I'm working on designing PCBs for a new product and want to create a super simple solar charging solution to gather up to 50W of power for charging a 12V lead-acid battery. A lot of options out there come with unnecessary features, but I'm just looking for something that works reliably. Ideally, I'd love to integrate this directly into my PCB to avoid using an external module. I'm considering either PWM or MPPT solutions. There's also an ESP32 on the board, but I'd prefer not to involve it in the solar charging unless absolutely necessary.
2 Answers
If you're open to reverse engineering, I suggest ordering one of those PWM chargers from AliExpress. You can dissect the circuit and recreate it using higher quality components. It's a great way to learn and ensure you're getting a solid build.
Decades ago, we used a straightforward float charger without any fancy tech. It was all analog, making it a bit lossy, but it required only a handful of components. If you're looking for something reliable and cost-effective, you might want to check out the LM317. It's a bit dated, but it's simple and gets the job done. Just keep in mind that its efficiency isn't the best.