Make a Solar Panel Mobile Phone Charger

Make a Solar Panel charger for your mobile phone (ein Handy in German), power bank etc.

Can be useful while camping or just lazing around home – just use the suns free energy!

NOTE: While this project is likely to be the easiest (two parts, two wires in and out), cheapest and quickest solar panel charger you could build using the parts listed, you are ultimately responsible for any issues.

Parts list:

Voltage regulator (keep in mind that the LED display will use some of the current that could be going to charge your device, but I like this regulator as it can be used in other projects and it is nice to be able to see the input and output voltages easily!) -

http://www.dx.com/p/hzdz-lm2596-power-step-down-voltage-regulator-module-voltmeter-display-deep-blue-307113?Utm_rid=38069427&Utm_source=affiliate

Solar panel -

http://www.dx.com/p/solar-power-cell-phone-charger-mobile-power-bank-dark-blue-434898?Utm_rid=38069427&Utm_source=affiliate

Optional – This solar panel may be better (larger, however you would need to source a USB cable and diode):

http://www.dx.com/p/sunwalk-5-5w-12v-output-polycrystalline-silicon-solar-panel-black-441470?Utm_rid=38069427&Utm_source=affiliate

as it can potentially charge camera rechargeable batteries, cordless shaver batteries etc. as well.

Optional – power bank if you want to charge a power bank:

http://www.dx.com/p/xiaomi-10400mah-usb-mobile-power-source-bank-w-4-led-indicators-silver-white-311565?Utm_rid=38069427&Utm_source=affiliate

Optional – getting hot in Summer? Get this portable fan that can plug into your solar recharged power bank:

http://www.dx.com/p/xiaomi-portable-usb-flexible-mini-fan-white-386792?Utm_rid=38069427&Utm_source=affiliate

Optional – sick of replacing torch batteries? Get this USB light that can plug into your solar recharged power bank:

http://www.dx.com/p/jiawen-1-2w-universal-bendable-portable-usb-led-mini-lamp-white-6500k-96lm-white-dc-5v-382254?Utm_rid=38069427&Utm_source=affiliate

Instructions:

If the solar panel has a USB cable going into a junction box glued onto the back, gently prise it off.
Either cut the USB cable close to the junction box or remove the glue to get the cable out.
Strip back the individual wires shielding from the USB cable.
Either obtain a small section amount (about 4 or 5 centimetres) of two wires or cut a small amount from the USB cable.
Solder the small section red wire to the +ve on the PCB on the back of the solar panel.
Solder the small section white (or black if it is black) wire to the -ve on the PCB on the back of the solar panel.
Connect the small section red wire other end to the input +ve connector on the regulator.
Connect the small section white other end (or black) wire to the input -ve connector on the regulator.
Strip back the shielding on the two wires on the USB cable.
Connect the USB red wire to the output +ve connector on the regulator.
Connect the USB white (or black) wire to the output -ve connector on the regulator.
On a sunny day, go outside.
Position solar panel to obtain maximum sunlight.
Check the regulator to see if the solar panel is generating electricity.
Press the out button on the regulator.
With a very small screwdriver, adjust the pot switch on the regulator to the OUTPUT voltage you require.
Get excited, you are about to charge your mobile phone, power bank or whatever you want.
Plug the device you want to charge in, check it’s charging.
Periodically check the solar panel is still facing the sun and that your device is charging!