Folding solar module Bluetti SP350 – a giant for camping

Continuing the topic of charging gadgets “in the fields” from solar energy, I would like to share the news that Bluetti, a Californian supplier of compact and mobile solar systems (including those with energy storage devices), has introduced its new solar module Bluetti SP350 – a portable solar panel with an output power of 350 watts.

“The module is made of solar cells with an efficiency of 23.4%,” a company representative told the publisher. PV Store. But not only this makes the Bluetti SP350 an ideal candidate for powering your picnic / camping gadgets.

Solar module Bluetti SP350: characteristics

The size of the novelty when unfolded is 2400 mm x 905 mm, and when folded – 905 mm x 613 mm x 65 mm. Weighs 13.9 kg.

The panel has an open circuit voltage of 46.5V (maximum power voltage 37.5V) and a short circuit current of 10.8A (maximum power current 9.2A). It can operate in the temperature range from -10 to 65 degrees Celsius and has a housing protected according to the standard IP65 (Protection against the penetration of dust and water jets with a pressure of 30 kPa at any angle, that is, capable of “resisting” rain). To achieve these performance, it is encapsulated with ethylenetetrafluoroethylene (ETFE). Despite the high class of protection against water, the manufacturer does not recommend exposing the panel to constant interaction with rain and snow. Thus, the panel cannot be used as a stationary device and is intended specifically for “short-term trips to nature.”

The battery has 4 folds and works as efficiently as possible (according to the manufacturer) at a temperature of +25 degrees Celsius.

“The largest panel we’ve ever shipped delivers amazing performance while remaining portable,

Bluetti product manager James Ray said.

“Before putting it in the trunk, it can be folded into a sort of briefcase, making it the perfect solar panel for camping and other outdoor activities.”

The new Bluetti SP350 module comes with a 24 month warranty and is compatible with most portable solar generators on the market. “However, it works best with its own generators such as AC200P/AC200MAX/AC300/AC300/EP500/EP500PRO/EB240/EB150,” the manufacturer said.

Note that the MC4 current outputs make it possible to connect several Bluetti SP350 panels to the company’s solar generators or other charge controllers.

In brief user manual, supplied with the product, it is indicated that the efficiency of solar cells is “up to 23.4%” (depending on illumination, ambient temperature, slope angle and cable length), but the elements of which manufacturer are used are not indicated. Perhaps, due to the fact that the solar panel itself is conditionally flexible, Maxeon SunPower flexible elements used in the production of solar modules are used. Maxeon AIR:

As practice shows, solar panels made from such elements are more adapted to field conditions than those made from standard silicon solar cells. However, they cannot achieve this high efficiency converting sunlight into electricity, because even the 23.4% efficiency declared by the manufacturer is the efficiency of encapsulated solar cells. Soldered in the module, they will give less efficiency and the real maximum power of the PV350 is 345W.

solar generator

The term “solar generator” is understood by the manufacturer as a device capable of converting direct current from solar panels into alternating current, which is necessary for the primary power supply of household appliances.

So, released at the end of 2021 Bluetti AC300 is a separate modular block, contains inside itself:

• inverter (pure sine) output power 3kW

• charge/discharge controller for lithium batteries (also supplied by the company)

• Btuetooth and Wi-Fi modules for control

• DC-DC converter for connecting DC consumers

The dimensions of the block are 52x32x35.8 cm, weight 21.6 kg, and a solar array with a current of up to 12A and a voltage of up to 150V (2.4 kW at peak) can be connected to it. At the output, the device has:

• 7 AC outlets (6 for 20A and 1 for 30A, but for US 120V AC)

• 1 USB-C port with 100W output power

• 4 USB-A ports (2 with 15W output, 2 with 18W output)

• 2 DC sockets (1 – 12V 30A, 1 – 24V 10A)

• 2 wireless chargers 15W each

In addition to branded solar panels Bluetti SP350, two branded lithium-iron-phosphate batteries can be connected to this unit

Issue price

Agree, with such a set you can safely go to the forest, celebrate the traditional since 1994 international sun day? Of course, if you are not afraid of the price of 4597 dollars (in the US). It includes the SP350 panel itself, the AC300 inverter and one B300 battery module.

Personally, it seems to me that for that kind of money you can buy a small motorhome with solar panels on the roof for picnic trips in comfort.