Solar Cell Small - 0.45W

Packaged solar cell with barrel plug termination. This is a custom cell produced for SFE - not a small toy surplus item! This unit is rated for 4.5V open voltage and 100mA short circuit. We actually took a random unit outside and measured 4.95V open voltage and 94mA short circuit.

Termination is a 5.5mm x 2.1mm barrel plug, center positive on a 2m cable. Mates directly with many of our development boards. Monocrystalline high efficiency cells at 15-15.2%. Unit has a clear epoxy coating with hard-board backing. Robust sealing for out door applications!

Check out this iPhone Charger!

  • 3.7 x 2.4"

Solar Cell Small - 0.45W Product Help and Resources

Core Skill: Electrical Prototyping

If it requires power, you need to know how much, what all the pins do, and how to hook it up. You may need to reference datasheets, schematics, and know the ins and outs of electronics.

1 Electrical Prototyping

Skill Level: Noob - You don't need to reference a datasheet, but you will need to know basic power requirements.
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Comments

Looking for answers to technical questions?

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  • MoviesColin / about 8 years ago / 0

    Could I use a 5v step-up on this to create a regulated 5v output from the solar cell?

  • tbitson / about 13 years ago / 2

    Does anyone know if it has an internal blocking diode?

  • calle / about 14 years ago / 2

    I bought one of these and it works great, my problems is that if it's poor whether (like cloudy) for 2-3 days the battery that my project uses will drain.
    If it is sunny the thing gives about 100mA, but if its cloudy it will give a bout 1mA the difference was allot bigger than i expected.

  • Member #562459 / about 9 years ago / 1

    Has anyone measured the power out of this panel? At short circuit (zero voltage) the 100 mA won't do any work and at open circuit there is no current. Does anyone know what voltage this panel runs at when it is producing the most power (mA x V)?

  • Member #544304 / about 10 years ago / 1

    What are the physical dimensions of the panel?

  • Member #517007 / about 10 years ago / 1

    Can it be used with raspberry pi thanks.

  • eastpole / about 10 years ago / 1

    I'm thinking this could be very friendly with a MoPi! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hamishcunningham/mopi-mobile-and-24-7-power-for-the-raspberry-pi

  • Member #401698 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Would I be able to charge a 2000mah lipo with this? I have a power cell I could use as a charger.

    • NightEule5 / about 9 years ago / 1

      A bit late maybe but yes, this solar panel will charge a 2000mAh battery. Although I wouldn't recommend a power cell. I would recommend a sunny buddy, which has Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technology to get the most power out of the solar panel. You may have to wire two of these panels in series to get enough voltage to work with the sunny buddy though.

      Just a thought though: This solar panel and the sunny buddy in full sun will charge the previously mentioned battery in about 20 hours. Just something to consider.

  • Approximate Knowledge / about 11 years ago / 1

    Could I use this to power an Aniomagic kit instead of the included battery? Or is it too powerful?

  • MattthiasW / about 11 years ago / 1

    Just found out these fit perfectly in http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Hammond/1554F2GYCL/ if you're looking for outdoor deployment. Despite the "Robust sealing for out door applications!" assurances, the exposed grounding pin leaves me a little weary.

  • Member #319331 / about 12 years ago / 1

    I need a solar panel for my "waspmote" project. Somehow it is consuming too much power and the battery dies in a matter of weeks.

    The waspmote in hibernate mode consumes around 0.1mA per day, which is really little, what is the best solar panel for my case?

    www.libelium.com/documentation/waspmote/waspmote-technical_guide_eng.pdf here for details.

  • LoveMHz / about 12 years ago / 1

    Does anyone know the weight?

    • Blanco / about 11 years ago / 1

      The weight is 55g with cable and connector and maybe 30g panel only.

  • Econaut / about 12 years ago / 1

    How well does this work with the Energy Harvester?

    From what I've read so far it requires a minimum voltage input of ~5v? Does this solar cell maintain a stable 4.5v potential with varying current?

  • staticboy / about 12 years ago / 1

    How will this run with an Arduino uno? I currently use the 5V setting, but if I need 3.3V for this, is it at least worth it? For anyone interested, I am making a self powered machine!

  • Pytt Vypr / about 13 years ago / 1

    I have an Energizer Energi to Go 4001 usb battery that I would like to charge via solar energy. Can I use this solar panel or would i need to run 2 in series?
    Input from wall plug is DC 5v 1.5A.

  • Can I use this panel with an Arduino Duemilanove?

    • MikeGrusin / about 13 years ago * / 1

      The Arduino Duemilanove needs either regulated 5V or unregulated > 6.5V to operate properly. You might take a look at the 3.3V versions of the Arduino Pro and Pro Mini, which would be very happy with this panel.

  • alexc / about 14 years ago / 1

    this works directly with the barrel plug on the li-po battery charger board! Very awesome!

Customer Reviews

5 out of 5

Based on 1 ratings:

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Works Great

I used this small solar panel to charge a battery powered LED patio light. So far it is working fine. I would buy again.