How to Make a Solar Powered USB Charger

Making a solar USB charger is easy and fun. This charger will allow you to charge or power any USB powered device with nothing more than light.

Things You'll Need

• 6V, 100mA solar panel (flexible is better)
• 5V, 500mA voltage regulator
• 20 gauge wire
• Wire strippers
• Soldering iron
• Solder & flux
• Multi-meter
• Female USB connector
• Electrical tape
• Double-sided tape
• Heavy gauge plastic bag
• Duct tape (colored, if desired)

Instructions

1. Solder leads to the positive and negative power outputs of the solar panel. Make sure there is enough wire to run the leads to the back of the panel.

2. Run the leads to the back of the panel, and solder them to the voltage regulator.

3. Test the power output of the voltage regulator with a 40w light held about a foot from the solar cells. It should be 5V and provide 500mA of power.

4. Solder the +5VDC power output from the voltage regulator to pin 1 of the USB connector cable. Leave enough cable to separate the connector from the solar panel by about a foot.

5. Solder the ground from the voltage regulator to pin 4 of the USB connector.

6. Wrap the USB connector and wires with electrical tape to provide stability and waterproofing.

7. Use double-stick tape to attach the voltage regulator to the back of the solar panel.

8. Place the solar panel and voltage regulator assembly in a sturdy plastic bag. Leave the USB connector outside of the bag.

9. Seal the bag with duct tape. Your charger should be ready to use.

Tips & Warnings

• If you used a flexible solar panel, the bag can be mounted to the outside of a backpack with Velcro. Make sure you have enough length on the USB cable to place the cable in your particular bag.

• Photovoltaic cells produce power, so be careful of shocks. Test the voltages before plugging a device in to the charger.