Easy

Simple Solar Battery Charger

A small solar panel, through a blocking diode, charges a battery directly — the diode prevents the battery from discharging back through the panel at night.

Circuit Diagram

Solar Panel (MC4) + out − out 1N4007 (anode toward panel) 18650 Cell (battery) + Diode blocks reverse discharge through the panel when it's dark

How to Build It

  1. Connect the solar panel's MC4 connector to an input cable.
  2. Connect the panel's positive output through a 1N4007 diode (anode toward the panel) to the battery's positive terminal.
  3. Connect the panel's negative output directly to the battery's negative terminal.
  4. Expose the panel to strong light (sun or a bright lamp) and measure the charging voltage at the battery with a multimeter.
  5. Cover the panel — the diode should prevent the battery from discharging back through the panel.

Bill of Materials

ProductCodeQty
Li-ion cell 18650 3.6V/4200mAh with terminals 13 278(13 261) 1
Connector (general) 2-2270025-1 1
Diode/bridge rectifier 1N4007-DIO 1
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