Photovoltaic Panel Controller Tutorial

This little board is the DFRobot Solar Power Manager 5V, and it’s currently my favorite way for solar powering an Arduino It’s cheap and works with common 3.7V lithium batteries — such as 18650 and LiPo batteries. And there’s no soldering or tiny components required.

A solar charge controller sits between the solar panel and battery. It regulates the solar panel’s voltage and current to safely charge the battery and prevent overcharging. Charge controllers are incredibly common in 12V.

If your charge controller doesn’t have a USB port, you can still solar power your Arduino using its load terminals and a 12V to 5V buck converter.

Photovoltaic Panel Controller Tutorial [PDF] Chat with us

6 FAQs about [Photovoltaic Panel Controller Tutorial]

How do you connect a solar panel to a controller?

Connect the solar panel’s cables to the solar terminals. If your panel is big enough — such as 50W or greater — then its cables probably have MC4 connectors. If that’s the case, you’ll need to use solar panel to charge controller adapter cables to connect your panel. Place the solar panel outside in direct sunlight.

What is a solar charge controller?

Do I need a solar charge controller?

If you are planning to install an off-grid solar system with a battery bank, you’ll need a Solar Charge Controller. It is a device that is placed between the Solar Panel and the Battery Bank to control the amount of electric energy produced by Solar panels going into the batteries.

How do you remove a solar panel from a charge controller?

Locate the solar panel (PV) terminals on your charge controller. Mine has an icon of a solar panel indicating which ones they are. Insert the stripped end of the negative solar cable in the screw terminal and use a screwdriver to screw it shut. Do the same for the stripped end of the positive solar cable.

How do I install a solar charge controller?

Consult your controller’s manual for the recommended installation order. Protect your system with a fuse between each connection. Place a fuse between the battery and charge controller, battery and inverter, and solar panel and charge controller (on the positive wires of each connection). Don’t overdischarge the battery.

How do you charge a solar panel with an Arduino?

Connect the solar panel leads to the solar terminals. Place the solar panel outside in direct sunlight. Confirm that the red CHG light turns on. Your solar panel is now charging your 3.7V battery. All that’s left to do is connect the Arduino. Plug your Arduino into the USB port on the Solar Power Manager.

Photovoltaic Panel Controller Tutorial