[2018 update!] $12 Harbor Freight Solar Panel Hack 1.5 watt to power LED Strip (Part1)

2018 version of the Solar Panel are snapped together, no screw attached. I found this out after spending the first 5 mins removing the screw caps that don't exist. True power = 1.2 watt on an Arizona sunny day - won't charge your car, don't waste time.

[@dawspharkq6917]

This will only keep your battery topped up, not charge it. Much much quicker to drill the LED out, Voltage rate will increase. I've drilled mine, and siliconed the hole, as well as the panel to the frame, and around the edges to make it watertight. Stuck it on my shed roof. Still working well after a week of rain in the UK

[@Djflatbush]

I like this idea. This is what I’m doing!

[@jp040759]

Best video I found regarding this solar panel. Definitely will not charge a car sized battery. This just cannot put out enough power to do so. Great for 3 to 7 amphour batteries. I think you might get away with no DC-DC converter.

[@tahayt6142]

I have the one that had a blue light and I took the board out cuz it was rusty and now it produces about 17v but can't power anything not even a small led light what can I do??

[@fatwod]

NIce job! And Miles...best part!

[@uploader142]

Where is part two

[@marbbridges]

I wonder if you can do this on a 45 watt solar panel

[@kwok3d]

Same concept applies, you just need a charging controller, bigger battery.

[@boshii]

what's the name of the tune?

[@seamusc508]

My doesn't have the blue led. And it works great.

[@kwok3d]

Must be the new version. Don't matter, this panel is too weak to power anything. Perhaps a PC cooling fan :)

[@rianmattes8292]

Nice video but you went too fast and should have explained what you were doing

[@rianmattes8292]

Can you explain exactly what’s going on here? Did you just cut that black wire and that’s it?

[@kwok3d]

@@rianmattes8292 The black wire power the blue LED which causing unstable voltage. After cutting it off, voltage became static.

[@danbud7002]

Anyone notice the girl moaning at 2:20 on the video?

[@theduderski2848]

you really don't need the buck converter