Waveshare Solar Power Management Module - 6-24V

With this module, a Li-ion/li-Po battery can easily be charged with a solar panel (battery and solar panel are not included). If there is not enough sun, the battery can also be charged via the micro USB connection (micro USB cable is not included). In addition, the module has a built-in DC-DC converter that brings the voltage of the solar panel and/or the battery to 5V.

At the back of the module is a DIP switch with which the most efficient voltage of the solar panel can be set. This creates a simple form of MPPT.

Specifications:

• Input voltage (solar panel output voltage): 6-24V DC
• Output voltage: 5V DC (via pin headers and USB-A)
• Maximum output current:
  • Solar panel (with sufficient power) only: ~0.7A
  • In combination with a (full) battery: ~1A
• Battery charging voltage: 4.2V
• Maximum charging current: 1A*
• Maximum quiescent current module: <2mA
• Solar power charging chip: CN3791
• Battery protection circuit: Yes
  • Over discharge protection (UVLO): 2.9V
  • Short circuit protection: Yes
  • Polarity protection: Yes (with indication LED)
• Built-in button (BOOT) to switch on the protection circuit, switch this button only when the polarity indication led is not lit
• Built-in on/off switch for the battery
• Built-in battery holder for a 14500 Li-ion cell**
• Battery connector for external battery: JST-PH (note: Check polarity!)
• Built-in indicator LEDs:
  • USB Charge: On when the battery is charging via micro USB
  • USB Done: On when charging via micro USB is complete
  • Solar Charge: On when the battery is charging via the solar panel
  • Solar Done: On when charging via the solar panel is complete
  • Solar Warning: On when the solar panel is connected incorrectly
  • Battery Warning: On when the battery is connected incorrectly
  • ON: On when there is power on the output
  • 4x LED for battery voltage/capacity (unreliable during charging)
• Dimensions: 65.2 x 56.2 x 23.0mm

Package contents:

• 1x Solar Power Management Module

See the following page for more information and the user manual: Solar Power Manager

*Note: This is the maximum charging current of the charging circuit. Connected batteries may not be able to handle this current!

**Note: Normal AA batteries also fit in the holder, but do not insert them! This can lead to dangerous situations with fire, or even explosion, as a result. Only use this module in combination with suitable rechargeable Li-ion/Li-Po batteries that can supply sufficient power.