Hey everyone, I'm currently using an Anker F2000 with two Renogy 550 watt panels for my off-grid setup. It's been running well, but I want more battery capacity to handle cloudy days better. By morning, I usually drop down to around 40-50% battery, but my panels can push me back to 100% by 11am. It seems like I'm getting plenty of input but just not enough storage.
Instead of buying extra battery capacity for the Anker, I'm considering investing in a solid all-in-one (AIO) system. I was about to go for an EG4 6000XP combined with an EG4 100ah wall mount battery, but I heard from a YouTuber that the EG4 has a minimum PV input of 120v. Given that my two panels won't be able to achieve that, I'm hesitant to purchase it.
So, does anyone know of any AIO inverters or chargers that have a lower minimum PV voltage input? I'd love to avoid piecing together a complex system with multiple components if possible.
3 Answers
Thanks for the insights, everyone! I'm still trying to wrap my head around this 120v minimum some AIO inverter/chargers have. If they require 120v just to start charging, how do small array systems function during cloudy or low-light conditions? Typical panels only output around 30-40v in ideal sunlight—so when it’s overcast, you’re not even close to that voltage, right? Why such a high minimum for those AIO units? Feels like they’re designed to not work when it’s most needed...
Honestly, keeping it simple is key here. I'd just go for that expansion battery you mentioned. It’ll save you a lot of headaches and time as you can stick with what’s working right now!
You might want to consider getting that 100 Ah battery and connecting it to the PV input of your Anker. Then, pair it with a Victron MPPT like the 150/35 to charge the EG4 battery directly. You may need a relay to stop the Anker from discharging the EG4 battery too much, but this setup can be a flexible and cost-effective way to increase your battery capacity without adding more panels right now. It keeps your system modular, allowing for easier future expansions too!
Wait, so are you saying the panels charge the EG4 battery through the Victron MPPT, and then the EG4 battery charges the Anker? Mind blown! I’m worried the Anker won't turn back on after draining too much, and I'm unsure if I’ll ever have enough panels to reach that 120v minimum for the EG4. Seems like the AIO options might not fit my needs.
Looks like an interesting take on things! Definitely worth considering any potential issues with the Anker and whether it can handle low input scenarios.