How exact ( +/- volts/amps) do you need to be when charging a laptop? Answered

It seems that most laptops charge at around 19volts (+/- 2) at around 3 amps. Can you charge a laptop at slightly over or slightly under its' charging voltage/amperage? I'm trying to make a "universal" solar charger.

If not, why?

I'm trying to make a solar panel that will charge a laptop. What I need to know is if it's ok for a laptop to charge at an amperage slightly over what its' charging cord is rated for (the panel would be directly wired into the laptop, bypassing the charging cord)

Tags:charging laptop

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jeff-o

Best Answer 11 years ago

The laptop will only draw as much current as it needs. So, even if your solar array can supply 200 amps, the laptop will only draw 2-3 amps.

Voltage is a different issue. It should be kept as a constant level. Chances are the internal charging circuitry can withstand a volt over or under the ideal, but any more than that and you're asking for trouble.