Building a Small Solar Charging Station or Kiosk for Community Use (phone charging, small USB devices).
Mobile Solar Charging Kiosk — $300
A wheeled, weather-resistant kiosk that uses solar power to charge multiple devices at once.
Materials & Tools List
Solar & Electrical Components
100W polycrystalline solar panel × 1 ($65–$80)
20A PWM solar charge controller × 1 ($15–$20)
12V 50Ah sealed lead-acid (SLA) battery × 1 ($80–$100)
DC-DC USB converter with multiple ports (5V output) × 2 ($15 each, $30 total)
12V wiring (10–14 gauge) — about 5 meters ($10–$15)
Fuse holder + fuses (20A) — ($5)
Anderson power connectors / banana plugs for easy disconnects ($5)
Kiosk Frame & Enclosure
Recycled bicycle cart frame or welded lightweight steel frame on wheels ($30–$50 used)
Plywood or sheet metal for enclosure panels ($20–$30)
Weatherproof paint or varnish ($8)
Small lockable door / hatch ($10)
Tools Needed (can be borrowed/shared to save costs)
Drill + drill bits
Screwdriver set
Wire stripper & crimper
Multimeter (optional but useful)
Basic hand tools (pliers, wrenches, hammer)
Build Steps
Build/Prepare the Kiosk Frame
Start with a small bike trailer, push cart, or welded frame with wheels.
Attach plywood or metal sheets to create a box or housing unit.
Ensure the top is angled at about 15–30° to mount the solar panel toward the sun.
Mount the Solar Panel
Place the 100W panel on top of the frame using metal brackets or hinges (hinges allow folding for transport).
Secure with bolts and lock washers.
Run the panel’s positive (+) and negative (–) wires into the kiosk.
Install the Battery & Controller
Inside the kiosk, place the 12V battery in a ventilated compartment.
Connect the solar panel wires to the charge controller (positive to positive, negative to negative).
Connect the battery to the charge controller in the same way.
Fuse the positive battery lead for safety.
Add USB Charging Ports
Connect the USB converters to the battery via the charge controller’s load output terminals.
Mount USB ports on the kiosk’s exterior, with weatherproof rubber covers to prevent water damage.
Wire & Test
Check all wiring for correct polarity.
Use a multimeter to verify voltage output.
Plug in a test phone or light to confirm charging works.
Weatherproof & Paint
Seal joints with silicone.
Paint or varnish wood to protect from rain and sun.
Add ventilation holes (covered with mesh) so heat can escape.
Mobility & Security
Attach handles so it can be pushed or pulled.
Install a lock on the battery compartment to prevent theft.
If desired, add removable solar panel for safe storage at night.
Capacity
Daily Output: Around 400–500 Wh/day in sunny conditions.
Charging:
20–25 basic phones per day (charging from 0–100%)
Or 6–8 smartphones + lights + small devices
Sample Project Report: Installation of Solar System for Charging Shop in N'Djamena, Chad
In response to the increasing demand for sustainable and reliable power sources in N'Djamena, Chad, a solar power system was purchased and installed for a local charging shop. This initiative aimed to support the shop's operation by providing a clean and cost-effective energy solution.
Location: N'Djamena, Chad
Cost: $300
Equipment:
Solar Panels: 1x 100W panels
Battery: 1 x 200Ah deep-cycle battery
Charge Controller: 1 x 20A
Inverter: 1 x 500W
Mounting Hardware and Accessories: Includes brackets, wiring, and connectors
Evaluated the charging shop's location for optimal solar panel placement and sunlight exposure.
Choose high-quality, cost-effective solar components based on performance and durability.
Purchased from a reliable supplier, ensuring timely delivery and installation.
Installed mounting brackets on the shop’s roof and ensured secure placement of solar panels.
Connected the solar panels to the charge controller, battery, and inverter. Verified that all connections were secure and operational.
Conducted tests to ensure the system was functioning correctly and efficiently. Outcomes The solar system has successfully provided a consistent and reliable power source for the charging shop, allowing uninterrupted service for customers.
By switching to solar energy, the shop has reduced its dependence on diesel generators, decreasing local air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
The charging shop's operational efficiency has improved, potentially increasing revenue. The solar system's low maintenance requirements have also contributed to reduced operating costs.
Conclusion
The installation of the solar power system for the charging shop in N'Djamena has proven to be a successful and impactful project. With a modest investment, the project has enhanced the shop’s operational reliability, supported environmental sustainability, and contributed to the local economy. Continued monitoring and community outreach are recommended to maximize the benefits of this solar initiative and foster broader adoption of renewable energy solutions in the region.
Hope Health Pharmacy Installs Solar Panels
In December we got our solar panel and it has changed the operations in our pharmacy. This transformative initiative has significantly improved the efficiency of the pharmacy and has had a profound impact on the lives of the humanist women who rely on its services. The solar panels have not only addressed the persistent issue of unreliable electricity but have also empowered the pharmacy to operate more effectively, ensuring that women in the community have consistent access to essential healthcare services.
Since the installation of the solar panels, the pharmacy has experienced a remarkable improvement in its operations. Previously, frequent power outages disrupted the storage of temperature-sensitive medications, such as vaccines and certain contraceptives, compromising their efficacy. With the solar panels now providing a reliable and sustainable energy source, the pharmacy can maintain proper refrigeration, ensuring that medications remain safe and effective. Additionally, the consistent power supply has enabled the pharmacy to extend its operating hours, allowing more women to access services at their convenience, even during evenings.
The impact of the solar panels extends beyond the pharmacy’s operations; it has also significantly improved the lives of the humanist women in the community. Many of these women rely on the pharmacy for affordable contraceptives, family planning services, and maternal health supplies. With the pharmacy now operating more efficiently, women no longer face delays or shortages in accessing these critical resources. This has empowered them to take control of their reproductive health, reducing unintended pregnancies and improving overall well-being. Furthermore, the extended operating hours have made it easier for women who work during the day to visit the pharmacy without disrupting their schedules.
The solar panels have also fostered a sense of hope and empowerment among the women in N’Djamena. Knowing that the pharmacy is equipped with sustainable energy has instilled confidence in the community, as they see tangible progress toward overcoming infrastructural challenges. The pharmacy has become a symbol of resilience and innovation, inspiring women to advocate for further improvements in their community. Additionally, the reduced reliance on expensive and unreliable grid electricity has allowed the pharmacy to allocate more resources toward expanding its services, including educational workshops on sexual health and family planning.
In conclusion, the provision of solar panels to the Hope Humanist Pharmacy has been a game-changer for both the facility and the women it serves. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the donors and partners who made this project possible. Your support has not only enhanced the efficiency of the pharmacy but has also transformed the lives of countless women in N’Djamena, empowering them to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. This initiative stands as a testament to the power of sustainable solutions in driving positive change, and we look forward to building on this success to further uplift the community.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to improving the lives of humanist women in Chad.
Report on Solar Panel Installation at Tai Solarin Humanist School in Minna, Nigeria
On behalf of everyone at Tai-Solarin Humanist School Minna, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation, which enabled us to purchase a solar panel for the school.
Thanks to your support, we now have a reliable power source that is transforming daily life here. The solar panel has significantly improved our ability to conduct learning and administrative activities more smoothly and consistently. It has brought light quite literally into our classrooms, and it’s making a real difference.
Our teachers are thrilled to have the power they need to prepare and deliver lessons more effectively, and the students are equally excited about the improvements to their learning environment. Your kindness has had a powerful impact, and we are all deeply appreciative.
Thank you once again for believing in our mission and helping us create a brighter future for our community.