Is a single 245W solar panel rated at 37.6v at 8a enough to recharge a Bluetti AC180 discharged to 50%? This is under Arizona sun for 4-6 hrs.
Can I connect the Bluetti AC180 in parallel with the existing MPPT controller and switch from lead acid to AC180 & vice-versa?
MoHo has a generator but I’d rather not use if possible.
Has anyone done this and have schematics for such a mod or is this a job for someone who knows what they’re doing? TIA.
Q1 - Yes
Q2 - Yes & No - the AC180 takes Raw solar input. You would need to switch the the input of the MPPT not the output.
Then when charging the AC180, you are not charging the the MoHo. :) The big Q is; After charging the MoHo, does your panel output have that extra 600Wh of output in your conditions? 
Thanks, I think question 2 was worded awkwardly. My solar panel feeds an MPPT controller to charge my lead acid batteries. I want to wire a second MC4 connector to the cables from the panel so I can plug it into the AC180 when needed. I “assume” I have to disconnect the existing MPPT controller, i.e. I can’t split the raw output of the panel between the lead acid batteries and the AC180 at the same time. Hope that makes more sense.
It does and you assume correctly in disconnecting the solar panels from MPPT. Diverting and splitting the Raw input in electrical terms won’t cause any dangerous issue. However, not a good idea for optimum output. But, as mentioned, it’s a “can’t have your cake and eat it issue” A bit like having one water hose and 2 jerry cans, you fill one or the other and if you put a joiner in to fill both, they fill at half the rate of only doing one, therefore twice as long.
Thanks. Well poop! I was hoping there was some device that would automagically disconnect one when the other was in use. I don’t want to fire up the genny for even 45 minutes bc it freaks out my cat who hates MoHo anyway.
You can do this with a switch - you need a Double Pole - Double Throw DC switch, at 25A capacity wired as my diag below.
Alternatively you can do this more remotely with a Relay that has a normally closed, normally open capability. I would suggest the relay in its de energised state be for the Mo Ho and the energised terminal be for the AC180. This way the relay can be near the MPPT and the relay activation switch can be anywhere you can tap 12VDC.
Although an automated system is possible, I’m not a great fan of making things too complicated as there’s more to go wrong. i.e. a switch is simple, a relay and switch is next level, auto is, in my opinion, overkill, lol.
Forgot to mention, small auto relays are generally positive (+) switching only, so the negative (-) connections are terminal post or busbar linked and don’t need switching.
The switch with relay is only to energise or de energise the relay.
(Please forgive the S in energise in lieu of the Z, that’s how we spell in Au.)
Keep in mind that the switch only or the relay need to be close to the MPPT to reduce voltage drop from the panels. Try to keep cable length to a minimum to the AC180 Solar input from either. That way your MoHo’s impact is minimised and any impost is to the AC180.
Hot damn! Thanks for the simple explanation and diagram. Knowing you’re from Oz increases my confidence. I’m in the middle of moving house so I won’t get to this for a bit but I’ll be sure to save this off.
While I have you on the “line,” in which forum should I pose a question re: legitimacy of a Bluetti “Official” shop on an Asian site? Thanks for your assistance.
I would suggest that you do it on this thread by tagging Bluetti Admin as follows;
If you type the @ symbol immediately followed by a capital B a dialogue box should appear for you to select Bluetti Admin. This tags them for a response, so ask your Question, they should give you contact details for your specific location i.e. Country.
That way, they can see your original concern and add to it if needed, plus your legitimacy concerns.
Thanks again. I used to travel to Oz on business in my misspent youth. I’d like to go back but those 18 hour flights would kill me now.
@NunnaUrbiz
After confirming with our AliExpress team, this is our official store link —fully compliant and secure. Feel free to place your order with confidence:
BLUETTI Official Store
And thanks @Mandp for your help and detailed answers to the post. 
@NunnaUrbiz - Yes know that well, I lived in Malaysia for 2 years many many years ago. I’ve also travelled to the U.K. and on one trip due to a flight delay (breakdown) I left the town I stayed at around 200kms north of London and arrived at my then home 200kms north of Sydney 37.5 hours later. Not something I wish to repeat, lol.
Thanks for the prompt reply. For anyone looking at AliExpress from the US, it seems calling a store an “Official Store” is meaningless. Hover over “Sold By Bluetti Official Store” in the upper right corner and compare the credentials. If “Business Info” isn’t the same, it may not be a legitimate seller. It might still be a real product but it might be a counterfeit, stolen or otherwise moved sideways in the supply chain. As always, “caveat emptor.”
