How to Use a Diode to Stop Battery Drainage

Put on the protective eyewear. Cut three pieces of wire, and strip each wire of 1/2 inch of insulation at each end. Using the electrical pliers, attach one end of the first wire to the negative terminal on the battery. Attach the other end of the first wire to the negative terminal on the solar cell assembly.

Connect one end of the second wire to the positive battery terminal. Connect the other end of this wire to the cathode lead (which is marked with a line) on the diode, and solder this connection.

Connect one end of the third wire to the anode lead on the diode. Solder this connection. Connect the other end of the third wire to the positive terminal on the solar cell assembly.