Best Solar Panels For Anker Portable Power Stations

How to Charge the Anker Portable Power Stations with Solar Panels

Anker is a company that makes a lot of portable battery banks, solar panel chargers, and more.

Its products are made well and if you’re looking at one of the many Anker power station options there are a few things to know about solar panel compatibility.

Most Popular Anker Power Station: Anker PowerHouse 200 (click to view on Amazon)

In this post, I’ll go over the current models of Anker portable power stations that can be charged with solar power.

I’ll also give my recommendations for the best compatible solar panels for the different kinds of solar inputs Anker uses.

Update July 2024: I have written an updated article with newer information over on The Camping Nerd, you can find it by clicking here.

Solar Compatible Anker Power Stations

Note: Since I wrote this article, Anker has released a bunch of larger power stations, starting with the Solix C800 and larger. All of the new ones use an XT60 input.

Anker Portable Power Station, 213Wh/57600 mAh PowerHouse 200 with 110 AC Outlet/30W USB-C Power Delivery for Camping, Road Trips, Emergency, and More
Anker 521 Portable Power Station Upgraded with LiFePO4 Battery, 256Wh 6-Port PowerHouse, 300W (Peak 600W) Solar Generator (Solar Panel Optional), 2 AC Outlets, 60W USB-C PD Output, Outdoor Generator
Anker Portable Power Station, PowerHouse II 400, 300W/388.8Wh, 110V AC Outlet/60W USB-C Power Delivery Solar Generator for Camping, Road Trips, Emergency Power, and More
Anker 535 Portable Power Station, 512Wh Solar Generator (Solar Panel Optional) with LiFePO4 Battery Pack, 500W 9-Port Powerhouse, 4 AC Outlets, 60W USB-C PD Output, LED Light for Outdoor Camping, RV
Anker Portable Generator 778Wh, 545 Portable Power Station (PowerHouse 778Wh), 500W Outdoor Generator with 110V 2-AC Outlets, 2X 60W PD Outputs and LED Light for RV, Camping, Emergencies, and More
Battery Capacity (Watt Hours)
213Wh
256Wh
388Wh
512Wh
778Wh
Inverter Rating (AC Outlet Max Output)
100W
200W
300W
500W / 1000W Surge
500W / 750W Surge
AC Outlets
1
2
1
4
2
USB Ports
2 + 1 USB C
2 + 1 USB C
3 + 1 USB C
3 + 1 USB C
4 + 2 USB C
Input Ports
USB C / DC (Wall & Car) / 5.5x2.1mm Solar
USB C / DC (Wall & Car) / 8 mm Solar
USB C / DC (Wall & Car) / 8 mm Solar
USB C / DC (Wall & Car) / 8 mm Solar
USB C / DC (Wall & Car) / 8 mm Solar
Input Rating
39W Solar / 60W USB C
65W Solar / 60W USB C
65W Solar / 60W USB C
120W Solar / 60W USB C
120W Solar / 60W USB C
Pure Sine Wave Inverter
USB C
Regulated 12V Outlet
No Info
Size
7.5 x 5.5 x 4.7 inches
8.5 x 5.67 x 8.33 inches
10 x 5.5 x 7.6 inches
11.5 x 9.9 x 7.4 inches
11.8 x 8 x 7.3 inches
Weight
6 lbs
8 lbs
10.2 lbs
16.75 lbs
18.3 lbs
Anker Portable Power Station, 213Wh/57600 mAh PowerHouse 200 with 110 AC Outlet/30W USB-C Power Delivery for Camping, Road Trips, Emergency, and More
Battery Capacity (Watt Hours)
213Wh
Inverter Rating (AC Outlet Max Output)
100W
AC Outlets
1
USB Ports
2 + 1 USB C
Input Ports
USB C / DC (Wall & Car) / 5.5x2.1mm Solar
Input Rating
39W Solar / 60W USB C
Pure Sine Wave Inverter
USB C
Regulated 12V Outlet
No Info
Size
7.5 x 5.5 x 4.7 inches
Weight
6 lbs
Anker 521 Portable Power Station Upgraded with LiFePO4 Battery, 256Wh 6-Port PowerHouse, 300W (Peak 600W) Solar Generator (Solar Panel Optional), 2 AC Outlets, 60W USB-C PD Output, Outdoor Generator
Battery Capacity (Watt Hours)
256Wh
Inverter Rating (AC Outlet Max Output)
200W
AC Outlets
2
USB Ports
2 + 1 USB C
Input Ports
USB C / DC (Wall & Car) / 8 mm Solar
Input Rating
65W Solar / 60W USB C
Pure Sine Wave Inverter
USB C
Regulated 12V Outlet
Size
8.5 x 5.67 x 8.33 inches
Weight
8 lbs
Anker Portable Power Station, PowerHouse II 400, 300W/388.8Wh, 110V AC Outlet/60W USB-C Power Delivery Solar Generator for Camping, Road Trips, Emergency Power, and More
Product Link
Battery Capacity (Watt Hours)
388Wh
Inverter Rating (AC Outlet Max Output)
300W
AC Outlets
1
USB Ports
3 + 1 USB C
Input Ports
USB C / DC (Wall & Car) / 8 mm Solar
Input Rating
65W Solar / 60W USB C
Pure Sine Wave Inverter
USB C
Regulated 12V Outlet
Size
10 x 5.5 x 7.6 inches
Weight
10.2 lbs
Anker 535 Portable Power Station, 512Wh Solar Generator (Solar Panel Optional) with LiFePO4 Battery Pack, 500W 9-Port Powerhouse, 4 AC Outlets, 60W USB-C PD Output, LED Light for Outdoor Camping, RV
Battery Capacity (Watt Hours)
512Wh
Inverter Rating (AC Outlet Max Output)
500W / 1000W Surge
AC Outlets
4
USB Ports
3 + 1 USB C
Input Ports
USB C / DC (Wall & Car) / 8 mm Solar
Input Rating
120W Solar / 60W USB C
Pure Sine Wave Inverter
USB C
Regulated 12V Outlet
Size
11.5 x 9.9 x 7.4 inches
Weight
16.75 lbs
Anker Portable Generator 778Wh, 545 Portable Power Station (PowerHouse 778Wh), 500W Outdoor Generator with 110V 2-AC Outlets, 2X 60W PD Outputs and LED Light for RV, Camping, Emergencies, and More
Battery Capacity (Watt Hours)
778Wh
Inverter Rating (AC Outlet Max Output)
500W / 750W Surge
AC Outlets
2
USB Ports
4 + 2 USB C
Input Ports
USB C / DC (Wall & Car) / 8 mm Solar
Input Rating
120W Solar / 60W USB C
Pure Sine Wave Inverter
USB C
Regulated 12V Outlet
Size
11.8 x 8 x 7.3 inches
Weight
18.3 lbs

Here are the input limits for the Solix C800 and larger:

  • Solix C800/C800 Plus – XT60 input: 11-60V, 10A (300W max)
  • Solix C1000 – XT60 input: 11-32V/10A, or 32-60V/12.5A (600W max)
  • Solix F1200 – XT60 input: 11-30V, 10A (300W max)
  • Solix F1500 – XT60 input: 11-60V (600W max)
  • Solix F2000 – XT60 input: 11-32V/10A, or 32-60V/20A
  • Solix F2600 – XT60 input: 11-32V/10A, or 32-60V/20A (1000W max)
  • Solix F3800 – XT60 input x2: 11-28V/10A, or 28-60V/27A

Best Solar Panels For Anker PowerHouse 200

The Anker PowerHouse 200 is the smallest of the portable power stations and it uses a smaller input that’s 5.5 x 2.1mm.

The solar input rating is only 39 watts which means solar panels between 50 and 60 watts are going to be perfect for recharging this little solar generator.

The max volage is a little low on this specific model. It maxes out at 22 volts.

Some small solar panels have a high voltage, you don’t want to use anything that outputs more than 22 volts.

See Also: The Most Powerful Solar Generator/Power Station

Below are some of the best small portable solar panels that come with a 5.5 x 2.1 connector.

Any of these will be able to charge the Anker PowerHouse 200 right out of the box.

ROCKPALS Foldable Solar Panel 60W SP002 Portable Solar Panel Charger for Jackery/BLUETTI/ECOFLOW/Flashfish Power Station, IP65 Waterproof Solar Panel with QC3.0,USB-C for Camp/RV/Off Grid/Phone/Tablet
Topsolar 60W Foldable Portable Solar Panel Charger Kits for Portable Power Station Generator Cell Phones Camera Lamp 12V Car Boat RV Battery(Dual USB Ports & 19/14.4V DC Output)
Watts
60W
60W
Included Connectors
MC4/5.5x2.1/8/3.5x1.35/& more
5.5x2.1/8/3.5x1.35/& more
Anker 200 Solar Compatible
USB Ports
Folded Size
13.4 x 13.8 x 2.4 inches
17 x 21 inches
Open Size
58.2 x 13.8 x 0.2 inches
34 x 21 inches
Weight
5.7 lbs
4 lbs
ROCKPALS Foldable Solar Panel 60W SP002 Portable Solar Panel Charger for Jackery/BLUETTI/ECOFLOW/Flashfish Power Station, IP65 Waterproof Solar Panel with QC3.0,USB-C for Camp/RV/Off Grid/Phone/Tablet
Watts
60W
Included Connectors
MC4/5.5x2.1/8/3.5x1.35/& more
Anker 200 Solar Compatible
USB Ports
Folded Size
13.4 x 13.8 x 2.4 inches
Open Size
58.2 x 13.8 x 0.2 inches
Weight
5.7 lbs
Topsolar 60W Foldable Portable Solar Panel Charger Kits for Portable Power Station Generator Cell Phones Camera Lamp 12V Car Boat RV Battery(Dual USB Ports & 19/14.4V DC Output)
Watts
60W
Included Connectors
5.5x2.1/8/3.5x1.35/& more
Anker 200 Solar Compatible
USB Ports
Folded Size
17 x 21 inches
Open Size
34 x 21 inches
Weight
4 lbs

Best Solar Panels For All Other Anker Power Stations

The other models use either an 8mm input or an XT60 input (Solix C800 and larger).

Both of the solar panels that are compatible with the small Anker PowerHouse 200 come with 8mm adapters as well.

So you could use one of those for the PowerHouse 521, 522, and 535.

The medium sized power stations that are around 250-400 watts can draw up to 65 watts of power from a solar panel.

For those I recommend the panels that are 100 watts, anything larger will just waste energy.

The reason I don’t recommend a 60 watt panel is that no solar panel is 100% efficient.

There are always some watts lost, so a 100 watt solar panel will usually output 90 watts during the strongest sunlight hours.

On cloudy days or winter, it may only make around 60 watts of power.

See Also: Are Solar Generators Better Than Gas Generators?

For the 522 and 535  the solar input is rated for 100 and 120 watts.

That means you will want a solar panel that’s at least 120 watts but something around 160-200 will be even better.

Below are some of the best 100 to 150 watt solar panels that come with an 8 mm adapter so they can connect to the 522 and 535 right out of the box.

If you have a Solix C800 or larger, you should look for a panel that comes with an XT60 connector. If the panel has MC4 connectors, continue reading to where I list the adapter needed.

Jackery SolarSaga 100W Portable Solar Panel for Explorer 240/300/500/1000/1500 Power Station, Foldable Solar Cell Solar Charger with USB Outputs for Phones,Ideal for Rooftops Outdoor Camping and RVs
Goal Zero Boulder 100 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel
TWELSEAVAN 120W Portable Solar Panel for Power Station, 23.5% Efficiency ETFE Foldable Solar Charger with Adjustable Kickstands and QC3.0/PD60W/DC 4 Outputs for Outdoor Camping Van RV Trip
ITEHIL Solar Panel, 160W 18V Portable Solar Panel, Foldable Monocrystalline High Efficiency Waterproof Solar Panel Kits with MC4/Type-C/USB/DC Outputs for Power Stations Outdoor Camping…
ATEM POWER 200W Portable Solar Panel - Foldable Solar Charger Monocrystalline with 20A MPPT Charger Controller 5V USB Output for 12V Batterires/Power Station Outdoor Camper RV Off Grid
Watts
100W
100W
120W
160W
200W
Included Connectors
8 mm
8 mm
MC4/8/5.5x2.1/5.5x2.5mm/& more
MC4/8/5.5x2.1/5.5x2.5mm/& more
8/5.5x2.1/5.5x2.5/Anderson/Alligator Clips
Anker Compatible
USB Ports
Folded Size
24 x 21 x 1.4 inches
40 x 26.75 x 1.75 inches
14.4 x 20.5 x 1.6 inches
21.46 x 20.47 x 2.36 inches
14.6 x 19.9 x 4.3 inches
Open Size
48 x 21 x 0.3 inches
40 x 26.75 x 1.75 inches
64.6 x 20.5 x 0.75 inches
94.8 x 20.5 x 0.2 inches
74 x 29.1 x 2 inches
Weight
5.5 lbs
20 lbs
9.5 lbs
17.5 lbs
17.4 lbs
Jackery SolarSaga 100W Portable Solar Panel for Explorer 240/300/500/1000/1500 Power Station, Foldable Solar Cell Solar Charger with USB Outputs for Phones,Ideal for Rooftops Outdoor Camping and RVs
Watts
100W
Included Connectors
8 mm
Anker Compatible
USB Ports
Folded Size
24 x 21 x 1.4 inches
Open Size
48 x 21 x 0.3 inches
Weight
5.5 lbs
Goal Zero Boulder 100 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel
Watts
100W
Included Connectors
8 mm
Anker Compatible
USB Ports
Folded Size
40 x 26.75 x 1.75 inches
Open Size
40 x 26.75 x 1.75 inches
Weight
20 lbs
TWELSEAVAN 120W Portable Solar Panel for Power Station, 23.5% Efficiency ETFE Foldable Solar Charger with Adjustable Kickstands and QC3.0/PD60W/DC 4 Outputs for Outdoor Camping Van RV Trip
Watts
120W
Included Connectors
MC4/8/5.5x2.1/5.5x2.5mm/& more
Anker Compatible
USB Ports
Folded Size
14.4 x 20.5 x 1.6 inches
Open Size
64.6 x 20.5 x 0.75 inches
Weight
9.5 lbs
ITEHIL Solar Panel, 160W 18V Portable Solar Panel, Foldable Monocrystalline High Efficiency Waterproof Solar Panel Kits with MC4/Type-C/USB/DC Outputs for Power Stations Outdoor Camping…
Watts
160W
Included Connectors
MC4/8/5.5x2.1/5.5x2.5mm/& more
Anker Compatible
USB Ports
Folded Size
21.46 x 20.47 x 2.36 inches
Open Size
94.8 x 20.5 x 0.2 inches
Weight
17.5 lbs
ATEM POWER 200W Portable Solar Panel - Foldable Solar Charger Monocrystalline with 20A MPPT Charger Controller 5V USB Output for 12V Batterires/Power Station Outdoor Camper RV Off Grid
Watts
200W
Included Connectors
8/5.5x2.1/5.5x2.5/Anderson/Alligator Clips
Anker Compatible
USB Ports
Folded Size
14.6 x 19.9 x 4.3 inches
Open Size
74 x 29.1 x 2 inches
Weight
17.4 lbs

How to Connect Solar Panels with MC4 Connectors

Many of the roof mount (click to view on Amazon) and flexible solar panels (click to view on Amazon) only have MC4 connectors attached to them.

In order to connect the Anker portable power stations to MC4 connectors, you will need to use adapters.

Note that there are lots of different MC4 adapters for different sizes of solar inputs.

One thing you need to check is that the positive and negative are wired in a compatible way for your solar panel.

See Also: Best High-Quality 100 Watt Solar Panels Compared

Most solar panels have a MC4 male positive, which means you will need to find an adapter with a female positive so it will work correctly.

Below are adapters that have a positive female MC4 connector to work with most standard solar panels.

For the smaller Anker Powerhouse 200 that uses a 5.5×2.1 mm DC input for solar, you will need this MC4 to 5.5x2.1 mm adapter (click to view on Amazon).

PAEKQ Solar Panel to 5.5x2.1mm Adapter Cable, DC 5.5x2.1mm Connector with DC 8mm, DC 5.5x2.5mm and DC 3.5x1.35mm Converter for Portable Power Station GZ Yeti Jackery Solar Generator- 14AWG 6Ft

Check Price at Amazon

For the PowerHouse 521, 522, and 535 that use an 8 mm solar input, you will need this MC4 to 8mm (click to view on Amazon).

SolarEnz Solar Connector to DC8mm Adapter Cable Perfectly Solar Connector Solar Generator Portable Power Station and Solar Panel 12AWG+14AWG Heavy Duty Wire

Check Price at Amazon

For the Solix C800 and larger, that use an XT60 input. You need an adapter like this (click to view on Amazon).

Bateria Power Solar to XT60 Charge Extension Cable 12AWG 3.3Ft Solar Connector to XT60 Adapter Cable for Solar Panel to LiFePO4 Battery RV Portable Power Station Solar Generator

Check Price at Amazon

More on Connecting Anker Power Stations to Solar Panels

If you have a solar panel with a charge controller you will need to bypass it when charging the Anker power stations.

The reason for this is that a power station already has a solar charge controller built into it. That means it’s not compatible with other solar charge controllers.

Many solar panels with solar charge controllers have the ability to bypass it, or you can rewire it yourself to make it work.

Any solar panel you use needs to be made for charging 12 volt batteries.

Also, make sure you don’t go over on the voltage rating for each power station.

If you use solar panels that are less than 100 watts over the solar input rating of the power station you’re normally ok with the voltage, but using huge solar panels, or panels connected in series with small power stations can cause issues.

See Also: 5 Ways To Get Started With Solar Power/Panels (RV/Camping)

Anker Power Station FAQ

Do the Anker portable power stations come with solar panels?

No, none of the solar generator/power stations by Anker come with solar panels.

Anker does make a few solar panels that are meant for charging small electronics but none of them are included with the power stations.

How fast will a solar panel charge Anker power stations?

The max solar input rating is different on the Anker power stations.

So depending on the model you buy the amount of time it takes for a solar panel to charge will differ.

The Anker PowerHouse 200 has a max solar input of 39 watts. That means an 60-80 watt solar panel could charge it in 6-7 hours.

The Anker Powerhouse 521 and Powerhouse II have a max solar input rating of 65 watts.

That means an 80-100 watt solar panel could charge the smaller 521 with 256Wh in 5-6 hours and the larger PowerHouse II with 388Wh in 7-8 hours.

The Anker Powerhouse 512Wh and 778Wh both have a solar input rating of 120 watts.

That means an 140-200 watt solar panel could charge the 512Wh version in 5-6 hours and the 788Wh version in 7-8 hours.

Can I use a Goal Zero or Jackery solar panel with Anker portable generators

Theoretically yes.

Both the Goal Zero Boulder 100 (click to view on Amazon) and Jackery SolarSaga 100 (click to view on Amazon) use the 8mm connector and outputs a voltage supported by the 521, 522, and 535.

If you have a Solix C800 or larger, you need an adapter like this (click to view on Amazon) to connect a Goal Zero or Jackery panel that use 8mm connectors.

Please leave a comment down below if you have any questions or something to add.

16 thoughts on “Best Solar Panels For Anker Portable Power Stations”

  1. I just got the Anker SOLIX F2000 Solar Generator (Solar Generator 767 with 3x 200W Solar Panel and Expansion Battery). Unfortunately Anker only recommends the use of their solar panel. But the BougeRv 200-Watt CIGS Thin-Film Flexible Lightweight Solar Panel would be an easy installation. Do you know if these two are compatible?

    Reply
  2. I have an Anker 531 solar panel I use to charge an Anker 767 Powerhouse. The 531 panel lists its peak power at 200W, 48V rated voltage, 4.17A rated current, and is compatible with 11-60V portable power stations.

    I just purchased an Anker EverFrost 50 cooler that has a 100W max DC input. I tried charging the EverFrost with the 531. It obviously didn’t work and I got the error message, “E1: Ensure that your input voltage is within 11V-30V”.

    The 531 and the EverFrost use both use XT-60 connections.

    Is there something I can get to allow my 531 to charge my EverFrost 50?

    I appreciate the help. I’m new to all this and had thought I had a great idea….

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Hi,
      That would be tricky, unfortunately. It might work with a step-down converter, but I don’t have any experience with those so I can’t say if they work with solar panels, sorry!

      Reply
  3. hi
    please can you recommend a fixed solar panel to charge the anker 521, i dont need portable as i this will be installed on a shed roof.
    much appreciated, brett

    Reply
  4. Hello, I’ve purchased Anker’s brand-new model (Solix C1000 – 1056Wh / 1800Watts) and am currently awaiting delivery. In the interim, it would be very helpful if you can examine this new model and post 200w to 400w compatible 3rd party solar panels – possibly with ratings or performance metrics.

    If possible, Please let me know if/when this request can be/has been completed so that I can follow up (purchase a recommended item or wait until I can make a more informed decision) accordingly in a timely fashion.

    Reply
    • Hi,

      Yes, sounds like all you would need is an Mc4 to XT60 adapter like this (click to view on Amazon). Then connect the two panels in series by taking the positive MC4 cable from the first and connecting it to the negative Mc4 female on the second panel. The MC4 to XT60 adapter is then connected to the two remaining cables, one from each panel.

      Remember to connect the panels directly to the adapter above without an extra charge controller in between.

      Reply
  5. Hi Jesse – I’ve purchased the Anker Solix C1000. Would my GoalZero Boulder 100w panel work with the Solix C1000? Also, does VOC matter much in deciding which panels to use?

    Reply
  6. Hello, looking to use a 180w Fixed Redarc solar panel on top of my jeep to assist in charging my anker solix 1200 and f2000. Do you know if these two are compatible and if i’d need a solar regulator?

    Reply
  7. I just ordered the Anker Solix F3800 without the panels just to get it as the prices are going up. What panels are recommended to use with the F3800 to get the maximum solar input without going over the F3800 input limitations?

    Reply
    • Hi,
      To max out the 2400W (1200W per input) you can get six Ayahoomane 400W panels (click to view on Amazon). Then use the MC4 Y branch 3-to-1 included with the F3800 to connect three of them in parallel, before connecting the MC4 to XT60 adapter that connects to one of the F3800 inputs. The panel includes an MC4 to DC adapter that has a XT60 connector on it, so you could just use that but then you have to deal with the other connectors just hanging freely.

      Then you would need another MC4 Y branch 3-to-1 and another MC4 to XT60 adapter to connect the three remaining panels.

      It would be a lot of panels, you might want to start with 1-3 panels to see if you need that much power. But that’s how I would do it if I wanted to really max out the input limits.

      Reply

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