Solar Panels - For Natures Generator

I have two Nature's Generator Lithium 1800 small solar Generators (12v). The company alleges (and I do not dispute) that each can take-up to 600watts of solar. However, the company only sells their 100watt 12v panels which means not only would I have to purchase 12 solar panels the amount of space it takes is also unnecessary. I notice that on Amazon, I can purchase a 600-watt or even a 400-watt solar panel (12v respectively). The purchase would drastically reduce space and is actually cheaper. So, my question is, what am I missing? Can I purchase these 400-watt or 600-watt 12v panels and connect them, or are there other things I need to consider before the purchase of solar panels?

I see it has a built-in charge controller (specs unknown). So whatever third-party panels you add would need to be compatible with that.

Just to be clear, when you're saying 12 volts, are you actually looking at the technical specifications of the panel, or just the Amazon title?

I ask, because often panels are listed as "12v" in titles, just to imply they are well suited for a 12v battery bank, not that the explicitly will only output 12 volts.

You have to look at the actual hard specs on both your solar charge controller (or all in one generator in this case). The biggest thing is going to be maximum input voltage. That's going to be the biggest determining factor on what panel(s) you can use, and how you can use them.

In series, you add Voc (voltage open circuit, it will be printed in the panel specs), and if it exceeds the max input voltage on the generator, this is not safe and you'll blow the generator.

In your simple case, if it's just one big panel, the Voc of that panel needs to be under the max input voltage. If it's not, again, it's unsafe. If it is, you might be able to use it. There's other things to look at such as the actual minimum working voltage of the MPPT in the generator.

Ok, attached herewith is the schematic, where I am assuming that the system can run two groups of three panels in series? if so, the most it can handle is 300 watts directly. but 600 watts in series?

These nature generators are tricky,. They make us believe we can connect any panel and woala..free electricityfrom the sun. I just got an oupes mega 2 generator, thinking it will be easier than an aoi system, but in reality it can be more expensive and complex. The only advantage is the portability.
I just looked at nature website and they only mention 600w, but not the important information needed to understand what solar panels can be connected. But after looking at pictures of it I could find it.


The important information for you is 12v-70v. It means the only range of voltage you can use, if connecting higher voltage than 70v you can damage it. Now, look for panels where the Voc is lower than 70v. For example, you can use 2 panels of 400w with a Voc of 24.5v each, because if connected in series the total voltage will be 49v (24.5+24.5) which is lower than the generator 70v input. Don't worry that the total from both panels is 800w, the generator can only take 600w from the panels.

I hope this information helps.

edit: Something important to consider too is the gauge of wire used to connect the panels to your generator. Lower voltages means thicker cables, so use tools like https://solarwiresizecalculator.com/ to calculate the cable you need

I can't thank-you all enough for the tidbits of information all of you are giving me. It is amazing. Like I am really enjoying getting into and learning this as an elevated hobby. Again, thanks, everyone. BTW, Vallesj, I was briefly looking at the Oupes 5meg . . . However, I just thought that EG4 overall would be better. I noticed that Oupes Solar alleges it cannot handle incremental weather (I get you can use other brands, but . . ). Just curious why Oupes . . . Again, thanks for the info.

Bulldogg said:

I can't thank-you all enough for the tidbits of information all of you are giving me. It is amazing. Like I am really enjoying getting into and learning this as an elevated hobby. Again, thanks, everyone. BTW, Vallesj, I was briefly looking at the Oupes 5meg . . . However, I just thought that EG4 overall would be better. I noticed that Oupes Solar alleges it cannot handle incremental weather (I get you can use other brands, but . . ). Just curious why Oupes . . . Again, thanks for the info.

Click to expand...

I was blind by the portability concept, that's why eg4 lose. And oupes offered good capacity storage, capacity output and capacity input for my budget; perhaps the 150v max solar input that matched my solar panels in serie was also good. Quality is the issue, I am waiting for a replacement since the one I got only lasted one night and right now it is just a brick.