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2025-07-05 07:15:13 UTC
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Paul Fenwick on Nostr: Aha, looks like I need Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) doodad for charging off a ...

Aha, looks like I need Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) doodad for charging off a solar cell, and I doubt my $10 panel already has one integrated.

If I understand correctly, an MPPT doodad lowers the current draw from the panel to maintain enough voltage to charge; otherwise the battery charger can try to draw too much, which drops the voltage, and one gets nowhere.

A random blog post recommends a CN3791, which are only a few dollars, so I shall continue investigating