Not sure where this question should go so I posted it here...
I have one of those decorative solar lamps, heavy cast head goes on a metal pole, hasn't worked in some time so took it down to have a look at it.
It has a fairly large array of panels compared to the single panel sold in those cheapo solar lights sold in the dollar stores. But when I measure the voltage coming off the panel in full sunlight it struggles to reach half a volt. In comparison the cheapo dollar store ones easily put out 2.3 volts. I know they are different designs and the one I have uses a 4v 4ah SLA battery and a much more complicated circuit board but my question is... is the solar array dead or was there a time that half a volt was the expected output ?
I was hoping to use the array and replace the circuit board (not sure if it's working) and the old SLA battery for a couple nicads at minimum or lithium even better. The single led inside still works.
I have one of those decorative solar lamps, heavy cast head goes on a metal pole, hasn't worked in some time so took it down to have a look at it.
It has a fairly large array of panels compared to the single panel sold in those cheapo solar lights sold in the dollar stores. But when I measure the voltage coming off the panel in full sunlight it struggles to reach half a volt. In comparison the cheapo dollar store ones easily put out 2.3 volts. I know they are different designs and the one I have uses a 4v 4ah SLA battery and a much more complicated circuit board but my question is... is the solar array dead or was there a time that half a volt was the expected output ?
I was hoping to use the array and replace the circuit board (not sure if it's working) and the old SLA battery for a couple nicads at minimum or lithium even better. The single led inside still works.
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