This may be a dumb question. What is the best way to connect these panels together and then to my bluetti?
Bluetti AC180. Two 100W Eco-Worthy panels to charge it. Should I hook them up in series or parallel?
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If there are parameters for the panels, forum members will be better able to provide their advice.
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We need the complete panel data.
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For the Bluetti AC180, it’s generally better to hook the two 100W Eco-Worthy panels in parallel. This will help maintain a higher current output while keeping the voltage at a safe level for charging.
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| Rated Power | 100W |
|---|---|
| Solar Cell | Monocrystalline |
| Maximum/Peak Voltage(Vmp) | 19.5V±3% |
| Open Circuit Voltage(Voc) | 22.7V±3% |
| Short Circuit Current(Isc) | 5.55A±3% |
|---|---|
| Maximum Current(Imp) | 5.13A±3% |
| Dimension | 35.2423.031.38 inches |
| weight | 15.06 pounds |
The single panel here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00V4844F4?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
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With the details given on your panels, it is better to put them in series, if they are well in full sun (and without shadow) you can recover 200W max on your AC180.
On the other hand if your panels are very often partially in the shade, you can put them in parallel. → Indeed in this situation if one of the panels is in the shadow partially and the other in full sun, the last one will provide all its power (instead of being limited by the panel in the shadow (in the case of a series assembly).
For example, you get 100W thanks to the first panel in full sun and 8W with the second partially in the shadows (108 W) if your panels are in parallel… (If your panels, in the same situation (with shadow on one panel), had been in series, you would obtain for example 16W maximum).
The disadvantage of assembly in parallel it is which if your two panels are in full sun (without shadow) you are limited to 8a by your AC180 because the voltage of the panels in parallel is around 19 V, and therefore your AC180 believes that it is a cigarette lighter socket and limits the intensity to 8A (instead of 10A) so you lose in this situation 2A so around 40W → you recover 160W max.
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They will be in full sun. No shade. Another question, could I add a third panel (the same eco-worthy 100w)?
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It is not possible in your case to add a third panel. Because very early in the morning or late in the evening the 3 serial panels could provide up to 3 x VOC = 3 x 22.7v = 68V. However, this voltage is greater than the maximum voltage that the AC180 can withstand (60V).
If there is a critical point, this is this one, hence the above posts of people who ask you to specify the panel characteristics.
If you want to search for the ideal panels to put in series, you can try to get closer to 60 V without being too close (because in winter, the VOC tension can be slightly higher).
In your case, you can put 4 panels: in two lines(string) of two panels in series and you mount the 2 lines(string) in parallel. You can theoretically get in full sun: 2 x (2 x 19.5 V x 5A) = 390W (10A limitation : 5A for each string)
A warning: I see that sometimes the MPPT of my bluetti AC200MAX or my D050S has trouble finding the maximum power point with parallel panel configurations. Ask AC180 owners who tried this !
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Thank you! Just to confirm, the two 100w eco-worthy panels shouldn’t be an issue with the voltage?
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No problem for 2 ecoworthy panels in series: this gives a maximum of 2x 22.7v = 45.4 V it is significantly less than 60V
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Thanks man! I really appreciate the help
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So I think the amazon listing may have been missing info? I found this info on the back of the panel, not sure if it changes anything
Rated Max Power 100W
Max Power Voltage(Vpm): 20.20V
Open Circuit Voltage(Voc): 24.50V
Max Power Current(Imp): 4.95A
Short Circuit Current(Isc): 5.20A
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everything remains valid!
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Perfect! Thank you so much
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You can always hookup two in series and another two in series to get the most watts
For the Bluetti AC180, you should connect the two 100W Eco-Worthy panels in parallel to maintain a 12V output while increasing the total amperage for faster charging. This setup is ideal for maximizing efficiency with your solar power system.