Rockpals 300w generator

I’m looking at getting my first small solar generator and I’ve narrowed it down to the rockpals 300w for a few reasons. I’m using this as a grid down backup. Mostly to charge radios, phones and iPads. It will be used to run a few other small things

-the system is sized well enough for my needs.

- it can be over-paneled for faster charging(big selling point)

-mppt charge controller

-$269 on amazon

the non regulated 12v outlet doesn’t bother me.

has this system held up over time? Is there a better option close to the price point?
thx

Eastridge1213 said:

... Is there a better option close to the price point?...

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DIY options? Let's see the RockPal has a 280wh battery and a 300W inverter....

Start with something like:
500W Inverter, 17 Ah (204W) battery @ HomeDepot, $119, you'd need to purchase an MPPT and connect it via the 12V port.
1000W inverter, 42 Ah (500W) battery @ HomeDepot, $249. You'd need to DIY an MPPT charger though.

In one similar system a replacement battery with LiFePO4 32700s doubled the battery capacity.

You might also like:
Budget Models with Amazing Future Power; some DIY required
Challenge: What's your Cheapest Pure Sine Wave Emergency Power Solution?

Thank you for your reply. I’m actually looking for an all in one unit. I’ve watched will’s video featuring the rockpals and the jackery and found the faster charging of the rockpals to be more beneficial. Offers more time for use. I’ve seen a few more different brands and models come out lately, the max oak bluetti being one of them. The bluetti is just was out of my price range for the moment. I will prolly eventually get one. I’m jus wanting a smaller unit at the moment around the $300 price range. I would spend $400 if it offer better stats.

Eastridge1213 said:

Thank you for your reply. I’m actually looking for an all in one unit. I’ve watched will’s video featuring the rockpals and the jackery and found the faster charging of the rockpals to be more beneficial. Offers more time for use. I’ve seen a few more different brands and models come out lately, the max oak bluetti being one of them. The bluetti is just was out of my price range for the moment. I will prolly eventually get one. I’m jus wanting a smaller unit at the moment around the $300 price range. I would spend $400 if it offer better stats.

Click to expand...

FWIW, the Jackery 240 is also a solid option and better than it looks in Will's review video. The new ones have max input of 80W (vs. the 42W in the model Will reviewed). Mine has been working great.

A question about these smaller generators, since there is usually only one ac outlet can you use a power strip?

I have the Rockpals 300W. It is a great little unit. Been running it for a year with no issues at all. Also done some mods on mine to improve it. Very easy to take apart. The battery inside is a 3S10P. Quality is great! If I could change anything then it would be the charging input. 80 watts input seems low after a while but it does check all the boxes. Unit is very quiet. Even with the fans on full blast, it is still WAY quieter than my Ecoflow Delta.

Eastridge1213 said:

A question about these smaller generators, since there is usually only one ac outlet can you use a power strip?

Click to expand...

I have plugged in a power strip to plug in more devices without having any issues. All the devices added together will have a limit of 300 watts max but is quite usable.

Eastridge1213 said:

I’m looking at getting my first small solar generator and I’ve narrowed it down to the rockpals 300w for a few reasons. I’m using this as a grid down backup. Mostly to charge radios, phones and iPads. It will be used to run a few other small things

-the system is sized well enough for my needs.

- it can be over-paneled for faster charging(big selling point)

-mppt charge controller

-$269 on amazon

the non regulated 12v outlet doesn’t bother me.

has this system held up over time? Is there a better option close to the price point?
thx

Click to expand...

I'm assuming you've already done an audit and know what you want to run and how many watts it will take to run them individually and together. I would recommend going bigger than you think you might need if you can afford it. You won't be pumping much solar if you have a few days of bad weather. I'd recommend having at least 1 days reserve in addition to what you'll use in a day. Others here might suggest 2 or 3 days reserve. Also, if you can run anything off 12v you should consider it and you'll want 12v regulated for that. No inverter loss that way. When your going small, every watt counts. Remember, you'll have inverter loss on the a/c side so your 300w generator will not be a full 300w. That, and you'll not be able to pull the full rated capacity the manufacturer claims.

I have owned the Rockpals 300W for a couple of years. I do not use it all the time, but so far so good. Have not had any problems with it. The 500W version is getting close to your 400 dollar limit. If you can afford to get it, it will be a better choice. You will always want more stored power and a more powerful inverter.

Eastridge1213 said:

A question about these smaller generators, since there is usually only one ac outlet can you use a power strip?

Click to expand...

You can, but leaving one attached will draw energy through the surge circuitry