Tools, APP Software Used etc.

KiCad 8.0

Description

Solar energy harvester for small solar panels

I wanted to harness the power of the sun in a small form factor and decided to experiment with ultra-low level power harvesting. I used a microchip from Texas Instruments to create a circuit board that harvests energy from the low power solar panel without using any batteries. It discharges when the voltage reaches 3.9 or 4.2V selectable by the user by solder bridging a contact.

This can power a tiny high gear ratio motor when enough energy is stored inside the capacitor. I made a small garden ornament butterfly with it that flaps its wings periodically when the sun is out.

Download Gerbers Download BOM(Bill of materials)

Oct 16,2025

479 views

Solar energy harvester for small solar panels

2 Layers PCB 14 x 66.5 mm FR-4, 1.6 mm, 1, HASL with lead, White Solder Mask, Black silkscreen

This board harvests solar energy from tiny solar cells and uses a supercapacitor to discharge its energy when a voltage threshold is reached

479

Published: Oct 16,2025

Standard PCB

Download Gerber file 6

BOM(Bill of materials)

Centroid file

Other files for Assembly

PCBWay Donate 10% cost To Author

Only PCB

PCB+Assembly

Add to cart

Project images are for reference only. Actual production is based on the manufacturing files on the project page. Please review the designer's notes (e.g., PCB thickness) and select the appropriate options. PCBWay is not responsible for issues caused by unsuitable parameter selections.
For more important ordering information, please refer to Read More

Copy this HTML into your page to embed a link to order this shared project

Copy