The DFRobot Solar Power Manager for 9V/12V/18V Solar Panels extends solar harvesting capability to the most common standard panel voltages used in off-grid systems. Its MPPT controller optimizes energy extraction across all three input voltage ranges, storing power in a 3.7V Li-ion or LiPo cell and delivering a 5V USB output to power Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi Zero, and similar boards. Onboard LED indicators show charging status and battery level, and full protection circuits safeguard both the battery and connected load. Specifications Solar Input Voltage: 9V / 12V / 18V panels (multi-voltage support) MPPT: Maximum Power Point Tracking for each panel voltage Battery Type: 3.7V Li-ion / LiPo single cell Max Charging Current: Up to 1A Output: 5V USB-A output (up to 1A) Protection: Over-charge, over-discharge, over-current, reverse-polarity Connector: JST battery connector, screw terminal for solar input LED Indicator: Battery level and charging status LEDs Dimensions: Compact outdoor-deployable module Key Features Compatible with 9V, 12V, and 18V standard solar panels — versatile across panel types MPPT algorithm maximizes efficiency across all voltage configurations 5V USB output for direct power to SBCs, Arduino, and ESP32 boards Charges 3.7V Li-ion/LiPo while powering the load simultaneously Onboard LED indicators show charging status and battery level at a glance Full battery protection prevents damage in all failure modes Compact and ruggedized design for long-term outdoor deployment Works with standard monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels Applications Outdoor sensor nodes using 12V or 18V rooftop panels Solar-powered Raspberry Pi stations in remote locations Field camera traps with solar recharging Smart agriculture soil and weather monitoring with solar power Off-grid lighting with Li-ion battery storage Solar-powered LoRa IoT gateways Renewable energy education and solar lab experiments Maker solar projects requiring high-voltage panel compatibility Package Includes 1x DFRobot Solar Power Manager (9V/12V/18V) Note: Solar panel and LiPo battery sold separately FAQ Q: Can I use a 12V 10W panel? A: Yes — 12V panels are directly supported. MPPT will optimize the harvest from your panel's power curve. Q: Will it damage the battery if the solar panel is too powerful? A: No — the MPPT controller limits charging to 1A max and over-charge protection cuts off automatically. Q: Can I use an 18650 battery instead of a LiPo? A: Yes — any 3.7V Li-ion cell (18650, 26650, pouch) with the JST connector is compatible. Q: What happens on cloudy days? A: The battery supplies the load. MPPT resumes charging as soon as sunlight returns. Q: Is the USB output short-circuit protected? A: Yes — over-current and short-circuit protection prevents damage to the module and connected load.