resources for solar / battery pairings

[DrHoneydew]

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

 

[OperaHouse]

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.