The Shocking Truth About Using Bluetti Charger 1 with Solar Panels

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

BLUETTI Charger 1 | 560W Alternator Charger shrsl.com/4qv8f BLUETTI AC200MAX Expandable Power Station shrsl.com/4qv8g Solar PV Blocking Diode amzn.to/40WsAZ5 Affiliate links

[@johnshaw4140]

So , basically , thats a B2B charger for your bluetti , no doubt sold at a much higher price than a conventional B2B charger

[@keepsmiling1484]

It would have been nice to show how many watts from the charger 1 then add the solar to confirm it combines the two loads

[@livingthedreambuildingthedream]

Mel you are the god of campervan related stuff 😂 thank you I’m going to be running ac300 in my van this helps tremendously. 💯💯

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you ☺️

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

You need to do what my friend does. He’s a pensioner living full time in a van with only his state pension coming in. He bought a 2000 unit and a “grannies shopping trolley” the sort on wheels and made of tartan fabric. He goes every few days and buys a coffee from his local Costa/nero/starbucks coffee shop and gets his laptop out of the top of his trolley puts it on the table and watches KZbin. Also in the trolley is his Bluetti and a mainslead to charge it with this he plugs into the socket near his table. To all observers he’s a little old guy with his shopping trolley watching YT on his laptop which he has plugged in. When it’s charged he packs his laptop on top of the bag and wanders off out. Totally free to him recharge every few days, well, except for the price of a coffee. Even better, he gets the points on his coffee cards and gets a free charge/coffee every 10th visit or 5th visit if he takes his own cup lol

[@jimw7916]

If that was in Australia the price of the coffee would make it not worth it. Haha

[@onemanandhisdog9]

What's the price of a coffee? 2 or 3 quid. Electric is less than 30p a kW and he needs a couple of them, do the maths!

[@kevinthebespectacledpilgrim]

I must love your channel Mel. Sat through the whole thing and haven’t a clue what you’re on about. But I’m really happy that whatever you did works, so well done.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Haha love this thank you so very much made my night 😂🤣🫶🤓👍

[@ls1100]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@livingthedreambuildingthedream]

@@kevinthebespectacledpilgrim this comment from you tickled me 😂😂💯💯

[@eddtownson200rr]

Marlec Engineering do great kit for boats and off grid etc. The marlec controller allows both solar and alternator and wind turbine.We use this set up on our boat and it is excellent

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Great if they would like to send me one and pay me to make a video about it I’ll be more than happy to 🤣😂👍

[@captaincoxyboy]

Hi Mel, fyi- Ecoflow’s ‘alternator charger’ charges my Delta 2 at 67amps, 800w without the need to the disconnect the solar 👍

[@SVImpavidus]

The charge wattage has, and will change because the voltage has changed. Watts = Volts x Amps. Amps = Watts divided by Volts. Volts = Watts Divided by Amps. 355 Watts at a nominal charge voltage of 13.8 Volts is 25.72 Amps of charge. However, 562 Watts at a nominal charge voltage of 13.8 Volts is 40.72 Amps. There is a big difference between 25.72 Amps and 40.72 Amps of charge? Remember the Blueetti is not 100% efficient and so charging at 40+ Amps will take a lot more than 40 Amps from one's alternator. Because of the inefficiency and the internal resistance of the B2B charger. ( I =V.R)

[@dieselbushcraft1299]

Good point about the fuse on the positive cable, I have seen a video this afternoon fitting one of these units and the lack of fuse came straight to my mind.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Yeah I was surprised when I noticed that 👍🤓👍

[@smycker8563]

Hi, Mel. I run my van on a Bluetti AC 200 Max as well and this is how I do it, (alternator to charger 1 to AC 200 max solar 560W) Solar panels to Charging Enhancer (D050S)(400/500) depending on the Sun.🤞👍

[@dottysdetours]

I was about to ask this question but you have already aswered it for me thanks

[@PetRatty]

You explained that very well. No need to use a diode on the solar panel input as they have them built. You could turn the voltage up a bit on your Charger1 as diodes have a voltage drop across then of 0.5 - 0.7 volts. As others have commented, I will just be using a DC-DC boost converter, but you have to find the right one. I've got 3 here from ALI £13.20. If Mel allows, replies I'll post a link

[@frankmel100]

Hi Mel. It seams that the Ac 200Max is limited to 10ah input. 56v and 560w then 36v and 360w. The unit should ba able to accept 15ah.

[@jasontibbitts5231]

Mate could you just add a 12v relay so when the van is running it switches off the solar and vice versa , then you can leave voltage set high and get the 500w ? 1st vid on this so you are a trend setter ❤

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I like to try and keep things as simple as possible so other people can do the same. Trend setting I’ll take that thanks 😂🤣👍🫶

[@robertfrost5020]

Personally I would have fitted one of those big battery isolation switches that flip between off /battery 1 / and battery 2. Just turn it to what supply you want to draw from. It’s very safe, cheap and easy to fit.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Great idea 🫶🤓👍

[@mitch3424]

What I've done for years works a treat 👍

[@charleswillard775]

Great job but you can just use a £15 12v to 24v buck converter

[@Quirky_vehicle_adventures]

I have a 1000w inverter connected to the van battery which can only be turned on when the vans running charging my ecoflow delta 2 @500w also have a 400w solar panel on the roof. Works great 😊

[@chillicamper]

I have a 1000w inverter running the house charger when van is running, waiting on the charger 1 and connect to my D050s so best of solar and alt power

[@steves5382]

Just had this with my set up, Where there hasn't been any Solar the OEM van battery was the next source of power to top up the leisure batteries DC to DC, hence then Flat van battery.

[@r33gts]

Hi Mel, just a quick note, the "rcd" you mentioned is or should be an "mcb" or other type of trip sw, and as it is in the positive lead, it will protect both batteries. Rcd or "residual current device" is for ac circuits and detects a fault current between either phases and ground. Hope this clarifies the description. 👍 Thanks.

[@onemanandhisdog9]

This is why so much still needs doing on your van. At the old place, Adz would turn up for a few days and completly refit his van!

[@jimmymcconnell629]

Clever. I was planning on connecting it to the DC Charge enhancer and plugging that into the AC200Max Main changer port fot the AC brick. You could also use your current y adapters and diods with the AC brick and the DC change enhancer to let you connect to shore power or AC and leave your solar panels connected to the solar input. This would allow you to use the full wattage of the the Charger 1. Wishing you continued success.

[@tomfezz]

I've been think about doing this as I don't want to unplug my solar panels. at the moment im using a 3000w inverter with the changing brick. it puts in 400w plus whatever the solar brings in. im just worried the it might be too much of a strain on the alternator using the inverter

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 🙏

[@pipsqueak2009]

Worth considering what an MPPT charger (built inside the Bluetti) actually does. Ideally the MPPT controller would be on the Solar leg of the circuit only. It will probably still work, but you may get interesting behaviours when there's power from the alternator and the solar panels coming in, and the MPPT controller is trying to seek the optimal load on the solar panels. Agree with the other commenter, that given you've got the diodes, you might as well bump the charger 1 back to 56v. Maybe also put in a switch in line between the charger 1 and the bluetti. so that you can disable the alternator charging when there's lots of solar, which would slightly improve your MPG.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Good idea thank you 👍

[@carllockpick6179]

Mel, I would think a resistor, would affect the voltage not a diode.

[@PetRatty]

Diodes do have a voltage drop, depending on which he has it could be as high as 0.7v. All Mel needs to do is up the voltage the alittle on the charger 1

[@mikeleach8242]

Been waiting for my charger1 that ordered in October. On back order possibly new stock order arriving last week in November otherwise I have to wait until January. Frustrating as I tink it’s a game changer for off grid situations. I couldn’t understand stand why the fuse is not at battery end if terminals when I first saw the cable on sale.

[@malcmaries7615]

I charge my bluetti by solar and charge my leasure battery's at the same time like you spitting the cable . The alternator charger was a bit pricey , so in winter i use my generator to charge leasure battery's and bluetti power bank at the same time if parked for couple days , as I had the generator anyway. If driving I charge the bluetti up on the cigarette plug

[@andrewparle4]

Great vid, Bluetti, engeners should watch this, 😊

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

They already have 🫶👍

[@yorkieboy239]

Morning Mel , I’ve watched your video , just a question where does my DC-DC alternator unit come in to this 🤨

[@66TripsLeft]

Nice one, but I was hoping to see you do a test without the solar, then with, to see it combined the outputs from both. One sunny day eh?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Yeah I would have done if it was sunny 🫶👍

[@66TripsLeft]

@BigVanSmallWorld I'll come back in April 😂😂

[@philipbramley2327]

Just though Mel, wouldn't it work better if you reversed the Vario in along side the stored caravan, that way you have a U shaped enclosure, to use as your workshop, with two walls and the van making up the other, plus less chance of you damaging the stored caravan.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Yes once I have finished working on the under bed storage I will potentially turn it around to that position 🤓👍🍻

[@chalkywhite23]

All you need is the b500 I think it’s called from BLUETTI , then you could just leave the sola as was and plug charge 1 in to the b500,grey charger brick that you plug in to the 240 charger port . We do this with our sprinter , 800 w sola and then a victron dc/dc in to the grey brick . We get about 350 w from it , I have a charger one that I will get round to fitting and swap out the victron

[@chrisbarnes2823]

Very interesting video Mel. I’m currently working on a DC to DC charger for my Ibex trailer because it has a 12 volt compressor fridge, so I can keep the batteries topped up while driving with the fridge on. My truck has two 160amp alternators so no problem with power output, heading to Florida soon so I’m a busy boy.

[@leeharris8839]

I've been told that you should only use the D050S enhancer together with solar panels as i too asked about Y or 2 into 1 connections but was told not to do it. I guess the diodes and setting the voltage is the answer here, shame on the power loss though if not sunny

[@ls1100]

Great job time will tell if it works way you want it to 😊

[@tamwestwater]

This might be why I use Victron b2b and MPPT- I’ve got 10 days battery (2 x 100Ah) at this time of year

[@griffinmk1]

I was under the impression. The charger one should be plugged in to the DC jack the one you use to charge it from a 3 pin plug and the solar will always be in solar ?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

No that a incorrect

[@spiderbush129]

The ecoflow alternator charger does allow you to have both solar and alternator charger at the same time

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Yes but you can only use it with EcoFlow Bluetti Charger 1 can be used with almost any power station 👍🤓👍

[@KennyRoberts-w3z]

​@@BigVanSmallWorldThe Ecoflow is only for use with their Delta range

[@spiderbush129]

@@BigVanSmallWorld I'm not a tecci, but it would be good if it did, I will look into it 👍😊

[@jamesmason7124]

With those one way diodes, you should not need to lower the voltage. Second, depending on your solar controller, you can wire the one charger to the solar controller and the solar controller to the battery. Remember volts times amps = watts and that is why your wattage is lower

[@stezie1]

Have you looked at using the CTEK DS250E with Smartpass? It Auto selects Alternator or solar for charging. It can also reverse trickle charge the vehicle battery and provide a boost for starting if the vehicle battery cant start vehicle. I have a 180 amp alternator(Ex ambulance) and it can easily deliver 140amps . I haven't used my shore power hookup in years, not even to maintain vehicle battery over the winter .. I'm no longer in the market for a noisy generator either as engine can do it, quietly.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Well if they want to send me one and pay me to make a video I’ll give it a go

[@cliffy7641]

Have the CTEK DS250E brilliant bit of kit, using solar and alternator power automatically.

[@gaz1226-j2x]

Great vid, 1st I’ve seen on this theme. Very interesting. Just one negative, I think we all know that the Vario and Sprinter are Mercedes. So, there’s no need to continually refer to them as Mercedes Vario and Mercedes Sprinter. 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you please allow me to explain the KZbin algorithm uses key words and phrases to make sure that it recommends the right videos to the right audience 🤓👍🍻

[@xrmad]

Mel can i suggest watching Alex's victron videos. its top teir stuff and very flexible set up wise, and easy to upgrade as its modular

[@THE-REAL-TR4KERZ]

Great video again Mel, interesting one this as I also have a 200MAX based on your recommendation. It’s been great so far, I have a “house” 410w solar panel and was going to install a 1000w inverter for the standard power brick, what’s the main advantages of the much more expensive charger1? Thanks in advance 😊

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

The advantage is you can control the amount of power it takes from your alternator 👍

[@crikhooah7204]

Very informative Mel Thanks ... 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

You’re absolutely welcome thank you for the positive feedback really appreciated 👍🤓🫶🍻

[@chillicamper]

Us the BLUETTI D050s , no need to disconnect 🎉

[@jansweeney1333]

Hi👋Mel , Your a clever 🤓cookie to work out all the workings & how to apply it to your van ‘s’ situation. Grt video .🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿jan

[@DamnitImSid]

I was going to get this. I was thinking to just unplug from bluetti when charged then plug into leisure battery. Would that work?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

No don’t do that because the voltage output will to hi to connect directly to your 12v batteries

[@DamnitImSid]

@BigVanSmallWorld God I'm going to blow myself up aren't I 😂

[@WhipperdeetsAdventures]

This charger 1 can you use with other power station brands? Or just bluetti?😊

[@jimmymcconnell629]

@@WhipperdeetsAdventures it will work with any power station that has a solar input

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

It’s compatible with most other power packs because you can control the output voltage 👍🤓👍

[@poguemahonesc]

Why don't you put lockable wheels on your new solar panel frame

[@poguemahonesc]

That way you can move it around as the sun moves

[@usaroseinc]

Mel - dump the Bluetti AC - Ecoflow AC (800Watt ) allows both. Thats a dead horse.

[@namastesteven5655]

Hi Mel, a quick question for you if I may, I have a 200amp relion lithium batteries setup in my Mercedes sprinter, and also have an original ac200 bluetti power station . Is it worth me buying a bluetti charger 1 to charge my power station , because ATM in using my victron 1200w inverter to charge it up when I drive . Is there a massive saving on efficiency and cost using a charger 1 ????? + And - if you can. As always thank you in advance Paul

[@SACREDTRAVELLER]

❤❤❤❤❤❤ LOVE THE THUMBNAIL ❤❤❤❤

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you for taking the time to comment and sharing your positive thoughts really appreciate your support and encouragement and mostly thank you for all the hard work helping me grow my channel 😛🥰💕🫶👍😍

[@SACREDTRAVELLER]

Aww I would do it and more for you my love ❤❤❤

[@Ritarelay]

Interesting vlog thanks Mel 😊

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you hope you had a great birthday weekend 🫶👍🤓🍻

[@tonydean1262]

Just out of curiosity If you're sending from the alternator to get 350 at power bank AND solar panel are also sending approx the same will you not overload input power just wondering Also is there a cutout when both are charging at the same time

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

The Bluetti AC200max can take 1200 watts so it’s probably going to be ok 👍

[@jimmymcconnell629]

@@tonydean1262 The AC 200 Max will accept 900 w of solar input. 15 amps at up to 145 volts.

[@DA11NOON]

Great vlog 👍

[@estherstephens1858]

Hi Mel, a couple of years ago I purchased the bluetti AC200P. I used it and am able to charge it using DC. However, during hurricane Milton in the U.S. (Florida) the bluetti would not charge with solar panels or car. I get a lot of “faults” error messages. I don’t know how to correct them and contacting bluetti was no help. 😭😭😭

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

There is a way of resetting them I’m sure if you google it you’ll find it I can’t remember of top of my head but I think you hold the power button down for some time. Hope this helps 🤓👍🤞

[@uptowndisco2]

My second AC200P that is 2 in a row thats fcuk up , it dropped same as time time from 60% to 0% immediately and now will not turn on or take a charge from mains or solar ,after Googling it seems to be a common fault with this model even on KZbin and no help from manufacturers , people have had to resort to diy to try and kick start the units , some with success and others not .

[@estherstephens1858]

@ wow, I thought it was just me 😭😭😭. I splurged on it bc I wanted to upgrade from my Jackery 300. I gifted the Jackery and was able to ship it out to my family via FedEx a few years ago. Finally, when I got enough money I bought the bluetti. I’m still able to charge it via dc. I used it during hurricane Milton a month ago but as I charged my small devices some of the power drained. The following day of the hurricane I went to charge it using my car. That didn’t work. I went to charge it using my solar panel (which I bought the same time I bought the bluetti). All of that was ALOT of money. Again, it was a splurge for me. I wouldn’t mind if it worked but it didn’t work the way it’s supposed to. During hurricane season I make sure it’s charged 100% but the charge doesn’t last long either.

[@adrianhydephotography]

Pure genius ❤❤❤

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you I’ll take that 🤣👍🤓👍

[@geoffcallicott2060]

Well explained Mr Mel 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you kindly

[@KennyRoberts-w3z]

I have the Ecoflow 800w alternator fast charger, sorry Bluetti but no match for the Ecoflow.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

That’s ok if you have an EcoFlow unfortunately I don’t so I can’t compare them but I do know the great thing about the Bluetti Charger 1 is that it can be used with almost any power bank

[@KenethNoiswater]

Of course you can charge using a split charge relay or dc to dc charger and solar most vans do already? I don’t understand why you’d use Power packs over a proper battery setup, you e got tonnes of payload literally

[@KenethNoiswater]

All you have to do is run a split charge and a proper solar mppt they’re not expensive at all, you’ve overcomplicated the job

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

great vid on channel thanks for share

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thanks for watching!

[@chrismajor2501]

I don’t see the link for the one way diodes

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Ops im sorry here you go amzn.to/3AZZCgn

[@RaymondBeattie-os2rb]

I will stick to the old sun! 👍😜😜

[@trevorphillips7793]

Mel is the one way valve in and a out or can we put either way???? Love the vids keep up the good work❤❤❤

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

They’re one way only 🤓👍

[@gazwolves9489]

Wot a carry on

[@GoneFishn-p6h]

Move to Australia, mate. Mine is working well 😂

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

That’s actually my long term goal I have family living in QLD as my channel grows that goal gets closer and closer 🫶🤓👍🇦🇺

[@Cheekymonkey1]

Good night Becky and Mel i love watching your you tube videos on your you tube channels I hope both of you are well and enjoying you conversion of your new camper van please keep safe and well and please keep up your good work on your you tube channels please say hello to becky for me

[@phbrand8548]

The more research I do into these piwer stations the bigger the pain in the arse they are. I will stick with building my own systems so easy to do and easy to fix. Its a hell of alot cheaper as well

[@jimw7916]

those pissy little wires to carry ip to 50 amps will lead to trouble. Dont forget a diode drops 0.7v each.

[@jamiemurphy3404]

Dc to dc chargers have been around ages

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Yes but not all DC to DC changers are equipped with the ability to make such hi jump in voltage

[@chrisneville7310]

I think I'll stick with my 70 amp b to b charging my 8400 watts of battery. I bet yours also costs more than my setup 😂

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

You’re missing the point of the video

[@chrisneville7310]

@BigVanSmallWorld Nope!. If you want a major headache trying to run a full time van off a solar generator and spend a fortune then that's great. If you want one for emergency backup or camping now and again they are good for certain needs

[@kroozer5215]

Complete waste of money in my opinion Mel, you could have purchased a Victron unit for just less than half the price of that, and it does the same thing, how can someone say that can get rid of solar if you have to run your engine to achieve the same thing, i fit a victron ip20 12/24 (you can get different ones) to my alternator via a isolator switch so when the engine runs and the voltage from the alternator gets to 13.2 v it turns on the victron unit which chargers my power bank at 500w - gadget John has the same in his van - cheaper and probably better

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Interesting I’ll have to get one ☝️ for them and try it out thanks for the heads up 👍

[@chrismajor2501]

You need to get the victron and then the Bluetti charge enhancer and link to use the ac port and still have solar

[@jamiemurphy3404]

It can’t take hours to charge bluetti at a filling station it only takes 45 min to fully charge a car with massive battery’s

[@jimmymcconnell629]

@@jamiemurphy3404 The blue Eddie can only take a Max of 500 w through the AC port and a maximum of 900 w through the mppt controller port

[@exilimitor]

So the reason you only get 360W when you drop the voltage is down to a very basic formaula Power = volts x Amps. The Buetti charger 1 outputs 10A max. So at 56v power = 65 x10 = 560w at 36v you get 36 x 10 = 360W. It has nothing to do with the diodes although the will be a power loss across them aand also a volt drop. I'm not sure what you are demontrating here other than Power = Volts x Amps. Youlower the voltage and you get less power... The critical thing that you haven't shown is the bluettui AC 200 receving a charge from the alternator and solar panel at the same time. The output voltage of your solar panels is not fixed that is why the solar input on the Buletti takes a variable voltage. If you have rated your system cabling correctly and checked alternator then there should not be any issue as you mentioned with overheating. you'll just consume a fraction more diesel.

[@tomprentice6935]

⚔️💪👌👍(stroke)