How Do You Use Solar Panels With The Enkeeo Power Stations/Solar Generators?
Today I would like to help you figure out how to connect solar panels and which solar panels are compatible with the Enkeeo solar generators.
Even though these batteries are often called solar generators, it’s a bit misleading since they don’t come with solar panels.
They do, however, have a built-in solar charge controller so you can easily connect panels to them.
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The two power station models I am looking at are the No products found. and the No products found..
Both of them are very portable power stations that can be charged with the AC adapter, in the car, or with solar panels.
Now, let’s take a look at how you use solar panels with these.
Connecting Solar Panels To Enkeeo Solar Generators
Fortunately, Enkeeo includes an MC4 to DC adapter with both the 155Wh and the 222Wh model. This means that we don’t have to buy any adapters to use third-party solar panels.
What this means is that you can get a panel like the Renogy 50W Eclipse and connect it to the adapter included with the Enkeeo battery, then connect that adapter to the power station.
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So if you’re looking for third-party panels to use with these, make sure it has MC4 connectors or comes with several different DC connectors.
What you need to know when choosing a panel is that it has to be within what the solar charge controller in the Enkeeo solar generator can handle, and that is 13V~22V VOC with the 155Wh model, and 13V~25V VOC with the 222Wh model.
Their max amperage is 2A (155Wh) and 2.6A (222Wh). If we translate that into solar panels at 12V, that would be 24W and 31W.
Best Solar Panels To Use With Enkeeo Power Stations
Now, let’s take a look at some solar panels that are compatible with both Enkeeo models straight out of the box.
Each link below will take you to the product page on Amazon.
Renogy 50W Eclipse – As mentioned above, the Renogy 50W eclipse is compatible. It’s a great portable solar panel made with monocrystalline cells which are some of the most efficient cells available.
Renogy makes high-quality products and this will be a good one that you can leave outside and not worry about being damaged, like with some foldable cloth solar panels that people often use with power stations like these. This is the one I recommend if you want a durable, portable, and efficient solar panel.
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Enkeeo 50W Foldable Solar Panel – Enkeeo makes their own panels, and this 50W is compatible with both models. Note that there is also an Enkeeo 28W panel which is not compatible since it only has USB outputs.
The 50W model is compatible because it has a 12V DC output. This is the solar panel I recommend for both models if you want one that folds. It shouldn’t be left outside overnight as the Eclipse can be, but it’s a great choice if you want to bring it out during the day.
No products found. – Another foldable option that is compatible with both models. It has both USB and DC outputs so you can charge your power station while also charging phones, tablets, and speakers with the USB ports. This will max out both models and charge the battery quickly.
Renogy 50W Flexible panel – If you want to mount a panel on top of your RV, van or car, this flexible panel is a good lightweight choice. You can tape the panel to the roof, and run Renogy MC4 extension cords down into your vehicle to your power station.
How Many Watts Can Enkeeo Power Stations Handle?
Enkeeo doesn’t advertise this, but they tell us the max voltages the charge controller can handle, and these are 13V~22V VOC with the 155Wh model, and 13V~25V VOC with the 222Wh model. Their max amperage is 2A (155Wh) and 2.6A (222Wh). If we translate that into solar panels at 12V, that would be 24W and 31W.
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How Long Will It Take To Charge The Battery With Solar Panels?
If we use the numbers above (which might not be 100% correct), the 155Wh would take 6.5 hours to charge from empty to full at full input capacity.
The 222Wh would take a little over 7 hours when maxing out the input.
To max out the 155Wh model, I recommend at least a 40W solar panel. To max out the 222Wh model, I recommend at least a 50W solar panel.
Can I Use Goal Zero Panels With Enkeeo Solar Generators?
No, since Goal Zero solar panels have either 8mm or Anderson power pole connectors, it can’t be connected to the Enkeeo models.
How Can I Improve The Charging Efficiency Of My Solar Panel?
The best thing to do is to angle/tilt the solar panels towards the sun. This will especially be important during the morning and evening, or when it’s cloudy outside.
Another thing you can do is make sure the panel is not shaded even a little bit.
Some panels can handle shade better than others, but it’s better to be safe than sorry and make sure it’s not covered at all.
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The last thing is to make sure it’s clean. Most panels have to be really dirty before they become inefficient, but if you have panels mounted on top of a vehicle, it can be a good idea to check it at least once a month.
