HOW TO: Pocket Sized Solar Battery Charger

Ever wanted a battery charger that even a beginner can make? Well you've got it. Ever felt bad because of the fossil fuel that is burned and the fumes it releases into the environment every time you recharge your batteries from the wall outlet? Want a better alternative? You've got it!  This isn't the only alternative, but it is the only alternative that is cheap, green, easy and fast to make, efficient, compact, travel sized, and homemade. Ever wanted to tap into the enormous energy contained in a star? You can!  Even if you're a beginner, this project was designed for you. And what do you need? 1. A used solar powered lawn light. 2. AA Batteries that need to be charged. 3. Jeweler/Small Screwdriver. 4. Soldering iron.    With these few things this project is an absolute no-brainer!

Unscrew the solar powered yard light so that you can see the insides. You should be able to see a rechargeable battery. If you can't, then you probably need a different kind of yard light. Once you can see the insides you should take out all of the wires but the ones attached directly to the solar panel. Solder the black wire to the negative end of the battery holder and solder the white wire to the opposite end. IF your charger does not work, switch the ends of your wires. Replace the cover and hold it in place with one of your screws. FINALLY, we're finished. Put your rechargeable batteries into the battery holder. Leave in the sun all day.  Now you and your friends can go to any extreme place on planet earth(as long as it is sunny), and enjoy a wilderness adventure.  Wait there's more.........

Supplies:
   RadioShack 0.5W Solar Panel 9V
   RadioShack AA Battery Holder
   Dantona "AA" 1.2V/600mAH NI-CD Batteries
     
  Solder the black wire from your solar panel onto the negative end of your battery holder, and solder the white wire on the opposite end. If that doesn't work switch the ends of the battery holder that the wires are on. Glue your battery holder to the back of your solar panel.          

  Wasn't that easy?

  IF you want to  improve it even more, modify a small plastic container(for example a butter tub) into being a body for your project. You can do this by cutting a hole in the lid the size of your solar panel and then placing your solar panel in the hole and gluing it in place with something other than hot glue.   Thank you for reading. If you can think of someway of making it more efficient or just in general more interesting, please tell me how by posting a comment. If you like this Instructable, please vote for me.
  Now you can go and touch the surface of the incredible energy the sun contains!!!