Inergy Apex Solar Generator Detailed Review With Extra Battery

The Inergy Apex solar generator is a well-known power station that has up to 500 watts of solar input. Formerly known as the K2, it's very controversial whether it can truly run the internal 1500w inverter? In this video, I go into deep detail and do some hard testing of the Apex to find out its true limits and capabilities. Not only that but I add a lithium-ion external battery pack to see how well the Apex performs with another battery attached.
There are some differences between the Apex and Kodiak as well that I cover in this video. Is the Apex truly limited to a 550w continuous draw? Below you will see a recommended kit for the Apex and how to use it to its full capability.
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[@auris1086]

*The solar **Generater.Systems** E300 is a great product . It does everything well. Great job, Jackery.*

[@minutemanprep]

Yes. Depending on how thick the clouds are, the time of the year, and angle of the solar panels, how many solar panels you have, and many more factors will determine how much power you get from them. Last year, in a winter storm, I was still charging my solar generator, you can see it in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bp69qIRnadd-Y9E&t

[@rbiddle813]

I liked your video. I purchased my Apex back in April 19 and received it in July/Aug. Still waiting on the car charger and I understand the rapid charger is still not available. One of the purposes of my getting it was for camping - I use it for my Camper trailer to power overnight so I can secure my gas generator when traveling. The 550-watts is not an issue - Lights, TV and Radio use about 130-watts when all are running, I switch my Fridge to propane. I also use it for Ham Radio/Emergency Radio power as a Emergency Radio operator - Light and portable it works well. It will power my camper minus AC and Refrigerator for about 8-10 hours. Some quirks with it - but it has all the key features I like - Battery expansion (Still waiting on Apex's solution so I still see that as a future item), Lithium battery, at least 500-watts continuous output, ability to charge and draw at the some time (Some don't), light and portable, and high-power input (500watts - Few have that capacity). There are better (Titan) but they are more expensive. I see some quirks with the unit - but overall I do like it. On the RV plug - Max of 12-amps draw by the way - not a 30-amp draw. I like the unit - I would purchase again for the same use I am using it for. One big thing about it for me - I use it heavily for my camper. Light use, but use it a lot. A 1100Wh lithium battery would cost me in the $800-$900 range, and a 1500watt pure sinewave inverter would be $200 or so, so for about $1000 I have good capabilities including portability. This is an easy unit to carry for DR and Shelter use also. Would love to play with the Titan for Emergency planning. I see the Apex as good - not necessarily as best though.

[@minutemanprep]

Thanks for the comment =)

[@markblocker3310]

EXCELLENT REVIEW. Thank you so much for editing your video! I simply cannot watch a video that is 75% "umm" and "uhh" and long pauses. Well done! Brilliant work.

[@minutemanprep]

Thank you very much!

[@Glansful]

You put a lot of time into this video. Very appreciated, thank you.

[@minutemanprep]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@Cryo837]

I bought 2 of them and 5 panels. No regrets. Best combination of weight, portability, and power. Is this your whole house answer. Absolutely not. This is for emergencies, camping, etc. The only negative is that I wish the fast wall charger and car charger would finally be made available. Inergy promised them in November, then end of year, and still....waiting. And thank you for turning me on to that carrying case and panel stand.

[@SmoochieMcgoo]

I have been waiting for this very video. THANK YOU!

[@wartyfrog5749]

Thank you so much for sharing the results!! Can you share the specs of the external lithium battery that you used. Also did you test running the battery down with under 800W load and with the external battery hooked up and see if the Apex is actually able to draw from the additional lithium. So interested to know Thank you so much?

[@minutemanprep]

I will be doing a follow up video because many people wanted to see how that goes with a lower than 800w load.

[@samuelpetersen6897]

Can you also do a video showing the same tests on the Titan with one and two batteries? Think I'm getting ready to buy one.

[@minutemanprep]

Absolutely. I am already working on that. I can tell you now having done the tests that the Titan handles it all just fine. But I will have my video up in the next couple weeks hopefully.

[@rebellucy5610]

The Titan is a BEAST. Just too big for easy portability. Always a trade off.

[@minutemanprep]

@@rebellucy5610 Yes it is a bit heavy. That is why it was designed to have the battery disconnect from it so it is still manageable and easy to move around.

[@OtherMike5000]

Excellent channel. *SUBSCRIBED!*

[@abdullaex4119]

Also slipped my head bone. What exactly constitutes a "Cycle" in one of these APEX machines? It would supply a basic measurement on time concerning the longevity of the batteries. Many Thanks from Texas

[@minutemanprep]

Good question. A cycle is draining the battery from 100% to 0% then recharging it back up to 100%. Ideally this will be at a slower rate like 500w or less, not the full capacity of the battery of 1,100wh. Draining the battery faster results in it not lasting as long. But, you should be able to run whatever you need to without having to worry about that.

[@shelley131]

I bought the Apex before I knew about solar energy. Though it has not delivered to the specifications as listed by inergy it has not interfered in how I use it and as to why I use it. For me basically I bought it to use with my cpap which I ordered a 12V converter for and for the camp lights. I can go about 5 days before having to charge it and that is with me using the humidifier. Do you know if I could use a lithium battery to charge the Apex on days that I have no sun? I know I would need to make a cable for it.

[@abdullaex4119]

Excellent video. Question, Inergy rates at 2000 cycles. Is that full charge to full discharge? I keep my Apex fully charged and 5 times a week run my 7 Inergy lights at night. A very low amp consumption. Run time about 5 hours each night. I find the necessity to run heavier items from this unit at times. Not just lights. So how can I tell when battery replacement is needed? Hate to be out in the back country and it takes a dumb. Even with panels connected to charge. There has to be a way of measuring battery life. Thanks Guys Peace from Texas

[@minutemanprep]

The reality is you'll have to wait years and years before you notice it draining faster and not holding a charge as long. I honestly don't worry about it. My Titan also have 2,000 cycles and it has been running non stop at my cabin for 18 months and can't tell a difference in the batteries. I do roughly half of one cycle per day. So in 10 years my batteries will be at 80% efficiency. Not sure I'd notice even then that they're not working as well as before.

[@thesurvivalist.]

I use 3x1kw LiFePo4 batteries with the Kodiak. The only problem is that you will not be able to full charge them. The max volts is 12.8 while a LiFePo4 battery can go up to 14.4 volts. So you have to charge them with a different charger, and not while connected to those two post. But like I said before, if you have a Titan, why would I want a Inergy? Unless your going camping?

[@QuangNguyen-pk4op]

The Survivalist can you do a video of your setup? I’m looking at something similar but with an NMC power pack which should be compatible with the Kodiak

[@timhousman]

So for the money would you recommend the inergy or would you recommend the Titan? In other words if I spent the same amount of money around $4,500 which would be a better deal?

[@minutemanprep]

Titan for sure. For the same price you'll get the same battery capacity, solar input and weight but the Titan will have the 3,000w inverter and the Flex will only have the 1,500w inverter. Plus the history of Inergy having two solar generators that didn't do what they're actually rated to can be concerning. I will have an updated solar generator comparison chart video coming out soon that shows the Flex on it

[@OtherMike5000]

Thank you! What is the Titan model you're referring to?

[@dpe4]

Thank you very much for the excellent video! Why does the unit shut off when clearly the draw is within the Inverter capacity? (Why doesnt the battery completely deplete if you are within the inverter capacity)? What is the other "Limiting factor" shutting off the device?

[@minutemanprep]

It's because the battery draw capacity is lower than the inverter max capability. The battery is not properly matched to the inverter. It's like using a fireman's hose from a house faucet. The fireman's hose is the inverter which can handle a lot of power but the power source is the house faucet which is the battery, can only push out so much energy.

[@dpe4]

@@minutemanprep Excellent analogy. Thank you!

[@JimHarmer]

Titan is still the best out there then? Thanks for the review.

[@minutemanprep]

Absolutely. No question.

[@darrinmathews7580]

How can the titan be better? At least they exist. I ordered titan August 15 the first day u could. Still don’t have it.

[@SmoochieMcgoo]

The Titan is the best, yes. But that is like stating a Mercedes or BMW are the best cars. Are they good? Absolutely. Do you NEED them? No, not really. The Titan is the best as it hits all the nails on the head, and pretty squarely at that. The Apex is second best. But, if all you need is what they Apex offers, then you are spending more money than you need to for the generator by going with the Titan.

[@slowrideoverlanding1483]

Have you ever tested Exapansion on the Kodiak with Lithium?

[@minutemanprep]

Yes in one of my older Kodiak videos I tested it and it didn't work properly. The screen doesn't read out properly and it didn't seem to really change how long it could run, kinda weird.

[@Malik90848]

Would you recommend this for a camper van

[@minutemanprep]

No. For a camper van I would recommend the (1) Bluetti AC200P: amzn.to/3s5HoB2 or (2) Bluetti EB240: amzn.to/2O29Nph or (3) Delta 1300: amzn.to/2WB2nhV

[@Malik90848]

@@minutemanprep do you know of any other solar generators that accept additional lithium 12v batteries

[@Malik90848]

@@minutemanprep I feel like the inert apex is the only one that does

[@minutemanprep]

@@Malik90848 the Titan accepts 24v batteries. There are not really any other units worth getting that allow extra 12v batteries to be added.

[@glockman9c]

I assume the new stackable system is much better?

[@minutemanprep]

Yes but their new stackable Flex system still is only 1/2 as good as the Titan. I will have a detailed comparison chart video coming out again soon. Flex: 1,500w inverter 1,069wh battery 500w solar input (they claim 600w as usual) Price = $1,500 Expanded Flex: 1,500w Inverter 2,100wh battery (add second battery) 1,000w solar input (add second MPPT charge controller) Price: $2,950 Titan: 3,000w inverter 2,000wh battery 1,000w solar input Price $2,995 So you can see very simply that for basically the same price, the Titan has twice the power capability as the Flex. Both have stacking batteries and expandable solar input.

[@captainjim6300]

The one test you did not do or did not show was would the extra battery help if you only ran 500 watts

[@minutemanprep]

Correct. I am going to be doing another addressing that issue as well as why it ran for 1 hour exactly at 850 watts and completely drained to 0% when it has an 1,100wh battery.

[@wcooper2020]

What would happen if you used a 12V (cigarette) to a 110/120V ac 3-prong adapter?... Looking to draw around 900 watts. Would the DC help?

[@minutemanprep]

Great question. The problem is you can't get 900 watts out of a 12v plug. Volts x Amps = Watts. 12v x ? = 900w. (900 ÷ 12 = 75amps) The max you can draw off the DC port is 10 amps I believe for a total of 120 watts.

[@dslgod]

I’m still loving my Apex but I wish they would hurry and make there external battery back! By chance would be able to share your battery info? Due to corona virus I really don’t think there going to get anything from China anytime soon.

[@minutemanprep]

I didn't build the battery so I don't have the exact specs on it. It's supposed to be identical to what's inside the Kodiak and Apex.

[@mollyrebecca10]

Helpful video. Thank you !

[@SmoochieMcgoo]

Wish List: -Do test with various chemistries of batteries for the external and note what happens. -Do test with varying sizes (more/less) of external batteries and note what happens. -Do test with an AC watt-meter that is plugged in between the Apex and the load to see if the numbers displayed there are as expected, instead of the lower amount seen when using the extra battery. -Do test with one less bulb than the ~850 watt test. Going one more will ensure that the data you got was correct and not a fluke. -Do full capacity test at that 850 watt level (or the watt level with one less bulb, just to be safe) with the external battery too. We determined the external battery doesn't help (much) with load ability. But verifying the total capacity with the external battery to see if it results with expected ranges would be nice. Would be nice to see a full compliment of external batteries as a "full system" and see if the load ability will go up with that, instead of using just one extra. -Do a test with your Apex AND your Kodiak hooked up to greater than 500 watts of solar input. Split the solar input wires to go equally to the Apex and the Kodiak with a splitter. Note the wattage on the input from each display. Does 600 watts of input show as 300 watts per generator, or does it show as 600 watts per generator? I suppose starting this test with the max limit of 500 watts would be the safest start to it. If you note the display showing half the amount, per display, I would say it is safe to go up to 1000 watts of panels, as long as both generators are drawing from the panels at the same time, and as long as each generator is not fully charged so it will accept a charge. Might be useful to have two 500 watt fuses too. One per generator. Just in case. Thank you

[@jeffreyb1560]

Hi, I have a question. Can I connect that Inergy Apex Generator to a Transfer Swith to power all the lights and refrigerator, basically only the 110/120v? Just to know.

[@minutemanprep]

Yes you can through the RV plug. You can still only get the max 1500w at 100% battery and an average of 850 watts continuous non stop draw but the plug is there to be used and can be used with a transfer switch.

If i buy the five panels listed above also do u need the ec8 to mc 4 and the 5 n one im thinking about juat bhying new panels

[@minutemanprep]

Yes you will need the EC8 to MC4 adpater and an MC4 5 to 1 branch connector

[@abdullaex4119]

Also wondered if constantly plugged into AC, would that be detrimental to internal components. I use 7 Inergy LED lights while plugged into AC almost every night. I don't want to deter from the 2000 hour limit. And want full capability of the APEX when needed in a power outage. Because of my situation I prefer the LED lights. Thanks

[@minutemanprep]

No it shouldn't hurt it to keep it plugged in because it has overcharge protection

[@abdullaex4119]

@@minutemanprep Thanks so much. It's great to know a helpful individual with benifitial answers.

[@minutemanprep]

@@abdullaex4119 You're welcome =)

[@leandroalvarado7004]

How many external batteries can I add to the apex

[@minutemanprep]

They say you can add as many as you want but keep in mind that for every battery you add you increase the charge time.

[@ceciland7773]

I have one of these batteries and I’m looking to expand it. The flex expansion is still not shipping though. What lithium battery would pair up to it well? Also, did you run any test at 500 watts or lower to see how much extra run time you get? Thx!

[@minutemanprep]

I was supposed to get my Flex 1500 last October and now it's 10 months later but I was told mine will ship at the very end of July. We'll see. Review coming.

[@ceciland7773]

@@minutemanprep awesome. I hope you really get it soon. I didn’t preorder until a few months ago, so I may be lucky to get mine by Christmas. I really hope you find that the expansion doubles the run time. Fingers crossed!

[@dianemyers250]

Will this power an apt size fridge?

[@minutemanprep]

Yes

[@ot505]

Yes, i use my kodiak at the cabin with a little under counter fridge. Get one of those outlet timers though and set it to go on and off every few hours, that will stretch it out a lot

[@KamikazeBRockets]

Thank you!

[@lbro4998]

if you buy the quick wall charger it will charge it in five hours i got one and it works

[@leungtoon6013]

Can this run a hair dryer for salon

[@minutemanprep]

Sorry but no. But the Titan solar generator can. poweredportablesolar.com/

[@leungtoon6013]

Thanks for your power help !!!! Sopowerble

[@Man.Values]

Is the EGO any good?

[@minutemanprep]

I personally don't like it because it's just a battery bank, nothing else. There's no real way to charge it from solar panels. Which means you have to have another power source in order to use it. I like it as a short term option but it all depends on what you need to run. For the price, there are much better options that can be easily recharged with solar panels which will equal long term power usage.

[@Man.Values]

Thanks

[@nelsonocasio2462]

When using the wall charger just leave the unit off. It charges much faster.

[@nelsonocasio2462]

Love the review

[@minutemanprep]

@@nelsonocasio2462 Thanks for the tip. My thought was if it only takes about 4 watts to have DC turned on then I would only gain 4 watts of charge speed by having it turned off all the way. I prefer to be able to see the state of charge as it's charging especially since as seen in the video there are very different readouts on the screen when the screen is off vs on.

[@LGDiamondFactory]

Hey folks I could use some advice on what to buy for my apartment? I'm disabled and don't want to suffer again like in February for 2 weeks without power. All I run during the day is my computer and portable A/C (24/7). Everything else is just short lived. I do have a window I can put a solar panel in. I could also buy more batteries I just don't know how many? My goal is to sustain power for a couple of weeks. Any help is of course appreciated!

[@minutemanprep]

Hey Jeff, I am happy to help. To be 100% honest, your best bet truly is to go with the Titan with 1,000w in panels. Here's why: The Titan splits into pieces so it's lighter and easier to move around than something like the Bluetti AC200P or other unit. The Titan has a large enough inverter that it's going to run your fridge, A/C, computer, and whatever else just fine. I am assuming you're in Texas or at least the south since you mentioned the February freeze. Having 1,000w of solar means you can still get a full charge on the battery in a single day while running your fridge, window/portable AC unit, computer, and small gadgets. You won't be able to run A/C all night long with any system out there without getting a couple more big batteries, but then you'd also need more solar panels to fully recharge those batteries in a single day, so it gets quite expensive to try and run A/C all night. So for night, you'll need a fan. You mentioned being disabled, not sure how much you can lift or move, but I would go with the poweredportablesolar.com/product/titan-1000-flexx-kit/ Titan 1000 Flexx Kit. The panels are lightweight, produce good power, and can be set up and taken down easily. Please let me know if you have any other questions. If there was another unit that could do what you're asking I'd recommend it. But truly, this is the smallest kit you can go with and do what you need to do. Sincerely, Ben

[@LGDiamondFactory]

@@minutemanprep Thanks Ben! Is there a little smaller unit? Economy is important here and all I need to run is a fan, small cooler, and my computer. I like the Titan (especially over Inergy). If they make a smaller version you think would work, shoot me a link and I'll use it when I pull the trigger.

[@minutemanprep]

@@LGDiamondFactory I really wish there was a smaller unit. Unfortunately as you start working back towards the smaller units, it no longer is capable of doing what's necessary. If you ditched the A/C unit and was just using a fan blowing right on you you'd save a ton of power. But, the next best unit right now is the Bluetti AC200P and it weighs over 60lbs, it is a BEAST to move around. That is why the Titan works because each piece splits into different sections so it cuts the weight down significantly. Sorry brother, I wish I had something else, if there was something I'd truly tell you but the issue is that all the other units out on the market are missing one of the key factors with solar generators. 1) Inverter Size 2) Battery Size 3) Solar Input Capacity. The Titan is the only unit that has all three of those factors done correctly. Every single other unit on the market will have one or two of those factors done well but be lacking on the third. The Lion Safari ME has a great inverter and battery capacity when the expansion battery is added, but it has small solar input so you can't use the unit more than a day with running stuff like you've described. The list goes on and on. I know financing may not sound good to you but if you go to the PoweredPortableSolar.com website and add the kit to your cart, you'll see there's a financing option called Klarna. I haven't met anyone yet who wasn't able to get financing with them. You get to set some of your own terms with them. I'm here to help any way I can.

[@LGDiamondFactory]

@@minutemanprep Thanks much for the info and especially your time! I need to chew on it and may have more ????'s I'll keep in touch

[@minutemanprep]

@@LGDiamondFactory Sounds good.

[@frigidaireful]

Now with the new Flex coming out, it gives the Titan a good run for the money....

[@minutemanprep]

Kind of. Once you add a second battery to the Flex as well as a second solar charger it is comparable to the Titan. Once you added a second battery and solar charger the Flex will have a 1,500w inverter, 2,100wh battery and 1,000w solar input (even though they claim 1,200 no previous model has done that even though they claim it). The normal price will be $2,950 to get that setup. But the Titan is a 3,000w inverter, 2,000wh battery and 1,000w of solar for about the same price of $2,995. But for $45 more than the flex you can twice the inverter... That's definitely worth more than $45.

[@HerkCC]

I have had nothing go wrong with mine....offgrid cabin use.4 panels...over 4 years of weekly use with a optima yellow top as a add on battery.

[@james10739]

Get like a 6 or 3 ohm like 50 or 100 watt resistor and run it in series and then the voltage different should not matter it will just charge or drain the battery till they are the same then remove the resistor

[@glockman9c]

I would guess its an inverter issue, not a battery issue. The extra battery will make it run longer not give you more output.

[@pulesjet]

If you check the light bulb ratings you will find they are 100W @ 130VAC. Using 120VAC the Wattage would show low. Yea they play the number games too. SOOOOOOOO !! Obviously NOT a 1,500W inverter, eaaaa? Will the thing support 1000W continuous ? NO SHUT DOWN ? It's almost impossible to find a Truthfully rated Inverter on E-Bay these days. Even the Gid Tie inverters have inflated numbers it would seem. Most are good for like 75% of the Rated values. Some only 50%. Crazy Frustrating Mind Games. Don't you love the way the push the Wh game ? They say the battery has xxx.xx Wh and then throttle them down to meet some other arbitrary Rating. Like Lead Acid Batteries they rate them 100Ah but your only allowed to use half that to maintain some usable battery life.

[@gerald4nomads]

In my book goal zero 1400 is still number one

[@minutemanprep]

The Goal Zero Yeti 1400 is 2nd on my list. If you haven't seen the Titan yet, you need to!

[@dlbracer56]

That "30 amp" RV plug will ONLY deliver 25 amp MAX.

[@minutemanprep]

It actually only can push out a max of 12.5 amps.

[@darknightofthesoul7628]

Apex is a piece of crap. My AC/DC switch stop working the first year. Inergytek told me that was a common issue, a known defect in design. Sent me a free replacement switch, told me all I needed was a Phillips to do the swap. Nope. To get the darned thing open, I needed a Torx screwdriver...so I went to Home Depot, got the new tool, opened the battery...not an easy replacement. I called to ask the company what gives...only then did they inform me I'd have to "unsolder" the current switch then resolder the new one. What the??? Now that I have the system back up and running, they sent it back fully discharged...their solar panel which used to charge it, would not charge it. So, I'm charging it via wall charger. I'll see if after it has been fully recharged, whether the solar panel will work. Not a great product, would not recommend it.

[@magloirejean4552]

APEX JUNK ‼😁

[@JRR31984]

SPEAK.

[@loveu2222]

Just way to long