PV Gap

Joy Said:

how do you measure light using the solar panels of a calculator??

We Answered:

You don't quite have enough information in your question.

If you can't destroy the calculator, you can measure the light. But your "reading" will be:
a) Enough light to power the calculator
b) Not enough light to power the calculator

And that IS a measurement.

To get a "scale" you should cover the solar panel with a card. Then slide the card slowly exposing the solar panels until the calculator can come on. You could use a ruler to "scale" the amount of exposed power. If you have strong light, you will have to expose less panel.

That is a better measurement because you can tell degree, not just "on/off" but the scale would have no direct relation to anything else, you would have to calibrate it. And you could.

If you can destroy your calculator to get the panel, just hook it up to a volt meter and you are done. You could feed it through op amps and the like to adjust its sensitivity to light.

Josephine Said:

Can you put a soloar panel and battery together?

We Answered:

Yes, it can be done. It's not the best way to get more voltage, but it would work. Both items are DC voltage sources and should connect in series. The current will be limited to the source with the smallest current capacity, which would be the solar panel.

Vera Said:

will calculator recharge its battery if I switch it from lithium to li-ion battery?

We Answered:

no it will not the size of that panel is only powerful enough to power the calcatulator or even to just increase batt life by supplementing batt power. so in no. also they don't make li ion in that size

Pearl Said:

Making a model Solar Panel?

We Answered:

making solar panels is easy. here's a link to a DIY of solar cells. 10 easy steps