Compare systems from Bluetti, Anker, EcoFlow, Oupes, and Pecron.
Description of Terms Used in the Comparison
Capacity: This is basically how much power a solar battery can store, like the size of a gas tank for electricity. The bigger the number (in watt-hours), the longer you can run your devices before needing to recharge.
Expandability: Think of this as the ability to add extra "power packs" to your generator. It's like being able to attach more gas cans to your generator to extend its running time, giving you flexibility for different situations.
Lifecycle: This tells you how many times you can fully charge and use the battery before it starts to wear out. A good battery can be charged thousands of times without losing much of its original power-storing ability.
Power: This measures how much electricity the generator can produce at once. It's like the generator's strength - a higher number means it can run more or bigger devices simultaneously, from small phone chargers to large appliances.
Inverter Efficiency: This is how well the generator converts stored battery power into usable electricity. A high percentage means less wasted energy when turning stored power into power for your devices. A value of 85-90% is in the average range.
USB Outlets:
USB-A: The old-style, rectangular USB port for charging smaller devices
USB-C: A newer, reversible port that charges devices faster
USB-C PD: An advanced charging option that can quickly charge larger devices like laptops at up to 100 watts.
DC Output Ports:
Cigarette Lighter Port: The standard 12V outlet you'd find in a car
XT-60 Port: Provides high power output that typically delivers around 30 amps
Anderson Port: Provides high power output that typically delivers around 30 amps
5525 and 5521 Ports: Provide lower power (typically 3-5amps) output for different types of electronics
48V RV Port: A special high-power outlet for recreational vehicles
App Control: A smartphone app that lets you check and control your solar generator from your phone. It's like having a remote control that shows you how much power you have left, how fast it's charging, and lets you turn outlets on and off.
Pros and Cons: Relevant pros and cons were gathered from popular YouTube reviews of these products.
Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering (CIDE)