RFI: solar generators

[rob_s]

Figured this deserved it’s own thread outside of the gas generator thread.

Seems like this tech is pretty mature now. Looking at this combo at the moment.

ROCKPALS 300W Portable Power Station, 280Wh CPAP Backup Battery Pack UPS Power Supply 110V Pure Sine Wave AC Outlet, QC3.0 USB, 12V/24V DC, LED Flashlight for Camping, Home, Emergency (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FFNTGZ6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_8tvYEb1JFFBT1)

Rockpals 100W Foldable Solar Panel Charger for Suaoki Portable Generator / 8mm Goal Zero Yeti Power Station/Jackery Explorer 240, Webetop Battery Pack/USB Devices, with 3 USB Ports (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FH85FW9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_quvYEbNNQWBHN)

I’m assuming the 300w rating applies to the AC and means it would be sufficient to run a 150watt electric kettle, among other things.

[NEPAKevin]

We have two lead acid units. A small (400) and bigger (1200?) that was sold as a kit which came with folding solar panels and a cart to haul the thing around. I picked these up as back ups to our gas generators and used them when the power was out to keep the coal stove, alarm, etc. powered up if we had to leave the house, so my experience is pretty limited. I have never even used the solar panels as we mostly used the battery packs during outages which typically happen during bad weather, ergo no sun. One time I did take the small unit to work to power up one of the computers during an outage and while it would work for a desk top and monitor, the printer would overload it. Another failure was leaving a small fan running that helps the coal stove circulate warm air which drained the battery fairly quickly. In hind sight, it would probably be a better idea to experiment when the power is on to see what works and doesn't. <thread drift> FWIW, for cooking, heating water, etc. those small camp stoves (Jetboil, etc) that run off propane or butane fuel bottles work pretty well and weigh a lot less.

[paperman]

This is a good channel to look for reviews since he actually fully tests the system. And you if your handy some good diy instruction.

Not quite what you linked to.

https://youtu.be/EAvMnN6pbG8

https://youtu.be/8k1URSZZ9uY

https://youtu.be/342oXnGh54k

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[LittleLebowski]

Pretty good price on this little solar generator. The LifePO4 batteries are vastly superior to Jackery lithium Ion batteries.

https://www.amazon.com/BLUETTI-Portable-Recharge-Generator-Optional/dp/B09WW3CTF4/

[theJanitor]

anybody have a recommendation for a solar panel that can fit nicely in a small backpack with my other emergency gear? I'm just trying to keep my light, cell, GPS unit charged. Or charge my pocket battery pack, and I can power the electronic devices using the battery pack. Ideally, it's smallest footprint would be ipad sized

eta: something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Charger-PowerPort-iPhone-Galaxy/dp/B012YUJJM8/ref=pd_day0fbt_img_sccl_1/143-1982968-7785236?pd_rd_w=Wrbgh&content-id=amzn1.sym.9a7bb4f0-99f2-4dae-8247-9faa276d7c6a&pf_rd_p=9a7bb4f0-99f2-4dae-8247-9faa276d7c6a&pf_rd_r=3EW3Q3K6A521NBR31JEW&pd_rd_wg=yNMfn&pd_rd_r=3abdd933-e741-4e2e-92ef-119b94898d02&pd_rd_i=B012YUJJM8&psc=1

[UncleGabby]

I have that one, it does ok, takes about 14-16 hours to fully charge my 20000 mAh battery pack. But that is when I set it up on my back deck at an optimal angle, and reposition it to follow the sun during the day. I don’t know if you were planning on hanging it on your backpack the way they do in the ads, but I don’t think that would be very effective.

[LittleLebowski]

anybody have a recommendation for a solar panel that can fit nicely in a small backpack with my other emergency gear? I'm just trying to keep my light, cell, GPS unit charged. Or charge my pocket battery pack, and I can power the electronic devices using the battery pack. Ideally, it's smallest footprint would be ipad sized

eta: something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Charger-PowerPort-iPhone-Galaxy/dp/B012YUJJM8/ref=pd_day0fbt_img_sccl_1/143-1982968-7785236?pd_rd_w=Wrbgh&content-id=amzn1.sym.9a7bb4f0-99f2-4dae-8247-9faa276d7c6a&pf_rd_p=9a7bb4f0-99f2-4dae-8247-9faa276d7c6a&pf_rd_r=3EW3Q3K6A521NBR31JEW&pd_rd_wg=yNMfn&pd_rd_r=3abdd933-e741-4e2e-92ef-119b94898d02&pd_rd_i=B012YUJJM8&psc=1

I’d throw a more usefully sized solar generator with a folding 200w panel in your “go vehicle.” Don’t get a Jackery.

[theJanitor]

I’d throw a more usefully sized solar generator with a folding 200w panel in your “go vehicle.” Don’t get a Jackery.

thanks, LL. but I'm mostly planning to be away from a vehicle. So I'm looking for something to top off my GPS, Phone, and rechargeable light. I'm not carrying more supplies than a few days anyway, so I don't need a huge bank of power. And like anything else. If it gets too bulky or heavy, I end up leaving it behind.

[LittleLebowski]

thanks, LL. but I'm mostly planning to be away from a vehicle. So I'm looking for something to top off my GPS, Phone, and rechargeable light. I'm not carrying more supplies than a few days anyway, so I don't need a huge bank of power. And like anything else. If it gets too bulky or heavy, I end up leaving it behind.

That’s a tough call. I’d ponder more batteries, but your head is in the right place. You are low altitude where you’re at so you get lots of sunshine, yeah?

[theJanitor]

That’s a tough call. I’d ponder more batteries, but your head is in the right place. You are low altitude where you’re at so you get lots of sunshine, yeah?


Yeah, I'm not in sunshine deficit

[LittleLebowski]

The new BLUETTI EB3A (https://www.amazon.com/BLUETTI-Portable-Recharge-Generator-Optional/dp/B09WW3CTF4/) is selling at Amazon for the same price as the discount from BLUETTI's site. Looks like a nice little solgen.

[RoyGBiv]

The new BLUETTI EB3A (https://www.amazon.com/BLUETTI-Portable-Recharge-Generator-Optional/dp/B09WW3CTF4/) is selling at Amazon for the same price as the discount from BLUETTI's site. Looks like a nice little solgen.

I think you just cost me some $$. Again.
Wife has been wanting power run to the back deck. This is way cheaper.
Been talking up something portable/rechargeable, just for powering phones/tablets/speakers instead of running a new line form the house.
Purchase pending final approval from SWMBO. ;)

[rob_s]

The new BLUETTI EB3A (https://www.amazon.com/BLUETTI-Portable-Recharge-Generator-Optional/dp/B09WW3CTF4/) is selling at Amazon for the same price as the discount from BLUETTI's site. Looks like a nice little solgen.

any sense of what we can run off one of those and for how long?

this tech is getting hard to keep track of!

[RoyGBiv]

I think you just cost me some $$. Again.
Wife has been wanting power run to the back deck. This is way cheaper.
Been talking up something portable/rechargeable, just for powering phones/tablets/speakers instead of running a new line form the house.
Purchase pending final approval from SWMBO. ;)

Wife: Do we really need to spend that much?
Me: Way cheaper than running a line out there.
Wife: But it's really not that urgent.
Me (carefully): Whenever we're out there you talk about wanting power, this will do the job for a fraction of the cost to run a line.
Wife: Ok... I'll stop talking about it.
Me (inner voice): :D

Money Saved!



any sense of what we can run off one of those and for how long?

this tech is getting hard to keep track of!
There's a rough chart in the listing....

90245

[rob_s]

There's a rough chart in the listing....

90245

that's weird. the listing is for an EB3A, but they didn't include that one in the chart? :confused:

[LittleLebowski]

any sense of what we can run off one of those and for how long?

this tech is getting hard to keep track of!

I can’t answer that. You need to know how much your stuff draws and how long you’d be using it. It’s all about the math.

For those that PM’d me, this is both cheaper than the comparable Jackery and has vastly better batteries (LifePo4 vs LiIons). The battery difference alone is well worth it.

[RoyGBiv]

that's weird. the listing is for an EB3A, but they didn't include that one in the chart? :confused:

Hmmmmm....... Indeed. And that chart is not on their website, that I can find.

https://www.bluettipower.com/pages/bluetti-eb3a?view=eb3a-spec

Email :service@bluettipower.com
Customer Service: +1 702-463-4792
Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm(PST)

[cmbarny2]

I've been looking into these a lot the last couple days, mostly the Bluetti and EcoFlow brands. I'm trying to decide what is best for my needs. Lots of pros and cons to them leaving me unsure to go this route or generic gas generator. I'm in north Texas and with power grid issues already here due to new construction and regular outtages BEFORE all this talk of rolling blackouts and such. Being in North TX we have more higher temp days than lower temp like I was used to in the midwest but it seems regular bad freezes and loss of power are becoming more frequent here too. I have zero NG lines to the house meaning I am all electric. My biggest concerns being fridge and loss of food year round and then needing heat (running a full heat exchange unit) during winter to prevent water line freezes (open to other solutions there too), and needing simple fans during the worst of summer at worst. So far I've come up with this:

Pros:
- can be run inside without issue
- quiet
- portable
- Doesn't need gasoline or propane
- easier to scale up to max load if I needed small usage compared to running a generator
- generally way more outlets than gas generator
- No real maintenance
- Much easier for my other half to just be able to plug stuff into if I wasn't home

Cons:
- much steeper cost compared to gas generators of similar power
- Purchase of either solar panels or running charging off of another generator or vehicle if power isn't back on
- Solar panels are super not cheap
- Can't just throw an extra 5 gallons of gas into it and call it good.

[LittleLebowski]

I've been looking into these a lot the last couple days, mostly the Bluetti and EcoFlow brands. I'm trying to decide what is best for my needs. Lots of pros and cons to them leaving me unsure to go this route or generic gas generator. I'm in north Texas and with power grid issues already here due to new construction and regular outtages BEFORE all this talk of rolling blackouts and such. Being in North TX we have more higher temp days than lower temp like I was used to in the midwest but it seems regular bad freezes and loss of power are becoming more frequent here too. I have zero NG lines to the house meaning I am all electric. My biggest concerns being fridge and loss of food year round and then needing heat (running a full heat exchange unit) during winter to prevent water line freezes (open to other solutions there too), and needing simple fans during the worst of summer at worst. So far I've come up with this:

Pros:
- can be run inside without issue
- quiet
- portable
- Doesn't need gasoline or propane
- easier to scale up to max load if I needed small usage compared to running a generator
- generally way more outlets than gas generator
- No real maintenance
- Much easier for my other half to just be able to plug stuff into if I wasn't home

Cons:
- much steeper cost compared to gas generators of similar power
- Purchase of either solar panels or running charging off of another generator or vehicle if power isn't back on
- Solar panels are super not cheap
- Can't just throw an extra 5 gallons of gas into it and call it good.

Figure out your needs and do an energy audit for said needs. We will go from there.

[rob_s]

The new BLUETTI EB3A (https://www.amazon.com/BLUETTI-Portable-Recharge-Generator-Optional/dp/B09WW3CTF4/) is selling at Amazon for the same price as the discount from BLUETTI's site. Looks like a nice little solgen.

Anyone remember what the sale price was? Looks like current price is $300 and 3camels doesn’t seem to have a good history

[RoyGBiv]

Anyone remember what the sale price was? Looks like current price is $300 and 3camels doesn’t seem to have a good history

Same price as before for me. $299 then click the box for a $50 coupon for net $249 plus tax

[rob_s]

Same price as before for me. $299 then click the box for a $50 coupon for net $249 plus tax

thanks. went ahead and placed the order. there was another $10 off for something or other.

didn't get any solar at this time, as that's not my immediate use case, but may pick up the panels later.

I'm interested to see what kind of runtime I can get out of a small box/cage fan, to start with. also seems there are a lot of instances where I'd be better off grabbing a giant battery than an extension cord (kind of a lesson I've been learning in shop/power tools...).

[RoyGBiv]

thanks. went ahead and placed the order. there was another $10 off for something or other.

didn't get any solar at this time, as that's not my immediate use case, but may pick up the panels later.

I'm interested to see what kind of runtime I can get out of a small box/cage fan, to start with. also seems there are a lot of instances where I'd be better off grabbing a giant battery than an extension cord (kind of a lesson I've been learning in shop/power tools...).

Looking forward to your thoughts. Wife has been looking for exactly this, I think, but got cold feet when I showed it to her. I may decide to make it a gift.

[rob_s]

Interesting option.


https://youtu.be/5i-DFVDzAKk

For those, like me, already in the battery ecosystem.

[rob_s]

Arrived. 64% charged.

91110

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[rob_s]

Something that didn’t really occur to me until I went to out this thing away this morning…

Where do you put the cord? :confused:

I would have expected some kind of 80s-boombox-style compartment to shove it into, but there appears to be nothing.

So now what? I mean, I can holey-wrap the cord, even leave a long tail on the wrap to allow it to strap to the handle, but that seems… inelegant. And bulky.

Going forward I think I will pay more attention to that aspect when purchasing items like this.

ETA: time of adoption is key. Apparently everyone that has used these systems before is super excited about the small cord because previous and larger models required a giant charging brick that includes a fan*, making the cord/charger storage even more of a pain. So, by comparison, they LOVE the smaller, single, cord.

*the fan appears to have moved inside the unit as well as the adapter. When charging I could hear a faint hum from time to time from a fan inside the unit.


https://youtu.be/BhxgWK4UVy8

[LittleLebowski]

It’s ALIVE! Just testing.

94801

94802

[rob_s]

It’s ALIVE! Just testing.

94801

94802

I scrolled up but may have missed it, what’s your setup there?

[rob_s]

This is pretty interesting. IDK if I’d even bother with the solar part, and just use it as a portable emergency backup. Maybe get some panels for “emergency” use that could get deployed if needed.

Strong contender also for installation at MIL’s house for powering her oxygen machine.


https://youtu.be/LUZksIj4P-w

[LittleLebowski]

I scrolled up but may have missed it, what’s your setup there?

Right now, just one of my two Ecoflow Delta Pros (https://www.amazon.com/EF-ECOFLOW-Generator-Portable-Emergency/dp/B0B1TCMZHZ/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1URGXLODJV4UD&keywords=ecoflow+delta+pro&qid=1664748342&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIzLjg0IiwicXNhIjoiMy44MiIsInFzcCI6IjM uNDMifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=Ecoflow+%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-4&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.4dd97f68-284f-40f5-a6f1-1e5b3de13370) solgens (solar generator) along with two Risen 335w rigid panels (https://store.santansolar.com/product/new-risen-335w-solar-panel/). I’ve got two Delta Pros and one expansion battery (https://www.amazon.com/EF-ECOFLOW-Capacity-Charging-Emergency/dp/B09PBMZ5WT/ref=sr_1_3?crid=36WN9DPQOIMTR&keywords=ecoflow+delta+pro+extra+battery&qid=1664748482&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjg4IiwicXNhIjoiMS40OCIsInFzcCI6IjA uMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=ecoflow+delta+pro+%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-3&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.4dd97f68-284f-40f5-a6f1-1e5b3de13370) for each. I plan to use their Double Voltage Hub (https://www.amazon.com/EF-ECOFLOW-Double-Voltage-DELTA/dp/B09TKN1G56/ref=sr_1_12?crid=3V3CE55HL0ZBX&keywords=ecoflow+delta+pro&qid=1664748527&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIzLjg0IiwicXNhIjoiMy44MiIsInFzcCI6IjM uNDMifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=ecoflow+delta+pro+%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-12&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840) to combine both Delta Pros and their expansion batteries and then have them selectively power certain house circuits via this manual transfer switch (https://www.amazon.com/30-Amp-10-Circuit-Manual-Transfer-Switch/dp/B00Y1EU6U0/ref=sr_1_8?crid=RF2NVXEKV85V&keywords=Reliance+Controls+10-Circuit+30+Amp+Manual+Transfer+Switch+Kit&qid=1664748643&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIzLjAwIiwicXNhIjoiMi42OSIsInFzcCI6IjI uMDcifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=reliance+controls+10-circuit+30+amp+manual+transfer+switch+kit%2Caps%2C 96&sr=8-8&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.ac2169a1-b668-44b9-8bd0-5ec63b24bcb5).

I’ve got eight of those 335w panels in total, not short on panels…I think. I’m really excited to get all of this installed and up and running. SanTanSolar is a place you can buy panels from in confidence, FYI. Rigid panels will always beat flex panels except on portability. There’s not even a contest.

[LittleLebowski]

This is pretty interesting. IDK if I’d even bother with the solar part, and just use it as a portable emergency backup. Maybe get some panels for “emergency” use that could get deployed if needed.

Strong contender also for installation at MIL’s house for powering her oxygen machine.



There’s no other all in one solgen that’s comparable right now. I’d still slap some panels up, it’s literally free energy. Take a look at how cheap the used ones are here (https://santansolar.com/product-category/solar-panels/) and remember, solar panels last a long time (20 years is a normal life expectancy) and SanTanSolar will warranty used stuff.

[rob_s]

This thing is pretty insane.


https://youtu.be/ZN2H_I37RUg

[rob_s]

Not quite sure which thread to put this one in…


https://youtu.be/BrwvMnxK1CM

[NH Shooter]

....my fiddle-fucking "solar generator" project;

https://i.ibb.co/XDBs759/solar-4.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/FWKx3dS/solar-1.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/WsBKhvT/solar-2.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/yPggXqv/solar-3.jpg


A solar panel charges a 26 amp-hour 12V gel battery. When needed, this is used to charge hand held devices, Li-ion batteries and power some table lamps I converted to 12V. I leave the collector in an unused bedroom window so the battery is on daily trickle charge.

Some day I'd like to build a bigger one.

[LittleLebowski]

It will only get worse.

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[DrkBlue]

My Bluetti EB3A stopped charging after two months.

[LittleLebowski]

My Bluetti EB3A stopped charging after two months.

And? What did their customer service say?

[DrkBlue]

And? What did their customer service say?

Well… I called. Bluetti didn’t answer the four calls I attempted over several days. Their voice mail is full but they had a recorded message stating they were really busy at Bluetti so try emailing.

Tried emailing. No response after a week.

Then went to Amazon messaging (where the original purchase was made). I did get a response after 3-4 days after I requested a full refund. Subsequently they seem to respond to Amazon messages after 2-3 days but it the syntax leads to believe their text-based customer service is not US based. Took a total of two weeks to get any response for warranty assistance.

To date, I am on my third volley with them on getting a refund. Broken English Comms add to my enjoyment but the EB3A is still unfortunately a doorstop. According to various social medias, some of the EB3As seem to have been shipped with a mix of quality and firmware issues.

Maybe Bluetti is a better mousetrap. I grew tired of trying to figure out if they are, nor did I want to depend on them in clutch situation. YMMV.

[whomever]

Just FWIW, maybe-not-junk 100AH LiPo for $329:

https://www.amazon.com/WEIZE-LiFePO4-Lithium-Battery-Trolling/dp/B0BJ75HJ4S

Lotsa junk cheap LiPo out there, but Will Prowse likes this one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-c6A1THDaeU


Tying it to the thread, last year I made a supersized version of NH Shooter's DIY above: a pair of 100AH LiPo (alas, >> $329 :-( ), a cheap 3000W inverter, cheap MPPT controller, single 330W panel. I used it this summer for construction at our cabin (chop saw, compressor for nail gun, etc). It was really nice to not have to deal with the gas generator droning on.

Anyway, that's a heckuva price for a decent 100AH LiPo.

[LittleLebowski]

Good sale on Ecoflow solar generators on Amazon. Ecoflow has done right by me on their products I own.

https://www.amazon.com/deal/422651fd?showVariations=true&moreDeals=b65e6850&ref=dotd_h_t&ref_=pe_837390_723993590