New Product: SolarMAX LiPo Solar Power System
SolarMAX LiPo and Data Gathering System for SkyWeather / Raspberry Pi / Arduino is a SwitchDoc Labs designed system to charge LiPo batteries from Large 12V Solar panels in order to provide more power to small computer systems. SolarMAX is designed to collect and return data about the solar panel system to the powered (or other) computer via a LoRa link. SolarMAX collects and transmits the following data via 433MHz LoRa Radio every 30 seconds. No data cable needed! It transmits:
- LiPo Battery Voltage
- LiPo Battery Current
- Solar Panel Voltage
- Solar Panel Current
- Load Voltage
- Load Current
It also supplies the following about inside the SolarMAX box:
- Inbox Temperature
- Inbox Humidity
You can buy the SolarMAX LiPo system here.
SolarMAX uses a 433MHz LoRa module which can transmit up to 2 kilometers or further with larger antennas and uses very little power.
This is a perfect system for powering SkyWeather and other small computer systems.
Downloads and Documents
- SolarMAX Assembly, WeatherProofing and Operations Manual
- Raspberry Pi SolarMAX Drivers and Test Software
- Arduino Code for SolarMax Internal Processor
SolarMAX Block Diagram
SolarMAX Specifications
Solar MAX LiPo |
|||
|
Min |
Nominal |
Max |
Solar Panel Voltage |
9V |
12V |
18V |
VOC |
|
|
24V |
5V Load Current |
|
|
1.5A |
Solar Charging Current |
|
|
2A |
What is in the SolarMax LiPo Kit?
- INA3221 with Terminals
- 12V Solar Charger for LiPo
- USB PowerCentral
- Dual WatchDog Timer
- 16MHz Mini Pro LP
- 6 Port I2C Hub
- HDC1080 Temp Hum
- LoRa 433MHz Radio
- LoRa 433MHz Radio
- MC4 Plus Female (and Pin)
- MC4 Minus Male (and Pin)
- USB Weatherproof Plug
- Short USB Cable Type A – Type A
- 20cm Grove Cables – 6 Cables
- Grove Connector to Female Pin Headers – 1 Cable
- Single Wire Female to Female Jumper – 2 Wires
What Else is Required for building the SolarMax LiPo Kit?
3.7V LiPo battery – We recommend > 6600mAh adafruit.com – we often use the https://www.adafruit.com/product/353
M2 Nylon Hex Thread Assortment – https://shop.switchdoc.com/products/140pcs-box-m2-nylon-hex-thread-assortment-kit
Solid Core Hookup Wire 22 Gauge – https://amzn.to/3202Ppa
Bud Enclosure NBB-22241 Style B – 6-25/32” x 10-23/32” x 6-25/32” – https://amzn.to/2zk8B8R
What Solar Panels Can I Use
Many different types of 12V solar panels. Just make sure the VOC is less than 24V. YOU NEED TO CHECK THE VOC (Voltage Open Circuit). Exceed 24V will destroy SolarMAX.
Our recommendations:
100W 12V Solar Panel with MC4 Connectors – https://amzn.to/2ZlBv32
-Or-
50W 12V Solar Panel with MC4 Connectors – https://amzn.to/2ZrFT0e
Optional
Solar Panel Crimping tools for MC4 (optional) – https://amzn.to/2U6IN9J
Tools
- Soldering Iron
- Straight blade Small Screwdriver
- Crosspoint Small Screwdriver
- Super Glue
- Silicon Caulking
- Wire cutter
- Wire stripper
Drill
Drill Bits for:
- 1” holes
- 2/3” holes
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