Blog

CN3791 12V MPPT Solar Charger Module

CN3791 12V MPPT Solar Charger Module

Maximum Power Point Tracking Solar Charge Controller for Lead-Acid/Lithium Batteries

Introduction

The CN3791 MPPT Solar Charger is an efficient power management module featuring Maximum Power Point Tracking technology. It’s designed for 12V battery systems with solar panel inputs up to 28V, providing optimal charging for lead-acid or lithium batteries.

CN3791 MPPT Solar Charger Module

CN3791 MPPT Solar Charger Module (Image source: Imgur)

Key Features

☀️ MPPT Technology

>95% tracking efficiency

🔋 Multi-Chemistry

Supports Li-ion/Pb batteries

High Current

Up to 5A charging current

🛡️ Full Protection

Overcharge/reverse polarity

Technical Specifications

Solar Input Voltage 6V-28V (Max 30V)
Battery Voltage 12V (adjustable 10-14V)
Max Charging Current 5A (with heatsink)
MPPT Efficiency >95%
Standby Current <2mA
Charging Accuracy ±1.5%
Operating Temp -40°C to +85°C
Dimensions 56mm × 42mm × 14mm

Pin Configuration

CN3791 Pinout Diagram

Pinout diagram (Image source: Imgur)

Terminal Function Description
SOLAR+/- Solar Input Connect to solar panel
BAT+/- Battery Output Connect to 12V battery
LOAD+/- Load Output Optional DC load
USB 5V Output 500mA max

Typical Wiring Diagram

Wiring Diagram

Typical installation wiring (Image source: Imgur)

Battery Voltage Adjustment

Voltage Adjustment

Adjusting the voltage potentiometer (Image source: Imgur)

  1. Locate the blue potentiometer on the board
  2. Connect multimeter to BAT+ and BAT-
  3. Turn clockwise to increase voltage (max 14.4V for lead-acid)
  4. Turn counter-clockwise to decrease voltage
  5. Set according to battery specs:
    • Lead-acid: 13.8V-14.4V
    • LiFePO4: 13.6V-14.0V
    • Li-ion: 12.6V (3S)

Charging Status Indicators

Red LED

Solid: Charging in progress

Blinking: Battery full/float charging

Green LED

On: Solar input detected

Off: No solar power

Blue LED

On: Load output active

Off: Load disconnected

Troubleshooting

No Charging

  • Verify solar panel voltage > battery voltage
  • Check polarity of all connections
  • Ensure battery isn’t fully charged

Overheating

  • Reduce charging current
  • Add heatsink to IC
  • Ensure adequate ventilation

Low Efficiency

  • Check solar panel alignment
  • Verify battery voltage setting
  • Inspect for voltage drops in wiring