Investigating Small Motors' Use of Solar Panels in Handy Projects

Choosing the correct solar panels for small motors depends on reaching ideal performance at a reasonable price. With a peak current between 25 and 50 percent higher than the maximum current the motor requires, a key factor is making sure the panel’s voltage somewhat surpasses the voltage rating of the motor.

We tested using a range of panels in our experiments with several small motors, such as the DAGU robot DG01D Mini DC Gear Box (4.5V, 0.25A) and the HSD-8025 Brushless DC Cooling Fan (12V/ 0.12A). These panels included 2 Watt, 6 Volt / 3.5 Watt, 6 Volt x 2 (paired in series to attain 12V) / 6 Watt, 6 Volt / 9 Watt, 6 Volt / 9 Watt, 18 Volt / 17 Watt, 18 Volt.

Twisting the positive and negative leads together is a basic approach to easily link the 12V BLDC Motor Driver solar panel to the motor. Using an extension cable like the 1 Foot Extension is advised for further convenience and flexibility in testing several panels.

Our observations revealed that a panel without connectivity displayed high voltage and zero current. But when you linked it to the motor, the voltage dropped, the current flowed, and the motor started spinning in response to environmental factors including sunlight.

For a 2 Watt, 6 Volt panel, for example, the motor ran but drew less voltage and current than stated. On the other hand, although using less than half of the panel’s rated output, connecting a bigger 6 Watt panel produced the motor exceeding its maximum current specification. Thus, under suitable conditions, a 2 Watt or 3.5 Watt panel seemed to be the best choice.

We found different responses depending on the power output and environmental conditions when testing a DC Toy Motor (4.5–9V, 0.25A) using various panels. Similar results were obtained with the DAGU DG01D, stressing the need of choosing the suitable panel size and power output to fit the needs of the motor.

Moreover, in our analysis of a 12V, 0.1A motor running 2 x 6V panels in series and parallel, we found notable power output increases with the panels in series arrangement. This underlined the need of matching the panel’s characteristics with the needs of the motor in order to maximize performance efficiency.

In summary, DIYers can efficiently run their projects and maximize energy consumption by knowing how small motor needs relate to solar panel specifications. Achieving intended results in solar-powered applications depends mostly on experimentation and fine-tuning the configuration depending on particular project needs.

By voltaic systems