Solar Light Charger

Project Number: 82

Description: Assemble the pivot, mount the solar cell (B7) on it, and then place it in the circuit as shown. Connect the solar cell to the circuit using the red & black jumper wires. Set the meter to the 0.5mA setting. Set the slide switch (S5) to position B. Place the circuit in bright sunlight or 3-6 inches away from an incandescent lamp. Adjust the position of the solar cell on the pivot to make the yellow LED (D5) bright. Now set the slide switch (S5) to position C to add the rechargeable battery to the circuit. If your light source is bright enough, then the solar cell will charge the battery, and the meter will measure the charging current. If your light source is weak, then the battery will light the yellow LED.

Snappy: The solar cell only produces a small amount of electricity. The yellow LED needs a lot more electricity than the clock, so the solar cell can only run the LED and can also charge the battery if the light source is very bright.