How to Build a Solar-Powered Battery Charger

You can use solar power to charge your rechargeable batteries. This is not only a green practice; it can reduce the amount of electricity you use. Building a solar-powered battery charger requires a solar panel, a blocking diode and a battery holder. All these items can be purchased from retail electronic outlets.

Things You'll Need

• four slot AA battery holder with leads 6 volt 250 ma solar panel 1n4001 standard recovery rectifier diode up to 1 amp and 50 volts four 2700 mah AA rechargable batteries

Instructions

How to Build a Solar-Powered Battery Charger

1. Connect the negative lead from the solar panel to the negative lead of the battery holder.

2. Connect the ringed end of the blocking diode to the positive lead of the battery holder. One end of the diode is marked with a ring. This indicates the direction of the flow of electricity. The solar power will flow through the diode, past the ringed end and enter the batteries via the holder.

3. Connect the positive lead of the solar panel to the other end of the diode. The diode will now prevent the flow of electricity from transferring back from the battery to the solar panel.

4. Place the solar panel in the sun. Choose a location that provides six to ten hours of direct sunlight throughout the day. You can place the solar panel in a window. However, an outside location may be more effective.

5. Place the AA rechargeable batteries in the slots of the battery holder. You must use rechargeable batteries. Alkaline batteries will not hold the charge.

6. The batteries should be charged in six to ten hours. Remove the batteries from the holder and remove the solar panel and battery holder from the sunlight and store in a dry area.

Tips & Warnings

• Trying to recharge alkaline batteries may result in rupture and leakage of internal chemicals.