{"id":14616,"date":"2022-10-03T04:53:21","date_gmt":"2022-10-03T10:53:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thecampingnerd.com\/?p=14616"},"modified":"2023-02-15T11:36:18","modified_gmt":"2023-02-15T18:36:18","slug":"ecoflow-400w-solar-panel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thecampingnerd.com\/ecoflow-400w-solar-panel\/","title":{"rendered":"EcoFlow 400W Solar Panel Tested And Reviewed"},"content":{"rendered":"

Disclaimer: This product was sent to us for free, in exchange for a review. All opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views and experiences.<\/strong><\/p>\n

How Good Is EcoFlow’s Largest Solar Panel?<\/h2>\n

Portable solar panels come in a lot of different sizes, and I think EcoFlow is the company that covers the most needs with its lineup.<\/p>\n

EcoFlow makes panels that are 60W<\/a>, 100W<\/a>, 110W<\/a>, 160W<\/a>, 220W<\/a>, and now 400W<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The one that raises eyebrows (at least it raised mine) is the 400W panel, so I reached out to EcoFlow and asked if I could do a review of it.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/picture><\/a><\/p>\n

Check price at EcoFlow.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

How portable does it seem, and how does it perform with the new Delta 2<\/a>? That’s what I am going to answer in this review.<\/p>\n

As always, leave a comment\u00a0if you have questions.<\/p>\n

EcoFlow 400W – Features And Specifications<\/h2>\n

Output<\/strong><\/p>\n

The 400W panel is rated for 11A at 48V, so it’s a high-voltage panel.<\/p>\n

It uses monocrystalline panels which are more efficient than polycrystalline and has an energy conversion rate of 22-23%.<\/p>\n

\"Ecoflow <\/picture><\/p>\n

The panel uses MC4 connectors, found on the front of the panels.<\/p>\n

Design<\/strong><\/p>\n

It’s not a single 400W panel, but four 100W panels wired together.<\/p>\n

The panels fold together to become more portable and fit in the included carrying case.<\/p>\n

The very thin panels are protected by an ETFE film to prevent scratches, and with an IP68 rating they can handle being fully submerged in water down to at least 1 meter for up to 72 hours.<\/p>\n

\"Carabiner <\/picture>
The included carabiners connect to the carrying case and the panel when setting up the case as a stand.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There is not a built-in stand, but the carrying case has straps and with the included carabiners, the case becomes a stand.<\/p>\n

The carrying case has a reinforced bottom to be more durable when moving and storing the panels.<\/p>\n

\"Solar <\/picture>
One side of the carrying case has been reinforced to be more durable.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I also found that it protects the case in certain situations when it’s being used as a stand.<\/p>\n

Size And Weight<\/strong><\/p>\n

When folded, the panel measures 41.7 by 24.4 by 0.98 inches.<\/p>\n

When unfolded, it measures 41.7 by 93.1 by 0.98 inches.<\/p>\n

In the carrying case, the total weight is 41.9 pounds (19 kg).<\/p>\n

In The Box<\/strong><\/p>\n

Besides the panels and the carrying case, an MC4 to XT60 adapter is included. This adapter is required to charge EcoFlow power stations with this panel.<\/p>\n

Review<\/h2>\n

What I Like<\/h3>\n

High Efficiency And Performance<\/strong><\/p>\n

As you’ll see in the test results later on in the article, the panel performs great.<\/p>\n

Paired with an EcoFlow power station which has an MPPT solar charge controller, it’s efficient and charges my Delta 2<\/a>\u00a0in less than four hours of sunshine.<\/p>\n

\"Ecoflow <\/picture><\/p>\n

MC4 Connectors<\/strong><\/p>\n

I wish all solar panel manufacturers would use MC4 connectors instead of proprietary connectors.<\/p>\n

With MC4 connectors, you get a lot of options with connecting the panel to not only power stations but also charge controllers to charge 12V batteries.<\/p>\n

You also get the possibility to easily connect several panels together in parallel or series.<\/p>\n

It’s a question about compatibility and EcoFlow gives the buyer a choice, which I like and have to point out since it’s not all too common in this market.<\/p>\n

Shoulder Strap & Handle<\/strong><\/p>\n

There is not only a handle, but a full-on shoulder strap.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/picture><\/p>\n

And it’s very useful, since it’s a heavy panel.<\/p>\n

Lightweight For The Output<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is a heavy panel and product, but it’s not heavy for what it is. What you get for a little over 10 pounds per 100W is a very waterproof, durable, and efficient panel.<\/p>\n

Waterproof<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are not a lot of portable panels like this that are waterproof, and the IP68 rating is actually a huge selling point.<\/p>\n

\"Junction <\/picture>
The small junction box is waterproof, just like the rest of the panel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What I Don’t Like<\/h3>\n

The Stand<\/strong><\/p>\n

I get the idea behind the stand, but it’s not very easy to set up, and it looks sloppy.<\/p>\n

It’s great that there is a way to stand up the panel, but it’s so cumbersome to use that during my tests I ended up using it in other ways than intended.<\/p>\n

\"Ecoflow <\/picture>
Not the way it’s supposed to be used, but it’s easier to set it up this way.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It’s better than nothing, but not much more than that.<\/p>\n

As I get more experience with it, I will probably be less frustrated by it though.<\/p>\n

No USB Ports Or Charge Controller<\/strong><\/p>\n

A panel with an IP68 rating can’t have a bunch of open ports, and I understand that. But it would’ve been great if EcoFlow included a small charge controller that the panel connects to.<\/p>\n

The charge controller could’ve had USB ports, and a way to connect a 12V\/24V battery.<\/p>\n

For this price, I think EcoFlow should’ve included more accessories to make the panel useable in more situations.<\/p>\n

Test Results<\/h2>\n

I tested the panel around noon in Sweden, in September.<\/p>\n

When connected to the Delta 2 which has an MPPT solar charge controller, the screen was showing an average of 350W input. This is when the panel was on the stand, angled towards the sun.<\/p>\n

\"Delta <\/picture>
Delta 2 showing 350W input from the 400W solar panel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Read my full review of the Delta 2 here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Considering the circumstances, this is a great number.<\/p>\n

With the panel lying flat on the grass, it was producing 220W. Which tells us that angling the panel was definitely necessary in the fall sun.<\/p>\n

Is It Compatible With My Power Station?<\/h2>\n

Thanks to the MC4 connectors, it’s easy to connect the panel to solar charge controllers and other power stations with the right adapter.<\/p>\n

Because of the high open circuit voltage, it will not be compatible with most portable power stations on the market, at least not the ones smaller than 500Wh.<\/p>\n

The manual of your power station should state what the input port\/charge controller can handle, and this will answer whether or not it’s compatible.<\/p>\n

If you’re not sure, leave a comment and telling me which power station you have and I’ll do my best to help you figure it out.<\/p>\n

Is the EcoFlow 400W A Waterproof Solar Panel?<\/h2>\n

Yes, with an IP68 rating, I have to call it a waterproof panel.<\/p>\n

It can be submerged in water down to a meter (around 3 ft), so rain- and snowstorms should not cause any problems.<\/p>\n

How Long Does It Take To Charge The Delta 2 With The 400W Solar Panel?<\/h2>\n

In my tests, it took around 3.5 hours to charge the Delta 2 from 0 to 100% with the 400W panel. I started charging it around 10 am, and it was done charging before 2 pm.<\/p>\n

This test was done in late September in Sweden, in better conditions it could be slightly faster, and possibly slower in worse conditions.<\/p>\n

Please leave a comment down below if you have any questions.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

EcoFlow advertises its massive 400W as portable. How portable is it really, and how does it perform? That’s some of the questions I’ll answer in this review. <\/p>\n

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