Hi Everyone, I’m using an AC200max with a b230, and I’m powering it with 2 x 200w renogy e-flex-core folding panels. It’s been super clear and sunny for a few days so I’ve had chance to see what power I could get into the bluetti. I’ve tested the panels with a multimeter and each one shows that it was getting 7.67 amps @ 21.7 volts which is 166 watts……not far off what I’d expect….However, the AC200Max barely ever shows over 200w whether panels are wired in series or parallel. I have them wired in series right now in full sun, only a few hazy high clouds and the display on the bluetti says they are inputting 34.4v and 219w. This is actually the first time I’ve seen it go over 200w whereas I expected to be seeing over 300 based on the readings from the panels. What am I doing wrong? Any help much appreciated. Cheers Jim
Hi @SunnyJim, firstly, do you have the DC input set to PV on the Touchscreen settings? Additionally check that the blue aviation connector is in all the way into the Max and the correct way up. There is a very small 1 and 2 embossed on the plug, and 1 needs to be at the top.
Also, the AC200Max has a max amp input of 15 amps. The maximum input you can receive is VMP voltage times 15 amps in perfect conditions.
Hi Erebus, thanks for your help. Yes, DC input is set to PV and yes, the aviation connector is the right way up. As the panels are wired in series, does that not mean that together they still only produce 7.67 amps so shouldn’t be near the max?
Hi @SunnyJim
welcome to the bluetti community forum! Thanks for you question!
As far i remember some powerstation have a 8 amps limit for certain voltages. This would be fit you description, that the output can reach higher wattage sometimes.
Maybe someone from Bluetti can confirm this information
@BLUETTI @BLUETTI_CARE Maybe one of you would be so kind? 
greetings
Erik
Hi @Selfmadestrom,
Thanks very much! I appreciate your help too. So i might be getting confused (easily done!), but if i’ve tested the panels in optimum conditions and each is 7.67 amps, then it shouldn’t be over the maximum in series? How should I wire 2 x 200w panels to get the most from them? They are around 10ft from the AC200max and I’m using genuine renogy cables and y connectors and I’ve also tried a spare pair of wires and connectors which made no difference.
@SunnyJim yes, the amps are fine, but amps times volts equals watts, which might explain the low input.
@Erebus if the multimeter says 21.7 v on one panel then wired in series would be around 43 volts x the same current (7.67a) which should be around 330 watts. I’ll test the voltage coming in to the aviation connector now to check….
yes, it shows around 44v coming from both panels in series.
Let me try to explain really simple.
You can connect solar panels in series or in parallel.
Series = Raise the voltage, current remains the same
Parallel = Raise the current, voltage remains the same
Important to know is, that voltage gets pushed from the PV to the Powerstation. Thats the reason why you need to stay within the limits of the Powerstation fpr the Voltage.
Current in the other hand gets pulled from the Powerstation.
So lets say both panels can reach 44V and like 20 amps. Thats no problem for the AC200. The 44V are within the voltage range of the AC200 and the current will draw as needed. When the AC200 only request your 7.67A, the rest is just not used.
Voltage x Amps = Watt
If the current is lower, the whole wattage is lower.
Hope thats somehow understandable.
Erik
@Selfmadestrom Thanks again Erik. I think i understand, but I presumed it would draw the maximum current given by the panels. So are you saying the figures that I’m seeing are about right for 2 x 200w panels on a clear sunny day? Jim
@SunnyJim yes, the maximum you can expect under prime conditions. There aren’t enough amps to achieve more watts.
@SunnyJim There are many factors that influence the production of energy.
For sure, max. 200W on a 400W Series connection is not that much. But its not realistic, that solar panels deliever its full power. It really depends on the alignment, the temperature and maybe important to say, also on the SoC of the Powerstation.
Did you activate something like silent charging? This will limit the current too, to get less hot and less noise while charging.
@Erebus @Selfmadestrom Thanks for clarifying. I guess I just thought it would put in what the panels get but obviously was a little hopeful on the efficiencies! Can’t see a silent charging on the touchscreen, maybe that is an app thing (i don’t have a smart phone so no app)
The sky has cleared a little more now and the ac200 is showing around 260w coming in, which is way better than before, but odd as I’ve not done anything differently. Maybe I need to get another panel to increase the charge speed.
For comparison purposes, on July 1st I was working from home so I had the chance to make use of solar power for my home office. I was using an AC240 with two PV200 panels and using a 30 foot extension cable for the panels. The most I saw for solar input was 318 watts, but that was at solar “noon” (which is currently at ~1:45 PM DST at my location). Both before and after that time (ie: ~30 minutes before or after) the solar production was less.
For your panels you should wire them in series to your AC200Max, that will give you the best results. The AC200Max has a 145 volt PV limit, so your panels will be well within that. Using a higher voltage will require a lower current to deliver the same power, and the AC200Max is limited to 15 amps. Next make sure they are pointing towards the sun both in tilt angle, and direction as that can impact solar production. If you leave them in one place all day then point them southward (if you’re in the northern hemisphere). Any degree of cloudiness will impact your solar production. Your calculation of 330 watts input should be about right under good conditions based on your measurements.
The AC200Max is rated at 15 Amps input.
A Volt meter reading can display the voltage when it isn’t under load, which will read 10-15% higher vs when it is under load. If your measurements with the volt meter were under load, never mind.
Thanks @hnymann @Emax That’s good to know. Yes the portable folding panels I use have a stand to keep them at about 45 degrees and I’m probably a bit too fussy about making sure they are always pointing to the sun and that there is no shadow from trees and plants. (I should be working instead of checking displays and adjusting panels every ten mins but it’s fun while it’s a novelty!)
Yes @Emax they were measured without load, thanks for pointing that out, it helps to partly explain the lower readings on the Ac200max.
Thanks to everyone for their help. Cheers!