Need advice for large single solar panel for rv.

Mike V · Aug 26, 2021

I have a bluetti 200P that I use in my rv. I would like to mount just one large, over 400watt, solar panel on the roof to charge it back from about 50% each day.
I was thinking of a solaria with these specs: I know I need at least 36V for charging the Bluetti. Also what size cabling would suggest taking into account a second panel in the future and a run of about 15 ft. thanks

Watts (STC)	400 W
Max Power Voltage (VMPP)	42.4 V
Max Power Current (IMPP)	9.41 A
Open Circuit Voltage (VOC)	51.1 V
Short Circuit Current (ISC)	9.82 A
Max System Voltage (UL)	DC 1000 V

MisterSandals · Aug 26, 2021

Mike V said:
I know I need at least 36V for charging the Bluetti.

Do you know the solar input limits for your Bluetti?
Do you know what solar input connector you need?
10awg solar wire would be sufficient for a good long run out to your panel.

rmaddy · Aug 26, 2021

Bluetti shows the following for the 200P:

Solar Panel (Not Included): 35-150v/Max.700W,Max12A

and

1*PV Solar Charging Cable(MC4 To XT90)

Based on that info the 400W panel you have in mind should work. The Voc is well below the 150V max and the Isc is below the 12A max. The panel should have an MC4 connector so the MC4 to XT90 cable that came with the Bluetti should let you connect the panel.

If you add a second 400W panel (with the same specs) then you would have to connect the two panels in series. The Voc would still be within limits (but you could never add a 3rd panel). You can't put the two panels in parallel due to the 12A max input.

With one or two panels (again, only in series), 10AWG PV wire should be sufficient to run from the panel to the Bluetti.

Mike V · Aug 26, 2021

rmaddy said:
Bluetti shows the following for the 200P:

and

Based on that info the 400W panel you have in mind should work. The Voc is well below the 150V max and the Isc is below the 12A max. The panel should have an MC4 connector so the MC4 to XT90 cable that came with the Bluetti should let you connect the panel.

If you add a second 400W panel (with the same specs) then you would have to connect the two panels in series. The Voc would still be within limits (but you could never add a 3rd panel). You can't put the two panels in parallel due to the 12A max input.

With one or two panels (again, only in series), 10AWG PV wire should be sufficient to run from the panel to the Bluetti.

Thanks, thats just the info I was looking for. I am going to make up a MC4 cable down to a SA20 receptical mounted in the rv wall then I can make a small extension cord to run from the wall to the bluetti when I want to charge it.

MisterSandals · Aug 26, 2021

Mike V said:
Thanks, thats just the info I was looking for. I am going to make up a MC4 cable down to a SA20 receptical mounted in the rv wall then I can make a small extension cord to run from the wall to the bluetti when I want to charge it.

I recommend that you put a switch or breaker in line with the panels so you can do the connecting/disconnecting WITHOUT the array being energized (there are a lot of volts and amps in there!)

rmaddy · Aug 26, 2021

Oh wait. I just realized the Bluetti spec states a max of 700W. Two of those panels would be 800W. You might need two 350W panels.

You might get around that limitation by mounting the panels so one gets better early day sun and the other gets better late day sun.

drifty325i · Aug 26, 2021

You can run as many panels as you like on the Ac200P as long as the voltage is below 150. I’ve had 3x 330w panels in series into it (990w) and 120v and limits it to 720w but that’s totally fine. Charges up so quickly

Mike V · Aug 26, 2021

I will put a switch in the line so your not plugging into a hot socket. I think two 400 watt panels will only give you about 700 unless everything is perfect so you will only loose a little bit of power.
Thanks All.
Mike

deanbob · Aug 30, 2021

Found my answer.

Need advice for large single solar panel for rv.

Mike V

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MisterSandals

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rmaddy

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Mike V

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MisterSandals

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Mike V

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