Which Solar Panels Are Compatible With The Bluetti EB3A/EB55/EB70S Power Stations?
The Bluetti EB3A, EB55, and EB70S are three relatively new portable power stations, also known as solar generators.
Even though they’re new, they’ve quickly grown in popularity and it’s easy to understand why when you take a look at the specifications.
Related Product: Consider the portable, foldable, and waterproof EcoFlow 160 Watt Solar Panel (click to view on Amazon) for your Bluetti power station
They have the features that buyers are looking for, and they’re an excellent choice for not only travelers but also homeowners looking for a battery to have as a backup.
I have travelled full-time in an RV for the past couple of years, and use these type of power stations daily with solar panels.
In this short article I want to share a couple of solar panels that are compatible with the EB3A, EB55, and EB70S power stations.
Solar Panels Compatible With All Bluetti Power Stations
Here are a couple of compatible solar panels.
Note that if it’s a panel that requires the MC4 adapter, you must use the solar charging cable. Bluetti includes an MC4 to 7909 DC adapter with the EB55 and EB70S, but not the EB3A.
The type of cable that is included is an MC4 to 7909 (click to view on Amazon) with a positive MC4 female connector and a negative MC4 male connector.
It’s important that the adapter you have or buy is wired this way, since it won’t be compatible with the panels below otherwise.
Now we’ll take a look at the input limitations of the Bluetti power stations and what you need to know when connecting solar panels.
Specifications – The Input Limits
All of the solar panels I put on the table above are compatible with all of the Bluetti models in the table below.
Not all solar panels on the market are compatible though, and that’s why it’s important to know the charge controller specifications before you buy a panel.
Let’s take a look at the Bluetti models this post is about and what the charge controllers can handle.
What To Think About
Here are a couple of important things to note:
- All of them use the same MPPT solar charge controller that can handle up to 200W.
- Since the Bluetti power stations have charge controller built-in, you should not connect a panel with an external charge controller.
- Only the smallest model does not include the solar charging cable, which is an MC4 to 7909 cable (click to view on Amazon).
- When you choose a panel it’s important that its Voc or Vmp rating does not exceed 28V, then the charge controller will not charge the battery.
- Because of the 28V limit, you should not connect two panels together in series. If you need to connect two panels, do a parallel connection (more on that down below).
- The charge controller will only reach the maximum 200W if your panel outputs 25V and at least 8A, otherwise it will be less than 200W.
How To Connect Two Panels Together For The Bluetti EB Power Stations
Since a series connection is not possible with these power stations, you must use an MC4 Y branch (click to view on Amazon) to connect two panels together.
The Y branch is for panels that use MC4 connectors.
Connecting two panels in parallel will combine the amperages of the panels but keep the voltage the same as if only one panel was connected.
You can use an MC4 Y branch to connect two of the same solar panels together, it’s not recommended to connect two different panels, although it’s possible.
Extension Cables
If you’re buying panels with MC4 connectors, I recommend the Geosiry Twin Wire solar extension cable (click to view on Amazon). They come in different lengths and are high quality cables.
For 8mm extension cables I recommend the Electop DC 8mm extension cable (click to view on Amazon).
Can I Connect A Panel From Harbor Freight?
If you have bought a solar panel that use the SAE connector, you must get an SAE to 8mm adapter (click to view on Amazon). This adapter should theoretically work, although I haven’t tested it myself.
Note that it must be a solar panel without a charge controller, since the Bluetti has one built-in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use the Bluetti power station while it’s charging?
Yes, you can.
Can I charge the batteries via the USB C port?
No, the USB C ports on these Bluetti power stations are output only.
How long does it take to charge with solar?
It depends on which power station you have and which solar panel.
A 100W solar panel will output around 70-80W, so a 268Wh power station like the EB3A will need about four hours to charge up (268/75=3.57 hours).
If you max the input, that time will be cut in half.
Can I leave a power station out in the rain?
No, the Bluetti power stations are not waterproof and should not be left out in bad weather.
Some panels are fine to leave out though, but it’s not worth leaving them out since they won’t be producing very many watts if it isn’t sunny.
Do solar panels work in cloudy weather?
Most do, and especially with MPPT charge controllers. The power output will be massively reduced though, and it’s not unlikely that a 100W panel will only generate 10W if it’s very cloudy.
Please leave a comment down below if you have any questions.
I have a Allpowers AP-SP-033 200 watt foldable panel. The VMP is 18volts but I noticed that the max current could be 11 amps. I believe the Blueti is 8.5 amp. Is this going to be a problem?
Hi,
No, that is fine.
Bluetti 50s maxoak some of my 12 charging connections do not work correctly. Direct to my charged boat battery no..to my f150 no …to my running prius yes…to my friends running and moving prius no..stopped yes and running. Seen on screen in watts 0 then 15 then 20s then 60s then off and then repeat every 5 seconds.
Hi,
Do you mean charging from a 12V source? If so, there might be limitations on how far you can charge the battery with the car charger. Some power stations can only be charged to a certain percentage, which is based on the percentage put out by the 12V source.
I have a dokio 100 foldable solar panel is there a powerbank not too expensive that I can use with it and do I have to disable the controller on the panel to get it to work properly
Hi,
What do you want to be able to power with the power bank/station?
I have an eb3a power station & two pv 120 solar panels. The eb3a manual says the input from the solar panels cannot exceed 200w. If i can’t use an external mppt charge controller, does that mean i cannot connect the 2 solar panels in parallel to the eb3a?
Hi,
You can connect your two panels in parallel even though they exceed 200W. The charge controller in the EB3A will regulate the current and charge the battery safely.
Since solar panels aren’t 100% efficient, the two 120W panels will most likely not reach 200W together. But if they do, it’s still fine.
Hello,
I have EB70 and since last summer I have it charged from one Renogy flexi panel: 175W 9A 24Voc. I wonder if I could add 2nd identical panel? That would double the watts and the manual for EB70 says the max input power is 200W, so I am not sure if the unit could handle 2×175?
Kind regards,
Adrian
Hi,
It does max out at 200W, but yes you could connect two 175W in parallel. The solar charge controller should not have a problem regulating the amperage.
I just bought an EB3A power station. Do I have to use two 100Watt single panel unit or can I use one 200watt single unit? What is the difference? I am thinking of getting the Renogy Solar Panel is this ok to go with the unit? Please let me know what other accessories I need to set this up. I am a newbie to this topic and looking to learn more. TIA Jesse!
Hi,
Yes, you can use a 200W panel. The EB3A could even handle a 300W panel, and then you would reach the max 200W input.
Hello,
Can you power a Bluetti Eb70s with a Jackery Solar Saga 100?
Thank you
Hi,
Yes, that should plug right in since it uses an 8mm connector.
I already have a goal zero ranger 300 solar panels. Could I use it to power Bluetti eb3a. If so what cables would I need? Thank you
Hi,
What you’re looking for is an Anderson Powerpole to 8mm adapter. Since it’s a 300W panel you’d want it to be at least 10 gauge. I just looked and couldn’t find an adapter that can handle that much wattage, but you might want to take another look.
hi there!
i have a goal zero yeti 200x battery and i want to switch to the bluetti eb3a. i still have my goal zero solar panels (nomad 50) but i wonder if the bluetti will also work with this goal zero solar panels?
greetings
Hi,
The Nomad 50 is technically compatible and should plug right in thanks to the 8mm connector.
The problem with 8mm connectors is that not all manufacturers use the same design, sometimes the sleeve of the connector is not able to reach and supply power.
I say yes, go for it and hope for the best because it’s more likely it will work than not, in my experience. It will not damage either the panel or power station.
Hi,
We just bought a Bluetti EB3A. and SUNSUL 100W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel with 30A Solar Charge Controller. PLEASE NOTE: The charge regulator is only suitable for lead-acid batteries: OPEN, AGM, GEL. Do not support any other batteries. Should I not use controller or return it.
Bluetti also says if more than one solar panel to wire in parallel not series. I thought that would increase voltage in more than wattage.
Wouldn’t series increase wattage and be more efficient.
Sorry to confuse you but new to solar stuff.
Thanks for any advise
Hi,
You should not use the 30A charge controller since the EB3A has one built-in. The panel is good though, and will connect to the Bluetti with the included MC4 to DC adapter.
Yes, you must connect two or more panels in parallel. Two 12V solar panels wired in series would exceed the 28V limit of the charge controller in the EB3A. Let me know if you have any other questions.
I have a little off-grid cabin and an EB70S. Planning to install a 200w panel on the roof to plug the EB70S into whenever I’m there. Since I’ll be back and forth…are there safety issues/measures I should take to unplugging and leaving with the battery, since the panel will be permanently fixed to the roof?
Hi,
No, the panel will be fine. If you want to leave the power station there as well sometimes I’d just make sure to unplug it first. Not that it would be dangerous not to, but because it’s best for the batteries.
Thank you! I guess my concern was whether, with the power station disconnected but the panel being mounted to the roof, the cabling (which will be run inside) would effectively be live?
Yes, you’re right. What I can say is that I have never been advised to not leave “active” panels disconnected. It’s something I have regularly done myself with the panels on top of my RV.
Hey Jesse, thanks for all the great information. I’m looking at an Ecoflow 160 w panel for my EB70S. It’s a great deal, would it be worth buying 2 panels instead of the one?
Cheers
Hey, after re-reading all you great info I got answer! Bought the two panels used for $180 Cdn. Not bad price. I’ve ordered the Y cable to complete the set up. Thanks again.
Hi,
It maxes out at 200W solar input. One 160W panel will probably produce around 110-130W, so yes I would say it’s worth it to buy two on a good deal and connect them in parallel.
Has anyone used a “Powerness” 200 Watt
Solar Panel with the Bluetti EB3A?
Hi,
Looking at the specs, the voltage of the Powerness 200 is too high for the Bluetti EB3A. The charge controller in the Bluetti can handle panels with an open circuit voltage in the 12-28V range.
I have a Bluetti eb3a can I use the Dokio 220 watt solar panel with it
Hi,
Yes, just use the 8mm connector included with the Dokio panel. Do not use the included charge controller though, since the Bluetti already has one built-in.
I Have a Bluetti EB70s and Renogy 200(2) watt solar panels. If I connect to a battery I would need the charge controller? If connect directly to the Bluetti I don’t use the charge controller? A parallel connection at the panels would also be necessary. I just want to be sure so I don’t fry anything, Thanks.
Hi,
Correct on both counts. Yep, as long as you connect your two panels in parallel you’re good.
I have bluetti eb55 with a bluetti 200w panel. WAs looking at a goal zero nomad 100 panel for camping (leaving panel out so may get rained on and also might use in canoe). Is the gz compatible with eb55 in terms of connectors etc and also could it be connected to bluetti 200w panel to increase wattage and speed up charging
Hi,
The Nomad 100 should be able to plug into the Bluetti EB55 with an 8mm female to XT60 adapter (click to view on Amazon).
It’s possible that it could connect to the Bluetti 200W panel but it’s not recommended since the Nomad panel would decrease the power of it significantly.
I assumed connecting the two panels in series would increase the wattage of charging..i guess not??
Hi,
It would increase a little bit, but not to enough to where it would be worth the cost of the Nomad 100, in my opinion.
The reason is that when you connect two panels in series, the current is determined by the weakest panel. So the Nomad panel will cause the Bluetti current to drop from 9.7A (current amperage of the Bluetti panel) to 5.56A (the Nomad 100 current).