Solar module or mini solar panel is consist of solar cells usually connected in series. this to boost the power output if compared to single solar cell. you can easily find this mini solar cell on online store. before using in some projects, i test the mini solar panel, as you can watch on my Youtube channel:
in the test, i found that my solar module is can achieve 2 Watt power output, and it can run perfectly small 2.5 cm dia DC motor. with this result, i believe it can be good for used in some small projects, ie: built toys for kids with this solar module.
from materials that can find in home, it can be built solar powered boat toy. its easy to built, no need special component or materials except for the solar module, because i only found it on online store. this is link video that contains materials needed, wiring diagram, and my test on home field:
Mini solar panel or known as solar module in video link above, is made in China. test on sunny day, Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) result is between 6.8 V to 6.9 V. Short Circuit Current (Isc) result is 0.33 A, so the max real power is arround 2 Watt. its enough to run single small motor (2.5 cm dia motor). the specifications in online shop web (
http://tinyurl.com/ntwk2vw) is claimed can achieve 3 Watt power, but in my test it can only reach max arround 2 Watt power.
mini solar cell applications:
1. Build your own self powered models/ Toys / solar displays.
2. Electronic Applications.
3. Science projects.
4. Charging Li-Ion 3.7 V batteries.
5. Small home projects.
you can buy this Epoxy Monocrystalline solar module or mini solar panel (Dimension: 145 x 145 x 3 mm) the price is arround US $6 with free shipping, at this link:
http://tinyurl.com/ntwk2vw
useful for many applications, Solar garden lighting, Small home lighting system, Solar street lighting, Solar outdoor advertising for a variety of low-power appliances, such as emergency lights, advertising lights, traffic lights, home lights, fans, solar water pumps, solar lights and small solar systems and so on.