MC4 to XT60: Connecting Solar Panels to EcoFlow & Anker
If you own an EcoFlow or Anker power station and a foldable solar panel, there is a good chance the two do not plug into each other out of the box. Many EcoFlow and Anker units accept solar input through an XT60 connector, while most solar panels, including the larger SunJack foldables, output through MC4. The fix is a simple, inexpensive adapter cable, not a new panel.
Below we cover what XT60 and MC4 actually are, how to connect them, and how to size your cable so you are not throwing away watts you paid for.
What is XT60, and why do EcoFlow and Anker use it?
An XT60 connector is a yellow, bullet-style connector rated for relatively high current in a compact package. It came out of the RC and battery world and is now common on portable power stations because it is small, locks in firmly, and handles the current a solar array can push. EcoFlow and Anker both use XT60-style solar inputs on many of their models.
An MC4 connector, by contrast, is the round, threaded, weather-sealed connector that nearly every solar panel uses for output. It locks together with a twist and is polarized so you cannot reverse it by accident.
| Connector | Look | Typical role |
|---|---|---|
| MC4 | Round, threaded, locking | Solar panel output |
| XT60 | Yellow bullet plug | EcoFlow / Anker solar input |
How to connect an MC4 panel to EcoFlow or Anker
You want an MC4-to-XT60 adapter cable. One end has MC4 male and female to mate with your panel's leads, the other end terminates in an XT60 plug that goes into your power station's solar input. Connect the MC4 ends to your panel, plug the XT60 into the unit, and you are charging.
Choosing wire gauge: 14AWG vs 12AWG
Because solar charging can run at meaningful current, wire gauge affects how much power actually reaches your battery. For typical panels up to around 100W, a 14AWG MC4 adapter cable keeps voltage drop low while staying flexible and easy to pack. For higher-wattage arrays or longer cable runs, the heavier 12AWG MC4 adapter cable carries more current with less loss and less heat. When in doubt and you are pushing high wattage, go thicker.
Confirm your power station's input before buying
EcoFlow and Anker both make several models, and solar input connectors and voltage and current limits vary by model and model year. Some units use XT60, others use different ports, and the maximum solar voltage and amperage differ across the lineup. Always check the actual solar input port and its rated voltage and current on your specific EcoFlow or Anker model before ordering an adapter. The port and the spec sheet are the source of truth, not a general assumption.
Respect the voltage and current window
An adapter changes only the connector shape, not the electrical limits. Confirm your panel's open-circuit voltage falls within your power station's accepted solar input range, and that current stays under its maximum. Exceeding the voltage window can prevent charging or trip a protection cutoff, so matching panel to input is just as important as matching the plug.
Need help identifying your connector?
If you are not certain what port you are looking at, our solar adapter guide walks through MC4, XT60, Anderson, DC5521 and barrel plugs with clear descriptions so you can match your gear before you buy. You can also see every adapter and tip together in the SunJack adapter collection.
Bottom line
Pairing an MC4 solar panel with an EcoFlow or Anker power station comes down to one inexpensive MC4-to-XT60 cable in the right gauge. Choose 14AWG for typical panels, 12AWG for high-wattage or long runs, and always confirm the exact solar input port and voltage limits on your specific model first. Do that and your existing panel will top up your EcoFlow or Anker straight from the sun.
Get connected: compare the 14AWG and 12AWG MC4 adapter cables, or browse the complete adapter collection to find the exact bridge for your setup.