Portable Power Stations

Crusader said:
I'm enquired from them and according to the supplier it does not include MC4 connectors. I'm clueless with regards to this stuff. So if I buy a set of MC4 connectors the panel should have all the other wiring in place. I just need to add the connectors? How difficult is that to do?
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You'll need to check the connector that it comes with and convert that to MC4. I bought a 100W panel a couple of months ago and it came with a Anderson connector instead of MC4. Flexopower made a Anderson to MC4 Connector cable for me so that I could use my panel with the EcoFlow. Screenshot_20221126_200353_Gmail.jpg
 
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Park@82 said:
You'll need to check the connector that it comes with and convert that to MC4. I bought a 100W panel a couple of months ago and it came with a Anderson connector instead of MC4. Flexopower made a Anderson to MC4 Connector cable for me so that I could use my panel with the EcoFlow.
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That's the problem. There's no info given. I'm guessing it's just the wires without any connectors so you can add any type you want.

However I've decided to go for a Cinco 160W panel so hoping that one comes with pre-installed MC4. I'm getting conflicting results when searching for the item code/model number. Adding some MC4 connectors into the order just in case. If the worst happens I can hopefully have the local electrician do the cable/connectors up for me.
 
@KantSnyer how did you fasten down your panels? Thinking of keeping mine portable (since there will be only one), just not sure how I'm going to make it stand up.
 
KantSnyer said:
Also want to keep them portable, have a flat roof section where I've just laid them down and fastened with a few of these :
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That looks good. I have a corrugated roof and really don't want to drill any holes.

Thinking of some type of kickstand ot similar.
 
Crusader said:
That looks good. I have a corrugated roof and really don't want to drill any holes.

Thinking of some type of kickstand ot similar.
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Maybe look at this:

Portable Power Archives

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And then just bypass the solar charge controller.
 
Just received mine
No solar cable
Has SA plugs though
 
KantSnyer said:
I'm sure you can make a plan, probably going to need to drill unless you can find some sort of clamp setup.
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Yeah, will have to see what can be done once the panel gets here.

For those looking at solar panels, here's a very basic intro what to look out for on the panel stats:
 
Having the extra battery for the River Pro makes a big difference. I knew it would double the capacity but seeing that available battery time doubled really does make me worry a lot less.
 
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DrJohnZoidberg said:
Having the extra battery for the River Pro makes a big difference. I knew it would double the capacity but seeing that available battery time doubled really does make me worry a lot less.
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I was tempted to get an extra battery as well, but would rather want to put the money towards saving for a Delta 2 when it arrives next year.

So far the River Pro handles TV + Internet at a consumption of 23% battery life/2h. Which is all I need at the moment.
 
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Crusader said:
I was tempted to get an extra battery as well, but would rather want to put the money towards saving for a Delta 2 when it arrives next year.

So far the River Pro handles TV + Internet at a consumption of 23% battery life/2h. Which is all I need at the moment.
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Definitely not a value option if you, but a lot cheaper than buying another full unit of the same capacity (even the cheapo brands).

Interestingly though it still a bit cheaper than buying the next unit up in the Ecoflow lineup (the Delta, which is 1260Wh vs the River+Battery of 1440Wh), although that unit has a bigger inverter and other benefits. I don't need more than longer runtime so I don't regret my purchase at all.

Really impressed with the build quality too, the entire housing is metal, and finished so well. Really impressive.
 
Definitely not a value option if you, but a lot cheaper than buying another full unit of the same capacity (even the cheapo brands).
DrJohnZoidberg said:
Interestingly though it still a bit cheaper than buying the next unit up in the Ecoflow lineup (the Delta, which is 1260Wh vs the River+Battery of 1440Wh), although that unit has a bigger inverter and other benefits. I don't need more than longer runtime so I don't regret my purchase at all.

Really impressed with the build quality too, the entire housing is metal, and finished so well. Really impressive.
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My initial plan was to getba River Pro and Extended battery. It's definitely the cheapest way to get the highest capacity.

Then they announced the Delta 2 and later the River 2 range. Getting LFP batteries makes more sense to me. Only the Delta 2 series seem to have the capability to add external batteries in the new range. So that would be a better future proof option.

Decided to grab a River Pro to get me through the period until the Delta 2 releases here. Hopefully they won't be outrageously expensive when they land.
 
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Crusader said:
M

My initial plan was to getba River Pro and Extended battery. It's definitely the cheapest way to get the highest capacity.

Then they announced the Delta 2 and later the River 2 range. Getting LFP batteries makes more sense to me. Only the Delta 2 series seem to have the capability to add external batteries in the new range. So that would be a better future proof option.

Decided to grab a River Pro to get me through the period until the Delta 2 releases here. Hopefully they won't be outrageously expensive when they land.
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Yep, this is my interim solution too - I'm busy pricing out my solar set up at the moment but that install will likely only happen Jan / Feb next year and who knows what Eskom has in store for us this December.
 
My order for the XT60 cable hasn't even been packed yet. Waiting 5-7 working days sucks. Weirdly the cable showed as 'in stock' on Monday night, but it's gone again. Hopefully Takealot doesn't screw up my order. 3rd party sellers don't inspire much confidence.
 
Stupid question: if I do decide to mount the panel on the roof would it be an issue that it would only occasionally be plugged into anything? Plugging in the Pro every 3rd day/weekend for example.
 
Crusader said:
Stupid question: if I do decide to mount the panel on the roof would it be an issue that it would only occasionally be plugged into anything? Plugging in the Pro every 3rd day/weekend for example.
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I don't think you'll have any issues with that.
 
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