Solar charger for up to 50V input Voltage

Community Projects
1

Hi everyone,

I recently discovered these PV panels http://infinitypv.com/standalone/panels/demopanels, and I would like to build a small converter for them. I was checking the Sunny Buddy, but the maximum voltage is 40V and these panels can give up to 50V.

Any idea of available chargers for them?

They also have a tripolar version -25V/GND/25V, could be possible to create a symmetric source from solar cells and a couple of batteries?

2

Those panels are incredibly expensive, considering that the going rate is now less than US$ 1/watt.

Plus, the high voltage means additional expenses for step-down regulators.

3

Hi Jremington,

Yes, the price is a little bit higher than the traditional Silicon based you can buy for DIY projects. 2.5W at SparkFun costs 34.95$ (https://www.sparkfun.com/products/7840). The price US$ 1/watt is for larger surfaces.

However I have some of them at home and they are incredible light, also you can buy them without the polycarbonate plate as a flexible foil.

I am testing them with the Sunny Buddy charger place a TVS of 33V at the input, and the efficiency of the conversion is still ok. It will be nice to find a converter with higher voltage input.

4

I bought several of these very light, 5.5V 1 watt panels for $3.95 here: http://www.seeedstudio.com/depot/1W-Sol … p-633.html

They work as advertised and are perfect for charging 4.8V battery packs.

5

Thanks,

I did not know them!!!