Big Differences? Anker Solix F3800 & EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra COMPARED

[@captmichel8035]

Finally a complete perfect comparaison with the most important information like with AC power in allowing 240v out on EFDPU and not on the Anker these small details are very important thank you for a great video with great infos

[@solarguy]

Thanks for watching!

[@Noneofyourdambusssiness]

I've been researching, and I've decided to buy 2 DPU (initially 2 batteries then building up slowly) with a 50amp Hub and having an inlet installed indoors to use for quick outtages (few hrs) . I'm also having an inlet installed outside for a 13000 kw dual fu generator for extended outtages. This way, I can go back and forth if need be. Use solar when possible, switch to LPG when needed or when batteries are recharging.

[@OUFan2]

The low input voltage for solar charging and the not being able to charge from 120 volts ac while using the 240 volts is a deal breaker for me on the Anker 3800. I want to be able to charge from my dual fuel generator using 120 volt ac while being able to run my house on the 240 volts, in case we have lots of clouds for several days in a grid down situation. EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra is the only way to go in my opinion.

[@randyb620]

I considered both of them but ended up going with the Ultra and 5 batteries at the launch price. Mainly because of the solar input. I have 1.6kw to low and 2k to high voltage input. I use it to charge my car and works great (you need to bond the ground and neutral). Also at 7.2 output that’s a real plus. I only charge the car at 4k so I’m not running max on the unit for 5-6 hours at a time. As for plugged into to a wall outlet at the same time mine does not work if I’m using the 240 out. Seems as though anything over 2k out from the 240, the wall tries to pull over 2k and shuts down with an error code. Bummer. Powers my house with transfer switch and car. A real beast. When I first got it and the weather was bad I had a few different error codes, 182, 252, and 479. With the firmware update I only get 479 now and shuts down the high voltage PV, luckily I’m off during the day and can reset it often. Hasn’t been a set and forget system. You might consider waiting till the bugs are settled out.

[@solarguy]

Thank you for watching! I really like solar, battery, and related technology. Please consider subscribing! (and click for the notifications)

[@TheNature101]

Best comparison of both units that I've seen so far, so great job. Some comments: #1 - I do not know how can anyone can call either unit "portable" with the Anker over 200 lbs. Also having the expansion battery "loose" on the anker makes it less movable IMO. #2 - On pricing, you should also include the battery expansion per Wh. One DPU expansion battery is $2549/6144 with code (and NO SALES TAX) for just 41.5c/Wh. Where the Anker is $1994/3840= 52c/Wh. So both units with at least just ONE battery expansion cost 55c/Wh+SALES TAX for the Anker from Home Depot, versus $7304/12288=59.5c/Wh (WITH NO SALES TAX), which is much more comparable (if not cheaper when you factor the sales tax) to the cheapest price of the Anker. And definetly the DPU ends up being much cheaper per Wh when you factor it with TWO or more battery expansion.

[@ronbridegroom8428]

The reasons why I got the DPU are the PV input (the Anker solar 60 volt limitation is stupid and IMO shows they do not understand the market and use cases), the DPU can take 120 volt input and output all the way up to 7.2 kw at 240 volts -- this will allow me to use the Ioniq 5's Vehicle to Load feature (120 volts up to 1,900 watts) as a large 77kwh emergency battery backup, as far as I know only a Victron unit can do this but only 120 volt. Good review

[@Abdon_Padilla]

Any issues with the DPU so far? I’ve been seeing some comments where people are having notable issues.

[@Trillville43]

​@@Abdon_Padilla Like what? I'm glad I got one

[@solarguy]

I haven't heard of any on production units that have been shipped out. What have you heard? I've noted in another video my one MC4 port had an issue (too loose for my liking) but this may be because I have a pre-production unit.

[@bmwlover56]

@@Abdon_Padilla I'm curious what the issues may be as well. I believe i've watched about 20 different "first looks" and multiple reviews and the firmware has been the only gripe so far. Definitely would like to know if there's wider issues before I go about purchasing one.

[@YTYTYTY7]

This is exact set up I was thinking of. I have EGMP vehicle that can provide 120V. And I want to have higher overhead for wattage. I would only require 120V though as for output, but want higher over head like 4000watts.

[@mlebaron1]

We really need a detailed comparison of the EF smart home panel 2 and the Anker Home Panel ASAP. For those of us who already have grid tied solar it could be a critical decision point. I gather the Anker panel is better at managing excess solar power from an existing PV system but one thing I don’t understand is whether the Anker setup would enable the existing grid tied solar PV to function in a grid down situation? That is the holy grail the people with existing grid tied solar are seeking.

[@solarguy]

Stay tuned for that. Neither the smart home panel 2 nor the home power panel will power your main service panel if there is a blackout. They both only feed a critical loads panel (the smart home panel 2 would be the critical loads panel) and the HPP would output to a critical loads panel. The HPP can backfeed to your main service panel (but not out to the grid) and provide power to the critical loads panel when it senses the grid. Where is your grid-tie solar point of connection? Is it line-side or is it backfed through a breaker on your main service panel?

[@mlebaron1]

@@solarguy it’s line-side, I believe. There’s no additional breaker in my main panel. However, outside, there are both a separate manual lever “ac disconnect” and a solar breaker (I believe) in a junction box that is attached to the box with the meter. I think that one must be where the grid AC and the solar AC are “merging”. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@NickWindham]

Good video. Thanks for all the info. You only need to stay below the solar voltage limit. Amps are drawn, so the device will only draw the amount of amps it can use. In fact, it’s best to over panel some to ensure you’re getting peak input.

[@solarguy]

Thanks for watching! Yes, agreed on the voltage vs load. One of my upcoming videos I'll show 810W of solar going into a 300W max input. It's under the voltage limit so perfectly fine for the mppt. When I made this video the DP3 had not been released yet. I don't know how much interested there is in it but I could do that comparison now.

[@NickWindham]

@@solarguy I’ll watch! 🙂

[@Obtuse94]

What is the "do not tilt" warning on the DPU for? Looks like that is exactly how you are supposed to use it with the cart.

[@solarguy]

I was wondering that myself but I think it means that you don't tilt that side down. You are supposed to tilt it up because wheels are on the other side.

[@research903]

Anker should have designed the expansion battery to lock into place on top of the unit. Also, the connectors should be on the top of the main unit and on the bottom of the expansion battery. When the battery is set on top, moving a locking lever into place locks the units together and electrically connects them at the same time. Also, increase the diameter of the wheels. There is no guarantee that they will always be rolling on carpet or even a smooth floor. Feel free to suggest that to them in your review of the system.

[@solarguy]

Having a locking mechanism is a good idea, especially if it could be an electrical connection too. When you have these in a little space like I do, it would be very helpful to have short 90 degree cables. About the wheels, I don't have much trouble pulling it across the grass FWIW. But larger wheels would definitely help, especially in more difficult terrain! Thanks for watching!

[@Huiando]

Some may not have enough vertical space for stacked configuration. Agree on 90° cable.

[@jimfields9491]

An option / port Id like to see on these would be a generator input with pass through charging. So if the battery is low you can connect a generator through the unit to run the house and charge simultaneously. Just waiting for the insane price to come down to earth. Im just looking for a temporary power backup without using useless solar panels. Solar panels are expensive and don’t last nearly long enough to make your money back on the purchase.

[@solarguy]

With the L14-30 to 5+8 adapter you can do this with the DPU. You can use the L14-30 output on the DPU while charging on the 5+8 port with your gas generator at 240v. Did you mean being about to use the 5+8 port with the smart home panel while charging with gas? If so, you can do that but you can only charge with the gas generator at 120v.

[@andrewyang1446]

Wow, self-heating is definitely going to be a factor for me as I am in Canada. Thanks for your detailed review!

[@solarguy]

Thanks for watching!

[@peggywalshcraig659]

the self heating is only good to -4F. (-20C.). In my neck of the Canadian woods, that’s not going to cut it. 😳

[@keithbar19741974]

Lone the channel, just FYI. The EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra cannot power its 120V and 240V outlets while simultaneously charging from the 240V Infinity port. The unit is designed such that the 240V Infinity port serves both as an input for charging and as an output when used in specific configurations, like when connected to the Smart Home Panel or an EV charger. However, the internal circuitry does not support pass-through charging at the 240V input, meaning that while charging via this port, it will not output power from its 120V or 240V outlets.

[@solarguy]

Thanks for your comment! I actually just went and double checked and I am able to input 240 through the 5+8 port on the side and output 120 and 240 all at the same time. When it is connected to the SHP2 then the front output ports are turned off. Let me know if I am misunderstanding you.

[@keithbar19741974]

@@solarguy That is great to know, other reviewers have stated that you can not charge from 240v input while outputting 240v. I know there is a difference between pass-thru or bypass and charge and discharge but I appreciate the the feedback. It is a key part of my decision making.

[@solarguy]

No problem. LMK if you have more questions (just put them as new comments because I can't find replies as easily).

[@gbsorenson]

I really like the Anker Solix 3800, priced right, BUT the low solar input is kind of a deal breaker for me. I'm holding off buying until either that's fixed or something else comes along. I'm also interested in the Yoshino B6000, but it hasn't been officially released yet, so price and final specs are still an unknown.

[@solarguy]

I saw the B6000 at CES. I'm hoping I can get one to try out. It will likely be a much higher price per watt though.

[@gbsorenson]

That's my fear as well, Yoshino's solid state batteries are typically more expensive per kw. They do had one big advantage, they're considerably lighter, but they also have some disadvantages, such as cost/kw and generally fewer charge cycles.@@solarguy

[@hawkmasters11]

The dpu has a larger solar input. That's what I like about the dpu

[@briansmith6106]

Does the Ecoflow Delta Home panel only accept the Delta devices as inputs or could you input the Anker as a secondary source of power?

[@solarguy]

The SHP2 natively has the 3 ports for DPU's. You can use the F3800, for example, through the generator inlet. That's how I was using it in those scenes with the F3800 and the higher AC loads. Let me know if you have any more questions.

[@jamesrahn2065]

new subscriber loved the video, but is there any programability that would allow you to plug into grid and solar but only accept power from grid if below40% battery?

[@solarguy]

Thank you for the sub and for watching! Yes, there is a setting for that in the App for Delta Pro Ultra. For the F3800, there isn't any option that I know about. With their respective grid hardware (smart home panel 2 for EcoFlow and the Home Power Panel for Anker, you can set limits like these) . Not sure if this is what you are asking but I also just found out about a programming group that is getting an API from EcoFlow. I'm not sure what kind of opportunities that may bring up but I think it's great for 3rd parties to be able to monitor and interact with the devices.

[@solarguy]

I should also add that since I made this video the new firmware on the F3800 allows for dual charging solar + grid.

[@meghandailey5040]

Do you have a video about the solar panel set up for a DPU? I've had a hard time finding information on the panel side of the set up. TIA.

[@solarguy]

I cover that issue some in the delta pro ultra video I made before this video. Check that out and post a question there if I didn’t answer your questions.

[@GoodmanMIke59]

I've had grid-tie battery backup flooded lead acid batteries for 12 years. 2800 watt solar, SMA equipment. ... Haven't made the leap to the all-in-ones or the DIY hand trucks. I like this comparison of 240 volt units. Your channel is straightforward but it is "AN (not A) INLET box " CONSIDER COMPARING 2 DELTA PROS VERSUS 2 HYSOLIS APOLLOS FOR THE SAME 240-VOLT OUTPUT. As for bonding neutral and ground on the apollo, bonding neutral and ground "DIY SOLAR POWER WITH WILL PROWSE" shows how that can be done on the Apollos.

[@GeoffJohnson]

Great review! I'm looking for a home backup solution that I can recharge via my EV that has 120V 15A output via it's V2L adapter, but I need to use 240V output for my well pump and HVAC. This seems to be the only one that can do that.

[@solarguy]

Thanks! Let me know if you have any other questions about them.

[@jamesmaccubbin7434]

Great video, thank you! So I'm looking to use the DPU in my car hauler trailer that has several residential panels on the top. You noted the need to ground in the HV input. Can I just ground it to the trailer itself?

[@solarguy]

Thanks for watching! The grounding I was referring to when connected to your house system (and using PV) is to the earth ground. Unless I am misunderstanding, if it's in your trailer you aren't going to have earth ground.

[@jamesmaccubbin7434]

@@solarguy I've only had a bespoke Victron system before, so I'm hoping this will work for my adventure trailer. I've got 2300W of residential panels up top running about 330V and 11a, and I'm assuming I can jsut make the connections to the DPU HV port like I did with the Victron system in my last trailer. Do you see any issues?

[@solarguy]

I don't see any issues with that setup.

[@chadanderson-w4v]

I almost bought Anker due to the price but the solar input is the downfall of that model. The delta eco flow ultra is well thought out but I have seen a couple videos complaining about the power is dirty. Other than that and the price delta would be my pick. Keep in mind if your not trying to be mobile you can build a eg4 for about half the price

[@j1GodsSon]

What's an eg4?, and what would you suggest for those who want to be more mobile? With regard to cost per Watt hours. I might just go with a propane generator, unless I can find a better deal on batteries. I know there's new lithium battery technology emerging on the market, like solid-state, lithium sulfur, nanomaterials, and chloride-based cathode, so many it's best to just wait a while before investing $5,000+ on batteries.

[@daniellecFL]

Question...which product powers a refrigerator longest...anker solix f3800 or ecoflow delta pro 3?

[@solarguy]

If you compare the storage capacity without expansion batteries (and assuming the ac efficiency isn't wildly different - which it shouldn't be) then the Delta Pro 3 would last longer since it has 4,096Wh and the F3800 has 3,840Wh of capacity. I will be making content on the Delta Pro 3 - so let me know if you want to see anything in particular or have other questions.

[@GoodmanMIke59]

4:06 does the DPU 50 amp hub automatically parallel or is there some setting?

[@Kevin_Patrick001]

DPU is definitely the better unit for me but they need to come down in price. If you add an extra battery does the price per wh come down?

[@LarryRichelli]

That cord that sticks out on the side of the Anker kills it for me!

[@fredericjanelle]

It is a little weird...

[@richardburgos7496]

Have you had a problem with the Delta pro ultra sold by amazon? The q/a:"Is ac pass through possible with 120v input? A:Use the c20 outlet for a bypass mode with a 120v input. There is no bypass mode for 240v input. AC output is turned off at this time."

[@solarguy]

I’m not sure your question but on my unit I can bypass both 120v and 240v (with the 5+8 port as the input, like using a gas generator).

[@richardburgos7496]

@solarguy thank you for the response. Can I get your option before I purchase the dpu? I live in apartment and will be using my wall outlet to charge the dpu. Will I be able to use all of my battery outlet??

[@richardburgos7496]

Use all outlets while charging from my wall outlet

[@solarguy]

No problem. If you have the wall AC plugged in, yes, you can get access to all of the 120V AC ports and even the 240V output, which is very unique. I'll keep the video description updated with new coupon codes as I get them. It looks like the amazon link is the best deal at the moment.

[@stephenmau8441]

I see a lot of uses for the DPU, but in my case I want to tie in my home PV with the battery and grid. I heard the DPU can't be tied in with Grid. Where as the Anker has AC Coupling. Is there a way to make the DPU do the same?

[@solarguy]

Neither one can be integrated natively in with your home system without an accessory. For EcoFlow is it the Smart Home Panel 2, which is a smart sub-panel that the DPU directly connects to. You can have home PV solar system and this would be a battery storage option for backup and for things like saving money with Time Of Use rates with only the loads on this sub-panel. The DPU can also accept the solar input directly so you could add more solar in addition to your home PV system and not have to go through any grid-tie agreements, etc with your utility. The upcoming Home Power Panel from Anker inputs AC and outputs AC (it doesn't have the individual circuits like a sub-panel would). The F3800 systems connect to that. I have asked Anker for more information on the HPP so I hope I can answer with more details if desired. Does that answer your question?

[@stephenmau8441]

Thank you so much for the info. I hope you can go over my situation in the future. I'm trying to find the easiest way to tie things together. Trying to mimic what the Powerwall does. Again thank you for your videos and reply. Subbed.

[@solarguy]

No problem. Feel free to email me or post questions and I will do my best to reply.

[@issameQ]

Anker is still trying to stay portable even in this category. They want to offer more versatility. Ecoflow ultra is 99.999% is aimed for home back up and stationary use. It’s way heavier than anker (without the extra battery), larger in size and more expensive.

[@solarguy]

They are both technically portable but yes, the F3800 I'd say is more portable when using it outside the home for things. Though at about 132 pounds, not something you just toss in your car like you would with a much smaller power station.

[@GoodmanMIke59]

10:16 you really should compare the solar charging of the Apollo to the DPU. Much more robust VOC. Also Apollo starts the inverter on full discharge at a programmed percentage of charge in the morning with adequate solar.

[@josephpullman5757]

Notice he's using the EcoFlow breaker box

[@joshwurzel]

If this is connected to an generator inlet, how does one support multiple inverters? Or are you limited to one inverter unless you have their smart box?

[@solarguy]

Which device are you referring to? DPU or F3800? If you only have a generator inlet (say its 50 amp rated) then you can get the double hub for the F3800 or the 50 amp hub from ecoflow and either of these allow you to take two inverters and connect them to one inlet box.

[@joshwurzel]

@@solarguy thanks! Very helpful video. I am planning to get the DPU.

[@atwixtor]

So you can't use 24.8V 100w Jackery panels to charge the EcoFlow? What if you string a few together?

[@solarguy]

You have to get over 30v so if you put at least two in series it would work on the low voltage input.

[@GoodmanMIke59]

5:00 ... (Finally at 8:20) ... 15:25! why don't you mention the price of the batteries when you're dealing with the load value in kilowatt hours between the ANKER with its expansion battery in order to get to roughly the same capacity as the DPU. ALL OF YOU GUYS, EVERY CHANNEL, ALWAYS LEAVE PRICE AS A SIDE NOTE AT THE END.

[@electechchannel3739]

Not being able to put out 240v while AC charging is a major fault on the Anker, and the only reason I chose the more expensive EcoFlow.

[@grahamkearnon6682]

Are the invertors 'pure wave' ?

[@solarguy]

Yes, the both are.

[@peterroku6980]

An important correction: on the EcoFlow DPU if you input 240 (via the side port) it shuts down all the outputs. From their FAQ: When charging EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra with 120V, it can output 240V normally. When charging EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra with 240V, it cannot output 240V. When charging at 240V using X-Stream charging [the side port] via an AC inlet, AC output is not available. That is to say, when charging with high voltage 240V input voltage, all AC output is disabled.

[@solarguy]

I’ve read that too but I’ve been able to input 240v on the 5+8 port with another generator and measure 240v on the L14-30 port at the same time so I don’t know what to say. Maybe they are referring to when you have it connected to the smart home panel 2? I’ll have to test these scenarios some more and see if I can figure out what they mean.

[@peterroku6980]

Interesting, thanks for the report. So both 120 and 240 on the front panel work when charging using a 240V "EcoFlow AC Generator Charging Adapter" on the side port? This makes my use case of effectively a 120/240V UPS so much easier.

[@solarguy]

I just ran a test to confirm. I have a preproduction model so I doubt they would have changed the feature in the retail version but I was able to run my house loads at 240v through a generator inlet box, run a 120v load, AND input 240V at the same time (from another generator).

[@allfloridabaseball]

Did you test the battery efficency for these generators? Interested in knowing what the Ecoflow is. I bought the anker and I'm only getting 2700 to 2800 watts out of the unit (about 72% of the claimed capacity). Apparently the inverter is a power hug and it uses a lot of power. Very disappointed with the battery efficency. Thinking about sending it back.

[@solarguy]

I don't remember the numbers off hand exactly but the F3800 was at least 84% with a constant load of 1,000W. What was your constant load amount draining from 100 to 0%?

[@allfloridabaseball]

Used 265watts for 10.5 hrs in my test. I need it for hurricane season here in Florida. Realistically most people won't be using a constant 1000W load, specially after or during a storm when you have no idea how long the power will be out. Sometimes days. Most will be conserving energy and using only the bare minimum to get by. Have you tested any other large units with better results? Less power hungry inverter?? Thank you for taking your time to answer my comments. Great review by the way!@@solarguy

[@Trillville43]

60v limit, less than 30amp on 240v, and battery being 3.8kwh is a no for me. It's a good product Anker has made, but it's not better than Ecoflow offering.

[@kentlosee9832]

I bought the Anker Solix F3800 with 4 Rich Solar Mega 200 watt Solar Panels. Nobody has a video on how many, or what size of Solar Panels to Max out the Anker Solix F3800 input. Does anyone have any suggestions for me?

[@solarguy]

On my main channel video reviewing the F3800 I talk about that a little near the end of the video, if interested. Each of the two XT60 ports can handle up to 1200W in a more ideal scenario, so a total of 2400W total. The main consideration is the 60V input limitation on each port. I looked up your 200W panels and they have a max power voltage of 20.4v. So you can put two of these in series and put them on the one XT60 port and the same on the other port. Or you can parallel the two sets in series and put them all on one XT60 port (since the max current would be 9.8A+9.8A = 19.6A (which is less than the 25A max on each XT60 input port). Then you could get another (4) 200W solar panels and do the same on the other XT60 port. This would get you 1600W of total solar input.

[@gofy8481]

yeah these things are cool, especially the Ecoflow Ultra, but in reality you need a gas, diesel, or propane generator for any long term needs...more than a day a two. Get a duel fuel, run it on propane, and you won't have the problem of gas sitting for a long time. Imagine, you buy a predator, Westinghouse, or champion 12500 duel fuel for 1500 max. Done. These power stations are just a shiny object. Good for Van Life, I own two Ecoflows, but they are not serious for home backup.

[@pip5461]

A shame that they aren't available in EU/UK...!

[@tdcattech]

The Anker F3800 is now but I have read EcoFlow have no plans to release the Delta Pro Ultra in UK or EU! Can anyone confirm that?

[@pip5461]

I hope EcoFlow pull their fingers out@@tdcattech

[@EcoholicsAnonymous]

Not quite fair to compare an Anker with an extra battery vs. a DPU with only one battery. Add a second battery to the DPU then the price per watt improves greatly

[@hi9016t]

Actually it’s a more fair comparison with the extra battery since the anker is like 2300 cheaper and the two units really don’t compare in the first place so the battery would put it on a more level playing field and it’s still less expensive than the ultra. Anker really doesn’t have a direct competitor to the ultra just saying, so that’s the only way to really compare the two.

[@wthharrison7233]

DPU FTW

[@tlteal]

It seems like the solix 3800 would be a better comparison with the Delta Pro not the Ultra.

[@AverageJoe2023]

DPU says do not tilt

[@solarguy]

I think they mean don't tilt that side down because it's the side with the handle.

[@samonnchhay]

Recharge from the solar tank 12 hr it too long to fully charged 😢😢

[@solarguy]

I’m not sure if you are asking a question or mentioning something you have experienced.

[@gofy8481]

Giant Chinese battery /generator companies give away a few 5k free generators to a few American looking people, for them to "review". yeah these things are cool, especially the Ecoflow Ultra, but in reality you need a gas, diesel, or propane generator for any long term needs...more than a day a two. Get a duel fuel, run it on propane, and you won't have the problem of gas sitting for a long time. Imagine, you buy a predator, Westinghouse, or champion 12500 duel fuel for 1500 max. Done. These power stations are just a shiny object. Good for Van Life, I own two Ecoflows, but they are not serious for home backup.

[@MrAAgabriel]

Just got an F3800 for $2k.

[@solarguy]

Nice!

[@grahamkearnon6682]

Come on, the cables, Ankers cable is soft, maluble.

[@donblade5405]

I just want something for hurricane season to RUN A WINDOW AIR CONDITIONING, and ABLE TO CHARGE IT with my vehicle inverter.. that is what i need to know? Help.. all the technical stuff is above my level..lol EV? buy a gas car..lol

[@JamesG1126]

These prices are ridiculous. You can build your own system for thousands $ less.

[@Jasonoid]

Why was this video not recommended to me!! KZbin is lame!

[@solarguy]

Well, I guess I have to agree. =)

[@Jasonoid]

@@solarguy great overview comparing these units. I am planning to do something similar just showing the limitations of both units.

[@solarguy]

Thanks! Eager to check out your video when it comes out.

[@solarcharging9743]

I wouldn't buy either one of these units because they both lack galvanic isolation between their DC boost stage and their AC output, which makes them both far too dangerous for use in my home.

[@oui.monsieur]

Wth is all that about Jimmy the cricket