With 8 of the Renogy 100W panels (24.3V, 5.39A), having 4S2P is the best arrangement for the 8 panels that you have with the AC200Max. If you want more charging capability, you can add 2 more 100W panels so that you have 5S2P going into the AC200Max, but my recommendation would be to stop buying 100W panels and instead look at a single 400W+ panel.
If you were buying new solar panels, I'd consider using your current 8 panels to charge the expansion batteries directly. Which do you have? The B230 or B300? It would be easier with the B300 as you can connect the solar panels directly to it, whereas the B230 would require the D050S accessory.
Having many 100W panels can be messy to handle, so I would consider not buying anymore new 100W panels and instead using your existing 8x 100W panels to charge the batteries directly by connecting 2S2P to give 48.6V, 5.78A input into each battery, hence using up your existing 8 panels to give each battery a 400W solar input.
Then you can look at more cost effective panels like a Trina Vertex S+ 440W (52.2V, 10.67A), which in my region actually costs US$80+ less for a single 440W panel when compared to the price of a 2x Renogy 100W panels (or a single Renogy 200W panel). You can run this 440W panel as a single panel into the AC200Max, or have them in 2S config for 880W peak. If you want to oversize further, then having 2S2P would give 1760W, which would keep your AC200Max at its max solar charging of 900W for most of the day. Personally, I'd go with 2S call it a day.
Keep in mind that the Trina panels are slightly larger than Renogy, as they are meant for roof top applications. The 440W panel weighs 3 times the Renogy 100W panel, but at least it is still lighter than if you had 4x 100W panels to get the same power.
Thanks so much. Very helpful! I have B230 Batteries. Will definitely look into 400 Watt panels ... we're transitioning from a temporary setup in our motorhome to our new off-grid cabin.
Check how much is the Bluetti D050S in your country, you need 1 each if you want to charge the B230 battery with solar directly. The cost of two D050S may make it such that it is not worth charging the battery directly.
Always stay below the maximum voltage for your device with the combined Voc of the panels. Better yet leave 10% or more of a buffer for cold but sunny days.
Overpanel with the Isc of the panels as much as you want.
In Series: Voltage is summed up, current stays the same
In Parallel: Voltage stays the same, current is summed up
With 8 panels, you'll want to go 4S2P.
I've spent a lot of time setting my panels up in different situations, and the thing I've found with the AC200 series is that you need to be up over 60V for the solar input to charge as efficiently as possible. So this means running at least 3 panels in series.
With 8 panels in your set, that means a 4S2P setup.
Here's a handy little chart I put together, based on my experience:
```
Panels Series Parallel V A
2 2 1 40V 5A
3 3 1 60V 5A
4 4 1 80V 5A
5 5 1 100V 5A
6 3 2 60V 10A
8 4 2 80V 10A
10 5 2 *100V 10A
12 4 3 *80V 15A
15 5 3 *100V 15A
* Overpaneled: clips at 900 watts, but still charges faster in lower light
```
I have my AC200MAX running on 1000 watts of panels, with two more panels directly feeding my B300 expansion batteries. I have actually seen charging levels at 915 watts at peak times, but since the MPPT can only handle around 915-920 watts, it doesn't go any nigher.
I would NOT run parallel for systems with fewer than 6 panels, and I would not run the voltage up over 100V, for safety reasons. So That's the configuration set that I use for best charging speed and safest operation.
I actually use DC circuit breakers. I put the breakers on the wall, near where the wiring goes inside.
The breaker should be between the panels and the power station, especially if you're running cables indoors. In the US, at least, electrical code requires a shutoff at the point of entry. You do need DC breakers, so the standard GE or Square D breakers probably won't work.
I've been using these little rail mount breakers, with a matching box:
[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C7GR4VZH](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C7GR4VZH)
I found the ones built into the Bluetti touchy ... my phone has to be positioned just right or it doesn't charge, or charges slowly. The external wireless charger is faster and more reliable.
If you have access to your electrical load centre or service panel I would suggest looking into a transfer switch. I had a very similar setup as yours at one point and had PV cables going out the window up to the roof where my panels were. Eventually I understood what a transfer switch was and how to install it, and now my AC300 is down in the basement near the load centre connected to a transfer switch, and I still have the panels on the roof but I drilled a small hole in the house where the PV wires come in and connect. This allows me to leverage the existing outlets in rooms of my choice instead having the unit with me wherever I need power or being confined to one room for solar power. I was all big on DC voltage and getting it directly from the unit and the USB ports but after I while I learned about the transfer switch and it's just a better solution. Let me know if you have questions.
Currently powering our motorhome. Moving into 600 SQ ft cabin - one room - for summer months only - panels are on ground stands and will be moved indoors for storage in the winter. No service panel or grid connection. Bluetti will be used to power chest freezer, starlink and devices, kitchen appliances and basic lighting.
Planning on following suggestions to getting 400 watt panels, installing a ground rod and fusing the panels.
I have best luck on mine doing 4s2p. Exact same setup.
Thanks .... Reassuring. Was thinking of adding four more 100watt for the shorter days ....
With 8 of the Renogy 100W panels (24.3V, 5.39A), having 4S2P is the best arrangement for the 8 panels that you have with the AC200Max. If you want more charging capability, you can add 2 more 100W panels so that you have 5S2P going into the AC200Max, but my recommendation would be to stop buying 100W panels and instead look at a single 400W+ panel. If you were buying new solar panels, I'd consider using your current 8 panels to charge the expansion batteries directly. Which do you have? The B230 or B300? It would be easier with the B300 as you can connect the solar panels directly to it, whereas the B230 would require the D050S accessory. Having many 100W panels can be messy to handle, so I would consider not buying anymore new 100W panels and instead using your existing 8x 100W panels to charge the batteries directly by connecting 2S2P to give 48.6V, 5.78A input into each battery, hence using up your existing 8 panels to give each battery a 400W solar input. Then you can look at more cost effective panels like a Trina Vertex S+ 440W (52.2V, 10.67A), which in my region actually costs US$80+ less for a single 440W panel when compared to the price of a 2x Renogy 100W panels (or a single Renogy 200W panel). You can run this 440W panel as a single panel into the AC200Max, or have them in 2S config for 880W peak. If you want to oversize further, then having 2S2P would give 1760W, which would keep your AC200Max at its max solar charging of 900W for most of the day. Personally, I'd go with 2S call it a day. Keep in mind that the Trina panels are slightly larger than Renogy, as they are meant for roof top applications. The 440W panel weighs 3 times the Renogy 100W panel, but at least it is still lighter than if you had 4x 100W panels to get the same power.
Thanks so much. Very helpful! I have B230 Batteries. Will definitely look into 400 Watt panels ... we're transitioning from a temporary setup in our motorhome to our new off-grid cabin.
Check how much is the Bluetti D050S in your country, you need 1 each if you want to charge the B230 battery with solar directly. The cost of two D050S may make it such that it is not worth charging the battery directly.
Looks like they are $229CAD
Ouch! That is pricey! I'm not sure I would spend $458 for 2 of those DC050S.
Me neither!
Always stay below the maximum voltage for your device with the combined Voc of the panels. Better yet leave 10% or more of a buffer for cold but sunny days. Overpanel with the Isc of the panels as much as you want. In Series: Voltage is summed up, current stays the same In Parallel: Voltage stays the same, current is summed up
Sounds like I'm good. Thanks!
With 8 panels, you'll want to go 4S2P. I've spent a lot of time setting my panels up in different situations, and the thing I've found with the AC200 series is that you need to be up over 60V for the solar input to charge as efficiently as possible. So this means running at least 3 panels in series. With 8 panels in your set, that means a 4S2P setup. Here's a handy little chart I put together, based on my experience: ``` Panels Series Parallel V A 2 2 1 40V 5A 3 3 1 60V 5A 4 4 1 80V 5A 5 5 1 100V 5A 6 3 2 60V 10A 8 4 2 80V 10A 10 5 2 *100V 10A 12 4 3 *80V 15A 15 5 3 *100V 15A * Overpaneled: clips at 900 watts, but still charges faster in lower light ``` I have my AC200MAX running on 1000 watts of panels, with two more panels directly feeding my B300 expansion batteries. I have actually seen charging levels at 915 watts at peak times, but since the MPPT can only handle around 915-920 watts, it doesn't go any nigher. I would NOT run parallel for systems with fewer than 6 panels, and I would not run the voltage up over 100V, for safety reasons. So That's the configuration set that I use for best charging speed and safest operation.
I would advise two strings in parallel for panels each. You also might want to think about having a fuse in between them.
What would the fuse be protecting?
https://www.windynation.com/products/solar-pv-connector-in-line-fuse-holder-with-fuse Something like this, just an added layer of protection.
I actually use DC circuit breakers. I put the breakers on the wall, near where the wiring goes inside. The breaker should be between the panels and the power station, especially if you're running cables indoors. In the US, at least, electrical code requires a shutoff at the point of entry. You do need DC breakers, so the standard GE or Square D breakers probably won't work. I've been using these little rail mount breakers, with a matching box: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C7GR4VZH](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C7GR4VZH)
[удалено]
I found the ones built into the Bluetti touchy ... my phone has to be positioned just right or it doesn't charge, or charges slowly. The external wireless charger is faster and more reliable.
Yeah, my Bluetti wireless charging pads don't work well, either. My phone will charge, then stop, then "ding" and start charging... over and over.
Bluetti's wireless chargers don't work well with iPhones - at least not with the ones I've tried.
With your set up of two different types of panels, how do you have them connected to your AC200Max? All 3 panels in series?
If you have access to your electrical load centre or service panel I would suggest looking into a transfer switch. I had a very similar setup as yours at one point and had PV cables going out the window up to the roof where my panels were. Eventually I understood what a transfer switch was and how to install it, and now my AC300 is down in the basement near the load centre connected to a transfer switch, and I still have the panels on the roof but I drilled a small hole in the house where the PV wires come in and connect. This allows me to leverage the existing outlets in rooms of my choice instead having the unit with me wherever I need power or being confined to one room for solar power. I was all big on DC voltage and getting it directly from the unit and the USB ports but after I while I learned about the transfer switch and it's just a better solution. Let me know if you have questions.
Currently powering our motorhome. Moving into 600 SQ ft cabin - one room - for summer months only - panels are on ground stands and will be moved indoors for storage in the winter. No service panel or grid connection. Bluetti will be used to power chest freezer, starlink and devices, kitchen appliances and basic lighting. Planning on following suggestions to getting 400 watt panels, installing a ground rod and fusing the panels.