Solar generator/ panels

[Drinkthekoolaid]

I'm looking to spend around ~1000 for a solar generator

I've narrowed down my research to either the jackery 1000 pro

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

With unparalleled output, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is the top choice for similar-level portable power stations. Covering various scenarios, it provides support for camping, off-road travel, home emergencies, and more. Being versatile and expandable in capacity, it's the all-in-one...

www.jackery.com

(Currently on sale for 999)


Or

Ecoflow Delta 2. The link doesn't show panels but I would get some. Either 2x 110w or 1x 220w and it ends up being pretty close to 1000.

EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station

EcoFlow DELTA 2 equips modern families with backup power for any emergency. Incredibly fast charging: 0%-80% in 50 min. Be prepared, always.

us.ecoflow.com

I need something useful for around the house that is independent of the grid and does not require gas. These seem like moderately capable units that cover do a fair amount of household needs.


I definitely think the grid is over due to go down for one reason or another I have a serious lack of backup power.

Any thoughts?

 

[Robin]

I'm looking too Drinker. I'll read through the information you provided, thanks!
Robin

 

[Criticalt]

A friend has 1 older Jackery 500 watt and a newer 1000 watt one.
I have been shocked how well it works even with power tools and TV for hours.
He usually charges from his truck but it charges relatively quick with the solar.
And, you can use it while its charging.
He uses it mostly for his mobile car repair business.
He fixes cars/trucks on the road or off road where other repair guys won't go.
It even runs his small welder........for awhile.

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

I ended up getting a Pecron E2000LFP. On sale today through Amazon for $800 with coupon.

https://www.amazon.com/pecron-Portable-E2000LFP-Expandable-Emergency/dp/B0B62J2DN3/ref=sr_1_3?crid=16PDMRKX76K89&keywords=pecron&qid=1696966140&sprefix=pecron%2Caps%2C121&sr=8-3&th=1

My comments on this thread.

Jackery Black Friday Sale

https://www.jackery.com/

nygunforum.com

The new version jackery 1000 uses LiFePo battery chemistry. It comes with 2 110w panels for 999 on sale right now for prime day.

How do you like the pecron

I'm intrigued by the evenflow Delta 2 but online some reviews show that they had failures pretty quickly. But apparently their customer service is good and replaced them and handled the situation.

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

I'm looking to be able to do things like run a computer, modem, tv, recharge batteries, recharge radios and walkie talkies, run lights, sump pump, maybe a fan or 2. Etc. All pretty light duty things.

The only thing I might need that will consume a lot of watts would be to try to keep a fridge running every couple hours to try and keep it cool. So that's why I'm looking at 1000+ watt options to have that ability in a pinch of needed for short term.

Long term I'm sure it would handle an insulated electric cooler or mini fridge. But I wouldn't want to rely on it long term for a kitchen fridge

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

Thanks for the feedback that's great

Yes looks to have a 2000w capacity for inverter

Here is description from their website

• More Power in Smaller Size: With a capacity of 1264Wh and a 2000W output, the 1000 Plus supports 99% of devices.
• Expandable Capacity: Supports up to 3 add-on battery packs, expanding up to 5kWh and ensuring 1-3 days of home backup power
• Industry-leading Sustainability: Setting new standards for sustainability. It is the first in the industry to be verified by TÜV SÜD.
• Long-lasting Reliability: LiFePO4 battery cells, lasting up to 10 years - providing 4,000 charge cycles.
• Intelligent Control: With the advanced APP feature, via WiFi or Bluetooth.
• Explorer 1000 Plus: 3-year warranty + 2-year extended warranty. Solar Saga 100W: 2-year warranty + 1-year extended warranty (automatically applied when purchased from our official website)

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

With unparalleled output, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is the top choice for similar-level portable power stations. Covering various scenarios, it provides support for camping, off-road travel, home emergencies, and more. Being versatile and expandable in capacity, it's the all-in-one...

www.jackery.com

Currently offering a 700 coupon when you add it to your cart I guess to compete with Amazon prime day.

 

[Hochulsucks1234]

I have a Jackery 500. When I turn my whole house generator off overnight I will put things like the internet, cell phones to charge, and even a light.. it will run for hours. I did get the 100w panel with it and to me its a PITA. On a completely sunny day you can charge it but it takes a while and you gotta keep moving it for peak efficiency. I suppose for dire energencies I would charge it with solar.

I think I paid $499 with the panel. The engineer side of me looks back and thinks I could have easily just made my own setup for much cheaper (maybe). Would have probably did a decent 1kw-2kw system. Would not be as portable of course.

 

[RedBreast21]

You have to understand what your needs are and understand specs of the units. That includes, energy draw of what you choose to power in times of need, The solar panel Watts and charging time.......ect. This guys channel is pretty informative.

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

You have to understand what your needs are and understand specs of the units. That includes, energy draw of what you choose to power in times of need, The solar panel Watts and charging time.......ect. This guys channel is pretty informative.

Yup that's one of a few good videos I've watched that have helped break this down. He seems to like the ecoflow

 

[RedBreast21]

Yup that's one of a few good videos I've watched that have helped break this down. He seems to like the ecoflow

In my discussions, people don't have good understanding of what the expected reality of any battery back up device is. These happen to be solar and not standard UPS for networks but its all the same and about working load aka that wattage draw and for how long. 1000 Watt unit with 200 watt panels will need 5 hours of good sunlight for a full charge. Continuous 1000 watt draw will be about 1 hr of realistic use. Plan accordingly.

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

In my discussions, people don't have good understanding of what the expected reality of any battery back up device is. These happen to be solar and not standard UPS for networks but its all the same and about working load aka that wattage draw and for how long. 1000 Watt unit with 200 watt panels will need 5 hours of good sunlight for a full charge. Continuous 1000 watt draw will be about 1 hr of realistic use. Plan accordingly.

Understanding the watt hours was helpful for me to get realistic expectations.

I know these are not as powerful as gas powered but they have other advantages

 

[Criticalt]

The new version jackery 1000 uses LiFePo battery chemistry. It comes with 2 110w panels for 999 on sale right now for prime day.

How do you like the pecron

I'm intrigued by the evenflow Delta 2 but online some reviews show that they had failures pretty quickly. But apparently their customer service is good and replaced them and handled the situation.

Good customer service and quick replacement for a power station is like a guarantee on your cars brakes........it may be to late.

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

The Ecoflows are nice, but were always outside my budget.

The Delta 2 Max is $1200 for Prime day. that is a good price for what they usually run. But it doesn't include panels.

I tried really hard to fight urge for bells and whistles (as cool as they are) and instead considered the circumstances surrounding my expected need for the unit.
If the grid is down, internet may also be down - so could this affect the apps?
If the grid down was due to EMP or CME will my cell or router even survive? and leave me with no connection?
The Pecron's AC charger is an external brick type charger, if it fails replacement is easy and you can buy a spare but if the internal charger fails on these other units you're SOL.
I like the idea of KISS.

I found this directly on ecoflow website. It not the delta 2 max you mentioned , but I'm building my own kit of 1 ecoflow Delta 2 unit and 2x 160w next gen panels 25% conversion capability spot on at 1000$.
Looks like this promotion is good till tomorrow probably from prime day

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

The Ecoflows are nice, but were always outside my budget.

The Delta 2 Max is $1200 for Prime day. that is a good price for what they usually run. But it doesn't include panels.

I tried really hard to fight urge for bells and whistles (as cool as they are) and instead considered the circumstances surrounding my expected need for the unit.
If the grid is down, internet may also be down - so could this affect the apps?
If the grid down was due to EMP or CME will my cell or router even survive? and leave me with no connection?
The Pecron's AC charger is an external brick type charger, if it fails replacement is easy and you can buy a spare but if the internal charger fails on these other units you're SOL.
I like the idea of KISS.

So do the ecoflow and jackery only run if you use an app? I thought it was just a feature if you wanted to like regulate or tune inputs and outputs or use additional controls.

 

[Defilade]

These things gotta suck during the winter.

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

Alright, spent way too much time reading reviews and comparing prices.

I ordered an ecoflow Delta 2 with (2) 220watt bifacial panels for 1149 on prime day deal.

I'm pretty happy with that and 440 watts of solar should be adequate to recharge in a reasonable amount of time. I'm pretty happy with that value.

When I use it and test it I'll post up some thoughts.

 

[RedBreast21]

Alright, spent way too much time reading reviews and comparing prices.

I ordered an ecoflow Delta 2 with (2) 220watt bifacial panels for 1149 on prime day deal.

I'm pretty happy with that and 440 watts of solar should be adequate to recharge in a reasonable amount of time. I'm pretty happy with that value.

When I use it and test it I'll post up some thoughts.

And if you had a small 1000-1500 watt tri fuel generator you could charge that unit up very quickly and have redundancy. Run the Power Station at night inside for lightening, fridge and small electronics.

 

[SonOfSun]

Alright, spent way too much time reading reviews and comparing prices.

I ordered an ecoflow Delta 2 with (2) 220watt bifacial panels for 1149 on prime day deal.

I'm pretty happy with that and 440 watts of solar should be adequate to recharge in a reasonable amount of time. I'm pretty happy with that value.

When I use it and test it I'll post up some thoughts.

Solar "generators" are nice for cabins and sheds. They let you have power where you need it without having to ha e it long term.

I have a cheap little one I bought for like $80. It's small only like 140 watt/hours and only ooutputs around 100 watts. But it's also only 8ish pounds. What I use it for is lighting in the shed. I have a smallish shed (10x12) with no windows and just a solid man door. I put in a 120v Input receptacle, and wired that to a pair of outlets and a switch that controls 2 ceiling mounted LEDs. All I need to do is plug the battery into the Input, flick the switch and I have good light. I can't run any power tools or anything like that on it, but I mostly just need light there. If I ever buy a bigger model I'll already have an input and outlets there.

Beats trying to drag out 150 feet of extension cord to power a light.

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

I got my full kit delivered now.

My delta 2 power unit arrived over a week ago and my 2x - 220w panels just arrived today.

When I start to play around with it I'll post back more. Just for kicks I checked the price today on Amazon and the same kit I bought is up to 1899 now so I'm pretty happy I got a good deal when I did.

Initial impressions and unboxing seems like pretty well built equipment. Time will tell

 

[lrick]

Calling @Drinkthekoolaid ....Thought you might be interested.

I saw a lightening deal on Amazon for an Ecoflow Delta 2 expansion battery. Unfortunately it just expired as I was typing this. Lowest I've ever seen. It was discounted 44% with $150 off coupon. Final price was $299.

Still discounted 25% with 150 coupon for a final $449.

Anyway, it might be worth jumping on or keeping an eye on over the next few days.

I think the Cali fires and season are impacting the solar gen market.

https://www.amazon.com/EF-ECOFLOW-Portable-Capacity-Heavy-Duty/dp/B0BRCLSCL6?ref=dlx_deals_dg_dcl_B0BRCLSCL6_dt_sl14_44&pf_rd_r=Q3EY59EVV126563FGWTF&pf_rd_p=89b7e6d4-e1c8-4b78-b6fa-afc9957d4944

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

Calling @Drinkthekoolaid ....Thought you might be interested.

I saw a lightening deal on Amazon for an Ecoflow Delta 2 expansion battery. Unfortunately it just expired as I was typing this. Lowest I've ever seen. It was discounted 44% with $150 off coupon. Final price was $299.

Still discounted 25% with 150 coupon for a final $449.

Anyway, it might be worth jumping on or keeping an eye on over the next few days.

I think the Cali fires and season are impacting the solar gen market.

https://www.amazon.com/EF-ECOFLOW-Portable-Capacity-Heavy-Duty/dp/B0BRCLSCL6?ref=dlx_deals_dg_dcl_B0BRCLSCL6_dt_sl14_44&pf_rd_r=Q3EY59EVV126563FGWTF&pf_rd_p=89b7e6d4-e1c8-4b78-b6fa-afc9957d4944

I've briefly toyed around with a little bit and so far I'm pleased. I haven't tested it, just toyed and familiarized myself with it. My initial reaction is positive.

 

[lrick]

I've briefly toyed around with a little bit and so far I'm pleased. I haven't tested it, just toyed and familiarized myself with it. My initial reaction is positive.

Yeah they're solid units from what I've seen. 1800w output is solid (basically a 15amp circuit). The only shortcoming is a 1024wh is a bit light.

The expansion battery doubles that and was offered at a smoking price. If I owned a Delta 2, I'd have bought enough batteries to max it out at that $299 price. (ETA: looks like only one expansion battery can be added) Sorry I didn't spot it sooner,

 

[jimc]

Ecoflow's support is fantastic. I had an issue with a solar generator not showing the correct run time for a medical device connected to my Delta 2. They gave me a full refund, paid for shipping back for the power station and spare battery, and gave me a great price on a larger unit and solar panel that I'm still using.