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08-23-2019, 07:11 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 24
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12VDC Solar to 1.2VDC Regulator?
I have a requirement to connect a 12VDC Solar-panel to a 1.5VDC device. Since the 12-volts may fluctuate, I need some sort of regulator? If so, what type?
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08-23-2019, 08:08 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 35,413
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I have used a few if these to power battery powered devices from my 12 volt battery systems.
One for a 3 volt tankless water heater and one for a USB Hub.
Been working for 10 years so far.
https://www.dimensionengineering.com/products/de-swadj
I also used the breakout boards for easy connections without soldering.
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08-24-2019, 11:47 AM
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#3
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Senior Member/RVM #90
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Columbus, MS
Posts: 54,758
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Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang! 
Looks like twinboat has solved your problem. Noticed that you are kinda new on IRV2 and wanted to say hello! Have fun and keep her between the ditches!
Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!  
__________________
Joe & Annette
Sometimes I sits and thinks, sometimes I just sits.....
2002 Monaco Windsor 40PBT, 2013 Honda CRV AWD
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08-24-2019, 03:16 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 2,102
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You could also use a DC-DC converter like this one on Ebay . https://www.ebay.com/itm/Volt-Conver...id=1338892933& They are a little more efficient than a regulator.
__________________
1993 Tiffin Allegro Bay 32'
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08-24-2019, 05:18 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: SW Louisiana
Posts: 8,931
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The big question is how big of amp draw, and do you need it to fail gracefully when it gets dark outside.
__________________
2002 Safari Trek 2830 on P32 Chassis with 8.1L w/ 400 watts solar 420Ah LiFePo4
2017 Jeep Cherokee Overland & 2007 Toyota Yaris TOADs with Even Brake,
Demco Commander tow bar and Blue Ox / Roadmaster base plates
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08-24-2019, 06:12 PM
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#6
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Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 24
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Soppy
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ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m14 38.l9372[/url]
I read the work "regulated". If the input fluctuates, will the output remain steady?
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08-24-2019, 07:24 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,304
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A small 12 volt sealed lead acid rechargeable battery would act as a buffer if the power fluctuates.
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08-25-2019, 05:18 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 2,102
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CristClapper
ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m14 38.l9372[/url]
I read the work "regulated". If the input fluctuates, will the output remain steady?
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The output will not fluctuate as long as the solar panel has enough power to maintain the required current at 1.5 volts, so the output voltage is regulated. In any case the output voltage will not exceed 1.5 volts , but will drop to a lower value if there is not enough power from the panel.
__________________
1993 Tiffin Allegro Bay 32'
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08-25-2019, 08:06 AM
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#9
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Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 24
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I like a challenge(no matter the size), then a solution
With all the helpful input... Here is what I came up with. Thoughts?
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08-25-2019, 09:18 AM
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#10
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Community Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,198
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If the Goal is to run a little 1.5 volt butterfly ornament why not use one of these and call it a day ?
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08-25-2019, 09:43 AM
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#11
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Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 24
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pasdad1
If the Goal is to run a little 1.5 volt butterfly ornament why not use one of these and call it a day ?
Attachment 257898 |
Just asking... If there is a lack of sunlight to power the solar-panel... Would not the 1.5v feed stop?
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08-25-2019, 07:35 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 2,102
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CristClapper
With all the helpful input... Here is what I came up with. Thoughts?
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It will work till the battery goes dead. Your lawn ornament will draw .67 amps at 1.5 volts. Your solar panel will only produce .06 amps to charge the battery.
If you use a battery , you will have to install a low voltage disconnect between the battery and DC-DC converter to disconnect the battery when it becomes discharged. You will also need a larger solar panel and charge controller to prevent over charging the battery. A solar panel will only produce its rated current in full sunlight.
A 20 watt or larger panel will be able to directly power your lawn ornament and operate it throughout the day. Just make sure the open circuit voltage of the panel does not exceed the input range of the converter.
__________________
1993 Tiffin Allegro Bay 32'
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08-26-2019, 10:13 AM
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#13
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Community Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,198
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CristClapper
Just asking... If there is a lack of sunlight to power the solar-panel... Would not the 1.5v feed stop?
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Yes, but can you see the butterfly in the dark ? LOL
from your picture, it looks like this lawn ornament already has a solar panel to power it....right ? so I really doubt it takes 1 watt at 1.5 volts. If it is powered 24/7 some of these little motorized gizmos will wear out and break rather quickly I imagine.
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08-26-2019, 10:19 AM
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#14
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Community Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,198
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here is another inexpensive idea.
This little device charges AA rechargeable batteries with a solar cell. Put 1 rechargeable AA cell in it, and run wires from this cell to your device. The solar panel will charge or power the device with sunlight, and when there is no sunlight the AA battery supplies the power. It’s regulated by nature of the 1.25 volt rechargeable battery which acts as a buffer. If it needs more power you can 2, 3, or all 4 cells to the unit.
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