Solar batteries for phones. All about solar chargers

The potential of using solar panels can only be limited by the imagination. Many believe that the day is not far off when all of humanity will completely switch to the use of electricity received from the sun. Nowadays, solar cell technology is often used to power electricity and charge a variety of gadgets.

The portable solar battery charger is quite light, compact and useful device, which very often comes to the aid of travel enthusiasts, as well as those who want to save some electricity.

Solar batteries for a hike are arranged quite simply. The basis of the device are blocks of converters that perceive sunlight, generating electricity under its influence. The exact scheme of such a charger may vary significantly, depending on the model chosen. Different types of charging from the sun, as well as the features of their design, we will consider in more detail further.

The charger for solar-powered gadgets has a built-in converter unit. It consists of several two-layer plates of crystalline silicon, which are interconnected by wires. The principle of operation of such a device is based on the photoelectric effect.

This effect was discovered back in the nineteenth century and is based on one useful practical application properties of silicon. This element is a semiconductor.

If you place two plates of crystalline silicon very close to each other, and then heat the top plate with the help of light rays, you can observe a very interesting effect, which many can remember from a school physics course. The silicon atoms of the top silicon wafer will release electrons, which will be captured by the bottom wafer. This effect will create constant pressure in the network, which will be maintained until the moment the light source disappears.

Silicon can be deposited in two ways:

  • polycrystalline;
  • monocrystalline.

It is the second option that is the most efficient, since electrons in such silicon wafers can move in a straight line, which provides greater efficiency.

When to use

A portable charger with a built-in solar battery is used to charge the power of a variety of gadgets. Such a device has found popularity among active travelers, as well as hikers. If for a long time there is no access to an outlet to charge the gadget, then the presence of a solar battery will be very useful.

Since solar energy is absolutely free, such devices have gained popularity among budget-conscious people. The fact is that charging a variety of devices for a month draws a fairly large amount of electricity. At the same time, if you use charging on a solar battery, then you can charge gadgets absolutely free of charge. The cost of buying a charger will quickly pay off.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

  • the ability to charge the gadget in any place where there is sunlight;
  • solar energy is absolutely free;
  • a solar battery charger is capable of delivering a sufficiently large power and voltage;
  • affordable cost.

Flaws:

  • useless in the absence of sunlight for a long time;
  • in cloudy weather there may be power outages;
  • some fairly large models can take up a lot of space in the bag, as well as a fairly large area when opened.

Varieties

There are several types of solar chargers, the main difference of which is the power, current and output voltage.

Depending on the above parameters, there are chargers for gadgets of the following types:

  • mobile phones and tablets (can also be charged portable players, e-books and other gadgets with low power consumption);
  • laptops;
  • universal chargers.

Portable charger on solar panels for a tablet, it gives out the lowest voltage, which, as a rule, is 12 - 18. Such devices are as compact as possible, but it is worth remembering that such charging will not fit in your pocket, since a sufficiently large area of ​​\u200b\u200bphotocells is required to obtain sufficient power and voltage. Also, as for tablets, some models of such gadgets require not much less electricity than laptops.

To charge the tablet, 18 volts at the output is enough, regardless of the model, but 12 may not be enough, but it will be enough to charge the phone. On the other hand, an 18 volt charge may be enough to power a small netbook.

If you buy a solar charger for a laptop, then the output voltage should be approximately 18-21 volts. Ideal for laptops are chargers that deliver more than 20 volts. Such charges require a sweep in the sun to connect a laptop.

Universal chargers, as a rule, have a special adapter with the ability to adjust the voltage.

Connection types

Solar chargers can have several types of connections, which we will consider in more detail.

Directly

Charging on a solar battery can be connected to the gadget directly. In such a situation, a connector should be provided in the charging case for connecting adapters for various gadgets (most often USB port or regular socket). Such devices are the most compact, but their use can disable the gadget due to power surges.

Through an adapter

One of the safest options for connecting your gadget to a charger is to use an adapter that provides a stable output voltage, usually adjustable. Kits for such chargers often include adapters for connecting gadgets. different types and manufacturers.

Through storage battery

Using a rechargeable battery will allow you to charge your gadget, not only when the sun is shining, but at any desired moment. In such a situation, the solar battery is connected to a special battery that accumulates electricity (is charged from the solar battery), after which it gives its energy to the connected gadget. The storage battery can also be charged from a car cigarette lighter or socket.

How to choose

When choosing a charger, consider the following parameters:

  • resistance to moisture;
  • dimensions;
  • compatibility with the user's gadgets;
  • price.

Very often, when hiking, luggage is exposed to moisture, which is why water resistance is a very useful feature, although it is the most important one. It is also worth considering other operating conditions.

The size of the charger is very important when you need to take a lot of things with you, and the free space in the backpack is very limited. However, it is also worth remembering that the power and voltage obtained at the output often depend on the size of the device. On the other hand, the dimensions are also strongly influenced by the efficiency of the converter units.

First of all, when choosing a charger, you need to consider compatibility with gadgets that need to be charged from the sun.

The cost of the charger can be from 15 - 20 to 100 dollars or more. When choosing a suitable model, you must also take into account your financial capabilities.

Do-it-yourself camping solar battery can also be made according to special instruction in the presence of photocells and certain skills in working with equipment.

Popular Models

Consider the most popular models of solar chargers:

Great charger for a laptop. The output is 21 volts. The cost is approximately $60.

CHOE 19W 2-Port Solar Phone Charger

This model produces 19 volts at the output. It may not be enough for a laptop, but it is quite enough to charge a tablet or mobile phone, however, you can also experiment with connecting laptops. Such a device costs from 50 to 55 dollars.

ALLPOWERS 28W Foldable Solar Panel Laptop Charger

This charger can charge the battery of a powerful laptop in just 3 hours. Also suitable for charging phones and tablets. The cost is approximately $100.

This model is great for charging phones and tablets, but cannot be used for more powerful gadgets. The cost of the model is approximately $20, and the main feature is the presence of a built-in storage battery, which will allow you to charge the phone also at night.

This model also has a built-in storage battery and is made in the form of a small backpack in which you can put a lot of things. While the backpack is on the back, the battery is charging, after which the energy is enough for two mobile phone charges. The cost is approximately $40.

This model has similar characteristics to the previous one, only it is not a backpack, but a cap, on the visor of which there are photocell panels. The cost of such a cap is approximately $65.

It is also worth remembering the offers of Chinese manufacturers, which are distinguished by affordable prices.

Such chargers include the following models:

  • PETC-S14T;
  • Digital Boy 14W;
  • GL-SCP7WB.

Above is a list of only the most popular Chinese chargers. The range of such devices is much more diverse. At a cost of 20 - 25 dollars, they are quite enough to charge the battery of a modern mobile phone. However, such models can hardly be called reliable.

Video

In our video, watch an overview of a portable solar charger.

The most common chargers with photovoltaic panels are always equipped with USB ports that are suitable for powering almost any equipment that can be charged from a computer or laptop. It could be mobile phone, player, tablet or any other electronic gadget. Some models of solar panels can even feed a laptop or TV. Also in recent years, manufacturers are actively thinking about the release of a smartphone powered by solar panels.

What is a device

Equipment

Receipt electrical energy by absorbing solar heat is no longer a novelty and has crossed the boundaries of the exotic in the field of technology. Often, such batteries are usually used on large systems that are able to provide full power to a hotel, private house or cottage away from the city. For example, off the coast of the sea or far in the mountains, where there is no access to electricity or its implementation is not financially feasible.

Technological progress is growing and the efficiency of photovoltaic cells that absorb solar energy is also improving.

Now reduced in size so much that they can work as portable portable devices for feeding small equipment. Today, no one is surprised by actively placed panels that absorb light energy on poles that provide lighting for parking meters or road signs. Also, no one is surprised by the mass production of solar panels for mobile phones for use in city apartments, tents on camping trips.

How much does a solar battery cost

The price for the simplest phones from a Chinese manufacturer, which have their own registered brand, starts at $20. If you pay attention to the "no-name" devices, you can buy for $ 15, but no one will give you a guarantee that the battery will work for at least a few months.

With $50 on hand, you can buy a solar charger for laptops with a capacious battery in convenient case. In addition, the battery can be equipped with voltage switches and a collection of charging connectors for various devices.

We watch a video, an overview of devices for charging:

For $100 or more, you can buy a mobile solar cell with excellent photovoltaic panels and a serious charge capacity that can power mid-sized devices such as a laptop or TV.

If your relationship with physics is not very good, it is difficult to distinguish an ampere from a volt, you need to understand this area in more detail in order to understand some of the nuances of work electronic devices. This will help you to take equipment with sufficient power and not overpay for unnecessary volume, which also affects the weight of the device.

Power selection

Batteries capable of delivering power within 3.5 watts are analogous to the return of the usual USB-2.0, which is now equipped with computers, tablets and laptops. They can charge weak phones and other small appliances with a battery capacity not exceeding 1000 mAh.

Batteries with 10 watts of output are equivalent to a cigarette lighter in a car and are suitable for similar needs of the above battery, but with a more capacious and powerful battery. By researching the market, it is safe to say that solar panels for charging your phone account for 50% of the market for all portable solar chargers. Often they have one photovoltaic panel with dimensions of 200 * 150 millimeters.

Watch the video, selection criteria:

20 watts is enough for charging powerful tablets, ultrabooks and some not very strong laptops with a low-capacity battery. To find out if a solar charger for tablets and laptops can power your device, look at the power supply (battery) consumption.

More powerful (50-watt) household batteries with a photovoltaic panel will be an excellent device for powering a laptop, TV and any other portable gadget that requires electricity. The only disadvantage of such batteries is their weight, which can reach 10 kilograms. They are convenient to use in camps, cottages and buildings where it is necessary to use this battery as an alternative or emergency power source for 1-2 network devices.

All solar mobile batteries have almost the same time to fully charge. It is equal to 8-10 hours of direct sunlight.

Voltage

Having chosen the right battery power, you can ignore the voltage, however, we advise you to compare whether the parameters match each other.

To charge a solar-powered phone and other small gadgets, an output voltage of 9 volts is sufficient.

If you need to power a laptop, tablets and other equipment of this kind, you need to choose a voltage of 12-24 volts.

More powerful devices are already equipped with an output voltage switch that can be adjusted to charge certain equipment.

Equipment

It is very important when buying a phone with a solar battery to pay attention to the container in which the photovoltaic panel is located.

Watch the video, the equipment of the device:

Given the fact that the weather can be completely unpredictable, as well as your actions, it is better to take care of a sealed waterproof container that contains the battery and the charge-absorbing panel.

Many branded solar panels for charging laptops come with a large set of tips for other devices: phones, GPS, tablets, etc. Chinese batteries and various "nonames" come with a minimum set of adapters, or even without them.

Form factor

According to the form factor, portable solar panels are divided into the following types:

  • Simple panels that work with the phone and the solar battery directly without a charge accumulator inside the panel. The advantage of such panels is that they weigh a little, but because of this they can charge the device or power it only in sunny time.
  • Monoblocks (battery + solar panel) are much more expensive and more weighty. Such a device can be exposed to the sun during the daytime, and at night the accumulated charge can be used.
  • A clamshell is an analogue of old toad cell phones. The advantages of this type are compactness. They don't take up much space. When not needed, they close tightly, excluding the ingress of foreign objects.
  • Flexible plates are one of the most popular types mobile solar panels due to their attachment. They can be attached to a hiking backpack or bag.

materials

In the manufacture of solar panels for charging the phone, powered by the energy of the sun, poly- and monocrystalline silicon are used. Polycrystalline modules are slightly less expensive, but lose their charge storage efficiency very quickly. A striking example is garden decorative lamps. Every month they begin to fade more and more. The problem here is not the quality of the battery or the length of the day. And in the efficiency of the panel, which constantly tends to zero.

Watch the video, a powerful device for charging:

The photocells on the panel are covered with a laminating film or textured tempered glass. At the time of buying solar panel with a laminated coating, your charging gadget will become vulnerable in the cold season. During frost, the laminate shrinks, depressurization occurs, after which the module may freeze.

Textured glass increases the irradiation power of the panels by up to 15%, which speeds up the battery charge.

Recommendations for using portable solar panels.

  • The maximum efficiency of the panels is achieved with a perpendicular arrangement of relative to the sun's rays.
  • If the battery is used in a vehicle or home, try to position it so that it is outside. Window glass absorbs about a third of the total power of the sun's beam.
  • When charging a powerful device with a weak charge, it is better to turn it off. For example, phones for 2 SIM cards consume approximately 50-100 mAh while offline.

Getting energy from an inexhaustible natural source and converting it into electricity. Not so long ago, such a statement could only be found in science fiction books. But today, thanks to progressive technologies, people have learned to receive energy from the sun and use it to charge various devices. In the domestic market, such units are not yet very popular. However, it is possible that very soon solar-powered charging will become a necessary attribute of a comfortable life.

Scope of application

Scope of application

What is a solar charger? This is a device with a simple design.

It consists of the following elements:

  • Converter;
  • Battery charge controller;
  • battery.

Due to the extremely simple configuration, the solar-powered device is highly reliable and multifunctional.

Its principle of operation is as follows: the rays falling on the solar panel are captured by it and converted into electricity. It is collected on a battery, but the rate of its accumulation depends on weather conditions and panel power and is regulated by a battery charge controller.

Naturally, in cloudless weather, the accumulation rate will be maximum, and in cloudy weather - minimum. As for the solar battery, it can have a power of 0.2 W to 3.5 W, and when using the latter, the battery charging speed will be no more than 5 hours.

We watch the video, the scope and subtleties of choosing a device:

In addition, solar-powered portable chargers are equipped with a USB port for connecting to them. various kinds modern technology. The output current can reach 2.1 A and such models are used for tablets.

On the charging case on solar batteries there is a charge indicator and an on-off button. Additionally, the package includes adapters for various models phones and USB cable.

Types of solar chargers

The classification of such gadgets is carried out according to several criteria. First of all, they differ in power. Moreover, solar-powered chargers for phones and tablets are small in size and weight, which makes them convenient to use.

Powerful charging models on solar batteries are large, but since the area of ​​​​their panels is quite large, the power also significantly exceeds the values ​​\u200b\u200ballowed for compact samples.

Another difference is the location of the battery. It may or may not be inline. Elements of the first type are designed for mobile technology.

Solar-powered chargers without a built-in battery are more a wide range applications. They can provide energy for both mobile equipment and small TVs, refrigerators, and lighting devices.

Variety of adapters

There are differences in the type of battery itself. V chargers with solar panels, lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries are most often used. The latter are able to retain a charge for quite a long time and are distinguished by the absence of a “memory effect”.

All the pros and cons of devices

The main advantage of such gadgets over conventional ones is the ability to use them in places where there are no electrical networks. Therefore, solar-powered chargers are most in demand among adherents of outdoor recreation, fishermen and lovers of extreme tourism.

Various forms and types

But besides this, gadgets have a number of advantages, among which it is worth highlighting:

  1. environmental safety;
  2. Durability;
  3. Do not need fuel;
  4. Work silently;
  5. The energy received is completely free.

But, like any device, the solar charger has some disadvantages. First of all, this high price and low ratio useful action. But still, not even these qualities affect the purchasing power of the device, but such as low efficiency in bad weather and dependence on geographical location.

It is these parameters that most often have a decisive influence when buying a charger. However, it is safe to say that this equipment is the future.

Instrument selection criteria

When hiking or fishing, it often becomes necessary to power mobile phones or tablets. And if earlier it was almost impossible to solve this problem, today it has become available thanks to the emergence of portable devices that convert solar energy into electricity. But when choosing charging, it is necessary to take into account its output current and voltage, which depend on the characteristics of the battery.

But there is another aspect. Since solar panels can only work during daylight hours, the chargers in which they are used must be equipped with a battery. It is he who will accumulate energy during the day and give it to your mobile equipment at any time of the day. However, keep in mind that for stable charging of a phone or tablet, it is required that the output of the charger has a voltage corresponding to this parameter of the equipment.

Watch a video about the Solar Charger P1100F-2600 model:

Often the device has additional functions such as charging the battery from the mains using an adapter. The package may also include adapter kits for connecting devices that differ in models and brands of the manufacturer.

There are solar-powered chargers equipped with a USB connector, which allows you to connect any gadgets to them. All these parameters should be taken into account when choosing a particular charger, which will allow you to use it with maximum efficiency.

Overview of popular models

Although there are a lot of chargers on the domestic market, only some of them are in demand. This is due to a variety of factors. One of the most popular is the Solar Charger P1100F-2600. It is designed to charge digital cameras and phones, as well as some other devices.

The device is equipped with a built-in lithium-ion battery, whose capacity is 2600 mAh and a solar battery charge controller.

Watch the video about the high capacity charger:

Charging has compact dimensions and light weight and ideal for hiking and outings in the countryside. The kit includes adapters for charging phones of various brands. The lineup devices of this brand is represented by samples with different battery capacities, on which the cost is directly dependent.

Simpler and cheaper models include Chinese-made appliances. They are equipped with batteries with a voltage of up to 5.5 V and AB with a capacity of 600 mAh. Such devices are designed for operation with mobile gadgets.

Model brand PETC S09

There are also samples on the market with a large battery capacity and size. Naturally, they cost more. Although in terms of design they do not have any special differences. Such devices can be used to charge laptops, video or cameras, mobile terminals.

The products of Chinese companies are also represented by models without batteries. These include PETC S08-2.6 brand devices. But such gadgets are inconvenient in that they can only be used during the day and are not able to work at temperatures above 60 ° C.

Conclusion

Based on the information received, we can conclude that buying a solar charger is an ideal option for travelers. They are compact, easy to use and do not have to pay for the electricity received.

Modern players and phones are a very convenient and functional type of mobile gadgets. You can take pictures on them. High Quality, listen to music, watch your favorite shows, feature films, play online and offline games. But they all have one significant drawback - extremely fast discharge. Often, when active use functionality of the phone, charging a mobile device can last only a few hours. And if you do not have the opportunity to constantly be close to a power source, then the option to use a battery that can be charged from sunlight is the best solution. In addition, the solar-powered phone charger can charge other mobile gadgets, such as an mp3 player, GPS navigators, and a camera.

Principle of operation

Solar panels for mobile phones are designed to charge mobile devices. various types:

  • gps navigators;
  • mobile phones;
  • mp3 players;
  • cameras.

Principle of operation:

The lithium battery built into the device stores energy from exposure to sunlight and from electrical network. After that, the accumulated energy is transferred to mobile device(phone, camera, mp3 player, etc.).

Main technical parameters

Fully charging the device takes 50-60 minutes. If the mobile phone is used only for communication, then the duration of a telephone conversation before discharging is approximately 100 minutes. It is also worth considering the following parameters:

  • battery - rechargeable lithium-ion;
  • output voltage 5.5 V;
  • capacity - 2001-3000 mAh;
  • strong metal case;
  • dimensions - for example, 117x72x10 mm;
  • weight - for example, 170 gr.

Equipment:

  • a set of adapters for devices of various types, including mini-USB, designed to charge mp3 players and cameras.
  • charger required to charge the battery from the power supply;
  • equipment operation manual;
  • solar phone charger.

Advantages

  • Light weight;
  • Low cost of the product;
  • Mobility. This is extremely handy device if you often have to be on the street, or in places where there is no access to the electrical network.
  • Versatility. A solar battery for a phone can be used for various types of devices, be it a camera, gps or mp3 player.
  • Profitability. Solar energy, unlike electricity, does not require financial investments, and you can charge the battery on a sunny day for up to 6-8 hours.
  • Unloading. Since this battery has versatility, the need to take batteries with you in reserve disappears by itself. This advantage is especially noticeable when you have several mobile gadgets needed for constant use.

Flaws

  • Sufficiently strong heating of the body when exposed to sunlight.
  • The need to control the state of charge of the device in order to avoid a complete discharge of the battery, as this is not recommended.

Charging process

For charging desired device(phone, player, camera) you will need to select the necessary adapter and then connect it to the solar battery connector.

Key Features

  • During the charging period of phones and other mobile gadgets, it is not recommended to leave devices under direct sunlight. It is advisable to cover them with something, since overheating of the equipment adversely affects its normal functioning.
  • A mobile solar charger with an output power of less than 3W is not suitable for charging your phone directly.

The target audience

Potential consumers of devices of this type include almost all owners of mobile gadgets (cameras, phones, gps, mp3 players and other devices of this type).

From the main target audience, by type of occupation, the following groups of consumers can be distinguished:

  • people who are forced to constantly be on the move, or who do not have access to the electrical network for a long time.
  • lovers of extreme recreation;
  • travelers;
  • tourists;
  • fishermen;
  • hunters.

Pricing

The minimum price for solar panels with batteries on Chinese websites is from 8 USD. (the final cost of the device depends on specifications and order quantity). The price of solar panels on Russian websites fluctuates within a radius of 790-1100 rubles. Given the difference in prices, we can calculate that, in terms of profitability, such a business can bring 300% of income.


The author came up with the idea to create a charger for his phone based on a solar battery. Usually, in order to charge a mobile phone, a constant voltage of 5 V is required. The voltage generated from solar panels is not constant and largely depends on the illumination. Looking for a way out of this situation, the author drew attention to the voltage stabilizer KR142EN5A, which will allow you to power the phone's battery from the energy supplied by the solar battery.

Materials needed to create a charger based on a solar battery:

1) solar batteries with a voltage of 3V 2 pieces
2) 5V voltage stabilizer, this case chip KR142EN5A
3) USB connector for phone power cable
4) wires
5) solder
6) hot glue
7) soldering iron

Consider the main points of creation this device.

The KR142EN5A stabilizer is a foreign analogue of the L7805CV, you can order them via the Internet or look at the radio parts store in your city. The main advantage of such a stabilizer lies in the fact that when a voltage is applied to the input from 5 V to 15 V, it outputs a stable 5 V.

This, in turn, means the possibility of using a solar panel with a generated voltage from 5 V to 15 V, corresponding to the range of the stabilizer.

However, this scheme also has a minus, which is that if the supplied voltage from the solar battery is less than 5 V, then the device will not charge the phone battery.


In addition to this stabilizer, a solar battery, a USB connector, wires and other minor things were also purchased.
After all the necessary elements were prepared, the author proceeded to assemble the components of the charger.


Below you can see an example solar charger diagram:


The author had two solar panels with an operating voltage of 3 V. Since the device requires a voltage of at least 5 V, the author simply connected these two batteries in series.

After that, all the elements were soldered into one circuit.


After assembling the device, the author tested its operation on the phone. The solar battery was placed under the light, a mobile phone was connected to it via a USB connector.

As you can see in the photos, the phone's battery has begun to charge, which means correct work this device. This charger turned out to be very easy to assemble, contains a minimum of work with a soldering iron, but at the same time is very useful. Since its dimensions are minimal, it is quite convenient to take it with you and charge your phone if necessary.