this post was submitted on 09 Oct 2024
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I got a little inspired by the solar powered EDC post and it made me think about my computing setup. I use a modern smartphone and a higher-end desktop that is almost always on. I also have an e-reader and some ear buds. I often charge the smaller devices with a power bank. It would be interesting to see if I could move my computing from my desktop to a (preferably second hand) laptop and find a means of charging all of these devices without using the electricity from the utility company.

I already have a small 250W solar array on top of my garage with three golf cart batteries. It runs some lights and occasionally charges devices via USB on the controller. The issue is that it is a bit of a hassle to use due to the garage not being well sealed or climate controlled. It's dusty and there's grease and other things from my mechanical projects and it's always very hot or cold depending on the time of year.

The perplexing part of this for me is charging laptops. Inverters are wildly inefficient but I'm not sure of a way to sufficiently charge (or power) a laptop without one. What are some solutions here?

Additionally, what are some solutions for a potentially portable (or luggable, I guess) setup for these devices? Build a battery box myself and keep it charged on the garage array? Pick up one of those larger "solar generator" pre-made battery boxes that are so popular on the big eCommerce sites now? What about small panels I could put in a window or take outside?

I know the energy used by these devices is far less than things like my fridge/HVAC/laundry machines but it's an interesting rabbit hole for me. Sorry if this has been posted already but I scrolled through a couple of pages and didn't see a similar question.

Thanks!

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[–] keepthepace@slrpnk.net 3 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

The perplexing part of this for me is charging laptops. Inverters are wildly inefficient but I’m not sure of a way to sufficiently charge (or power) a laptop without one. What are some solutions here?

What you want is called a downconverter. It will accept a wide range of inputs e.g. 22-40V and will output the voltage you need. Example. I am powering a small computer from a 48V e-bike battery with one of those. (Well not that one exactly as they do not accept up to 48V, but the same type of thing)

Check on your laptop power supply what output voltage it has. 19V is common but there are 12V ones as well. You will need to solder a fitting connector. Some can be bought, but more often than not, they cost the same as a second hand supply.