In this Best of Breed, we’ll start by looking at a few simple solar components for those of you starting from scratch. Then we’ll take a look at a few bits that feature solar power in lieu of disposable batteries or power cords. Something for everyone!
And you’ll notice I didn’t cover any generic solar cells. Why? Honestly, there isn’t much to say about a 3 V solar cell, and they can be found on almost any DIY supplier’s site. I’ll be looking at a few of my favourite solar components, unusual solar cells, and kits.
The Adafruit Colossal 6V 9W Solar Panel received a 10/10! They state: “When you need power, this is it!”
Stop breadboarding and soldering – start making immediately! Adafruit’s Circuit Playground is jam-packed with LEDs, sensors, buttons, alligator clip pads and more. Build projects with Circuit Playground in a few minutes with the drag-and-drop MakeCode programming site, learn computer science using the CS Discoveries class on code.org, jump into CircuitPython to learn Python and hardware together, TinyGO, or even use the Arduino IDE. Circuit Playground Express is the newest and best Circuit Playground board, with support for CircuitPython, MakeCode, and Arduino. It has a powerful processor, 10 NeoPixels, mini speaker, InfraRed receive and transmit, two buttons, a switch, 14 alligator clip pads, and lots of sensors: capacitive touch, IR proximity, temperature, light, motion and sound. A whole wide world of electronics and coding is waiting for you, and it fits in the palm of your hand.
Have an amazing project to share? The Electronics Show and Tell is every Wednesday at 7pm ET! To join, head over to YouTube and check out the show’s live chat – we’ll post the link there.
