The Simple 12V Solar Power Solution
Unicell Series Redefining 12V Solar Power Systems with Single Cell Innovation
12V Solar Power Systems Are Too Expensive and Complex We Fix That
Conventional 12V systems have one critical flaw: they require four battery cells in series to reach 12V output. This demands expensive BMS systems, complex wiring, and professional installation. This traditional approach prices out African families and DIY users. Unicell breaks this cycle completely. We use a single-cell architecture. No series connections. No external BMS. Direct intelligent 3.2V to 12V conversion. Our system cost is 46% lower than traditional setups. That is our value promise to the market.
Why Traditional 12V Systems Are Obsolete
Four Pain Points of Series Architecture
12V lithium systems must connect four cells in series. This creates unavoidable problems:
- Cells must match perfectly, or the system fails quickly.
- Separate BMS units are complex, expensive, and a common failure point.
- Maintenance requires technical expertise average users cannot perform.
- One bad cell degrades or destroys the entire battery pack.
The Unicell Single Cell Solution
We use advanced bidirectional DC-DC conversion technology. A single 3.2V cell powers all your 12V devices through efficient voltage transformation. This is not just simplification—it's redefinition. For users seeking a practical and affordable 12V solar power system, this means superior reliability and easier maintenance.
Two Products Engineered for Different Needs
Comparison | Unicell 50 | Unicell 100+PV | Core Innovations |
|---|---|---|---|
Design Purpose | Portable power,DIY projects,emergency backup | High-capacity home,PV,and small business systems | Single-Cell Architecture:No cell matching,no series connections. |
Max Solar Charging | Up to 200W via built-in MPPT | Supports up to 300W solar panel charging via a dedicated,independent MPPT channel. | Integrated 3.2V MPPT:Optimizes charging for a single LiFePO4 / NCM cell. |
DC Output power | 150W Max | 300W Max | Direct 3.2V-to-12V Conversion:Stable power for all DC loads. |
Max Discharge Current | 50A | 100A | Powers high-demand devices like fridges and tools directly. |
Recommended Cell | 280Ah / 314Ah LiFePO4 or NCM | 314Ah LiFePO4 or NCM | Compatible with large-format,cost-effective single cells. |
DC Charging Input | 10V-25V | Universal DC Charging:Solar(PV),12V car socket,other DC adapters. | |
Additional Charging | Dual USB, Type-C(5V/2A) | Charge from power banks or USB adapters for ultimate flexibility. | |
Key Application | DIY,Emergency,Kayak,Camping | Off-Grid Home,RV,Small Business | |
Traditional Systems Are Too Complex Unicell Simplifies Installation
The Professional Hassle of Traditional Setup
Configuring a traditional system is a technical chore: matching four cells, installing a BMS, wiring an MPPT controller, and programming parameters. It takes 2-3.5 hours of skilled work. One error can cause failure.
The Streamlined Unicell Process
Unicell radically simplifies setup into three physical connections:
- Connect your solar panel to the Unicell controller.
- Connect your single battery cell to the Unicell controller.
- Connect your 12V loads to the Unicell output.
The basic hardware setup is vastly easier and can be completed in under 30 minutes. Utilizing advanced features like Modbus RS485 may require basic technical understanding, making Unicell perfect for both DIY enthusiasts and professional installers.
- Core Tech:3.2V to 12V Bidirectional DC-DC Conversion.
- Battery Compatibility:280Ah / 314Ah LiFePO4 or NCM single cell.
- Input Specifications:Max 10A input current; 12V/20V max input voltage.
- Output Specifications:12V-14.4V adjustable regulated output.
- Intelligent Features:Low-noise operation, Modbus RS485 communication for monitoring/control.
- LCD display: The device features an integrated liquid crystal display that automatically cycles through operational status information.
- Robust Design:Operates from -20°C to 70°C. Optimal performance between 10°C and 45°C.
African Home Solution: Cost Comparison Analysis
Traditional System Cost Structure(300W Typical)
Component | Spec | Wholesale Price | MOQ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Solar Panel | 200W | $23 | 500pcs | Basic power generation |
MPPT Controller | 12V 25A | $40 | 200pcs | Required for charging |
Lithium Battery | 12V 100Ah | $140 | 100pcs | 4 cells in series + BMS |
Total System | $203 | Excluding cables / installation | ||
Unicell System Cost Structure
Component | Spec | Wholesale Price | MOQ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Solar Panel | 200W | $23 | 500pcs | Same as traditional |
Unicell Controller | 100+PV Model | $45 | 100pcs | Integrated MPPT and conversion |
Single Cell | 314Ah LiFePO4 / NCM | $42 | 100pcs | No BMS or casing costs |
Total System | $110 | 46% cost saving | ||
Four Sources of Cost Savings
- Eliminated Series Structure: No need for cell matching and series wiring.
- Integrated BMS Function: Protection circuits built into controller.
- Simplified Casing: Single cell requires no complex battery casing.
- Reduced Installation Costs: Lower complexity means faster setup.
Capacity Note: While a single 314Ah cell provides approximately 1kWh compared to 1.2kWh from a traditional 12V 100Ah battery, Unicell's efficient direct conversion often delivers comparable real-world performance at significantly lower cost.
Applications and Device Compatibility
Application Areas
Application | Recommended Model | Typical Loads | Runtime Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
African Off-Grid Home | Unicell 100+PV | 4 LED lights(20W) + TV(50W) + fridge(88W) | 8-10hours(314Ah cell) |
RV /Camping | Unicell 50 or Unicell 100+PV | Lighting, fridge, fans, charging | 24-48 hours (280Ah cell) |
Emergency Backup | Unicell 50 | Router, lights, phone charging, medical | Days to weeks (depending on use) |
Electric Kayak/Boat | Unicell 50 | Motor, navigation, lighting | 2-4 hours (continuous use) |
Small Business | Unicell 100+PV | Lighting, POS, small fridge, displays | All-day power (with solar) |
Installation and Use: Three-Step Simplicity
Traditional 12V solar power system installation requires expertise and 2-3.5 hours. Unicell simplifies this to three intuitive steps: connect solar panel to controller, connect single cell, connect load devices. The entire process takes under 30 minutes. The core electrical connections are straightforward, making it accessible in resource-limited areas.
Maintenance is equally simple: no cell balancing needs, no complex BMS diagnostics. To expand capacity, simply add parallel cells of the same specification—no need to replace entire systems.
For anyone looking for a high-efficiency solar battery solution, Unicell makes connecting solar panels to LiFePO4 cells easy and reliable.
Technical Specifications and Performance Guarantee
The Unicell Series employs efficient DC-DC conversion architecture with peak efficiency over 92%, minimizing energy loss. The built-in MPPT controller optimizes solar harvesting with over 97% efficiency. The system supports 10-25V wide voltage input, compatible with various solar panels and DC power sources,with a maximum input current of 10A.
For cells, we recommend 280Ah or 314Ah LiFePO4 cells, offering the best balance of cost, lifespan, and safety. Complete protection features include: overcharge, over-discharge, overcurrent, and short circuit protection.
Environmentally, Unicell operates from -20°C to 70°C, with optimal performance between 10°C and 45°C. Monthly self-discharge is below 3%, preserving energy during storage. The Modbus RS485 interface enables remote monitoring and system integration for commercial deployment.
Conclusion: The Future of Off-Grid 12V Solar Power
The Unicell Series represents not just technological progress, but a paradigm shift in off-grid power thinking. By challenging the assumption that "12V output requires 12V batteries," we unlock unprecedented value potential, simplicity, and reliability.
For African families seeking affordable electrification, DIY enthusiasts building custom systems, outdoor adventurers needing reliable mobile power, and businesses requiring cost-effective solutions—Unicell delivers what traditional 12V solar power systems cannot.
True innovation doesn't add complexity—it removes it. Unicell removes traditional system complexity, unnecessary costs, and technical barriers. What remains is pure, accessible, reliable power.
FAQ
Unicell incorporates a highly efficient (>92%) bidirectional DC-DC converter within the controller, boosting the 3.2V input to a stable 12V output.
For typical African household needs (lighting, TV, fridge), 1kWh combined with efficient solar charging meets most daily requirements. While numerically smaller, Unicell’s elimination of conversion losses makes actual usable energy comparable. Most importantly, 46% lower cost dramatically increases energy accessibility.
Unicell integrates necessary protection functions within the controller, optimized for single-cell systems. Compared to traditional BMS monitoring four series cells, single-cell protection is more direct and reliable. We provide comprehensive overcharge, over-discharge, overcurrent, short circuit, and temperature protection.
Almost any DC source! The Unicell controller is versatile:
- Primary: Solar panels (PV).
- Convenient: 12V car socket (cigarette lighter).
- Everyday: Dual Type-C (5V/2A) ports and USB ports (from power banks or adapters).
- Universal: Any other 10-25V DC power supply.
This makes it ideal for mobile use and areas with unstable grid power.
Completely suitable. Unicell’s Modbus interface integrates directly with mainstream PayGo controllers for meter reading, remote control, and prepaid functionality. This makes Unicell ideal for Africa’s widely adopted prepaid energy models.
Unicell 50 is suitable for 200W solar panels and 150W loads (e.g. camping, kayaking); Unicell 100+PV is suitable for 300W solar panels and 300W loads (e.g. African households, motorhomes).
Designed for diverse climates, Unicell operates from -20°C to 70°C. In extreme cold, charging parameters adjust to protect the battery; in high heat, intelligent temperature control ensures safe operation. For most extreme conditions, we recommend placing the system in a temperature-stable environment.
