Spring 2017 Mini Pathfinder Solar Cell Voltage Test
Solar Cell Blog Post
By: Edgardo Villalobos (Manufacturing-Solar Panel)
Introduction
The mini pathfinder will utilize one small encapsulated 5V 200mA solar cell. The reason for this is because it requires less cells to come up with the voltage and current required to charge the battery than if using the normal type cells, meaning less real estate on the small rover.
Results
The size of the solar panel for the Mini Pathfinder should be 122x52mm, but the size of the one on hand is 120x70mm. This cell will be connected through the usb port to recharge the battery on the 3Dot board.The measured voltage was 5.2V
Figure 1. Solar Panel Voltage
Conclusion
The voltage of this solar panel is enough to charge the 3Dot board through the usb port during operation. The next step will be to determine if the solar panel can output enough current.