my solar use case is dual purpose: saving some electric bill day-to-day (< 500W load), and having access to off-grid power in an emergency
urban / renter setting - it means portable generators, and flexible solar panels on my balcony or non-permanently affixed to the roof
why would I want to do such a thing as chain self-contained solar generators like the Bluetti? (By chaining I mean solar input goes to one unit, it feeds another, and all loads are connected to the 2nd unit.)
so I'd love to power the 2nd unit from 12V on the first (leaving its AC inverter off). Something with >90% efficiency. And I realize it's greatly complicated by the MPPT controller, after having read countless threads by people wanting to drive MPPT from their auto's 12V.
I tried a cheap DC/DC "constant current" boost converter at various settings, but no go. https://www.droking.com/dc-power-su...-Regulator-DC-12V-24V-36V-48V-Adapter-Charger
Next I plan to try a few higher-priced converters: 1) https://www.droking.com/600W-Consta...80V-DC-Step-Up-Electrical-Converter-Regulator, 2) https://www.droking.com/900W-Power-...wer-Supply-with-LED-Display-Voltmeter-Ammeter (The 2nd doesn't meet my efficiency needs.)
open to advice and criticism, but understand that I already own two Bluetti units
urban / renter setting - it means portable generators, and flexible solar panels on my balcony or non-permanently affixed to the roof
why would I want to do such a thing as chain self-contained solar generators like the Bluetti? (By chaining I mean solar input goes to one unit, it feeds another, and all loads are connected to the 2nd unit.)
- in my region, Bluetti 1500Wh is the best value, but I need more storage
- cost per Wh of Bluetti 1500Wh is less than Bluetti 2400Wh (and 2x 1500Wh gives me 3000Wh vs 2400Wh)
- Point Zero products are not available, otherwise I would go with Titan
- versatility - in a power outage I can bring multiple units where needed inside or outside the house, lend one to a neighbor, etc.
- durability - if one unit dies, I can get by with the remaining one
- safety - more cooling, less batteries in one container. And 1500Wh units are reasonable weight for an old person to carry up and down stairs.
- I happen to have two panels, but hooking one to each solar generator isn't attractive
(for daily use I'd need to worry about balancing power use between them) - regarding battery cycling: on typical days I don't expect to go below 2/3 capacity of both battery banks combined
so I'd love to power the 2nd unit from 12V on the first (leaving its AC inverter off). Something with >90% efficiency. And I realize it's greatly complicated by the MPPT controller, after having read countless threads by people wanting to drive MPPT from their auto's 12V.
I tried a cheap DC/DC "constant current" boost converter at various settings, but no go. https://www.droking.com/dc-power-su...-Regulator-DC-12V-24V-36V-48V-Adapter-Charger
Next I plan to try a few higher-priced converters: 1) https://www.droking.com/600W-Consta...80V-DC-Step-Up-Electrical-Converter-Regulator, 2) https://www.droking.com/900W-Power-...wer-Supply-with-LED-Display-Voltmeter-Ammeter (The 2nd doesn't meet my efficiency needs.)
open to advice and criticism, but understand that I already own two Bluetti units
Last edited: