Anker SOLIX Portable Power Station

Anker SOLIX portable power stations provide household-style AC and high-output USB-C power without fumes or ongoing maintenance. They use long-life LiFePO4 battery cells, recharge quickly from wall power or solar, and many models support expansion batteries and a companion app for clear runtime and charging insights.

Who It’s For

• Homeowners who want quiet, indoor-safe backup for essentials during outages.
• RV, van, and overland travelers who need reliable off-grid AC and USB-C power.
• Creators and contractors who need portable power for shoots, pop-ups, and light tools.
• Anyone who prefers a clean alternative to gas generators for night use or shared spaces.

Use If / Avoid If

• Use if you need 300–2,400W continuous AC (model dependent) for fridges, routers, CPAPs, laptops, or small appliances, and value fast, simple setup.
• Use if you plan to add solar for multi-day resilience or want app-based monitoring and charge limits.
• Avoid if you must run high-surge loads like central A/C, large well pumps, or multiple heavy tools at once. Consider a higher-wattage unit or a gas inverter generator.
• Avoid if you need to operate in extreme cold or heat outside the device’s rated temperature; capacity and charging speed will drop in low temperatures.

Right-Size Your Station

Estimate runtime with a simple rule of thumb:

Runtime (hours) ≈ (Battery Wh × 0.85) ÷ Device Watts (0.85 accounts for inverter and conversion losses). Add expansion batteries to increase Wh linearly.

Example Runtimes

Device	Typical Watts	~1,000 Wh Unit	~2,000 Wh Unit
Wi‑Fi router	10 W	~85 hours	~170 hours
Laptop (USB‑C)	60 W	~14 hours	~28 hours
CPAP (no humidifier)	40 W	~21 hours	~42 hours
Refrigerator (average)	150 W	~5–6 hours	~10–12 hours
TV + Streaming stick	100 W	~8.5 hours	~17 hours
Mitre saw (intermittent)	800 W	~1 hour	~2 hours

Fridges and tools cycle on/off, so real-world runtimes can be longer than the simple calculation. Always leave 15–25% headroom for startup surges and unexpected loads.

Charging Options

• Wall (AC): Fast recharging is supported on many models; midsize units commonly refill in about 1–2.5 hours. Use a dedicated outlet and avoid long, thin extension cords.
• Solar (portable or roof): Connect MC4 or compatible panels within the model’s voltage/current range. Daily harvest ≈ panel watts × 4–6 sun-hours. Example: 400W panel ≈ 1.6–2.4 kWh/day in good sun.
• Vehicle 12V: Useful as a slow top-up while driving; not a fast recharge method.

Expandability and App Control

• Expansion batteries: Select SOLIX models support add-on batteries to double or triple runtime—ideal for extended outages or boondocking.
• App features: Monitor input/output, set charge limits (helpful for battery longevity), schedule quiet hours, and update firmware.
• UPS-like behavior: Some models support passthrough power. For sensitive electronics, confirm transfer time and behavior in your specific manual.

Ports and Compatibility

• AC outlets: Pure sine-wave output suitable for most appliances. Check both continuous and surge ratings against your devices.
• USB-C PD: High-wattage ports can fast-charge laptops and cameras. Verify per-port limits if you plan to run multiple devices at once.
• 12V DC: Many models offer regulated 12V ports for fridges and CPAPs; using DC is more efficient than AC + adapter.
• High-surge tools/Compressors: If startup trips protection, stage loads, use soft-start accessories, or choose a higher-output model.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Quiet and indoor-safe, low maintenance, fast to deploy, app monitoring, solar-ready, long-cycle LiFePO4 cells.
• Cons: Upfront cost, finite surge capability vs. gas generators, recharge time depends on AC/solar availability, reduced output in extreme cold.

Setup, Care, and Safety

• Keep vents clear; operate within the temperature range in your manual (commonly around 32–104°F/0–40°C).
• Stage large loads so they don’t all start at once. Avoid daisy-chaining power strips.
• Use appropriately sized extension cords (12–14 AWG for higher loads) and keep cords dry.
• For longevity, store around 30–60% charge and top up every 3–6 months if unused. Enable charge limits in the app when available.

Alternatives

• Gas inverter generator: Better for long, high-wattage use where fuel is available; louder and not indoor-safe.
• Compact power bank (100–300Wh): Travel-friendly for small electronics but not for appliances.
• Whole-home battery/inverter: Seamless backup for entire circuits; requires professional install.

FAQ

Will it run a refrigerator overnight?

Estimate the fridge’s average draw (often 100–200W). A 2,000Wh station can provide roughly 10–17 hours at 150W average (2,000Wh × 0.85 ÷ 150W). Cycling and ambient temperature affect results.

Can I use the station while it’s charging?

Most models support passthrough charging so you can charge and power devices simultaneously. Check your model’s manual for limits and best practices.

How much solar do I need?

Target daily harvest to match your usage. As a guide: panel watts × 4–6 sun-hours ≈ Wh/day. For a 1,000Wh daily target, a 200–300W panel in good sun is typical; double that in cloudy conditions.

Can it power an RV air conditioner?

Small A/C units may exceed the continuous or surge rating. A soft-start kit can help, but verify both the A/C’s surge and the station’s surge output before attempting.

Is it airline travel friendly?

Large power stations are not allowed on planes. Only small batteries (generally up to 160Wh in carry-on, with airline approval) may be permitted. Check airline and TSA rules.

Bottom Line

Anker SOLIX portable power stations deliver dependable, indoor-safe power with fast recharging and optional solar expansion. Size the unit to your peak watts and daily Wh needs, leave headroom for surges, and you’ll have a flexible energy hub for home backup and life on the move.