Readiness: Solar PV — Battery Storage & Charge Controller (CREATE Lesson 508)
Verdict: Ready with caveats · 2026-07-19 · est. parts cost $600–$700
This is a cold check establishing the first baseline for this lab. The lab is implementable, but success depends on precision sourcing for two specific areas: the pyranometer (the original model is obsolete and requires a functional substitute) and the incandescent bulbs (instructors must ensure bulbs are rated for 12V DC, as standard hardware store E26 bulbs are 120V AC and will not function).
Action required
| Part |
Problem |
Recommended action |
| Pyranometer (DS-05A) |
Discontinued/Obsolete by manufacturer. |
Purchase the General Tools or Tenmars substitute listed below. |
| 12V 25W Lamp |
Easily confused with 120V standard bulbs. |
Use the Bulbrite specialized source to ensure DC operation for math exercises. |
Parts
Core Power Components
| Part |
Spec/Package |
Status |
Stock |
Price |
Source |
| PV Module |
12V, 30W, rigid |
Ready (sub) |
Yes |
$44.90 |
Home Depot |
| Deep Cycle Battery |
12V, 8Ah, AGM |
Ready |
Yes |
$23.80 |
NAZ Solar |
| Charge Controller |
SunLight-10 (12V) |
Ready |
Yes |
$99.00 |
NAZ Solar |
Distribution and Load Hardware
| Part |
Spec/Package |
Status |
Stock |
Price |
Source |
| Load Center Enclosure |
MNCBB (DIN Rail) |
Ready |
Yes |
$50.61 |
NAZ Solar |
| DC Circuit Breakers |
10A, 150V DC |
Ready |
Yes |
$22.30 |
Missouri Wind |
| Lamp |
25W, 12V, E26 Base |
Ready |
Yes |
$2.78 |
Bulbs.com |
| Lamp Holder |
E26 Keyless |
Ready |
Yes |
$3.95 |
Home Depot |
Instrumentation
| Part |
Spec/Package |
Status |
Stock |
Price |
Source |
| Pyranometer |
Handheld W/m² |
Obsolete |
0 |
— |
— |
| Clamp Multimeter |
DC Amp Clamp |
Ready (sub) |
Yes |
$109.99 |
Tractor Supply |
| Standard Multimeter |
Digital VDC |
Ready (sub) |
Yes |
$34.98 |
Home Depot |
Construction Materials
| Part |
Spec/Package |
Status |
Stock |
Price |
Source |
| Plywood Base |
3/8 in x 18 x 24 |
Ready |
Yes |
— |
Local Hardware |
| Electrical Box |
4 in Octagon |
Ready |
Yes |
— |
Local Hardware |
| Wiring |
14 AWG THHN/Romex |
Ready |
Yes |
— |
Local Hardware |
| Connectors |
1/4 in Female Spade |
Ready |
Yes |
— |
Local Hardware |
Substitutes
| For part |
Substitute |
Differences |
Judgment |
| PV Module |
ACOPower 30W Mono |
Rigid Monocrystalline; replaces Peimar/Dasol. |
Acceptable. Matches 12V/30W spec. |
| Pyranometer |
General Tools Meter |
Digital handheld; replaces Daystar DS-05A. |
Acceptable. Measures in W/m² as required. |
| Clamp Multimeter |
Klein CL390 |
Successor to CL380. |
Acceptable. Retains DC Amp clamp. |
Verify any substitute against its datasheet before ordering.
Other dependencies
- Firmware: Not applicable.
- Downloads: Teacher answer keys and guides were not checked for current link vitality.
- Fabrication: Plywood base assembly requires a saw and drill (not included in BOM).
Watch list
- 12V Incandescent Bulbs: These are becoming increasingly rare as specialty lighting. If they become unavailable, the lab's math exercises (designed for a 2.1 Amp load) must be updated for LED equivalents.
- Battery Shelf Life: AGM batteries must be charged at least every 6 months during storage to prevent permanent capacity loss from sulfation.