How to Build a Solar Powered Phone Charger With Stuff You Already Have At Home

Building your own solar powered phone charger is an easy and inexpensive project that allows you to harness the power of the sun to charge your devices. With just a few common household items, you can make an eco-friendly charger that's portable and practical.

What You'll Need

To build a solar phone charger, you'll need:

• Solar panel: This captures sunlight and converts it into electricity. Get a small 5V or 6V panel made for USB charging. You can find inexpensive ones for $10-20 online.

• Power bank: This stores the energy from the solar panel. Look for one with at least 10,000 mAh capacity. Make sure it has a USB output.

• USB cable: Use your phone's charging cable to connect the power bank to your phone.

• Cardboard: A small cardboard box or thick paper folder to mount the solar panel.

• Tape or glue: To attach the solar panel to the cardboard backing.

• Scissors or box cutter: To cut and shape the cardboard.

How to Assemble the Solar Charger

Building the solar phone charger takes just a few simple steps:

Step 1: Cut and shape the cardboard

• Take a small cardboard box or thick folder and cut a piece large enough to fit your solar panel.

• Cut angled sides so the panel can be tilted toward the sun.

Step 2: Mount the solar panel

• Place the panel on the cardboard backing.

• Use tape or glue to securely attach the solar panel to the cardboard.

Step 3: Connect the power bank

• Plug the power bank's USB input cable into the output port on the solar panel.

• Make sure the connection is secure.

Step 4: Charge via sunlight

• Place the solar panel in direct sunlight, angling it toward the light source.

• The solar cells will start charging the power bank. Let it charge for at least 8 hours for a full charge.

Step 5: Use it!

• When you need to charge your phone, connect your phone's USB cable to the power bank.

• You can keep recharging the power bank via sunlight.

Tips for Using Your Solar Charger

• For best results, place the panel in direct, unobstructed sunlight. It may not charge well on cloudy or overcast days.

• The power bank needs 8+ hours of good sunlight to fully charge from empty. Partial sun will charge slower.

• Try different angles to maximize sunlight exposure. Adjust as needed.

• Keep your phone plugged in as needed. The power bank will charge it multiple times before needing a recharge.

• Bring it with you camping or to the park! Top up the power bank during the day to stay powered off-grid.

With a simple homemade solar phone charger, you'll reduce dependency on the electric grid and always have backup power for your devices using clean, renewable energy from the sun.