Introduction: Solar Charger
Hi,
In this step-by-step guide i'm about to teach you how to design and build a simple solar charger.
What you'll need:
1) Solar panel.
2) Adjustable Boost Converter Charger Module.
3) Electrical Wires.
4) USB female cable.
5) A box.
6) Recommended - portable USB charger, a cord, led.
7) Soldering Tin.
8) Duct tape.
Tools:
1) Plier.
2) Soldering iron.
3) Hot glue gun.
4) A knife.
5) Tweezers.
6) Voltmeter.
Step 1: Attaching Wires to the Panel
Solder electrical wires to the solar panel (Red to +, black to -).
Cover it with the duct tape.
Step 2: Adjusting
Connect a power source to the charger module and a voltmeter to the output of it. Now adjust the module to 5v output.
connect the panel to the module (to the input).
Step 3: Connecting USB
Cut the USB cable and then solder the + cable to the + output in the module and the - cable to the - output.
Step 4:
Mark on the top of the box the size of the solar panel.
Cut near the borders that you've marked so the hole is a bit smaller than the panel.
Step 5:
Use hot glue to glue the panel to the hole.
Now glue the other parts to the bottom of the box so they wont move, in the side make a hole as big as the USB cable.
* I recommend gluing the USB output well so sand and dirt wont come in.
**If you had cotton wool in the box i recommend putting it between the panel and the bottom it will also help preventing the parts moving.
Step 6: Finished!!
Now you can test your charger.
Step 7: Recommended Additions
* If you like to you can add a led to the module output so you'll know when its working.
** If your box is big enough you can add a portable charger instead of the USB output so power wont be wasted, that way you'll be able to use it even when the solar panel is not exposed to light.
*** I added a small loop to the side of the box so i will be able to hang the charger when driving the car, going on camping etc.
Step 8: That's It
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54 Comments
Which type of booster i can use???
An adjustable boost converter module. It should convert the input voltage from your panel to 5 volts. you can get one on Ebay, dx, ali express, etc.
Where can I get the charger module?
Adafruit.com is a good source and they have a good ibble as well. https://learn.adafruit.com/usb-dc-and-solar-lipoly-charger
Where do i buy a solar panel?
Adafruit.com is a good source and they have a good ibble as well. https://learn.adafruit.com/usb-dc-and-solar-lipoly-charger
I bought mine on Ebay but I'm sure you can get one on Amazon Ali express and radioshack stores.
Nice project! I'm wondering what should be the output and input of the portable charger...
Tnx :) the input depends on the solar panel you use, the output should be set to 5 volts.
Did u made a video on YouTube or somthing ..
Not yet but I'm now making videos for the instructables I can.
Its a great project.... Bt I didn't understand d step 2 of it... Can u plz explain it more briefly...
The part I used here is an adjustable boost converter and you can control the voltage it outputs. In step 2 I connected the part to a power source and to a voltmeter, then I changed the voltage to 5v so it fits the USB voltage. If you have any further questions I'll be happy to answer them.
its because i need all the help i can get :)
You can ask anything you want
Thank u so much i was wondering is there any stores that sale charger module cause i am doing this solar power charger for a science fair project and i have everything that i need besides that and i need it by Friday :\
You're welcome, I think.. search for arduino stores, electronic stores might have it but arduino ones are your best chance I think.
thank you :) i was wondering do u have kik or something ?cause i found the part but i well be needing help and i hardly get on here
What Is kik?
Its Like facebook