I’ve read several posts about using small USB chargers with Solar Panels, i.e. Miller ML102, etc. My concern is how the charger behaves with the unstable voltages from Solar Panels. How the charger resets itself on cloudy days, etc. can damage the batteries in some instances from what I have read.
Has anyone tested this with the USB chargers?
Bill
For this you’ll need dumb chargers that simply act as a step down converter and immediately starts the charge when both input and output are detected. The miller ML102 works great for solar panels. I tried the Xtar MC1+ too and sometimes it would get stuck at 0.7A after the voltage drops and has to be reconnected to charge at 1A again, but it’s not really a big deal.
I recommend getting a panel with automatic restart instead, this way it will work with all your devices.
[quote=will34]
For this you’ll need dumb chargers that simply act as a step down converter and immediately starts the charge when both input and output are detected. The miller ML102 works great for solar panels.\/quote]
Which version?
Bill
Tp4056 charger with mini solar panels results here PIC Data Logger + TP4056 + Mini Solar Panel *3W results in
The TP4056 module had no problems restarting after cloud passing over pv panels. The termination of CV mode can be kind of excruciating depending on the circumstances and charge current chosen.
Hooked up a Lito-Kala 100 to the TP4056 + 3W solar setup and could not seem to kickoff the charging mode. Did not troubleshoot at the time. Could be an undervoltage lockout condition? as there just would not much overhead with the 6V mini panels.
I discovered this one and like the design and tech support.
The filter capacitor is a nice addition.
Bill
What matters is the charging current.
The voltage is always the same as the battery you’re charging. (basically)
Some panels drop the voltage down to 3-4V and stays there unless you replug the device…
Bill: I tried V8 and V9 with my non-restart panel
How did they do?
Bill
The ML-102 is a dumb charger, as long as the input voltage is in the parameters of the step down chip it will charge, essentially it is just a CC/CV buck converter and can take well above 5V input.
I suggest the V9 that comes with the charge level indicator, very useful when you don’t have anything else to measure.
I hope the indicator doesn’t draw much power. When using a Solar Panel every little bit used hurts!!
Bill
Many people like the nitecore F1 charger for charging from a solar panel…
We happened to be discussing this on CPF as well - my thoughts on the matter:
CC / CV MPPT modules
TP5000 & LiFePO4
Solar Charging Restarts