Using a 5 watt solar panel or any other solar panel without a voltage regulator actually helps ruin a battery. So I posted this video on how to read the schematic on a 317 voltage regulator for anyone interested in getting started in electronics – adding in my own changes and used the circuit with a 5 watt solar panel – a practical and useful circuit – would have liked to show more detail for newbies but the time limits for videos prevents that. Good luck and keep those batteries charged properly. (note this circuit can be used on a rectified ac input).
Post time: Jan-28-2017