I'm building a test rig which will measure solar panel voltage, current and power. With it I'll do a series of videos on open circuit voltage of solar panels, short circuit current, maximum power point and maximum power point tracking in preparation for designing an MPPT solar charge controller. Uses Arduino Uno.

By Julian

Youtuber, shed dweller, solar charge controller aficionado

17 thoughts on “Mppt solar charge controller #1 – introduction and voltage measurement”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Emad Abuhagag says:

    so helpful

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars pulesjet says:

    Latest Code:
    Sir . Most interested in building your historic MPPT system. Watched all video's and impressed with what you've been able to achieve. To my dismay I actually have everything hardware wise to construct this project.
    Attempted to obtain the required CODE via provided web sites . Seems those two addresses are no longer active. Managed to find the abbreviated code on GitHub. No Provisions for a display and or Current Monitoring provisions. Sad. Are there any other sources for the original Arduino Sketch, Err Coding required ? I possess Many skills Programing is not one of better of them. Would it be possible to obtain a copy of your version employing the Nokia 5110 LCD Display ?

    Thank You Sir. A avid viewer.

    Jim

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars mohan roopa says:

    can i have base paper on this project

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars VINESH V says:

    Marvellous work

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rahmat Bagus Prasetya says:

    hello julian can i get your program in Arduino ?
    please for my final project Thank you

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jota Jaen says:

    sorry his site not working i need source code please ; could you tell me where to download it ???

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars احمد العلي says:

    I'm just want to how do you connect this circuit and the list of the parts

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Steve Tulloch says:

    Hi Julian, I've had a quick look, but do you have a video on PWM vs MPPT charge controlers? The web seems to be clogged up with either marketing dribble or "experts" with the wrong end of the stick and I'm having trouble finding a trustworthy source. Great channel by the way!

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dilek Karadeniz says:

    hi ! we used 100 watt solar panel
    What materials can we change?

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Medical Sailor says:

    check the resistor values on your voltage sensore. each manufacturer may have thier own values. This threw my calculation out.

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Medical Sailor says:

    isnt this the same as your 2013 mppt controller. there is a #2 video which shows you have a current and voltage sensor. Again from 2013. Once this video has ended, youtube plays the second video which is your 2013 video.

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ZeroHour says:

    hi enjoy videos , why is it some controllers ( if hooked to a 12v panel) still show around 18v on the controller even though controller is charging 12v ,I thought non mppt voltage would be pulled down to say 14 v or so ? at the panel side of controller unless mppt was used ? thanks

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars 54CHARM says:

    Hi Julien, thanks for these great series. I'm going to design and build a MPPT controller for a small wind turbine. I was wondering why you are using a dedicated voltage module instead of just using a simple resister based voltage divider. I don't yet understand the added value of the module other then that it makes my bank account a bit lighter😉

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Eric Jackson says:

    Hi Julian, Im a great fan of your videos, i think they are fantastic and very informative.
    I have a few questions if i may. I am building a portable power bank, and was wondering if you could tell me what you do with this:

    would you:

    1. Have charge ports for an external charger
    2. Have a built in charge controller that you can plug into the mains that will reduce the power down to charge the batteries.
    3. Which components would you suggest? I have been told that the best batteries toi use would be the Li 18650's.
    4. what would you build into the system for battery drain protection.

    I intend to put usb sockets in there a cig lighter socket, and maybe a socket for output to a 12v inverter.

    Appreciate your help and advice on this.

    Many Thanks

    E Jackson

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars housey says:

    Code for LCD 🙂

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars housey says:

    Could you share a code ?

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Robert Woodliff says:

    Great to see . Always like your pragmatic build boards . 
    How accurate do you think that voltage figure ? 
    Am surprised how high the V was , but presumably it had the ampage / wattage of a dead ferret .

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