1). Selection and configuration of solar panels:

1.1). Power selection:

When choosing a solar panel, we must first calculate the power consumption of the LED display, just like you have to see if it consumes electricity when choosing an appliance. We need to know how much power the display consumes when it is working normally, and then we have to look at the local sunshine conditions, such as how long the sun shines every day and how bright it shines.

Based on this information, we can choose a solar panel with a slightly higher power to ensure that the power can be used on sunny days and that some can be saved as a backup just in case.

Don’t forget that the power of the solar panel must be left with some room because the weather is unpredictable, and sometimes, on cloudy or rainy days, the output of the solar panel will be reduced.

1.2). Size and shape:

The size and shape of the solar panel depend on how big the installation area is and how convenient it is for you. For example, a large outdoor billboard may need to be assembled with several solar panels to form an array in order to collect enough energy.

When choosing the size, you also have to think about whether it is convenient to transport, install, and maintain.

If it is too big, it will be troublesome to transport and install; if it is too small, it may not collect enough energy. Therefore, you have to find a suitable size that is both convenient and practical.

1.3). Material selection:

Solar panels can be made of several materials, such as monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, etc.

Monocrystalline silicon has the highest conversion efficiency, but it is also expensive, just like high-end mobile phones, which have good performance but are expensive.

Polycrystalline silicon is cheaper and has good efficiency, just like mid-range mobile phones, which have a high-cost performance.

Amorphous silicon is suitable for low-light environments, but its efficiency is lower, just like low-end mobile phones, which have few functions but can be used in specific environments. Which material to choose depends on your budget and actual needs.

If the budget is sufficient and you pursue high performance, then choose monocrystalline silicon; if the budget is limited but you want to use solar power, then choose polycrystalline silicon or amorphous silicon.

2). Battery selection and capacity calculation

2.1). Battery type selection:

The battery is like an energy warehouse, storing the energy collected by the solar panel and using it at night or on cloudy days. Lithium-ion batteries are the hottest these days, especially lithium iron phosphate batteries, which are safe, long-lasting, and environmentally friendly.

Just like the batteries used in new energy vehicles, they are both practical and environmentally friendly. Therefore, when choosing batteries, lithium-ion batteries, especially lithium iron phosphate batteries, should be given priority.

2.2). Capacity calculation:

To calculate the capacity of a battery, you need some basic math. First, you need to know how much power the display consumes in a day, which can be obtained by measuring or looking up the specifications of the display.

Then, how long it will be used at night or on cloudy days depends on actual needs. Finally, how much power the battery can discharge depends on the specifications of the battery.

Combining these three factors, you can calculate the capacity of the battery. For example, if the display consumes 100 kWh of electricity a day and is used for 3 days at night or on cloudy days, then the capacity of the battery must be enough for these 3 days.

There is a formula for how to calculate it specifically, but the most important thing is to follow the actual situation and not blindly apply the formula.

3). The role and selection of solar controllers:

3.1). Charging control:

The solar controller is like an intelligent housekeeper, managing the solar panels to charge the battery.

It will see how much power the battery has and how much it needs to charge and then adjust the charging current and voltage to ensure that the battery is charged safely and efficiently.

Just like when you charge your mobile phone, if you charge too fast, you are afraid that the battery will not be able to bear it, and if you charge too slowly, it will waste time.

Therefore, the solar controller is like a smart charger, which will adjust the charging speed according to the condition of the battery.

3.2). Over-discharge protection:

When the battery is running out of power, the controller is like a caring bodyguard, which will cut off the power supply of the display to prevent the battery from over-discharging and breaking.

This is just like when your mobile phone is running out of power, and it will automatically shut down to protect your mobile phone battery. Over-discharge protection has a great impact on the life of the battery. If it is frequently over-discharged, the life of the battery will be greatly shortened.

3.3). Other protection functions:

The controller also has short-circuit protection, overload protection, reverse connection protection and other functions. Short-circuit protection is to prevent the device from burning out when the circuit is short-circuited.

Overload protection is to prevent the device from being damaged when the load is too large; reverse connection protection is to prevent the controller from being damaged when the battery is reversed.

These protection functions are like a layer of armor for the entire system, ensuring that it runs safely and stably.

3.4). Selection suggestions:

When choosing a controller, you have to see what its rated power is and whether it can meet your needs. Then, you have to see what protection functions it has and whether it is comprehensive enough.

Next, you have to think about whether it is compatible with your system and whether it can be used with your solar panels and batteries. Finally, you have to see whether it can be expanded and whether it can be easily implemented if you need to add functions or upgrade the system in the future.

It is best to choose a controller from a well-known brand with guaranteed quality and after-sales service.

4). Circuit design and transformation of the LED display screen:

4.1). Voltage adaptation:

The voltage output by the solar panel may change because the light intensity and temperature will affect it. Therefore, we have to design a circuit to make the voltage of the display screen stable.

Just like using a voltage stabilizer at home, no matter how the voltage outside changes, the voltage of the home appliances is stable. This circuit can be implemented with a DC-DC converter or a voltage stabilizer to ensure that the voltage of the display screen is always within a suitable range.

4.2). Current control:

The brightness of the LED display is related to the current passing through the LED. When the current is stable, the brightness is stable. Therefore, we have to design a constant current drive circuit to ensure that the current remains unchanged.

This constant current drive circuit is like a water flow controller. No matter how the water pressure changes outside, the water flowing out is stable. In this way, the brightness of the display can remain consistent.

4.3). Energy-saving design:

In order to make the battery last for a few more days, we have to save some power on the display. For example, the brightness can be automatically adjusted according to the ambient light.

When the light is strong during the day, the display can be brighter; when the light is weak at night, the display can be darker. This can not only meet the viewing needs but also save energy.

In addition, more efficient LED light-emitting chips and drive circuits can be used to reduce power consumption. Just like you use energy-saving bulbs, they are brighter and save electricity.

4.4). Circuit modification:

If you already have an LED display and want to change it to solar power, you have to modify the circuit. This modification process may include replacing the power module, adjusting the circuit parameters, adding protection circuits, etc.

When modifying, you must ensure that the circuit is safe and has good performance. Just like when you renovate an old house, you have to ensure that the structure is safe and comfortable to live in.

After the renovation, you have to test the effect and performance of the display to ensure that everything is normal.