy products, but my budget is tight, and I can't afford an inverter right now. Is it possible to use the Renogy starter kit along with a battery without needing an inverter?
3 Answers
If your Chromebook can charge via USB, you might not need an inverter at all! Just make sure to get a panel with a Voc under 24V. You can find cheap car to USB adapters online, and by wiring them up with a compatible panel, you can create a straightforward charging system. It might not be super efficient, but it could charge small devices like phones or LED lights just fine, making it a useful DIY project.
You'll definitely need a battery to make this work, but it doesn't have to be a large one. A small sealed lead acid battery, like a 7Ah 12V one often used in UPS systems, could do the trick. Just so you know, going the lithium route may be lighter, but it tends to be pricier. You can also connect a car charger power supply directly to the battery, skipping the inverter altogether, which should be fine for your setup.
For a fun challenge, consider figuring out the charging specs of your Chromebook, like its voltage and wattage. Since you're looking to charge multiple devices, remember that coordinating everything can be tricky with limited experience and budget. Maybe starting with one Chromebook and scaling up as you learn would be a smarter approach!