# Power options notecarrier-F using lipo + solar panel

**URL:** <https://discuss.blues.com/t/power-options-notecarrier-f-using-lipo-solar-panel/3478>\
**Category:** Uncategorized\
**Created:** [February 28, 2026, 3:04pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/power-options-notecarrier-f-using-lipo-solar-panel/3478 "2026-02-28T15:04:08Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![JimK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/45deac/32.png) [@JimK](https://discuss.blues.com/u/JimK)\
**Post date:** [February 28, 2026, 3:04pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/power-options-notecarrier-f-using-lipo-solar-panel/3478/1 "2026-02-28T15:04:08Z")

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I was using these three plug in devices on my notecarrier-F board :

> **[5,000 mAh LiPo Battery](https://shop.blues.com/products/5-000-mah-lipo-battery)**
>
> Lithium-ion polymer (also known as "LiPo") batteries are thin, light, and powerful. The output ranges from 4.2V when completely charged to 3.7V. This battery has a capacity of 5,000mAh for a total of about 19 Wh. The batteries come pre-attached with...

> **[20 Watt 6 Volt Solar Panel - ETFE](https://voltaicsystems.com/20-watt-6-volt-solar-panel-etfe/)**
>
> The Voltaic 20 Watt solar panel uses high efficiency SunPower solar cells and is ideal for powering IoT devices. Peak Output: 5.21V 4,460mA

> **[Mojo](https://shop.blues.com/products/mojo)**
>
> Mojo (short for “More Joules”) is a small, inexpensive Notecard companion device that measures energy usage in a battery-powered system. Inspired by the Joulescope and powered by a low-power coulomb counter, Mojo is designed to give product builders...

I also have a feather esp32 on that board an a USB cable plugged into that for downloading and troubleshooting code right now.

My question is does the USB cable plugged into the feather esp32 also provide power to the lipo battery when there is no solar power e.g. dark out or snow covered or does the charging circuit on the notecarrier only recognize the solar panel for charging the battery ?

If I plugged in a USB cable on the notecarrier does that charge the lipo when there is not enough solar power available ?  
thanks

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**Author:** ![RobLauer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/discuss.blues.com/roblauer/32/1567_2.png) [@RobLauer](https://discuss.blues.com/u/RobLauer)\
**Post date:** [March 2, 2026, 6:54pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/power-options-notecarrier-f-using-lipo-solar-panel/3478/3 "2026-03-02T18:54:29Z")

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Hi @JimK,

> My question is does the USB cable plugged into the feather esp32 also provide power to the lipo battery when there is no solar power?

No, it will only power the Feather.

> If I plugged in a USB cable on the notecarrier does that charge the lipo when there is not enough solar power available?

Yes, if plugged into the Notecarrier it will charge a LiPo that is also connected to the Notecarrier.

Thanks,  
Rob