Charging EcoFlow with solar

[z1ts]

So I have an EcoFlow Delta Mini as below being charged via an XT60 cable from an ignition live under the passenger seat.



However, this set up just about copes with the daily draw on it by trickle charging when driving.

But I'm wondering about a small solar panel either fixed to the roof or a suitcase variety. (Probably fixed in fairness)

My question is, what do I need to connect the solar panel (thinking of something like this:- EcoFlow 100W Flexible Solar Panel - EcoFlow UK) to my Delta Mini that will enable me to retain my 12v ignition live charging ability.

Coz as we all know the UK isn't well known for masses of sunshine!!

So aiming for best of both worlds:- solar charging and 12v trickle charge when driving.

Am I asking for the impossible?!

 

[thebuzz555]

It should come with the cable if you’re buying a portable one, should be a solar to xt60i

 

[The Flying Scotsman]

100W Portable Solar Panel 12V Foldable Suitcase Mono for Camping RV Van Outdoor | eBay

This portable solar panel is perfect for the adventurous traveler, providing both convenience and dependability when venturing off the grid. Along with the adjustable aluminum stand, latches, and heavy duty handle, this 100W Solar Suitcase will change the way the world looks at portable power.

www.ebay.co.uk

With this lead

Ecoflow Cable Solar to XT60 Solar Panel to Portable Power Station Charging Cable | eBay

The EcoFlow Solar Panel to XT60 Charging Cable allows you to connect an EcoFlow portable power station to a solar panel fit for Solar Connector. EcoFlow Solar to XT60 Charging Cable. Specifications - Solar Panel to XT60 Charging Cable fit for Solar Connector.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[z1ts]

OK - cool, is there a way of having the solar and the 12v ignition supply connected at the same time?

I.e. if not driving then good old bit of sunshine is doing its thing and then if no sunshine then good old bit of diesel power to the rescue via the alternator??

Thinking I might need some sort of controller doodah (MPPT or something?) I know enough to be dangerous...!

 

[The Flying Scotsman]

OK - cool, is there a way of having the solar and the 12v ignition supply connected at the same time?

I.e. if not driving then good old bit of sunshine is doing its thing and then if no sunshine then good old bit of diesel power to the rescue via the alternator??

Thinking I might need some sort of controller doodah (MPPT or something?) I know enough to be dangerous...!

I don’t think so.
You would need to connect the lead for the solar panel when stationary and it’s sunny to charge the EcoFlow then swap leads to the 12v fag lighter lead when your travelling.
It takes a while on the 12v lead to charge unless you’ve splashed out £320 on the new EcoFlow fast charger which takes an hour and 20 mins of driving to fully charge. And that’s for the larger delta 2 I’ve got.

 

[z1ts]

I don’t think so.
You would need to connect the lead for the solar panel when stationary and it’s sunny to charge the EcoFlow then swap leads to the 12v fag lighter lead when your travelling.
It takes a while on the 12v lead to charge unless you’ve splashed out £320 on the new EcoFlow fast charger which takes an hour and 20 mins of driving to fully charge. And that’s for the larger delta 2 I’ve got.

Yes, I'm kind of wondering that's what I might have to do.

Or I'm wondering about a bit of relay wizzardry....! i.e. engine on = charging from vehicle, engine off = solar is charging....

See what I can do!

 

[The Flying Scotsman]

Yes, I'm kind of wondering that's what I might have to do.

Or I'm wondering about a bit of relay wizzardry....! i.e. engine on = charging from vehicle, engine off = solar is charging....

See what I can do!

I will end up spending the cash on the fancy new alternator charger.
But it’s not cheap

 

[z1ts]

I will end up spending the cash on the fancy new alternator charger.
But it’s not cheap

I think the new fancy alternator charger doesn't work with my Ecoflow Delta Mini... (but I'm happy to be corrected...!)

 

[The Flying Scotsman]

I think the new fancy alternator charger doesn't work with my Ecoflow Delta Mini... (but I'm happy to be corrected...!)

I’m not sure. I just read up about it for my delta 2.
I’m hanging fire on buying one just now until I see how my new lithium battery and huge solar panel does

 

[BoroBoy]

I made up a a lead to charge my Ecoflow Delta 2 from my leisure battery. Charging can be done whilst on the move or statinary.

 

[The Flying Scotsman]

I made up a a lead to charge my Ecoflow Delta 2 from my leisure battery. Charging can be done whilst on the move or statinary.

I got a lead with a fag lighter plug on it for charging on the go with my Delta 2. But attaching it straight to the LB would be handy.
Got any pics of your lead?

 

[Pauly]

You could fit a changeover relay to switch between 12v ignition supply and your solar panel
Its a little fiddly to get it installed but once its done its a fit and forget unit

If you do go down that road you just need to make sure you use a decent/suitable unit, it needs to disconnect one supply before engaging the other supply otherwise you will risk momentarily shorting the solar and van power everytime you turn the ignition on which it might get upset about at some point

 

[BoroBoy]

I got a lead with a fag lighter plug on it for charging on the go with my Delta 2. But attaching it straight to the LB would be handy.
Got any pics of your lead?

I bought these items. But you may not need the Anderson connectors. You would just need to cut off the bayonet connectors and install an in line fuse on the live cable.

 

[z1ts]

charge my Ecoflow Delta 2 from my leisure battery

Um.... my EcoFlow is my LB....!!

 

[z1ts]

You could fit a changeover relay to switch between 12v ignition supply and your solar panel
Its a little fiddly to get it installed but once its done its a fit and forget unit

If you do go down that road you just need to make sure you use a decent/suitable unit, it needs to disconnect one supply before engaging the other supply otherwise you will risk momentarily shorting the solar and van power everytime you turn the ignition on which it might get upset about at some point

Yes, exactly @Pauly it would need to be done correctly!

It won't be my first foray into fiddling with relays/changeover etc. etc.!!!

 

[roadtripper]

The trick here is to charge your EcoFlow over the XT60i that's wired for SOLAR as this will kick in a higher charge rate - but that's only safe if the other end is hardwired to a suitably fused 12v point and not through the "cigarette lighter"

All "cigarette lighter" type leads need to be limited to 8A continuous otherwise there is strong chance the socket will overheat.

The XT60i connector has a third signal contact that tells the EcoFlow not limit.

Personally I'd avoid relays switching here, especially if you go for the suitcase type you'd be getting out anyway, swapping the two XT60i over isn't much effort and it's simple and cheap. But if you do.Pauly is on the money with ensuring it's a break before make relay.

 

[z1ts]

charge your EcoFlow over the XT60i

I thought (although I hope I'm wrong!) that my EF will only accept XT60 and not the XT60i as it's just the 'mini' version.

the other end is hardwired to a suitably fused 12v point and not through the "cigarette lighter"

Yes, I have a 20amp fused supply on engine running live

if you go for the suitcase type you'd be getting out anyway

I think my laziness will dictate an installed panel on the roof!!

Pauly is on the money with ensuring it's a break before make relay.

That's what'll I'll be ensuring when/if I go that route

 

[roadtripper]

I thought (although I hope I'm wrong!) that my EF will only accept XT60 and not the XT60i as it's just the 'mini' version.

Older EcoFlow you can usually set via the app instead - tends to be Car / Solar / Auto

Auto allows the higher charge current rate when the higher voltage of a solar panel is seen, but you can set it to Solar to force that and it should charge faster from hardwired 12v - you just have to remember to set it back to Car or Auto if you want to charge it via the traditional cigarette lighter sockets.

 

[z1ts]

Older EcoFlow you can usually set via the app instead - tends to be Car / Solar / Auto

Auto allows the higher charge current rate when the higher voltage of a solar panel is seen, but you can set it to Solar to force that and it should charge faster from hardwired 12v - you just have to remember to set it back to Car or Auto if you want to charge it via the traditional cigarette lighter sockets.

Aha! OK - will have a tinker in the app

 

[roadtripper]

Should give you 13A charge from the van instead of 8A