SHTF - Cheap Emergency Solar Power! Use Any SINGLE Solar Panel! 1/2

In this video, I show you how to build a cheap emergency solar power system that will work with practically any solar panel. I will power USB and small 12-Volt appliances by harvesting power directly from the solar panel. This simple system uses only a couple of cheap parts and does not require an inverter, battery, or charge controller. USB (5v) and 12V are the most common DC power sources used for small electronics. If you are on a homestead, this system can be deployed with a small car battery to power remote cameras, lights, radios and alarms. A buck converter is very efficient at energy conversion. This particular DC to DC converter is unique to this task because of its wide-ranging input voltage of 20V-90V as many other converters are fixed to a set input voltage. If DIY sounds intimidating or you do not want to invest in the tools needed to DIY, check out portable USB Solar Chargers below. NOTE: Although 200 watts of solar power are relatively benign. Never connect more than ONE panel or combination of panels totaling more than 200 watts of power to a buck converter. If you are uneasy about connecting wires, look at getting a USB Solar Charger instead (see below). Always use common sense when dealing with electricity. See my website for more details. *** Schematic And Complete Parts List (01-22-2025) *** https://www.natesdiysolar.com/projects/shtf-emergency-solar-power/ The Ultimate Buck: Directly from AliExpress (not affiliate link): https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805802656119.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt https://youtu.be/UUH9kHPPX2Q Portable USB Solar Chargers https://youtu.be/gbXcJI6VRcI 0:00 0:03 - Intro 1:00 - The Parts 3:58 - Wire Buck Converter 4:39 - The 12V Appliances 5:12 - The USB Devices 5:40 - Something Cool 6:25 - Wire MC4 Connectors 7:30 - Test USB Devices 8:45 - Test 12V Appliances 10:36 - Make Coffee (clouds) 12:30 - Renogy 100W Panel Test 14:43 - Charge LiFePO4 Battery 18:18 - Something Cool #2 18:47 - Conclusion *** DC-DC (BUCK) Converter Options *** NOTE: 07-14-2023 - These are quickly becoming sold out! Check my website for more options. - If the item on Amazon does not match the link here then its sold out. https://www.natesdiysolar.com/projects/shtf-emergency-solar-power/ XWST: 90 Volts PV (VOC) MAX 20-90V in to 12V DC 10A 120W out https://amzn.to/46E75Np 20-90V in to 12V DC 16A 196W out https://amzn.to/3Px3IBQ 20-90V in to 12V DC 20A 240W out https://amzn.to/3NPFtxt See my website for more details and options. *** USB Panel Options *** Dual QC3.0 USB Car Charger Socket Panel Switch https://amzn.to/3JE7tkU (4 in 1) 12V USB Panel - 78W 3 Ports USB C 12V Outlet Dual PD 30W https://amzn.to/431JmDP 65W USB-C PD USB Module Only (Power Delivery for higher power devices) https://amzn.to/46wdV7p NOTE: 06-29-2023 - Wires are pretty thin on these USB panels. They will get warm at 12A Some come with a 10A fuse that will smoke using 12V appliances. *** Cables and Connectors (affiliate links) *** 10 Feet 10AWG Solar Ext. Cable With MC4 Connectors Installed https://amzn.to/44iFQpt 10 Feet 12AWG XT60 Solar Panel Ext. Cable https://amzn.to/3rdKRBG Pair of 9In 12AWG MC4 Pigtail https://amzn.to/3Py8bEd NOTE: The items listed below will work with the 16A/192W buck converter, with the exception of the 300W heater. You may not be able to use them at the same time. I recommend getting the 20A converter to allow for some headroom and not overload. *** 12 Volt Appliances - Video *** 👀 my website for more options... https://www.natesdiysolar.com/projects/shtf-emergency-solar-power/ *** Reputable Companies (affiliate links) *** AmpereTime/LiTime: Great LiFePO4 Batteries 3% Coupon Code: NATESDIY https://www.litime.com/?ref=XBwnqBoJfUkkE4 Current Connected: Ready-to-Run Solar Kits and Victron Equipment https://currentconnected.com/?ref=lbh7znvv SanTan Solar: New and Used Solar Panels: https://www.santansolar.com/?ref=84967534 SFK: Quality DIY Battery Enclosures and Ready-to-Run Batteries: 6% Coupon Code: NATESDIY https://www.sunfunkits.com/ Contact Information: I am not available for personal solar system consult! Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.natesdiysolar.com FTC Disclosure Statement and Disclaimers: This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, which means if you buy something, We'll receive a small commission. Videos on this channel are for EDUCATIONAL purposes only. Electricity is dangerous and can kill. Please use common sense. Nate's DYI Solar is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com