Solar-powered USB Charger.

This is basically a continuation of an already excellent project by haikuordie (original version here) to whom credit goes for the original idea. My version adds a different panel style, a series/parallel switch for the Solar panels and a different casing style. Please comment with questions and improvement ideas!

Comments

[pmvinuelas]

if you wanted to remove the batteries and have the solar panels directly charge your iphone, how big would you need the panels to be?

I am looking to have something that can charge my phone while i am outside but want it as small and light as possible. I figured if i removed the batteries i would just need to make sure i had enough power from the solar panels to come in and some sort of charge regulator right?

Thanks for the help.

[TurboSnail]

Yeah, panels and a voltage regulator would do the trick, but you'd need at least 6v at 1a to charge a phone in any decent amount of time. You would also need quite bright light to get enough power from a 6v panel. I'd go for a 6v 6watt panel or a 12v 6 watt but it depends on what's available in your area. You would also need a couple of protection diodes in there as well.
Hope that helps,
T

[2K1TJ]

I like it! Im curious what the purpose of the series/parallel switch is....

[TurboSnail]

It switches the solar panels to and from producing 6volts @50ma to producing 3v @100 ma. Basically, 6v charges better in low light and 100ma charges faster but needs more light. Hope this helps,
TS