SolarDIY

459 readers

1 users here now

SolarDIY is a vibrant community dedicated to embracing the power of solar energy. Here, we encourage you to showcase your ingenious ideas, innovative projects, and inspiring stories, while also seeking valuable advice, fresh ideas, and fostering meaningful connections.

Our passion lies in witnessing the remarkable achievements of individuals who have harnessed the potential of solar energy. Whether you have successfully wired your entire house with solar panels, created a portable solar-powered generator, or crafted an efficient solar pool heater, we are eager to learn from your experiences and celebrate your accomplishments.

Join us on this empowering journey as we explore the endless possibilities of solar energy and inspire one another to make a positive impact on our environment and our lives. Together, we can unlock the full potential of solar power and shape a sustainable future.

Share your DIY solar projects, exchange knowledge, and let your creativity shine!

founded 2 years ago

MODERATORS

pdavis@lemmy.world

Is it safe to connect a small 5W 5V solar panel directly into a portable power bank? (self.solardiy)

submitted 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) by toaster to c/solardiy@lemmy.world

12 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Can I connect a 5w 5w solar panel directly into a 10k mAh portable battery bank safely via USB 2.0, or does it need some sort of protection in-between like a solar charge controller or a schottky diode?

Example of battery bank (except one with usb 2.0 input): https://www.anker.com/ca/products/a1229

Example of solar panel: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006012344670.html

5W 5V Solar Panel

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[–] pearsaltchocolatebar@discuss.online 1 points 9 months ago

It might be, or it might not be. It depends on several factors.

The first thing you're going to want to do is check the output voltage of the solar panel. You can either use a multimeter or a dedicated USB tester. You're looking for a stable voltage of 5V +- 0.2v. If your voltage is outside of that range, you're going to want to throw a voltage regulator in between it and the battery.

While the battery might be able to handle a larger range, there's no guarantee that it will, so you could very well end up frying the circuitry, or it just never charging because you're outside of the range.

You can get solar charge controllers for under $20. That's just an example of what to look for.