I'm currently using a 400W solar panel connected to my EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus via an XT60 connector. I can see that my EcoFlow is receiving power, but when it comes time to pack up camp, I'm unsure of the safest way to disconnect everything. I initially thought I could just remove the XT60 connector, but I saw a video suggesting that wouldn't be safe. Any tips on how to disconnect safely?
3 Answers
One panel isn’t usually high voltage enough to create a dangerous arc. If you just shade it or cover it, the voltage should drop significantly and it should be safe to unplug. Also, if it’s a portable panel, folding it or flipping it over while still connected can help reduce risks before you do the final unplug.
Another solid approach is to turn off the charge controller first. Once that’s done and there’s no load, you can safely disconnect the panels. The risk of a DC arc comes mainly when there’s current flowing, so killing that first might give you peace of mind!
For a single panel setup like yours, it's pretty straightforward. Just shade the panel to reduce the current before unplugging it; you don't need to bring the output to zero, just lower the amps enough to avoid any risky disconnections. That way, you can safely unplug it without worrying about damaging the contacts.