I saw this one pass by, it seems like something to me considering price and quality. I would like to buy 2 of them. For my purpose, this should be sufficient. I’m just not sure if it’s the right specifications for the AC180 A few other questions: Is it possible to place a solar panel horizontally (see screenshot) instead of vertically? Or does this also have disadvantages. That would be more favorable for me, I would only have 2 square aluminum tubes of 2.80 mtr. on the roof and bring it to height at both ends and then secure it. And then attach the solar panels to it with supplied mounting feeds (L-shape). If the panels have to be placed vertically, I have to build a more complicated construction! How big should the space between the solar panel and the roof actually be in connection with possibly refrigeration?
Flush mount to the roof with an air gap of around 4-6 inches for sufficient enough airflow. Panel orientation is best when the panels are parallel to the roof. Look up what the best weather sealing and hardware method is for your specific roof. Keep in mind since your panels are cheap, they are only optimized to retain 80% of their value for 5 years, and they have a higher temperature co-efficient meaning they will lose power the hotter it gets vs. other panels. Not by much, but heat is the enemy of panels and can prematurely kill them. But you also are paying cheaper so investment cost is worth it to you. This is very typical of these panels. Those two panels in series would be perfectly fine for your AC180.
@sealy1986 For the assembly, I meant whether the panels can be placed in this horizontal direction!
I’ll try to clarify how I would like to mount it based on this photo
But then flat on the roof with 2 aluminum profiles(black color) at custom height 4-6 inches and in the middle the roof duct for the cables.
I think this installation would also be better because of the rain drainage in the gutter
Could it be mounted this way?
@sealy1986 Thanks for this great tip! This changes things a bit!
I am far from sure what exactly I should buy for my purpose.
As you indicated before, with fixed solar panels on my garden shed, when the AC180 is fully charged, there is still enough energy coming from the solar panels that is then not stored anywhere and thus makes this fixed setup basically useless, if I understood correctly.
For the time being, I don’t want to invest in an extra battery etc. etc. to be able to charge my AC180 from here. I first just want to get to know more about incidental charging with solar panels. For my goal, as I have indicated before, is to be able to charge my AC180 with solar energy and to be able to do so every now and then as needed in the event of a power failure.
In hindsight, I might have to go for a portable solar panel first, if it weren’t for the fact that I actually find them too expensive and insufficient in terms of durability and use.
Especially with regard to permanent use in weather influences, such as rain, wind, dust, etc.
In the context of a mobile solar panel I came across this OKIO 200 Watt, I hope and suspect that this could be something given price-quality? It seems to me that it is given the Alu-frames.
And it is more flexible in use for finding the right sunlight around the house!
And in terms of handling for off-grid activities, you also need such a mobile solar panel.
And for my current goal, it may even be enough.
Is it suitable for my AC180?
Because if I go for such a foldable, mobile solar panel it must have a solid Alu-frame, maybe there are others, I haven’t seen them yet anyway.
How do you see that! I would like your advice. I hope I don’t bother you too much?
@sealy1986 As you can see i found the specifications!
IMP 11,11A and VMP 18 V For this panel is this 199 Watt, Correct me if i’m wrong!
Most reviews on Amazon and youtube are also very positive!
I would be sad if I couldn’t use it, personally for me it’s very important that it’s much sturdier than most portable solar panels I see passing by. And I also find the price acceptable € 170,-
Are there other Alu-panels like this one with better specifications that better fit the AC180 and my purpose?
@sealy1986 Thanks again for all your effort and honest judgment. I really appreciate this!
I think it is best to build a kind of transport cart myself with 2 good solar panels mounted (e.g. 2x 150W) that I can simply move in my garden according to needs and sun positions. And if I don’t use it anymore, e.g. in winter, then I just drive it inside my garage and cover it with a tarp, done! Approximately as shown in this image below and then tiltable with locking.
I would like to go for 2 of these panels:
Victron BlueSolar 150Wp mono (1485 x 668 x 30mm) price per piece €119,- (incl.)
This Victron BlueSolar Monocrystalline solar panel delivers a power of 150Wp at an open clamp voltage of 22.3V. For example, you can use it to charge and maintain a 12V battery. With multiple solar panels connected in series, you can also charge and maintain a 24V battery, or higher. The solar panel is wired with 80cm cables with MC4 plugs attached.
In an older topic on this forum I read the following:
“The solar input of the AC180 is 12v-60v at 10 amps. However, you will only get the full 10amp of solar power IF the volt is above 32v.”
When I connect both these panels series, I hope it won’t bother me?!
Open end voltage (Voc) is: 2x 22.5 Volt = 45 Volt. I must have that 10 amps if I understood correctly?
Details
Rated Power (Pmpp): 150 Watts
Open terminal voltage (Voc): 22.5 Volts
Max. power current (Impp): 8.25 Amps (only with sufficient solar output)
Solar panel type: Monocrystalline/ Monocrystal
Cell technology: Mono-Si
Workable temperature: -40 to +85 degrees Celsius
Panel dimensions: 1485 x 668 x 30mm
Weight: 11 kg
Guarantee
You have a 5-year limited warranty on materials and manufacturing of the solar panel itself and a 25-year limited warranty on power delivery and performance!
I think this is a pretty good choice and should be compatible with the AC180!? Otherwise I wouldn’t know anymore!
I am only starting with solar energy and am therefore a complete layman in that respect, but I find it very interesting and exciting and have been wildly enthusiastic so far. For now, I try to take in as much as possible and think logically about this matter. You should know that I have to have everything translated before I can post, which can sometimes come across as a bit flawed. I apologize for this. In any case, I am happy with so much expertise on this forum! Thank you!
Is there anything that can be changed technically or perhaps another solution?
If due to circumstances I want to put the AC180 indoors, in the garage or living room while charging with solar panels and therefore have to extend the cable of the solar panels, what is the maximum length and the possibly. thickness in mm2 of such a cable in terms of proper operation and safety?
I have looked at everything around the house again in terms of the sun positions throughout the day because of the best placement of the panels and have come to the conclusion that it is the roof of the garden shed which was actually the intention. The roof is completely south-facing. I have full sunlight from early in the morning until late at night.
You have also made me think with all the information about more storage potential of house batteries for the future. I can therefore better realize this in the garden shed.
My option to make the panels mobile is ultimately too much hassle with stability etc. When I have a little more experience with solar panels, I might still do that. Tomorrow the panels will arrive and I can finally get started. When I am done with the job I will post a picture of the result.
Thanks again for all your cooperation.
You’re welcome! I would say if you wanted to expand the house batteries, then a different charging setup other than the Bluetti AC180 is preferred, as the AC180 is not designed with expansion in mind like the ELITE or “200” series power stations are. In other words, the AC180 is just meant for mobile power. I live full time out of my vehicle so I utilize the portable folding Bluetti panels (I have two PV350s, a solar blanket, and a PV200), plus a backup LP generator, plus car charging.
One of the common misconceptions is you need solar for a house setup. Depends on if you are off grid or not. Depends how often you lose power. Sometimes you just need enough power for a brownout or blackout, which in case, just having enough house battery power to last you through downtime completely eliminates the need for solar.
