I'm working on a project and I have a 100W solar panel that uses MC4 connections. I also have a small battery bank that features USB-C and USB-A ports. I specifically want to charge it using the USB-C port. What kind of interface or controller should I consider getting that can work efficiently for this setup?
2 Answers
For your setup, you might want to look for a battery bank that allows access to the battery terminals instead of just having a USB port. This way, you can use an MPPT charge controller for efficient charging. Just make sure it’s compatible with your solar panel's output.
To connect your solar panel, you could use an MC4 to DC 5521 adapter, and then look for something like this Marbero connector. It’s a good option, and you could even consider a cheaper MC4 to USB hub if that fits your needs. Alternatively, you could opt for a basic PWM charge controller, which usually has a USB output, but remember that it may need an additional battery to function properly. Keep in mind that some solutions can get pricey and might be similar to getting a portable solar panel that has USB outputs if you're looking for more than around 20W.
Thanks - I'm pretty sure I'll go with that Marbero. Interesting that the input is 13V rather than 12V. I'll be at 12V but I know it'll be fine. I have most any connector so I can dig through my mess.
Thanks but I have a battery bank already that supports a particular project with its physical dimensions.