Is it possible to power an Arduino project directly from a solar panel without using a battery?
I’m concerned about voltage fluctuations and whether the Arduino can handle them, or if additional components are required to make it work safely.
Yes, it’s possible to power an Arduino directly from a solar panel, but not reliably without extra components. A solar panel’s voltage and current fluctuate with sunlight, which can cause the Arduino to reset or even get damaged.
To make it work safely, you’ll need at least a regulator (buck or buck-boost) to keep the voltage stable, a blocking diode to prevent reverse current at night, and some capacitors or a supercapacitor to smooth out short drops in power.
Without a battery, the project may still cut off under clouds or low light, so if continuous operation is required, even a small buffer battery or supercap is highly recommended.