Solar charging BLUETTI AC180

[Selgan]

Hello, I use a BLUETTI AC180. I recently bought two https://a.co/d/0RV4wlZ and I bought this y branch to connect the two solar panels together https://a.co/d/1gltkAi

So when I have one plugged in currently I am getting about 150-160 watts. I did this with both panels and got pretty close to the same with each. When I use the y branch to connect the two panels and then plug into the BLUETTI it is only going up to like 170ish. I know this is something super simple that I’m probably messing up but I’m new to power management and was hoping someone might be able to help? Let me know what you guys think.

 

[Brucey]

Hello, I use a BLUETTI AC180. I recently bought two https://a.co/d/0RV4wlZ and I bought this y branch to connect the two solar panels together https://a.co/d/1gltkAi

So when I have one plugged in currently I am getting about 150-160 watts. I did this with both panels and got pretty close to the same with each. When I use the y branch to connect the two panels and then plug into the BLUETTI it is only going up to like 170ish. I know this is something super simple that I’m probably messing up but I’m new to power management and was hoping someone might be able to help? Let me know what you guys think.

The Y branch is paralleling your panels. Keeps the volts the sames and doubles your amps. The ac180 is limited to 10A so it isn't seeing the second panels output. You need to series your panels to double the voltage (if possible).

Your panel:


The solar input rating of the ac180:

 

[Selgan]

Oh, that makes sense. Anyone have experience wiring these in a series? I assume I am going to have to strip the wire down and connect them differently. I’ll look into that for sure. Appreciate the advice

 

[Selgan]

I figured out how to wire it up in series, thanks a lot for the advice! I now understand the whole amps for watts much better!

 

[Brucey]

I figured out how to wire it up in series, thanks a lot for the advice! I now understand the whole amps for watts much better!

Let us know how many watts you get, could come in handy for future ac180 owners.

 

[Selgan]

Absolutely, I’ll be home tomorrow and let you know how it does.

 

[Selgan]

Update for everyone that cares… so I am getting about 160 watts when I plug one panel in today. When I use y branch to connect the 2nd panel I am getting around 175 watts. I wired it up as a series and I am now getting around 350-360 watts. Soooooo I think I can say it works! I don’t have a 3rd panel to try any additional watts but in theory you may be able to add more.

 

[Brucey]

Update for everyone that cares… so I am getting about 160 watts when I plug one panel in today. When I use y branch to connect the 2nd panel I am getting around 175 watts. I wired it up as a series and I am now getting around 350-360 watts. Soooooo I think I can say it works! I don’t have a 3rd panel to try any additional watts but in theory you may be able to add more.

Yes be careful I wouldn't recommend going to three in series as you don't want to exceed the max voltage of 60V on the solar input of the ac180. In colder temps the voltage delivered by the panels goes up, the VOC rating is done at 25C.

 

[Selgan]

Makes sense, this input is definitely all I need so it’s great for my setup. I’m just glad I can use the solar as I intended now. Thanks for the help everyone.