The Ankor Solix f3800 is an innovative new portable power station that packs a punch. With a massive 3.8kWh battery capacity and 6000W AC output, it can handle most household electrical needs in an emergency or off-grid situation.
A few of the key features that make the Solix f3800 stand out:
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Massive power output – With a 6000W pure sine wave AC inverter, the Solix has enough juice to run most major appliances including refrigerators, electric stoves, and even some AC units. The split phase 120/240V output lets you power large 240V loads.
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Solar charging – Two 60V/12A MPPT solar inputs allow fast solar charging from 400W to 1200W using compatible solar panels. This makes the Solix a versatile solar generator.
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50A RV outlet – The Solix includes a standard 50A RV outlet for powering RVs, trailers, EVs, and more. This makes it an incredibly flexible emergency power solution.
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Portability – Weighing 99lbs with a foldable handle and wheels, the Solix f3800 maximizes power output while maintaining reasonable portability for its size. Much easier to move than a traditional gas generator.
With its robust power output, solar charging capabilities, and portability, the Ankor Solix f3800 brings reliable home backup power in a revolutionary new package. This review will take a hands-on look at how it performs in real-world tests.
Unboxing and Initial Impressions
The Anker Powerhouse 788 portable power station arrived securely packaged in a sturdy cardboard box. Upon opening, I found the unit nestled in a custom foam cutout along with the included accessories such as the power cord, user manual, and warranty information.
My first impression upon lifting the Powerhouse 788 out of the box was that it felt hefty and solidly constructed. The outer plastic shell has a clean, modern design with an attractive black finish and green accents. Despite the powerful internal battery and inverter, the unit remains quite compact in size at only 13.8 x 9.6 x 11.2 inches. It tips the scales at a substantial 60.6 lbs, but integrated handles on the top and sides make it easy enough to move around.
In terms of ports, the Powerhouse 788 is very well equipped. On the front panel you’ll find an LCD screen displaying battery percentage, input/output power, and estimated time remaining. There are also two standard AC outlets, an RV outlet, three USB-A ports, a USB-C port, a 12V car outlet, and a wireless charging pad.
The left and right sides host additional inputs and outputs including two 60V solar inputs, a 12V auto-start port, a 50A output for connecting to a home transfer switch, a 30A RV outlet, and dual 20A outlets. Overall, Anker included an expansive array of options for powering or charging the unit.
After inspecting the Powerhouse 788 and its accessories, I’m pleased with the clear attention to detail and quality. This substantial battery bank seems ready to deliver on its promise of versatile portable power.
Charging the Unit
The Anker Solix F3800 comes with a power cable and plugs into a standard wall outlet to charge. I plugged it in and heard some relays click indicating it was charging. The LCD screen showed the battery level steadily increasing.
The Solix charged from 20% to 100% in around 2.5 hours. There’s an LED indicator that turns green when fully charged. The fan kicks on occasionally when charging to keep the internal temperature regulated.
The quick charge time is useful when you need to top it off before a power outage or taking it on a camping trip. I’m satisfied with the charge rate and it seems to charge efficiently without getting too hot.
AC Output Testing
I was eager to test the AC power output of the Anker Solix F3800 portable power station. With a 3800 watt-hour battery capacity and 6000 watt AC power inverter, it should be capable of powering many common household appliances and tools.
First, I plugged in a 1500 watt space heater to see if it could handle a high-draw resistive load. The power station powered up the heater without any issues. I monitored the power draw with a Kill-A-Watt meter, and saw it pulling around 1450-1500 watts. This is nearly the inverter’s rated continuous power.
Next, I tried powering some smaller appliances like a microwave oven, blender, and vacuum cleaner simultaneously. The power station was able to run all three at once, with the microwave pulling around 1200 watts, blender 300 watts, and vacuum cleaner 650 watts. The total load was over 2000 watts, and the Anker handled it admirably.
Throughout my AC output testing, the voltage remained steady at 120V, plus or minus 1 volt. The power delivered was clean, with no electrical noise or interference detectable. The cooling fan spun up as needed when under heavy loads, but was quiet at other times.
Overall, I’m satisfied with the AC power delivery of the Anker Solix. It can comfortably power most common appliances and tools you’d need during a power outage or for off-grid use. The 6000 watt inverter provides plenty of headroom, and it managed loads from small electronics up to high-draw resistive heaters and motors without any issues.
Powering the Home
The Anker Solix F3800 portable power station can actually power your entire home in an outage by connecting directly to your home’s generator input.
I connected the 50 amp outlet on the Anker Solix to the generator input on my home using a 50 amp generator cord. With the Solix turned on and supplying power, I then went inside my house and switched the manual transfer switch from grid power to generator input. This changed my home’s power source to now be coming from the Anker Solix power station instead of the grid.
With my home now in off-grid mode running off the Solix, I tested powering some appliances. The stove top and oven both powered on, with the large burner on the stove pulling about 3,000 watts. I was even able to run the microwave along with the stove, though the power draw from both at the same time did end up tripping the safety on the Solix.
Still, it’s impressive that this portable station can directly power essential appliances in your home during an outage. By being mindful of the 6,000 watt limit and turning off some less necessary loads, the Anker Solix could keep your refrigerator, lights, internet and other basics running for hours off a single charge. This makes the Solix a versatile emergency preparedness tool for whole home backup power.
Charging an Electric Vehicle
I don’t personally own an electric vehicle, so I borrowed my neighbor’s Volkswagen ID.4 to test out the EV charging capabilities of the Anker 757 PowerHouse.
The ID.4 has an 82 kWh battery capacity, so I knew the 3.8 kWh PowerHouse wouldn’t be able to fully charge it. My goal was to add at least 10-20 miles of range from a partial charge.
I connected my ClipperCreek Level 2 EV charger to the 50 amp outlet on the PowerHouse. Based on the 6,000 watt continuous power rating of the PowerHouse, I set the maximum charging current to 24 amps.
Before starting the charge, my neighbor’s ID.4 was showing 44% state of charge and an estimated 123 miles of remaining range.
After letting the PowerHouse charge the ID.4 for 53 minutes, the state of charge increased to 47% and the estimated range was up to 135 miles. So in under an hour I was able to add 12 miles of range to the EV!
This test proved the versatility of the Anker 757 PowerHouse for charging EVs in an emergency. While it can’t fully recharge an EV battery, it can provide crucial extra miles to get you to the next charging station. Given its portable size, I was impressed it could deliver a meaningful EV charge.
Solar Charging
The Anker Solix F3800 has two 60V solar inputs on the sides that allow it to be charged by solar panels. I connected six 100W solar panels in parallel to fully utilize the solar input capacity. With all six 400W panels connected, I was getting around 1300 watts of solar charging power into the unit.
With the battery at 70% state of charge, the display showed that it would take just under an hour to fully recharge the 3.8kWh battery at that solar input rate. By unplugging one of the panels, I confirmed the input power dropped to about half, showing that both solar inputs were working in parallel.
Overall, the dual solar inputs provides a lot of flexibility to connect multiple panels for faster solar charging. At peak sunlight, six panels gave enough power to charge the battery from 0-100% in around 1-2 hours. The solar input capacity allows the Anker Solix to be effectively recharged off-grid using a sufficiently sized solar array.
Powering Tools
The anchor Solix is powerful enough to run typical power tools you’d use for home projects. I tested it out with some of my most used 120V tools – a 15 amp sliding compound miter saw, 11 amp shopvac, and 13 amp air compressor for nailing.
The key is to make sure not to overload the power station by running the highest load tools simultaneously. I plugged the shopvac and miter saw into different legs which allowed them to run together without tripping the power station. The air compressor needed to be run separately. Overall, the Solix provided consistent, clean power to operate the tools without any issues.
Having a portable power supply that can run power tools comes in handy for projects around the house or job sites without readily available power. The anchor Solix definitely delivers on powering high demand tools.
Long-Term Testing
After using the Anker Powerhouse Solix F3800 for over a month, I was able to get a good feel for how it holds up over an extended period of time. I found the large battery capacity and high wattage output continued working just as well as when it was brand new. The build quality is excellent, with a sturdy metal frame that shows no signs of wear.
The unit stayed charged for over a week when not in use, and recharged quickly when connected to AC power or solar panels. I used it to run power tools, charge EVs, and backup household appliances during several weekend projects without any issues.
One downside of the high capacity battery is the weight – at around 75 pounds, it’s not the most portable option. But for use as an emergency backup or off-grid power supply, the Anker Powerhouse Solix F3800 provides reliable, robust performance. I didn’t experience any noticeable degradation in output capacity or maximum wattage during a month of regular use.
Overall, the Anker Powerhouse Solix F3800 proved itself as a heavy-duty, long-lasting portable power station perfect for camping, DIY projects, outdoor events, or emergency preparedness. The build quality, output capacity, solar charging, and reliability make it stand out as a top choice in its power class.
Pros
The Anker PowerHouse Solix has several advantages that make it a compelling portable power station:
Portability
Despite its large battery capacity and power output, the Anker PowerHouse Solix maintains a reasonable size and weight for portability. At 22 lbs, it’s light enough to carry short distances or transport in a vehicle. The sturdy handle and compact design allow it to be moved around with ease. This makes it ideal for powering devices in situations like camping trips, outdoor events, or power outages where grid power is inaccessible.
Solar Connectivity
The inclusion of dual solar inputs sets the Anker PowerHouse Solix apart from competitors. Each solar input can handle up to 600W, allowing over 1kW of solar charging power. This provides an eco-friendly way to recharge the unit or even run devices directly using solar power. The solar connectivity makes the PowerHouse Solix highly versatile for off-grid use.
Power Output
With a 3800Wh capacity and 6000W AC output, the Anker PowerHouse Solix delivers ample power for larger devices. It can run home appliances, power tools, electric vehicle chargers, and more. This high power output combined with its portability gives it capabilities beyond smaller portable stations. It’s a robust emergency power solution for the home in addition to powering devices on-the-go.
Cons
The Anker Powerhouse Solix does have some drawbacks that are worth considering before purchasing.
Price
The Anker Powerhouse Solix has an MSRP of $3,999, which puts it at the higher end of the portable power station market. While the large inverter capacity and features justify the increased price compared to smaller units, it is still a significant investment for most consumers. The price may make this unit impractical for those looking for a basic emergency power option.
Weight
At over 100 pounds, the Anker Powerhouse Solix is much heavier than the average portable power station. The large internal battery contributes most of this weight. While built-in wheels and extendable handle help with transport, moving and positioning the unit is more challenging than lighter options. The weight could make it difficult for a single person to deploy the unit in an emergency.
Limited Solar Input Voltage
The Anker Powerhouse Solix has a maximum solar input voltage of 60V, lower than some competing units. This restricts solar charging options, as panels must be wired in parallel instead of a series connection. Consumers would need more cabling and parallel connectors to utilize solar effectively with this unit. The lower voltage also limits the solar charging speed.
Comparable Products
The Anker Solix F3 3800 has impressive specs for a portable power station in its price range, but there are other comparable options on the market worth considering.
The Goal Zero Yeti 6000X is a top competitor with a similar 6,000W pure sine wave inverter and a 6,000Wh capacity. It’s a bit heavier at 143 lbs vs the Solix’s 105 lbs, but it does have a slightly faster solar input rate at 2,400W vs 2,000W. The Yeti 6000X has a higher starting price around $5,500.
Jackery’s Explorer 1500 Power Station is a more compact and portable option at only 29 lbs, but its 1,512Wh capacity and 1,800W pure sine wave inverter are much lower than the Anker. The Jackery 1500 costs about $1,600.
For more budget-friendly alternatives, the Anker PowerHouse II 800 offers an 800Wh capacity and 1,000W modified sine wave inverter for $700. It’s much lighter at only 22 lbs but lacks the power of the Solix. The Bluetti EB70S has a 716Wh capacity and 700W sine wave inverter for just $500.
The Anker Solix hits a nice sweet spot between power, portability, and price compared to competitors. But for different needs, the high-capacity Goal Zero Yeti 6000X or ultra-portable Jackery Explorer 1500 may be better fits.
Final Verdict
The Anker PowerHouse Solix F3800 portable power station performed very well in our testing and has proven itself as a versatile and powerful option for emergency power needs and recreational uses.
With a sizeable 3.8kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and 6000W pure sine wave inverter, the Solix F3800 can handle most household appliances and power tools, making it a dependable backup option during outages. We were able to run items like a stove, microwave, and large power tools simultaneously.
The fast solar charging capability also makes the Solix ideal for off-grid activities. In one hour we were able to recharge the station from 70% to 100% using six 400W solar panels. This makes it easy to top off the charge during the day while camping or on a worksite.
At $3,500, the Anker PowerHouse Solix F3800 is a significant investment but worthwhile for those who need robust off-grid power. It’s a particularly good fit for:
- Those with frequent power outages looking for whole home backup.
- Remote cabin owners needing an off-grid power station.
- DIYers and contractors who need to power large tools on jobsites.
- Overlanders, campers, and RV owners looking for solar-charged power.
With rapid charging, huge inverter capacity, and easy 120V/240V hookup, the Anker PowerHouse Solix F3800 portable power station is an excellent choice for heavy-duty backup power and off-grid use.
Alternatives to Consider
When considering purchasing a large power station like the Anker Powerhouse or other portable lithium battery systems, it’s good to also look at more affordable alternatives that can provide backup power, even if just temporary.
Gas Generators
Gas powered generators are a common alternative for providing backup electricity in a power outage. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros of gas generators:
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Much lower upfront cost, usually between $500 – $1500 for a quality inverter generator.
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Unlimited runtime if you have fuel to power it. Gas and propane are easy to obtain.
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Can provide as much power as you need by sizing to your home’s electrical panel.
Cons of gas generators:
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Require fuel which may be unavailable in extended outages. Gasoline also has a short shelf life when stored.
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Produce fumes and noise pollution. Should not be used indoors.
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Require maintenance like oil changes. Less reliable than a battery system.
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No integration with solar power or other renewable sources. Reliant on fossil fuels.
So for short term backup power in an emergency, a gas generator can meet basic needs at a lower price point. But for renewable energy independence and long-duration outages, a lithium power station offers advantages despite the higher initial cost.
Smaller Power Stations
There are many portable lithium battery power stations on the market that offer similar functionality as the Anker Powerhouse, but in smaller, more affordable sizes. These can meet basic electricity needs for a fraction of the price.
Pros of smaller power stations:
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Start at around $200. Very affordable entry point.
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Compact and portable. Easy to store and move around.
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Rechargeable from solar panels.
Cons of smaller power stations:
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Limited wattage and outlet options. May only run a few devices at once.
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Smaller battery capacity. Shorter runtimes.
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Not adequate for high power devices like EV charging or central A/C.
So the smaller power stations can provide phone/laptop charging, lights, small appliances, and other basic needs on a budget. But for whole home backup or running larger loads, the Anker Powerhouse jumps up a tier in capability and cost.
Future Outlook
Anker has exciting plans for the Solix in the future that will make it an even more capable home power solution. According to the company, an upcoming firmware update will enable AC coupling, allowing the Solix to integrate with a home solar and battery storage system. By AC coupling the Solix, homeowners will be able to grow their energy storage capacity incrementally instead of needing to purchase a large standalone system upfront.
Additionally, Anker intends to release a subpanel that will enable two Solix units to be paralleled together. This will double the available power to 12,000 watts, providing even more backup capability during an outage. With two units, there is also redundancy built in – if one Solix fails or needs to be taken offline, the other will seamlessly take over the load.
Other enhancements Anker has hinted at include increased solar input voltage, allowing more panels to be connected to each input. Enabling multiple Solix units to work together in an expandable, modular architecture is an exciting possibility for the future. While potential buyers should only evaluate the Solix based on its current capabilities, the roadmap demonstrates Anker’s commitment to improving and expanding the product over time. For those investing in solar+storage for energy resilience, the Solix may become an even more attractive option as new features roll out.