How to Hook Up a Solar Panel to 12 Volts
- 1). Lay your first solar cell in the place it will be when your device is fully constructed, and in as much sunlight as possible. Wrap the stripped ends of the lead wires to the terminals of the multimeter and measure the output.
- 2). Wire more solar cells in series to increase the voltage (if necessary) by connecting the leads from the solar cells positive to negative until you have only one negative and one positive remaining. Measure the output in bright sunlight after you add each solar cell.
- 3). Solder all the solar panels together at their connecting points, and attach the two remaining leads to the power inputs of your device.
- 4). Place the entire construction in the brightest sunlight possible and allow several seconds for the solar cells to gather enough energy to power your device.