Instructions

We will start by assembling the SolarEngine. This is a clever, simple
circuit that allows solar energy to be harvested and used in low light
levels - much lower than is usually possible. There is soldering
required, so if you are new to the process, review the “how-to” link
on the right.
Find the transistor (A), trigger MCP112 (B) - (also
looks like a transistor), small 22 F capacitor (C) - the μ
one with paper on the legs, , small 0.22F capacitor (E)
and diode (D). Clip or peel any paper from the end
of the leads.
Install and solder the parts in as shown. Pay particular attention to the values marked
on capacitors. The capacitors are similar in physical size, but in fact are 10,000x
different electrically. The 22µF installs near the middle, where the 0.22F
(220,000µF!) is near the side.
1.2
Intro to soldering
slrbtcs.co/solderVid2
1.1
Back side
ASSEMBLY STEPS
1. SolarEngine Circuitry
Step
Small
22μF
capacitor (C)
Transistor (A)
(flat side
facing in)
Trigger (B)
(flat side
facing in)
Diode (D)
Polarity stripe
+
-
Front side
Small
0.22F
capacitor (E)
2.2
Cut four 3” pieces of wire (two of 1 color and two of the other) and remove 2mm of
insulation from each end with your wire strippers. Place your solar panels face down
and edge to edge as shown. Connect the positive of each solar panel together with a
wire, and the negative of
each panel with another
wire. Use opposite colors
for positive and negative.
Make sure to match the orientation markers & stripes. Make the stripes match the holes nearest the ‘-’
symbols. These components do not work backwards!
SolarEngine
circuit board (F)
The Paris Flyer CarouSol Kit
3