Great reviews for this. Seems to be some confusion on whether it can or should be charged with a 50 vs 100 watt solar panel. Anyone try it with either?
Calling it a, “Generator” seems a bit misleading. It is, in fact, a large power bank. If you were to combine it with a solar panel exposed to sunlight THEN you would have a potential power source.
I was coming here to post the same thing. It’s a “Solar Generator” than has no “solar” capability by itself and “Generates” nothing by itself. I guess the “portable” part is accurate at least?
It’s a damn power bank, a big LiPo battery with a handle. It’s not a generator of any kind and it comes with no solar at all. FAKE NEWS!
The Amazon listing references a separate solar panel available for $158.07 compatible with battery units like this one. PAXCESS Foldable 50W Solar Panel Charger for Suaoki Portable Generator/8mm Goal Zero Yeti 100/150/400 Power Station Battery Pack/USB Devices, with 3 USB Ports
Normally Woot sells the combo, generator with 50w solar panels. This time Woot only sell the single power station. Here is the combo link: https://www.amazon.com/ACOPOWER-Solar-Generator-150WH-Kit/dp/B07H7TWTBH/ref=sr_1_14?m=A1L4RZ3C67RMV1&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER&qid=1550330439&redirect=true&s=merchant-items&sr=1-14
yes you need a solar panel for power generation.
The use of the word “generator” for devices like this has always irritated me. Large battery devices with built-in inverters might justify the term because they can be used in a role similar to that of a real generator – you can plug appliances into them to run on 120VAC (which is usually dirty, “modified sinewave” that’s terrible for motors and transformers). But this product doesn’t even have that going for it. It’s literally just a battery with some charge management circuitry, a bigger version of the USB battery you might have in your pocket. The term “generator” here isn’t a dubious exaggeration; it’s actually a lie.
The description is a double laugh.
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“Portable Solar Generator” As a multitude of comments note, it isn’t “solar” and it isn’t a “generator”. But the title getting 1 out of 3 right ain’t bad… it is “portable”. So there’s that.
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And then there’s the schizophrenic inverter description: “pure dual modified sinewave output”. The terms “Pure” and “modified” contradict each other when used to describe power inverters. You definitely want the “pure” type… but most folks don’t want to spend the money for them since they are a lot more expensive. No sane company would include the dirty “modified” if its inverter were actually of the “pure” variety. Conclusion: this is a modified inverter. Not as good for your 120 VAC stuff unless all you need is lighting or DC power (doesn’t use the inverter).
That this company continues to use this description and Amazon/Woot continues to repeatedly post it does not refelect well on their credibility.
As with many Chinese products, this unit appears to be sold under several brands.
If you prefer easy returns, Walmart is selling it for $116.99 shipped free (vs $114.99 here if you don’t have Prime). …OK, admittedly easy might be exaggerating, you have to enter a Walmart and wait in a painfully slowww line. If you changed your mind you could always add the adapter for $5 later.
Difference in the kit at Walmart - you don’t get the $5 MC4 solar panel adapter (wouldn’t matter if you plan to charge this with car or wall power) but the Walmart version has an 18 month warranty vs the Woot 12 month warranty.
Hotter deal - only 2 hours, 15 min left on Amazon Lightning Deal… $99.99 shipped free with Prime.
24 month warranty vs. Woot 12 month warranty.
https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Generator-Station-Camping-Recharged/dp/B078NQDTPY/
they are in China and no warranty, no local service. ACOPOWER, based in Los Angeles, supports local warranty and customer service.
ACOPOWER is based in Los Angeles, with local warranty and customer service.
Do you work for or have a relationship with Acopower?
Description on Amazon says it is US-made power station, and they offer good warranty terms:
If you are not satisfied with your purchase within 45 days, you can return with 100% money back. No hassles, no question asked. If your generator failed within 1 year time, we will send you brand new replacement.
Haha, over 1-year later? Really?