Bluetti Solar Generator – How to Maximize Your Power

The Bluetti Solar Generator is one of the most popular sun-powered portable generators on the market due to its design, capabilities and price. In addition, you can “build-your-own” package and decide how much power you want and how much money you want to pay.

Furthermore, you can design your Bluetti portable power system for camping, for off-site work or for backup power at home. They are extremely versatile and easy to use. Not to mention, they take the work out of having to build your own power system yourself.

With many solar inverter generators, you can operate multiple devices at the same time. For example, the Bluetti has 16 different outlets that you can use, including multiple AC, DC, USB outlets and a NEMA TT-30. (This connection is generally used for RVs requiring 30 amps).

In addition, this power generator conveniently comes with 2 wireless charging pads for phones, ear pods and other electronic devices. As you can see, you can charge/run lots of different appliances in numerous ways.

What Appliances Can You Operate
with the Bluetti Solar Generator?

First, calculate the total wattage of your devices. The AC200 MAX should work if the load doesn’t exceed its rated 2,200 watts. Keep in mind that many heat-producing appliances like cooktops, space heaters or hair dryers have a higher wattage. Therefore, you may want to limit your usage of these products.

Note: If you need more backup power, simple add an expansion battery. The AC200 MAX allows you to do this, where you can increase the watt hours from 2,048Wh to 8,192SWh (with 2 B300 expansion batteries).

For example, this solar generator kit gives you 6,144Wh plus solar at a discounted price.

Below, Bluetti gives some examples to give you an idea of the capacity of this device. So, if you can re-charge the unit each day, it can easily handle multiple tasks. Many people find that this size works well for van camping and also at job site to power up all of their tech gadgets like laptops, cameras, phone, drones, etc..

• Coffee Maker (1150 watts) ~ 1.5 hours
• Electric Grill (1650 watts) ~ 1.5 hours
• Air Conditioner (5,000 BTU) ~ 1-4 hours
• CPAP Machine (40 watts) ~ 30-40 hours
• Light (10 watts) ~ 150+ hours

Of course, you can run energy-efficient gadgets longer than the power-sucking ones. The manufacturer provides a basic calculator for reference, so you can figure out approximately how long your devices will run.

Battery capacity × DoD × η ÷ Device rated power

• DoD = Depth of Discharge
• η = local inverter efficiency

For the AC200 MAX, both DoD and η are 90%. So, if you run a 1,000W microwave oven with it, the run time will be: 2,048Wh × 90% × 90% ÷ 1,000W ≈ 1.65hrs

If you want a solar generator that can power your home, Bluetti does sell their EP500Pro solar power station (3,000W, 5,100Wh). (Get 2 for more power.) You can use it as a UPS (uninterrupted power source) and connect it to you home’s electrical panel.

To do this, Bluetti recommends working with an electrician. Get a Reliance manual transfer switch, connect the wires of critical equipment from your home’s electric panel and then connect EP500Pro to the Reliance manual transfer switch.

How to Re-Charge the Bluetti Solar Generator:

You can charge this machine 7 different ways: AC, solar, vehicle, generator, lead battery and Dual AC/AC + solar. For instance, you can re-charge faster using a wall outlet AND solar panels at the same time. Max input for the AC300 MAX is 1300 watts, with 900 watts of solar and 400 watts through the adapter port.

Note: Yes, you can power appliances off of the Bluetti while you charge the generator itself. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about downtime while charging.

Solar Generator + Panel Kits:

You can purchase power generators and solar panels separately from each other, so you aren’t locked into a certain number of panels that you need to buy. In fact, you don’t need to get any panels at all. As we mentioned above, you can re-charge the unit several different ways, including a home wall outlet or your vehicle.

That said, Bluetti does offer package deals where you can save money when purchasing a generator/solar panel combo. For example, you can get the AC200 Max with (3) 200 watt folding solar panels at a discounted price from what you’d pay to buy everything separately.

 

Bluetti Solar Panel Pros & Cons:

Bluetti’s solar panels have a high efficiency 23.4% conversion rate, meaning they generate more power than less efficient panels. As a result, you need fewer panels to produce more energy (a savings in both cost and space).

Specifically, these are 350 watt monocrystalline panels with 95% transparency. Compared to polycrystalline solar panels, they work better on cloudy days where you don’t have as much light.

Note: Keep in mind that you don’t have to buy Bluetti brand solar panels. You can use other brands instead that have MC4 connectors (standard on many panels).

The panels also resist scratches, which can significantly decrease power output. They have a high-tech lamination that makes them more durable, longer-lasting, more efficient and easier to clean.

Plus, they do fine if they get splashed with water (IP65 water resistant). That said, you don’t want to submerge them with water or leave them out in a rainstorm.

You can easily fold and carry the panels. They come with stands, so you can elevate them and angle them towards the sun to maximize energy production. Consequently, you can park your vehicle in the shade and set up solar panels to receive full sun.

Note: The panels come with 50 feet of UV-protected heavy duty power cables, which gives you a larger range of distance as far as where you set them up. Plus, you do don’t have to worry so much about the cables getting damaged from laying in the sun for long periods of time.

However, folding panels do require more effort to set up, move and put away compared to roof-mounted solar panels. In other words, you constantly need to assemble and disassemble them. Plus, the panels take up extra space in your vehicle – and if you’re traveling in a car or van, space is even more limited.

Specs for the Bluetti Solar Generator Package:

• Bundle Includes Bluetti AC200MAX Power Station + PV350 Solar Panel
• Dimensions: 16.5″ Long x 11″ Wide x 15.2″ Tall
• Weight: 62 lbs
• 2,048 Capacity Wh (51.2V, 40Ah)
• Expandable Power Station: Yes
• 2,200 Watts AC Power
• 4,800 Watts Peak Power
• LiFePO4 Lithium Ion Battery
• Lifecycle: 3,500+ Cycles to 80% Capacity
• Inverter Type: Pure Sine Wave
• Operating Temperature: -4-104℉
• Supports Pass-Through Charging
• AC Adapter Charge Time (400W): 5.5-6 Hours
• Fastest Charge Time (AC Adapter + Solar 1300W): 2-2.5 Hours
• 2 Year Warranty
• AC200Max Instruction Manual
• Solar Panel Voltage: 37.5 Volts
• Solar Panel Conversion Rate: 23.4%
• Panel Weight: 30.6 lbs
• Panel Size (unfolded): 94.4″ Long x 35.6″ Tall
• Model: AC200 MAX
• Manufacturer: Bluetti Power
• Customer Service Phone: 702-463-4792
• For Sale: Where to Buy the Bluetti Expandable Power Station

What is the Most Powerful Solar Generator? To get the latest stats and find the best portable power device for you, check out our solar generator comparison chart. You can quickly review products side-by-side and get details on the pros and cons of each machine. For example, the Bluetti Solar Inverter Generator VS the Jackery.