I have 2 solar panels, each outputing 8 volts at 50ma. I'll be using them for various applications, and would like to build a circuit that would let me switch between series and parallel output with the flip of a switch. My electonic knowledge is beginner-intermediate, and I've searched on the topic, but all I get is guitar amp articles. Any insight on a circuit design is very appreciated!
Thanks, Alan
You can do it with just a DPDT toggle switch.
I wonder if this is one of the diagrams you found:
That web page is about switching pick-ups, but the principle is the same: A+ and A- are the terminals of solar cell A B+ and B- are the terminals of solar cell B OUT + and OUT - are the output.
+---------+----------> +OUT | | +---+---+ | | + | | | | | | - | | +---+---+ | | | +---------|-----O DPDT Center Off | \ Switch | V +--|---O O-+ | | | | +---O O-+ | ^ | / +------|--------O | | +---+---+ | | + | | | | | | - | | +---+---+ | | | +------+-------------> -OUT
If you want to do this remotely, replace the DPDT switch with a relay (you lose the easy option of an OFF position if you do this).
Wow thank you, that was very helpful. It's amazing how simple it is, I was prepared to use a couple transistors and diodes :)
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