CALAMBA INTEGRATED SCHOOL

School’s Division of Calamba City

"CREATING A DIY SOLAR POWER BANK USINGG RECYCLE MATERIALS"

A Science Investigatory Project

Presented to the Faculty of Science
Calamba Integrated School
Schools Division of Calamba City

GRADE 11 ICT- B
 CALAMBA INTEGRATED SCHOOL
School’s Division of Calamba City

February 2024

Abstract

In today’s world, having a reliable source of power is essential, especially during

emergencies or disaster recovery situations. This research focuses on designing and
building a DIY power bank using recycled materials, offering a cost-effective and
sustainable way to charge mobile phones. By integrating a small solar panel, the
power bank can harness solar energy, converting it into electricity to recharge its
battery. This not only provides a reliable backup power source but also helps cut
electricity costs and reduce electronic waste.

The project repurposes old lithium-ion batteries from discarded phones or laptops,
salvages solar panels from broken gadgets, and reuses charging circuits from outdated
USB chargers. The process involves testing and refurbishing these components,
designing an efficient solar charging system, and creating a durable and portable
casing using upcycled materials. Safety is a key focus, ensuring the power bank is
protected against overcharging, short circuits, and other risks.

By evaluating its charging capacity, efficiency, and overall performance, this project
demonstrates that recycled materials can be transformed into a practical and eco-
friendly energy solution. More than just a DIY project, it’s a step toward
sustainability—helping people prepare for power outages while reducing electronic
waste. With a little creativity and basic technical skills, anyone can contribute to a
greener, more resilient future.

KEYWORDS: Solar Energy, Disaster Recovery, Battery, Sustainability, Electronic

Waste
 CALAMBA INTEGRATED SCHOOL
School’s Division of Calamba City

Chapter I

Introduction and Its Background

With sustainability and renewable energy becoming more important than ever,
building your own DIY solar power bank using recycled materials is a great way
to make a difference. Instead of relying on electricity all the time, a solar power
bank lets you harness the sun’s energy to charge your devices—saving money
and helping the environment at the same time. Plus, it’s a fun and practical
project for anyone who wants to reduce electronic waste and learn more about
solar energy and battery technology.

The idea behind this project is simple: every year, tons of electronic
waste—like old power banks, batteries, and solar panels—ends up in
landfills, polluting the environment. But what if we could give these
discarded items a second life instead of throwing them away? By
repurposing old gadgets, we can create something useful: a
portable, solar-powered charger that keeps our devices running
while cutting down on waste.

A typical solar power bank includes a solar panel, rechargeable

battery, charge controller, and USB output ports—and many of
these parts can be salvaged from broken or unused electronics.
Think of old solar garden lights, laptop batteries, or phone chargers
—all of these can be reused to build a functional and sustainable
power bank.

Statement of the Problem

Specifically,it will seek to answer the following questions:

1. How effective is a DIY solar power bank made from recycled materials in
providing a sustainable and functional charging solution?
 CALAMBA INTEGRATED SCHOOL
School’s Division of Calamba City

2.What types of recycled materials can be used to construct a DIY solar power
bank?

3.How does the performance of a DIY solar power bank compare to

commercially available solar power banks?

4. What are the environmental benefits of repurposing e-waste materials into a

functional solar power bank?

5. What challenges are encountered in assembling and optimizing a DIY solar

power bank using recycled components?

Formulation of Hypothesis

This study looks at how practical it is to build a DIY solar power bank
using recycled materials. It focuses on key factors like the efficiency
of the solar panel, the condition of the battery, and the design of
the circuitry to see how they impact the power bank’s ability to
charge devices reliably. By giving new life to old electronic
components, this project not only reduces waste and lowers costs
but also offers an eco-friendly way to generate and store renewable
energy.

Significance of the Study

This study explores the creation of a DIY solar power bank using recycled
materials, demonstrating how everyday waste like old batteries and solar panels
can be transformed into a practical, sustainable energy solution. The project
shows that renewable energy isn’t just for experts—it can be accessible and
affordable, especially for those in remote areas or during power outages. By
repurposing discarded electronics, the study not only addresses the issue of e-
waste but also encourages hands-on learning and innovation in renewable
energy. Ultimately, this project highlights how small, creative initiatives can
make a big difference in promoting sustainable living and empowering
communities to take control of their energy needs.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

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School’s Division of Calamba City

This study focuses on creating a DIY solar power bank using recycled materials,
such as old batteries and solar panels, to develop a small-scale, functional
prototype that can charge electronic devices. It emphasizes hands-on learning
and sustainable practices, making renewable energy solutions accessible to
students, hobbyists, and communities while addressing environmental issues like
e-waste. However, the project is limited to prototype development and controlled
testing environments, and it does not cover commercial production, large-scale
energy applications, variable material quality, or long-term durability and safety
standards.

Definition of Terms

Building a DIY solar power bank from recycled materials is all about
repurposing old electronics to create something useful. A small solar
panel collects sunlight and turns it into electricity, which gets stored in
a rechargeable battery (like one from an old laptop or phone). To keep
things safe, a charge controller and battery management system (BMS)
prevent overcharging and overheating. Since most devices need 5V to
charge, a boost converter steps up the voltage, and a diode ensures
power flows in the right direction. Everything is soldered together,
insulated for safety, and packed into a recycled case.

Chapter II

Review of Related Literature and Studies

DIY solar power banks using recycled materials are an eco-friendly and cost-
effective way to harness renewable energy. Studies show that small solar panels
and recycled lithium-ion batteries from old electronics can be repurposed for
energy storage. A Battery Management System (BMS) and charge controller
ensure safe operation, while a boost converter provides a stable 5V output for
charging devices. Research highlights the environmental benefits of reducing e-
waste and promoting sustainability. However, challenges like battery
inconsistencies and safety risks require proper handling and circuit protection.
Overall, DIY solar power banks are a practical solution for renewable energy,
with room for further improvement in battery recovery and efficiency.
 CALAMBA INTEGRATED SCHOOL
School’s Division of Calamba City

Related Literature

DIY solar power banks made from recycled materials offer a sustainable way to
generate portable energy while reducing e-waste. Studies show that solar panels
efficiently convert sunlight into electricity, which can be stored in repurposed
lithium-ion batteries from old laptops or phones. To ensure safety and efficiency,
a battery management system (BMS), charge controller, and boost converter
regulate voltage and prevent overheating. Research highlights the environmental
and economic benefits, with recycled components lowering costs by up to 40%.
While challenges like battery lifespan exist, proper design and insulation
improve performance, making DIY solar chargers a practical and eco-friendly
solution.

Related Studies

Research shows that building a DIY solar power bank from recycled materials is
not just possible—it’s practical, affordable, and good for the planet. Old lithium-
ion batteries from laptops and phones still have plenty of life left in them, and
salvaged solar panels can generate enough power to charge small devices. With
the right charge controller and boost converter, these power banks can safely
and efficiently store and deliver energy. Plus, repurposing e-waste helps reduce
pollution while creating a useful, portable power source—perfect for
emergencies or off-grid use. It’s a smart, sustainable way to give old tech a
second life!
 CALAMBA INTEGRATED SCHOOL
School’s Division of Calamba City

Chapter III

The Subject of the Study

The Procedure

Research Design

The Statistical Treatment

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School’s Division of Calamba City

Chapter IV

Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data

Results
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School’s Division of Calamba City

Chapter V

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

Summary

Conclusion

Recommendation
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School’s Division of Calamba City

References
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School’s Division of Calamba City

Curriculum Vitae