I've got an EcoFlow Delta 2 with a spare battery, and I'm using two 200W portable solar panels that I have connected in parallel. Despite both panels getting the same direct sunlight, I'm only seeing charging rates between 200 and 206W on my Delta 2. I've tried connecting the panels in both series and parallel configurations, but the results are consistent. Should I consider using regular solar panels intended for home setups, or is there something about portable solar panels that limits their performance when combined?
2 Answers
The output of solar panels can fluctuate due to environmental factors like angle and atmospheric conditions. However, at midday, if everything’s set right, you should definitely see over 300W combined. Wiring doesn't change total output much, but check each panel separately; one might be faulty. Also, remember that your Delta 2 will only draw the power it needs. If the batteries are almost full, it may not pull as much even under load. If you're running an AC and still seeing lower outputs, it sounds like a panel might be defective. Switching to permanent panels could be a good solution!
You should definitely be getting more power out of those panels! Ideally, when wired in series, you could avoid power clipping due to the amp limit. If each panel is only giving around 100W, that's pretty low—usually, portable panels should do better than that! If you're planning to leave them set up for an extended period, you might want to consider full-sized panels—just make sure to check the voltage specs to ensure they’re compatible.
That's interesting! Are you suggesting that wiring them in series could yield better results? And how do I check the individual panel outputs?
Thanks for that insight! I hadn’t thought about the Delta only pulling what it needs. I’ll test those panels individually, and see how they do!