Each of the five Pecron power stations we sell has a built-in MPPT solar charge controller, so charging from the sun is a matter of plugging in the right panels in the right arrangement. Get the voltage wrong and the station either won't charge or, above its limit, can be damaged. This guide covers Pecron's two folding panels, the PV100 and PV200, each station's solar input limits from Pecron's manuals, how many panels you can wire together, and how much solar you actually need.
The two panels
| PV100 | PV200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rated power | 100W (105W peak) | 200W |
| Operating voltage (Vmp) | 19.4V | 36V |
| Operating current (Imp) | 5.4A | 5.4A |
| Open-circuit voltage (Voc) | 24.5V | 41.4V |
| Connector | DC5521 | MC4 |
| Waterproofing | IP67 | IP67 |
Pecron quotes these electrical figures with a tolerance of about 5%. The PV100's DC5521 plug suits small stations; the PV200's MC4 leads are the standard for larger ones and for wiring panels together. The PV200 is a four-fold panel that folds to 22.1 x 23.4 x 1.6 in.
Each station's solar input
| Station | Main solar input | Voltage window | Max power | Second input |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E300LFP | DC5521 | 12-28V (Voc under 28V) | 100W | none |
| E1500LFP | XT60 | 11-60V (Voc under 60V) | 1,000W | none in Pecron's manual |
| E2400LFP | GX16 | 32-95V (Voc under 95V) | 700W, 15A | DC5521, 12-18V, 100W (Voc under 25V) |
| E3600LFP | 2 x XT60 | 32-150V (Voc under 150V) | 1,200W each, 20A; 2,400W total | DC5521, 12-30V, 150W (Voc under 30V) |
| F3000LFP | XT60 | 25-120V (Voc under 120V) | 1,600W, 25A | none |
The station needs the panel's working voltage (Vmp) above the bottom of the window, and the open-circuit voltage (Voc) below the top. In series, voltages add; in parallel, currents add and voltage stays the same.
Which panels on which station
E300LFP: one PV100
The PV100 is the natural match. Its 24.5V Voc is under the E300LFP's 28V limit, its 19.4V Vmp is above the 12V floor, its DC5521 plug fits the port, and 100W is the station's maximum. Pecron says the E300LFP charges fully in about 3 hours on 100W of solar. A PV200 is not suitable: its 41.4V Voc is over the limit.
E1500LFP: PV200s in parallel
One PV200 works on its own (41.4V Voc, under 60V). Two in series would be 82.8V, over the 60V limit, so add panels in parallel. Pecron's PV200 page suggests two in parallel to charge its 1000W-and-up stations; you'll need Y-branch MC4 cables, sold separately. Two PV200s give up to 400W against the station's 1,000W ceiling.
E2400LFP: up to two in series or three in parallel
Pecron's manual allows one 36V panel, two in series (each panel's Voc must be under 48V; the PV200's is 41.4V, so two make 82.8V, under 95V) or three in parallel with Y-branch cables. It says never three in series, which would be about 124V. Three PV200s in parallel are 600W on paper, but they make about 16.2A (3 x 5.4A) against the input's 15A maximum, so expect the station to cap them at roughly 540W (15A x 36V). One panel alone works, but a single 36V panel sits not far above the 32V floor, so two in series keep the voltage comfortably in the window. Pecron's manual says the DC5521 input needs a Voc under 25V; the PV100's 24.5V ±5% is right at that edge, so we don't pair the PV100 with the E2400LFP.
E3600LFP: up to three in series on each input
Each XT60 input takes one panel, two or three in series (three PV200s make about 124V Voc, under 150V), or parallel strings with Y-branch cables. Pecron's manual says do not wire four 36V panels in series. With three PV200s in series on each of the two inputs you have six panels and 1,200W, half the station's 2,400W ceiling, so there's room to grow with larger panels. The E3600LFP's separate DC5521 input (12-30V, Voc under 30V, 150W) also fits a PV100 by Pecron's numbers (24.5V Voc, 19.4V Vmp).
F3000LFP: two in series per string
The F3000LFP needs the string's Vmp above 25V and Voc under 120V. One PV200 or two in series (82.8V) are fine; three in series (about 124V) are over. For more power, run parallel strings of two with Y-branch cables. Two strings of two is 800W at about 10.8A, and four strings of two is 1,600W at about 21.6A, inside the 25A limit. Pecron's manual says that for parallel wiring the total panel current should be close to the input's maximum current, and not to mix different types of panel.
How much solar do you need?
To replace one day's use, size panels at: daily watt-hours ÷ (4 to 5 sun hours x 0.75). The 0.75 allows for heat, angle, dust and wiring losses; sun hours depend on where and when you camp. Turned around, panel watts x 4 to 5 x 0.75 is roughly what a day of sun gives back.
| Daily use | Panels needed (4-5 sun hours) | Pecron panels that cover it |
|---|---|---|
| 300Wh (lights, phones, a fan) | 80-100W | 1 PV100 on an E300LFP |
| 920Wh (trailer, propane fridge, CPAP, TV) | 245-307W | 2 PV200 (400W) |
| 2,000Wh (electric fridge, coffee maker) | 533-667W | 3-4 PV200 (600-800W), on a station whose input allows it |
And from the other direction, by station:
- E300LFP + 1 PV100: about 300-375Wh a day, more than the E300LFP's usable 245Wh.
- E1500LFP + 2 PV200 in parallel: about 1,200-1,500Wh a day.
- E2400LFP + 3 PV200 in parallel: about 1,620-2,025Wh a day, because the 15A input caps them at roughly 540W.
- E3600LFP + 6 PV200 (three in series on each input): about 3,600-4,500Wh a day, enough to refill a 3,072Wh station from empty on a good day.
For roof-mounted panels instead of portables, see our RV solar panel buying guide, and our solar and battery calculator runs these numbers for your own loads.
Setting up portable panels
- Face the sun. Pecron's manual says to use the panel's stand and turn it so the sunlight hits it as directly as possible, and to keep it clear of shade: partial shade cuts output.
- Shade the station, not the panel. Keep the power station and any adapter out of direct sun so they don't overheat.
- Keep panels matched. Pecron recommends panels of the same model in any series or parallel set, and its own panels for the best results.
- Store them upright. When not in use, store the panels upright with nothing heavy or sharp on top, away from standing water.
FAQ
Can I use non-Pecron panels?
Pecron recommends its own panels. If you use others, check the Vmp and Voc against the station's window above, and the connector.
Can I charge from solar and the car at the same time?
On the E3600LFP, yes: the DC1242-500 on one XT60 input and panels on the other. On single-input stations the car charger and the panels share the input. See charging a Pecron while you drive.
Are the panels waterproof?
Both are rated IP67. The power stations are not waterproof, so keep the station dry.
Where do they ship from?
Our warehouse in Upland, California. Browse the full Pecron range, or read which Pecron power station fits an RV.