BLUETTI SORA-500 Portable Solar Panel | 500W
Overview
The BLUETTI SORA-500 is a 500W foldable solar panel for charging a portable power station away from mains power. Twelve TOPCon panels fold into a case 570 x 445 x 85mm and 12.9kg, with a carry handle and built-in kickstands, so one person can set it up on grass, gravel or a deck and pack it away again.
Its MC4 output suits power stations whose solar input accepts a 49.1V open-circuit voltage, which covers the BLUETTI Apex 300, Elite 320 and Elite 400. BLUETTI rates it to fill the Apex 300 in around 4 hours of good sun. The panel is rated IP67 against dust and water. If you're not sure it suits your setup, we're happy to help before you buy.
Key Features:
- Rated Power: 500W
- Panel Type: TOPCon
- Conversion Efficiency: Up to 25%
- Open Circuit Voltage (Voc): 49.1V
- Short Circuit Current (Isc): 13.31A
- Voltage at Max Power (Vmp): 40.92V
- Current at Max Power (Imp): 12.22A
- Output Connector: MC4
- IP Rating: IP67
- Number of Panels: 12
- Weight: 12.9kg
- Dimensions (Unfolded): 2541 x 1146.6 x 3mm
- Dimensions (Folded): 570 x 445 x 85mm
What's in the Box?
- 1 x SORA-500 Portable Solar Panel
- 1 x MC4 Cable
- Download the BLUETTI SORA-500 user manual (PDF)
- Warranty: 12-month warranty
Note: The SORA-500's output lead is standard MC4. Some power stations include an MC4 solar charging cable and some do not: check what came with yours, and if it did not, an MC4 to XT60 cable is needed and is sold separately.
500W That Folds Into a Carry Case
Unfolded the SORA-500 spans 2541 x 1146.6mm across twelve panels. Folded it is 570 x 445 x 85mm and weighs 12.9kg, with a handle on the case and kickstands built into the back panels. BLUETTI puts it at 40% smaller and 28% lighter than a conventional 500W panel.
TOPCon Cells, Up to 25% Efficiency
The SORA-500 uses TOPCon cells rather than the PERC cells in conventional panels, converting up to 25% of the sunlight that hits them. BLUETTI rates that as filling an Apex 300 in about four hours against four and a half for a 23% panel. More of the panel's area goes to work in weak light, which is what shortens a charge on an overcast Kiwi afternoon.
Charge times are BLUETTI's figures and vary with sun angle, weather, season and temperature.
IP67, and Built to Be Packed Up Wet
The panel carries an IP67 rating against dust and water, with an ETFE surface that sheds dirt and cushioned corners for the knocks of loading and unloading. It will keep working in light rain, though output drops when cloud cover does. The connection terminals are the exception: they are not made to be used wet, so dry them before you plug in or pack away.
Set It Up Where the Sun Is
The kickstands let you angle the panel so the sun strikes it square, which is where it makes its rated power. Move it through the day and you hold that angle for longer. It suits a campsite, a bach roofline, a paddock or a driveway, and folds back into its case when you are done.
Pairs Well With
Build a solar recharge setup around the SORA-500: it is the strongest solar match we sell for BLUETTI's larger power stations. Its 49.1V open-circuit voltage and 13.31A short-circuit current sit inside the 12V to 60V, 20A solar input window on the BLUETTI Apex 300, the BLUETTI Elite 320 and the BLUETTI Elite 400, and 500W is comfortably under each one's solar input ceiling. At 500W it is the fastest single-panel solar charge we can offer any of the three. Not sure what fits your setup? We're happy to help before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which power stations does it work with?
Any power station whose solar input accepts a 49.1V open-circuit voltage and at least 13.31A, with an MC4 connection. Among the units we sell that means the Apex 300, the Elite 320 and the Elite 400, all of which take 12V to 60V at up to 20A. If you have a different power station, send us its solar input range and we'll check it before you buy.
Does it come with a cable to my power station?
The box holds the panel and an MC4 cable. Whether you need anything more depends on your power station: some include an MC4 solar charging cable and some do not, so check what came with yours. If yours did not, an MC4 to XT60 cable is needed and is sold separately. If you are unsure which lead your unit came with, ask us and we'll confirm it.
Can I leave it out in the rain?
The panel is rated IP67 for dust and water and will keep generating in light rain, at reduced output because of the cloud. The connection terminals are not suitable for use when wet, so if it rains, stop using it, wipe the moisture off and let it dry before storing.
How big and heavy is it folded?
Folded it measures 570 x 445 x 85mm and weighs 12.9kg, with a handle on the case. Unfolded it stretches to 2541 x 1146.6mm, so allow a clear run of about two and a half metres when you set it up.
Can I use it with a power station from another brand?
Yes, provided that unit's solar input voltage range and connector match this panel's output: 49.1V open circuit, 13.31A short circuit, MC4. Check those two figures against your power station's specification, or send them to us and we'll check for you.
Why is it producing less than 500W?
500W is the rating in full, square-on sun. Output falls with cloud, haze, low sun angle and a dirty or very hot panel. Adjust the kickstands so the sunlight hits the panel square, keep the surface clean, and let it cool if it has been baking in still air.
Can I connect two panels together?
Two SORA-500s would put 98.2V open circuit into the input if wired in series, which is beyond the 60V ceiling on the Apex 300, Elite 320 and Elite 400. Check your power station's maximum solar voltage and current before adding a second panel, and ask us if you want a hand working it out.