Hello. I am using IR2184 for synchronous buck converter. I intend to use it on a 50W solar panel with a Vmp of 17V. What should I connect to the VCC of the IR2184? As of now, I am thinking of connecting either 7812 or a zener diode. My concern is that once the solar panel is not able to produce the enough voltage to drive the zener diode or 7812, the driver would not operate due to its UVLO. Thank you.
Basically:
If the voltage of the solar cell is (that) low, then it's a good idea to swich OFF the converter.
Maybe consider to use a capacitor and burst operation.
A zener alone won't work, you need a series current limiter.
Depending on the current drawn (overall efficiency) I'd consider to use a tiny step down SMPS module, or an LDO linear regulator.