Building a Portable Solar Power Radio

Portable solar power energy can have many practical uses. Hunters and campers benefit from the many uses regularly. Building your own solar-powered radio isn’t difficult, and it’s a good thing to have on hand. Here’s how to make one for yourself.

Step 1 - Remove Solar Panel

Start by removing the solar panel from your solar garden light. Choose a garden light that has eight solar strips. These strips need to run the full width of the panel. You can usually carefully pry the panel out by removing the lens and using a screwdriver to gently pop the panel out. Once this is out you can just cut the connector wire and take it out all together.

Step 2 - Connect The Radio

If you’re lucky enough to have a radio with a built-in socket for the main adapter, then this will be very easy for you. You just need to have a jack plug that will work.

If you aren’t so lucky, you will need to rewire the unit. To do this you will need to take the rear panel off the radio. Identify the positive and the negative connections. You may want to use a voltage or multimeter to do this. Solder the positive to the red and the neutral to the black. You may need to drill a few holes in the back of the plastic radio panel to bring the wires through.

Step 3 - Install Solar Panel

You are now ready to begin working with the IN4100. You will need to solder it to the positive terminal on the panel itself. You will need to ensure that the black band is facing away from the solar panel to make sure you have the connections installed properly. You will also need to use the meter to ensure the connections are good.

Step 4 - Finish Up

At this point you can finish the project up. Use the double-sided tape to position the solar panel on the radio. Try to make sure it is as centrally located as possible. You may be able to place it on top of the radio if it was built with a stand. Attach the positive and negative wires to the respective places on the solar panel using the soldering device. Tape everything up to keep it secure and cover any joints that are exposed.

Purchasing a Solar Radio

If this all sounds too complicated for you to do, then you can always purchase a solar-powered radio. You can find these ranging in price from $45 to $80. You may be able to find them for less expensive at online auction sites.