A solar-powered mobile charger is a device that could charge cell phones with the help of solar radiation. A compact solar panel is the primary component of a solar mobile charger. The solar panel captures the energy coming from the sun and generates an output voltage. Nonetheless, the light radiation that falls on the solar panel can differ. As a result, the voltage output becomes unsteady. Fundamentally, a steady voltage is necessary when charging a cell phone. So, it is essential to utilize a voltage regulator circuit along with the solar panel. This will execute a vital role in regulating and making the output voltage steady. This circuit helps you to charge your mobile phone battery and also some rechargeable batteries with solar energy.
Hardware Required
| S.no | Component | Value | Qty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Solar Panel | 9V | 1 |
| 2. | IC Regulator | LM317 | 1 |
| 3. | SLA Battery | 6V/4.5Ah | 1 |
| 4. | Diode | 1N4007 | 1 |
| 5. | Resistor | 220Ω, 680Ω 2KΩ | Each One |
| 6. | Capacitor | 0.1µF | 1 |
| 7. | Schottky Diode | 3A,50V | 1 |
| 8. | Connecting Wires | – | – |
Circuit Diagram
Working Explanation
As we can see in the circuit, it consists of a 6V/500 mW solar panel. Here a single PN junction diode 1N4007 is connected to a positive line of the solar panel, this will avoid reverse polarity. And a green LED is connected across the solar panel supply line after the C1 capacitor, it provides the status of supply output from the solar panel (you can remove R2 and LED if you don’t need a light indicator). Further in this circuit, the SL100 transistor with a 4.7V/400mW Zener diode provides a regulated supply from the solar voltage (choose the Zener diode specification according to your need). Here the Zener diode is connected to the base of the SL100 transistor with reverse-biased polarity.
Now expose the solar panel to sunlight, this solar energy will be converted as a voltage by the photovoltaic device (solar panel cell). Then the green LED glows, here the intensity of this LED varies depending on the voltage produced by the solar panel. The Zener diode reduces and regulates voltage, and the SL100 transistor drives output voltage. Here before trying this circuit take extra care in battery polarity and current rating, if anything goes wrong the battery might explode.
Applications
Can be used to charge the mobile phone in remote areas.
