All Activities
Build a solar powered charger

Build a solar powered charger
Green highlight

Build a simple solar charger with a small solar panel, rechargeable battery, and USB module, learning about renewable energy and circuits.

Orange shooting star
Download Guide
Collect Badge
Background blob
Challenge Image
Skill Badge
Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to build a solar-powered charger

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Charge Anywhere! - DIY Solar Power Bank

What you need
Adult supervision required, alligator clip leads or jumper wires, electrical tape, marker and adhesive label, rechargeable li ion battery pack with matching connector, small plastic box to hold parts, small solar panel 5v, solar usb charge controller module with battery port, usb cable for charging

Step 1

Lay out all materials on a clean table so you can see everything clearly.

Step 2

Have an adult help you identify the positive wire color red and the negative wire color black on the solar panel and on the controller.

Step 3

Attach the solar panel wires to the controller input terminals using the alligator clips matching red to the controller + and black to the controller -.

Step 4

Plug the rechargeable battery connector into the controller battery port matching the battery connector orientation.

Step 5

Move the solar panel into bright sunlight so the controller can start receiving power.

Step 6

Watch the controller charging LED to confirm the controller shows it is charging the battery.

Step 7

Plug the USB cable into the controller USB output port so you can power a device later.

Step 8

Secure any loose wires with small pieces of electrical tape so nothing pulls loose.

Step 9

Place the controller and battery neatly inside the small plastic box and close the lid to protect the parts.

Step 10

Label the box with the marker and adhesive label with a name like Solar Charger and today’s date.

Step 11

Leave the solar panel in the sun for at least one hour to charge the battery inside the controller.

Step 12

Test your charger by plugging a small USB device into the USB cable and then share your finished creation on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share
Challenge badge placeholder
Challenge badge

Help!?

What can we use instead of hard-to-find alligator clips or the small plastic box?

If you can't find alligator clips, strip and loop the solar panel wires under the controller's input screw terminals or use a small terminal block, and if you don't have the small plastic box use a clean Tupperware container or pencil case to hold the controller and battery.

The controller's charging LED won't turn on — what should we check?

If the charging LED doesn't light, verify red is connected to the controller + and black to -, make sure the rechargeable battery connector is fully plugged in, secure any loose alligator clips or wires with electrical tape, and move the solar panel into brighter sunlight.

How can we adapt the activity for younger kids or make it more challenging for older kids?

For younger children have an adult handle step 2–4 (identifying wires and attaching clips) while the child lays out materials, closes the box, and watches the LED, and for older kids add soldered connections, a larger battery, or design an adjustable panel mount before labeling and testing the USB output.

What are simple ways to extend or personalize the solar charger project?

Enhance the charger by adding an inline switch on the controller's USB output, installing a blocking diode at the panel input, upgrading to a larger solar panel for faster charging, mounting the panel on a tilt stand for better sunlight during step 5, and decorating the plastic box with stickers and a personalized label.

Watch videos on how to build a solar-powered charger

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

How to Make a Foldable Solar Mobile Charger | Solar Charger Project

4 Videos

Facts about solar energy and basic electronics

☀️ The sunlight that hits Earth in one hour could power the whole world for about a year (that’s a lot of sunny superhero energy!).

⚡ Solar panels still make electricity on cloudy days because they can use diffuse light, just less than on bright sunny days.

🪙 Pocket-sized solar panels usually produce just a few watts — enough to charge phones or small gadgets, but not to run a toaster.

🔋 Small rechargeable batteries like lithium-ion can be charged hundreds of times before they need replacing — perfect for many DIY chargers.

🔌 USB charging commonly uses 5 volts, so most DIY USB modules convert the solar panel’s output to a steady 5V for safe phone charging.

How do I build a simple solar-powered USB charger with a small panel, battery, and USB module?

Start by connecting a small 5V solar panel to a solar charge controller or a TP4056 module designed for solar input, then connect a rechargeable Li‑ion battery to the controller, ensuring a protection circuit is present. Add a USB boost or use a module that outputs 5V USB. Use a blocking diode to prevent backflow at night, secure connections with solder or screw terminals, mount components in an enclosure, and test in full sun with a multimeter. Always supervise and follow battery safety.

What materials and parts do I need to build a kid-friendly solar charger?

Materials: a small 5V solar panel (1–6W), a rechargeable battery (protected 18650 Li‑ion 3.7V or a 3.7V LiPo), a solar charge controller or TP4056 with solar input and protection, a USB boost converter to 5V (if needed), diode, wires, switch, enclosure, and mounting hardware. Tools: soldering iron, wire strippers, hot glue, multimeter, and safety goggles. Optional: LEDs, indicator, and small voltmeter module.

What ages is this solar charger activity suitable for?

Suitable ages: With adult supervision, children aged 8–12 can participate in wiring, assembling parts, and learning concepts. Ages 12+ can handle soldering and more independent construction if they understand battery safety. For children under 8, limit to hands-on learning like mounting parts, labeling wires, and testing solar power while adults handle electrical connections. Always supervise all ages around batteries, soldering irons, and tools.

What are the benefits, safety tips, and simple variations for this solar charger project?

Benefits include hands-on learning about renewable energy, basic circuitry, problem-solving, and environmental awareness. Safety tips: always use a protected battery, include a charge controller, never short cells, wear eye protection while soldering, and supervise children. Variation: build a portable USB-only pack, add LED charge indicators, or use a small solar-powered powerbank kit to simplify components. These changes let families scale complexity to skill level and safety needs.
DIY Yeti Character
Join Frame
Flying Text Box

One subscription, many ways to play and learn.

Try for free

Only $6.99 after trial. No credit card required

To create a safe space for kid creators worldwide!

Discovery Tools

DIY Wiki

DIY TV

Creativity Tools

How to draw

Teacher Tools

SafeTube

DIY Blog

2025, URSOR LIMITED. All rights reserved. DIY is in no way affiliated with Minecraft™, Mojang, Microsoft, Roblox™ or YouTube. LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO® Group which does not sponsor, endorse or authorize this website or event. Made with love in San Francisco.