$199 Anker 521 Portable Power Station, 256Wh Solar Generator $199.99 at Amazon

jaredalanmitchell

Sep 27, 2022 12:53 AM

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Joined Sep 2014

jaredalanmitchellSep 27, 2022 12:53 AM

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I like Anker, but I think the Bluetti EB3a might be a better value (especially if it comes under 200 again).

Bluetti has faster AC charging without a brick, faster solar charging, 600W inverter, wireless charging, app control and UPS feature. The Anker does have USB C Input which could be handy.

Last edited by jaredalanmitchell September 26, 2022 at 05:59 PM.

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4u2c

Sep 27, 2022 1:04 AM

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Joined Feb 2012

4u2cSep 27, 2022 1:04 AM

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" someone tell me why I need this? (i don't live in TX, lol"

I'm in Texas and just started messing with solar.

I got a 500 watt unit for $180 and a 100 watt portable panel for $80 so $260 plus tax and I still can't make a cup of coffee.
It does run my pellet grill but I don't want my coffee tasting like brisket.

You gotta define what your needs are and buy accordingly.

Last edited by 4u2c September 26, 2022 at 06:12 PM.

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steppedinit

Sep 27, 2022 2:08 AM

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steppedinitSep 27, 2022 2:08 AM

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For $250 you can get an Ecoflow with a lot more power.

https://www.amazon.com/EF-ECOFLOW...RydWU&th=1

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Ransom

Sep 27, 2022 2:40 AM

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RansomSep 27, 2022 2:40 AM

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These devices frustrate me because other than capacity marketing there's no decent reason why they aren't made with Lifepo4 cells. And with Lifepo4 one year from manufacturer date the capacity will be the same, but with 10x+ greater longevity going forward.

Once they make a lifepo4 version I'll buy it.

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gemniii42

Sep 27, 2022 2:43 AM

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gemniii42Sep 27, 2022 2:43 AM

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Quote from steppedinit

:

For $250 you can get an Ecoflow with a lot more power.

https://www.amazon.com/EF-ECOFLOW...RydWU&th=1

Uses NCM batteries.

https://www.everexceed.com/lifepo...eries_n187

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jaredalanmitchell

Sep 27, 2022 2:46 AM

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jaredalanmitchellSep 27, 2022 2:46 AM

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Quote from Ransom

:

These devices frustrate me because other than capacity marketing there's no decent reason why they aren't made with Lifepo4 cells. And with Lifepo4 one year from manufacturer date the capacity will be the same, but with 10x+ greater longevity going forward.

Once they make a lifepo4 version I'll buy it.

This is Lifepo4. So is the Bluetti EB3A thats been on sale here. The Ecoflow someone mentioned is not.

As I mentioned, the EB3A seems like a better value. I have one and really like it, charges super fast from the wall or solar.

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steppedinit

Sep 27, 2022 2:49 AM

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Joined Dec 2008

steppedinitSep 27, 2022 2:49 AM

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Quote from gemniii42

:

Uses NCM batteries.

https://www.everexceed.com/lifepo...eries_n187

I am OK with NCM, since this is just for emergencies. Even if I used it daily on the job, 1000 charges will last 3 years. And like your link mentioned, NCM is lighter if I have to cart it around.

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steppedinit

Sep 27, 2022 2:54 AM

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Joined Dec 2008

steppedinitSep 27, 2022 2:54 AM

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I had this BLUETTI EB55 700W 537Wh Portable Solar Power Station Generator LiFePO4 which was $299, but the power supply was really noisy. Fan noise was really loud, but it had a whine which was intolerable if you are in the same room. The unit itself was fine, and wish they could have just sent me a new power supply.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/38511501...R6TG2c3vYA

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dbernie41

Sep 27, 2022 4:03 PM

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Joined Jun 2009

dbernie41Sep 27, 2022 4:03 PM

2K Comments

How long could I run something like a 24" computer monitor off one of these?

1

jaredalanmitchell

Sep 27, 2022 4:22 PM

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Joined Sep 2014

jaredalanmitchellSep 27, 2022 4:22 PM

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Quote from dbernie41

:

How long could I run something like a 24" computer monitor off one of these?

Probably a couple hours. It could run 256 Watts for 1 hour (in a perfect world). Most computer monitors (modern LED) draw less than 50 Watts from the wall, so figure on a few hours.

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UrAvgRasian

Sep 27, 2022 11:02 PM

118 Comments

Joined Jan 2016

UrAvgRasianSep 27, 2022 11:02 PM

118 Comments

It's a nice deal but it's hard to beat model 523 when it went on sale for $239.99. That extra 100W of output power makes the difference.

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jkloisdafoiwdaf

Sep 27, 2022 11:19 PM

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Joined May 2009

jkloisdafoiwdafSep 27, 2022 11:19 PM

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You don't need this as long as you beg your emperor for electricity

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AMZNDealFinder

Pro

Sep 28, 2022 11:14 PM

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Joined Feb 2006

AMZNDealFinder

Pro

Sep 28, 2022 11:14 PM

7.5K Comments

so......you could buy the one in the OP....or you could get this one that's $500+ more in retail for less. I don't know if it's solar rechargeable capable, but it packs a much larger punch https://smile.amazon.com/Schumach...deae8f9840

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joexner

Sep 28, 2022 11:25 PM

29 Comments

Joined Jun 2017

joexnerSep 28, 2022 11:25 PM

29 Comments

> someone tell me why I need this?

Charge your EV, drive 1 mile to charger.

1

$199 Anker 521 Portable Power Station, 256Wh Solar Generator $199.99 at Amazon

$200

$250

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