Solar Panel Q&A List - Post your questions about solar

[BLUETTI]

Welcome to the Solar Panel Q&A List thread!

To streamline the forum and prioritize valuable discussions, we have created this dedicated space for all your questions and inquiries related to solar panels.
Whether you are a beginner exploring solar energy options or an enthusiast looking for advanced insights, this thread is the place to seek answers and engage with our community of solar geek and enthusiasts.

• Post your questions about solar panels (compatibility, feasibility, etc.) below instead of a new topic.
• Explore existing Q&As in the thread to expand your solar knowledge.
• Stay engaged, ask follow-up questions, and share your own experiences.

Feel free to post your questions, seek advice, and join the conversation. We encourage active participation and collaboration to make this thread a valuable place for the forum.

[TheQuickFox]

Question:
I got an AC300+B300 set that I currently use as emergency power source.
I also rent 6 rooftop solar panels that are grid connected via a Solis Mini 1500 solar inverter.

Solis Global - Solis 4G Inverters, IEC Model for Non-US Market

Manual here: https://www.solar-nu-webshop.nl/data/upload/files/1910-solis-mini4gseriesinverter700-3600-349692106983manual-en.pdf
For safety reasons, when there is a grid power outage, my inverter goes off and I have no solar power.

My questions are:

1. During power outages, can I plug my rooftop solar panels into my AC300?
2. If yes, Which cables do I need to connect my solar panels to my AC300? I need to buy a 10 meter long DC extension cable to connect my solar panels to my AC300.
3. If no, do I need additional hardware or converters before I can plug my rooftop solar panels into my AC300?

It would be nice if I can recharge my AC300 during power outages via my rooftop solar panels.
I don’t know much about the technicals about solar panels installations. Everything was installed for me by the company I rent it from.

[Tezzabee]

First impressions of Bluetti SP120L portable solar panel.
I was very lucky to win this panel in the recent #BLUETTIXASHomeParty competition. Unfortunately the UK winter weather hasn’t been cooperative, but I did manage to unpack the panel indoors and get a good look at it.

This is my first Bluetti panel, but I do have others to compare it to. First impressions are that the panel is sturdy and well made. The design is well thought out and practical.

The leads are contained in a handy, fitted pouch which has extra room for your Bluetti’s solar cable or other small accessories. Importantly, the specs are included inside in an easy to read size.

Being a fan of shiny things, I find the popper type closures for when the panel is folded aesthetically pleasing. They’re also strong.

The panel is IP67 rated, so no panic in a light shower, but is not for permanent installation or leaving out in heavy rain. Nicely thick plastic is used for the handle, and at other crucial points.

[Tezzabee]

The SP120L has 3 study supports. I really like the design.

There are handy angle labels and a simple elasticated hook to select the angle and keep the support in place.

No idea why it only wants to upoload upside down haha, but the pic is to show how flat the panel lays due to the well designed supports.

And most importantly for me - will the SP120L fit in my bike trailer for easy, environmentally friendly transportation. Its a definite yes (although it will be padded and wrapped for its real journey).
All in all I really like this panel and look forward to sunny days when it will be travelling to the allotment and feeding my smaller Bluettis.

[Selfmadestrom]

Hi @TheQuickFox

Thank you for your questions.

@TheQuickFox

During power outages, can I plug my rooftop solar panels into my AC300?

The AC300 does have two MPPTs with each 150V voc. So it would be interesting to know, how the six panels are wired. When you have 2 pairs with each three panels, it should work to connect Pair 1 to MPPT 1 and Pair 2 to MPPT 2. Make sure that the voc of the three panels in series dont exceed the 150V. If you have all six panel wired together, im really sure you over 150V and cant use it.

@TheQuickFox

If yes, Which cables do I need to connect my solar panels to my AC300? I need to buy a 10 meter long DC extension cable to connect my solar panels to my AC300.

The AC300 have a MC4 Plug to connect a solar panel, so the same plug the most solarpanels use out of the box. If you use a serial connection, there isnt any additional hardware needed, just a cable pair (or two when have 2 pairs) that connect directly to the AC300.

@TheQuickFox

If no, do I need additional hardware or converters before I can plug my rooftop solar panels into my AC300?

If all six panels wired together, than the voc of the panels are likely to be more than 150V. Do use the panels with the AC300, you need a voltage step down module (Like the D300S) This would convert up to 500V down to about 120V

@TheQuickFox

I don’t know much about the technicals about solar panels installations. Everything was installed for me by the company I rent it from.

How many cable pairs going to your mini inverter? You can measure the voltage with a multimeter.

Hope this answer is going to help you a bit
Erik

[TheQuickFox]

@Selfmadestrom Thank you very much for your answers.

There are only two DC cables coming from my solar panels to my inverter. A red one and a black one with MC4 connectors. So that’s probably 6 rigid solar panels in series?

I’s currently winter and very cloudy/misty weather in The Netherlands. I’ll have to wait for a sunny summer day to measure the maximum voltage of my solar panel setup.

So I may need a step down module when the voltage gets over 150V. The Bluetti D300S is very expensive for an occasional use that I need. I hope I won’t have too many power outages that last longer than the usage time of my two B300 batteries. Are there any alternatives for the D300S that are significantly lower priced?

But I will need to do a voltage test first to verify if I really need one. To be continued.