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I just hit this for basically free. My idea is to let it charge up some power banks for free using the sun.

https://pic8.co/sh/Vjb9Hw.jpeg

https://pic8.co/sh/dv7NgW.jpeg

Do I need anything else? Some things I read mention getting a regulator to make sure it doesn’t go above 5volts. Is this necessary? Likely need to leave it plugged in for days or weeks for larger power banks like 20,000 mAh

Some people mentioned in low or no light and plugged in, it will actually draw power out of the device it is plugged in.

I don’t know anything about any of this. Looking for your wisdom.

I just hit this for basically free. My idea is to let it charge up some power banks for free using the sun. https://pic8.co/sh/Vjb9Hw.jpeg https://pic8.co/sh/dv7NgW.jpeg Do I need anything else? Some things I read mention getting a regulator to make sure it doesn’t go above 5volts. Is this necessary? Likely need to leave it plugged in for days or weeks for larger power banks like 20,000 mAh Some people mentioned in low or no light and plugged in, it will actually draw power out of the device it is plugged in. I don’t know anything about any of this. Looking for your wisdom.

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[–] • 2 pts

In one word, yes.

Solar panels are great for generating power, but they're highly dependent on the amount of light they receive. You need regulators. That prevents the panel from over charging your battery. It's even better if you have an MPPT controller that allows lower light levels to charge your battery.

Here's a good article about a cheap charging system for about $5. (diyfactory.medium.com)

[–] • 1 pt

Gotta be honest. I’m confused. I don’t think I need to add a battery to the mix.

As it is, I can plug the power bank into the solar panel and the solar panel charges it.

What I need to make sure of (I think) is that the solar panel doesn’t push damaging voltage to the power bank, and that the solar panel doesn’t discharge the power bank I’m trying to charge when it’s night time or cloudy.

Help?