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resources for solar / battery pairings

resources for solar / battery pairings

resources for solar / battery pairings

(OP)
Hi all.

I am looking for any kind of advice or online resources regarding using solar cells to charge batteries.

I am working on a project with low-powered components that will run off of a rechargeable battery that I'd like to charge up during the day and be able to run the components during the night.

I am having trouble figuring out what voltage, amperage, etc. is needed to charge the batteries in a full day of sun.  The components will probably need to run off 5 volts, at about 0.5amps.

Thanks for any advice.  I'm a bit new to this stuff.

Cheers,
     DHD

RE: resources for solar / battery pairings

Figure about 3 hours of sun a day.  Whatever current the panel states, you will never get more than 66% of that.  Solar panels are current devices.  A 12V panel can be connected to a 6V battery.  If solar panel current is more than 5% of AH of battery, an charge controller is needed.  Battery should be rated to power the device for at least 5 days without sun.

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