Solar Connector Basics: Picking the Right Cable for Your Portable Power Station

New to solar? This quick guide explains the most common input connectors on portable power stations and which cable to use from your panels.

How portable solar charging works

A solar panel produces DC power when exposed to sunlight. Your solar panel will have 2 leads, typically ending in MC4 connectors.

An adapter cable converts , and extends, from the MC4 connectors so it mates to your power station’s  Solar Input port. This is usually one of the port types listed below. 

Inside the power station, a MPPT or PWM (in budget stations) charge controller circuit converts the panel’s DC voltage and current into the right charging energy profile for the battery.

On the surface, it's as simple as matching the solar panel's output connectors to the power station's input port. However, the right adapter is only half the story — the other half is staying within your unit’s PV/Voltage limits.

These limits will be clearly marked, often right beside the unit port.  Take note of any manufacturer indicated limits, as exceeding these can damage your unit (and won't be covered by warranty).

Your solar panel(s) will be marked with a VoC (Volts open circuit) number.  This is the highest voltage you can expect from your panel(s) at 25°C ambient temperature. Be aware that as the temperature drops, solar panels actually increase above this marked rating.  It's not always a lot, but if you're in a cooler climate where the needle drops well below freezing, you'll want to leave some extra room within your limits. (understanding the deeper math behind VoC is outside the scope of this article, but can be easily found through a quick search)

The sections below cover connector types and a simple decision path to pick the correct cable.

What to check before you plug in

• PV voltage limits: Find your unit’s PV input range and especially the max open-circuit voltage (Voc). If series wiring multiple panels, voltages add — on cold days, panel Voc rises, so leave headroom.
• PV current & wattage limits: Check the maximum input amps and watts. If parallel wiring multiple panels, currents add. — stay within the cable ratings so nothing melts.  (It's ok if the Amp number on your solar panels is larger than the max input amps.  However be aware you may not get the rated wattage from the panel)
  Note that watts add up whether you connect panels in series or parallel. 
  It's generally accepted that it's ok to "over panel" a controller by exceeding the watts limit.  Due to the nature of electricity, the controller will only accept what it can handle.  
• Connector type: Match the port on your power station (XT60, XT60i, DC7909 “8 mm”, DC5521, AP30A/Anderson) to the correct cable.
  Note: XT60 & XT60i connectors are physically interchangeable, but the XT60i has an extra pin that can signal some power stations to allow increased charging levels.
  
• Polarity: To avoid damage to your unit, you must be careful to observe the correct polarity. Most equipment follows industry standards, but it's always best to double check before connecting.
  MC4 connectors are keyed, but always verify + to +, − to − throughout the chain before connecting.
• Cable length & gauge: Longer runs increase voltage drop (amplified by smaller wire sizes);  We use #10 and #12 wiring in our cables to help keep losses low.  This is especially important when connecting multiple panels in parallel.

Basic hookup steps

1. Identify your DC input connector on the power station and choose the matching Sapphire Solar Adapter Cable (see table below)
2. Connect the panel’s MC4 leads to the cable’s MC4 ends (match polarity). Keep connections dry and fully seated (they should firmly click together).
3. Plug the adapter into the power station’s PV/DC input and verify charging on the display. Adjust panel tilt (if possible) for best output.

The Connectors You’ll See

Which Sapphire cable should I choose?

MC4 → XT60

Best for power stations with standard XT60 solar input.

1. Connect your panel’s MC4 male to the adapter’s MC4 female, and vice-versa (observe polarity).
2. Plug the XT60 end into the power station’s PV input.
3. Verify voltage/charging on the power station's LCD screen or app.
   

Shop MC4 → XT60

MC4 → XT60i (EcoFlow)

For EcoFlow units with the “XT60i” type input port (e.g., DELTA Pro / Pro 3 and newer RIVER/DELTA variants).

1. Connect MC4 to your panel leads (match + and −).
2. Insert the XT60i plug into the EcoFlow PV port. (XT60i’s ID pin will signal the charger circuit (on some units) to allow higher PV wattage charging.) 
3. Verify voltage/charging on the power station's LCD screen or app.

Shop MC4 → XT60i

MC4 → Multi-Connector

One cable, four tips: AP30A (Anderson), DC7909 (8 mm), DC5521, and XT60 — ideal if you own multiple brands of station.

1. Attach MC4 ends to the solar panel leads (confirm polarity).
2. Choose the tip that matches your power station’s input and connect it firmly.
3. Verify voltage/charging on the power station's LCD screen or app.

Shop Multi-connector

Compatibility (by Brand & Model)

All product names, brands, and models mentioned herein (including but not limited to EcoFlow, Jackery, BLUETTI, Anker, Zendure, UGREEN, Dabbsson, DJI, Pecron, Lion Energy, NITECORE, VTOMAN, ROCKPALS, Goal Zero, AFERIY, Growatt, and Yoshino) are the property of their respective owners and may be trademarks or registered trademarks. Use of those names and models is for identification and compatibility reference only and does not imply endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation. Specifications, connectors, and compatibility can change without notice.