I'm trying to figure out if I can charge my mobile phone directly using a 20W 18V solar panel. My plan involves using an 18V to 5V buck converter to connect the phone and the solar panel together. Are there any potential issues I should be aware of with this setup?
3 Answers
Using a solar panel can be risky if your design isn't tested. You don't want to damage expensive gadgets with unstable power. I'd suggest looking into options like a USB battery bank, which can smooth out any spikes or dips in power from the panel before it reaches your phone.
Charging at 5V can be really slow. Today's chargers negotiate up to 20V, which means you might need more sophisticated equipment. If you want to go with your idea, just be cautious—the phone may not charge properly if the panel doesn't supply enough power, especially since most phones need a stable 5V 2A. USB power banks handle changes in power better than a basic setup. Consider getting a ready-made buck converter to keep it simple!
I've had some bad experiences charging phones directly from solar panels. It's usually better to buffer the power with a battery first. If the sunlight is consistent, it might work, but if it fluctuates, it could end up draining your phone's battery. If this is a permanent installation, I'd recommend wiring a charger directly to the battery since there are plenty of affordable charging modules available.