How to Make a Battery-Powered Fan Into a Solar Fan
- 1). Purchase a small solar panel, about 2 to 5 inches long on all sides. Consider a panel from a kit for a solar car or backyard lights. Disassemble the light if you chose this source, and remove the panel from the set-up.
- 2). Attach the battery holder to the solar panel by stripping the ends of the wires, and solder the red wires of the battery holder to the positive terminal of the solar panel, and solder the black wires to the other terminal. If the wires have alligator clamps, you do not need to strip and solder them; simply clamp them on the terminals.
- 3). Attach the DC motor to the back of the fan. Depending on the size and shape of your fan, you may have to experiment with the appropriate place and method to attach it. Your fan may already have a hole in the back to stick the motor in; if not, you can poke or drill a hole that fits the motor.
- 4). Connect the remaining wires of the battery holder to the motor so that the blades produce the best air flow. You may need to test the wires before you solder or clamp them. Connecting the positive and negative wires to different terminals may cause the blades to rotate in the wrong direction, creating a backward airflow.
- 5). Cut the black wire between the fan and the battery. Solder a switch in the place where you cut the wire. You can skip this step if you simply want the fan to turn on whenever it is in sunlight.
- 6). Attach all the parts to something solid so that they form a cohesive unit. If you disassembled a light, you can use the light structure to house the materials. Otherwise, tape the motor to a wooden dowel or a box, and tape the solar panel and battery combination to the other side. Tape the switch to a place where it is easy to access. Test the unit to ensure proper airflow.
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