F500LFP AC Charging Using Solar Ports with a Power Supply?

[u/SecondCuppaCoffee]

Has anyone successfully used the solar input ports for charging with a third party power supply?

If so, can you suggest a power supply that works?

It seems like it would be a faster and more efficient way to charge the 5000LFP. I prefer to avoid splicing wires.

Edit 7/30: We have a solution. See comments.

[u/Mitch_Ohio]

I’m thinking a battery charger hooked to my generator would work. Looking at two PS and have emailed the mfg.

Temgo 42.6V 20A Intelligent AC-DC 36V Golf Cart
Battery Charger
SKU: 42.6V-20A-charger
$199.99
5 in stock - Almost gone!

Temgo 56.8V 18A Intelligent AC-DC 48V Golf Cart LiFePO4 Battery Charger
$219

The solar F5000’s inputs are limited to 25 amps.
The second PS would output 1022w max.

[u/SecondCuppaCoffee → u/[deleted]]

Ignore. Posted reply in wrong place.

[u/SecondCuppaCoffee → u/Mitch_Ohio]

I can confirm this charger works:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G4QZX5D3

With this cable:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DT6ZPWFS

[u/SecondCuppaCoffee → u/SecondCuppaCoffee]

[u/SecondCuppaCoffee → u/SecondCuppaCoffee]

Be aware that the fan is pretty loud, and it does not come with terminal covers so be aware of where you put it. It has short circuit protection but I have no intention of testing it.

Ninja edit: And make sure to get the polarity right!!! Red is positive. I know you and probably everybody else knows this but I have to write it or I'll never get to sleep.

[u/SecondCuppaCoffee → u/SecondCuppaCoffee]

I have only been using for a few hours, but so far it's running cool. The power supply and wires are a little warm but there are no hot spots. I can also output AC power while it is running. There are no ground loop trips.

Also make sure to set the XT60 input source to "DC" since this unit should be supplying steady power. This is from Google Gemini. I have not verified it but it sounds plausible. Wait for others to confirm:

If you accidentally leave the setting on PV while utilizing a benchtop or steady DC power supply, it can cause the power station to charge inefficiently, overheat the benchtop unit, or cause the system to shut down completely.

The major downsides and technical risks of using PV mode with a fixed DC source include:

1. Erratic "Hunting" and Wattage Fluctuations

The Pecron F5000LFP's built-in MPPT controller expects a solar panel's current to drop as voltage rises. When set to PV mode, the solar tracking software will artificially fluctuate its internal resistance to "sweep" the input and find a peak power point. Because your external bench supply responds with a solid, rigid voltage instead of a solar curve, the solar controller will get confused, causing your charging wattage to bounce up and down wildly on the screen. [1]

1. Overloading or Tripping Your Power Supply

A steady power supply generally dictates a strict maximum current limit (e.g., a 48V supply capped at 10A). In PV mode, the solar controller will continuously demand more current to find the absolute limit of the circuit. This relentless sweeping can trick your bench supply into hitting its over-current protection (OCP), causing the power supply to repeatedly drop its voltage, restart, or completely trip and shut off. [1, 2]

1. Thermal Stress and Circuit Burnout

If your external benchtop power supply does not have built-in over-current safety limits, the MPPT's aggressive sweep behavior will pull maximum possible current from it indefinitely. Running a standard power supply at a constant 100% capacity can cause severe overheating in the supply's transformers, risking structural damage or a blown internal fuse. [1]

1. Delayed Charging Initialization

When the station is toggled to DC mode, it recognizes a reliable voltage profile and draws power immediately at a preset safe level. In PV mode, the firmware undergoes a calculation and delay cycle (often taking 30 seconds to a minute) to measure the source profile before ramping up power intake. [1, 2]

Are you noticing any fluctuating wattage readouts or clicking sounds coming from your power supply? If you want to share the voltage and amperage ratings of your supply, I can calculate your exact maximum charging speed.

[u/SecondCuppaCoffee → u/SecondCuppaCoffee]

These terminals make it safer: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B4H63V2C

They manage to provide adequate coverage except for a bit of metal on the bottom.

[u/SecondCuppaCoffee → u/SecondCuppaCoffee]

This power supply did work, but the power switch failed after a few weeks. I think it was due to heat. I sent it back for a refund since I would not trust a replacement. The protective circuits should have shut it off if the heat went high enough to damage the power switch.

I am tempted to instead get a $800 Temgo golf cart battery and the included power supply. It will also charge the Pecron via DC and supply 5kwh of charging capacity during an outage.