Home > categories > Energy Products > Solar Panels > I have a 6v solar panel , but a 3v dc motor doesn't run with that!!!!?
Question:

I have a 6v solar panel , but a 3v dc motor doesn't run with that!!!!?

the solar panel works with LEDs, small bulbs,etc but neve with any dcmotor. Please help. I have a science exhibition.

Answer:

It may be that the power output of your solar panel is not enough to drive the DC motor. It is producing up to 6 volts but it may not be producing many milliamps. LEDs need very little power to work but DC motors often need quite a high current to get them turning. If you can run several solar panels in parallel, you can probably increase the available current. Alternatively, can you expose the existing panel to much more light so as to get it to work at its maximum output? That might work. Good luck with your science exhibition.
Because its not voltage related its current related. look at the start up values for the motor w respect to current. This will be listed in amps or milliamps. Then cross reference that to the output of your solar panel also listed in amps or milli amps... ;)
BECAUSE IT COULD ENOUGH SUPPORT ENOUGH CURRENT, VOLTAGE DROPS DOWN NEAR V WHILE OVERLOADED WITH MOTOR. BUY A VERY LARGE SIZE SOLAR CELL WILL FIX IT.
It may well be that the motor demands more *current* than the panel can provide. Can you measure the voltage from the panel with the LEDs across it, and then with the motor across it? I suspect that you'll find that the motor makes the voltage collapse.

Share to: