Innovative Solar Power Generator in a Portable Trailer - Clean & Quiet Energy

In this video we're checking out a portable solar power generator prototype that has 3 kW of solar panels integrated into the walls of a covered trailer. Inside there's a battery bank, a charge controller, and an inverter, as well as some electrical outlets to make charging easy. This solar generator design combines a renewable energy source with functional storage space for anything from off-grid living, charging power tools on a job site, storing landscaping equipment, outdoor gear, etc. And the fact that it's a lightweight trailer means that it can be towed by small trucks, cars, and ATVs, and it can go just about anywhere.
Some of the benefits of using a solar-powered generator (compared to a gas or diesel generator) are that it doesn't make any noise, there are no fumes, and it doesn't require fuel, oil, or regular maintenance. You just park it where there's some sun, plug it in, and it's ready to go.
In terms of how long the generator can run, it really depends on the energy draw and what is being powered, but it can power a small off-grid home, and there are different trailers with more solar panels (5 kW), and batteries can also be added or removed as needed.
A big thank you to Steve for taking the time to show us his prototype, and for answering all of our questions. If you'd like to learn more about the solar power wagon, or about the plunk pod modular homes he builds, check out the Northern Shield website here:
nsd-corp.ca/
Thanks for watching!
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CREDITS
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Music Credit: Exploring Alternatives
Editing Credit: Exploring Alternatives
Filming Credit: Exploring Alternatives
#solarpower #solargenerator #solarpowerstation

[@teeboytel]

Nice idea, but it could have been made much more efficient by having two foldable panels and simply including adjustable support bars for those flaps to adjust for sunlight angle in colder seasons. Rotation could be achieved by one locked wheel and one that can be moved.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Great point! Adjustable tilting panels would definitely add some efficiency. Thanks for watching :)

[@kristiangregory4860]

I don't think that was the point though? The point was more to reclaim the lost space that those side panels of a box trailer represent. Like your idea about being able to adjust the orientation though.

[@gaberoyalll]

O ya and a 🚁 helicopter pad on the Top for James BOND

[@mmaxx9915]

Yup I was going to comment the same issue. Any design needs to take advantage of the costs of the unit. Output vs cost is the desired metric.

[@mitchhamilton3916]

It’s a nice set up

[@jaybo2099]

Don't make the panels the walls of your trailer. Use a regular hard sided trailer and hinge the panels to the walls and roof. This way you do not compromise the interior of your trailer during rain or snow. Position the trailer broadside to the sun and then angle the panels to maximize production. One side pivots upwards above the trailer, the roof pops up at an angle, and the last side pivots out slightly. Have all three panels at the same angle.

[@neliosamch3195]

Power wheels to help while towing it would be more appealing.

[@Bob_Adkins]

He's trying to keep it ultra-light, but yeah.

[@brtecson]

he says the cells are laminated directly onto the sides of the trailer.

[@BrandonLanczak]

Really dig this setup. Doubling up the batteries with all that extra space seems like it’d bridge the gaps of no sunlight quite well.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

For sure that would help! Thanks for checking out the video :)

[@lkajiess]

It's pretty clear they've built this with expansion in mind. The racks look hardly used.

[@alexanderroch1030]

I like the concept, one idea: mount the batteries under the floor of the trailer, then the cargo space is not compromised.

[@a2gdesigns201]

yes, maybe like a locking slide tray

[@sloanNYC]

This type of approach should be on every RV made...

[@SweetChicagoGator]

Marvelous homestead design, off-grid usage & backup ! When I get my trailer/tiny home, I will be buying your solar generator. ☺️ Congrats !!

[@1ENDUSER]

Dig this build. Simple, to the point & no fancy extras etc. Just trailer, solar, mppt/inverter & batteries! Awsome!

[@darkhorse2reign]

Wow. I made a trailer sort of like this for a solar generator (battery, contoller, converter and inverter) in 2016. I just had a top, no sides. You crushed this design. My other panels were mounted to my other trailer (converted to a camper). Enough power to charge my PHEV, run AC, a residential size fridge and lighting but not all at the same time of course.

[@jerrycurls88]

This is so awesome. They should make the other side panel open as well. We need more people using less fossil fuels. It's been a crazy summer of uncontrolled wild fires all over.

[@fredbloggs5902]

Please provide your calculations showing it’s an improvement… …oh wait, you haven’t done any. 🤡

[@markwitkop7022]

This is a great idea. I like that you can still have the space of an enclosed trailer, with the addition of power. Looks great for possibly dry camping, or something like that.

[@Jkauppa]

double walls, all sides open up, multiple folding roof

[@jcs6206]

Really impressed with this idea! Make sure you add more weight in the front (but still inside) of the trailer before pulling at highway speeds, or it will almost certainly sway and quite possibly to the point of losing control, due to the weight being distributed directly over the axel, as opposed to having the weight slightly towards the front of the trailer.

[@sailorcheri]

This is great for emergency situations (especially with all the crazy weather we’ve had lately)!

[@RobbertvanHaaften]

This is amazing! I need this for my off grid food forest community

[@SandyL9316]

This seems like something that could be very useful to plunk some down in an area hit by a disaster that has a loss of power, to set up a community power station where people could recharge their phones & other items, may help someone who needs to run their medical devices but is otherwise OK, etc.

[@evil17]

I think this would make a great little roadside or market food stall, coffee shop or pie van and endless other possibilities. I would consider using electric actuators to adjust the side doors & the panel angles, they could even be set up to track the sun to some degree. The dark side panel should be made to be able to flip up above level point so it can catch the sun on the other side better. Nice job, cool idea. Cheers

[@Silverado_EV_ChEVy_Avalanche]

This is awesome! EV range extender! . I would love to see it with a V nose for aerodynamics and more space on the inside for cargo (I am a contractor, and before that I mowed lawns with an enclosed trailer) or to make a Camper! . My wife, my family and friends also enjoy camping and we aspire to get electric vehicles.

[@joostheijkoop4408]

I have been brainstorming about this for while, but EVs consume a lot while driving. (>10kW for a small car. Don't forget you are towing too...) Sadly you would need a significant solar area to make any difference in your range. Nevermind the infrastructure difficulty of charging your EV while driving

[@adventurebegins1]

You could have 2 portable panels stored inside. When parked,take out 2 panels and mount on brackets on the ends. Put poles to hold other end up. Have panels stored on one end of tralier,other end have battery banks.

[@davidresar8256]

What a great idea! I wonder if you could add even more foldable panels or make it longer as well for more solar. Any then power anything no matter where you go... no need to mount it on a roof. Your system is portable...

[@cathylynnpietranton]

Super idea. Thanks Matt and Danielle ❤

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks Cathy, glad you enjoyed the video!

[@Kedarvis2023]

This is a sweet build!

[@Ulbre]

What i really like about this is that you could easily fit a dozen or more panels (and respective beefier electronics & batteries) inside to be deployed at destination. And an off road trailer would make a lot of folk happy too! Unfortunately no info, or even mention, on the power wagon at the link in the description. He did say it was prototype, so hopefully soon!

[@briceking669]

Great idea. Why not keep the entire trailer enclosed even when the panels are raised even when it’s raining? Keep up the good work!

[@TonyLopesjnr]

This is super, well done!

[@yamchayaku]

This is actually a really good idea, especially for those who don't want to have solar panels installed directly to the roofs of their houses.

[@OWK000]

It would make a cool camp trailer. I like the pop out side, you could hang canvas and mosquito netting off it and increase your indoor camping space and have a lot of power, too. ***These panels are fiberglass rather than glass a little like flexible panels so I gotta wonder about longevity of the panels and the warranty. Love the lightness, but. . .

[@pathill2881]

Been assembling one of these for the last few months. I added a gas generator to the front area for a variety of power sources.

[@Sylvan_dB]

Nice! I've been wanting to build something like this!

[@RONMAYS71]

This is the greatest power station, I want one

[@beckycrump8831]

Maybe to assist on cloudy days and nighttime add a wind turbine that can fold down when not in use. The helix shape is intriguing.

[@blankenmom]

We're in the PNW - that was my first thought.

[@ritabroils6190]

This (Power Wagon) might be of help in Maui right now.

[@jaxonhealey291]

having a collapsable wind turbine in addition to the solar panels would be cool. also trying to make it more aero dynamic would be better

[@FiveGunsWest]

Amazing. I hope soon that we all have them~

[@estheresthers5050]

Africa, with their abundant sunshine, will need this to supplement their electricity.

[@stilcrazychris]

Incredible Tiny Homes has been building these for over 2+ years.

[@nihongobenkyoshimasu3190]

There should be a 240 V inverter, to power an electric car (EV), a welding tool, or running an heat pump (HVAC)

[@TheAngriestGamer.]

neat idea. idk about the rain and snow proofing of this thing. but sense you're dealing with electronics it might also be a good idea to improve the axle design of the trailer and add some shock absorbers/suspension equipment. not for weight reasons but to protect the equipment and extend the life by reducing shock and jostling from traveling with the trailer.

[@darwinjina]

interesting niche product. good for sunny day situations only

[@SkoolieBoyQue]

This is awesome! I'm thinking if you guys can make the front panel adjustable like the side panel. And the new generation model has gas struts on the next been model sound great. Now this is innovation! 🙌🏾

[@levibates]

That's ingenious!

[@LaineyBug2020]

Would love a tini version that you could tow with a pedal bike!

[@armandbourque2468]

And add a regen braking hookup, for added jam.

[@firebird95driver]

Nice. I'd love to get in on one of these builds. Get to know the exact specifics and build.

[@JosephOjangole-qc8kw]

I wish if I could get one system that can do the welding as well. Transportation is very very important mostly in poor roads. I'm imagining how strong it should be. Thanks very very much for your innovation.

[@user-zn4wg8gv5q]

Do you need more better product？

[@marionwallsten7507]

Excellent !

[@gaberoyalll]

This is awesome all you need is a sleeping bag and a cook stove

[@esteriistiel331]

Besides being able to adjust the angle of the panels for better energy production, Is there anything to be done about protecting the batteries from extreme temperatures? This is a really cool idea if you rent a house with a backyard because you can just take this solar trailer with you when you move. Bonus points if you could find a way to hook it up to send power into your home.

[@armandbourque2468]

Make all sides lift, and for demo purposes, have a circular saw and a 2x4, plug it in and use it. Variable slope on the panels, both above 90 and below 90 degrees would be an added, easy way to increase efficiency. Include a sponge/squeegee on a telescoping handle for cleaning. Its a good concept, should be applied to ev's.

[@Justin_W]

Brilliant!

[@nancyp7017]

Love this

[@gregoriancatmonk6904]

Might try to find a way to generate power while being towed maybe through the axle rotation and if you wanted to on the corners have telescoping poles to allow the mounting of small wind turbines. This system looks like it could be set up for disaster relief response.... a company with these could probably get some subsidies from the government that way. If you really wanted to go all out put plenty of extension cords and tents on the inside of the trailer and then just use it to make a emergency camping area for people in those disaster areas.

[@TWR1988]

Or a DCDC charger, like most 4WD setups use. It uses the alternator of your vehicle to supplement solar, and wind.

[@vmlinuxz]

I'd love to build something like this. I could tow it behind my motorhome, and carry all my paramotor and paragliding stuff in it.

[@StormyNatero-yd7sj]

Useful.

[@CarolusBuchwurm]

great idea. i would hope for a version that has 2 or 4 sides raisable.

[@leonardovisuete9672]

nice project ...🌞

[@zbigniewteterycz1571]

SUPER IDEA . POZDRAWIAM BARDZO SERDECZNIE .

[@lisahurst1940]

Stick a bed in there, cut holes for some windows, add a micro kitchen and call it home. Sounds like a plan to me! Nice job on you ingenuity! I can see these being helpful to many kinds of workers that need electricity on the spot outside while working. People in Maui could use these about now for sure! Nice job guys!

[@Johnbright6272]

Hello how are you doing today

[@awesomeadamfrom2099]

That s sick small house

[@SmartBusN]

Being hollow you should add a wind turbine to circulate the air and generate power as well then add shutters for bad weather conditions. Basically i picture in the middle of the wall facing the tow hitch. But really i always planned on making one like that with a shop built in it.

[@christophmeirich5928]

Cool smart idea .... 😮 greetings from germany Christoph 👋 👋 👋 👋 👋

[@JohnSmith-bq1sj]

Why not mention the price? Honestly.. Anyone knows the cost of this trailer? Their website doesn't show anything.

[@thegourmetcornerusa3128]

Beautiful idea. Is it ready for the mass market? Can individuals purchase this as a stand-alone product or do they have to purchase it as part of some package you offer? You offer a warrany with it?

[@amin.murad_channel]

Amazing

[@UlexiteTVStoneLexite]

Cool!

[@KG-kc8uz]

Was there ever an estimate of what this would cost? Thanks.

[@Beartrap70]

Cool☺️⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I love it 💖

[@ChuonSophak]

Very nice sir.I am support your video

[@mukeshKumar-op2zy]

Very good

[@lisafrancis2421]

This is exactly what I am trying to build. Enough space for the generator, air compressor and chain saw. Is the plywood treated or just painted ?

[@johnmcneil1681]

I love it. What a great idea but I’m a little bit bummed out because I already invented it. It’s sitting in my driveway.

[@SchoolforHackers]

I know I’m not the only one who would love many more details.

[@theKid87]

Both sides should lift and extend past just 90 degeres with the roof to take advantage of winter sun

[@blakebro1]

That’s awesome!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Happy you found this video interesting, thanks for watching :)

[@shadownoobnoobslayer5424]

its good for off grid work with power tools and tool / material storge space

[@pascalj4331]

Pretty good, but needs to tilt higher than "flat" so as to point other side to sun, plus get bonus from tilt. Needs to clear center of floor to provide sleeping room if needed. Sure this is awesome "power shed on wheels", but it could be customized as a travel vs work trailer.

[@ZacLowing]

I would be curious about each panels output to see if the level ones produce more than the vertical panels. The box shape of the rig might be holding it back. Perhaps starting with a flat bed, build the charging and battery section as low as possible, say 3 feet high, and then stack panels like a deck of cards on that to fold out to full size. This way, the finished product is only 4 foot high and have the option to add panels to the stack for higher outputs.

[@marjanakuzmanovic888]

Merci pour le partage 👍💎

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Merci pour ton commentaire :)

[@ALNASIR0.]

Thank you for sharing the video, how many watts can this produce ?

[@AdrenalinX462]

great

[@davidmersiovsky]

surprised they didn't make all 4 sides lift up. seems like you'd maximize your power that way

[@HoveyFarms]

Edison Motors had a really good design

[@man.i.literally.failed6772]

nice idea, I'd put more batteries

[@ProfessorWowa]

Who's going to tell them that the design of that trailer is incredibly inefficient, solar panels need to be at angles in order to draw enough light for a charge, the harsh right angles of that trailer will cause a 70% loss in function, and that's just the panels facing the sun. Putting panels on all sides of a trailer is for lack of a better word "Dumb", normal portable solar panels can be moved in order to capture the best angle of sunlight, by placing panels all over the walls you're paying for double the panels, you'll only ever be able to use 2 of them max. A normal portable solar panel would fit inside that trailer and provide more power generation then the entire trailer. This entire concept is so poorly thought out that I cannot believe an engineer was involved at all with the design.

[@DT-ww4gv]

This trailer is a waste of money! I guess if you put a gas generator inside you might keep those batteries topped off

[@pmstff700]

This a great idea and build. My question regarding transport and possible damage to the panels while towing it places. We have a construction company and this would be great but damage would be a concern.

[@thomastaylor8657]

They are pretty strong. About as strong as a car window. The weak spot is the white side

[@gabecimoch2160]

I have been wanting something like this for a long time. More batteries whou be somethinn I would definitly want even if this could power my stuff I don't have anything else to put in the trailer so I would want maxium energy storage.

[@RiDankulous]

This is very good but I am thinking in terms of a stack of 4 200 watt panels seated in a frame on top that can unfold in some way, and underneath be storage like you have. Also, A tarp or even some sort of hard cover could possibly be used over the solar to hide it and protect it. This would work in a full time van camper with trailer, potentially, or several other types of of setups even. I see even 200 watt panels aren't too heavy but adding a frame would add some weight, wouldn't have to be too much.

[@dholtman5977]

Could you add an ac? And couch? A bed? A bathroom? Just kidding… love it

[@myotint4715]

Good ideal

[@racecruiser]

When you put the weight only on the axle, you probably have never heard of nose weight. A trailer needs enough weight on the hitch to run stable.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks for mentioning this, we had never heard of nose weight considerations on a travel trailer :)

[@chrissscottt]

Cool idea. I wonder if one could house the batteries and inverter in the space between the tow bar and the main body of the trailer, the housing for which would provide a more aerodynamic shape?

[@steveurbach3093]

Batteries are Heavy. If you mount some front, you need to mount some as far back. Tounge weight typically wants to be 200-300Lbs

[@billienomates7100]

This man made a career out of selling people shipping containers for 100x the price. God knows what he charges for a trailer, a $4000 solar system and a bunch of support bars.

[@dogcatparty7371]

9/8/2023 This could help save 8 billion people and 8 billion pets, zoo animals! Ideally, he could later ad wind energy. Every vehicle on the freeways, highways could be making wind energy with very small wind generators. One light can mean a lot when everyone looses their electricity. The grid in Texas has been on high alert. Please interview the staff at (Missouri) Wind and Solar about doing the above idea. Another idea for future builds of the solar power generator in a portable trailer: ad locked drawers for security of what is inside the box. That is needed for every city, county, state of the USA. Good Day

[@truthbknwn]

I don't see anything about this trailer at your website. What do I need to click on the home page in order to get more information? Thanks.

[@user-ul1fm4ji7c]

Can you run DC appliances? Can you also run 30 amp and 50 amp RV power?

[@melusine826]

Issue of hail damage🤔... have a big padded cover?

[@BLUEPUNK86]

If you can match the roof panels' angle with the side ones, I would consider it more for efficiency.

[@TheOriginalCoolDad]

Visited your website for more info, nothing there on this unit. I would like to find out more about it.

[@happycamper00blake]

I need something like this in my life , am looking to get a 20kwh system. Am going off grid with a travel trailer on my land I could use this to power it😀.

[@ashtweth]

GUYS, You could modify that to run LAVO solar hydrogen, LAVO now makes a SAFE metal hydride tank that can store hydrogen (with a fuel cell already inside) to make electricity FROM SOLAR PANELS. NOW, read that again, IF YOU ALREADY have a solar panel like this, you can now have direct electricity from stored solar hydrogen, OR A SOLAR HYROGEN BATTERY, you can store it that way too.

[@fredbloggs5902]

Hydrogen is hopelessly inefficient.

[@cornbreadcuban5456]

I also love that he states that “people find solar power daunting”. Yet his design places most of the panels where they will not get any sun. Probably the most obvious aspect of the solar panels is that they need direct sunlight to be as efficient as possible. For only 1/4 of your panels to be operational at any given time is a huge waste of money. On top of that the cost of towing that thing throws all of its energy generation out the window. That thing is not aerodynamic at all and it’s just going to force you to use more fuel then if you were to bring a generator and a couple gallons of gas with you.

[@Monster_Mover_Stocks]

Do they even sell this solar power station on their website? I can't find it.

[@mwinner101]

How long do those solar panels last before they have to go into a landfill? Home long before the batteries need to be recycled and replaced? This big trailer is not a one time purchase.