Solar Panel Mount

This is a 3D-printed mounting system for a small off-grid solar setup.
The project includes:

• Electronics enclosure
• Adjustable, universal mount for the solar panel - designed so you can attach almost any panel size or shape
• Custom “Solar Power Module” PCB based on the CN3722 MPPT controller

The system is intended to power small electronics from a 20 W panel and a 2-cell battery pack (LiFePO₄ in my case). When the sun is available, the load is powered from the panel and the battery is charged in parallel. When there is no sun, the load is powered from the battery.

Features

• Universal solar panel bracket
  • Fits different panel sizes and shapes
  • Slotted mounting holes for easy adjustment
  • Separate parts for the panel mount and the pole/stationary mount (pole mount is still WIP)
• Electronics box
  • Enclosure for the solar charge controller, BMS and step-down converter
  • Top cover fixed with screws
  • Front side with openings for connectors (can be customized for your own connectors and cables)

Electronics used

• Solar Power Module (custom PCB) based on CN3722 MPPT
  • My schematic and PCB:
    https://oshwlab.com/serber2006/solar-power-module
  • If you don’t want to make your own PCB, you can search for a ready-made module with the keywords “CN3722 MPPT”.
• Battery
  • 2-cell pack (2S).
  • I use 2× LiFePO₄ cells for better performance in cold weather.
• BMS
  • TZT BMS 2S 10A 7.4V 18650 battery protection board
• Solar panel
  • Boguang flexible solar panel 20 W 18 V
  • Open-circuit voltage (Voc): 21.6 V
  • Short-circuit current (Isc): 1.22 A
  • Maximum power voltage (Vmp): 18 V
  • Maximum power current (Imp): 1.11 A
• DC-DC step-down converter
  • 5 V module based on LM2596

It’s important to use a panel with parameters close to:
Voc ≈ 21.6 V and Vmp ≈ 18 V for correct operation of the CN3722-based module.

Status / To-Do

The project is almost finished.
The remaining part is a mounting solution for attaching the whole assembly to a pole - this will be added later.

Feel free to remix or adapt the design to your own panel size and electronics - and if you build it, I’d be happy to see your makes!