Ubidium can be powered by a solar panel for long-term or remote installations. The panel is connected to the DC IN pin of the DC Power port.

Panel Requirements

The most important specifications of the solar panel are the maximum idle voltage and the power rating:

22 V DC max idle voltage (open circuit voltage, Voc)
min 30 W for Active timing, min 50 W for Passive timing
min 12 V working voltage (Vmp)

Panels are typically sold as "12V compatible", but the idle voltage differs considerably between models, so always check the panel datasheet. If the idle voltage is higher than 22 V, Ubidium will not charge from the panel. Above 23 V the system may be damaged.

Smaller panels will also charge Ubidium, but cannot sustain the system over a longer period.

Battery Charging

For technical reasons only one battery is charged at a time. Battery 1 is charged first, followed by Battery 2.

Scheduled Operation

To save battery, Ubidium can be set to boot and shut down automatically at set times, for example to switch the system off overnight when no solar power is generated. See Boot/Shutdown Scheduler.