Solar charging is an important feature when you’re camping or off-grid, away from a standard power source.
If you’re considering bringing a Bluetti or EcoFlow on your next outdoor trip, you should understand how these brands compare in solar charging.
In this article, we dive into Bluetti vs EcoFlow solar charging efficiency and look at how they perform at different capacity levels.
If you want to learn even more about these brands, check out our In-Depth Comparison of Bluetti vs EcoFlow.
Which is Better for Solar Charging—Bluetti or EcoFlow?
Bluetti and EcoFlow power stations are both well equipped for solar charging, but they perform differently depending on their technical specifications.
Figuring out which brand is better for solar charging depends on a number of things, including maximum solar input and battery capacity.
What Affects Solar Charging Efficiency?
1. Sunlight Intensity and Availability
- Direct Sunlight: Strong, direct sunlight is crucial for maximum efficiency. Overcast skies, shade, or indirect light reduce output significantly.
- Time of Day: Midday sunlight, when the sun is highest in the sky, typically provides the best charging conditions.
- Seasonal Changes: In winter, the sun is lower in the sky, leading to reduced solar panel efficiency.
2. Solar Panel Placement
- Angle: Panels should be tilted to face the sun directly. The optimal angle depends on your location’s latitude and the time of year.
- Orientation: Ensure panels are pointed toward the sun’s path (usually south-facing in the northern hemisphere).
- Avoiding Shadows: Even partial shading on a panel can dramatically reduce its output.
3. Quality and Type of Solar Panels
- Efficiency Ratings: Higher-efficiency panels convert more sunlight into usable energy, speeding up the charging process.
- Panel Type: Monocrystalline panels are generally more efficient than polycrystalline or thin-film panels.
- Panel Wattage: Panels with higher wattage provide faster charging, assuming the power station can handle the input.
4. Power Station Input Limits
- Max Solar Input: Each power station has a limit on how much solar power it can accept. Exceeding this limit won’t increase charging speed.
- Charge Controller: A high-quality MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) charge controller ensures better efficiency by optimizing the solar input.
5. Environmental Conditions
- Temperature: Extremely high temperatures can reduce panel efficiency, while freezing conditions can affect battery performance in the power station.
- Dust and Dirt: Dirty panels block sunlight and reduce efficiency. Regular cleaning can prevent this.
6. Cable Quality and Length
- Voltage Drops: Long or low-quality cables can cause voltage drops, reducing the power that reaches the station. Use short, high-quality cables designed for solar setups.
7. Battery Status and Age
- State of Charge: A nearly full battery charges more slowly as it nears capacity due to the power station’s built-in safety mechanisms.
- Battery Health: Older batteries may charge less efficiently over time as their capacity diminishes.
Bluetti vs EcoFlow Solar Charging Speed
| Capacity Level | Model | Battery Capacity (Wh) | Max Solar Input (W) | Solar Charging Time (Hours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| < 500Wh | Bluetti AC50S | 500 | 120 | ~4-5 |
| EcoFlow RIVER Max | 576 | 200 | ~3 | |
| EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro | 768 | 220 | ~4 | |
| < 1000Wh | Bluetti EB70 | 716 | 200 | ~6 |
| EcoFlow DELTA 2 | 1,024 | 500 | ~3-6 | |
| < 1500Wh | Bluetti AC180 | 1,152 | 500 | ~3 |
| EcoFlow DELTA 1300 | 1,260 | 400 | ~4-6 | |
| < 2500Wh | Bluetti AC200P | 2,000 | 700 | ~4-5 |
| EcoFlow DELTA Pro | 3,600 (expandable) | 1,600 | ~2.8-3 (with dual solar input) | |
| Bluetti AC300+B300 | 3,072 (modular) | 2,400 | ~1.5-2 |
Bluetti vs EcoFlow Solar Charging Efficiency
| Feature | Bluetti | EcoFlow |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Input Range | 10V – 145V (Wide adaptability) | 11V – 150V (EcoFlow DELTA series) |
| Max Solar Input Power | Up to 2,400W (AC300 with expansion) | Up to 1,600W (DELTA Pro) |
| Battery Type | LFP (3,500+ cycles) | LFP (3,000+ cycles for newer models) |
| MPPT Controller Efficiency | High efficiency in variable conditions | Fast charging in ideal conditions |
| Panel Compatibility | Highly compatible (third-party ready) | Optimized for EcoFlow panels |
| Average Solar Recharge Time | 3-5 hours (AC200MAX) | 2.5-4 hours (DELTA Pro) |
| Expandability | Modular (AC200MAX, AC300, AC500) | Limited but expandable (DELTA Pro) |
FAQs
How does the charging speed of Bluetti’s solar panels vary with different angles of sunlight?
The charging speed of Bluetti’s solar panels depends on how directly they face the sun. For the best results, the panels should be angled to face the sun straight on.
If they’re tilted at the wrong angle, they capture less sunlight, which slows down charging. Adjusting the panels during the day to follow the sun helps maintain faster charging.
Can I Use Third-Party Solar Panels with Bluetti and EcoFlow?
Yes, Bluetti supports a wide range of third-party solar panels due to its adaptable input range. EcoFlow is more optimized for its own panels but can work with other brands using appropriate adapters.
How long does it take to fully charge the Bluetti EB70S with the PV200 solar panel?
It takes about 5-6 hours to fully charge the Bluetti EB70S using the PV200 solar panel in full sunlight.
How does the EcoFlow 110 compare to other solar panels in terms of efficiency?
The EcoFlow 110 has a conversion efficiency of 22%–23%, which is on par with the best portable solar panels on the market.
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