12VDC Solar to 1.2VDC Regulator?
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URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=145589
Printed Date: April 25, 2024 at 5:04 AM
Topic: 12VDC Solar to 1.2VDC Regulator?
Posted By: ccinpa
Subject: 12VDC Solar to 1.2VDC Regulator?
Date Posted: August 23, 2019 at 7:36 PM
I have a requirement to connect a 12VDC Solar-panel to a 1.5VDC device. Since the 12-volts may fluctuate, I need some sort of regulator? If so, what type?
Replies:
Posted By: eguru
Date Posted: August 24, 2019 at 6:19 PM
A buck converter like this should be more than adequate:
https://abra-electronics.com/voltage-regulator-modules/psm-160-5a-step-down-converter.html
even this one would be more than adequate:
https://abra-electronics.com/voltage-regulator-modules/psm-260-mini-4.75-23-vdc-to-1v-17vdc-step-down-converter.html
Posted By: ccinpa
Date Posted: August 24, 2019 at 7:02 PM
Thanks... The examples you were very helpful! Forgot to mention, need waterproof too. :oops:
So I am looking at this:
https://www./itm/Waterproof-Adjustable-DC-DC-Buck-Voltage-Converter-8-22V-to-Regulated-1-15V-3A/162787166486?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372
I read the work "regulated". If the input fluctuates, will the output remain steady?
Posted By: eguru
Date Posted: August 25, 2019 at 7:49 AM
I couldn't reach the page you linked but if it says "regulated" the output should remain reasonably steady over the specified input range of 8-22V.
Since whatever you are powering was using a 1.5V battery, the regulation doesn't need too be too tight.
However, since you are powering from a "12V" solar panel, I would look for a lower input voltage range than 8V.
You could easily waterproof the units I have linked by sealing them into a small plastic (pill) bottle.
Posted By: ccinpa
Date Posted: August 25, 2019 at 9:17 AM
I like a challenge(no matter the size), then a solution
With all the helpful input... Here is what I came up with. Thoughts?
Posted By: eguru
Date Posted: August 25, 2019 at 3:18 PM
How is your 24VDC solar panel going to charge your 12V battery?
Overall, I think this is overkill for for a lawn ornament.
Posted By: ccinpa
Date Posted: August 25, 2019 at 4:41 PM
This is why I'm here... For solutions?
Posted By: eguru
Date Posted: August 25, 2019 at 6:42 PM
Why do you need the battery. Does the load have to run 24/7 and for extended periods.
What is powering your load now - a battery? what size - how long does it run on a battery before it stops working.
Answers to those questions (and anything else you can tell us about your project) will help with determining the best solution.
Posted By: ccinpa
Date Posted: August 25, 2019 at 7:18 PM
eguru] wrote:
Why do you need the battery. Does the load have to run 24/7 and for extended periods.
>>> I believe I need the battery to compensate for the low-sunlight times? Only need power during daylight-hours
What is powering your load now - a battery? what size - how long does it run on a battery before it stops working.
Yes a battery - 1.5v 1w. Works for about 18-hours.
Answers to those questions (and anything else you can tell us about your project) will help with determining the best solution.
Posted By: eguru
Date Posted: August 29, 2019 at 9:34 AM
ccinpa wrote:
eguru] wrote:
Why do you need the battery. Does the load have to run 24/7 and for extended periods.
>>> I believe I need the battery to compensate for the low-sunlight times? Only need power during daylight-hours
What is powering your load now - a battery? what size - how long does it run on a battery before it stops working.
Yes a battery - 1.5v 1w. Works for about 18-hours.
Answers to those questions (and anything else you can tell us about your project) will help with determining the best solution.
A 1.5W solar panel isn't going to charge a battery and run your 1W load. Since you don't show anything in your diagram that is going to turn off the load during the night, you would need to be charging the battery with at least a 5W solar panel in order for your load to operate 24/7. The conversion efficiency of the dc-dc converter also needs to be taken into account along with the self-discharge of the lead-acid battery.
Posted By: ccinpa
Date Posted: September 04, 2019 at 7:29 PM
Thanks for all your help... Here is what I put into operation. It may not look pretty... But it works! 
Posted By: ccinpa
Date Posted: October 07, 2019 at 12:39 PM
You-all have been so helpful... Now I need more help! :D
I have everything working as you see in this attachment. But, the ornament continues to run during the night and drains the battery. I am looking for a solution to stop the feed to the ornament during the night.
Help?
Posted By: ccinpa
Date Posted: October 07, 2019 at 7:42 PM
Are there any final thoughts/suggestions before I close-up for the winter? Then, readdress this in the spring.
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