Getting Started
This article provides a step-by-step guide to building a solar-powered system, focusing on connecting Li batteries and solar panels, and highlights the importance of managing thermal conditions for optimal performance.
Build a solar powered system
- Connect the Li battery to BAT IN.
- Connect the solar panel to SOLAR IN.
- Connect USB OUT of the module to Arduino with USB cable.
- Switch one bit of the MPPT SET to ON (others remain OFF) according to the nominal (maximum power point) voltage of the solar panel.
- Connect USB OUT of the module to Arduino with USB cable.
- Connect all the VCC and GND pins of the peripherals to the regulated power supply headers or terminals according to the nominal voltage.
- Press the BOOT bottom for once to activate the the Li battery protection IC.
If a 10W (or above) solar panel is used, the LTC3652 may run in full load, trying to charge the battery at maximum 2A. In order to improve the cooling of the IC, it is highly recommended to attach the thermal conductive silicone pad and Aluminum cooling fin (included in the kit) to the bottom of the module where the label "Cooling Fin" is located.
Was this article helpful?