Bluetti EB3A Tiny Solar Power Station Worth It?

[@PH-uj6px]

Sometimes you have to go with what you can afford. My dad got one of these with the BLUETTI 220 W solar panel and it works great for him.

[@ButteryAftertaste]

So this may have already been mentioned, but you did not make a proper attempt to engage the AC outputs when it was charging. When the screen is on, it just needs to be QUICK PRESSED, not held. I can understand how this would not necessarily be intuitive, but it's nonetheless how it operates. Mine works perfectly fine when I do this for both charging from a wall and using AC output for UPS function simultaneously. Check your unit again.

[@KING_D2_HCA]

I have one and I love it. I use it for exactly what you mentioned. I charges my dewalt batteries, lights, a fan. It was a killer score for 195$. I do recommend adding it to your preps. And with 100w panel it charges quick.

[@zapcodeknock4503]

A 100w solar panel? Is bluetti selling those?

[@ImBetterThanYouHoe]

Have you tried running a laptop on it

[@KING_D2_HCA]

@@ImBetterThanYouHoe I've charged my laptop from it.

[@smirking8457]

@@ImBetterThanYouHoe It runs a laptop great - especially if your laptop is newer and can charge via usb-c

[@debbiedogs1]

Absolutely love these for small needs, so light to carry, and charge very fast with 200W solar panel. I am a senior lady with some back issues, and sometimes I even solar charge these repeatedly, bringing them out and back in to charge a larger unit I have when my back is saying it does not want to haul the larger 32 pound unit in and out!!

[@lawdog516]

I have that unit along with several Ecoflows and Jackerys. The 2 things I don’t like about the Bluetti is that it overheats all the time when the other solar generators don’t under the same applications. The second thing is the cigarette style plug, everything I plug into it is loose. My compressor coolers constantly turn off so I have to constantly push the plug back in. I’m very happy with my Ecoflows, so thats where my money is going in the future, thanks for the review.

[@GreenlifeFin]

Thanks, important info for me.

[@gsp49]

Right, I did not even get 8 months of daily use out of my EB3A, I'm going to Pecron or Eco Flo now.

[@stefslyfe]

Wouldn’t uninterrupted power supply mean that if something is plugged into it, loses its main source of power that the EB3A would keep it running? Him plugging the unit into the wall and trying to charge it while having it power something else isn’t UPS. It doesn’t say that it’ll charge while powering something else, it says that if something is plugged into it and loses its main source of power that the EB3A will keep it going. Am I wrong?

[@yubi4291]

You are correct. If any device (like a modem) connected to AC outlet and is also connected to the power station with UPS, the power station will ensure that the modem runs uninterrupted.

[@jwilb007]

ups mode means when you are connected to ac the unit passes the voltage thru to the output but when ac goes off it will switch to the battery aka uninterupeted power

[@paultaylor7691]

I've had one for over a year and it's fine (as you said) for keeping phones topped-up, leaving. Delta Mini & Bluetti EB70S doing the main work in the UK. Everything can be charged fully in less than five sunny hours & I manage okay. A small fridge/freezer is the average 45w draw-hog for the last two and are drained overnight. Personally, I do prefer smaller units for maximum portability, which are easily charged under even UK skies, using two BougeRV 180w panels independentally, before I gain rooftop solar.

[@surfx4804]

I have had no problems charging while running equipment. Even using Solar or AC and also Solar+AC together. I have even tested the UPS with a PC (main thing to watch is some GPUs pull a spike of power when PC is switched on that trips the EB3A if not in power lift mode) The capacity is the weak spot, and the max "solar" input is around 200w limited by the voltage & current.

[@surfx4804]

@dandon1105 I would leave it to get some charge and see if it is still doing it. Then try a different socket as maybe it is the supply. Also try turning the UPS function off and on again. The smartphone app may give you more details. If it is still an issue I can get mine out and give it a go to see what it does.

[@surfx4804]

@dandon1105 Just taken a look. The UPS mode seems to auto enable when you supply mains charging power, it is essentially doing a pass through . That is it passes power through to the various outputs while also charging the battery, and the UPS part is how fast it switches over to battery power when the mains is lost. So, afaik you can't disable the UPS mode, other than unplugging the mains. The flashing part I don't know, and could be your mains power supply. Also I noted that some suggested disabling eco mode as that can cause UPS mode problems (see the app).

[@colinfitzgerald4332]

Turn on the ac inverter with a momentary push on the switch. Continuous push will turn it off. This is why you could not get the EB3A to operate the inverter while charging with ac. My unit will charge with ac and operate an ac device. Hook up an LFP 12.8 v battery to the 8 mm charge port to increase the EB3A’s battery capacity. Hook up two 12 v batteries in series to get 24 v and now have up to 200 watts pass-through to power the ac inverter. What I like about this unit is the flexibility it offers in its operating configuration.

[@henrymorgan3982]

I have one of these specifically for charging phones or laptop in an emergency. Primarily if you have to travel in a vehicle and want portable power when stopped. In this case, smaller and lighter is better.

[@randrowe9660]

I don’t mind having several solar stations of different sizes to meet whatever need I have at the moment.

[@SiNFPVGUAM]

I use this as a ups for my pc... A manual is included in the box. Turbo carge can draw from the 8mm And the AC input to provide additional charge wattage.

[@SinSGone]

I specifically bought this unit for the 600w/1200w peak inverter capability knowing that this would sacrifice the efficiency. For me it is worth it since I can fast charge with a generator in an hour or so. It is weird that you had trouble with the UPS. Mine works flawlessly. Maybe yours is defective?

[@gsp49]

My EB3A quit working yesterday, (about 8 months of daily use) when i called the customer service, the lady doesn't speak English fluently enough for me to communicate very well. I was getting ready to order an AC180 to run my microwave, but am afraid to do so now since they are made with the same components.

[@williamcohen3351]

I have one of these that I use for low power applications. For this purpose it works fine. The UPS function on mine works correctly. It is possible that you have a defective UPS in your unit. This is not a powerhouse unit and one should not expect it to be one. Great review.

[@mike.briney]

Agreed. Ive been using my eb3a in UPS mode for about 8 months straight 24/7 powering my modem/router with no issues. Also I just ran the same "C" rate AC discharge test for comparison sake and got a 81.7%. I think i'd be reaching out to bluetti if I were him for a replacement.. Also would be a good test to see how their customer service has improved in the past couple months.

[@john-j7e7e]

i think he needs to short press the ac button a couple of times. he was long pressing.

[@DSMLivin]

I think your issue with UPS is it can only charge at 268 watts, and I think you were trying to pull 600 watts (if you were still using the heat gun). I have one of these and it's great to charge outdoor security cameras. We also loan it out when my son's family go on vacation. It works for what it works for. Lol

[@ChrisTheGr8est]

your holding the power button down, try pressing once when the screen is on then press a second time to turn on ac.

[@MRTHUDTV]

Would this be a good solution to continuously run a 240v 45w Aerator with Solar Panel power during the day. I dont mind if it goes flat overnight provided it self restarts.. One commenter below mentioned that his unit overheats, that may be a problem for me as the unit would be outdoors (in a sheltered cabinet) but in Australian/Queensland heat (can be upward of 45 degrees C)

[@johntate5284]

I have 2 of these and have had them over a year. It does do AC input and output at the same time as both of mine have run in this mode for a year. I can also confirm that the UPS feature works as my internet and stayed up without a burp thru at least 50 interruptions since i have started using them. It also does solar and and AC charging at the same time and does have solar preferred. Did you do a firmware update on this before charging? I found that both of mine were rather buggy until i updated the firmware. If the BMS firmware is not up to date, the 100% state of charge may also be incorrect. One of mine was 76% and the other was 56% after updating the BMS firmware.. I was an early adopter though and i would have thought that the newer units are shipping with most of the firmware updated. I have seen the EB3A run a 19.1 CF Samsung refrigerator for 6 hours and the AC efficiency is closer to 91%. I paid $209 each for mine and that was one of the best purchases i ever made. The first sentence in the manual should read **Update all firmware before charging and use** You have quite the collection of solar generators!:)

[@rrpstpie]

I'm looking to get one as a back up for my sump pump, would this work for that?

[@johntate5284]

@@rrpstpie It depends upon the ratings for your sump pump. It would probably probably run a 1/3 HP pump okay but may have some difficulty starting the pump. Check to see if you can find the starting watts for your sump pump. If it is below 1200 watts, you should be okay

[@almost401]

do you think this will be good to power a 70w guitar amp over a couple hours? Thinking of using this for busking!

[@tomekpi516]

Amps have big capacitors I guess try to measure how looks the power peak when starting amp. If it is below 1000w it should be work.

[@tomekpi516]

My UPS function works fine. Try to click shorty AC button. Don't hold it.

[@quinta_do_sol-Sol-Organico-Lar]

the big question is: can it recharge from solar panel and output ac to refrigerator at the same time?

[@UnderdogCabin]

I had the same problem with mine where I could not use AC while charging with AC. I reached out to Bluetti and they sent me a replacement which I am now using as a UPS running my modem and router.

[@kalebstout7673]

Could this be used for a blender and charging phones on a weekend surf trip? I already have a large eco flow delta pro but it’s huge

[@J.A.D.I.P]

I had to check mine after watching, and it does provide pass-through AC power while charging. Something appears to be wrong with your unit.

[@wildhog3217]

Ups is for power goes out and your connected device will work off your power station directly.

[@samuelroberge]

Well it makes sense, when I build a solar panel system U always make sure that the output is the same as the input or else it would pull more load out of the input and create problems. Small MPPT charge controllers dont want a stronger output as the live input. Not sure why but adding this rule makes a reliable system. Small good MPPT controllers sell for higher prices then the EB3A all together so I think Why push it just to get failures. Thanks for doing it as it proves my theory over larger systems.

[@captsam54]

Love your helmet collection... lol I don't even have one...

[@joemccloskey4402]

I purchased this bluetti unit and it had so many flaws that I had to return it.

[@michaelcaceres2059]

I’m thinking of getting this just to charge my party speaker runs in 110-210V 50W

[@theoriginaldreadpirateroberts]

how long could this support 3 laptops under general use, no gaming?

[@j-sonS]

I got one for $135 and it's great for me. Keeps my TV on UPS mode just fine

[@john-j7e7e]

interesting about 75% efficiency. i cannot charge two ryobi 4ah batteries with this unit via AC, which it should be able to. i think those ryobi batteries are rated at 72wh. i like this power station but i wont get another. also it seems to discharge fast if just left on as well as you cannot charge the bluettie eb3a via usb c.

[@onknight]

want to use this to Power my Sony TV 241W + Router 15 W + Cable Model 36 W would this handle it or I a better off upgrading I like get around 3 to 4 hours of use

[@yubi4291]

Someone I believe correctly mentioned in the comments below about how UPS works and it is not what the 'reviewer' says. If any device (like a modem) connected to an AC outlet, is also connected to a power station with UPS capability, the power station will ensure that the modem runs uninterrupted in case of an AC power failure. In the video, the device is only being powered by the power station and is not connected directly to an AC outlet

[@Ms.Frankenbuilder]

When I lost power it was great to have to keep phones and usb fans running.

[@jessemartinez9561]

You need to do software updates. Mine will charge while i am running someting else. (ups mode) Works for me.

[@clarencewiles963]

No go on this one. UPS ?

[@JohnDoe-1000xt]

can't charge and output at the same time..no pass through..the ac180 can do this

[@jaymedina3142]

I think this "prepper" guy needs to prep better before he does a video! I've got a unit and UPS functions just fine. Seems like he was winging it, doing it on the fly? He should prepare before doing the video so he doesn't screw up. For example saying about the 1200 watts only to have to backtrack moments later.

[@BEYOUTOTHEFUL]

HI I WAS THINKING ABOUT GETTNG THIS BUT SAW YR VIDEO I ONLY HAVE THE $359 ISH FOR IT ITH SOLAR PANELS FOR XMAS GIFTA PLS LET ME NO WHAT U RECOMMEND ASAP THX ANGELA IN MT

[@Electronzap]

Good review.

[@ericb40380]

I need to get into the review game. Apparently companies will just send anyone stuff to "review" for them. And you don't even have to know how it works or anything. You can wing it and just say whatever even if it isn't true. You need to understand the product before reviewing, dude. Why would any company send you something to review when you can't take the time to actually know something about it.

[@astrobob9432]

This is a flawed test. I have had one of these unit for a long time. It will absolutely run ac in and out at the same time. The UPS mode is flawless. All of the features of this unit are well known and tested. It's actually the best value out there. Perhaps learn how to actually test? Good grief. Either you have a defective unit, or you are attempting to promote fud.

[@gsp49]

My EB3A quit after only 8 months.

[@kapteincoetzee]

I'm late change your hz and ups will work

[@grindychum]

This is Bluettis most flawed product in terms of amount of issues customers have had. Case in point your unit's UPS dosnt work 😮, RMA that box.

[@ronbumgarner5479]

👍👍👍

[@ericlid]

I have 6 eb3as all operating as ups for last year just fine 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@bdmenne]

That’s wild you have 6. Pray tell why 6? What’s the application?

[@Vegetarian57]

Weird, mine works fine as UPS, you have a defective unit.

[@TeslaJohn]

I have three of these units. I use them for UPS they work fine .Your EB3A is defective.

[@gsp49]

My EB3A is defective too, must be why they are selling for $149 now.

[@eileenfalcon7635]

Get the BLUETTI app and you will have the screen on the phone

[@larryc1616]

Everyone else gets UPS with the eb3a 🤔

[@jasontharp1258]

This will absolutely work as a ups. You are doing it wrong.

[@josiahm.6463]

Agreed. My power just went out and I tested this function with my PC and EB3A. The UPS worked flawlessly. Not even a flicker on my monitor. I think this review was done in haste and is not very high quality.

[@Tomlinsky]

RTFM.

[@fransahm1956]

Use the app rather than watch the display

[@sergepanasuk5655]

Got one a month ago for ups use. Has failed (overload) 3 times since. Stay away from this product.

[@markjob6354]

Yawn. 🥱 It's practically useless.

[@josiahm.6463]

This was a poor quality review of the eb3a. You can charge with AC and have full AC passthrough with UPS mode. Also his 75 percent efficiency on the AC inverter is lower than other reviewers that actually show their testing on video and don't just say they tested it "trust me bro" 🤣. This guy should probably make a followup video maybe going more in depth before just saying that is kinda sucks idk