Solar Panel for Arduino Weather Station

thingiverse

Work in Progress: Expect Significant Changes Over Next Few Weeks. Note that all STLs are currently oriented randomly, not in suggested print orientation. When design is finalized, they will be properly aligned for final revision. 1.8W Solar Panel Holder for Arduino Weather Station. https://www.thingiverse.com/SeanTheITGuy/collections/arduino-weather-station This design was created around a 305mm x 100mm x 2.3mm solar panel from an automotive 12v solar trickle charger such as this unit: https://sunforceproducts.com/products/1-8-watt-12-volt-solar-battery-maintainer/ These are available under many store brands for around $10-20 when on sale. I repurposed one that was broken and cracked, removing the glass panel to create a power plant for my Arduino weather station. It outputs about 16 volts in moderate light, stepped down inside the control box to a suitable voltage for charging lithium cells. All components of my Weather Station are modular, with the same 7 cm mounting flange on all external components. A pair of front covers are required, fitting together to complete assembly. There's enough room under where the panel sits to use double-sided tape and secure wires with some sort of tape or hot glue to prevent stress on solder points.