The aim of this project was to demonstrate the viability of repurposing hybrid vehicle batteries for solar energy storage. This unit was built on Northeastern University’s campus by students and interns.

Two 325 watt solar panels were installed that charge a 1.3 kWh NiMH battery created from Toyota Prius modules. The battery, through a 3000 watt inverter, can power a few light bulbs and an oscillating fan for almost 12 hours.

Workers inspecting the solar panel shed installation. This demonstration unit was built on Northeastern University’s campus and uses reconditioned hybrid vehicle batteries for energy storage.
MassCEC intern Marlon Michel wiring solar panels to a charge controller.
Completed solar panel demonstration unit built on Northeastern University’s campus.
The appliances and lights are powered by solar panels and reconditioned hybrid vehicle batteries.
Eugene Smotkin’s lab group (consisting of Northeastern University graduate students, MassCEC interns (Yue Li and Marlon Michel), and a NuVant Systems scientist, Jon Doan) standing in front of a solar panel demonstration unit built on Northeastern University’s campus.
Basic wiring diagram for solar panel demonstration unit using a repurposed Toyota Prius battery.