How To Connect Solar Panels To PGYOB Power Stations
This article is a quick guide on how to connect compatible solar panels to the Pgyob power stations.
They currently have three models, the P200 200W/102.4Wh, the CN30C 300W/296Wh, and the P400 400W/296Wh.
Related Product: I recommend this 60W solar panel (click to view on Amazon) that is compatible with all Pgyob power stations
I’m going to tell you what you need to know to get started, and share some panel recommendations.
Please leave a comment if you have any questions.
PGYOB Power Station Specifications
The smallest P200 has a USB C PD input and includes a DC5521 to USB C adapter. It maxes out at 60W input and it’s the port used to charge the battery with solar panels.
The CN30C has an MPPT solar charge controller that can be charged with panels that have a working voltage of between 12-20V. According to PGYOB, a 100W panel can recharge it in 5-8 hours. The max input amperage is unknown, but it should be safe to use a 100W panel. The port used is a DC5521.
The P400 also has an MPPT solar charge controller and a DC5521 input. It also has a USB C PD input, but a DC5521 to USB C is not included. It has the same 12-20V limits and recharges in 5-8 with a 100W panel.
What you need to know
There are a couple of things that are important if you’re looking to recharge one of these power stations with solar.
- You need to make sure the panel you buy doesn’t include a solar charge controller. The power stations have these built-in and you can’t use two.
- The panel can’t have a working voltage above 20V, according to Pgyob. This refers to the optimum operating voltage, usually found in the solar panel specifications.
- If the panel you buy doesn’t include a DC5521 connector but uses MC4 connectors, you’re also going to need an MC4 to DC5521 adapter (click to view on Amazon).
- You can extend the cable between the panel and the battery with a DC5521 extension cable like this (click to view on Amazon).
- I don’t recommend using a panel larger than 100W with any of the Pgyob solar generators.
Solar panel recommendations
Let’s get to some solar panel recommendations.
There are a lot of different panels, so I have divided them up in two categories. You can either buy a portable and foldable panel that includes a DC5521 connector, or a rigid panel more suitable for permanent installations. A rigid panel with MC4 connectors are going to require the MC4 to DC5521 adapter (click to view on Amazon) to make the connection.
Depending on how you plan on using the panel, you might already know which type you’re looking for. It might make more sense when we look at the recommendations below.
Portable and foldable panels
Here are a couple of portable panels that include the DC5521 connector, which make them compatible with the Pgyob batteries right out of the box.
- Marbero 30W – A lightweight, waterproof option that folds together and fits in a backpack.
- Apowking 40W – A flexible, lightweight panel that also has a USB port so you can charge USB devices directly from the panel.
- Keshoyal 60W – A slightly larger, but still lightweight panel with a nice handle strap. Also has two USB A ports.
- Grecell 80W – This has both USB A and USB C ports, is waterproof, and high-quality.
- Itehil 100W – A portable foldable panel with both DC and USB ports.
Rigid panels
These panels use MC4 connectors and require use of the MC4 to DC5521 adapter (click to view on Amazon). Simply connect the MC4 connectors from the panel to the adapter.
- Newpowa 30W – A small but efficient panel with a working voltage of 17.37V. IP67 waterproof, pre-drilled mounting holes, and a solid little panel.
- Renogy 50W – A 50W panel from the popular company Renogy. High-quality, efficient, and a brand I recommend.
- Renogy 50W Flexible – A lightweight panel great for stealthy setups or where weight matters a lot. Easy to install on rounded surfaces thanks to its high flexibility.
- Rich Solar 60W with kickstand – Not for permanent installations, but a rugged rigid panel with a kickstand, easy to put out and forget about.
- Newpowa 75W – A no-frills 75W panel with a working voltage of 17. Pre-drilled for easy installation.
- FivstaSola Bifacial 100W – A 100W panel with a double-sided design that makes use of reflections as well. I haven’t tested a panel like this but I think it’s a cool idea.
How can I increase the charging speed with my panel?
You should always angle the panel so it faces the sun directly. It makes a huge difference.
Using the shortest possible extension cable is also a good idea, or not using one at all. The longer the cable is, the more power loss there will be.
Do 24V panels work with the PGYOB power stations?
No, their working voltage is above the 20V limit.
Please leave a comment if you have any questions.