Solar pannel charger not working any advice?

Question

i hoked up 4 little solar pannels and my mulit meter said it put out about 6.2v and then when i hoked up a little 5v motor it did not make it spin and i dont know what the problem is because it has 6v and it only needs 5v and it still is not working. if anyone could tell me the problem or if i am doing something wrong please tell me!

Answer 1

Your solar cells develop 6.2v with no load, and next to nothing with a substantial load because they have a high source impedance and cannot deliver significant amperage. The motor has a low impedance and the cells cannot deliver the amperage needed to make it operate.

Answer 2

If you are only using the motor occasionally, use the solar panel to charge a battery and then connect the motor to the battery. If you want to use it more often, you may have to think about getting a bigger solar panel.

The power generated over time must equal or be greater than the power consumed (over time).

Answer 3

The solar panels are probably not providing enough current to make the motor spin. Try putting the meter across the motor terminals then connecting the solar panels, I think you will find that the voltage is quite low.

Try a smaller motor, maybe a lower voltage one.