Introduction: Solar RC Car
A rc car with two solar panels strapped up top for charging power. (Sorry no images) video coming soon. This is my first Instructable so be as honest as you can be
Step 1: Scavenge the Parts
The first thing is to get the parts. You will need:
-Scavenged chargeable rc car (the bigger the better)
-two 12 volt solar panels (flexible is best)
-1-2 diodes (two if you recharge the controller battery)
-(optional) panel for controller that is close to its voltage
-(optional but recommended) old computer fan whatever size works
Tools:
-soldering iron
-solder
-wirestrippers
-duct tape
Step 2: Wire the Panels to Car
First is to pull the car apart. You need pull the body of the top of the car. Then find the positive and negative terminals of the pcb in the car. If there is a cover over the pcd drill holes to run wires through. Take the two 12 volt solar panels and solder wires on them (make sure you have enough to lay the solar panel next to the car with the cover of). Solder the diode on the positive terminal. Then run the wires through the holes and solder in them parallel to the diode and negative terminals. leave the cover of for the next step.
Step 3: Wire the Fan to the Car
This is simple. Wire this to either the positive and negative terminals on the rc car pcb or one of the solar panels. Close the car up.
Step 4: Wire the Controller
This is simple too. take the small solar panel. wire to long wires on the panel. Solder the wires to the terminals inside the controller. Make sure you drill wholes for the wires to come out of. Then your done.
Step 5: Driving
set up the panel, make sure the car was or is sitting in the sun and drive.

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62 Comments
Question 4 years ago
Where can I get solar panel ,??please tell any website to buy it..
Answer 4 years ago
Harbor Freight Tools store seem to carry different sized solar panels. Try their website " HarborFreight.Com ".
4 years ago
also, what do you mean by panel for controller. please get back to me fast cause i have a science fair project soon and i really would like to do this one.
4 years ago
what volt is the diodes
6 years ago
Which remote control car is better,solar panel or a electric battery car?
6 years ago
What are some facts about the solar panel remote control car?Can anyone help me?:(
6 years ago
how can i find facts about the solar panel remote control car?
6 years ago
I dont unserstand does the controller wired to the car
6 years ago
its cloudy, now what?
6 years ago on Introduction
i am building a solar car too but my steps was a little bit diffrent but its cool
Reply 6 years ago on Introduction
It's funny looking back on this now, and knowing what I do now about electronics vs. then, I'm a little shocked that I didn't hurt myself more often. ha ha.
10 years ago on Introduction
im building a solar powerd car for a show at a elmentry school...any tips?
nice car by the way
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
keep all of the systems cool.
Reply 6 years ago on Introduction
depends if its your first time with electronic components or you might have little experience and it might be hard
10 years ago on Introduction
im also going to build a car thats solar powerd. would it be hard?
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
My solar powered electric trike actually has almost 1500 miles on it. The panels produce 15 watts at 24 volts. This will charge the batteries but will not run a 450watt motor. Hope that helps.
10 years ago on Step 2
good
11 years ago on Step 3
Fans for Cooling, things got very hot sitting in the sun, was afraid of the battery pack getting damaged
11 years ago on Step 3
Why the fan?! What is the purpose ?!
13 years ago on Introduction
how did u run the energy straight in to the car u didnt use rechargeble batterys