DIY Portable 5Vdc USB Solar Power (.. In-progress ..)

UPDATE MAR 6 : HI THERE THIS INSTRUCTABLE WILL BE PENDING TILL I RECEIVE MY NEXT MODULE FROM OTHER EBAY SELLER. THANK YOU FOR VIEWING AND LIKE.

DESCRIPTION

Uses solar power and [Update on Feb 12: An add-on dc-dc step-up or converter is needs to make this gadget works under shade. Please refer to conclusion at step 2] to attain 5Vdc to power an electronic devices that needs 5Vdc power supply.

Works best at direct sunlight and may not works or minimum performance dependent of interior (indoor) luminances.

Portable solar power 5Vdc power supply come with USB female connector on-the-go (mobility).

FEATURES

Input Voltage : 2.5V to 6V

Output Voltage : 5V

Output Current : maximum 1000mA

Efficiency : up to 92%

Switching Frequency : 1MHz

Output Ripple : 20mV

Operating Temperature : -40°c to +85°c

Voltage Regulation : 2.5%

Over-Current Protection Function : build-in

Under-Voltage Protection Function : build-in

Note : The above features taken directly from the dc-dc boost module.

APPLICATIONS

Portable USB Solar Power Device for charging of mobile phone and an electronic devices that needs 5Vdc.

DIY NOTE

Basic soldering skill required.

Basic knowledge of Volt and Amp meter.

Google around or shop locally for what you needs (dc-dc boost module and solar panel).

Buy pre-made if it is available is a good choice than built it from scratch.

I am novice and I CAN DO IT, YOU CAN DO IT too. Join me GO GREEN!

Comments are welcome. Have idea on how to improve this gadget please share.

THE INTRO PHOTO IS NOT BELONG TO THIS GADGET. NO CHOICE WITHOUT IT CAN'T PUBLISH WILL UPLOAD ORIGINAL GADGET PHOTO ONCE COMPLETED.

Step 1: Buy Online or Shop Locally

Buy pre-made if it is available is a good choice than built it from scratch.

It is cheaper to buy online than get it locally which cost x3..

PARTS

Solar Panel: 5V 150mA 750mW (93mm x 83mm) - 1pc Cost : 4pcs US 11.67

Blocking Diode : 1N5819 - 1pc Cost : Free

DC-DC Boost Module : 3V to 5V 1A - 1pc Cost : US 1.55

IMPORTANT : Before buy solar panel, please consider it size. DO NOT MAKE MISTAKE AS I DID! Now having trouble looking for pocket size case.

NOTE : The blocking diode is free. It is shipped together with solar panel.

Step 2: Verify and Confirm Before Assemble

SOLAR PANEL PRE-ASSEMBLY INSPECTION

TOOL AND MATERIAL

Multimeter, Solder Iron, Solder Lead, Cutter and etc.

PICTURE 1

A - Solar Panel top side (raw part)

B - Solar Panel bottom side (raw part)

C - Video/Audio Jack (uses to make "E")

D - Pre-solder the "+" and "-" of solar panel "B"

E - Cut "C" to about 100mm in length and pre-solder both end (yellow for "+" and black for "-")

F - Join both the "D" and "E" (from E "+" to D "+" and E "-" to D "-")

How Do I Measure Open Voltage Circuit and Short Circuit Current?

There are lots of great resources on how solar panels generate electricity including Wikipedia so I am going to focus here on measuring the Open Circuit Voltage and Short Circuit Current of a solar panel in “perfect” and less than perfect conditions.

The Open Circuit Voltage and Short Circuit Current tell us the Voltage and Current of the panel before we connect it to anything, e.g. there is no load attached to the panel.

Voltage is represented by the symbol "V" for Volts and is a measure of the difference in electric potential energy between two points, it flows from positive to negative (ground). Current is a measure of the flow of charge through an area over time. The symbol "I" for current and measure in "Amps", or simply "A" for short.

PICTURE 2 - Open Circuit Voltage in perfect condition (direct sunlight)

PICTURE 3 - Open Circuit Voltage in less perfect condition (under shade)

PICTURE 4 - Short Circuit Current in perfect condition (direct sunlight)

PICTURE 5 - Short Circuit Current in less perfect condition (under shade)

CONCLUSION:

FINDING - THE SOLAR PANEL I PURCHASED IS IN GOOD CONDITION BUT OUT OF SPECIFICATION (measured:88mA spec. given:150mA). IT WORKS UNDER DIRECT SUNLIGHT 5.2V AND MAY NOT WORKS UNDER SHADE 3.9V FOR THIS GADGET. TO MAKE IT WORKS WE NEEDS TO STEP UP IT VOLTAGE TO 5V.

DC-DC BOOST MODULE PRE-ASSEMBLY INSPECTION

Will be update once receive it... [temporary update on feb 14 - frustrate! haven't receive the module. hopefully will get it by next week. Those who is following along please visit again next week. Have a nice weekend. Apologize for the delay. As at now feb 21 I still haven't received the module.