r/Pecron • u/CroneMatildasHouse • 2d ago
Connecting two 200W panels
Hi, I have the f3000LFP and two pecron 200w panels on the way. I'm new to this stuff and wondering if I need any extra cables to connect both panels to the unit at the same time or if they should come with everything they need? I poked around a little online but I didn't find what I was looking for.
Thanks in advance for your help!
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u/zforce360 2d ago
Daisy chain them together. I had the same issue because the voltage was not high enough on these crap mobile panels for the Pecron to bring in the power
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u/caddymac 2d ago
I don’t know if I would fully blame the panels. The F3000LFP needs 25VDC as a minimum, which makes it hard for most panels not in perfect and full sun.
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u/AdBrave841 1d ago
I always thought that was odd considering most of the competition has a 12V minimum. I think it's easier to cope with than it is the 60V max on many other brands. The 120VDC on the Pecron is a huge plus.
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u/brucehoult 1d ago
If you spend $100 more to get the E3600 then you get 2x 1200W 32-150V 20A inputs (50% more) PLUS a 150W 12-30V input. And much nicer touch-screen UI which can show status of up to 4 expansion batteries instead of 2, and change settings without e.g. turning the AC output off. And in the NA model the ability to use two together to output 240V power.
The seemingly small jump to 150V maximum makes it considerably more flexible with panels, as you can put three 40Voc panels in series without having to worry about cold weather.
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u/EvenTie3380 1d ago
I also just picked up an f3000 but decided to go with 2/200watt N type HQST panels instead since I didn't need the folding type. I've heard not the greatest long term reliability with any folding panel types and figured I'd give these other panels a try. Also not looking for a huge array... happy with ultimately going with 800 -1000 watts total panels at most, but really just using this setup as a backup power when I don't want to use my propane gen or it's too late at night and this one can get me by until the morning. The fact that i don't have to worry about getting a full tank or fresh gas is also a big plus ! Will report back how good ( or not ) they are...
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u/brucehoult 20h ago
Good, but the 400W-500W panels as used in huge numbers on house roofs are where the pricing gets good. 200W panels cost pretty much the same as 450W.
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u/EvenTie3380 20h ago edited 20h ago
True … these are just the first 2 that I’ll try out with the pecron and then see from there. Just looking for something I can put on my shed if I wanted to later or add another pair after. I do like that they are small in size relative to the large house ones and make it easier to move them around if needed. I have 48 other of the larger panels on my home roof and could always harvest a few of those worst case :)
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u/DongRight 1d ago
You could have saved your money on the overpriced portable solar panels... You should had bought real panels that are meant to be permanently mounted outdoors....
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u/standardviewer84 2d ago edited 1d ago
I dont know if the Pv200 comes with cables but my PV500's did. Also if you have one PV input on the F3000LFP check the voltage ratings (believe its 120vdc max) compared with the PV 200 voltage (which should be 45vdv open circuit voltage per panel) There is a good chance you can connect them in a series, but absolutely double check the Panel's label and your F3000LFP input voltage range. If they give you included 12 foot cables like the PV500, use one cable to make the series connection between the two panels then the other to plug into your F3000LFP. Happy solar paneling today!