We met Joel Murphy of Rachel’s electronics at Maker Faire New York and liked his use of a tiny solar cell to power a sensor and robotics platform called the Solarduino (Beta). We think remote sensors are going to explode in the next couple of years and solar certainly seems like a logical way to run them. He answered a few of our questions about potential applications and design challenges.
How would you see it being used?
Deep down, and even on the surface, I’m a robot freak. But not like most. I’m into machine intelligence and machine autonomy. You can see some of my artwork here. Ultimately, I want the SolArduino to be used for autonomous robotic systems that share the world with us. Initially, the SolArduino hardware is designed for environmental sensing. I took the opportunity to develop the arduino compatible platform while working with the Urban Design department at Parsons on an environmental sensing module. They want to place sensors around Manhattan to monitor and map urban livability (CO, noise, etc). So far, the device is testing very well. The next phase will be to give it some ‘legs’ and test it with firmware that reacts to battery level and the environment to create a self-sustainable low-power electronics life form.
Are there any public health/environmental applications?
The implication is that the SolArduino has as many applications as there are people working with it. My goals right now are low-power, low-cost sensing and robotic applications. As I was working on the prototype, I couldn’t get an image of a scientist attaching a sensor to the back of a sea turtle out of my head. I’m also inspired to facilitate that kind of scientific research on a DIY/backyard level.
What does solar allow you to do that you couldn’t do otherwise?
Solar Power allows for this kind of autonomous electronics system because it’s independent of any human intervention. Even if the battery runs out over an extended period of deeply dark and stormy days, with the Solar Piston circuit that I’ve developed, and the right firmware, the robot can sleep until it has enough power to continue its agenda. Or at least move to a brighter place. A robot or sensor can go anywhere and be expected to perform as long as there is enough sunlight. If there isn’t enough sunlight, the Solar Piston circuit can be connected to some other charge generating device: micro wind turbine, tidal vane, piezo stair tread… Perhaps there is a better name for the circuit that encompasses the variety of charge input, but I like Solar Piston. Or the name could change with the source Wind Piston, Tidal Piston…
What were some of the surprises of working with solar cells?
I’ve been working with low power solar panels for a while. I cut my solar teeth on BEAM robots and the thing that still continues to blow my mind is that the panel will keep providing a charge even in very low light. Another thing that is surprising is that a battery will discharge through a solar panel if the panel has a lower voltage.
You can see some pretty detailed technical information on the Solarduino here. I expect it will also be available as a kit soon.

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