The short version: match the panel watts to the station's solar limit and the panel voltage to the station's input window. For the S2000 that means one PS400 or two PS200s (400 W). The C1000 Gen 2 tops out at 600 W, the C2000 Gen 2 at 800 W, and the F3800 Plus at 3,200 W. The EverFrost 2 coolers take the PS100 only.
The three panels
| PS100 | PS200 | PS400 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rated power | 100 W | 200 W | 400 W |
| PV output | 21.6V, 4.63A | 48V, 4.16A | 48V, 8.33A |
| Folded | 20.1 × 23.6 × 2.5 in | 27.0 × 31.2 × 1.8 in | 22.3 × 38.7 × 3.2 in |
| Unfolded | 40.6 × 23.6 × 0.7 in | 54.2 × 31.2 × 0.7 in | 90.2 × 38.7 × 0.7 in |
| Weight | 6.2 lb (about 7 lb with stand) | 10.6 lb (about 11 lb with stand) | 21.9 lb (about 22 lb with stand) |
All three use bifacial N-type cells that Anker rates at 25%+ conversion efficiency, are rated IP68, and come with two 8.2 ft solar cables and a 1.6 ft XT-60i cable. Anker covers them for 5 years.
What bifacial adds
A bifacial panel collects light on its back face as well as its front. Anker says that adds up to 10% more power over reflective ground such as snow, sand or concrete. On grass or dark gravel, plan on the front-face rating. Lift the panel on its stand and point the back at open, light-colored ground to get the most from it.
How much a panel gives you in a day
Our planning rule: panel watts × 4–5 good sun hours × 0.75 for real-world losses (heat, angle, cloud, wiring). It is an estimate, not Anker's figure.
| Panel watts | About this many Wh a day |
|---|---|
| 100 W (PS100) | 300–375 Wh |
| 200 W (PS200) | 600–750 Wh |
| 400 W (PS400, or 2 × PS200) | 1,200–1,500 Wh |
| 600 W | 1,800–2,250 Wh |
| 800 W (2 × PS400) | 2,400–3,000 Wh |
Compare that with what you use each day. For example, a 40 W CPAP for 8 hours is 320 Wh, about one PS100's day. Our RV solar and battery calculator adds up your own loads.
Station by station
S2000: up to 400 W
Anker's spec sheet lists the S2000's solar input as 11–28V at 8.2A, or 28–60V at 12.5A, 400 W max. One PS400 (48V, 8.33A) fills it. So do two PS200s in parallel (48V, about 8.3A combined). Anker's FAQ says a 400 W panel takes the S2000 from 20% to 80% in about 3–4 hours of direct sun. We also sell it as the S2000 + PS200 bundle.
C1000 Gen 2: up to 600 W
Its input is 11–28V at 8.2A or 29–60V at 14.5A, 600 W max. A PS400 plus a PS200 in parallel (48V, about 12.5A) or three PS200s in parallel reach the limit. Anker says 600 W recharges it fully in about 1.8 hours.
C2000 Gen 2: up to 800 W
Anker lists 11–60V at 17A, 800 W max, through the XT-60i port. Two PS400s in parallel (48V, about 16.7A) reach the limit, and Anker says 800 W of solar fills it in about 3 hours. We sell it with a PS200 as the C2000 Gen 2 + 200W bundle, with room to add more. The C2000 Gen 2 + 400W bundle pairs it with the PS400 bifacial panel, which uses half of the station's 800 W solar input and leaves room for a PS200 or a second PS400 wired in parallel.
F3800 Plus: up to 3,200 W
Two inputs, each 11–165V at 17A and 1,600 W max. Anker shows it with eight 400 W panels, four per input, and says it can fully recharge in under 2 hours in optimal sun. How you wire four 48V panels into one 165V input depends on their open-circuit voltage, which Anker's panel pages don't publish, so ask us before you plan a series string.
EverFrost 2 coolers: one PS100
The coolers take a 100 W panel in roughly the 11–28V range, and only with a battery fitted. The PS100 (21.6V) fits; the 48V PS200 and PS400 do not. Anker rates a 100 W panel at 3.6 hours to recharge one cooler battery. See EverFrost 2 40L vs 58L.
Why not two PS200s in series?
Two 48V panels in series add up to about 96V, well above the 60V limit of the S2000, C1000 Gen 2 and C2000 Gen 2. On those stations, combine 48V panels in parallel, which keeps the voltage at 48V and adds the current. Check that the combined amps stay under the station's limit, and ask us which parallel connector fits.
Which panel to buy
- You carry it far from the vehicle: PS100 or PS200. They fold small and stay light.
- You set up next to the rig and want the most watts per panel: PS400. It unfolds to 90.2 in long, so you need open ground.
- You have an EverFrost 2: PS100.
If you drive most days, solar and the Alternator Charger work well together. To pick the station first, see which Anker SOLIX power station for an RV.
FAQ
Do the panels work with other brands' power stations?
They come with an XT-60i cable for Anker SOLIX stations. Using another brand depends on that station's connector and voltage window, so check both or ask us.
Can the panels get wet?
They are rated IP68. Anker's FAQ still says to avoid heavy rain and not to submerge them.
How long do they last?
Anker quotes a 10-year lifespan and a 5-year warranty.
Where do they ship from?
From our warehouse in Upland, California, to the lower 48 states. See the full Anker SOLIX range.