BLUETTI PV420 420w Water Resistant Portable Solar Panel Review

[@HOBOTECH]

GET THE PV420: gohobo.io/pv420 use code HOBOPV420 for discount!

[@BOOSTEDLASER]

NEED REVIEW ON NEW PECRON ADD ON BATTERY FOR THE 2000 SOLAR CHARGER ( 3000 CLAIMED)

[@terryrodbourn2793]

Would they work on Windshield of car/truck when I go camping in NYS summers?

[@dankimmel133]

I purchased a set of the PV420 panels on Indiegogo September 2022 and they just arrived a week ago (TD=Jan 10, 2023). Tested the panels in early afternoon here in Phoenix using my AC200 (not 200P or 200MAX) and consistently got 373 Watts for 88.8% efficiency under non-ideal conditions here in Phoenix, AZ. Ambient temperature was about 67 deg F. The four panels appear to be wired in parallel as determined by intentionally shading each panel independently. Each time, the total output dropped by approximately 25%.

[@mamawanderlust6000]

Congratulations on the success of your channel Tom!

[@rvertv]

Cool Beans. That thing is huge. can make a awning out of it plus get the solar. excellent review

[@HOBOTECH]

Thanks, Russ. Funny enough it's smaller and lighter than the Ecoflow 400w for $400 less!

[@jacktally5166]

Just purchased mine. It’s going to be nice with my AC200Max. Thanks for the review. 420 friendly!!

[@Tb0n3]

Do they call that degenerate capture? So many potheads think 420 so cool that they don't use their brains.

[@jacktally3210]

It’s been three days and I have not heard from them about shipping. Do they not have the supply ready? What could be the hold?

[@toddyork5698]

@@jacktally3210 CNY is about to begin. Worst time to expect anything from China.

[@jacktally5166]

The panel arrived. When we get a full sun day I will test it out.

[@Bamabrute85]

​@jacktally5166 how did the test go?

[@jodajackson4489]

Nice review. I can’t wait to see your review of the Bluetti EP900 + B500 (9kW | 39.6kWh) upcoming product.

[@CanuckQuest]

I always love when you review something I am considering. I trust your reviews. Thank you for all you do.

[@jacktally3210]

I have four Goal Zero, Renogy, and Ecoflow 100w panels now for sale. LOL. I’ll keep some to pair with the 420 until I get a second 420 down the road. Portability is key.

[@TexCynRVLife]

Watching the end was so worth it! Party on! 😂🥳

[@doctorjohn-burgtekie]

Bluetti's PV420 has a better output than my 4 panel system so keep on token, where there's smoke there's relaxation.

[@jasonbroom7147]

Eventually some company will realize how smart it is to rate their products for what they actually deliver, not the theoretical number they might get in lab conditions. If Bluetti had simply continued calling that a 400w panel, some customers would have appreciated how well it delivers very close to the rated capacity.

[@shannonkohl68]

I'm not an expert, but I suspect the problem with that is that solar power is highly variable. If you rate it for the average amount you might get in the late autumn at 3pm, you may find that your customers are complaining about blowing their fuses (or equipment) when the panels send them more power than they can handle at noon on a summer day. So probably better to rate them at the max, and marketers like that too.

[@v1d9uy]

@@shannonkohl68 under rating would be even better call it a 350 watt panel then have testers hype about how it pulls well over the rated power everyone thinks there getting a deal then

[@SetitesTechAdventures]

No they won't. There is a standard they measure with that is what they get the rated power from. I have seen companies like REC solar add their own additional rating of NOCT or something for Normal Operating Temperature that gives you real world ratings. But they have to stick with the lab ratings as the primary. The first thing you learn in solar is that only a few parts of the world get the rated wattage.

[@HOBOTECH]

There is a standard used to rate all solar panels. Basically it is done under lab conditions at 1000w/m^2 at 77F. It would have been smart for Bluetti to under rate and call it 400w but the issue is that their main competitor Ecoflow also has a 400w portable panel (for $1200) and I'm certain they wanted to outdo them through marketing.

[@__WJK__]

@@shannonkohl68 - Good point!

[@trumpingtonfanhurst694]

Using cheap old 12v panels to keep truck battery alive is a great idea 👍

[@Tb0n3]

That has been curious. Is the open circuit voltage 12 volt? Or does the panel require any electronics before the battery? I just bought a sailboat before winter and have the battery on a trickle charger in the house but I think leaving a solar panel out triple charge. The battery would be so much easier.

[@jserenity]

@@Tb0n3 , i would think you would need a small mppt/charge controller or it would overcharge the battery

[@johnhuff393]

Good morning from Godley Texas, thanks again for an in-depth review 😎

[@Mor4me]

To day is a good day to re upload this vid

[@bradcooke5383]

Odin says this is an expensive kite. Ha ha I was thinking that too watching the 420 review. Thanks for the video Tom.. subscribed and liked.

[@Datzneat]

I'm going to need a water bottle to banana for scale to understand what's going on here. Those would be a chore to set out, and I bet they make a great sail in the wind. Should come with some tent stake like hold downs.

[@kayakjoe]

Awesome review- you have the most thorough and entertaining videos! So, these are so big it seems to be right up against where someone should actually get the normal monocrystalline glass panels ?

[@gsp49]

With 420 you got my attention.

[@allenr.schultz5339]

Morning Tom. I enjoy all your reviews. It's great to see you still have your Roadtrek. It was great to see "Oden" again to. How about a quick review of what's going on in your RV life? How's your brother? I also still enjoy your early videos. AL

[@ironfirehorse2]

Happy 420 lol Cheers ✌❤🔥💨💨💨

[@damonried1720]

Just picked one of these up during the Amazon Cyber Monday event. Came here to see "but is it any good?!?". Also got a kick out of your size comparison demonstration @ 5:38

[@Evirthewarrior]

Portable solar panels are so expensive Jackery 200 watt is 700 dollars(i could only imagine what their 400 watt would be), Bluetti 420 is 1100 dollars, Ecoflow 400 is 1200 dollars. Are there any portable panels in a large size that do not break the bank? Having to set up 5-10 small panels is a pretty big pain just to hit 1000 watts.

[@HOBOTECH]

Bluetti 420w is $889 with my code or about $2/watt. Very reasonable for a water resistant high quality ETFE panel. No idea where you got that other price.

[@Evirthewarrior]

@@HOBOTECH I got it from their website, without discounts because that is their normal price.

[@HOBOTECH]

@@Evirthewarrior That's the retail price, not the normal price. It will likely never be sold at $1099. You chose that price to make a point. It's available now for $889 and that's likely as good as it gets. Like I said $2/w is the going rate for portables.

[@debbiedogs1]

@@Evirthewarrior - I have bought the AllPowers 200W polycrystalline when I had to wait to afford a 200W Bluetti. Just saw them a few minutes ago for $216 on eBay (look at more than one search results, since one ad still says $241, which I have seen happen many times for whatever reason).

[@gcaplan1]

Hobopv420 woohoo 10 whole dollars that ls almost a happy meal

[@clarencewiles963]

Great stuff for the new year. The Solar year by HOBOTEC. Are we getting to the point that DYI by self contained batteries systems with large controlled capacity systems will be the thing. My neighbor has a quote for solar at $80,000 grid systems????

[@williamparker8318]

Hey, wait a minute. Aren't you suppose to be on vacation? Thanks for the video. Cheers.

[@HOBOTECH]

Next week ...

[@jimdaly5077]

Thank you 👍🐝🌞

[@JACKnJESUS]

I'm waiting on cold fusion now...for the environment.

[@MakeKasprzak]

lol, the beard did change length

[@ForTheLoveOfHomes]

Great info! Thank you!

[@Bob.W.]

CC says Blue Eddie. Lol.

[@pjnealon3476]

Thanks for the video.

[@minutemanprep]

Great review

[@GmanfromTexas]

Nice. Doc can I hook that panel up strasight from MC4 at the panel and bare wire at my inverter? I have a 24v / 3000 PowMr inverter i use only on power failures. It has two pv-in screws terminals

[@WATCHLLS]

I am thinking those stands won’t last long. I have the PV350 with the older stands which seem to be a lot stronger.

[@93jummy]

I'm not sure why but usa seems to be far behind in solar, power storage and portable fridges compared to Australia

[@richardkistner5549]

Thank You!

[@sangwinacher]

I can't find a anywhere in the manual online or video reviews the AWG of the solar cable on the panels. Is it 14?

[@IsmaelMartinezPR]

Why has the price of panels not gone down. $899 for the panel makes it difficult to afford as a % of the SolGen is really high. Off course if you need it, that's different , but in general portable panels are too high.

[@HOBOTECH]

Prices have come down from $3/w to $2/w for a quality water resistant portable panel. Ecoflow was charging $1200 for their 400w.

[@ericracz4230]

Agreed, on sale for $950, then you need to add the power station on top of that. Too rich for average Joe and for me.

[@IsmaelMartinezPR]

@@HOBOTECH the fact that they are priced in the competitive set does not discount that they are still overly expensive.

[@toddyork5698]

Why throw away profit, to put it simply. The demand is just rising every day, so they will continue selling at these prices as long as people buy them at these prices.

[@IsmaelMartinezPR]

@@toddyork5698 I clearly understand that. So to each its own, for me perceived value does not justify that price. I am not in the elasticity curve.

[@mihaiolaeriu8331]

Can I paired PV 420 with the New AC 180?

[@HOBOTECH]

Yep

[@rbljackson]

Question, i just bought the Bluetti AC180 and I already have a renogy 160 watt flexible panel. Along with the bluetti, i went ahead and ordered a 30 foot 8mm jack cable to run my single solar panel. If I purchase a second renogy 160/175 watt flexible panel, can I hook those two up in series and then run it thru the 30 foot 8mm extension cable? Or do I need to invest in a larger set of MC4 extension cables for the higher voltage and current going thru the series connections? Because the bluetti comes with the 8 mm to MC4 adapter, |m assuming it can run up to the 60 volt/ 10Amp of current thru the extension cable I purchased, but not sure thats the best option. Your inputs appreciated...thanks

[@hhomarcus]

@hobotech - I was looking at purchasing the AC300 + B300 to start my solar based solution for my garage. I have plans to purchase another one down the road to support 240v. I was considering using this panel as my permanent solution for the garage and mounting this on the garage. It sounds like based on your video this is not the application for this product. With that being said, what panel would you recommend to use for 24x7x365? Thanks again for the great videos!

[@greensavant2573]

Great review Tom, but I expected to see you try to smoke it!

[@LOT9T]

Bang Bang!!

[@HDRomanin]

November 5, 2023 I'm looking to get the EcoFlow Delta 2 MAX. Should I get the EcoFlow 400W portable solar panel or the BLUETTI PV420w panel? Thanks for your help.

[@parkerazz4385]

Heck yea!!

[@shannonheiser247]

Can I hook up two of these to a Bluetti max also will they be ok in the rain

[@dru24334]

Would you buy this over the ecoflow 400?

[@richardmolnar3007]

GREAT videos! Newbie question here. I am trying to connect my Anker 767 to a 480 Watt Q-Cells panel. I am making a 40 ft extension cable. How do I tell which side of the XT-60 connector on the generator is positive or negative? In short, how do I tell which is which; the "rounded side" or the "square side." I don't want to wire this incorrectly. THANK YOU

[@blackcatstudios5165]

this dude is set if the apocalypse happens lol

[@AlRoderick]

I think at that size the four panel folding style is kind of unwieldy to open and close. Two pairs with the handles on the spine like a pair of portfolios would be best.

[@pauljandernoa4427]

Order isn't going through, there doesn't appear to be a discount, nor does the discount code se to work. I tried to order at full price. They do not even seem to accept the order (something about "reserved order expired") ?

[@carolmaplesden916]

Sooo how would just one of these due charging a bluetti ac 200 pro max??? please n thank you

[@davidcarrico3385]

Can you do an episode on portable PV panels and how to get the most watts into your sogen? I have two bluetti’s (eb3a and eb70s) and they are limited to 28v and 8amps for a total of 200w of solar. I am looking at various portable solar panels with most of them being 18w, which with the 8amp limit of the sogen, I think means I’ll only get a max of 144 in regardless of size of panel or strength of sun. Is that accurate? Are there inexpensive panels that run closer to the 28v max (Bluetti panels are not inexpensive)? Or are there any cheap voltage converters that can be put in between to take the 18v to 27 or 28v as it enters the sogen? Not sure what my options are other than shelling out for the expensive Bluetti panels (I think the pv200 is at 26.1v). Thanks.

[@mrdean7206]

Can i charge a small generator that only needs 200 watts with a big solar panel like this, or is it to much.

[@nelsonpereira8177]

bluetti pv420 solar panel is compatible with ecoflow delta pro

[@davidjones1393]

NICE

[@jacovisser7506]

Can it work for other battery packs

[@gosneygosney]

Can you temporary hang this panel off the grommets or is it too heavy? What size are they?

[@CC-gt3ro]

The ac300 has solar input 150v 12A, can we connect this panel that has ISC 12.2A ? What is the importance of ISC?

[@HOBOTECH]

Yes

[@sjsalzman]

I have the original AC200 Indiegogo version. It can take up to 700 watts solar input. Can I use this PV420 connected with two of my PV120 panels or is there a "Series/Parallel" issue

[@dg9905]

How about smaller solar panels with higher wattage Bluetti? Great idea but a lot of us can't handle big & heavy equipment!

[@HOBOTECH]

I have older videos showing 170w panels charging higher wattage Bluettis.

[@JohnSmith-gz5pm]

Why are the voltage and amp specs higher on portable solar panels than on stationary ones?

[@pip5461]

Probably because the stationary panels are designed to last longer.

[@HOBOTECH]

It depends on the wattage. These large 400w portables are going to have higher voltages than a 300w glass panel.

[@kennethlittrell2105]

Hi Mr. Hobo, I have a solar generator the input is only 60-65 watts dc for solar, can I use 100 watt foldable panel with it? I think I need another smaller like 60 watt panel

[@patd4u2]

Does it come with one of those protractor things with a pendulum that you can point at the sun so you know what degree to set your panels at?

[@Texasprepper]

Use a can

[@patd4u2]

@@Texasprepper I don't understand? How do you use a can?

[@HOBOTECH]

You punch a nail through a can then aim until the shadow disappears. Or you could just do this kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3mxpqyfpMl1iZI

[@Texasprepper]

@@patd4u2 lay a cylindrical object flat against the panel and check the shadow.

[@sholland42]

Toilet paper roll works

[@flyingeyeballfpvjoe1516]

Can this panel be used with the ac180?

[@Severris]

Does anyone have long term durability experience with this panel?

[@lovesdoggies1481]

I got question what watt solar can u use for a 290 jackery and how

[@UnderknowDog]

What size mppt controller do I need for the 420? 30amp may be too small for connecting to my MC4 to Anderson Zamp outlet.

[@HOBOTECH]

Currently running mine right now camping on a 40A HQST. See my review on it.

[@UnderknowDog]

Thanks. I saw the 60amp review. On there site they have a good price for their 40 amp. Thanks for the recommendation. I currently charge my AC200Max with the 420. I just got a Airstream Basecamp and want to throw in eventually a SOK 280am battery. I also want to run an extension cord in to run the trailer when needed with the AC200Max with the Smart-cord.

[@zedalis]

I don't understand why someone would pay 900 bucks for a 420 watt solar panel when you can buy a 460 watt regular panel for $200.

[@HOBOTECH]

Because these are PORTABLE. Portable lightweight solar panels cost double or triple what a cheap heavy glass panel costs. $2/watt is actually very reasonable for a water resistant ETFE panel.

[@overlanding21]

Tom, what are the measurements of the panels when they are folded, looked on their site with only unfolded measurements so I know if I can fit it in my vehicle that's designed to hold solar panels inside.

[@mikedowling3569]

I store and transport mine in their original shipping boxes 41.5 W x 4.75 x 30.5 tall. The panels themselves are 38 wide x 1.25 x 26.5 tall

[@overlanding21]

@@mikedowling3569 thank you

[@elizabethdelmore24]

How many 420 panels are needed to charge the 200Max in the shortest amount of time assuming maximum sun exposure? Would 3 sets of panels be too much input power? When do you think Bluetti will offer an extension cord for the solar panels? The Bluetti website sucks. Thank you

[@HOBOTECH]

3 panels will work fine. You can get WindyNation MC4 extension here hobotech.tv/amazon/#Solar-Adapters

[@jedics1]

Im still waiting for someone to bring out a light panel that lasts at a somewhat competitive price....Looks like I will be waiting a few years yet.

[@KitfoxElite]

Could the reason for the EB150 not performing as well as the competitor be that the EB150 has a 10amp limit but the panel says it can hit 12 amps?

[@KitfoxElite]

Ecoflow Delta 2 allows 15 amps, and if that panel can do 12amps, means the EB150 and EB240 can’t use all the amps the panel can produce.

[@HOBOTECH]

That could be it. I forgot about the 10A limit on that old beast.

[@jaygee1569]

How do they do on cloudy days? Can they charge if/when part of the panels are in the shade?

[@HOBOTECH]

All solar panels with exception of amorphous and CIGS (both about $4/watt) do poorly in overcast and rainy conditions.

[@jaygee1569]

Going to look at Offgrid Trek blankets….have you tested any of their blankets? ....pack up to a 4" thick 13 pound 12" by 12" package for transportation.

[@brandonstitt8032]

Can you also leave there other panals out in the rain? I've heard the complete opposite many times

[@HOBOTECH]

Yes, that's what water resistant means.

[@shannonkohl68]

Is that GTA music playing?

[@user-ob4qq1kg4t]

Hi, I tried charging my ecoflow delta pro with my bluetti PV420, bought an aftermarket xt60 cable but i didnt get any input. And that is after i just finished charging my Bluetti AC180 with the same panel. Any recommendation to fix this is welcome. Thank you

[@HOBOTECH]

Get a polarity reverser for the XT60

[@user-ob4qq1kg4t]

Thanks for that. Is it possible to get a link for that? I am new at this stuff. Thank you

[@markreynolds9570]

Can you plug it into an RV?

[@WATCHLLS]

It would depend on the MPPT controller you are using. These panels have a pretty high open voltage.

[@mattkelso2119]

Nothing says 420 like the....Commodore 64?

[@HOBOTECH]

Yep, happy PV420!

[@diamondpeakproductions]

420W…😎👀👍🏾

[@steverogers427]

It would have been nice if the PV420 did not cost a lot of money. It is definitely quite expensive.

[@johnramm3959]

Can you plug this into the B300s battery?

[@HOBOTECH]

Yes

[@sowder]

CAN SOMEONE PLEASE DO A REAL WORLD USE COMPARISON BETWEEN THE PV420 AND PV350? CAN'T DECIDE IF THEY'RE WORTH THE UPGRADE. THANKS.

[@HOBOTECH]

Depends. Do you need 350w or 420w? If you need 420w then get this.

[@sowder]

@HOBOTECH LOL. Of course I want the higher wattage. But what about size? Weight? Quality? Actual wattage? Even the stands look totally different between the two.

[@JohnDoe-nh7ss]

Wind turbines are 5x more effective at 6000ft

[@jserenity]

I got the 420 joke and I am not even american

[@realeyesrealizereallies6828]

Not mentioning the price speaks volumes...

[@HOBOTECH]

Simple. I didn't know the price at launch.

[@terrafirma9328]

Prices fluctuate so most reviewers tell you to look up current prices yourself, some people are just too lazy or stupid or both. Which are you.

[@realeyesrealizereallies6828]

@@terrafirma9328 Hobo almost always lists the price and what it will be with discounts, and says if you are watching this in the future your beat, just like you would be if your punk coward ass said that to my face..Now..Fuch off...Loser..

[@EveBuysHouses]

Ecoflow has one just like this. Copy cat.

[@barneyf.howell6378]

I see they have the 420 @ ~$900. How much is the Hobo tech discount?

[@kydenj28]

Would you want to sell any of you old batteries? Or gear?

[@HOBOTECH]

I will when I can get some help sorting through it all, taking photos, weights & measures, making sales pages. Its a huge chore.

[@kydenj28]

@HOBOTECH I could help but I'm in florida. Lol. Great vids man

[@panagiotisorfanos5246]

😊😊😊😊😊

[@mannyfragoza9652]

105 watts each not even on the best sunny day. They must have been smoking 420 that dy

[@goodcitizen4587]

420? hmm

[@jefflunt9615]

Okay, I'm old. What does 420 mean? Any one?

[@lisawanderess]

It’s a reference to weed… I remember hearing the back story as to why but can’t recall the details now but sure if you look it up you’ll find out!!

[@johnunvaxxed1918]

is it cat pee resistant?

[@HOBOTECH]

No but its dog pee resistant ... 😆

[@SchoolforHackers]

Ah, field testing.

[@davidparker7156]

So over priced

[@goodcitizen4587]

yea 2 bux a watt is too high.

[@Tommyr]

Yup, not surprised.

[@HOBOTECH]

Actually $2/watt is the going price for portables. Ecoflow's 400w panel is $3/watt

[@goodcitizen4587]

@@HOBOTECH I stand corrected. Thanks!

[@davidparker7156]

@HOBOTECH much cheaper options outsude those brands i am surprised you say that

[@Jakepp235]

How much does it weight please?

[@lundiboy8]

Literally in the video multiple times. It's only 12mins. Quit being lazy, watch it and support the man and his content.

[@twloughlin]

31 lbs.

[@MNVIKINGSFAN]

Lol

[@j-sonS]

wow... its $900 for 400w of input. isnt it better to just buy a delta 2 for similar price and get twice the power?

[@HOBOTECH]

You're comparing a solar panel to a power station?

[@PapaiNoel_X]

Water resistent????, solar panels all are water resistent, they supposed to be outside . Water proof? Who ate gonna install solar panels under water hehehehe

[@colettedailypay]

😂😂😂😂