Solar Panel

[Xandas]

If Had a 3V@40mA (approx current) Panel.. If I put the current through a Schottkey Diode and Connect it to a 2-AA Holder would it charge?

 

[lopoetve]

You have enough potential there, but not NEARLY enough current. That's the problem with solar panels, plenty of volts, no amps

Most rechargable batteries are ~1600-2000 mAh. You're way short. So, while it ~would~ work, they would charge VERY slow. DAYS to charge.

 

[Xandas]

There has to be a way to make it reasonably small and still decently effective.. any ideas anyone.

 

[punisher]

Originally posted by Xandas
There has to be a way to make it reasonably small and still decently effective.. any ideas anyone.

No. lopoetve spelled it out. There is no way to bypass the laws of physics or electricity. 40ma at 3V is all you got. It will work but as said above it will take days to charge a pair of batteries. Might work to keep a pair of NiCd/NiMH topped off.

 

[lopoetve]

That's the reason that most serious solar panels not only cost an arm and a leg (efficiency in converting photons to a usable current), but are normally quite big. Not many high energy photons around here.