Hi There Knowledgable Ones!

Just to see if it can be done. I have a solar panel outputing 1.5watts ( I do not know the voltage). This powers a small fountain and works really well on sunny days. I had this idea that if I put a rechargable battery (AA x 1, 2 ?? - your advice) in-line, it could be recharging in the daylight hours (and run the fountain) and then the battery (s) could take over for a period of time when it was "dark".

Sorry if this sounds idiotic, but Im not an elecronics guy. Your advice/info woud be appreciated.

Tks Jules

 

If you just put the battery in parallel with the fountain, the fountain would most likely stop. You need to measure the voltage and current if the operating fountain. Then we could tell you if it is feasible and how to do it.

Bob

 

Welcome to AAC.

It’s not idiotic but it may be impractical. The 1.5W rating of the cell would be for full sunlight. You’d need to determine the load presented by the fountain, and the load of charging the battery. It is most likely attempting to charge the battery at any reasonable rate would prevent the fountain from operating.

You might be able to add a solar cell and dedicate it to charging the battery.

In any case, you need to know how much power the fountain needs to operate.

[EDIT: typo repair]

 

If you just put the battery in parallel with the fountain, the fountain would most likely stop. You need to measure the voltage and current if the operating fountain. Then we could tell you if it is feasible and how to do it.

Bob

Beat me by this much.

 

Beat me by this much.

I am up early, making bagels.

Bob