Unboxing and Testing the Lion Energy Summit Solar Generator: Is it Worth the Hype?

[@BrokeGuyBBQ]

So I have to ask. Is it worth double the price of the safari LT?

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

In my opinion, no. The safari LT works great and is more compact. It might just be a case of wanting the newest thing. They both work well but cost should be considered. :)

[@jenniferhuffman1835]

How many amps are allowed by the AC outlets? 20 amps?

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

I can't remember. I think it is 20 amps combined between the two outlets on this unit. If you only use one outlet I believe it is 20 amps.

[@MiA-to7xg]

Can you explain what he part that you finally ran your coffee maker with in layman language? Thanks

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

The coffee maker was a bit too much for the 12 volt lighter socket on the summit as it can only provide 10 amps and the coffee maker took 15 amps of power. Since the coffee maker only had a 12 volt cigarette lighter adapter I had to use a 120 volt to 12 volt power converter (the black brick thing) to finish the experiment. I hope that helps.

[@john-j7e7e]

what is the surge?

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

About a thousand watts.

[@fgomez3553]

Quick question: Does your AC power block get extremely hot when charging the generator?

[@bluetrousers1]

YES! like insanely hot. I called about it and the company didn't care at all.. LIKE AT ALL. i'm not exaggerating, it melted the plastic desk mat i put my chair on. I'm returning it this weekend. in my opinion, it's not safe to have around kids/pets/floors if you plan to ever use the power brick to charge it.

[@fgomez3553]

@@bluetrousers1 Wow!! I thought it was just me. Had to return mine as well. I reached out to them about it, told them that it actually burned the tip of my finger, and here is what they said: “We are sorry to hear about discomfort the charger caused to your fingers. The charger is UL tested to not melt or catch fire. We are working with the manufacturer to get a charger box that does not get as hot but are not sure when the new option will be ready. We are happy to send a replacement charger but will operate the same way.” It’s unfortunate because I was really wanting to like it.

[@bluetrousers1]

@@fgomez3553 HA!! They said the same thing to me. "oh, it gets hot, but it won't catch fire" - "but it melted my flooring" "but it won't catch fire!" - and yeah, it was too hot to touch or hold. I returned it the other day. I agree, I wanted to like it - but I guess I won't.

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

Wow. I am not having the same experience with mine. I put the power brick on the unit itself while charging. Perhaps it acts like a heat sink. This was advice given to me by several other solar generator manufacturers in regards to excessive heat from the power bricks. It seems to be a common issue with all power bricks from multiple companies but mine definitely does not get that hot. I can grab the whole power supply in my hand and it just feels warm. Thanks for sharing that with all of us.

[@Rawusa]

Great little generator I had the Safari for about 12 years. I live in Florida where every storm makes the light flicker , light weight carried around I also do ham radio throw it in the vehicle love it keep the TV running for seven hours while the powers out no problems here 👍

[@jeepers29SK]

I bought this yesterday at Costco. won't turn on right out of the box. called the company to see if I was doing something wrong. Nope, they didn't seem to care thsat their product is crap. Back it goes.

[@miguelrobb5719]

I saw this at Costco for $500. I was curious but then I realized that it is soo underpowered. I’m a truck driver and I already have a 3000 watt inverter installed. This thing is trash compared to what I have

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

Lion Energy is usually really good about customer service. I'm surprised they didn't make it right. Thanks for sharing your experience. :/

[@markjob6354]

What is the point of designing and bringing to market such an underpowered solar generator ? 500 Watts ? Really Lion Energy ? What's the point ? Battery Expandability ? No ? This unit should be at the very least 600 Watts continuous duty with at least two expandable external batteries to prolong the usable running time of the unit. Yeah, sure, power all those little things, but for how long ? 40 Minutes ? The Safari made sense, but this little Brother is, well, too little. 👎🏻💁🤔

[@fullmoonadventureclub]

I use the little power generators for a lot of stuff. It will recharge all of those little things up 5 times which is very handy camping. It will also backup my refrigerator for a 11 hours which is cool. If you're looking for off-grid power backup of course they're different options that would make way more sense. If someone's just looking to power a CPAP machine in case of a power outage this is a great option. That's just my opinion but I appreciate the handiness and portability of the little guys sometimes. Thanks for the comment and happy camping.

[@john-j7e7e]

agreed, bit id use it for charging laptops, portable fridge etc. i wouldnt buy this at full price but costco has a bundle which includes a 100 watt panel, which i LOVE, extension cord, led lights. the ONLY reason i am considering buying the bundle is because of that awesome solar panel, my favorite. it is $250 on sale regularly, though i wont pay that much for just a 100watt solar panel. hard decision for me.

[@araarthura3007]

THAT is what the Safari is for! Oh, shame, shame I say, on Lion Energy for giving their customers actual options!

[@markjob6354]

@@araarthura3007 Nice try at Obfuscation ! When you can't dispute the central question, then why not make up a new one altogether ? The central core of the issue I raise is designing and manufacturing an overpriced, underpowered power station does NOT give their customers options, unless you assert their customers have the option to purchase an underpowered, overpriced, impractical power station as a valid option ? Now don't get Me wrong here, Lion Energy manufactures quality products. The "Quality" of the product I take no issue with. However, the point and design of this product is lacking in overall application, since it can't really run much and what it can run it cannot do so for very long ! If Lion Energy is going to make such a low power option, then it should at least have the option of some basic expandability to allow whatever it can run the ability to do so for longer periods. The difference between 500 Watt nd 600 Watts, is @ 600 Watts you can now run low wattage induction cooktops, and Energy Star certified modern refrigerators and small 12 Volt DC cooler/freezers.