Solar Panels Compatible With the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Max & RIVER 3 Plus
The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus & RIVER 3 Max push the limits of what a small power station can do. When paired with the right solar panels, you can take these little powerhouses anywhere you want to keep your small devices powered and charged endlessly.
You don't have to use only EcoFlow solar panels. As long as you know what to look for, you can use any compatible solar panel with the RIVER 3 Plus and Max.
This guide peels the layers back to show you what makes solar panels compatible with these power stations. We’ll cover:
- The specs you need to know to safely connect any solar panel
- An expertly-curated list of solar panels for the RIVER 3 Plus and Max
- Other useful solar adapters and solar extension cables
Disclaimer: This article is independently written and is not affiliated with or endorsed by EcoFlow. It is intended for informational purposes only to help customers understand which third-party products may be compatible with certain power stations, including the RIVER 3 Max and RIVER 3 Plus.
Difference in These Two Power Stations
Let’s start with a quick clarification of the difference between the RIVER 3 Plus and the RIVER 3 Max. They are in fact the same power station with the same solar input capabilities.
Here is the difference between the Plus and Max:
- RIVER 3 Plus: One unit sold with the power station only with an internal battery capacity of 286Wh.
- RIVER 3 Max: This is a bundle deal that combines the RIVER 3 Plus power station with an external battery. There are two options for the external battery: the EB300 with 286Wh or the EB600 with 572Wh.
For solar panels, this means that the same specs and concerns apply to both the RIVER 3 Plus and RIVER 3 Max.
Specs and Solar Panel Compatibility
You can damage a power station with the wrong solar panels. That’s why you always need to verify that the solar panel specs are within the solar input of your power station, including voltage range, max current (amps), and the right connector type.
Here are the specs and information you need to know about the RIVER 3 Plus & Max:
| Power Station | RIVER 3 Plus | RIVER 3 Max |
| Solar Input Watts Max | 220W | 220W |
| Solar Input Volts Min | 11V | 11V |
| Solar Input Volts Max | 55V | 55V |
| Solar Input Current Max | 13A | 13A |
| Solar Input Connector | XT60 / XT60i | XT60 / XT60i |
| Battery Capacity | 286Wh | 572Wh or 858Wh |
Note: Always double-check your power station specs before using a solar panel to ensure compatibility and optimal performance. The specifications listed here are based on publicly available information from the EcoFlow Support center but it is subject to change.
Voltage Range: Hard Line Limit
The most important aspect of your power station is the voltage range. If the solar panels have a voltage output that’s above the power station’s limit, it can permanently damage the power station.
The voltage range for the RIVER 3 Plus & Max is 11V to 55V. Never exceed 55V. You also need to account for:
- Cold Weather: Voltage from solar panels goes up in cold weather. We suggest leaving at least a 10% cushion for the voltage to avoid going over. If you plan on using the panels in sub-freezing temperatures, bump that up to 20%.
- Series Connections: If you connect multiple solar panels, the way you connect them impacts the voltage. Series connections will add the voltage of each panel together. Parallel connections (with Y Branch Connectors) and it will keep voltage down but cause current (amps) to increase.
Current Maximum and Overpaneling
The RIVER 3 Plus (and Max) have a maximum current for the solar input of 13A.
There are some people that intentionally overpanel by using solar panels that have higher current output than that 13A maximum. This helps reach a higher current (up to the 13A max) when the sun is less intense than its peak hours, such as earlier or later in the day and during overcast conditions.
What About Wattage?
Most brands use wattage in marketing materials for how many solar panels they can handle. In the case of the RIVER 3 Plus and RIVER 3 Max, it’s 220W.
The underlying reality is that wattage is voltage times current (W = V x A). That’s why you actually care about the voltage and amps instead of watts. Those two determine how many watts will flow.
For example, if you use solar panels that have 20V and 10A, that will equal 200W.
Solar Input Connection: XT60 vs. XT60i
The final aspect to making sure your solar panel is compatible with your power station is the connection type. The RIVER 3 Plus and RIVER 3 Max use an XT60 or XT60i connector.
For solar panels, either XT60 or XT60i connector will work just fine with the RIVER 3 Plus & Max.
What’s the difference between XT60 and XT60i solar cables? The XT60i has a third pin which is useful when charging your power station from certain sources that need to limit the max current. This is mainly for DC charging sources like the 12V cigarette lighter outlet in vehicles.
With solar panels, the extra pin in the XT60i isn’t necessary and your RIVER 3 Plus should always use the full current available (up to 13A) coming from the solar panels.
Compatible Solar Panels for RIVER 3 Plus Power Station
When connecting solar panels to the RIVER 3 Plus, you want panels that don’t exceed 55V, have a current of 13A or less, and use an XT60 or XT60i connector.
The Power Sphere is here to make this simple. This store is established by people passionate about power stations and our selection of portable solar panels are carefully selected to work well with power stations. All while making sure you get the best price and customer service possible.
Here’s a short list of our top solar panel recommendation for this power station.
1. ALLPOWERS 200W Foldable Solar Panel
Our other recommendation for a solar panel to use with these power stations is the 220W Portable Solar Panel from ALLPOWERS. It’s an excellent solar panel that has a very attractive price point.
It’s the ideal size, has specs that fit, and comes from a brand that sells thousands of units and receives glowing reviews. After scouring the market for the best solar panels, this is a top-tier one.
- Why It’s Great: Another highly-portable folding solar panel with double the output power, also featuring high-quality solar cells reaching 24% efficiency.
- Perfect For: Generating about 800Wh-1,000Wh of energy per day. Specs are within the limits (50.6V and 5.9A).
- Add-Ons: You’ll need to get a MC4 to XT60 adapter cable as this panel comes with the standard MC4 solar connectors.
Recommended Solar Adapters and Extension Cables
You might need something else to make your solar setup work perfectly, such as solar panel adapters or solar panel extension cables. Here are some accessories that pair well with your power station and solar panels:
MC4 to XT60 Adapter Cable
The RIVER 3 Plus and Max power stations use XT60 or XT60i connections. If you choose to buy a panel that does NOT have this connection, you’ll need an adapter cable.
Solar Extension Cables
To place your panels in full sun while keeping your power station in the shade, extension cables can help. If your panels have an XT60 connector, you can use the XT60 extension cable. If your panel has an MC4 connector, you can use MC4 extension cable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell which solar panels are compatible with my RIVER 3 Plus?
By staying within the solar input limits of your EcoFlow power station and getting the right connector, you can use any solar panel from any brand. And you can usually save money by going with other brands, all without sacrificing quality or performance.
Should I use more solar panels to speed up charging?
You must stay within the voltage limit of your power station. If you exceed that, you can damage your power station permanently. Also, these power stations will limit the charging to about 220W no matter what you connect. And at that size of solar panel, you have more than enough to fully recharge in one day of good sunlight.
How can I use a solar panel with MC4 connectors?
A simple MC4 to XT60 (or XT60i) adapter cable allows you to connect any solar panel using the standard MC4 connectors to one with XT60 or XT60i connectors. This is a simple cable that connects to the solar panels on one end and your power station on the other.
Final Takeaways
Unleash the full potential of your power station by getting a solar panel compatible with it today. A suitable solar panel with about 200W to 220W and no more than 50V output is what you want to look for. This list has some of the best options on the market that give you top-tier performance at an unbeatable price and are made with long-lasting materials.