Tag Archives: solar power

Solar bot is a smart device concept that makes solar power more accessible

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Solar power is something that is pretty important if we need to reduce our carbon footprint and our electricity consumption. But it’s still not something that’s easily accessible for everyone or something that’s portable and easy to use or access. A recent invention from Jackery, a portable power and green outdoor energy company, might be the thing we need to revolutionize how the ordinary consumer can access and use solar energy.

Designer: Jackery

The Solar Mars Bot was named one of the Best Inventions of 2023 by Time Magazine, specifically in the Green Energy category. It is a robot type machine that is a photovoltaic energy storage device equipped with various sensors to enable it to gather as much solar power as it can store. It has laser radar and camera modules to help it get around. It’s smart enough to roll around and find spots where it can align its panels with sunlight and even avoid obstacles.

The energy that it is able to gather is stored in a lithium iron phosphate battery and then you will be able to power your devices through any of its connectors including ordinary earthed sockets, USB-C and USB-A ports. You can take this solar robot with you when camping or on any outdoor activity or when you’re just lounging in your backyard or swimming pool and you need to charge your devices.

For now it seems to still be in the conceptual stage and Jackery may be creating a prototype for testing. But if ever it reaches the consumer market it will make solar energy common for those who are conscious about their electricity consumption. Hopefully we see some progress with this “best invention” soon as we all want to be able to regulate our carbon consumption over the next few years.

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Tesla’s ‘Charge on Solar’ lets Powerwall owners send excess energy to their EV

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Tesla has launched a feature called "Charge on Solar" that allows owners to fill up their electric vehicles' batteries using only excess solar energy. As TechCrunch notes, the automaker started testing the capability in May, but now it's more widely available to Tesla customers in the US and in Canada. The number of people who can access the feature, however, likely remains pretty limited. To start with, it will only be accessible to those who have newer Teslas — 2021 and later — who also have a Powerwall. That's the company's battery system that stores solar energy harnessed by solar panels. 

Screenshots of Tesla's new Charge on Solar feature.
Tesla

To enable Charge on Solar, users will need to fire up their Tesla app, choose the feature and then set it up. They'll then see a slider with a sun icon within the feature's settings that they can drag left or right to set the charge limit. The vehicle will charge itself from solar and the grid like usual before it reaches the sun slider, ensuring users have enough power to get where they need to. But after reaching the sun slider, the vehicle will only charge itself using excess solar energy. 

The Powerwall will still prioritize storing backup energy or charging other appliances when it's in Storm Watch mode before allocating any excess solar power for vehicle charging. Charge on Solar will truly only charge EVs using excess energy, which is also why owners worried about not having enough juice can set a time limit for it. Of course, they can also adjust their charge limit, or switch off Charge on Solar entirely if they want to be absolutely sure that their batteries will get fully charged. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/teslas-charge-on-solar-lets-powerwall-owners-send-excess-energy-to-their-ev-102018496.html?src=rss

Japan will try to beam solar power from space by 2025

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Japan and JAXA, the country’s space administration, have spent decades trying to make it possible to beam solar energy from space. In 2015, the nation made a breakthrough when JAXA scientists successfully beamed 1.8 kilowatts of power, enough energy to power an electric kettle, more than 50 meters to a wireless receiver. Now, Japan is poised to bring the technology one step closer to reality.

Nikkei reports a Japanese public-private partnership will attempt to beam solar energy from space as early as 2025. The project, led by Naoki Shinohara, a Kyoto University professor who has been working on space-based solar energy since 2009, will attempt to deploy a series of small satellites in orbit. Those will then try to beam the solar energy the arrays collect to ground-based receiving stations hundreds of miles away.

Using orbital solar panels and microwaves to send energy to Earth was first proposed in 1968. Since then, a few countries, including China and the US, have spent time and money pursuing the idea. The technology is appealing because orbital solar arrays represent a potentially unlimited renewable energy supply. In space, solar panels can collect energy no matter the time of day, and by using microwaves to beam the power they produce, clouds aren’t a concern either. However, even if Japan successfully deploys a set of orbital solar arrays, the tech would still be closer to science fiction than fact. That’s because producing an array that can generate 1 gigawatt of power – or about the output of one nuclear reactor – would cost about $7 billion with currently available technologies.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/japan-will-try-to-beam-solar-power-from-space-by-2025-214338244.html?src=rss

Here’s how to easily shift your home to a Solar-Energy-powered setup with the BLUETTI EP900

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The reason why most of us haven’t adopted solar energy is because it sounds easier than it is. You need to factor in the square-footage for solar panels, connect them to a battery system, hook the batteries to a generator/power station that can effectively switch between the grid and solar power, and most importantly, make sure all the aforementioned gadgets are compatible with each other. It’s a lot like buying computers back in the day. Buy a motherboard, which graphics card and CPU are compatible, figure out which RAMs to use, make sure you’ve got enough slots for expansions, install a hard drive or SSD, and then just make sure all the pieces work together in unison. What if, however, there was a simpler way? A simpler way to install a solar-energy set-up on your house that was as simple as choosing specs on a website and having a readymade desktop or laptop ship to your door? It’s an idea that not many companies have worked on, and it seems like Tesla has abandoned the solar panel and battery-powered home idea almost entirely, but it’s a future that BLUETTI is working towards. The company just announced the EP900, a simple, convenient, hassle-free, and modular setup comprising of a power station, and a stackable battery system that lets you connect solar panels to your grid to harness, store, or even sell solar energy.

Designer: BLUETTI

Click Here to Learn More. Launches next month. Subscribe now to their newsletter for special discounts!

What makes the EP900 so remarkable is how easily the pieces fall into place. It starts with the EP900’s modular design, featuring a power station on top and modular battery packs below. Supporting the company’s B500 battery packs, the EP900 lets you go all the way up to 39kWh of power by stacking up to four 9.9kWh battery packs one upon another. In this configuration, the EP900 gives you a maximum output of 9kW, enough to power your entire home with all your appliances almost fully on battery power. Hook the EP900 to a set of BLUETTI’s solar panels and you can even run your home entirely on solar power 24×7, getting you through power outages, emergencies, and natural calamities that affect the area’s power supply.

The EP900 power station and B500 battery modules come with a design best described as cutting-edge. The power station and battery packs have a slick, metallic design reminiscent of something from a Silicon Valley company, and stack wonderfully one on another, creating a vertical tower that sits right beside your power box. Made for both outdoor as well as indoor use, the setup is IP65 water-resistant, and the LiFePO4 battery cells are weather-resistant too. In the hot months, they can resist high temperatures, functioning seamlessly without any danger, and in low weather, they have a self-warming protocol that keeps the setup from freezing and shutting down.

In fact, the B500 battery modules are some of BLUETTI’s top-of-the-line modules, being compatible with their other flagship power stations too. The batteries use EV-grade LiFePO4 cells that retain their capacity even after years of usage, and come with a 10-year warranty to drive the point home. An intelligent BMS (battery management system) helps protect your EP900 setup from surges, overcharging, overheating, or voltage fluctuation, and BLUETTI’s smartphone app gives you a comprehensive overview on your energy consumption, battery levels, and overall battery health.

So how would one, in theory, set up the EP900? Well, the EP900 works with new as well as existing solar panels, although BLUETTI makes some of the most energy-efficient ones on the market. Determine how many battery modules you need based on your home size and power consumption, and add an extra battery pack just for emergencies. You can even sell your excess power back to the electrical company for subsidies on your bills or a cashback! However, the real-life payouts are much more rewarding. The EP900 makes switching to solar power, or switching power stations to better harness your solar energy, much simpler.

The device is absolutely effortless to install, with batteries and power stations stacking upon each other like LEGO bricks, and helps you get through the tough, unpredictable times in your life, whether it’s a random power outage or something a little more serious.

Click Here to Learn More. Launches next month. Subscribe now to their newsletter for special discounts!

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BLUETTI Spring Sale brings all the power you need for an enjoyable time outdoors

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Spring is in the air, as they say. Although there are still some areas experiencing the last bits of freezing weather, it will only be a matter of time before white gives way to green. Spring is associated with many things, including life and feeling alive, especially after being cooped up indoors. Although “glamping” has become trendy, there are still plenty of people who prefer an authentic camping experience, but with just some of the conveniences that electricity brings to our modern lives. With a wide selection of portable power generators from BLUETTI, you can lay your anxieties to rest and enjoy the joys of enjoying the sun and the air while still keeping your laptops powered and your drinks cold.

AC500 & B300S

Although most people imagine camping or going outdoors to be full of moving around and cramped spaces, there will be times when you’d want to go big and bring everyone along for the adventure. Since you’ll never really know what you’ll need and when, picking a power storage solution that adjusts to your needs becomes more important than simply having power in the first place. The modular AC500 portable power station and its partner B300S battery module let you bring as little as 3,072Wh or as much as 18,432Wh of power, depending on your needs or your carrying capacity. That’s enough for a few nights of off-the-grid camping or even for powering your whole house during a power outage. A single AC500 and two B300S batteries start at $7,098, a big $500 discount off its regular $7,598 combo price.

Click Here to Buy Now: $4,599 $5,099 ($500 off). Hurry, Spring Sale ends Mar 23rd!

EB3A

On the flip side, you might be looking for something really lightweight and portable, just enough for a few hours to escape the hectic city life. At only 10lbs, this 268Wh BLUETTI EB3A power station can power up a car fridge for 4 hours, a 10W light for 22 hours, and a 60W laptop for 4 hours straight. And since it can be charged with a solar panel for maximum of 200W charging power, you don’t have to race back to the city to scramble for a power outlet when its battery dips. Normally at $798, you can get the BLUETTI EB3A and a 200V PV200 Solar Panel for just $658, a $140 discount in time for spring camping.

Click Here to Buy Now: $209 $299 ($90 off). Hurry, Spring Sale ends Mar 23rd!

EB70S

You might, however, need something that steps up the power just a wee bit. That’s where the EB70S comes in, with its 716Wh battery rated for 800W of power. It has plenty of ports to keep all kinds of devices and appliances powered up at a camp or a cookout, even including a wireless charging pad at the top for your phone. Although a bit hefty at 21.4lbs, the foldable handle makes it easy to carry around and keeps it compact enough for storage. The $519 starting price, an $80 cut from the usual $599, also makes this portable power station an all-around solution for most of your clean and green power needs.

Click Here to Buy Now: $519 $599.99 ($80 off). Hurry, Spring Sale ends Mar 23rd!

AC300

BLUETTI’s lineup is filled with choices for every need and budget. For example, you might want a modular power station system but don’t need all the bells and whistles just yet. The AC300, with its 3,000W pure sine wave inverter and its 3,072Wh B300 expansion battery, have you covered, providing up to 12,228Wh of power when you finally do need that much. Whether just camping or living the RV life, this duo will bring lights and life to your outdoor trips. For just $5,397, which is $800 less than the standard $6,197 price tag, you can get the AC300 with not just one but two B300 batteries to give you the freedom to bring only what you need when you need it.

Click Here to Buy Now: $3,398 $3,898 ($500 off). Hurry, Spring Sale ends Mar 23rd!

AC200MAX

While the AC500 and AC300 offer maximum flexibility, the AC200MAX brings the best of both worlds. On its own, it already puts out 2,048Wh of power, but you can stack up to two B230 batteries or two B300 batteries for a whopping total of 6,144Wh and 8,192Wh, respectively. It can power up to 14 different devices, thanks to its plethora of output ports, including not one but two wireless charging pads. The BLUETTI AC200MAX teams up with three PV200 solar panels to offer completely sustainable portable power for only $3,046, a large $450 discount from its $3,496 SRP.

Click Here to Buy Now: $1,699 $1,999 ($300 off). Hurry, Spring Sale ends Mar 23rd!

AC200P

Packing a 2,000Wh battery in its 60.6lbs body, the AC200P offers well-balanced versatility and power in a compact package. When paired with a B300 battery module, you can boost that up to 5,072Wh, perfect for making coffee in the great outdoors or keeping a room chilled with the air conditioner during an emergency. This pair goes for only $3,398 during this spring season, bringing the regular $3,998 price down by $600.

Click Here to Buy Now: $1,399 $1,699 ($300 off). Hurry, Spring Sale ends Mar 23rd!

Portable Solar Panels

While BLUETTI’s portable power stations are already impressive on their own, what really makes them special is how they can be charged completely through solar power only. Not only does that mean you don’t need to panic when the batteries go into the red, it also means you can leave off the grid far longer with green energy. Of course, you’ll need a high-efficiency portable solar panel for that, and unsurprisingly, BLUETTI also has got you covered. Using monocrystalline cells, these foldable solar panels boast 23.4% conversion efficiency, and the ETFE covering protects them from scratches and splashes. The 350W PV350 solar panel goes from $849 down to $769, saving you $80 for spring camping and trips.

Click Here to Buy Now. Hurry, Spring Sale ends Mar 23rd!

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BLUETTI at CES 2023: Shaping a Better Tomorrow with Green Energy

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The more we become dependent on electronic devices, the more we become beholden to electricity. It’s a resource that many of us take for granted, expecting that it will always be there when we need it. Power shortages and outages, natural disasters, and remote locations, however, shatter those illusions, often leading to inconvenience or downright unlivable circumstances. The gasoline-chugging generators of old are no longer viable solutions, and battery-powered power stations have risen to the challenge of providing safe, quiet, and clean energy when access to the power grid is impossible. Of these, BLUETTI’s name is one that soars high above blue skies, so we had a little chat with them at CES 2023 to learn more about their past, their present, and their future vision for a greener tomorrow.

Blue Skies and Innovation

Bluetti AC300 & B300

Every company has an origin story, that one critical point in time when the seed of the company’s vision started to take root. Sometimes, that origin is immediately expressed in the company’s name. Other times, it is obscured by the company’s history. BLUETTI’s beginning might not be as dramatic as, say, Apple’s or Google’s, but its name carries a rather interesting background that explains its rather unusual moniker.

It’s almost too easy to presume that BLUETTI is an Italian word, and unsurprisingly, that has caused confusion about its pronunciation. The rather surprising truth is that BLUETTI is actually composed of a word and an acronym. The “BLUE” refers to “Blue Sky,” a reference to the company’s hope for a better Earth with blue skies instead of smog-filled heavens. The rest of the name refers to “Tomorrow, Technology, Innovation,” the pillars of the company’s commitment to supporting a sustainable lifestyle through green energy storage solutions.

The exact meaning of its name may not be that obvious to the world at large, but its spirit is easily witnessed in BLUETTI’s growing range of products. You might not know what the letters of its name stand for, but you’ll definitely know the promise that the company makes. Providing a more sustainable power source has always been BLUETTI’s rallying cry, one that has resounded among many customers if the latest crowdfunding figures are to be considered.

Wisdom of the Crowds

BLUETTI’s latest run on Indiegogo for the new AC500 modular power station and its B300S battery module partner raised a whopping $12 million from more than 5,000 backers. If that isn’t clear proof of belief in the brand, we don’t know what is. Given the prices for these portable power stations, that’s not an easy commitment you can make on a whim. It’s not hard to see, however, why so many people put their trust in BLUETTI.

Taking the AC500 and B300S as examples, the company was able to iterate, innovate, and improve on its already successful modular design, a design that delivers power in a mobile and flexible form. In addition to providing a wider variety of power outputs, the AC500 also ups the game by allowing as many as six 3,072Wh battery modules to be connected to the 5000W inverter for a jaw-dropping total of 18,432Wh of power. You can hot-swap these batteries at any time, adding or removing modules as needed. The connectors have also been redesigned to be easier to hold and handle, and resemble the nozzle of a gas pump that many drivers and car owners in the US would be familiar with.

That latter detail, though small, is an example of what keeps BLUETTI at the top of its game and above its peers. It keeps on innovating, doing intensive research for its target local market and adjusting its designs and campaigns around the American lifestyle and power situation. Multiple problems with power grid outages and disasters that affect power distribution have had very critical effects on people’s productivity and entertainment, which is where BLUETTI’s power stations come to the rescue. Its portable power stations and solar generators don’t consume fossil energy, don’t make noise, and don’t emit poisonous gas, all in line with the growing sustainability awareness among customers, both in the US and around the world.

It might come as a surprise, then, that all of BLUETTI’s designs are made in-house at their headquarters in China. It is a testament to the team’s talent and expertise in designing products for a certain demographic outside of their own. From the texture, shape, and size of the power stations, to the AC and DC connections, to the interactive panel, BLUETTI’s designs demonstrate a deep knowledge of what their customers need and what they want, and the success of their products even after crowdfunding is testament to that.

Innovation on a Larger Scale

Bluetti EP900 & B500

The battery-powered, solar-charged power station is relatively young, only three or so years old, and there is still plenty to be done and plenty of innovations yet to be made. Even BLUETTI admits there’s still plenty of room for growth, and it is setting its eyes on bigger things while keeping its feet planted firmly on solid ground. Its line of portable power stations isn’t going away, that’s for sure, but individual and small homes aren’t the only ones that can use clean and green energy storage.

The company’s next gamble is the EP900 and its partner, the B500 battery module. Big in size and capacity, the total package can provide as much as 79kWh of power at the flip of a switch, at least when combining 16 9kWh modules together. While it will definitely be overkill for camping, it will be necessary to power a whole house or even a small or medium size business (SMB). Given how these batteries can be charged using solar energy alone, that means you can almost run the whole house or business on completely green power. The EP900 marks BLUETTI’s entry into the residential power station market, and this standards-compliant power station is expected to launch sometime in March or April.

While the power stations provide sustainable energy, there might be lingering concerns about the sustainability of the batteries themselves. Unfortunately, those are unavoidable at this point in time, just as how many consumer electronics can’t get rid of non-sustainable materials and processes completely just yet. BLUETTI, however, is also doing due diligence in making sure it doesn’t become part of the problem that it’s trying to solve. With longevity that goes on for five years or more and warranties that can run up to 10 years, the company’s power stations are in for the long haul. It is also in talks with its partners in the US to make sure that batteries are recycled or disposed of properly to prevent them from becoming planet killers themselves.

Blue Sky, Green Tomorrow

BLUETTI is hardly the only player in this nascent market, and it definitely has some tough competition ahead. The company always has its doors open for new customers and also wants to point existing ones to resources that can help them make the most out of their power stations. The BLUETTI Support YouTube channel, for example, has plenty of guides for different products. The Official BLUETTI channel, on the other hand, not only has announcements and promotional materials but also videos on how BLUETTI can and has changed lives for the better. Some even found love through their shared love for the innovative power stations.

Whether it’s for an outdoor weekend trip or for an unexpected power outage, BLUETTI’s power stations stand ready to supply much-needed energy with none of the harmful consequences of traditional generators. More importantly, however, the company is paving the way for a future with more sustainable energy storage, no matter the need. From the small portable power stations to the upcoming residential line, BLUETTI will continue to innovate to help keep the lights on and keep the skies blue for today, tomorrow, and beyond.

The post BLUETTI at CES 2023: Shaping a Better Tomorrow with Green Energy first appeared on Yanko Design.

This paper-thin solar cell could bring solar power to any surface

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Solar energy is finally becoming more common these days, with some homes even using them for a big part of their overall consumption. The common conception about solar panels, however, takes for granted that this form severely limits where they can be used, which is often only on rooftops or large flat surfaces. In order to truly make solar power a more common technology, it should be more ubiquitous and more applicable to a variety of designs. This goes beyond merely having portable solar panels that are still clunky and inconvenient to use everywhere. This research achievement solves that problem by making a solar cell that’s so thin and lightweight that it can be put on almost any surface, including fabrics.

Designers/Inventors: Vladimir Bulovic, Jeremiah Mwaura, Mayuran Saravanapavanantham (MIT)

The two most common considerations when picking solar panels are their conversion efficiency and cost in dollars-per-watt. Few actually think about how well these panels will be integrated into their surroundings because it is always presumed they come in the form of big, thick, and heavy panels. It doesn’t have to be that way, though, and this innovation proves that not only is it possible to create almost impossibly thin solar panels, these flexible cells might even outdo their rigid counterparts in performance.

To make this paper-thin solar cell possible, MIT researchers utilized a relatively new yet increasingly popular technology that prints circuits using semiconductor inks. They then used a more traditional screen printing process, similar to the ones used for shirts, to deposit electrodes onto that thin substrate. The last critical layer is Dyneema fabric that protects the solar module from easily tearing, resulting in a robust sheet that you can bend and roll like a piece of paper or thick fabric.

And it isn’t all just for show, either. The extremely flexible solar panel can generate 370 watts-per-kilogram of power, 18 times more than conventional power cells. Not only does this mean that they are viable alternatives to heavy panels that burden your roof, they can also be installed on almost any surface, including flexible ones like boat sails or tents. The latter is important when such tents are needed in disaster-stricken areas where power grids are inoperative.

There is still one critical piece missing from the puzzle, though, a protective layer that will protect the cells from the environment. Traditionally, this is a role fulfilled by glass, which would defeat the purpose of having a flexible solar cell in the first place. The researchers are experimenting with a few ultra-thin packaging solutions that would let these solar cells stand the test of both weather and time, making solar power truly available for all.

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Black Friday Discounts on BLUETTI’s power stations and solar panels makes energy independence more affordable

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Make sure your Black Friday doesn’t turn into a blackout Friday! BLUETTI just announced some incredible discounts and deals on their entire catalog of power stations, giving everyone a chance to reclaim their power independence from unreliable grids and bad weather, or even carry their power on the go for camping and outdoor trips!

BLUETTI’s biggest sale starts on November 11th and is across all their power stations. Beyond just those sizeable discounts are some exciting lucky draws, mystery boxes, and product giveaways like mini-fridges on a purchase of above $5000. Want to crack a better deal for less? Snag a mystery box for $199 and you could stand a chance to win a $900 power generator!

Here is a look at BLUETTI’s power stations and their discounted prices, so you can grab one just in time as the winter hits, or well before spring arrives and you bust out your camper or RV.

AC500 + B300S ($4499 $5099 – $600 off) (Most Powerful)

Running at a stellar $600 off, the AC500 + B300S are BLUETTI’s flagship power station and battery combo. The AC500 is like no other power station you’ve seen – its ridiculously compact size has the ability to provide a staggering 5,000W of power (with 10,000W surge capacity), and can pair with up to six B300S batteries, giving you over 18,000Wh of power to last you for days even with regular use. That 5,000W capacity is exceptionally impressive, because it allows you to run all sorts of heavy-duty appliances like fridges, microwaves, air conditioners, all without breaking a sweat. The AC500 has as many as 16 ports and two wireless charging zones. It’s also the only 5000W power station that lets you run your mini-grid entirely on solar power, giving you the energy independence you deserve!

What we like

  • With its mind-numbing 5000W output and the ability to hook up to 6 battery packs, the AC500 and B300S are BLUETTI’s most power-packed combo yet. Its high power output and modular battery system means you can run an entire mid-size home for almost a week during a power outage. Pretty impressive, eh?

EB3A ($239 $299 – $60 off) (Most Affordable)

[NOTE: Nov 18th onwards, EB3A further reduces to $209 at $90 off]

Unveiled this year at CES 2022, the EB3A from BLUETTI is a compact yet highly capable power station that weighs a mere 10 pounds but can power everything from your smartphone to your EV! It’s just moderately larger than the average beer cooler and comes with a 268Wh and a 600W pure sine-wave inverter on the inside. Although this compact station was built for transporting to the great outdoors, it’s more than capable of doing some heavy lifting at home too, charging your laptop, lawnmower, electric grill, or even your EV. Take it outdoors, hook it to BLUETTI’s solar panels and you can practically live off it for a couple of days. Or better still, keep one in your garage for emergencies like power cuts, outages, or unforeseen natural calamities.

What we like

  • Compact, capable, and costs less than a pair of AirPods. Looking to take your power needs into your own hands? Here’s the perfect way to begin!

AC200P ($1599 $1699 – $100 off) (Editor’s Choice)

Armed with a 2000W output and 2000Wh EV-grade LiFePO4 batteries, the AC200P wins our editor’s choice tag for hitting the sweet spot between power, portability, and price. The power station comes with 17 different outlets to keep your home and life running, with two dedicated wireless charging pads to keep your phone and AirPods juiced. Like all of BLUETTI’s power stations, the AC200P supports charging via solar panels as just one of 7 different ways to charge the power station. That 2000W output makes the AC200P perfect for running high-power appliances like Blenders, Ice coolers, Radios, Projectors, etc. If your area’s prone to power outages, the AC200P is also ideal as a home backup system, especially in areas with an unreliable power grid or power fluctuations.

What we like

  • Costs about as much as a laptop, but is capable enough to keep your house running through a power outage. I’d say that’s quite a big deal!

AC200MAX + B230 ($2799 $3298 – $499 off)

If the AC200P was Iron Man, think of the AC200MAX as the Hulkbuster suit. It comes with a 2200W output, but sports as many as 16 outlets, bumping up its predecessor’s functionality. The AC200MAX also runs on external batteries, pairing with BLUETTI’s B230 LiFePO4 battery cells that have a capacity of 2048Wh each. Need more power? Well, that isn’t a problem because you can actually pair a second battery to the AC200MAX, giving it an extra energy boost if you will. Or better still, hook it up to solar panels for consistent power regardless of whether you’re in the suburbs or the great outdoors!

What we like

  • With a price tag of $2799, the AC200MAX and B230 are ideal for medium-sized homes. 2200W of power means they’ll easily handle everything from your coffee maker to your refrigerator, air-conditioner, or even that EV in your garage! No sweat!

AC300 + B300 ($3699 $4098 – $399 off)

The AC300 was debuted by BLUETTI as their first modular power station, with the ability to not just add more batteries to the mix but even hook two AC300 stations together to double their output! The power station pairs with BLUETTI’s B300 battery (which has a capacity of 3072Wh), and depending on how big your house is, how many appliances you own, or even how long the power cuts in your area are, you can build out your own backup power grid by connecting multiple batteries. The entire setup is portable, which means you can carry the power station and batteries out to camping sites, and the AC300’s built-in 3000W AC pure sine wave inverter with 16 outlets gives you the ability to keep your house, campsite, or backyard party running with no hiccups! Is there support for solar panels too? Why, of course!!

What we like

  • This one was a close contender for our editor’s choice pick, for its uniquely modular setup. Whether you’ve got a small cabin or a large 2-story row-house, or even a 2-3 tent setup on a campsite, you can basically build out the power grid you need, hooking as many batteries as you want (and even solar panels for clean, renewable energy). Need to charge your EV for a ride back from the campsite? Well, now you can!

EB55 ($399 $499 – $100 off)

If your needs are as small as your budget, BLUETTI’s travel-friendly EB series is the perfect solution for portable power. A bigger sibling to the EB3A (which we gave the Most Affordable tag), the EB55 can put out 700W of power (peaking at 1400W), with a 537Wh internal battery that lets you head outdoors for solo or group camping trips, or even on outdoor photoshoots. The EB55 is fairly portable, weighing 16.5lbs (7.5Kg), and comes with a built-in handle to help you carry it around with you. 11 outlets on this bad boy let you charge every conceivable personal device you own, from your phone to your drone, to even your laptop!

What we like

  • Portable power station for the price of an Apple Watch. The EB55 is a no-brainer for anyone who travels outdoors a lot, and needs to keep their phone/laptop juiced for the entire day or even multiple days. Heck, the EB55 even lets you hook solar panels to it, giving you clean energy anywhere you go!

EB70S ($499 $599 – $100 off)

A little more capable than the EB55, the EB70S has an 800W output and a built-in 716Wh battery. The perfect tailgating companion, this portable outdoor must-have can juice a 75W television or mini projector, and even a 90W mini fridge for a good 6-8 hours on a full charge. It lets you plug in up to 12 devices simultaneously, and boasts of a compact, carry-anywhere design that’s perfect for the trunk of your car or pickup truck.

What we like

  • Sure, we go to the great outdoors to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature… but what happens when you’re lost and you NEED your phone? Or maybe you’re outdoors and you really want to watch the Lakers game. Having a portable power station isn’t just handy, sometimes it’s a life-saving necessity. 800W of power output, 716Wh of battery, and the ability to charge via solar means you can safely disconnect from the world, knowing that you can connect back anytime!

EP500 ($4599 $4999 – $400 off) & EP500Pro ($5499 $5999 – $500 off)

These two bad boys are a lot larger than any of the other power stations on this list, but that’s because unlike the other heavy-duty power stations, the EP500 and EP500Pro come with their own batteries built in, giving you a single, monolithic solution to all your power woes. They both boast a battery capacity of 5100Wh, and come with power outputs of 2000W and 3000W respectively. Size may be the only thing against the EP500 and EP500Pro, but where they lack in compactness, they make up for with their high-mobility design featuring four smooth at their base.

What we like

  • Just want to buy something that works right out of the box? The EP500 and EP500Pro have everything you need to get things started. They aren’t designed for travel (given that the power station and battery are housed in a single large unit), but they’re extremely capable for indoor use, and come with a built-in UPS so you never lose power while you’re working or attending a meeting. Not even for a split-second.

Head to BLUETTI’s website to check out all these stellar Black Friday deals! They’re valid till November 30th, so grab them while you still can… and don’t forget to enter the Lucky Draw or grab a few Mystery Boxes to win assured freebies!

The post Black Friday Discounts on BLUETTI’s power stations and solar panels makes energy independence more affordable first appeared on Yanko Design.

EcoFlow River 2 Portable Power Station Review: A Capable Outdoor Sidekick

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PROS:


  • Very light and portable

  • Fast AC charging

  • Remote phone control

  • USB-C port can be used for input

CONS:


  • Handle position makes carrying a bit awkward

  • No wireless charging despite new design

  • USB-C output capped at 60W

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

With a truly portable body, solid features, fast AC charging, and a sweet price point, the EcoFlow River 2 lets travelers and adventurers just get up and go, leaving their battery anxieties well behind.

We have become so dependent on our electronic devices that many of us get anxiety attacks when their batteries go red and we’re nowhere near a wall socket. There are plenty of power banks available today, but they’re only capable of handling smartphones and a few low-power laptops just two or three times at best. For anything else, you might be more interested in the new portable power stations that can power even some appliances, including a whole house. That kind of power might be overkill for some, especially since they come in large and unwieldy bodies that cost as much as they weigh. For simpler cases, you might be better off with smaller, lighter, and more affordable options, so we take the new EcoFlow River 2 for a run to see if it can meet those demands.

Aesthetics

As with any second-generation product, the EcoFlow River 2 has been able to learn from the lessons of its predecessors. Given the gap between the first and second EcoFlow Rivers, there has definitely been plenty of lessons to serve as the foundations of a better product. Fortunately, EcoFlow did seem to have benefited from hindsight, allowing it to turn the River 2 into a sleeker and more compact power station that no longer looks like a car battery.

The biggest change you will notice comparing the two generations is that the River 2 has a more refined appearance thanks to its dual-tone color scheme and flat top. The large carrying handle no longer arcs over the top but instead juts out from the back. That makes it easier to stash the power station away in cramped spaces and put things on top of it. Having the handle extend to one side only also reduces the space it needs to occupy. This helps give the box a cleaner look, but relocating the carrying handle does have its share of consequences as well.

The EcoFlow River 2 also looks tidier because of how the ports and vents are all arranged. Granted, there are now fewer of them compared to the first River power station, but the needs of devices and their charging methods have also become simpler since then. All the output ports are now in the front, while the charging ports are all on the back. There is actually nothing at the sides or on the top to mar those clean surfaces, giving the power station a more streamlined appearance. The black and silver color combination is also more in line with the rest of EcoFlow’s power stations, giving the brand a more coherent and consistent visual identity.

Despite the reduction of ports, the River 2 portable power station still offers a standard set of features for both AC-powered appliances and gadgets that charge over DC. There are still standard ports for different charging methods, including solar power. You still have an LCD screen to monitor the battery’s status, though it’s now a monochrome display, perhaps to save on power consumption. The one thing that has disappeared, though, is the LED flashlight which is honestly pointless at this size and intensity. A phone’s torch function or a proper flashlight will be more useful.

Ergonomics

After having reviewed some heavy-duty power stations that can power a house or even charge an electric car, it’s quite refreshing to finally have one that is accurately portable and that won’t break your back or your bank account, for that matter. At 7.7lbs, there’s definitely still quite a bit of heft, but considering what it’s capable of doing, that’s not asking too much. Of course, it will have some limitations considering the battery capacity, but it is designed to be more agile and portable for people who need to get up and going quickly rather than for those who need an alternative to the power grid.

Carrying the EcoFlow River 2, however, might be difficult for some other purpose. With the carrying handle now at the back, the box’s center of gravity is changed when you lift it up. There will be an uneven distribution of weight, and it could make carrying River 2 more awkward and uncomfortable. The body of the power station will be extending sideways and could end up hitting your leg or other things along your way, depending on who you’re carrying it. The good news is that it’s less of a problem with the River 2’s smaller and lighter body than it is for its bigger siblings, the River 2 Max and River 2 Pro.

Since all the ports are now consolidated and limited to two sides only, it’s also easier to manage the cables that will be sticking out of the power station. Plugging in those cables is also easy because there are no flaps to cover the sockets. There are, however, switches for the AC and DC ports but none for the USB ports. These switches can be pressed manually or toggled via a mobile app. The AC and DC input for charging are located on the back right under the carrying handle. That might actually make it a little bit cumbersome to push cables in because your hand might hit the handle in the process.

One of the biggest ergonomic upgrades of the EcoFlow River 2 is that you don’t actually have to even touch it to control it. Now that it has support for connecting to a phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, you can toggle switches and change settings conveniently with a few taps. The companion mobile app is quite easy to understand and use, and it gives you the right amount of information to keep tabs on how much power you’re taking in and pushing out. Of course, the built-in LCD screen can provide some of that as well, but it’s more convenient to do so from a larger display.

Performance

The EcoFlow River 2 carries a 256Wh battery of the LiFePO4 kind. This is, by now, the most common kind of battery used by portable power stations because of its safety, reliability, and longevity. It will take more than 3,000 charging cycles (zero to full) before it starts to lose its full capacity. That means this power station is here for the long haul, and you’re more likely to replace it with a new model sooner than for it to become unusable.

With that battery capacity, the River 2 can output 300W of power or 600W if you’re using EcoFlow’s X-Boost. In theory, that’s enough to support even water heaters or coffee makers, but that might be pushing your luck. The portable power station is admittedly on the small and low side, which limits what it can power. It can keep a refrigerator running for 3 hours, for example, but only the small, car-type ones that can be powered with 60W DC. The River 2’s AC two 110 AC outlets are better for powering small appliances or charging devices that can’t be charged over USB.

There is no wireless charging, despite the flat surface of the River 2’s top. It’s less of a critical flaw and more of a missed opportunity, especially with many devices supporting wireless charging these days. It would have definitely been a welcome convenience, especially when you imagine how you’d simply place your iPhone on top of the power station and then sit back and relax under the sun or the stars. Then again, that same iPhone can charge via USB anyway, or even with an AC charger if necessary.

As for those USB ports, the EcoFlow River 2 has two USB-A ports and a single USB-C port. The latter maxes out at 60W, which is fine for phones and tablets but is barely sufficient for more power-hungry laptops. What makes this port special is that, unlike other portable power stations, it functions both as output as well as input, meaning you can charge the power station itself via USB-C, provided you have one of the more powerful 60W or 100W power bricks. It’s not going to be fast, but it’s convenient when you don’t have the AC charging cord with you.

Charging is actually where this new portable power station shines. In addition to USB-C charging, which is still uncommon even for power stations of this size, the River 2 supports the usual charging options of AC, solar, and car charging. At the maximum 360W (with X-Stream) input, AC charging only takes up an hour to go from zero to full, just enough time for you to pack your things for an outdoor adventure. Going completely green with solar charging at 110W max does take longer at around 3 hours, but it might be your only option when you’re already camping under the wide skies. Unfortunately, you can’t combine charging methods, even AC and USB-C, but that might not make much sense for a battery of this size anyway.

Like many of EcoFlow’s power stations, the River 2 also has an EPS or Emergency Power Supply feature that can automatically switch from AC input to direct DC output in just 30ms. That’s fast enough to prevent a desktop computer from powering down or any connected appliance from being interrupted. The battery capacity makes it less viable as a complete power grid replacement, but that’s hardly the point of this power station anyway. The EcoFlow River 2 is designed to be agile and light on its feet, freeing you to move and go as you please without being weighed down, literally and figuratively.

Sustainability

Almost no power station at this point has made sustainability a core focus of their designs, and the River 2 is unfortunately similar. While these battery-powered boxes do offer a more sustainable alternative to fuel-chugging generators, their very nature isn’t as eco-friendly. There’s clearly a ton of plastic used, especially with their enclosures, regardless of the use of metal for the internal frame. We’re still hoping that these companies will soon pay particular attention to the materials and processes they use to make sustainability a major bullet point.

Unlike larger power stations that can be used to power a whole house, solar charging feels more like an extra perk than a selling point for the EcoFlow River 2. It’s something you’ll want to use for convenience when charging the battery outdoors rather than pulling from your car’s battery. Given its size and purpose, it might be more efficient to charge it from a wall socket at full blast, but it at least offers you the option to choose solar if you’re not in a rush.

Value

Not everyone needs a full-blown power generator the size of a suitcase, especially when traveling light. Some might only need what would be the equivalent of a dozen power banks that can power small AC appliances. It’s for these people that the EcoFlow River 2 shines the brightest, especially with its $229 price tag.

There are actually few power stations in the market that offer this kind of well-balanced quality in a small, compact package. Some are cheaper but also offer a lower battery capacity with fewer ports and a cumbersome design. Others have a bit more power but are also heavier and proportionally more expensive.

Verdict

Picking out a portable power station these days is almost like choosing a smartphone. Disregarding brand, the decision always involves making a series of compromises on features and price. For power stations, size and weight become critical factors, especially for people who find themselves spending brief periods outdoors more often than not. For these people, it isn’t just important to have power but to have that power available in a flash.

Having a lightweight body with a decent battery capacity already gives the EcoFlow River 2 an edge, but being able to charge itself in just an hour puts it at the top. Yes, we wished it had wireless charging and a 100W USB-C output, but these would be “nice to have” rather than critical needs. It won’t be powering your whole house in an emergency, but it will be able to provide critical power to the most important things in your life, regardless of the situation. When you need a solid and truly portable companion for your modern life on the go, it’s hard to go wrong with the EcoFlow River 2.

The post EcoFlow River 2 Portable Power Station Review: A Capable Outdoor Sidekick first appeared on Yanko Design.

Anker 757 PowerHouse Portable Power Station Review: a heavyweight in more ways than one

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PROS:


  • Super-fast 1000W charging

  • Effective cooling system

  • Bright LED light bar

  • Plenty of power and ports for many use cases

CONS:


  • Very heavy

  • A bit expensive

  • No water or dust resistance

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

While it is a heavyweight in both price and mass, the Anker 757 PowerHouse power station offers a suitable balance of power, flexibility, and charging speed you won't find elsewhere.

When you’re away from a power socket and need to top up your phone, a simple power bank is more than enough. Some can even charge a laptop or at least keep it from discharging quickly. When you need to power up plenty of devices and a few appliances, however, you will definitely need something that’s bigger, not just in battery capacity but also in size. Portable power stations have been popping up left and right, providing plenty of options to choose from. Unfortunately, that also sometimes makes it harder to make a decision, especially when so many of them sound so similar. That said, there are still only a handful of notable players in this market, and Anker is one of the newest to jump into the scene. The brand is quite well known for its portable power banks for mobile devices, so we take the 757 PowerHouse for a spin to see if it also has some of that Anker magic.

Designer: Anker

Aesthetics

Truth be told, the Anker 757 PowerHouse is no looker, but then again, most of its kind isn’t either, anyway. Portable power stations, sometimes also called portable solar generators, have only been around for a few years, so it’s not exactly surprising to see that their designs haven’t matured to the point of being called “beautiful.” There is a greater focus on durability, safety, utility, and functionality than aesthetics at this point, and this battery in a large box definitely exhibits those properties.

That’s not to say that the 757 PowerHouse is unattractive. In a certain angle and light, it actually has a distinct personality to it. The contrast between the black body and silver edges is tasteful, and the way those edges cross over at the top is a nice touch. The blue accents on the ventilation slots and USB ports, along with the long LED strip, even give it a pinch of cyberpunk aesthetics. There is also a large, 5-inch LCD screen underneath that light bar for showing necessary information. That screen also adds a little something to the PowerHouse’s hi-tech looks.

Make no mistake, despite the brushed metal appearance of the edges and the rugged style of the power station, the 757 PowerHouse’s skin is made of plastic. Perhaps the more disappointing aspect is that it doesn’t have any certified water or dust resistance either, which is an ironic omission given this device is meant to be used outdoors.

Like most portable power station makers save for EcoFlow, Anker chose to stick with a traditional box design with one exception. There are two large handles on the top sides designed to assist in carrying this hefty power source. There is no way to get those handles out of the way, though, so they will always be sticking out of its sides no matter what. That could prove to be a stumbling block when you’re trying to cram the 757 PowerHouse in narrow spaces.

Ergonomics

If you were expecting a large battery such as this would be heavy, you won’t be disappointed by the Anker 757 PowerHouse. Then again, you might actually be more disappointed that it’s not exactly as portable as its name suggests. At 43.9lbs (19.9kg), it definitely requires some upper body strength to lift and move around. The placement of the sturdy handles definitely helps, but not by much. One should always be careful when lifting and carrying a heavy load such as this, and it might be wiser to employ something like a trolley if you find yourself moving it around more often than not.

Usability is critical for power stations because the last thing you want in a power outage is to fumble for controls and covers. The 757 PowerHouse definitely makes it easy since all output ports except the car charger are actually already open, ready to be used at any time. All these ports are also located on the front, making cable management easier by having all cords coming out from only one side, at least as far as output power is concerned.

To charge the power station itself, you’ll have to open the flap on the back to expose the AC input port as well as the solar and car charging ports. Fortunately, there is no separate charging brick needed to fill the 757 PowerHouse, making it easier to store and carry around without having to worry about leaving a critical accessory behind.

Performance

The Anker 757 PowerHouse carries a 1229Wh battery inside that’s capable of putting out 1500W of power, 2400W if you’re really pushing it with power surge. Like many modern power stations, it uses Lithium Iron Phosphate or LiFePO4, the same type of battery used in electric vehicles. Compared to the typical Lithium-ion battery type used in smartphones and laptops, LiFePO4 is considered not only safe but also longer lasting, able to stay healthy for 3,000 charging cycles.

Just with numbers alone, the power station is capable of handling even a 360W refrigerator for almost three hours or a 700W microwave in short bursts. Charging mobile devices and laptops is obviously no problem at that rate, and it can cycle through charging dozens of times over. You can even use the 757 PowerHouse as an uninterruptible power supply or UPS with a switchover time of under 20ms. Of course, the overall number of hours the box can remain powered up will depend on how many devices are connected at the same time. That 1500W output, for example, has to be shared across all six AC outlets.

There is definitely no shortage of output port options to keep devices and appliances running, no matter the situation. As mentioned, there are six AC ports, three of which are of the three-pronged socket type. For DC output, there are four 12W USB-A ports, one 60W USB-C port, and one 100W USB-C port. All of these, including the 120W car socket, can be used simultaneously. The bright and helpful LCD display gives all the stats you need to keep on top of your power consumption, including how much power devices are drawing. Despite the very flat top, the 757 PowerHouse, unfortunately, doesn’t have a wireless charging pad.

Where Anker’s largest portable power station really shines is charging the battery itself. With AC power alone, the 757 PowerHouse can take in 1000W of power for an extremely fast charging experience. Going from 2% to full took only 1.3 hours, which is close to Anker’s advertised 1.5-hour total charging time. Of course, you can also go completely green by charging off the sun, and with three solar panels for a total of 300W of sun power, you can fully charge the PowerHouse in under four hours.

Given the fast charging speed and its impressive output, you might think that the Anker 757 PowerHouse will often run hot or, alternatively, be very loud. It was a pleasant surprise to discover that was not the case at all, and the box remained at most warm to the touch during its 1000W charging period. It does have fans inside, and they will spin after a certain point, but they are actually quiet and barely audible at worst.

Sustainability

Portable power stations are a relatively younger market, at least compared to their smaller power bank cousins. Like many mass-produced consumer electronics at that stage, it is more focused on establishing a solid foundation, even if it means making sustainability less of a priority. A bit ironic given their “green” features, but not entirely surprising. As such, there is plenty of plastic and environment-unfriendly materials used in the construction of every single 757 PowerHouse.

That said, there are two things that do go in favor of Anker in this regard. One is that, by nature, portable power stations like these are more sustainable compared to traditional gasoline generators. They are quieter and safer than those fuel-chugging machines, and they don’t directly increase carbon emissions.

More importantly, they can actually go fully green by charging using only solar power. It admittedly takes longer than direct AC charging, but it’s also more flexible when there are no power sockets available in the first place. Unfortunately, this particular power station doesn’t support dual input from both solar and AC, which could make charging more efficient and take up less time.

Value

The Anker Power 757 PowerHouse is a rather large battery-powered generator, though it is by no means the largest nor the heaviest in its class. At $1,399, it is also more expensive than some of its peers that carry the same battery capacity, and that figure might cause many buyers to reconsider their choice. It’s also strange that, for something designed for outdoor use, it isn’t guaranteed to be safe from water and dust. Fortunately, those might be the only deal-breakers for this portable power station, and some people might be willing to overlook those flaws for everything else they will be able to gain.

For its size, the 757 PowerHouse definitely packs an appropriate amount of power that it makes available through a wide variety of ports. It has plenty to run small appliances, whether during an emergency or for weekend camping, and its fast-charging feat means you won’t have to wait long before it’s full and ready to go. There are only a few competitors that can match its offer, though each has its own set of drawbacks. It’s always a delicate balancing act, and the Anker 757 PowerHouse definitely pulls it off with grace.

Verdict

As the number of portable power stations grows, picking out the perfect one also becomes harder. There really is no perfect choice, and you’ll often find yourself having to compromise between a few factors instead. Whether it’s price, portability, or power, you will eventually have to make a choice on which is more important. While hardly perfect, the Anker 757 PowerHouse presents an acceptable balance. Its 1500W power allows it to address almost every need, and its 1000W charging speed is pretty much unmatched. You will need to prepare to make a rather heavy investment and prepare your back for an equally heavy load, but it’s hard to get it wrong with a balanced all-rounder like this heavyweight PowerHouse.

The post Anker 757 PowerHouse Portable Power Station Review: a heavyweight in more ways than one first appeared on Yanko Design.