It is now remarkably easy to build your own solar backpack with one of our small solar panels. We chose this classic and sublimely simple Orange Superbreak backpack from Jansport on Amazon.
To make it, you just need:
– 1 x 3.5 Watt Panel
– F3511-MicroUSB Adapter
– V11 Battery (Now Available as the V15)
– Battery Clip (optional)
The back of each panel has four screws you can use to attach the panel to the bag. Mark off on the pocket where you want to make 4 small holes.
Then carefully, make an incision at each point. Make one more hole for the cable from the solar panel. I oriented the cable on the right side of the pocket as the input to the battery is on the right side. Push the screws threw the holes and screw the nuts on. I put a thin piece of rubber between the nut and the fabric to spread the force out a bit.
Attach the battery clip and the F3511-MiniUSB adapter to the battery.
Clip the battery into the pocket and attach the solar panel to the battery.
You’re done! Go charge.
Could you use your 2 watt solar panel to do this as well? Understanding it would take longer of course.
Sure!
Hi! I have a question about the DIY backpack. If I couldn’t find the V11 battery, would the V15 battery work? I tried to connect the 3.5 watt solar panel to the battery but the solar panel cord keeps coming off of the battery. Do I need to buy something else?
Yes, the V15 would work (the V15 replaced the V11). You need the F3511-MicroUSB adapter to connect from the panel to the side of the battery. See: http://www.voltaicsystems.com/f3511-microusb
Good luck.