If you would like to add a solar panel to your favourite backpack or bag, you may be interested in a new tutorial published on the Adafruit website. This detailed guide explains how you can boost the power from a small solar panel to directly charge your smartphone or store the energy in a lithium-ion battery for use at another time.
“Make your own backup battery and recharge it with the sun! This is an upgrade project to our original Solar Charging Handbag and uses a PowerBoost 500 Basic, a solar lipoly charger, slide switch, and 2000mAh rechargeable battery, all housed in a 3D printed enclosure.”
Materials and Tools Needed
To complete this project, you will need the following materials and tools:
– USB/DC/Solar Lithium Ion/Polymer charger kit
– PowerBoost 500 Basic
– 3D printer with filament
– A large solar panel or a medium solar panel
– 2000mAh lithium polymer battery
– 2.1mm DC Barrel Plug
– Slide switch
– A sturdy handbag or backpack
– Soldering tools and supplies
– #4-40 3/8 flat Phillips machine screws
Each component plays a crucial role in the functionality of the solar charger bag. The USB/DC/Solar Lithium Ion/Polymer charger kit is essential for converting solar energy into a usable form for your devices. The PowerBoost 500 Basic boosts the voltage from the battery to a stable 5V, which is necessary for charging most USB devices. The 3D printer is used to create a custom enclosure that houses all the electronic components securely.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Solar Panel: Start by selecting a solar panel that fits well with your bag. A larger panel will generate more power, but a medium-sized panel can also be effective if space is limited.
2. 3D Print the Enclosure: Use a 3D printer to create an enclosure for the PowerBoost 500 Basic, solar charger, and battery. This will protect the components and make the setup more durable.
3. Assemble the Electronics: Solder the PowerBoost 500 Basic to the solar charger and connect the 2000mAh lithium polymer battery. Ensure all connections are secure and insulated to prevent short circuits.
4. Install the Slide Switch: Integrate the slide switch into the circuit to easily turn the charger on and off. This will help conserve battery life when the charger is not in use.
5. Mount the Solar Panel: Attach the solar panel to the exterior of your bag using strong adhesive or screws. Make sure it is positioned to receive maximum sunlight exposure.
6. Connect the Components: Place the assembled electronics inside the 3D printed enclosure and secure it within your bag. Use the #4-40 3/8 flat Phillips machine screws to fasten the enclosure.
7. Test the Setup: Once everything is assembled, test the solar charger by placing the bag in direct sunlight and connecting a device to the USB output. Ensure that the device is charging and that the system is functioning correctly.
This project not only provides a practical solution for charging devices on the go but also promotes the use of renewable energy. By harnessing solar power, you can reduce your reliance on traditional power sources and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Source: Adafruit
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