This transportable energy station has a standout function that makes tenting safer

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The Anker Solix C800 Plus transportable energy station is at present out there on Amazon for $600.
• It is a highly effective, well-made energy station that delivers on all the pieces it guarantees, and the tenting lights are a helpful addition.
• I simply want it was weather-resistant and the highest compartment was much less fiddly to shut.

Energy stations have completely flipped the script on how I get issues completed once I’m off the grid. Hauling round a strong field filled with energy has been an entire sport changer. Plus, the power to hook it as much as photo voltaic panels for a recharge? That is the form of freedom I used to solely dream about. 

Additionally: One of the best transportable energy stations you should buy: Professional examined

However now, we have hit some extent the place, apart from the model and the way a lot energy they will maintain, there’s not a lot that units one energy station aside from one other. That’s till somebody decides to shake issues up. And guess what? Anker went and did precisely that with the Solix C800 Plus, the primary transportable energy station with removable 3-mode tenting lights.

Word that I’m testing the UK model, so the AC ports are completely different from that discovered on the US model. 

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Anker Solix C800 Plus tech specs

• Capability: 768Wh
• AC Output: 1200W (SurgePad 1600W)
• Ports: 2x USB-C, 2x USB-A, 5x AC Output, 1x automobile socket
• AC Output: 120V~10A, 60Hz, 1200W Max
• USB-C Output (100W): 5V⎓3A / 9V⎓3A / 15V⎓3A / 20V⎓3A / 20V⎓5A (100W max)
• USB-C Output (30W): 5V⎓3A / 9V⎓3A / 12V⎓2.5A (30W max)
• USB-A Output: 5V⎓2.4A (12W Max) per port
• Automobile Charger Output: 12V⎓10A
• AC Enter: 750W commonplace, 1100W UltraFast charging, 1440W max in Bypass charging mode
• XT60 Enter: 300W max
• Battery Sort: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4)
• Equipment: 2 x tenting lights (8 – 130 hour runtime), 3.3 ft/1 m retractable pole
• Dimensions: 14.61 x 8.07 x 9.96 in/371 × 205 × 253 mm
• Weight: 24 lb / 10.9 kg
• Working Temperature: -4°F-104°F / -20°C-40°C
• Charging Temperature: 32°F-104°F / 0°C-40°C
• Guarantee: 5 years 

The Solix C800 Plus, at its coronary heart, is an influence beast, full of sturdy LiFePO4 batteries that may stash a whopping 768Wh of energy. Plus, it is acquired ten ports able to cost up all of your devices. It is just like the Goldilocks of energy stations; it is simply the proper measurement, packing loads of punch with out being a trouble to lug round.

That stated, at 24 kilos, it isn’t one thing you are going to slip right into a pocket or be carrying for miles, however it’s gentle sufficient to haul a few house, workshop, or camp.

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The interface on this unit is precisely what I search for in an influence station — just some buttons to handle powering it on and off, controlling the AC outputs, turning the front-mounted LED gentle strip on and off, and enabling and disabling Bluetooth. Moreover, it is acquired this super-clear LCD panel that is a breeze to learn day or evening.

After I assessment energy stations, I put them by means of the wringer to examine in the event that they actually reside as much as what’s promised on the spec sheet — and which means testing battery capability, how shortly the unit recharges (it takes just below an hour), what every port can truly output, and see if the AC can deal with a little bit of overload with out freaking out or exploding. Since you have already learn the headline, you possibly can make certain that the Solix nailed all these exams with flying colours.

The unit can also be extremely well-built. Anker has housed the Solix C800 Plus’ industrial-grade elements and superior circuitry in a troublesome, drop-proof, unibody development shell. I can stand and leap on this unit and it does not flex or creak or look like it’ll implode, which is nice.

Additionally: Probably the most sturdy energy station I’ve examined dares Mom Nature to do her worst 

However that is all fairly commonplace for a good-quality energy station. The place the Solix C800 Plus shines are the equipment hidden inside a flip-top compartment on the highest of the unit. 

Inside this compartment are two battery-powered LED lights and a telescopic pole. 

The lights have variable brightness and might be switched between candle, floodlight, or flashlight mode, and these have a period of between eight and 130 hours relying on the brightness. 

These lights recharge mechanically when housed of their compartment.

Tucked in there with the lights is that this cool telescopic pole. It expands out to three.3ft (about one meter) and attaches securely to the ability station by means of a customized attachment level. 

The actual stroke of genius is in how the lights hook as much as the pole. It is simple however sensible! On the pole’s tip is a metallic ball, and the sunshine snaps on with a magnet. What’s cooler is you can angle the sunshine any which manner you want.

Additionally: One of the best transportable energy stations for tenting in 2024: Professional examined and reviewed

This setup is improbable. Certain, plenty of energy stations include a lightweight, however having a lightweight down on the bottom is not all the time the brightest thought. It is far more helpful to have it up at hand top, proper the place you are working.

At first, I believed this function was only a flashy gimmick, however with the ability to elevate the sunshine from the bottom to a extra sensible top turned out to be extremely useful.

I am completely bought on this function now!

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

The Anker Solix C800 Plus isn’t your bizarre energy station; it is acquired a particular twist. At first look, it appears like your run-of-the-mill, sturdy energy station constructed for top-notch efficiency and sturdiness. And after a number of weeks of placing it to the check, it hasn’t upset me in any respect. It is managed to energy up all the pieces I’ve wanted, from kitchen devices to hefty energy instruments.

However this is the place it will get attention-grabbing — the addition of the tenting lights. These aren’t simply any lights; they might double as work lights or be a lifesaver throughout a blackout. What’s cool about them is their adjustable brightness and their surprisingly lengthy battery life, even on the best setting. Belief me, having lights that may transfer up from the ground to wherever you want them is far more useful than you’d assume.

For $600 it is a improbable energy station that will not disappoint and will provide you with years of service.