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Alternative to the EB150

jimjames

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Oct 29, 2021
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Hello friends

I abandoned trying to get the Bluetti EB150 to work. This solar generator situation with bluetti and just research in general about these type of products has been a real time sink.

I would like 1500wh portable machine with a lifepo4 battery, something under $2000 and has a handle on it. I see this Ecoflow Delta Max Solar Generator. Is this thing any good? I am open to any product suggestions. If the battery is under 1500wh, I'd prefer it to accept heavy solar input.

Thanks guys
 
OP: "I abandoned trying to get the Bluetti EB150 to work."
Can you explain 'trying to get the Bluetti EB150 to work'? What is not working?
 
OP: "I abandoned trying to get the Bluetti EB150 to work."
Can you explain 'trying to get the Bluetti EB150 to work'? What is not working?
When I connect my solar panels via DC 7909, I'm not getting any charge into the unit. I assume that because no input watts are registered on the display. The AC charging through the DC port works though.
For solar, I'm get the correct voltage at the MC4 connectors but when I plug that into the DC 7909 and that into the machine, no watts are registered.
 
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What is the panel spec? How many panels?
Did you check the DC Voltage of the DC7909 plug on that MC4 - DC7909 adapter cable?
BTW, I have EB70.
 
What is the panel spec? How many panels?
Did you check the DC Voltage of the DC7909 plug on that MC4 - DC7909 adapter cable?
BTW, I have EB70.
Panel spec- 24 volts 100 watt monocrystalline. I have 4 panels. I tried running in series. Running in series w/ parallel, and a single panel.

I didn't try checking the dc voltage of the DC7909. But I did buy another DC7909 cable to make sure it wasnt just the cable they provided (Because Ive heard them sending faulty cables before).

I did read about some people saying that the bluetti may be expecting a reverse polarity, which is bonkers but hey maybe there is some validity there.
 
Well, we need to verify we do have DC Voltage on the DC7909 plug and with correct polarity first. The DC7909 outer shell is Negative, the inner shell and the pin are Positive, based on my EB70.
What is the MAX PV input for the EB150?
Does the EB150 have selectable DC input setting? I will have to download the user manual to find out.
 
Well, we need to verify we do have DC Voltage on the DC7909 plug and with correct polarity first. The DC7909 outer shell is Negative, the inner shell and the pin are Positive, based on my EB70.
What is the MAX PV input for the EB150?
Does the EB150 have selectable DC input setting? I will have to download the user manual to find out.
I believe the max PV is 600 watts.

They have a selectable DC output setting and AC setting. No buttons for input, as the input can be detected and received even in a powered off state.

the voltage reading is around 43 volts at the top level mc4 connectors when in parallel with the 4 panels.
 
See my post #7.
OP: "the voltage reading is around 43 volts at the top level mc4 connectors when in parallel with the 4 panels."
43V when all 4 panels in parallel? That is very high for 24V 100W panel.
I sure like to see the full spec of the panel.
We are talking PV Input Voltage, not the Wattage.
 
18V is Vmp Voltage, the Voc will be higher than 18V, more likely to be around 23 ~ 25VDC.
Your reading of 43V from parallel connection of 4 panels cannot be right, it should not be no more than 25V at most (it will be the Voltage rating of single panel spec).
When connected in series the Voltage is added up, current stays the same.
Parallel connection, the Voltage stays the same, the current is added up..
So please check your panel wiring.
I think you have panel wiring issue at this point.
 
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Since the panel does not come with MC4 connectors, did you install the MC4 connectors on to the panel wires correctly?
Show us the pictures.
You need to check the Voltage and the polarity at this point.
 
I drew up an image of what I've attempted. But I'll get it all together tomorrow and take photos to recreate this. p.s. this is what read 43 volts at the top level mc4 connectors. oh and I'll check the polarity.

Edit: The image below is an incorrect way to set up solar panels! preliminaryphoto.png
 
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I will wait for good clear pictures and the Voltage reading at the connectors.
The wiring does not make sense.
Do you have Y adapter for what you are trying to connect those 4 panels in 2S2P?
 
I do have a couple of Y adapters to achieve parallel.

First, here is a panel itself with the MC4 connectors.
Second photo here is a solar panel pair connected in series. To elaborate, the negative Mc4 of the left panel is attached to the positive of the right panel.
 

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Here is an image of the whole system, not yet connected in paralell.
 

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Now the Ys are attached. 2 positives into Y on the left and 2 negatives into the one on the right.
 

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Whole system rigged up series parallel, from the Y adapters to the Dc7909 provided by bluetti.
 

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A reading of the Dc7909 with positive on the outside shell. problem there? Edit: Sure enough! the ac brick reading has outer shell as negative.
 

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Reverse polarity was the problem. Those SAE to Mc4 conversion came with a polarity switcher and initially it didnt register with me that thats what it was. Im attaching a photo of that individual part that attaches to the SAE panel connector. You would attach this to a panel's existing SAE cable to reverse polarity prior to attaching it to the SAE to MC4 connector.

Thanks Bud Martin for all the help. The bluetti is now charging, getting 341-350 input watts with my set up.
 

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