DON'T buy a small power station! New LFP micro power stations w/solar panels are the FUTURE

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  • Опубліковано 21 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 105

  • @todd.parker
    @todd.parker  14 днів тому +1

    Hi all, Amazon links (affiliate) to purchase the products mentioned are below:
    Anker 737 Power Bank
    amzn.to/3NS9MCH
    UGREEN Nexode Power Bank 25000mAh 200W
    amzn.to/4esblSG
    AOHI 140W Power Bank
    amzn.to/3Yquw9m
    - Small kit
    Jackery Solar Generator 100 Plus with SolarSaga 40W solar panel kit
    amzn.to/4ftyXqR
    - Medium kit
    UGREEN 300W LFP Power Bank
    amzn.to/4eiLc8K
    UGREEN Nexode Pro 65W Ultra-Slim Charger
    amzn.to/48GPQfF
    Big Blue 30w solar panel
    amzn.to/47UQd5S
    FlexSolar 40w solar panel
    amzn.to/4exxUq3
    Ecoflow 45w solar panel
    us.ecoflow.com/products/45w-portable-solar-panel
    Sunjack 40w solar panel
    amzn.to/4faPfp0
    - Large kit
    Anker SOLIX C300 DC LFP Power Station
    amzn.to/4fcnqfX
    ** Save $50 with code TODDC300 on Anker's site: www.anker.com/products/a17260z1 **
    Syncwire Micro USB-C Car Charger
    amzn.to/3YANudv
    UGREEN Nexode X 160W Charger
    amzn.to/3ACiXEd
    Anker SOLIX PS100 Portable Solar Panel
    amzn.to/3YxfJKf
    ** Save $110 with code TODDC300 on Anker's site: www.anker.com/products/a2431 **
    UGREEN 130W USB C Car Charger
    amzn.to/3ClAAIR
    Powernes 80w solar panel (Budget pick)
    amzn.to/4eTHWl6
    DJI / Zigness 100w solar panel
    amzn.to/4dCjDH6
    XTAR SP100 solar panel
    amzn.to/3YcKGnZ
    Sunjack 120w solar panel (Upgrade pick)
    amzn.to/3UCchgi

  • @HoneyBadgerDontCare19
    @HoneyBadgerDontCare19 17 днів тому +9

    I’m always blown away by your reviews and the amount of information you provide!

    • @todd.parker
      @todd.parker  17 днів тому +3

      Thanks so much, really appreciate it. This video took months of planning and testing, good to hear it was helpful

  • @johntate5284
    @johntate5284 17 днів тому +7

    Great review! I have 2 of the Anker Solix C300DC's and 2 of the Jackery Explorer 100's! The little Explorer 100 is my favorite and i use them quite often but will definitely be using the D300 DC's soon. Thanks for reviewing them with solar recommendations!

    • @todd.parker
      @todd.parker  17 днів тому +1

      I see you’re a fan of USB power stations too. I don’t see any reason to buy smaller AC units, they are just bulkier and more expensive

    • @Jahang89
      @Jahang89 17 днів тому

      @@johntate5284 I have 2 as well. They’re so useful and have so much capacity and I like the fact that the LFP batteries are safer, although I still love my Anker Prime 27,650

  • @StevePilgrim2013
    @StevePilgrim2013 17 днів тому +6

    Great video. You just made my search much easier. Thanks for a really well-done video!

    • @todd.parker
      @todd.parker  17 днів тому +2

      So glad it was useful. Cheers!

  • @michaellamas1497
    @michaellamas1497 17 днів тому +4

    Your micro power system video was the reason I subscribed! Really good stuff

  • @jasyamaha
    @jasyamaha 17 днів тому +10

    This is an excellent review, thank you.

  • @Jahang89
    @Jahang89 17 днів тому +2

    Love the compact car charger idea for the Anker!

    • @todd.parker
      @todd.parker  17 днів тому +1

      Yeah it makes it even more useful

  • @MatthewSmith-lg8zz
    @MatthewSmith-lg8zz 17 днів тому +1

    I went with the Anker C300 because I want the inverter to plug in a lamp during a power outage and for quick wall charging without an expensive 140w wall charger which actually makes the DC version more expensive with less features. I’m also using the PS100 panel and it works really well.

    • @todd.parker
      @todd.parker  17 днів тому +1

      Yeah, the one advantage an AC power station has is the built-in charger. I figure most people own a decent sized USB-C charger from your laptop of tablet but if you buy a super fast one, that is a cost to factor in. AC output is useful but in my experience, you need at least 500wh of battery to get decent runtimes. With a 5w lamp, you’ll be good but I see so many people disappointed that they can’t run a CPAP through the night or a TV for more than an hour or two with a typical 300wh small power station. The Anker panel is a solid choice, have you seen good output? Mine was a bit lower than others but still decent.

    • @MatthewSmith-lg8zz
      @MatthewSmith-lg8zz 17 днів тому

      @ With mid day sun I’m getting solid mid 80’s. I was at 60% charged this morning and it was scattered clouds. I set up the panel and was only getting 14% at 8am I left it out and noticed it was fluctuating upwards of 60% and back down with cloud cover and I was fully charged in a couple hours. I’ve had this kit now for a couple weeks and haven’t used the grid for any of my tech devices since. I’ve also recharged some rechargeable batteries with the AC. There was a short power outage last week and I plugged in a lamp to light up a room. Way better than a loud 12k gas generator IMO. I have a feeling I may be hooked though and will be looking into larger units and maybe some fixed panels in the future! Btw my largest USB wall charger is a measly 30w, I use a desktop but rely heavily on my iPhone nowadays. I’m using a couple 20k Anker 525 power banks by my bed for the phone and my watch overnight and then filling those up in the day with the C300, all with solar.

  • @Dracomies
    @Dracomies 17 днів тому +4

    I like these but I haven't actually bought one yet. My issue is (1) they’re not modular and don’t last long. Blink, and there's already a smaller, better, more powerful version out, so you’re stuck either paying $200-$300 every time or settling for old tech. (2) It’s situational-I’d only really need it if the power went out, which rarely happens here. Usually, I’d just drive to a restaurant and do what I need there until power's back. (3) Planned obsolescence-like with iPhones. We’re on, what, 15 or 16 now? Not long ago, we had the XR, and now it’s obsolete. Same idea here: the actual lifespan isn’t that long before the newest model totally overshadows it.

    • @todd.parker
      @todd.parker  17 днів тому +2

      I specifically wanted to do this video for a year because I wanted to find batteries that use longer lasting LFP cells like larger power stations. I don’t think there are any major leaps forward coming other than LFP and these already support the fastest PD output so you’re good for a while, I think.

  • @Bomelinn
    @Bomelinn 16 днів тому +1

    Nice review. I really like my Anker Solix C 300 DC. I got the Eco flow 45 W USB-C panel to use with it. However, as you note, the USB-C port puts out very little power. The tiny specs on the panel show, in the bottom right corner, that the USB-C is actually only rated for 15 W. Eco flow took down my two star review, where I posted a photograph of these specs. I have had a much better experience with the Renogy 100 watt EE flex panel. It is well made and while I don’t remember the exact outputs, I was not disappointed with them.

    • @todd.parker
      @todd.parker  16 днів тому

      That 15w rating makes a lot more sense with my results. Glad you found a good panel

  • @douglasmontgomery6315
    @douglasmontgomery6315 17 днів тому +1

    Todd, you missed another foldable panel. I bought this one - LUMOPAL 60W Foldable Solar Panel Folding Solar Charger with PD60W USB C QC3.0 USB A DC18-20V Output off Amazon and was able to 50-55 watts out the USB-C

  • @TheNewMediaoftheDawn
    @TheNewMediaoftheDawn 16 днів тому +2

    They’re cool for sure, but my concern is you can use a few small cheaper powerbanks instead for USB stuff, or you need a 1000Wah or more to run most real stuff off grid…. So for me pointless, but for some could work.

  • @WesRiley-e6v
    @WesRiley-e6v 7 днів тому

    Todd - I love this content! Thank you.

  • @zanado11
    @zanado11 17 днів тому +1

    Todd, been a longtime subscriber and enjoy your channel. Regarding the the Jackery Kit I was wondering if it would support maintains my Alpicool refrigerator?

    • @todd.parker
      @todd.parker  17 днів тому +1

      I assume that uses 12v so no. The Anker 300DC would work well but the Jackery is USB-C only. You can get an adapter but in my experience those don’t provide enough power to run a fridge. Thanks for watching!

    • @zanado11
      @zanado11 17 днів тому +1

      @ Yes it is, I’m using a small Paxcess 250 for aux power now.

  • @jannahfirdausmediapro9621
    @jannahfirdausmediapro9621 17 днів тому +1

    other simple alternative diy pelican case 1200 + 12v 12ah lifepo4 battery + 12v solar charger controller + 12v 300w Pure sinewave inverter

    • @todd.parker
      @todd.parker  16 днів тому +2

      Sure but that's more of an alternative to a traditional power station with AC output. The point of this video is to find small, LFP power banks with lots of powerful USB output

  • @limodrivermike
    @limodrivermike 17 днів тому +2

    Great review! Thank you :)

  • @SloDansChubE
    @SloDansChubE 13 днів тому

    I have 2 of the Anker C300 DC units along with a Elecaenta 120w foldable solar panel which works excellent

  • @adolfo206
    @adolfo206 17 днів тому +2

    good info...how long can you run your portable fridge with the anker solix?

    • @todd.parker
      @todd.parker  17 днів тому +4

      Around 12 hours but it depends a lot on ambient temps and fridge settings

    • @adolfo206
      @adolfo206 17 днів тому +3

      @@todd.parker Thank you for your prompt response and most importantly thank you for sharing the knowledge.

  • @hansginzel5973
    @hansginzel5973 16 днів тому +1

    Thank you.
    What about Nitecore, Goal Zero and EcoFlow?

    • @todd.parker
      @todd.parker  16 днів тому +2

      Nitecore makes nice lightweight power banks but they use standard lithium ion batteries that have short lifespans and are more fire-prone than the LFP batteries I wanted in these kits. Ecoflow and Ecoflow are both good brands with LFP power stations but they don't offer a comparable product that omits the AC inverter and focuses on USB output so I didn't include them

  • @buysomerice
    @buysomerice 17 днів тому +2

    How about a video on power banks and panels even smaller for like back packing!?

    • @todd.parker
      @todd.parker  17 днів тому +2

      Been thinking about that. The options aren’t great in my initial research but I’ll make one if I can find some products to recommend. The Nitecore battery is the way to go but light solar panels usually don’t have enough output to do much

    • @buysomerice
      @buysomerice 17 днів тому +1

      @ awesome, I subscribed hope that helps!

  • @jerrybandy3827
    @jerrybandy3827 16 днів тому

    I bought a Volt Hero 300w (white label) power bank that uses a lifepo4 battery for $110 (after a $50 coupon) and 60w Flashfish portable solar panel for $70. I'm good.

  • @vevenaneathna
    @vevenaneathna 8 днів тому

    theyre still not using prismatic lfp cells -.-
    you could easily fit 500wh inside the anker C300 if they would have went with these better cells which are the 32ah ones i use to replace the battery in my car.

  • @adriftatlas
    @adriftatlas 17 днів тому

    I have the Anker Solix C300 DC. Absolutely love it and the price is very reasonable when it's on sale.
    Still looking for a compact 100W panel for it that is not expensive or poor quality. It's so weird that rigid panels are 50 cents per watt or less, but portable ones are $1 to $3 per watt.

    • @todd.parker
      @todd.parker  17 днів тому

      Yeah, it’s tricky because, as you saw, a 100w panel is pretty large and heavy. For something really compact, a “blanket” style panel might be worth looking at but they lie flat and aren’t usually as efficient so output usually isn’t great

  • @joneberle4952
    @joneberle4952 17 днів тому

    Thank you for your content. FYI. The coupon code does not work for the Anker DC300. Even when I remove the current sale coupon code and try to add yours.

  • @robertleist771
    @robertleist771 16 днів тому

    I really need one of these that support Dell’s proprietary pre-usb 3.1 6.5a / 130W mode.

  • @lika332
    @lika332 17 днів тому +1

    So, the common denominator in this product set is that they are all DC-only stations without inverters? In other words, they are similar to the portable chargers we now carry around everyday in our backpacks and briefcases except they are beefier and have solar input: is that pretty much the idea? If we want to run our routers, TVs, etc. during an outage then it's back over to the "battery generator" category?

    • @todd.parker
      @todd.parker  17 днів тому +2

      Yeah, pretty much. Smaller power stations have such small inverters and batteries that it’s like a car that can only drive 20mph for 20 miles. I’d rather have a scooter. Anyway, these are ideal for USB devices which is the majority of the sweet spot for smaller power stations so why not get a smaller, lighter, cheaper LFP power bank that is super efficient and has more (and better) USB ports. If you want decent runtimes, you gotta get a 500-750wh unit. Skip these 300wh power stations.

  • @oddslug7459
    @oddslug7459 6 днів тому

    The solar input for the Anker C300 DC is listed as 100W. How does that work with the panels you are suggesting up to 120W? How will the bank respond if the input goes over that listed maximum? Have you tested that? Thanks for any info.

    • @todd.parker
      @todd.parker  6 днів тому +1

      All that matters is that your solar panels don’t exceed the max voltage. The current is pulled as needed so there is no problem adding a bigger panel, it will just max out at 100w

    • @oddslug7459
      @oddslug7459 6 днів тому

      @@todd.parker Thank you. Very much appreciate the reply

  • @goodcitizen4587
    @goodcitizen4587 16 днів тому

    I like these DC-only power stations.

  • @dentReviews
    @dentReviews 17 днів тому

    unrelated question. ha. have you ever found a better pocket toolkit "sleeve" than the stretchy one you use? I use the same one and it works ok, but i wish i could find something pocket sized that holds each tool more firmly and maybe wider so less thick...

    • @todd.parker
      @todd.parker  17 днів тому

      Hmm good question. I have carried a leather card sleeve wallet as shown but it’s not wider. I think you’re looking for something with slots for the tools which would be nice. I haven’t found one that is small enough

    • @dentReviews
      @dentReviews 17 днів тому

      ​@todd.parker Yeah,or maybe a leather case similar to the stretchy one but wider. Hmmm. Anyhow, you should make more videos like your pocket tools and regular tools setup. Not sure what, but those were cool. :-) maybe q first aid kit?

  • @bigburly4057
    @bigburly4057 10 днів тому

    Nice vid,
    I liked & Subed !

  • @adon8672
    @adon8672 17 днів тому

    Thanks for the video. Is there any LFP micro power station that can be taken on a commercial aircraft?

    • @Ray_of_Light62
      @Ray_of_Light62 17 днів тому

      On the aircraft there is a limitation to 100 Wh maximum. That translate to a battery capacity of around 25,000 mAh. The almost 300 Wh power stations in the video aren't allowed on passenger aircrafts...

    • @todd.parker
      @todd.parker  17 днів тому

      The Anker kit I showed first is 100wh so that can be brought on a plane

    • @adon8672
      @adon8672 17 днів тому

      ​@@todd.parkerI see. My understanding is that that anker kit you are referring to doesn't use LFP.

    • @todd.parker
      @todd.parker  17 днів тому

      @@adon8672All 3 of these batteries are LFP which is why they are so special. Only the Jackery is small enough to be allowed as a carry on, the other are too big (150 and 288wh)

    • @adon8672
      @adon8672 17 днів тому

      @todd.parker I see. I just double checked and noticed the jackery is 99Wh. Thank you.

  • @homehome4822
    @homehome4822 16 днів тому

    Can these charge while discharging?

    • @todd.parker
      @todd.parker  16 днів тому +1

      Yes, I tested each for that and all 3 power stations can recharge at 100w (Jackery) and 140w (UGREEN + Anker) while outputting their max power. You can see that in the video for each power station.

  • @PleasantPaul
    @PleasantPaul 16 днів тому +1

    TODDC300 code on the Anker is broken

    • @todd.parker
      @todd.parker  16 днів тому +2

      Thanks, I just tested it and you're right. Just reached out to Anker about it.

  • @ENKTechnologies
    @ENKTechnologies 17 днів тому

    What load tester are you using?

    • @todd.parker
      @todd.parker  17 днів тому

      @@ENKTechnologies For DC: a.co/d/45I37Cu and for USB a.co/d/0n0Yr9r

  • @leeinwis
    @leeinwis 17 днів тому

    I already did two weeks ago !

  • @jedics1
    @jedics1 15 днів тому

    "Typical Lithium Ion Batteries" makes more sense to just use the chemistry acronym like you did for the LFP to save confusion. Lithium Ion is an umbrella term that LFP can fall under also.
    I hope these products serve as a gateway to the real thing which is FAR better value glass panels and prismatic cell/ inverter systems that can replace grid energy needs entirely.

    • @todd.parker
      @todd.parker  15 днів тому

      Heh, yeah I was going to call them NMC cells like I normally do but was trying a more casual approach

    • @Techridr
      @Techridr 12 днів тому

      I see your point, but "LFP"(as well as LiFePO4) is not just an acronym, but a universally adopted marketing term. Saying NMC, LCO, LTO, or NCA would each be technically accurate, but I'd argue that "Typical Lithium Ion Batteries" vs LFP will likely not confuse anyone.

  • @ntshmovealong334
    @ntshmovealong334 17 днів тому +5

    Jackary are stupidly overpriced - found better quality and value elsewhere - you just have to look. Thanks for this commercial though it was interesting.

    • @todd.parker
      @todd.parker  17 днів тому +1

      I agree with you...except with this small unit. I've never reviewed a Jackery unit until now because they always seemed to be a poor value but this kit is actually a good value and performs really well.

    • @ntshmovealong334
      @ntshmovealong334 17 днів тому +1

      @@todd.parker Both of the Jackery units I bought spanning a 4 year time period had problems with the usb c... I prefer to have DC and AC with the option of charging via usb, and I have achieved 72 Watt usb c recharge through my setup. Still very compact and portable. 300Wh 100w panel 72w from usb c

  • @bigload6
    @bigload6 17 днів тому +2

    So this video was just a big ad...

    • @todd.parker
      @todd.parker  17 днів тому +2

      It’s a set of product recommendations, yes, but it’s not an ad in the sense that I researched and identified products, reached out for samples, and gave you real data and honest opinions. Some panels didn’t perform well and I told you. Some power banks have downsides and I point those out. I wasn’t paid by any company and didn’t give them any input on this video.

  • @IndependentNewsMedia
    @IndependentNewsMedia 17 днів тому

    Nice overview video, God bless.

  • @Moes_Prep_and_Tech
    @Moes_Prep_and_Tech 17 днів тому

    bluetti x20 has entered the chat

    • @todd.parker
      @todd.parker  17 днів тому +1

      That sure is an odd duck

    • @adriftatlas
      @adriftatlas 17 днів тому

      @@todd.parkerCalling the Bluetti X20 an odd duck is generous. 🤣

  • @winstonsmiths2449
    @winstonsmiths2449 17 днів тому +28

    Proprietary cables is a NO-GO! This is basically an infomercial. He is pimping devices provided to him for FREE! I recommend against Jackery due to QC issues and their habit of using old technology. The 2000 cycles of this battery is WAY below what it should be capable of for a LFP battery. It should be rated for no less than 3000 cycles for this class of battery.

    • @Jasonoid
      @Jasonoid 17 днів тому +11

      I didn't feel this video was that way at all...

    • @winstonsmiths2449
      @winstonsmiths2449 17 днів тому +6

      @@Jasonoid It is, no offense intended, but you must be young and new to these devices.

    • @ntshmovealong334
      @ntshmovealong334 17 днів тому +4

      Have to agree here - if you spent the retail to get a jackery unit, it doesn't take scientific gadgets to learn that they are cheaply mass produced and just do not deliver the quality - even IF you get something working, they use old batteries - I have personally had a unit that the battery drained in between use (it was just a few weeks!)

    • @todd.parker
      @todd.parker  17 днів тому +19

      Sheesh, settle down. I talk extensively about the propriety cables and haven’t reviewed a Jackery product in the past because of the value proposition but this particular kit works very well and is an excellent choice for people that don’t want to deal with the quirks of USB-C PD.

    • @Jasonoid
      @Jasonoid 17 днів тому

      @@winstonsmiths2449 you must be hiding under a rock if you haven't seen my power station videos

  • @LamoidZombieDog
    @LamoidZombieDog 14 днів тому

    All of these solar panels are junk. Ecoworthy sells 100W panels for $55, yeah it doesn't fold in half but its not large.

    • @todd.parker
      @todd.parker  14 днів тому

      Glass panels are a completely different product than folding panels. Good luck throwing one in a backpack

    • @LamoidZombieDog
      @LamoidZombieDog 14 днів тому

      @todd.parker good luck throwing those 24" ones in a backpack too.