Directly Charging Your Smartphones & Other Mobile Devices Using Mini Small Solar Panels
• Consider the Needed Wattage and Voltage:
As a DIY, to directly charge your smartphone or a mobile device using mini small solar panels, you have to consider the needed watts and voltage required. The wattage of a mini small solar panel can vary depending on the specific model and size of the panel. Typically these types of mobile panels have a wattage range of around 0.5 to 2 watts. or 1.5W to 3W with 5 volts. And charging voltage of most mobile devices is around 5V. For optimal charging, a combined four 3-wattage panels type with 5 voltage will be better.
• Connecting the Solar Panels in Parallel or in Series:
If you have four mini small solar panels (12W 5V) and want to use them to directly charge your phone and other mobile gadgets, it is best to connect them in parallel and not in series. Connecting the panels in parallel will increase the current output, allowing for a faster and more efficient charging process for your mobile devices. When connecting the solar panels in parallel (3W+3W+3W+3W=12W), the voltage output (5V) remains the same as a single panel, but the current capacity increases. This means that the overall power output is higher when the panels are connected in parallel.
On the other hand, when connecting the panels in series, the voltage output is additive while the current remains the same. This results in higher voltage output but the same current capacity as a single panel, and this is not recommended for charging mobile devices especially smartphones. Therefore, connecting the mini solar panels in parallel would likely be more beneficial as it would increase the overall power output needed to charge the devices efficiently.
• You Need a Solar Charge Controller:
More importantly for safe charging, a mini solar charge controller is needed. Generally, most mobile phones or devices require a charging voltage of about 5volt. Therefore, make sure to use a voltage regulator or charge controller to regulate the voltage and prevent overcharging of your mobile devices. Because, without a charge controller in place, there is a risk of overcharging the devices if the panels are producing excessive power.
• But, if you temporarily don't have a charge controller, it would be ideal to monitor the charging process closely using a digital voltmeter and disconnect the panels once the devices are fully charged to avoid any damage.
• However, for charging efficiency, it is best to get a mini smart solar charge controller. You can also use a digital power bank with built-in charge controller or voltage regulator. That means the power bank input charging port will be connected to the panels and your mobile device to the output charging port of the power bank.
• How to Connect the Mini Solar Panels to Charge Your Phone or Any Mobile Gadget:
To directly charge your smartphone, you will need a USB charging cable and preferably a power bank with USB ports as discussed earlier. Follow this step by step process:
• Connect the four mini solar panels (12W 5V) in parallel by joining the positive (+) terminals together and the negative (-) terminals together using wires.
• Connect the positive (+) terminal of the solar panels to the positive (+) terminal of the USB charging cable and the negative (-) terminal of the solar panels to the negative (-) terminal of the USB charging cable.
• Connect the USB charging cable to the input port of a power bank that has a built-in voltage regulator (5V) or to a smart mini solar charge controller with the output charging voltage set at 5V to efficiently charge any mobile device connected.
• Then place only the mini solar panels in direct sunlight and ensure that they receive maximum sunlight exposure to start charging your phone or any other mobile gadget. It is important not to put your smartphone or device in direct sunlight. Additionally, it is advisable to monitor the charging process as expressed earlier.
* Note: If you are confused or not sure of how to go about it as a DIY, please! seek the help of a professional solar power installer.
*Need Small Mini Solar Panels? Check Market Stores.