Need confirmation on solar panels with Battery anker f2000 (767)

[niceguy21]

Hello guys, I've been looking into ordering these solar panels from renogy:

https://www.renogy.com/320-watt-monocrystalline-solar-panel/#tab2


The anker f2000(767) states these specs which quite honestly don't understand:

XT60 Input
11-32V⎓10A; 32V-60V⎓20A (1000W Max)

https://www.anker.com/products/b178011g?variant=42662822314134

My question is, would 4 of these panels either in Bicials or Non-Bicials work in parallel series setup?

 

[jsurm]

I am in the same boat as you, looking for panels to work with my Anker F2000. I would like to max out the 1000 watt charging or at least get close to that. One thing I could tell you is you would be over the 1000w max with four of those panels. Myself, I was looking into purchasing two Qcells 490 watt panels. I did send the specs to Anker and they told me those panels should work, but trying to find a place to purchase just two is impossible.

 

[mikefitz]

these specs which quite honestly don't understand:

The Renogy panels are not suitable, and you have a 1000 watt limit.

Starting with the Anker input. To get the most power the input voltage has to be near 60 volts, but not exceeding that voltage. Between 32 and 60 volts the unit will take a maximum of 20 amps. Below 32 volts the current is limited to 10 amps.

Solar panels increase the open circuit voltage, Voc, when at a lower temperature than 25 deg C, around 0.3 to 0.4%/degC. Voc for the 320 watt panels is 30 volts. At 0C Voc will be 30 x 0.3% x 25 = 32.25 volts.
This rules out using these panels In series as you will exceed the 60 volt limit.
A single panel would work, maximum power 26 volts x 10 amps, 260 watts.

Assuming you have the Anker and require panels.
You need a series parallel array, select panels with a Voc below 25 volts to give a cold weather margin.
The I mp, maximum power current of the panel, needs to be in the region of 10 to 12 amps, so the parallel value conforms with the 20 amp limit. ( I guess you can go slightly over as the unit will limit to 20 amps).

From a quick look at available panels, it seems four 200 watt Renogy or four Ecoworthy 195 watt panels will be within the limits.

I have never understood why so called solar generators have stupid limits on the solar imput.

 

[jsurm]

Hey Mike, I am also trying to find panels to work with my Anker F 2000. I have a question for you, do you think these panels would work? I was thinking of using five of the 12 volt version wired in a parallel configuration. Thanks and I apologize for my ignorance this is all pretty new to me.

https://www.bougerv.com/products/topcon-16bb-200-watt-solar-panel

 

[mikefitz]

find panels to work with my Anker F 2000.

I will try to help, the design limits of these 'solar generators' make it extremely difficult to select a panel array that's ideal.
The specification for the 200 watt panels in the link gave data for a standard and a high voltage version
Standard, Voc 28, V mp 24 , amps max 8.
HV version, Voc 36, Vmp 31.7, amps max 6
I discussed low temperature operation and the resultant Increase in panel volts. At temperatures higher than 25 deg C the panel voltage falls by a similar rate, 0.3 to 0.4 %/deg C.

So once again the lower limit of 32 volts causes problems. Although when the panels are cool, but with good sun the panel volts may exceed 32 volts. ( Note max power is just on the 32 volt limit). Hot panels or where the solar controller is searching for max power, could drop the panel volts below 32 volts where the currect maximum is 10 amps. I have no experience in using the f2000 so have no idea how the unit would respond.
The standard panel volts are below the 32 volts , thus the 10 amp limit would apply for parallel panels. Regardless of the number of panels, no point in exceeding two panels, would deliver a maximumpower of 24volts x 10 amps = 240 watts.

There is, in theory, the option of using the panels in series parallel, with conditions.
Voc is 28 volts, two in series is 56 volts, specification is +/-5%, thus the highest voltage could be 58.8 volts.
Temperature coefficient is 0.25%/deg C. So at O degC there would be a voltage increase of,
58.8 x 0.25% x 25 = 3.68 volts. This exceeds the 60 volt limit.
I guess in your location it could get real cold, well below zero.

Conclusions, need panels with Voc 25 volts or less, to have the series option, or well above the 32 volts, for a parallel option.

 

[jsurm]

Mike, thank you very much for looking at it for me.I really appreciate your help.