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EcoFlow Delta max solar input

Lewi

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Does anyone know what is the most solar that can be connected to the Delta? Manual shows 65V and max of 10A.

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EcoFlow on their Facebook group shows overload for over 400 watts but does that mean overpaneling is not doable?

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Manual also shows this diagram which even shows six 85W panels which is over the 400 watt limit already. Anyone have any ideas?
 
Hey Lewi,

...Does anyone know what is the most solar that can be connected to the Delta? Manual shows 65V and max of 10A.
From your snippet the maximum is 400W.

EcoFlow on their Facebook group shows overload for over 400 watts but does that mean overpaneling is not doable?
I'd give them a call and ask. When you find out, could you post their response? I'm interested to hear what they say.

...Manual also shows this diagram which even shows six 85W panels which is over the 400 watt limit already. Anyone have any ideas?
Six 85 watt panels would only see that 510W at solar noon if everything was aligned. Of course, on a cold day it could be over 510W. It sure makes it seem like it can be over-paneled. But again, I'd call to make sure. I know for example that the Sol-Ark 8k can only use 8 kW, but it can be over-paneled to 11 kW.

For anyone with similar issues trying to figure out panels in series/parallel for their MPPT the FAQ has links that cover this topic in general:
 
The manual says that there is no limit to the number of panels wired in parallel as long as the voltage stays below a total 65v. From what I have read in the manual it appears that the amps from DC charging don't matter as the MPPT controller will adjust the amps to max out at 10A of input.

My plan is to hook up 6x 100w panels in 2 parallel groups of 3 panels in series for a total voltage of 64.5v. (open circuit voltage is 21.5v) By over-panelling I believe that this setup will allow me much more time during the day to maximize the solar input which we will use to run a continuous cycle dehumidifier on an isolated cabin off the coast of Texas. This should also reduce the battery cycles therefore extending the battery life on the Delta.

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3 panels in series for a total voltage of 64.5v. (open circuit voltage is 21.5v)
This is dangerously close to over voltage (>65v), which the normal consensus is REALLY bad and generally lets out the magic smoke. Note that the Voc of 21.5 is rated at 25 deg C. As the temperature drops, the voltage of the panels will increase (there may be a temperature coefficient listed on the panel).

appears that the amps from DC charging don't matter as the MPPT controller will adjust the amps to max out at 10A of input.
The response from the EcoFlow Tech in the OP clearly states that 10A input is the limit.

But, let us know how "flexible" these silly limits really are should you test them.
 
This is dangerously close to over voltage (>65v), which the normal consensus is REALLY bad and generally lets out the magic smoke.
Maxoak Bluetti EB 2400 has a similar 67 volt limit. I have seen the Hobotech test on Youtube with a power supply. When the voltage goes over by a small amount the 2400 gives an error code on its power meter and safely shuts off. Reset the 2400 and drop the voltage and it keeps working with 3 panels in Series at under 67 volts.

The Delta 1300 probably has the same feature of giving an error code on the display and shutting off over 65 volts input.

The Maxoak 1500 limit is 60 volts so only 2 100 watt panels can be Series connected. A 3rd panel gives an error code and shuts off.

I dont know why all SCC controllers dont have a safety shut off on over voltage instead of damaging the SCC. How difficult would that be to build into a SCC?

The Maxoak email support does not seem to know about what happens when the 67 volt limit is exceeded so they say you can damage the EB2400 when asked. However real world testing shows that it can be overpaneled with 6 panels in Series and parallel in actual tests and long time use without issues.
 
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This is dangerously close to over voltage (>65v), which the normal consensus is REALLY bad and generally lets out the magic smoke. Note that the Voc of 21.5 is rated at 25 deg C. As the temperature drops, the voltage of the panels will increase (there may be a temperature coefficient listed on the panel).

Ok, I am new to all this so I didn't realize that the Voc was not the maximum voltage output. Thanks for that info. Lots to learn.

The response from the EcoFlow Tech in the OP clearly states that 10A input is the limit.

But, let us know how "flexible" these silly limits really are should you test them.

That's why I included quotes from the EcoFlow Tech as well. Numerous times on the EcoFlow facebook page the EcoFlow Tech mentions that the amps can be disregarded as long as the total volts stay under 65v. The manual also seems consistent with this concept as well. But as you said real world testing may be the only way to get the data needed.
 
Thanks for the clarification. I was wanting to do the same as you with 6 - 100 watt panels with three in series and then parallel each set of three. Right now I have three in series connected and I am getting a max of 275 watts.
 
Hi,
I have the Delta 1300 as well and charge it exclusively with solar using the config below:

(Pair A) 2 x 160W rated panels in series ( Voc = 22.9V ; Isc = 8.37A ) (Renogy Mono)
(Pair B) 2 x 150W rated panels in series ( Voc = 22.7V ; Isc = 8.09A ) (HQST Poly)

Pair A and Pair B are then connected in parallel.

NOTE: I have tested all my panels individually, and they aren't very efficient.

When I charge my Delta, the LCD indicator typically shows 320W steady input when the sun is bright...
Sometimes I might see it spike up to 330W but I have never ever seen it hit 400W.
Maybe the Delta's MPPT input current is limiting at the 10A mark.

I hope I did my math correctly, taking into account the inefficiencies and losses, and choose the most optimal configuration for connection.
Once, I tried to connect 3 of my panels in series, but it did not yield anywhere even near 300W input. There was something that I can't understand which is grossly limiting the charging input to the Delta with the 3 panels in series...

Thanks for the clarification. I was wanting to do the same as you with 6 - 100 watt panels with three in series and then parallel each set of three. Right now I have three in series connected and I am getting a max of 275 watts.
 
Once, I tried to connect 3 of my panels in series, but it did not yield anywhere even near 300W input. There was something that I can't understand which is grossly limiting the charging input to the Delta with the 3 panels in series...
Where and how did you get this wattage number?
I think you are fortunate you did not exceed the 65v limit, which is supposed to let the magic smoke out.
If you have 3 in series, voltage is added for all panels. Amps some form of averaging.
Seems odd not to gave more than 300w. Probably bad connection somewhere...mismatched MC4 connectors?
 
I am just merely reading the wattage number off the Delta's LCD panel.
It tells you the input watts going in for solar charging.

In theory, based on how I connected my panels, and each panel spec Voc, Isc and temperature coefficients, I don't think I'll ever hit max voltages to cause any harm to the Delta's solar input.

Pls tell me if my calculations are correct here...Based on my panel's specs, two panels connected in series is ~40V max give and take. Next, this cluster of 2 panels are connected in parallel. So, the voltage in parallel remains ~ 40 V.
See this example picture of 3 clusters of "2-in-series" all in parallel: https://diysolarforum.com/threads/solar-panel-strings-parallel-series-explained.61/
When connected in parallel, you're just adding up the amps while voltage remains constant..

Therefore, in my setup, I was thinking that the only issue could be the max current.
On a really good day, I think I should be generating ~8A per each cluster of "2-in-series". So, adding up, it should be ~16A being the total amps in Parallel connection. ~16A going into the Delta, while the Delta's charge controller should be limiting the amps to 10A.

However, next month, I am planning to purchase an external watt meter and check both my clusters individually. Then, run some real measurements as well, of the parallel connection assembly.

Where and how did you get this wattage number?
I think you are fortunate you did not exceed the 65v limit, which is supposed to let the magic smoke out.
If you have 3 in series, voltage is added for all panels. Amps some form of averaging.
Seems odd not to gave more than 300w. Probably bad connection somewhere...mismatched MC4 connectors?
 
Sounds like you have the numbers figured out correctly. Verifying volts and amps with a DMM before connecting is always a good idea.
 
Where and how did you get this wattage number?
I think you are fortunate you did not exceed the 65v limit, which is supposed to let the magic smoke out.
If you have 3 in series, voltage is added for all panels. Amps some form of averaging.
Seems odd not to gave more than 300w. Probably bad connection somewhere...mismatched MC4 connectors?
Dunno why you keep saying that magic smoke out?
I have pointed out a few times that these "solar generators" have safety cut off features so do not burn
up if you exceed the max input voltage.
They have integrated power meters with safety features.
The Jackery 1000 only accepts 30 volts and I dont know if you get an error code but there is no damage.
Both Will and Hobotech did not document this but Jackery emailed that it would not damage the 1000
The Maxoak Bluetti 2400 accepts 67 volts then shuts off with an error code.

Delta 1300 is the best of them all safely accepting 70 volts without damage or error code.
Just resets to a lower level.
If these "solar generators" burned up when exceeding their claimed max input voltages there would be
a bunch of angry users posting about it.
Why cant all SCC have this safety feature instead of burning up?

Watch this video for the details on the Delta 1300.
 
Dunno why you keep saying that magic smoke out?
I'm a slow learner? I will aspire to do better. Or maybe best to leave the solar generators to folks who have the knowledge you do. That's my goal going forward, smack me down as necessary if i violate it.
 
$3,000 for chaining 3 together @$999 at some retailers for 3 x 1,260 watts of battery power = 3,780 watts of power.
 
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