DON'T buy a small power station! New LFP micro power stations w/solar panels are the FUTURE

[@todd.parker]

Hi all, Amazon links (affiliate) to purchase the products mentioned are below: Anker 737 Power Bank amzn.to/3NS9MCH UGREEN Nexode Power Bank 25000mAh 200W amzn.to/4esblSG AOHI 140W Power Bank amzn.to/3Yquw9m - Small kit Jackery Solar Generator 100 Plus with SolarSaga 40W solar panel kit amzn.to/4ftyXqR - Medium kit UGREEN 300W LFP Power Bank amzn.to/4eiLc8K UGREEN Nexode Pro 65W Ultra-Slim Charger amzn.to/48GPQfF Big Blue 30w solar panel amzn.to/47UQd5S FlexSolar 40w solar panel amzn.to/4exxUq3 Ecoflow 45w solar panel us.ecoflow.com/products/45w-portable-solar-panel Sunjack 40w solar panel amzn.to/4faPfp0 - Large kit Anker SOLIX C300 DC LFP Power Station amzn.to/4fcnqfX ** Save $50 with code TODDC300 on Anker's site: www.anker.com/products/a17260z1 ** Syncwire Micro USB-C Car Charger amzn.to/3YANudv UGREEN Nexode X 160W Charger amzn.to/3ACiXEd Anker SOLIX PS100 Portable Solar Panel amzn.to/3YxfJKf ** Save $110 with code TODDC300 on Anker's site: www.anker.com/products/a2431 ** UGREEN 130W USB C Car Charger amzn.to/3ClAAIR Powernes 80w solar panel (Budget pick) amzn.to/4eTHWl6 DJI / Zigness 100w solar panel amzn.to/4dCjDH6 XTAR SP100 solar panel amzn.to/3YcKGnZ Sunjack 120w solar panel (Upgrade pick) amzn.to/3UCchgi

[@HoneyBadgerDontCare19]

I’m always blown away by your reviews and the amount of information you provide!

[@todd.parker]

Thanks so much, really appreciate it. This video took months of planning and testing, good to hear it was helpful

[@johntate5284]

Great review! I have 2 of the Anker Solix C300DC's and 2 of the Jackery Explorer 100's! The little Explorer 100 is my favorite and i use them quite often but will definitely be using the D300 DC's soon. Thanks for reviewing them with solar recommendations!

[@todd.parker]

I see you’re a fan of USB power stations too. I don’t see any reason to buy smaller AC units, they are just bulkier and more expensive

[@Jahang89]

@@johntate5284 I have 2 as well. They’re so useful and have so much capacity and I like the fact that the LFP batteries are safer, although I still love my Anker Prime 27,650

[@StevePilgrim2013]

Great video. You just made my search much easier. Thanks for a really well-done video!

[@todd.parker]

So glad it was useful. Cheers!

[@michaellamas1497]

Your micro power system video was the reason I subscribed! Really good stuff

[@todd.parker]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jasyamaha]

This is an excellent review, thank you.

[@todd.parker]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Jahang89]

Love the compact car charger idea for the Anker!

[@todd.parker]

Yeah it makes it even more useful

[@MatthewSmith-lg8zz]

I went with the Anker C300 because I want the inverter to plug in a lamp during a power outage and for quick wall charging without an expensive 140w wall charger which actually makes the DC version more expensive with less features. I’m also using the PS100 panel and it works really well.

[@todd.parker]

Yeah, the one advantage an AC power station has is the built-in charger. I figure most people own a decent sized USB-C charger from your laptop of tablet but if you buy a super fast one, that is a cost to factor in. AC output is useful but in my experience, you need at least 500wh of battery to get decent runtimes. With a 5w lamp, you’ll be good but I see so many people disappointed that they can’t run a CPAP through the night or a TV for more than an hour or two with a typical 300wh small power station. The Anker panel is a solid choice, have you seen good output? Mine was a bit lower than others but still decent.

[@MatthewSmith-lg8zz]

@ With mid day sun I’m getting solid mid 80’s. I was at 60% charged this morning and it was scattered clouds. I set up the panel and was only getting 14% at 8am I left it out and noticed it was fluctuating upwards of 60% and back down with cloud cover and I was fully charged in a couple hours. I’ve had this kit now for a couple weeks and haven’t used the grid for any of my tech devices since. I’ve also recharged some rechargeable batteries with the AC. There was a short power outage last week and I plugged in a lamp to light up a room. Way better than a loud 12k gas generator IMO. I have a feeling I may be hooked though and will be looking into larger units and maybe some fixed panels in the future! Btw my largest USB wall charger is a measly 30w, I use a desktop but rely heavily on my iPhone nowadays. I’m using a couple 20k Anker 525 power banks by my bed for the phone and my watch overnight and then filling those up in the day with the C300, all with solar.

[@Dracomies]

I like these but I haven't actually bought one yet. My issue is (1) they’re not modular and don’t last long. Blink, and there's already a smaller, better, more powerful version out, so you’re stuck either paying $200-$300 every time or settling for old tech. (2) It’s situational-I’d only really need it if the power went out, which rarely happens here. Usually, I’d just drive to a restaurant and do what I need there until power's back. (3) Planned obsolescence-like with iPhones. We’re on, what, 15 or 16 now? Not long ago, we had the XR, and now it’s obsolete. Same idea here: the actual lifespan isn’t that long before the newest model totally overshadows it.

[@todd.parker]

I specifically wanted to do this video for a year because I wanted to find batteries that use longer lasting LFP cells like larger power stations. I don’t think there are any major leaps forward coming other than LFP and these already support the fastest PD output so you’re good for a while, I think.

[@AIJenkins]

Thanks for the info and the recommendation on the Syncwire car lighter to usb flush mount adapter. Perfect for my new Delta 3 Plus.

[@Bomelinn]

Nice review. I really like my Anker Solix C 300 DC. I got the Eco flow 45 W USB-C panel to use with it. However, as you note, the USB-C port puts out very little power. The tiny specs on the panel show, in the bottom right corner, that the USB-C is actually only rated for 15 W. Eco flow took down my two star review, where I posted a photograph of these specs. I have had a much better experience with the Renogy 100 watt EE flex panel. It is well made and while I don’t remember the exact outputs, I was not disappointed with them.

[@todd.parker]

That 15w rating makes a lot more sense with my results. Glad you found a good panel

[@douglasmontgomery6315]

Todd, you missed another foldable panel. I bought this one - LUMOPAL 60W Foldable Solar Panel Folding Solar Charger with PD60W USB C QC3.0 USB A DC18-20V Output off Amazon and was able to 50-55 watts out the USB-C

[@TheNewMediaoftheDawn]

They’re cool for sure, but my concern is you can use a few small cheaper powerbanks instead for USB stuff, or you need a 1000Wah or more to run most real stuff off grid…. So for me pointless, but for some could work.

[@WesRiley-e6v]

Todd - I love this content! Thank you.

[@zanado11]

Todd, been a longtime subscriber and enjoy your channel. Regarding the the Jackery Kit I was wondering if it would support maintains my Alpicool refrigerator?

[@todd.parker]

I assume that uses 12v so no. The Anker 300DC would work well but the Jackery is USB-C only. You can get an adapter but in my experience those don’t provide enough power to run a fridge. Thanks for watching!

[@zanado11]

@ Yes it is, I’m using a small Paxcess 250 for aux power now.

[@limodrivermike]

Great review! Thank you :)

[@todd.parker]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jannahfirdausmediapro9621]

other simple alternative diy pelican case 1200 + 12v 12ah lifepo4 battery + 12v solar charger controller + 12v 300w Pure sinewave inverter

[@todd.parker]

Sure but that's more of an alternative to a traditional power station with AC output. The point of this video is to find small, LFP power banks with lots of powerful USB output

[@adolfo206]

good info...how long can you run your portable fridge with the anker solix?

[@todd.parker]

Around 12 hours but it depends a lot on ambient temps and fridge settings

[@adolfo206]

@@todd.parker Thank you for your prompt response and most importantly thank you for sharing the knowledge.

[@SloDansChubE]

I have 2 of the Anker C300 DC units along with a Elecaenta 120w foldable solar panel which works excellent

[@hansginzel5973]

Thank you. What about Nitecore, Goal Zero and EcoFlow?

[@todd.parker]

Nitecore makes nice lightweight power banks but they use standard lithium ion batteries that have short lifespans and are more fire-prone than the LFP batteries I wanted in these kits. Ecoflow and Ecoflow are both good brands with LFP power stations but they don't offer a comparable product that omits the AC inverter and focuses on USB output so I didn't include them

[@buysomerice]

How about a video on power banks and panels even smaller for like back packing!?

[@todd.parker]

Been thinking about that. The options aren’t great in my initial research but I’ll make one if I can find some products to recommend. The Nitecore battery is the way to go but light solar panels usually don’t have enough output to do much

[@buysomerice]

@ awesome, I subscribed hope that helps!

[@jerrybandy3827]

I bought a Volt Hero 300w (white label) power bank that uses a lifepo4 battery for $110 (after a $50 coupon) and 60w Flashfish portable solar panel for $70. I'm good.

[@vevenaneathna]

theyre still not using prismatic lfp cells -.- you could easily fit 500wh inside the anker C300 if they would have went with these better cells which are the 32ah ones i use to replace the battery in my car.

[@adriftatlas]

I have the Anker Solix C300 DC. Absolutely love it and the price is very reasonable when it's on sale. Still looking for a compact 100W panel for it that is not expensive or poor quality. It's so weird that rigid panels are 50 cents per watt or less, but portable ones are $1 to $3 per watt.

[@todd.parker]

Yeah, it’s tricky because, as you saw, a 100w panel is pretty large and heavy. For something really compact, a “blanket” style panel might be worth looking at but they lie flat and aren’t usually as efficient so output usually isn’t great

[@joneberle4952]

Thank you for your content. FYI. The coupon code does not work for the Anker DC300. Even when I remove the current sale coupon code and try to add yours.

[@robertleist771]

I really need one of these that support Dell’s proprietary pre-usb 3.1 6.5a / 130W mode.

[@lika332]

So, the common denominator in this product set is that they are all DC-only stations without inverters? In other words, they are similar to the portable chargers we now carry around everyday in our backpacks and briefcases except they are beefier and have solar input: is that pretty much the idea? If we want to run our routers, TVs, etc. during an outage then it's back over to the "battery generator" category?

[@todd.parker]

Yeah, pretty much. Smaller power stations have such small inverters and batteries that it’s like a car that can only drive 20mph for 20 miles. I’d rather have a scooter. Anyway, these are ideal for USB devices which is the majority of the sweet spot for smaller power stations so why not get a smaller, lighter, cheaper LFP power bank that is super efficient and has more (and better) USB ports. If you want decent runtimes, you gotta get a 500-750wh unit. Skip these 300wh power stations.

[@oddslug7459]

The solar input for the Anker C300 DC is listed as 100W. How does that work with the panels you are suggesting up to 120W? How will the bank respond if the input goes over that listed maximum? Have you tested that? Thanks for any info.

[@todd.parker]

All that matters is that your solar panels don’t exceed the max voltage. The current is pulled as needed so there is no problem adding a bigger panel, it will just max out at 100w

[@oddslug7459]

@@todd.parker Thank you. Very much appreciate the reply

[@goodcitizen4587]

I like these DC-only power stations.

[@dentReviews]

unrelated question. ha. have you ever found a better pocket toolkit "sleeve" than the stretchy one you use? I use the same one and it works ok, but i wish i could find something pocket sized that holds each tool more firmly and maybe wider so less thick...

[@todd.parker]

Hmm good question. I have carried a leather card sleeve wallet as shown but it’s not wider. I think you’re looking for something with slots for the tools which would be nice. I haven’t found one that is small enough

[@dentReviews]

​@todd.parker Yeah,or maybe a leather case similar to the stretchy one but wider. Hmmm. Anyhow, you should make more videos like your pocket tools and regular tools setup. Not sure what, but those were cool. :-) maybe q first aid kit?

[@bigburly4057]

Nice vid, I liked & Subed !

[@todd.parker]

I appreciate it!

[@adon8672]

Thanks for the video. Is there any LFP micro power station that can be taken on a commercial aircraft?

[@Ray_of_Light62]

On the aircraft there is a limitation to 100 Wh maximum. That translate to a battery capacity of around 25,000 mAh. The almost 300 Wh power stations in the video aren't allowed on passenger aircrafts...

[@todd.parker]

The Anker kit I showed first is 100wh so that can be brought on a plane

[@adon8672]

​@@todd.parkerI see. My understanding is that that anker kit you are referring to doesn't use LFP.

[@todd.parker]

@@adon8672All 3 of these batteries are LFP which is why they are so special. Only the Jackery is small enough to be allowed as a carry on, the other are too big (150 and 288wh)

[@adon8672]

@todd.parker I see. I just double checked and noticed the jackery is 99Wh. Thank you.

[@homehome4822]

Can these charge while discharging?

[@todd.parker]

Yes, I tested each for that and all 3 power stations can recharge at 100w (Jackery) and 140w (UGREEN + Anker) while outputting their max power. You can see that in the video for each power station.

[@PleasantPaul]

TODDC300 code on the Anker is broken

[@todd.parker]

Thanks, I just tested it and you're right. Just reached out to Anker about it.

[@ENKTechnologies]

What load tester are you using?

[@todd.parker]

@@ENKTechnologies For DC: a.co/d/45I37Cu and for USB a.co/d/0n0Yr9r

[@leeinwis]

I already did two weeks ago !

[@jedics1]

"Typical Lithium Ion Batteries" makes more sense to just use the chemistry acronym like you did for the LFP to save confusion. Lithium Ion is an umbrella term that LFP can fall under also. I hope these products serve as a gateway to the real thing which is FAR better value glass panels and prismatic cell/ inverter systems that can replace grid energy needs entirely.

[@todd.parker]

Heh, yeah I was going to call them NMC cells like I normally do but was trying a more casual approach

[@Techridr]

I see your point, but "LFP"(as well as LiFePO4) is not just an acronym, but a universally adopted marketing term. Saying NMC, LCO, LTO, or NCA would each be technically accurate, but I'd argue that "Typical Lithium Ion Batteries" vs LFP will likely not confuse anyone.

[@ntshmovealong334]

Jackary are stupidly overpriced - found better quality and value elsewhere - you just have to look. Thanks for this commercial though it was interesting.

[@todd.parker]

I agree with you...except with this small unit. I've never reviewed a Jackery unit until now because they always seemed to be a poor value but this kit is actually a good value and performs really well.

[@ntshmovealong334]

@@todd.parker Both of the Jackery units I bought spanning a 4 year time period had problems with the usb c... I prefer to have DC and AC with the option of charging via usb, and I have achieved 72 Watt usb c recharge through my setup. Still very compact and portable. 300Wh 100w panel 72w from usb c

[@bigload6]

So this video was just a big ad...

[@todd.parker]

It’s a set of product recommendations, yes, but it’s not an ad in the sense that I researched and identified products, reached out for samples, and gave you real data and honest opinions. Some panels didn’t perform well and I told you. Some power banks have downsides and I point those out. I wasn’t paid by any company and didn’t give them any input on this video.

[@IndependentNewsMedia]

Nice overview video, God bless.

[@Moes_Prep_and_Tech]

bluetti x20 has entered the chat

[@todd.parker]

That sure is an odd duck

[@adriftatlas]

@@todd.parkerCalling the Bluetti X20 an odd duck is generous. 🤣

[@winstonsmiths2449]

Proprietary cables is a NO-GO! This is basically an infomercial. He is pimping devices provided to him for FREE! I recommend against Jackery due to QC issues and their habit of using old technology. The 2000 cycles of this battery is WAY below what it should be capable of for a LFP battery. It should be rated for no less than 3000 cycles for this class of battery.

[@Jasonoid]

I didn't feel this video was that way at all...

[@winstonsmiths2449]

@@Jasonoid It is, no offense intended, but you must be young and new to these devices.

[@ntshmovealong334]

Have to agree here - if you spent the retail to get a jackery unit, it doesn't take scientific gadgets to learn that they are cheaply mass produced and just do not deliver the quality - even IF you get something working, they use old batteries - I have personally had a unit that the battery drained in between use (it was just a few weeks!)

[@todd.parker]

Sheesh, settle down. I talk extensively about the propriety cables and haven’t reviewed a Jackery product in the past because of the value proposition but this particular kit works very well and is an excellent choice for people that don’t want to deal with the quirks of USB-C PD.

[@Jasonoid]

@@winstonsmiths2449 you must be hiding under a rock if you haven't seen my power station videos

[@LamoidZombieDog]

All of these solar panels are junk. Ecoworthy sells 100W panels for $55, yeah it doesn't fold in half but its not large.

[@todd.parker]

Glass panels are a completely different product than folding panels. Good luck throwing one in a backpack

[@LamoidZombieDog]

@todd.parker good luck throwing those 24" ones in a backpack too.