Portable power stations have become incredibly popular in recent years as reliable sources of power during outages and for off-grid activities. Anker is one of the biggest brands in portable power, and they recently released the Solix C1000, their newest portable power station.
The Anker Solix C1000 features a 1056Wh lithium-ion battery pack capable of powering appliances, tools, medical devices, and more. With 6 AC outlets providing up to 1800W, the C1000 can handle most household electronics and small appliances. Its compact size and suite of output ports make the C1000 a versatile power solution for home, outdoor, and emergency use.
In this blog post, we’ll take an in-depth look at the capabilities of the Anker Solix C1000 based on hands-on testing. Read on to see power runtimes, recharge times, solar charging, and how it compares to competitors.
Features Overview
The Anker Solix C1000 has an impressive set of features packed into a portable design. Here are some of the key specs:
- 1,002Wh lithium-ion battery capacity
- 6 AC outlets with 1,800W max output (one outlet has 2,400W surge protection)
- 2 USB-A ports
- 2 USB-C ports
- 12V car socket
- LED light bar
- Digital display showing battery %, power draw, estimated time remaining
- Charging ports: AC wall charger, solar input, 12V car charging
- App monitoring and control including timer functions
- Expansion battery port to double the capacity
The large battery capacity combined with multiple power outlets and charging options make the C1000 a versatile portable power station. The digital display and app connectivity add smart features to monitor power usage and remaining runtimes. Overall, an impressive package in a compact size.
Testing the AC Unit
I turned on the AC unit and put it to full blast to test the C1000’s power capacity. Immediately I could see on the C1000 screen how much battery was remaining, the power draw of the AC, and an estimate of how long the power station would last.
With our first test underway, the C1000 started at 100% battery. The AC unit was using about 360 watts. After 2 hours and 46 minutes, the AC cut out and the C1000 battery level dropped to 1%. The C1000’s estimated runtime was extremely accurate.
Overall, the C1000 was able to power the AC unit for nearly 3 hours before being fully depleted. This test demonstrated the C1000’s ability to handle brief high-power appliances despite its compact size. Monitoring power draw and estimated runtime on the C1000’s display was very convenient during testing.
Charging the C1000
After running the AC unit test, I needed to recharge the C1000 to full battery capacity for the next tests. The C1000 comes with an included wall charger that can charge the power station incredibly fast. I plugged it into the wall and the C1000 immediately started charging at around 1000 watts. This is quite fast, but it comes at a cost – the C1000 makes a very loud humming noise when charging at full speed. I could hear it from downstairs even with the door closed!
Fortunately, you can control the charging speed in the C1000 mobile app. I lowered it down to 200 watts, which made the fans cut off and the C1000 charged silently. However, for the remaining tests I left it at the max 1000 watt charging speed to take advantage of the fast charging capability. According to Anker, the C1000 can charge from 0% to 100% in as little as 58 minutes with the included wall charger when using this fast charging mode. I was able to confirm this claim in my testing, which is seriously impressive for a battery of this size. The tradeoff is that the C1000 got quite hot during fast charging, up to 130°F. Fast charging all the time is not recommended, but it’s great to have this capability when you need to recharge quickly.
Powering the Fridge
The Anker Solix C1000 can be used to power large appliances like a refrigerator during blackouts. For this test, I plugged my kitchen fridge into the C1000 to see how long it would run.
The fridge is a basic top-freezer model with a rated power consumption of 650 watts. With the fridge plugged in and set to a normal mid-range temperature setting, the C1000 battery level started draining steadily.
After 1 hour, the battery was still at 95%, indicating the power draw was about 60-65 watts on average. This low power draw continued steadily over the next several hours. At the 10 hour mark, the battery was still at 22%.
In total, the C1000 was able to power my refrigerator for 13 hours and 12 minutes before shutting off when the battery reached 1%. This demonstrates the C1000 can keep a standard refrigerator running for an extended period during an outage.
For most households, 13+ hours would be sufficient time to ride out shorter power disruptions. The C1000 could buy you peace of mind that food and medications stored in your fridge won’t spoil during blackouts.
Solar Charging
Many portable power stations like the C1000 can also act as solar generators if you connect solar panels to them. The C1000 comes with Anchor’s own 100W portable solar panel which conveniently folds up and has a built-in stand.
I tested solar charging the C1000 with the included Anchor solar panel by simply plugging it into the power station. Thanks to the C1000’s built-in MPPT charge controller, it automatically started charging at a rate of around 140W.
In addition to Anchor’s own solar panels, the C1000 is also compatible with solar panels from other brands. I tested this out by connecting a 100W Renogy solar panel using an MC4 to XT60 adapter cable. As long as your solar panels are within the C1000’s input voltage and current limits, you should be able to use third-party panels. The Renogy panel charged the C1000 at a decent rate of 84W.
The benefit of getting Anchor’s own panel is that it’s lightweight, portable, and designed specifically for C1000 compatibility. But it’s good to know that you can use other solar panels if you want more flexibility. With the right amount of solar panels connected, the C1000 can charge from 0% to 100% in around 1.8 hours of direct sunlight.
Powering Other Appliances
After testing the C1000 with larger appliances, I wanted to try powering some smaller household items. The C1000 has no problem running smaller motor-based appliances like a microwave or blender. I was able to cook meals and make smoothies without any issues.
In addition to kitchen appliances, the C1000 can also power various tools. I tested it with my heat gun which draws around 1,500 watts. The heat gun ran without any problems on the maximum setting. Based on my testing, the C1000 seems well-suited for powering smaller appliances and tools at construction sites or workspaces. With 6 AC outlets providing 1,800 watts of continuous power, you can run multiple smaller appliances at the same time.
Overall, the C1000 excelled at powering smaller household and workplace appliances during my testing. It’s a versatile power station that can meet a wide variety of power needs. Whether you need to power kitchen appliances during a blackout or tools at a worksite, the C1000 is up to the task.
Ultra-Fast Charging
After thoroughly testing the Anker Solix C1000’s capabilities, I wanted to put its ultra-fast 58 minute charging claim to the test. I drained the battery completely and then plugged it into the wall outlet. In the mobile app, I enabled the fast charging option.
Immediately, the charging rate jumped up to 1300 Watts and the fans started spinning loudly. I started a timer to see if it could actually charge fully in 58 minutes.
At around 80% charge, I checked the battery temperature, which had already climbed to 130°F. Fast charging definitely generates a lot of heat, so it’s not recommended for regular use.
As the timer ticked closer to 58 minutes, the charge level approached 100%. Sure enough, in just 56 minutes, the C1000 was fully charged again. I was impressed that it could charge that quickly, but keep in mind the noise and heat generated when fast charging. It’s best for emergency situations when you need power back as soon as possible.
Key Takeaways
The Anker Solix C1000 is capable of powering a wide range of appliances and devices thanks to its 1018Wh battery capacity and 1800W AC power output. Here are some of the key takeaways from testing the C1000:
Pros
- Ran a window AC unit on full blast for nearly 3 hours
- Powered a refrigerator for over 13 hours
- Rapid 1 hour recharge time from 0-100%
- Can be recharged via solar panels or car outlet
- Supports pass-through charging
- Easy monitoring and control through the mobile app
- Lightweight and portable design with telescoping handle
Cons
- Noisy when fast charging at max speed of 1300W
- Solar charging time is slow and dependent on panel output
- No 240V outlet for very high draw appliances like electric dryers
- Expensive compared to some competing models
The C1000’s robust power output and fast recharge capabilities make it a versatile option for power outages, camping, RV usage, and powering tools/appliances on the go. Just be mindful of the noise when utilizing fast charging. Overall, it’s an impressive compact portable power station but one of the more premium options.
Pricing and Availability
The Anker Solix C1000 currently retails for $999.99 USD on Anker’s website and Amazon.
Anker is currently offering a holiday discount of $200 off, bringing the price down to $799.99. This discounted price makes the C1000 a great value compared to similar competing products.
The C1000 can be purchased directly from Anker’s website or from Amazon. Anker frequently runs discounts and deals, so be sure to check both sites to find the best price.
The C1000 comes with the power station unit, wall charger, car charging cable, and user manual. Anker also sells compatible solar panels and expansion batteries that can be purchased separately.
Overall, the Anker Solix C1000 delivers premium performance and features at a competitive price point for a 1KWh portable power station. Taking advantage of current holiday pricing makes it an even more compelling option for anyone in the market for an emergency power solution.
Competitors
The Anker Solix C1000 has quite a few competitors in the portable power station market. Here are some of the other top models with comparable specs and pricing:
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Jackery Explorer 1000 – Retails for $999, has a 1002 Wh capacity lithium battery, can deliver 1000W continuous power and 2000W surge power. Similar output ports as the C1000. A top selling model.
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Bluetti EB150 – Prices around $1000, has a 1500Wh LiFePO4 battery, can output 1500W continuously. Not as portable as the C1000 but has a larger capacity.
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Ecoflow Delta 1300 – $1299 MSRP, 1280Wh capacity, can charge devices with 1800W max and 3300W surge power. Delta has modular expandable batteries.
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Goal Zero Yeti 1000X – $999, 983Wh lithium battery, 2000W surge capability. Goal Zero is another leading brand in this market.
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Westinghouse iGen160s – $999 MSRP, 1002Wh capacity with 1600W inverter, comparable output ports. Good value option.
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Maxoak Bluetti AC200P – $999, 2000Wh capacity, 1800W AC output. Larger and heavier than the C1000.
The Anker C1000 holds up well against competitors with its pure sine wave inverter, fast charging speeds, solar charging capabilities, and mobile app connectivity. Its compact size and portability give it an advantage for certain use cases. But there are comparable options from Jackery, Bluetti, Ecoflow, Goal Zero, Westinghouse and others to consider as alternatives.
Ideal Use Cases for the Anker Solix C1000
The Anker Solix C1000 portable power station shines for a few key use cases where reliable power on-the-go is needed. Here are some of the top ways to utilize the C1000:
Camping and RVing
With 1000 watt-hours of capacity, the C1000 can keep your essential camping gadgets powered up for days. Run lights, charge phones and laptops, inflate air mattresses, and power a mini-fridge or AC unit as needed. The compact size makes it easy to pack and move around your campsite.
Emergency Power
During power outages at home, the C1000 can run small appliances like your fridge, microwave, and lights for hours. This gives you some normalcy until the power comes back on. The fast 1 hour recharge time also means you can top it back up quickly between uses.
Job Sites
Contractors and DIYers will find the C1000 useful for powering tools, lights, fans, and small power equipment on job sites where access to outlets is limited. The variety of AC, USB, and DC outputs ensures compatibility with most devices.
Off-Grid Cabins
For rural cabins without grid electricity, the C1000 provides a solid power source for essentials. Use solar to recharge it during the day and draw from the battery at night. This gives you access to some modern conveniences without needing a generator or complex solar power setup.
With powerful lithium-ion batteries, fast charging, and a versatile outlet configuration, the Anker Solix C1000 can keep you powered up during your adventures on the road, at a campsite, or anywhere electricity access is limited.
Safety Tips
The Anker Solix C1000 is a powerful device that requires proper safety precautions. Here are some tips for safe usage:
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Charge in a well-ventilated area away from flammable materials. The C1000 can get hot during charging.
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Do not overcharge. Once the C1000 is fully charged, unplug it from the power source. Overcharging can damage the battery.
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Store the C1000 in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight when not in use. Avoid storing it in extremely hot or cold conditions.
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Do not use the C1000 if it is damaged or malfunctioning in any way. Contact Anker support if you have any issues.
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Do not submerge the C1000 in water or expose it to moisture. It is not waterproof.
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Use the right cables and chargers for optimal performance. Only use Anker-approved accessories.
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Do not attempt to open or repair the C1000 yourself. Take it to a qualified technician for any issues.
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Keep the C1000 away from children and pets when in use. Supervise them closely.
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Avoid covering the vents or obstructing airflow around the C1000 during operation. Allow ample ventilation.
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Know the wattage limits of the C1000 and do not overload it. This can trip the protection system.
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Turn the C1000 off when not in use to conserve power.
Following these tips will ensure safe operation and long lifetime of your Anker Solix C1000 power station. Charge smart, store properly, and use caution.
Future Model Expectations
Anker is continuously improving their portable power station line with new models each year. Based on the rapid evolution of lithium battery tech and consumer demand, we can expect to see future models with a number of enhancements:
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Even faster charging – As battery chemistry improves, future models will likely be able to charge fully in 30-40 minutes. This will reduce charging time by nearly 50%.
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Increased capacity – Future editions are expected to boast even higher capacities, potentially up to 2,000Wh. This will enable powering high-drain appliances for longer durations.
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More outlets – Additional AC, DC, and USB outlets will provide greater flexibility for powering multiple devices simultaneously. Expect future models with 8-10 outlets.
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Updated ports – Next generation ports like USB-C PD 100W+ will allow rapid charging of laptops, tablets, and phones.
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Lighter weight – Thanks to battery advancements, capacity and power will likely remain the same but in a lighter package for improved portability.
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Lower cost – Economies of scale and technology improvements should lower production costs, enabling more budget-friendly pricing.
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Enhanced durability – Rugged, drop-proof cases will better withstand outdoor use and accidental drops. Water/dust-resistance ratings are also likely.
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Accessory integration – Native compatibility with Anker’s solar panels, expansion batteries, travel cases and other accessories will improve the ecosystem.
Exciting improvements are on the horizon for Anker’s portable power stations. While the C1000 is compelling today, future models promise even faster charging, higher capacity, enhanced durability and seamless ecosystem integration.
Conclusion
The Anker Solix C1000 is a versatile and powerful portable power station that can keep your essential appliances running during power outages.
With 1000 watt-hours of capacity, it has enough juice to power smaller appliances for extended periods of time. I was impressed that it could run a window AC unit for nearly 3 hours and a refrigerator for over 13 hours on a single charge.
The fast charging feature is a major plus, allowing the C1000 to recharge fully in just under an hour. While the charging does produce some noise, this can be mitigated by using a lower charging speed.
Solar charging is also a handy feature for keeping the C1000 topped up using renewable energy. Both Anker’s 100W solar panel and third-party panels worked well in my testing.
For its compact size, the Anker C1000 packs a punch. It’s a great portable power station for use during blackouts, while camping or RVing, on worksites, or for anyone who needs backup power on the go. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a versatile 1000W+ power station that can run and recharge quickly.