I have worked in solar for 15 years now, and just letting you know that the connector you identified as male is actually the female connector, and the other connector is the male connector. Connector gender is defined by the contact/terminal and no the housing it is in. But great video overall man.
Wow, dude. Great video!!! Im a retired electrician, and used to do a lot of commercial and industrial work. No solar tho. 10 years ago it was horribly inefficient and expensive. Not now. Im adding a 2nd hard wired 110vac system to my home. Will have a dual outlet in each room and a hard wired LED lamp for a grid down situation. Have a set of Harbor Freight 3-panel 100 watt system with the charge controller and a 1200 watt Peak Inverter. Have 3 or 4 monster heavy 12v deep cycle batts too. I figure with all that mess I can build something fairly descent You have a great video here!!!
@@TheCampingNerd Hi Nerd. My set up is far from adequate, but is just a basic (get by for a minute) system. I will add more panels, probably 6 max and series-parallel wire them together Looking at the lithium ion batteries and son!!! They are PROUD of them. I did purchase a 500W 502wH solar generator too. I can use it for keeping the pumps and skimmers running on my aquariums.
Chapters 0:00 Intro 0:37 The Power Stations 0:46 The Solar Panels 1:26 If You Have Questions 1:48 The Solar Panel Connectors 3:35 The Power Station DC Inputs 3:56 The 8mm Adapter We Need 4:44 What To Think About 5:58 Testing The Panel With The Power Stations 7:22 Using The Anderson Port 8:17 Connecting Foldable & Portable Panels 8:31 Combining Two Or More Panels 11:37 The Amperage Limit 12:07 Extension Cables 12:33 Power Analyzer/Watt Meter 13:03 Conclusion
I have a Green Power portable power station 700w foldable solar panel 716WH lifePO4 battery backup. It came with an AC charging cable, car charging cable, solar charging cable (MC4) and USB type C cable. There's an Anderson wire coming from the panel. The instructions say to just plug the solar charging cable to the MC4 cable. We can't figure it out. Are we missing a middle wire or inverter/connection there? If anyone could help, I'd appreciate it.
A couple of things I want to add. 1. Goal Zero has released new Yeti X power stations, some of which can handle up to 50V. Therefore, you can connect two 12V panels in series to these (1000X, 1500X, 3000X, 6000X). You still need to make sure that the total VMP voltage is below 50V, but it's at least possible. Unfortunately, these new power stations can only handle input from one port (8mm or Anderson) at once, so you can't use both ports at the same time. 2. Something I forgot to mention with the extension cables is that you need to get a cable that is thick enough to handle the total amperage of your panels. If you have a lot of panels, you're going to need a low wire gauge for safety reasons. Check the specifications of the specific wire gauge you're buying, after calculating how many amps your panels are going to output. 3. The new Jackery Explorer 1500 and 2000 have slightly different 8mm ports, and I have received reports that the MC4 to 8mm adapter I link to and use does not work with these new power stations. So be aware of this if you have an Explorer 1500 or 2000. I'll let you know more as soon as I get my hands on one. Thanks for watching.
THANKS ONCE AGAIN. I HAVE A YETI150 AND WHEN PURCHASED WAS OFFERED A NOMAD SOLAR PANEL. I HAD PURCHASED A SOLAR PANEL EARLIER IN THE YEAR WANTING TO CAPITALIZE ON THIS SOLAR ENERGY ENDEAVOR. KNEW NOTHING AND SLOWLY BEEN LEARNING A LOT AND CZcams HAS BEEN HELPING ME OUT WITH THIS MOUNTAIN JOURNEY AND I JUST SEARCHED HOW TO CONNECT SOLAR PANELS
Very nice video, you were speaking about the topic and the why's. Also you showed about understanding to max inputs, something a novice needs to know. Thank you for a well thought out and explained video.
Thank you for this very clear and easy to understand explanation! Great video. We are full time now for 6 months and just got a Renogy 200 w panel and the BLUETTI eb3a power pack and it’s working great since I ordered the correct adaptors. 👍BTW we’re new subscribers!
Thanks for a great video, Jesse. I am new to the solar panel/power bank world and your video explained some things I’ve been curious about. I haven’t used a volt meter (now called a multi-meter) in more than 40 years but it looks like it is time to become reacquainted with one.
Thank you so much I have been looking through all the videos to find somebody that was doing all of the MC4 connectors with an Anderson connector with a splitter to a power station.. cuz I wasn't sure if the negative from each panel goes into that splitter with the two negatives on it and you explained it so well thank you so much
Thanks! getting a Jackery....and decided to just get the Hard panels....and Not the Expensive Jackery Foldable panels (mostly because of Not Waterproof)...But needed to know about hooking up 2 panels (serial). thanks
Are you getting the new Explorer 1500 or 2000? I’ve been told that the Mc4 to 8mm adapters don’t work with these new models because Jackery has changed the inputs. Something to be aware of.
When connecting to panels parallel do I need to worry about how many amps the panels are putting out? I know the voltage has to be under 30 volts with the jackery 500. Thanks
Yes, but depending on how many panels you have the loss might not make a huge difference. I’d use 8 or 10 gauge wire, but you might need to go even lower depending on how many panels you’re connecting.
Dear Jesse, Thank you for your great video tutorials. I am confused. I just ordered a Jackery 1000 Explorer and two Renogy 100 W Solar suitcases and I'm not sure how to connect them; in series or parallel. Do I need the MC4 Y-branch?
The Jackery Explorer 1000 can handle up to 30V, so you're going to have to connect the two Renogy panels in parallel with an MC4 Y branch. Then you just need the MC4 to Anderson adapter to connect the Y branch to the Jackery. Extension cables would go between the Y branch and the MC4 to Anderson adapter. Let me know if you have any questions.
Quick question - if I have one solar panel and want to charge to Goal Zero (via 8mm) power stations at the same time, is there a 8mm splitter cable that I need to use?
Awesome video, I never would have figured out how to flip that red and black plug thanks! I have an older Rockpals 100 with a new one which has those red&blk plugs. I couldn't figure out how to make both panels work. So now I can plug both types into the input area on my Zeti 1000 👌✌️One question, can I plug one 100 watt panel with red&black plug into the Yeti 1000 along with the other style input plug with another 100 panel? or do they need to be joined together before going into the Zeti 1000
Thank you! I am new to solar and this answered so many questions for me! I have a jackery with the 100 watt solar panel. Is there a converter that you can use on the end of the panel cord to use the panel to charge other power stations with smaller inputs (like 5mm)?
thanks that helped. if i obtain a 100 W panel with a mwp or mppt controller attached to it would i have to take it off if i want to plug into a jackery 500? thanks b safe love family
The jackery only takes watts (volts 12 - 30V)... will a 200 watt panel at 18 volts, hurt it, or only 100 watts will go into and is not harmed. thank you
Im sorry if this has been asked before, but I noticed that after you created the series connect with two solar panels, you voltage went up 70 39.9. Would that still be safe to connect to the Maxoak Bluetti AC50 with iths max voltage of 40 or is that dangerous?
Hey mate I love your videos! This one helped me decide on a renogy suitcase and a bluetti ac50s. My only issue I’ve found so far is that the included car charger is too short. Do you have a longer charger you could recommend? Are the goal zero or jackery chargers compatible? Thanks!!!
Hey Robbie, thanks! Hmm, a short 8mm extension cable would probably do the job. I wouldn't use a Jackery or Goal Zero charger though. I can try with my extension cable and get back to you in a couple of days. - Jesse
I appreciate you! 👊 I was considering adding a 12v extension cable, but those connectors are so wobbly, especially while driving. An 8mm extension cable would be awesome. I didn’t even know that was a thing
Hey again, I tested the car charger with my extension cable yesterday and it does work! The only problem I had with my specific extension cable (Graybull 20ft) is that the connection isn't snug, so it falls out easily, so I can't tell you which cable to buy but at least it works. You could probably tape the cables together if you have the same problem.
Hello, in reading the instructions of my jackery 240 it says do not continue to charge the battery after it has been fully charged. So if I hook it up to a Renology 100 amp solar panel I'm assuming I would simply disconnect the 8 mm input jack. Once it is disconnected is it okay on the solar panel to be generating a voltage with nothing connected to it since it has no off switch?
Yes, that's fine. I usually leave the panel plugged in to my Jackery even though it's at 100%, since the charge controller will make sure it stops charging to not hurt the battery. But I understand why Jackery would advise against it in their manuals.
I just purchased a Jackery 300 which has a USB C input and a solar panel which has a solar controller that has a USB C output. Can I just run a cable between the two to power the Jackery?
How do I connect the proprietary Boulder 50 solar panel to something like an MPPT? I ordered a Renogy Rover and it looks like it just takes a bare wire.
I have a Yeti 3000x it has the Anderson port which can handle 600 watts. How do I hook up 6 x 100 watt Renogy panels? I don't understand series or parallel? Thanks for your video!
Hi. great video. I have a Renogy 100w panel. I also have a Goal Zero 150. Do you think I can charge the Goal Zero 150 with the Renogy 100w Panel? If so which accessory do I need to do this? Thank you.
Sorry for the late reply. Yes you can as long as the Renogy panel doesn't have a charge controller. You just need the MC4 to 8mm adapter with a positive (red) female MC4 connector.
New to this. I have a jackery 300. Can someone suggest a good panel and adapter that would work for me. The jackery brand panel is 299 and was hoping for a cheaper more water proof option.
Hi sorry for the late reply! Ja, du kan använda din Nomad panel. De har samma input, även fast jag har haft lite problem med att vissa 8mm är annorlunda, så är det värt ett försök.
Very helpful video! I am an absolute novice. Maybe you can help with a simple question. I would like to connect my two Suaoki 80w folding panels in series to charge my new Maxoak Bluetti AC50S power station. Can I use the 5.5 cable provided to connect the panels in series? But how do I make the connection to the Bluetti? Maybe a Y connector with one male 5.5 and 2, 2.1 female? And i would need a 5.5 male to male extension cable also to go from the female Y to the Bluetti with an 8mm adapter on one end. Sorry. I am such a newbie to all this. I just found this video and it gave me new hope that I could speed up my off grid charging without excessive expense. Thanks for your invaluable help. New Subscriber, Gary
Hi Gary, hmm that's a tricky one. I would connect the panels in parallel instead. If I am looking at the right Suaoki 80W panel, it looks like it comes with a DC to SAE cable that's supposed to be used with the SAE to battery clamps when charging 12V batteries. I would take the two DC to SAE adapters that came with the panels and connect them in parallel with a SAE splitter. Then I'd plug that adapter into an SAE to DC/8mm adapter. I can't promise that it's going to work, and I'd want to check the polarity with a multimeter to be sure before connecting it all, but that's the easiest way I can think of to connect the two panels together. Let me know if you have any questions, and thanks for subscribing! - Jesse
@@TheCampingNerd Thanks for taking the time Jesse. Very helpful information. I will let you know how it works out. And yes, this model suaoki does come with the battery clamps.
The spec of the DC input port. You can find this in the manual or online. For example, if it says 14-30V, the voltage needs to be within the 14-30 range for the charge controller to accept it.
You could, but I wouldn’t connect more than 200W since the Explorer 1000 maxes out at 126W input when using 12V panels. If you live in a place that doesn’t get a lot of sunshine I would maybe connect 300W, but it’ll most likely be overkill.
Thank you, Jesse, for your timely response. I'll have to order the MC4 Y branch, and I have the SolarEnz Solar Connector to DC8mm Adapter Cable to plug into the Jackery. Is that alright, instead of your suggestion to connect with the Anderson port on the Jackery? Do you have a tutorial that demonstrates this procedure exactly; the two Renogy 100 W suitcases, to a Jackery 1000? Thank you again. Please stay safe, John Harrington
Yes, the 8mm adapter is fine! I assume you bought the panels without the charge controllers? If so, it’s a pretty straightforward setup. Just take the two MC4 male connectors from both panels and connect them to the Y Branch that has two MC4 female connectors. Then do the same with the two negatives to the Y Branch with two MC4 male connectors. This keeps the positives separate from the negatives. Then you connect the two Y branches to the MC4 to 8mm adapter, these will only connect one way. Maybe I should make a video to show how this is done later.
@@TheCampingNerd Jesse, I am just thrilled that you are concientious enough to reply to little old me. Thank you and Happy New Year, 2021. I'm not sure whether or not I'll be receiving the panels with or without the charge controllers. I've tried but failed to discern which will arrive. If they do have the charge controllers, will that present a problem? Will it be an issue to by-pass the controller? I'm hoping that when I get my hands on them, I'll be able to figure it out, but meantime, I'd like to be a boy scout; prepared🤔. Thank you again, Jesse. Your replies are very helpful and I'm lovin' your video (professional) presentations. Be safe, John Harrington
@@johnharrington110 thanks, John! Happy New Year! It would be more tricky since you would have to cut some wires and install new connectors, but unless it mentioned a charge controller in the name of the listing you're fine. Awesome, let me know later on if you have more questions.
@@TheCampingNerd Thank you, Jesse, for your reply. I am in a panic. What do I do if they do show up with charge controllers? Do you have a video tutorial on connecting two Renogy suitcases with charge controllers to my incoming Jackery 1000? I'm worried about cutting any wires on my brand new suitcase panels. John Harrington
@@johnharrington110 I understand, did you buy them from Amazon? If you did it should tell you which version you bought. I bet you bought the right ones :)
Please help me! I need an adaptor to connect my Jackery to my econosique solar panel. My jackery is the model made for sale at home depot, etc. I think the 250.
Hi, The jackery 1500 DC input connector is not 8mm. I bought the suggested connector dc4 to 8mm and it doesn't fit. Looks like jackery 1500 input is different than the 8mm.
Thank you for the great video! I went ahead to purchase the Rockpals panels as per your recommendation, but later I found out it doesn't have an MC4 output. Unfortunately my Ecoflow River Pro only comes with an MC4-toXT60 adapter for solar input. It seems like in order to parallel two Rockpals panels, I'll have to get two 8mm to MC4 adapters for each panel, then a pair of Y branch to connect both panels, and then connect them to the included MC4-to-XT60 connecter. For my other power stations, I'll need another MC4 to DC 5.5mm x 2.1mm adapter cable since they have an DC 2.1mm port for solar input. Am I correct? If so, there will be heck of cables I need to purchase. Is there any other alternatives? Thanks.
@@TheCampingNerd It should be me who says sorry! I told my wife to get a Rockpals panel but indeed she brought a wrong one from Amazon. She got a Rockman/Paxcess instead, which doesn't come with MC4 connector. We are now stuck with it because it has been sitting in the garage and has passed the return window.
Ah, I understand. Hmm, well there is the "SolarEnz DC8mm to 4X Connector Adapter" on Amazon that has an 8mm female on one side, and an XT60 (among other connectors) on the other side. That should work with at least one panel. With two panels you would need two of those adapters, and an XT60 Parallel Connector. That should work, although I haven't done it myself so I can't promise anything. A cheaper way to go would be to cut the wire from the panel and install MC4 or XT60 connectors.
Unfortunately not, also since most USB A ports output 5V they wouldn't be able to charge power stations. You can charge power banks that support USB charging with them though.
I have a Yeti Goal Zero 1000 my input for my solar panel on the front of my generator is not working can it be replaced or repaired? It is for sure the input because my panel works on the other input both of them And if it can be repaired how do I go about getting replacing the part?
Hey Matt, Yes, you're going to have to bypass the charge controller. It won't work if you go through two charge controllers. Unless your panel already has a way to bypass the controller, doing this will void the warranty. I have written a post about how I did it with the same panel you have: thecampingnerd.com/bypass-solar-charge-controller-renogy/ Let me know if you have any questions.
Ok, I'm totally new to this so I'm going to ask a question that is probably going to sound stupid but I'm trying to learn here. I bought a Jackery 240 which I'm waiting on for delivery now. I have watched this video, several times but I'm still a bit confused. Do all portable solar panels come with mc4 connecters and you need to get the adapter for that? Or do you need to get the mc4 connecters that hookup to the solar panels themselves and then the adapters too?
Hey Juanita, No, there are a lot of solar panels that come with the 8mm connector that plug straight into the Explorer 240 without anything extra. This video is mainly for using third-party panels that do have MC4 connectors. The panels I list under "Portable Foldable Panels (8mm Connector/Adapter)" in the description do not require anything extra. If you buy a panel with MC4 connectors you only need the MC4 to 8mm adapter to plug it into your Jackery. Let me know if you have any more questions! - Jesse
@@TheCampingNerd Well sadly things did not work out and I sent everything back including the Jackery. I couldn't get the folding solar panel here and I couldn't get the final connecter either. Seems like Canada is treated like a 3rd world country and there are just certain things you can't get here. So I have to rely on my gas generator soley if the power goes out. Huge disappointment.
@@TheCampingNerd Well how fast things turn around! A friend of mine in the US is buying and sending me that connector and the folding solar panel. I'm transferring the funds to her for this hugh favor. I'm ordering another Jackery. Yahooooooo!!!!
Thank you SO MUCH! Finally someone who explains it for amateurs.
Great. I am at the learning stage for this kind of equipment and your video is very helpful.
I have worked in solar for 15 years now, and just letting you know that the connector you identified as male is actually the female connector, and the other connector is the male connector. Connector gender is defined by the contact/terminal and no the housing it is in. But great video overall man.
Ah gotcha, thanks for letting me know!
JUST ORDERED ITEMS THRU YOUR LINKS FROM AMAZON CANNOT WAIT TILL IT ARRIVES
Wow, dude. Great video!!! Im a retired electrician, and used to do a lot of commercial and industrial work. No solar tho. 10 years ago it was horribly inefficient and expensive. Not now. Im adding a 2nd hard wired 110vac system to my home. Will have a dual outlet in each room and a hard wired LED lamp for a grid down situation.
Have a set of Harbor Freight 3-panel 100 watt system with the charge controller and a 1200 watt Peak Inverter.
Have 3 or 4 monster heavy 12v deep cycle batts too. I figure with all that mess I can build something fairly descent
You have a great video here!!!
Thank you, and nice setup!
@@TheCampingNerd
Hi Nerd. My set up is far from adequate, but is just a basic (get by for a minute) system. I will add more panels, probably 6 max and series-parallel wire them together
Looking at the lithium ion batteries and son!!! They are PROUD of them.
I did purchase a 500W 502wH solar generator too. I can use it for keeping the pumps and skimmers running on my aquariums.
Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:37 The Power Stations
0:46 The Solar Panels
1:26 If You Have Questions
1:48 The Solar Panel Connectors
3:35 The Power Station DC Inputs
3:56 The 8mm Adapter We Need
4:44 What To Think About
5:58 Testing The Panel With The Power Stations
7:22 Using The Anderson Port
8:17 Connecting Foldable & Portable Panels
8:31 Combining Two Or More Panels
11:37 The Amperage Limit
12:07 Extension Cables
12:33 Power Analyzer/Watt Meter
13:03 Conclusion
I have a Green Power portable power station 700w foldable solar panel 716WH lifePO4 battery backup. It came with an AC charging cable, car charging cable, solar charging cable (MC4) and USB type C cable. There's an Anderson wire coming from the panel. The instructions say to just plug the solar charging cable to the MC4 cable. We can't figure it out. Are we missing a middle wire or inverter/connection there? If anyone could help, I'd appreciate it.
A couple of things I want to add.
1. Goal Zero has released new Yeti X power stations, some of which can handle up to 50V. Therefore, you can connect two 12V panels in series to these (1000X, 1500X, 3000X, 6000X). You still need to make sure that the total VMP voltage is below 50V, but it's at least possible. Unfortunately, these new power stations can only handle input from one port (8mm or Anderson) at once, so you can't use both ports at the same time.
2. Something I forgot to mention with the extension cables is that you need to get a cable that is thick enough to handle the total amperage of your panels. If you have a lot of panels, you're going to need a low wire gauge for safety reasons. Check the specifications of the specific wire gauge you're buying, after calculating how many amps your panels are going to output.
3. The new Jackery Explorer 1500 and 2000 have slightly different 8mm ports, and I have received reports that the MC4 to 8mm adapter I link to and use does not work with these new power stations. So be aware of this if you have an Explorer 1500 or 2000. I'll let you know more as soon as I get my hands on one.
Thanks for watching.
I know it's been a while but you should pin this. Had to scroll a bit to find it haha
Good job man, everything you said was spot on 👍🏼
THANKS ONCE AGAIN. I HAVE A YETI150 AND WHEN PURCHASED WAS OFFERED A NOMAD SOLAR PANEL. I HAD PURCHASED A SOLAR PANEL EARLIER IN THE YEAR WANTING TO CAPITALIZE ON THIS SOLAR ENERGY ENDEAVOR. KNEW NOTHING AND SLOWLY BEEN LEARNING A LOT AND CZcams HAS BEEN HELPING ME OUT WITH THIS MOUNTAIN JOURNEY AND I JUST SEARCHED HOW TO CONNECT SOLAR PANELS
Thanks, Dwayne! That's awesome. Let me know if you have any questions! - Jesse
Best video on this subject I’ve seen so far.
Very nice video, you were speaking about the topic and the why's. Also you showed about understanding to max inputs, something a novice needs to know. Thank you for a well thought out and explained video.
Love how you explained everything
Thank you for this very clear and easy to understand explanation! Great video. We are full time now for 6 months and just got a Renogy 200 w panel and the BLUETTI eb3a power pack and it’s working great since I ordered the correct adaptors. 👍BTW we’re new subscribers!
Thanks for a great video, Jesse. I am new to the solar panel/power bank world and your video explained some things I’ve been curious about. I haven’t used a volt meter (now called a multi-meter) in more than 40 years but it looks like it is time to become reacquainted with one.
Thank you so much I have been looking through all the videos to find somebody that was doing all of the MC4 connectors with an Anderson connector with a splitter to a power station.. cuz I wasn't sure if the negative from each panel goes into that splitter with the two negatives on it and you explained it so well thank you so much
You explained and demonstrated everything so well! Thank you! You gained a new subscriber :)
Thank you!!
Jesse
Man you covered everything. Thanks for all the info man.. it really helped a lot. I was sinking quick lol. Cheers
This was incredibly helpful. Thank you!!!
Nicely done. Love the MC4 to APP connector adapter.
CAUTION: Always check your panels from Renogy with a volt meter. They are sometimes sent out with the MC4 cables backwards. Otherwise, they are great.
Wooowww!! Such a detailed video with so clear explanations. Thanks so much!
Great video, and very informative. You made it look very easy.
Thanks! This helps newbies like me ALOT!
Thanks helped me understand this a bit, New hobby enthusiast.
Thanks! getting a Jackery....and decided to just get the Hard panels....and Not the Expensive Jackery Foldable panels (mostly because of Not Waterproof)...But needed to know about hooking up 2 panels (serial). thanks
Are you getting the new Explorer 1500 or 2000? I’ve been told that the Mc4 to 8mm adapters don’t work with these new models because Jackery has changed the inputs. Something to be aware of.
Good video, straight to the point.
When connecting to panels parallel do I need to worry about how many amps the panels are putting out? I know the voltage has to be under 30 volts with the jackery 500.
Thanks
Thank you; this has been very helpful!!!
Thank you! Let me know if you have any questions :)
Jesse
Great video thank you so much.
Very informative! Thank you for your efforts! 😎
thanks. very good video
Thank you!! Very helpful indeed! Much appreciated ☮💜🕉
Awesome video. Thank you!
Thank you!
Amazing video, thank you.
Would we lose amperage if we used a 30 foot extension cord and what thickness would that have to be to avoid loss?
Yes, but depending on how many panels you have the loss might not make a huge difference. I’d use 8 or 10 gauge wire, but you might need to go even lower depending on how many panels you’re connecting.
Thanks💋❤️ That helped soo much!
Brilliant, thank you very much
Dear Jesse, Thank you for your great video tutorials. I am confused. I just ordered a Jackery 1000 Explorer and two Renogy 100 W Solar suitcases and I'm not sure how to connect them; in series or parallel. Do I need the MC4 Y-branch?
The Jackery Explorer 1000 can handle up to 30V, so you're going to have to connect the two Renogy panels in parallel with an MC4 Y branch. Then you just need the MC4 to Anderson adapter to connect the Y branch to the Jackery. Extension cables would go between the Y branch and the MC4 to Anderson adapter. Let me know if you have any questions.
Quick question - if I have one solar panel and want to charge to Goal Zero (via 8mm) power stations at the same time, is there a 8mm splitter cable that I need to use?
Hmm I haven't seen a cable that would make that possible unfortunately
8:52 If you're here to learn the solar panel wiring system (parallel vs series, etc.)
Really good info... thank you. I’m new to this. Which solar panel do I need for my Bluetti AC50S?
For a portable panel I would get a Rockpals, for a rigid panel I recommend Renogy.
Awesome video, I never would have figured out how to flip that red and black plug thanks! I have an older Rockpals 100 with a new one which has those red&blk plugs. I couldn't figure out how to make both panels work. So now I can plug both types into the input area on my Zeti 1000 👌✌️One question, can I plug one 100 watt panel with red&black plug into the Yeti 1000 along with the other style input plug with another 100 panel? or do they need to be joined together before going into the Zeti 1000
THANK YOU..! 🙏🏼🙌🏼✨
Nice job, thanks!
Thanks, Will!
Jesse
Thank you! I am new to solar and this answered so many questions for me! I have a jackery with the 100 watt solar panel.
Is there a converter that you can use on the end of the panel cord to use the panel to charge other power stations with smaller inputs (like 5mm)?
Very helpful!
Thanks, let me know if you have any questions!
curious if has anyone used the Jackery to power their small appliances at home to save on electric bill? while using the Solar Panels. Thanks
thanks that helped. if i obtain a 100 W panel with a mwp or mppt controller attached to it would i have to take it off if i want to plug into a jackery 500? thanks b safe love family
Hey, yes that’s correct!
@@TheCampingNerd thanks for quick reply good luck to you
The jackery only takes watts (volts 12 - 30V)... will a 200 watt panel at 18 volts, hurt it, or only 100 watts will go into and is not harmed. thank you
Im sorry if this has been asked before, but I noticed that after you created the series connect with two solar panels, you voltage went up 70 39.9. Would that still be safe to connect to the Maxoak Bluetti AC50 with iths max voltage of 40 or is that dangerous?
Hey mate I love your videos! This one helped me decide on a renogy suitcase and a bluetti ac50s. My only issue I’ve found so far is that the included car charger is too short. Do you have a longer charger you could recommend? Are the goal zero or jackery chargers compatible? Thanks!!!
Hey Robbie, thanks! Hmm, a short 8mm extension cable would probably do the job. I wouldn't use a Jackery or Goal Zero charger though. I can try with my extension cable and get back to you in a couple of days. - Jesse
I appreciate you! 👊 I was considering adding a 12v extension cable, but those connectors are so wobbly, especially while driving. An 8mm extension cable would be awesome. I didn’t even know that was a thing
Hey again, I tested the car charger with my extension cable yesterday and it does work! The only problem I had with my specific extension cable (Graybull 20ft) is that the connection isn't snug, so it falls out easily, so I can't tell you which cable to buy but at least it works. You could probably tape the cables together if you have the same problem.
That’s so awesome! Thank you so much for doing that. I’m gonna get one of those extensions and get things all wired up! Stoked!!! Thanks again
Hello, in reading the instructions of my jackery 240 it says do not continue to charge the battery after it has been fully charged. So if I hook it up to a Renology 100 amp solar panel I'm assuming I would simply disconnect the 8 mm input jack. Once it is disconnected is it okay on the solar panel to be generating a voltage with nothing connected to it since it has no off switch?
Yes, that's fine. I usually leave the panel plugged in to my Jackery even though it's at 100%, since the charge controller will make sure it stops charging to not hurt the battery. But I understand why Jackery would advise against it in their manuals.
I just purchased a Jackery 300 which has a USB C input and a solar panel which has a solar controller that has a USB C output. Can I just run a cable between the two to power the Jackery?
How do I connect the proprietary Boulder 50 solar panel to something like an MPPT? I ordered a Renogy Rover and it looks like it just takes a bare wire.
Hi, sorry for the late reply. Yes, so what you need is an 8mm female to bare wire, like this adapter on Amazon: amzn.to/3Su9RPI
How does it take to recharge a ryboi battery in its charger using portable solar generator?
Thought that looked like Idaho!
I have a Yeti 3000x it has the Anderson port which can handle 600 watts. How do I hook up 6 x 100 watt Renogy panels? I don't understand series or parallel?
Thanks for your video!
Hi sorry for the late reply, did you solve this?
@@TheCampingNerd solved, thanks
How long will yeti500x power a 12 rooftops ac like the levit on eco mode
Hi. great video. I have a Renogy 100w panel. I also have a Goal Zero 150. Do you think I can charge the Goal Zero 150 with the Renogy 100w Panel? If so which accessory do I need to do this? Thank you.
Sorry for the late reply. Yes you can as long as the Renogy panel doesn't have a charge controller. You just need the MC4 to 8mm adapter with a positive (red) female MC4 connector.
New to this. I have a jackery 300. Can someone suggest a good panel and adapter that would work for me. The jackery brand panel is 299 and was hoping for a cheaper more water proof option.
How about pecron E1000?
So.. if i get this right i could buy Goal Zero Nomad panel with the 8mm to charge my Jackery 240??😳
(Am Swedish and doesnt understand that well)
Hi sorry for the late reply! Ja, du kan använda din Nomad panel. De har samma input, även fast jag har haft lite problem med att vissa 8mm är annorlunda, så är det värt ett försök.
Very helpful video! I am an absolute novice. Maybe you can help with a simple question. I would like to connect my two Suaoki 80w folding panels in series to charge my new Maxoak Bluetti AC50S power station. Can I use the 5.5 cable provided to connect the panels in series? But how do I make the connection to the Bluetti? Maybe a Y connector with one male 5.5 and 2, 2.1 female? And i would need a 5.5 male to male extension cable also to go from the female Y to the Bluetti with an 8mm adapter on one end. Sorry. I am such a newbie to all this. I just found this video and it gave me new hope that I could speed up my off grid charging without excessive expense. Thanks for your invaluable help. New Subscriber, Gary
Hi Gary, hmm that's a tricky one. I would connect the panels in parallel instead.
If I am looking at the right Suaoki 80W panel, it looks like it comes with a DC to SAE cable that's supposed to be used with the SAE to battery clamps when charging 12V batteries.
I would take the two DC to SAE adapters that came with the panels and connect them in parallel with a SAE splitter. Then I'd plug that adapter into an SAE to DC/8mm adapter.
I can't promise that it's going to work, and I'd want to check the polarity with a multimeter to be sure before connecting it all, but that's the easiest way I can think of to connect the two panels together.
Let me know if you have any questions, and thanks for subscribing! - Jesse
@@TheCampingNerd Thanks for taking the time Jesse. Very helpful information. I will let you know how it works out. And yes, this model suaoki does come with the battery clamps.
What tech spec are we looking at for voltage on our power station, Jackery to be specific, to match to the V oc voltage of the panel?
The spec of the DC input port. You can find this in the manual or online. For example, if it says 14-30V, the voltage needs to be within the 14-30 range for the charge controller to accept it.
Awesome, can i hook up 4 renogy 100w panels on the roof in parallel to the jackery 1000 wirh andersen connector?
You could, but I wouldn’t connect more than 200W since the Explorer 1000 maxes out at 126W input when using 12V panels. If you live in a place that doesn’t get a lot of sunshine I would maybe connect 300W, but it’ll most likely be overkill.
Thank you, Jesse, for your timely response. I'll have to order the MC4 Y branch, and I have the SolarEnz Solar Connector to DC8mm Adapter Cable to plug into the Jackery. Is that alright, instead of your suggestion to connect with the Anderson port on the Jackery? Do you have a tutorial that demonstrates this procedure exactly; the two Renogy 100 W suitcases, to a Jackery 1000? Thank you again. Please stay safe, John Harrington
Yes, the 8mm adapter is fine! I assume you bought the panels without the charge controllers? If so, it’s a pretty straightforward setup. Just take the two MC4 male connectors from both panels and connect them to the Y Branch that has two MC4 female connectors. Then do the same with the two negatives to the Y Branch with two MC4 male connectors. This keeps the positives separate from the negatives. Then you connect the two Y branches to the MC4 to 8mm adapter, these will only connect one way. Maybe I should make a video to show how this is done later.
@@TheCampingNerd
Jesse, I am just thrilled that you are concientious enough to reply to little old me. Thank you and Happy New Year, 2021.
I'm not sure whether or not I'll be receiving the panels with or without the charge controllers. I've tried but failed to discern which will arrive. If they do have the charge controllers, will that present a problem? Will it be an issue to by-pass the controller? I'm hoping that when I get my hands on them, I'll be able to figure it out, but meantime, I'd like to be a boy scout; prepared🤔. Thank you again, Jesse. Your replies are very helpful and I'm lovin' your video (professional) presentations.
Be safe,
John Harrington
@@johnharrington110 thanks, John! Happy New Year! It would be more tricky since you would have to cut some wires and install new connectors, but unless it mentioned a charge controller in the name of the listing you're fine. Awesome, let me know later on if you have more questions.
@@TheCampingNerd
Thank you, Jesse, for your reply. I am in a panic. What do I do if they do show up with charge controllers? Do you have a video tutorial on connecting two Renogy suitcases with charge controllers to my incoming Jackery 1000?
I'm worried about cutting any wires on my brand new suitcase panels.
John Harrington
@@johnharrington110 I understand, did you buy them from Amazon? If you did it should tell you which version you bought. I bet you bought the right ones :)
Please help me! I need an adaptor to connect my Jackery to my econosique solar panel. My jackery is the model made for sale at home depot, etc. I think the 250.
Hi I can't find any information about that panel, where did you get it?
I have the jackery explorer 240, I only get like 20 watt input with my 200 watt solar panel, is this normal???
Hi, no it should be higher than that. What panel is it exactly?
Hi, The jackery 1500 DC input connector is not 8mm. I bought the suggested connector dc4 to 8mm and it doesn't fit. Looks like jackery 1500 input is different than the 8mm.
Hi, yes apparently Jackery has made a slight change to the 8mm. What you need now is a DC7909 to DC8020 adapter.
@@TheCampingNerd thank you...will purchase and give it a try
Thank you for the great video! I went ahead to purchase the Rockpals panels as per your recommendation, but later I found out it doesn't have an MC4 output. Unfortunately my Ecoflow River Pro only comes with an MC4-toXT60 adapter for solar input. It seems like in order to parallel two Rockpals panels, I'll have to get two 8mm to MC4 adapters for each panel, then a pair of Y branch to connect both panels, and then connect them to the included MC4-to-XT60 connecter. For my other power stations, I'll need another MC4 to DC 5.5mm x 2.1mm adapter cable since they have an DC 2.1mm port for solar input. Am I correct? If so, there will be heck of cables I need to purchase. Is there any other alternatives? Thanks.
Hi sorry about that, can you tell me which Rockpals panel you have exactly?
@@TheCampingNerd It should be me who says sorry! I told my wife to get a Rockpals panel but indeed she brought a wrong one from Amazon. She got a Rockman/Paxcess instead, which doesn't come with MC4 connector. We are now stuck with it because it has been sitting in the garage and has passed the return window.
Ah, I understand. Hmm, well there is the "SolarEnz DC8mm to 4X Connector Adapter" on Amazon that has an 8mm female on one side, and an XT60 (among other connectors) on the other side. That should work with at least one panel.
With two panels you would need two of those adapters, and an XT60 Parallel Connector. That should work, although I haven't done it myself so I can't promise anything.
A cheaper way to go would be to cut the wire from the panel and install MC4 or XT60 connectors.
@@TheCampingNerd Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my questions!!
Those older foldable book style panels have a usb port. ...they dont make a usb to 8mm for solar....or do they?
Unfortunately not, also since most USB A ports output 5V they wouldn't be able to charge power stations. You can charge power banks that support USB charging with them though.
@@TheCampingNerd thanks for that. Very informative, thanks!
I have a Yeti Goal Zero 1000 my input for my solar panel on the front of my generator is not working can it be replaced or repaired? It is for sure the input because my panel works on the other input both of them And if it can be repaired how do I go about getting replacing the part?
Sorry, I don't have any experience with that. I would give Goal Zero a call and see what they think would be the best way to go.
i want to upgrade my yeti 200 to jackery 500 would a nomad 50 be fully compatible using the 8mm output, thanks
It's compatible and it should work since both uses the 8mm connector. I haven't done this myself though so I can't promise it will be a snug fit.
I already have a Renogy suitcase with the controller. Will it be an issue to charge the Goal Zero Yeti 400?
Hey Matt,
Yes, you're going to have to bypass the charge controller. It won't work if you go through two charge controllers. Unless your panel already has a way to bypass the controller, doing this will void the warranty.
I have written a post about how I did it with the same panel you have: thecampingnerd.com/bypass-solar-charge-controller-renogy/
Let me know if you have any questions.
@@TheCampingNerd thanks so much I'll take a look at the post.
Ok, I'm totally new to this so I'm going to ask a question that is probably going to sound stupid but I'm trying to learn here. I bought a Jackery 240 which I'm waiting on for delivery now. I have watched this video, several times but I'm still a bit confused. Do all portable solar panels come with mc4 connecters and you need to get the adapter for that? Or do you need to get the mc4 connecters that hookup to the solar panels themselves and then the adapters too?
Hey Juanita,
No, there are a lot of solar panels that come with the 8mm connector that plug straight into the Explorer 240 without anything extra. This video is mainly for using third-party panels that do have MC4 connectors.
The panels I list under "Portable Foldable Panels (8mm Connector/Adapter)" in the description do not require anything extra.
If you buy a panel with MC4 connectors you only need the MC4 to 8mm adapter to plug it into your Jackery.
Let me know if you have any more questions! - Jesse
@@TheCampingNerd Whew! Thank you! I think I finally have it now. Thanks so much.
@@TheCampingNerd Well sadly things did not work out and I sent everything back including the Jackery. I couldn't get the folding solar panel here and I couldn't get the final connecter either. Seems like Canada is treated like a 3rd world country and there are just certain things you can't get here. So I have to rely on my gas generator soley if the power goes out. Huge disappointment.
Ah that sucks, sorry to hear that!
@@TheCampingNerd Well how fast things turn around! A friend of mine in the US is buying and sending me that connector and the folding solar panel. I'm transferring the funds to her for this hugh favor. I'm ordering another Jackery. Yahooooooo!!!!
Is a bouge 200 watt solar panel ok for a jackery 500 watt battery
Yes
cant you you just run an 8mm dc cable from the dc port on the solar panel to the power stations dc port?
Sure, if you have the right cable and connectors
usefull top clip. ! so many bullshit videos are around here from so called who have nod idea