This kit is currently on backorder.
Several readers have asked for an inexpensive solar controller kit for charging 12 volt lead-acid batteries. The specifications for this project (given by one of the readers) were to control the charging of lead-acid batteries up to 12 amps using solar cells. He wanted the unit to start charging if the battery voltage went below 13.5 volts, and then turn the charging off when it reached 14.25 volts.
This project is very inexpensive and fits onto a heatsink that is mountable. Since the voltage is low, there is no danger of shock. It is simple to build, ideal for the novice, and no special tools are needed other than a soldering iron and a 9/64" drill.
Kit Includes:
- 1 – 0.33 µF Capacitor
- 1 – .1 µF Capacitor
- 1 – PIC12F675-I/P (Programmed)
- 1 – Bi-colored LED
- 1 – 5V Voltage Regulator
- 1 – P Power MOSFET IFR 5305
- 1 – N MOSFET 2N7000
- 2 – 18.2K ohm 1/4W 1% Resistors
- 2 – 909 ohm 1/4W 1% Resistors
- 1 – 100K ohm 1/6W 5% Resistor
- 1 – 220 ohm 1/6W 5% Resistor
- 1 – Diode Schottky 45V 12A
- 1 – Printed Circuit Board
- 1 – Heatsink
- 1 – Thermal Pad
- 1 – Eight-pin Socket
- 2 – Nylon 1/4" Spacers
- 1 – 6-32 3/8" Nylon Screw
- 1 – 6-32 Nylon Nut
- 2 – 6-32 3/4" Screws
- 1 – Black Stranded Wire (1 ft)
- 1 – Red Stranded Wire (1 ft)
Download the Template, Tips, PCB, Schematic, and Code at the article link below.
Build an Inexpensive 12 volt/12 amp Modern Digital Solar Charge Controller by Ron Newton
A Partial Kit is Available: Solar Charge Controller PCB & Component Kit
