12-volt solar-powered battery bucket

My primary mode of radio operations will be portable and in the field. Consequently, I need a portable source of electrical power. I decided that the best approach would be to collect the components and build a 12-volt, solar-powered battery bucket. Actually, the batteries would be kept charged using mains power and a solid lead acid (SLA) battery charger. When out in the field, the solar cell would keep the batteries "topped off" or at least recharging while light was available.

Back in 2010, I obtained a 15 Watt solar cell at Hamcom (Plano, Texas) and a Morningstar SHS-6Ls solar charger from BG Micro. Progress languished until 2013 when I was given four, used 12-volt, 12 Amp-Hour SLA batteries. From that point on, I had the motivation to complete the project. The enclosure for the batteries is a 17-quart Store-It-All Tote from The Container Store. I used two ABS Utility Boxes from BG Micro as the enclosures for the solar charger and the power output connectors. From the Home Depot I obtained aluminium bar stock to fabricate the arms attached to the solar panel and a square wooden dowel to form a frame to restrain the batteries inside the storage tote.

The power control switches and most of the wiring components were obtained from Tanner Electronics. As I was just about the complete the battery bucket, BG Micro started selling some mini panel voltmeters that I just couldn't pass up. Too bad they didn't sell a comparable ammeter.

Below is a picture of the finished battery bucket with the solar cell in the stowed position, ready for transport. The solar charger is turned on in order to demonstrate the voltmeter display.

Next is a picture of the battery bucket with the solar cell deployed for operation. It is positioned at a typical angle to present its face more squarely towards the sun. The adjustment of the bracket must be performed manually.

I put together a presentation for the "Show & Tell Night" for the October 2013 Richardson Wireless Klub meeting. Unfortunately, time did not allow me to actually give the presentation, but it did prepare me to give an 'ad hoc' presentation during the meeting. An Adobe PDF of the presentation is posted below. It provides some additional information and pictures of the assembly of the battery bucket.