How to Build a Portable Solar Phone Charger With Scrap Parts

Introduction

With just a few common household items and some basic skills, you can build your own portable solar phone charger. This can come in handy when you're camping or find yourself without access to an electrical outlet. In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through every step of the process.

Gather the Necessary Materials

Before you begin, you'll need to gather the following materials:

• Solar panel: This captures sunlight and converts it into electricity. You can salvage these from broken solar-powered devices or purchase a small 5V panel.

• Power bank: Also known as a portable charger, this stores power from the solar panel and charges your phone's battery. Find one with at least 5000 mAh capacity.

• Wires: You'll need different gauge wires to connect the components. Stripped USB cables will work.

• On/off switch: Used to control power flow from the solar panel to the power bank. A basic toggle switch is sufficient.

• Diode: Prevents reverse current flow. A 1N4007 diode works well.

• DC socket: Allows you to plug devices into the power bank to charge. Salvage this from an old gadget charger.

• Box (optional): Houses the components. A mint tin or small cardboard box will suffice.

Assemble the Charging Circuit

With the parts gathered, it's time to assemble the solar charging circuit:

1. Connect the solar panel to the power bank. Solder red solar panel wire to red power bank wire and black to black.

2. Install the on/off switch. Cut the positive wire from the solar panel. Connect one side to the common pin on the switch and the other to the normally open pin.

3. Add the blocking diode. Solder it to the open positive wire from the switch, with the stripe facing the switch. This prevents reverse discharge.

4. Attach the DC socket. Solder the positive and negative power bank wires to the positive and negative pins on the socket.

5. Connect all ground wires together. The black solar panel wire, diode wire, and DC socket negative are grounded.

Refer to a wiring diagram for visual guidance. Test the connections before moving to the next steps.

Create the Enclosure

With the circuit complete, it's time to build the enclosure:

• Cut panels out of cardboard, plastic, or wood that fit your components.

• Hot glue components in place and allow room for wires.

• Cut holes for the switch and DC socket.

• Glue panels together to form a box. The mint tin enclosures only require drilling the holes.

• Allow hot glue to fully dry before continuing.

Usage and Output

You're now ready to use your DIY portable solar phone charger:

• Place the charger in direct sunlight to activate the solar panel.

• Flip the switch on to allow energy to flow into the power bank.

• The red LED on the power bank will light up when it's charging.

• Plug your phone into the DC socket to charge it from the power bank.

In optimal sunlight, the 5V solar panel provides 1 amp of current. Charging times vary, but in general, expect:

• Smartphones: 2 hours of solar charging for 1 full charge

• Power banks: 6 hours of solar charging from empty to full

• Output: 5V, 1A (typical for small panels)

Customization and Improvements

With this basic design, you can power small USB devices on the go. For increased power capacity:

• Use a larger solar panel, up to 10 watts. This outputs more power.

• Upgrade to a higher capacity power bank, up to 20,000 mAh. This extends charge times.

• Add a voltage regulator if charging 5V devices. This maintains steady voltage.

• Use waterproof components and marine sealant if making a rugged outdoor charger.

So with a bit of creativity and some basic skills, you can build your own portable solar phone charger from everyday items. Power your devices anywhere the sun shines for free!