Solar Power Manager with Panel (5V 1A)

The Solar Power Manager with Panel (5V 1A) is a compact, high-efficiency solar management module designed for 5V solar energy harvesting. Featuring constant-voltage MPPT and multi-phase battery charging, it is well suited for students, hobbyists, and engineers building solar-powered IoT systems and outdoor robotics.

Board layout and interfaces

The compact 33.0mm by 63.0mm board features dedicated terminals for 4.5V to 6V solar input, a 3.7V lithium battery, and a switch-controllable 5V 1A output. An ESD-shielded USB connector and clear status indicators provide straightforward integration into low-power embedded builds.

System connection and charging modes

The module supports dual charging inputs from either the solar panel or a standard USB charger, supplying up to 900mA charging current to a 3.7V lithium battery. Utilizing the CN3165 management IC, it applies trickle, constant current, and constant voltage charging phases with a 4.2V cutoff.

Constant-voltage MPPT efficiency

An integrated constant-voltage MPPT algorithm maximises power conversion from the included semi-flexible monocrystalline solar panel. The onboard DC-DC converter provides a regulated 5V 1A supply with up to 86% efficiency at 50% load.

Comprehensive safety protections

Integrated safeguards protect against battery over-charging, over-discharging, over-current, and reverse polarity, supporting 3.7V lithium cells with or without internal protection boards. Additional safeguards include short-circuit, over-current, and over-heat protection on the 5V output, plus reverse polarity protection on the solar input.

Included kit hardware

The package includes the Solar Power Manager 5V board, a semi-flexible monocrystalline solar panel, an aluminium cooling fin with thermal pad, a jumper, and M3 nylon mounting pillars with stainless steel screws.

Downloads & documentation

• Product wiki (DFRobot)