A solar panel and a portable power station are not automatically compatible. Three electrical parameters must align: voltage range, current capacity, and connector type. Get any of them wrong and you get zero charging, reduced efficiency, or hardware damage.
This guide covers the compatibility rules using data from our database of 20 solar panels and 33 portable power stations. Every specification is OEM-verified. For panel-station pairing results, see our solar compatibility guides. For location-specific charge time estimates, use our solar charge time calculator.
Three Numbers That Determine Compatibility
Every solar panel has three electrical specifications that matter for power station compatibility.
Voc (Open Circuit Voltage) is the maximum voltage the panel produces when nothing is connected (think of it as the voltage “pressure” when no current is flowing). It determines the highest voltage the power station’s input will ever see. In cold weather, Voc rises further, which is why it is the safety-critical number.
Vmp (Voltage at Maximum Power) is the voltage at which the panel actually delivers its rated wattage (the “working voltage” under load). Always lower than Voc. The power station’s MPPT controller must be able to operate at this voltage, or you get 0W charging.
Imp (Current at Maximum Power) is the current the panel delivers at Vmp. The product of Vmp and Imp equals the panel’s rated wattage.
Panel rated wattage
Vmp × Imp = Rated Watts
Example: EcoFlow 220W Bifacial — 18.4V × 11.9A = 219W (≈ 220W nameplate)
A panel’s nameplate wattage (100W, 200W, 400W) is measured under Standard Test Conditions (STC): 1,000 W/m² irradiance, 25°C (77°F) cell temperature, AM 1.5 spectrum. These conditions represent peak noon sun on a cool, clear day with the panel aimed directly at the sun. Real-world output is typically 60 to 80% of nameplate. Our calculations use a 0.70 derate factor (70% of nameplate) as a realistic planning estimate for good conditions.
MPPT: Why Voltage Range Is the First Gate
Every modern portable power station contains an MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) charge controller. This circuit finds the voltage-current combination that extracts maximum power from the connected panel, a point that shifts with light and temperature throughout the day.
Each station’s MPPT controller has a defined voltage window: a minimum input voltage (below which the controller cannot start) and a maximum input voltage (above which the controller shuts down or the circuitry can be damaged).
Two failure modes:
If the panel’s Vmp is below the station’s MPPT minimum, the controller cannot lock onto the power point. The station shows 0W input even though the panel is producing power. This commonly happens with small 12V-nominal panels (Vmp around 17 to 18V) connected to stations with a higher minimum voltage threshold.
If the panel’s Voc exceeds the station’s maximum input voltage, you risk overvoltage damage. In cold weather (below 32°F / 0°C), a panel’s Voc increases by 10 to 20% because semiconductor voltage rises as temperature drops. The industry-standard safety rule is a 1.2x cold-weather margin: multiply the panel’s Voc by 1.2 and confirm the result stays below the station’s maximum voltage.
Cold-weather voltage check
Voc × 1.2 = Cold Voc
Cold Voc must be ≤ station’s maximum input voltage
Example: Anker PS400 (Voc 60.0V) — 60.0 × 1.2 = 72.0V → exceeds the F3800’s 60V limit
MPPT specifications across eight stations
| Station | MPPT Range | Max Solar | Per Port | Connector | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EcoFlow RIVER 2 | 11–30V | 110W | 110W × 1 | XT60 | OEM manual |
| Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 | 16–60V | 400W | 200W × 2 | DC8020 | OEM manual |
| EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max | 11–60V | 1,000W | 500W × 2 | XT60i | OEM manual |
| Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus | 11–60V | 1,400W | ~700W × 2 | DC8020 | OEM manual |
| Anker SOLIX F3800 | 11–60V | 2,400W | 1,200W × 2 | XT60 | OEM user guide |
| Bluetti AC200L | 12–145V | 1,200W | 1,200W × 1 | Aviation (proprietary) | OEM manual |
| EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 | 30–150V / 11–60V | 2,600W | 1,600W + 1,000W | XT60 / XT60i | OEM manual |
| Goal Zero Yeti PRO 4000 | 13.3–145V (HPP+) | 3,000W | 3,000W × 1 | HPP+ (proprietary) | OEM user guide |
What the table reveals:
The EcoFlow RIVER 2 has a tight 11 to 30V window with a 110W ceiling. Only small, single panels work.
The Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 has a 16V minimum, higher than most stations. A panel with an 18V Vmp works, but a 12V-nominal panel (Vmp ~17V) is borderline. The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus has an 11V minimum, so the same panel works fine on the Plus but may not start charging on the v2.
The DELTA 2 Max, Jackery 2000 Plus, and Anker F3800 share a similar 11 to 60V window. They accept the same panel voltages. The difference is wattage capacity: 1,000W vs. 1,400W vs. 2,400W.
The Bluetti AC200L and Goal Zero Yeti PRO 4000 accept higher voltages (up to 145V). This allows longer series strings of multiple panels, which is not possible on 60V-limited stations.
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 has two different MPPT controllers. Port 1 (XT60) runs at 30 to 150V and accepts up to 1,600W. Port 2 (XT60i) runs at 11 to 60V and accepts up to 1,000W. A standard 18V-Vmp panel will not charge on Port 1 (below the 30V minimum). You either need Port 2, or two panels wired in series on Port 1.
Connector Types: The Hidden Compatibility Gate
Voltage and current compatibility mean nothing if the physical connector does not match. The portable power station market has no connector standard.
| Connector | Used By (Stations) | Panel Brands With Native Match | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MC4 | None natively; adapter needed | EcoFlow, Bluetti, Anker, Renogy, BougeRV, Rich Solar | Industry standard. 12 of our 20 panels. |
| XT60 / XT60i | EcoFlow, Anker F3800 | Adapters included with EcoFlow/Anker panels | XT60i rated for higher current (above 8A). |
| DC8020 | Jackery | Jackery SolarSaga | Proprietary 8mm barrel. Third-party panels need adapter. |
| HPP / HPP+ | Goal Zero | Goal Zero Boulder, Nomad, Ranger | Proprietary. HPP+ on Yeti PRO handles higher wattage. |
| Aviation plug | Bluetti | Bluetti PV panels | Proprietary aviation-style connector. |
| XT90 | Zendure | None native; MC4 adapter needed | Larger than XT60, rated for higher current. |
12 of our 20 panels use MC4 connectors. If you own MC4 panels from a residential installation or a different brand, you can use them with any station by purchasing the correct adapter cable ($15 to $40). Adapter cables add a potential failure point (water intrusion, contact resistance at the junction), so inspect connections periodically.
If you are buying new panels for a specific power station, matching brands eliminates adapter issues. Jackery SolarSaga panels come with DC8020 connectors for Jackery stations. Goal Zero panels come with HPP connectors for Goal Zero stations. EcoFlow and Anker ship MC4-to-XT60 adapter cables with most of their panels.
How to Calculate Charge Time
Solar charge time estimate
Charge Time (hours) = Battery Capacity (Wh) ÷ (Panel Wattage × 0.70)
The 0.70 derate factor accounts for real-world losses in good sun conditions
| Station | Capacity | Panel Setup | Derated Input | Charge Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EcoFlow RIVER 2 | 256 Wh | 1 × EcoFlow 110W | 77W | ~3.3 hours |
| EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max | 2,048 Wh | 1 × EcoFlow 400W Portable | 280W | ~7.3 hours |
| EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max | 2,048 Wh | 1,000W (dual port max) | 700W | ~2.9 hours |
| Jackery 2000 Plus | 2,042 Wh | 1,400W (dual port max) | 980W | ~2.1 hours |
| Anker SOLIX F3800 | 3,840 Wh | 2,400W (dual port max) | 1,680W | ~2.3 hours |
| Goal Zero Yeti PRO 4000 | 3,994 Wh | 3,000W (HPP+ max) | 2,100W | ~1.9 hours |
These are estimates for sustained good sun (clear sky, panel aimed at sun, moderate temperature). On overcast days, output drops to 30 to 50% of nameplate, roughly doubling charge time. On ideal days (cool, clear, panel aimed at solar noon), you may briefly exceed 70%.
What the derate factor accounts for: panel temperature losses (5 to 10%), MPPT conversion losses (2 to 3%), cable losses (1 to 2%), real-world irradiance below STC conditions, and brief partial shading events.
The station’s solar input is a hard ceiling. Connecting 2,000W of panels to a station that accepts 500W maximum does not damage anything. The MPPT controller regulates input power and only draws what it can handle. The excess panel capacity goes unused. Oversizing panels by 20 to 30% is good practice: it compensates for real-world losses and helps you consistently reach the station’s maximum input.
For location-specific estimates using NREL irradiance data across the United States, use our solar charge time calculator.
Series vs. Parallel: How to Wire Multiple Panels
When connecting multiple panels to a power station, the wiring configuration determines the voltage and current the station sees.
Series wiring
Connects panels positive-to-negative in a chain. Voltages add, current stays the same.
Using the EcoFlow 220W Bifacial (Voc 21.5V, Vmp 18.4V, Imp 11.9A) as an example:
| Config | Voc | Vmp | Imp | Watts | Cold Voc (×1.2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 panel | 21.5V | 18.4V | 11.9A | 220W | 25.8V |
| 2 in series | 43.0V | 36.8V | 11.9A | 440W | 51.6V |
| 3 in series | 64.5V | 55.2V | 11.9A | 660W | 77.4V |
Two in series (cold Voc 51.6V) fits within the 60V limit of the DELTA 2 Max, F3800, and Jackery 2000 Plus. Three in series (cold Voc 77.4V) exceeds 60V. Only stations with higher voltage limits work: the Bluetti AC200L (145V), DELTA Pro 3 Port 1 (150V), or Goal Zero Yeti PRO 4000 (145V).
Series is the right choice when a single panel’s Vmp falls below the station’s MPPT minimum. On the DELTA Pro 3 Port 1 (30V minimum), a single 220W panel at 18.4V Vmp will not start charging. Two in series at 36.8V clears the threshold.
Parallel wiring
Connects panels positive-to-positive and negative-to-negative using a Y-connector or combiner box. Currents add, voltage stays the same.
| Config | Voc | Vmp | Imp | Watts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 × EcoFlow 220W Bifacial | 21.5V | 18.4V | 11.9A | 220W |
| 2 in parallel | 21.5V | 18.4V | 23.8A | 440W |
Two in parallel produce 23.8A. The EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max limits each port to 15A. At 15A, the port clamps current and delivers only 15A × 18.4V = 276W instead of 440W. That is a 37% loss. The solution: split the panels across both ports (one per port), each delivering its full 220W.
The Anker F3800 limits each port to 25A. Two 220W panels in parallel (23.8A) fit within 25A, so no splitting is needed.
Shade sensitivity
Series and parallel also differ in how they handle partial shade. In a series string, one shaded panel drags down the entire chain. The current through every panel is limited to the weakest panel’s output. In parallel, each panel operates independently. If one panel is shaded, the others keep producing at full capacity.
If your setup has partial shade (trees, roof vents, nearby structures), parallel is more resilient. If you have wide-open sky and need to reach a higher voltage for MPPT minimum, series is more efficient (lower current means less cable loss).
The decision
- Is the single panel’s Vmp above the station’s MPPT minimum? If yes, parallel works. If no, wire in series to reach the minimum.
- Does the series string’s cold Voc (Voc × 1.2) stay below the station’s maximum voltage? If yes, series is safe. If no, reduce the number of panels in series.
- Does the parallel string’s total Imp stay below the station’s maximum current per port? If yes, parallel is safe. If no, split panels across multiple ports or reduce the number of parallel panels.
- Is partial shade likely? If yes, prefer parallel.
Recommended Setups by Brand
EcoFlow (DELTA 2 Max, DELTA Pro 3). For the DELTA 2 Max (11-60V, 500W per port, 15A): a single EcoFlow 400W Portable panel (Vmp 41.0V, Imp 9.8A, cold Voc 57.6V) fits within all limits on one port. For 1,000W, use two 400W panels on separate ports. For the DELTA Pro 3 Port 1 (30-150V): a single 18V-Vmp panel will not start charging. Use 2 × EcoFlow 220W Bifacial in series (Vmp 36.8V, cold Voc 51.6V) on Port 1, plus additional panels on Port 2 (11-60V).
Jackery (Explorer 2000 Plus). Two DC8020 ports, each 11-60V, ~700W, 12A max. The SolarSaga 200W (Vmp 20.0V, Imp 10.0A) works at one panel per port: 10.0A is within the 12A limit, giving ~200W per port, ~400W total. Paralleling two SolarSaga 200W per port doubles current to 20A, but the port clamps at 12A (12A × 20V = 240W effective, wasting ~160W). To approach the 1,400W total capacity, you need higher-voltage panels (Vmp closer to 58V) so the 12A limit translates to more watts. Two panels in series per port (Vmp 40V, 10A) gives ~400W per port, ~800W total with no clamping. Reaching the full 1,400W requires Jackery’s higher-wattage panels or third-party panels with MC4-to-DC8020 adapters.
Anker (F3800). Two XT60 ports, each 11-60V, 1,200W, 25A max. The high amp limit (25A) makes this the most flexible 60V station for parallel arrays. Two Anker PS100 panels (Vmp 24.5V, Imp 4.1A each) in parallel: 8.2A, well within 25A. For higher power, use third-party MC4 panels with an MC4-to-XT60 adapter. Avoid the Anker PS400 (Voc 60.0V, zero cold-weather margin on a 60V station).
Goal Zero (Yeti PRO 4000). HPP+ port, 13.3-145V, 3,000W, 40A max. The widest voltage window in our database. Series strings of three or four standard panels fit easily. The Boulder 100 Briefcase (Vmp 17.2V, Voc 21.5V) needs at least one in series to clear the 13.3V floor (a single panel at 17.2V clears it). For maximum input, long series strings of high-wattage panels with HPP adapters.
Five Common Mistakes
1. Ignoring cold-weather Voc. A panel that works in summer can exceed the station’s voltage limit on a cold morning. Always apply the 1.2x factor to Voc before finalizing series configurations.
2. Confusing the F3800 and F3800 Plus. The original F3800 accepts 60V max per port. The F3800 Plus accepts 165V. Wiring a high-voltage series string intended for the Plus and connecting it to the original F3800 risks hardware damage.
3. Using the wrong barrel adapter for Jackery. DC7909 (7.9mm) and DC8020 (8.0mm) look nearly identical but are not interchangeable. A loose fit causes heating and intermittent charging. Use Jackery’s official adapter.
4. Expecting nameplate watts in the field. A 400W panel does not produce 400W in normal conditions. Plan for 70% (280W) in good sun, 50% on hazy days, 30% under heavy cloud cover.
5. Exceeding per-port current on parallel arrays. Two high-current panels in parallel can exceed a port’s amperage limit. The station clamps current, and you lose the wattage you paid for. Check per-port max amps before paralleling panels.
For verified panel-station pairings from our database, see our solar compatibility guides. For charge time estimates by US location, use our solar charge time calculator.
Recommended Reading
Surge Watts Explained covers why motor startup spikes are the gating factor for power station sizing.
How to Size a Portable Power Station walks through the complete sizing framework, including the 0.70 derate factor for battery runtime.
120V vs. 240V Power Stations explains the voltage compatibility gate for devices.
Our compatibility calculator checks any power station against any device in our database with model-specific data.