Portable power stations and solar generators have become increasingly popular for outdoor enthusiasts and emergency preparedness. These devices allow you to take power on-the-go, providing electricity anywhere there is sunlight.
BLUETTI is a leader in sustainable energy solutions, providing high-quality solar generators like the EB3A. BLUETTI was founded in California in 2017 with a mission to offer green energy solutions that prioritize portability and performance.
The BLUETTI EB3A is an ultra-compact 268Wh lithium-ion power station. Weighing just 6.6 pounds, the EB3A provides a lightweight yet powerful source of portable power. With one 200W solar input and various output ports, the EB3A can charge phones, drones, cameras, and other small devices. Keep reading this review for a full breakdown of the EB3A’s features, usage, and performance as a solar generator.
BLUETTI EB3A Overview
Released in late 2022, the BLUETTI EB3A is a new, ultra-portable power station designed for outdoor recreational use and emergency backup power. Weighing just 10.14 pounds, this compact solar generator is easy to carry for camping trips, RV adventures, or power outages at home.
Despite its small size, the EB3A packs a 600W pure sine wave AC inverter and a 268Wh lithium-ion battery capacity. It can power most phones, laptops, mini coolers, CPAP machines, and other small appliances. With a 13-pound solar panel, the EB3A can fully recharge in about 2 hours.
Some unique features make the EB3A stand out from other small solar generators:
- Built-in MPPT controller for fast solar charging
- Wireless charging pad on the top
- Capable of 200W pass-through charging while in use
- LED flashlight and LCD display for usage tracking
- Sturdy and splash-proof exterior
With backup power for essentials, useful outlets, quick recharge speeds, and easy mobility, the EB3A is ideal for short off-grid excursions and emergency preparedness. Its compact, lightweight design and special features optimize it for recreational outdoor use.
EB3A Specifications
The BLUETTI EB3A has a 268Wh LiFePO4 battery capacity. This compact solar generator can produce 300W (600W surge) AC power output from its pure sine wave inverter.
For charging, the EB3A has numerous input methods. It can be recharged via a wall outlet in just 1.6 hours with the 19.2V/3A DC adapter included. The EB3A also supports 268W maximum solar input when paired with compatible solar panels. Via solar, the EB3A can fully recharge in about 2 hours with 200W solar input. There are 3 ways to charge: 1) AC wall outlet, 2) 12-28V DC carport/solar input, and 3) dual 15W wireless charging.
The EB3A utilizes safe and long-lasting LiFePO4 battery chemistry. BLUETTI estimates around 2,500 cycles before the battery retains 80% of its original capacity. Lifetime of the battery depends on usage and charging habits. With proper care, it can last for many years.
For outlets, the EB3A has 1 AC outlet, 2 USB-A ports, 1 USB-C port, and a 12V/10A cigarette lighter socket. Various charging cables are included like a 19.2V DC adapter, USB-C cable, car charging cable, and XT60 solar charging cable.
Power Performance
The BLUETTI EB3A performs well when powering small devices for camping, RVing, or emergency power needs. Here’s a look at what it can handle and for how long in various real-world use cases:
Phones – Most modern smartphones only require between 5-18 watts per hour for charging. The EB3A’s 268Wh capacity can provide multiple full charges for devices like the iPhone 14, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and more. You’re looking at up to 15+ phone charges from one EB3A charge.
Laptops -streaming, etc.
Smaller laptops average around 40-60 watts per hour during use. The EB3A can provide 4-6 hours of runtime for laptops like the MacBook Air, Dell XPS 13, HP Spectre, etc.
Small Appliances – Things like mini coolers, fans, lights and other small appliances pull 50-100 watts on average. The EB3A can handle 2-5 hours of runtime for items in this range.
Weather – Since the EB3A relies on solar for recharging, weather impacts performance. Direct sunlight allows the fastest solar charging times of 2-4 hours. But on cloudier days that may increase to 6-8 hours to fully recharge. Cold weather can also reduce overall battery capacity. But the EB3A is designed to handle a wide range of climates and conditions.
So in summary, the BLUETTI EB3A provides ample power for phones, laptops, and small devices for several hours or multiple charges. Performance varies based on weather and usage but overall the EB3A offers reliable off-grid power for camping and outdoor needs.
Charging the EB3A
There are a few different ways to recharge the BLUETTI EB3A, offering flexibility based on your situation. Understanding the options will help you optimize recharging and stay powered up.
Solar Charging
One of the main benefits of the EB3A is the ability to recharge via solar power. The solar input rating is 200W, which enables recharging from BLUETTI or third party solar panels conveniently while off-grid. Portability is enhanced since you don’t have to connect to the AC grid to top up. According to BLUETTI, recharging from 0-80% via 200W solar panels takes around 2.5 hours with optimal sunlight.
AC Charging
When you have access to the grid, you can recharge via the AC adapter. This is the fastest way to fully recharge the EB3A. It takes around 1.6 hours to go from 0-100% at 200W input. Keep in mind the included AC adapter is limited to 100W. Upgrading to a more powerful 200W+ AC adapter can maximize the 1.6 hour recharge time.
Car Charging
Using the 12V car charging port enables recharging the EB3A on the go. This makes the EB3A highly versatile for road trips, camping, and other mobile usage. Going from 0-100% takes approximately 5 hours through a 12V car outlet. For car charging, it’s recommended to have the engine running to avoid draining your car battery.
Charge Speed Tips
To maximize solar charging speed, place the solar panels perpendicular to direct sunlight and avoid shade. For AC and car charging, use the fastest rated wall outlet or car charger available. Keep the EB3A protected from extreme cold or hot temps when charging. Following these tips will help optimize charging time.
Extra Features
The BLUETTI EB3A comes with several extra features that enhance the user experience.
Display and Connectivity
The EB3A has an LCD display that shows key information like battery percentage, input and output wattage, and estimated time remaining. This helps you monitor power levels and usage.
There are multiple connectivity options including USB-A, USB-C PD, wireless charging, and 12V/10A cigarette lighter outlets. This allows you to charge a wide range of devices. The EB3A also has Bluetooth connectivity so you can monitor usage and control settings from your smartphone.
Safety Features
BLUETTI built in several safety features to protect both the user and the device itself. This includes short circuit protection, low battery protection, and high temperature protection. The lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery isinherently safer than lithium ion alternatives.
Warranty and Support
The EB3A comes with a 1 year warranty from BLUETTI. They also have customer support channels like email, live chat, and phone if any issues come up. Based on reviews, the support team is very responsive in resolving problems.
Use Cases for the BLUETTI EB3A
The BLUETTI EB3A is a lightweight, portable power station suitable for outdoor recreations and emergency use. With a 283Wh capacity, it can easily power accessories and small appliances in a variety of scenarios.
Good for Camping and RVs
The EB3A provides off-grid power for camping trips, making it great for powering lights, phones, laptops, small fans, and other gadgets in a tent or RV. It can run many small appliances like mini coolers and blenders to make outdoor life more comfortable. The EB3A’s compact size and light weight make it highly portable for packing along.
With solar charging capabilities, the EB3A can be recharged via solar panels during the day to keep devices powered on long camping trips. This eliminates the need to crank a generator for electricity.
Emergency Home Backup
During power outages, the EB3A can provide backup electricity for critical home essentials like lights, phones, and small medical devices. While it does not have capacity to run large appliances like fridges, it can help maintain some normalcy until utility power returns.
Limitations for High-Drain Devices
The EB3A has a 200W power output which does limit running high-drain electronics like hair dryers, electric grills, or laptop chargers. For powering these devices, a larger capacity BLUETTI model with at least 500W power output is better suited.
The EB3A is best for running small personal gadgets, light duty appliances, and critical emergency items. Those with high power demands may drain the EB3A quickly. Assessing your device’s wattage needs is important before purchase.
Comparable Models
The BLUETTI EB3A sits in a nice sweet spot in terms of capacity and portability compared to other similar solar generators on the market. Here’s how it stacks up to other models from BLUETTI and competitors.
BLUETTI EB70 vs EB3A
The BLUETTI EB70 has around double the capacity of the EB3A, with a 700Wh lithium-ion battery pack. This makes it heavier at around 16.5lbs, though still portable. The extra capacity means it can power larger devices for longer. For example, it can run a mini fridge for around 8 hours compared to only 3 hours for the EB3A.
The EB70 may be a better choice for powering high drain devices, running small appliances, or if you need extended off-grid power. But the smaller EB3A saves weight and is easier to carry around if you just need to charge phones, laptops, cameras, etc.
BLUETTI AC200P vs EB3A
The AC200P is BLUETTI’s mid-range power station with a 2000Wh capacity. It offers much more power potential than the EB3A, with the ability to even run some home appliances. However, it is very large and heavy at around 60lbs.
The AC200P is overkill for most basic off-grid needs. The EB3A provides a lighter and more portable solution for hikers, RVers, outdoor enthusiasts who just need to charge essential tech gadgets and small devices.
Jackery Explorer 300 vs EB3A
The Jackery Explorer 300 is a close competitor to the EB3A with a 293Wh capacity. It weighs around the same at 7.3lbs. Performance and features are also very similar, though the EB3A does charge slightly faster.
The Explorer 300 or EB3A are both great portable solar generators. The EB3A may edge out with faster charging, but either will work well for powering phones, cameras, drones, laptops and other small devices on the go.
When to Choose EB3A or a Different Capacity
The compact EB3A hits a sweet spot if you need more power than a small portable battery pack, but don’t need to run larger appliances. If you just need to charge and run small devices for 1-3 days off-grid, the EB3A is an excellent choice for its balance of capacity, weight and features.
For more occasional, shorter term use, even smaller capacity packs like the EB3A’s little sibling the EB3 may suffice. For extended power needs or running higher drain devices like mini fridges, consider a mid-range station like the EB70 or AC200P. Think about your specific power requirements and portability needs to choose the best BLUETTI solar generator for your uses.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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Portable and lightweight design at just 10.14 pounds makes it easy to transport and move around
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Built-in 200W solar panels allow for solar charging in as little as 2 hours with prime sunlight
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The EB3A has 9 ports and outlets to power a variety of devices – 1 AC outlet, 2 USB-A ports, 2 USB-C ports, 1 car outlet, 1 wireless charging pad, and 2 DC ports
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Features like MPPT solar charging and pass-through charging allow for versatile charging options
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The LCD display and app connectivity provide monitoring of watts, voltage, charging status, and other metrics
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Eco flow estimates around 500 recharge cycles for the EB3A battery
Cons
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With a 256Wh capacity, runtimes are limited compared to larger generators – enough for phones, laptops, fans, lights etc. but not high-draw appliances
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Relatively expensive at $359 retail price for a small portable generator with just 256Wh capacity
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Lack of wheels or telescoping handle limits mobility compared to rolling solar generators
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No dustproof/waterproof rating – the EB3A is not optimized for extreme weather/outdoor use
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Only a 12 month warranty included – competitors offer 24 months or longer warranties
Final Verdict
At a $599 retail price, the BLUETTI EB3A solar generator is a solid value if you need a lightweight and portable power station to keep essential electronics charged during camping, RV road trips, or backup power situations. With a 268Wh capacity and 600W AC output, the EB3A can efficiently power small devices like phones, laptops, and drones, as well as camping essentials like mini-fridges and fans.
The EB3A’s built-in MPPT solar panel charge controller and two 100W solar input allow for fast recharging, so you can stay powered up off-grid for extended periods when paired with BLUETTI solar panels. Its multiple output ports like AC, USB-A, USB-C PD, wireless charging, and a 12V car port offer versatile connectivity. The EB3A also features handy extras like a flashlight, power button lock, and LCD display to monitor power usage.
At 10.1 pounds, the EB3A hits a nice sweet spot of substantial power capacity while still being easy to carry or transport in an RV or car. It’s impressive for its small size. If you’re looking for something even more lightweight like under 7 pounds, the lower capacity EB3A (168Wh) may be a better option.
Overall, frequent campers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone needing a grab-and-go power station for small devices should find excellent value and performance in the BLUETTI EB3A. It’s cheaper than comparable 268Wh models from Jackery or Anker, and bests them on recharge speeds and 12V power availability. For RV and van life, the EB3A makes an ideal supplemental solar generator to your main power station. Its compact form factor can be tucked just about anywhere. If you’re looking for easy off-grid power with fast solar recharging, the BLUETTI EB3A is a great choice in this price range.