Difference between solar-powered ESP boards

Other Hardware 3rd Party Boards
1

Hi,

I am unfortunately quite inexperienced with solar-powered hardware.
Maybe someone here can help me?
While searching for a solar-powered ESP board, I found this one:

ESP32-C3-DevKit-Energy Harvesting

What is the difference to e.g. the “FireBeetle ESP32” board?

What is the difference between a solar charge controller and an energy harvester, don't they both do the same thing?

Do I understand correctly that there is already a switchable voltage output and therefore I don't need an extra switch to take sensors from the operating voltage?

Sorry for the beginner's questions and thanks for the answers.

2

Afaik, Firebeetle has only battery management, not solar charge.
Solar is just one form of energy harvesting. The board you linked has even pins named "solar" so it's likely optimized for that.
Here is another example:
PowerFeather

No idea what you mean with this...

3

Thank you for your answer.
Does that mean I can't simply charge the battery on the Firebeetle via solar?

No idea what you mean with this...

I meant that the block diagram shows a +3V LOAD output. This can apparently be controlled via the CNTRL pin?

4

Practically no. Solar charge controller circuit has to keep charge current always optimal for panel, otherwise you get very bad efficiency, often next to nothing.

Yes. But some specs/datasheet is needed if you need high current draw.

5

OK, thank you.
My sensors don't need a high current, so that should be fine.

I think I'll just order a board and test it, even if it is quite expensive. :sweat_smile: