Matching solar panels to your power station
Not every panel works with every power station. The unit's solar input has limits on power, voltage and current, and the plugs differ. Check these before you buy panels. All the numbers are on the maker's spec page and usually on the unit itself.
The four checks
- Maximum solar input (watts). This caps how much the unit will take from panels. Panels rated above it won't charge the unit any faster, though they can still help on dull days when each panel produces less than its rating.
- Voltage range. The unit accepts a range, for example from a low figure up to a stated maximum. A panel's voltage must sit inside it. The number to check against the maximum is the panel's open-circuit voltage (Voc), printed on its label, not just its working voltage. Voc rises in cold weather, so leave a margin below the maximum for winter mornings.
- Maximum current (amps). Panels in parallel add their current together. Check the total stays within the unit's limit.
- Connectors. Panels often come with MC4 plugs, foldable panels often with their own DC plugs, and power stations use plugs such as XT60, Anderson-style or DC barrel connectors. Adapter cables exist, but make sure the one you use is rated for the current and the polarity is correct. Use the maker's own cable where you can.
Series vs parallel
When you connect more than one panel, there are two ways to do it:
| In series | In parallel | |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | Adds up | Stays the same |
| Current | Stays the same | Adds up |
| Watch out for | Total voltage going over the unit's maximum | Total current going over the unit's limit |
Which one suits you depends on the unit's voltage and current limits. Use matching panels, and don't mix different models on one input, because the weakest panel can hold the others back.
Position matters as much as the match
- Angle towards the sun. In the UK, a panel tilted towards the south does best. Laid flat it loses output, especially in winter when the sun is low.
- Keep it out of the shade. Even a small shadow can cut output a lot.
- Keep it cool and dry, and keep cables clear of foot traffic and water.
Solar input across the units we list
This is every unit in our units list with a stated solar input, grouped by maximum charging power. It is taken from the same database as the power sizer, and a few units don't have the figure yet.
| Maximum solar input | Units | Which ones |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 200 W | 6 | EcoFlow RIVER 3, EcoFlow RIVER 2, Jackery Explorer 240 v2, Jackery Explorer 300 Plus, Jackery Explorer 500 v2, Bluetti Elite 30 V2 |
| 201 to 500 W | 11 | EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus, EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max, EcoFlow DELTA 2, EcoFlow DELTA 3 Classic, EcoFlow DELTA 3 1500, EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max, Jackery Explorer 1000 v2, Jackery Explorer 2000 v2, Anker SOLIX C800, Bluetti AC70, Bluetti AC180 |
| 501 to 1,000 W | 10 | EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus, EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max, Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus, Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2, Anker SOLIX C1000, Anker SOLIX F1500, Anker SOLIX C2000 Gen 2, Anker SOLIX F2000, Bluetti Elite 100 V2, Bluetti Elite 200 V2 |
| Over 1,000 W | 8 | EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus, EcoFlow DELTA Pro, EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3, Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus, Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro, Anker SOLIX F3000, Anker SOLIX F3800, Bluetti AC200L |
A higher figure means the unit can take more panels and refill faster. It does not make it a better unit, and it doesn't matter if you only plan to use mains charging.
Safety
- Follow the maker's wiring instructions. Panels produce voltage whenever there is light on them, and series strings can reach higher voltages than people expect.
- Don't modify cables or connectors on the panel side. Use correctly rated parts.
- A fixed installation, such as panels on a roof or a wired-in van system, is a job for a qualified installer.
Next
Work out how many watts of panels you need in how many solar panels do I need?, or see monthly output in solar charging in the UK. To see which units can take the panels you have in mind, check the solar column in the units list.