Hey everyone! I'm relatively new to solar systems and just swapped out my old PWM charge controller for a sweet Victron MPPT one. It works great, but I miss having the USB ports that my previous setup had. The Victron only has load terminals and currently powers an outdoor lamp with a dusk-to-dawn sensor. I'm looking for a safe and budget-friendly way to add USB charging to this 12V setup. Any suggestions?
2 Answers
If you're using a 12V battery system, it's pretty simple! You can install a 12V socket directly to either the battery or the load terminal and then use a USB adapter that fits into that socket. There are also specific USB outlets available that fit right into a panel, which can be a clean solution. Just make sure whatever you choose is rated for 12V! If your setup is for higher voltages, then it gets a tad more complicated.
I bought a neat USB charger from Amazon that fits my needs perfectly! It's a bit on the pricier side, but apparently really efficient. Just make sure you check if it can handle 24V if that’s a potential option for your system. Some cheaper alternatives may not be as reliable, though.