EcoFlow was founded in 2017 to make power available to everyone. From that vision came the design and production of a power plant that can charge ten times as fast as conventional power plants despite being impervious to the elements. But what if you don’t have access to electricity to charge it? This is where the EcoFlow solar panels come in. It is portable and solar-powered, with a simple setup. And has developed a wide range of power solutions for every user since its inception.
Table of Contents
What are Solar Panels?
The amount of sunlight striking the Earth every hour and a half is enough to power all human activity for an entire year. Photovoltaic (PV) panels or mirrors are used in solar technologies to concentrate solar radiation and convert it into electrical energy. This energy can be converted into electricity or stored as thermal energy in batteries. Because solar panels come in various shapes and sizes, so you need to ask yourself a few concerns before purchasing.
You can purchase portable solar panels, which are generally light and easy to carry around. They are a great way to power your devices while being environmentally friendly. They can store energy for later use when combined with solar generators. Ideal for camping, road trips, van life, or even a power outage. EcoFlow vs Bluetti is two leading brands within the portable solar power market.
Which Solar Panels Work with EcoFlow?
EcoFlow sells solar panels designed specifically for use with their portable power stations. EcoFlow will typically recommend their solar panels because they have ensured that there’ll be no compatibility issues between the power station and solar panels.
It also guarantees that the solar panels are of the same caliber as the EcoFlow power station.
You are not, however, required to use EcoFlow solar panels. Because of the Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT)Â technology built into the EcoFlow, you can use any solar panel you want.
Factors for Solar Panel Choices for EcoFlow
Battery Capacity
Keep the battery capacity in mind when combining your foldable solar panel with your solar generator. A larger battery will be compatible with a larger solar panel or even multiple solar panels connected. If your power station has a smaller capacity, you can get away with many smaller panels because there is less capacity to charge.On the lookout for skilled Solar Panel Installers Cardiff? Count on our seasoned team for assistance! Get in touch today to discover additional information about our cost-effective and efficient solutions
Solar Panels for Large Portable Power Stations
As an example of a vast power station, consider EcoFlow DELTA Pro. It has a 3600Wh capacity that can be expanded to 25kWh. In this instance, a modest solar panel will take a long time to fully charge your device. Larger panels, such as EcoFlow’s 400W panels (due in 2021), should be used here, or numerous smaller 160W panels can be chained together. With many solar panels, you can charge larger EcoFlow power stations in hours.
Solar Panels for Smaller Portable Power Stations
Smaller panels may be preferable if you have a power station that prioritizes portability, such as the EcoFlow RIVER Pro (720Wh) or DELTA (1260Wh). A 110W EcoFlow Solar Panel or a 160W alternative could be an excellent choice. Again, you can connect panels to charge in 4—8 hours.
Solar Panel Uses
You’ll need different types of portable solar panels for different applications. Consider the following scenarios:
Home Backup
If you only need home backup, you’ll need a larger solar power generator, such as a DELTA Pro or DELTA Max. In this instance, the same advice applies: a larger portable solar panel or numerous panels are preferable for faster charging. When the grid is up and running, DELTA Pro also supports rooftop solar, which is a lovely touch when integrated with your home via the Smart Home Panel.
Camping and Outdoor
With the popularity of camping growing, so is the demand for outdoor power. When going camping, portability is always a significant consideration. Your panel should be dust and water-resistant as well. EcoFlow’s 110 or 160W panels would be suitable choices here because they are compact and efficient.
Portability and Speed
With the information above in mind, you’ll better understand what type of solar panel you require. If portability is more important to you, a smaller panel, such as EcoFlow’s 110W panel, maybe a better choice. The larger EcoFlow 160W solar panel provides a solid medium ground, while the 400W variant is ideal for maximizing charge speed for larger power plants.
Regardless of the panel you choose, it is foldable, comes with a kickstand travel case, and is dust and waterproof.
Are EcoFlow Solar Panels Waterproof?
Most EcoFlow solar panels are waterproof, but not all of them.
The EcoFlow 110W, 400W, 60W, and 220W solar panels have an IP68 waterproof rating. Some solar panels may have slightly different ratings, so double-check the waterproof rating on the one you have.
The 160W panel is the only one that isn’t completely watertight. Even without a watertight design, it offers an IP67 water-resistance rating. This is still a reasonable solution if you are not planning to dunk it in water or hike through a flood. It will function quite well in light rain.
What Is the Lifespan of Portable Power Stations?
The lifetime of a portable power station is mostly determined by the battery’s size, the battery, the age of the battery, and the number of things you are attempting to operate simultaneously. A larger battery will allow you to run for a longer time because it has more power stored away to be used at any time. As the battery ages, it loses some of its original capacity.
Because different electronics require different quantities of electricity to function, the number of objects plugged in influences the length of your power station. The addition of solar panels to the power station will also have a substantial impact on the battery’s lifespan. As you consume electricity, the solar panels constantly capture solar energy to replenish it. As a result, you may notice that smaller devices have little effect on the power station until it gets dark on a sunny day. Larger gadgets will continue to consume the battery, but at a far slower rate than if you didn’t have any solar panels.
The wattage of solar panels will also play an important role. In general, a single charge of a power station can last anywhere from 3 to 12 hours. EcoFlow power stations are rated for 800 charges over their lifetime. After charging your EcoFlow 800 times, the battery capacity will be decreased to roughly 60% of its original value.
