How To Transform Your Traditional Radio Into a Solar-Powered One

It is not difficult to transform your battery-powered radio into a solar-powered one. It is said that this can be done in less than 10 minutes and for less than $10, depending on what you already have on hand. In essence, all you need to do is replace the disposable batteries with rechargeable ones, and connect a solar panel to the batteries so that the radio charges itself. Here is a list of things you will need, and a step-by-step guide to converting to solar.

-Rechargeable batteries (however many your radio requires – if your radio takes 4 disposable double-As, for example, get 4 double-A rechargeable batteries)

-Small solar panel with wires (generally available at electronics stores), comparable to the wattage of your radio (for example, a radio that takes 4 double-A batteries uses 6 volts). The solar panels from outdoor LED lights apparently work well for this project.

-6-volt 5-watt resistor

-Epoxy cement or double-sided tape

-Drill

-Soldering iron and solder material

-Screwdriver

-Electrical tape

Here is what you do:

1. Remove the conventional batteries from the radio.

2. Open the radio along its seam or joint – a flat-head screwdriver should work.

3. Drill a small hole in the back of the radio, making sure it is in a place where the wires will not interfere.

4. Run the wires from the solar panel through the hole.

5. Solder the resistor to the solar panel’s positive terminal.

6. Determine where the battery contacts are (these are marked with a positive [+] or negative [-] symbol, and are how you determine in which direction the batteries are to be inserted).

7. Solder the solar panel’s wires to the appropriate circuits, making sure positive is soldered to positive and negative to negative. If neccessary, use the electrical tape to cover any wires that are exposed at the joints.

8. Snap the radio back together.

9. Put the rechargeable batteries into the radio in place of the disposable ones.

10. Attach the solar panel to the back of the radio using whichever adhesive you chose (double-sided tape or epoxy).

A solar powered radio can work indoors as well. You can place it in a sunny window, or near a light bulb.

This will certainly save you money on batteries! Throwing away fewer batteries doesn’t just save you money – it helps save the landfills from being filled with disposable batteries.

Converting small appliances such as radios does not need to be complicated, expensive, or time-consuming. This is also a good way to get started doing solar conversion – a successful radio project may inspire you to move on to bigger projects. Who knows – you may find yourself doing solar conversions for other people and starting your own business!

Related posts:

1. DIY Solar Panels – Do They Work?
2. Freeloader Solar charger – Product Review
3. Understanding Solar Box Cookers
4. Alternative Energy: Learn How You Can Improve Your Home To Help The Environment

Tags: Solar Power, solar radio, sustainable energy