Advice needed - Charging NiMHs with solar power

Batteries and Chargers Chargers
1

I have solar panel - 5.25V (regulated) and 640 mA (max output).

Can I just dumb charge 3 x AA Eneloops (3.6V or 3.3V when basically empty), I mean connect them in series (look picture below) - and charge them? And when the pack goes to 4.2V (3x1.4V) disconnect them?

Would non-consistent current from solar panel hurt the batteries? (clouds, sun strength, shadows etc.)

Thanks!

2

Yes, and no, I think. It would probably damage the batteries and not be good for them and decrease their capacity. Is it just me or is that USB output? If so you can get a usb charger for batteries.

3

Yeah, it is USB compatible but are there any budget USB chargers? I haven't seen any.

There are cheap 2xAA chargers on ebay but only charge @160 mA.

4

http://www.meritline.com/usb-aa-aaa-battery-charger-with-led-light-indicator---p-43822.aspx?strcoup=MLCK518LNL1&dealid=36123 This one was on meritline for $.79+ tax shipped, I miss the deal. I got this one from a review here, I think is old4570 or Don. Work pretty good.

5

there's a thread on solar charging batteries in the CPF marketplace that's an interesting read

no idea if this will help since it only charges devices via a usb, but it's a cheap and very versatile charger

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004B9ZK4M/ref=s9_simh_gw_p23_d2_g23_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_r=03A2VEJKY33D14YKH8CD&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938811&pf_rd_i=507846

keep in mind that it's australian and has an australian type plug, you can buy the US version for $45

I've been looking on how to make my own solar box, but that's only because I can't find a 26650 box.

6

Welcome to BLF asval! The cef23 is definitely a good choice and is highly recommended.

7

thanks for the welcome and yep I love it

8

I still find it hard to believe that there are no budget NiMH chargers with USB IN and USB OUT ports.

GoalZero has Guide 10 battery pack for its solar panel system, but it is around $40-$50. Not very budget.

9

Yeah I have one of the goal zero ones and it is great.

10

cottonpickers in cpf marketplace sells one for $10 and I assume you could find it in ebay by searching for it

11

Welcome to the cool kids' club, asval!