Biolite power stations are great portable power solutions that can power a variety of devices and appliances with wall-outlet quality electricity. They are also compatible with solar panels for renewable energy generation. But do Biolite power stations work with any solar panel? The answer is yes and no. Let’s explain.
Biolite power stations work with any solar panel that has an MC4 connector and a 12V output rated up to 400W. However, for the best performance and integration, Biolite recommends using their own SolarPanel 100, a foldable 100W solar panel that can be daisy-chained up to a maximum of 400W.
What is an MC4 connector?
An MC4 connector is a type of electrical connector that is commonly used for connecting solar panels to each other or to other devices. It consists of two parts: a male and a female connector that snap together to form a secure and waterproof connection. MC4 connectors are standardized and widely used in the solar industry, so you can find them on many solar panels from different brands and manufacturers.
How to connect a non-Biolite solar panel to a Biolite power station?
If you have a non-Biolite solar panel that has an MC4 connector and a 12V output rated up to 400W, you can connect it to a Biolite power station using an adapter cable. Biolite sells an MC4 to HPP adapter cable that converts the MC4 connector to a high power pole (HPP) connector, which is the input port on the Biolite power stations. The adapter cable costs $24.95 and has a length of 15 inches.
To connect your non-Biolite solar panel to your Biolite power station, follow these steps:
- Make sure your solar panel and your power station are turned off.
- Connect the male MC4 connector on the adapter cable to the female MC4 connector on the solar panel.
- Connect the female MC4 connector on the adapter cable to the male MC4 connector on the solar panel.
- Connect the HPP connector on the adapter cable to the HPP input port on the power station.
- Turn on your solar panel and your power station.
- Align your solar panel to face the sun for optimal charging.
What are the benefits of using a Biolite SolarPanel 100?
If you want to get the best performance and integration from your Biolite power station, you might want to consider using a Biolite SolarPanel 100 instead of a non-Biolite solar panel. The SolarPanel 100 is a foldable 100W solar panel that is designed to work seamlessly with the Biolite power stations. It has several benefits, such as:
- It has an integrated kickstand that allows you to adjust the angle and position of the solar panel for optimal sun exposure.
- It has an integrated sundial that helps you align the solar panel with the sun for maximum efficiency.
- It has an integrated junction box that allows you to daisy-chain up to four SolarPanel 100s for a total of 400W of input.
- It has an integrated HPP cable that connects directly to the HPP input port on the power station without needing an adapter.
- It has an integrated USB-A port that allows you to charge devices directly from the solar panel without needing the power station.
The SolarPanel 100 costs $399.95 and measures 21 x 21 x 1 inches when unfolded and 21 x 10.5 x 2 inches when folded. It weighs 10 pounds and comes with a carrying case.
Conclusion
Biolite power stations are compatible with any solar panel that has an MC4 connector and a 12V output rated up to 400W. However, for the best performance and integration, Biolite recommends using their own SolarPanel 100, a foldable 100W solar panel that can be daisy-chained up to a maximum of 400W. Whether you use a non-Biolite or a Biolite solar panel, you can enjoy renewable energy generation with your Biolite power station wherever you go.
