I'm exploring how to use solar panels to charge my USB-C devices, but most solar panels I'm looking at have MC4 connectors. Can anyone guide me on how to make this work? Sorry if this sounds like a silly question, but I'm new to this whole solar charging thing!
3 Answers
You can use a solar charge controller board that converts the solar power into a USB output. These are usually available at local electronics stores or online. It’s a handy way to connect solar panels to devices with USB inputs!
Just remember, solar panels generate DC power, so if you want traditional AC USB output, you'll need an inverter. Pairing it with a charge controller and a battery bank is a smart move unless you plan to charge only when it’s sunny.
Consider using a power station that has a built-in battery, or if you're feeling adventurous, you can build one yourself with a charge controller. If you just plug in a USB-C directly, the charging might be unreliable, especially if clouds come by, leading to inconsistent power.
Actually, USB outputs are DC as well, not AC. It looks like there's a bit of confusion here about the power types!