Hi @BLUETTI_CARE I have a AC200L that allows for up to 145V/15A of solar. My solar array is 3 X 300w panels rated at 40V/9.6A, so in series I can do a max of 3 panels. Parallel wont work since I would lose to much Amps.
However I want to add an additional similar panel in series so the total would be:
Total Watts solar: 1,200 according to panel
Series total Voc - 160V (exceeding Ac200L allowed V input)
max Amperage - 9.6A
Can I use an external MPPT controller, like the Solarx or perhaps a Victron that can receive higher V and A so I can maximize the Wattage input based on the specs (145v15a) of the AC200L. With the new setup at least I would get max 145V at 9.6A.
All Bluetti power stations accept “Raw” uncontrolled solar panel output. All solar controllers, such as Victron output a battery charging algorithm at around 14V (12V panels or double for 24V charging), regardless of their input voltage limit.
This charging algorithm is inbuilt to the Bluetti MPPT controller.
The only option to get more than your 900W is to use 3 similar panels at 350W or 400W and at asimilar Voc of 40 to 45VDC.
The inbuilt Bluetti MPPT will absorb potential Watts and Amps over 1,200 by a nominal amount. The criteria you can NOT exceed is the 145Voc input.
Hi @ElDude, thank you for getting in touch with us.
We highly agree with @Mandp’s professional analysis.
Indeed, our power stations are equipped with a built-in MPPT controller. If an external MPPT is installed, it will cause conflicts between the two systems, so we do not recommend using an external MPPT.
Please refer to Mandp’s advice: use solar panels with consistent specifications, and ensure the total voltage after series connection is as close to 145V as possible. This configuration will help maximize the efficiency of solar energy conversion and avoid potential issues caused by mismatched voltage or equipment conflicts.
If you have any questions about the solar panel selection or connection process, feel free to reach out for further clarification.
A solar panels specified Voc is lab tested at 25C temperature. Solar panels have a thermal coefficient (as a % of Voc per degree) that will see up to a 6V increase in that stated Voc when the temperature is at zero. (re a nominal 12V panel)
The Voc of a panel decreases as its evironment gets hotter and increases when colder than 25C deppendent on the value of that coefficient. This applies to each panel and is cumulative. A good quality panel will state that value in its specifications.
Yes, get close to the 145V, but consider the panel string’s environment in colder conditions, to leave some space for such a voltage increase. You need to assess Voc in a worst case scenario.
