Launch pricing/comparison; Pecron F3000 and E3600LFP

[RzrProR]

The New Kid on the block currently (on sale) priced at $999 as compared to the old still priced at $1399.
Found the surge and solar capacity differences interesting including the weight (63# vs 79#). The fact that they ditched the battery heater concept after promising it on the soon to be released F5000 and delivering previously with the much smaller E1000LFP is a mystery. Too bad that they ditched the 3600's phone charger as well. Bonus that they kept the same 3000W add-on batteries as standard.
Interested also to see where the 240V compatible F5000 comes in at during launch as priced right(?) it could be attractive. I have the 3600 and love it for the price/included-available accessories.

F3000: https://www.pecron.com/products/pecron-f3000lfp-portable-power-station-3600w-3072wh

• 2+3 Years Warranty!
• 3600W Bidirectional PSW Inverter(Surge 4500W in 5s!)); AC 30A Output;
• Customizable charging rate; Main On/Off Button
• 2800W Max AC+Solar Input in 1.5 Hours Super Fast Charging;
• 1600W Solar Charging Max (XT60: 25Vdc~120Vdc, 25A Max) ;
• 1800W AC Charging- 2 Hours Fast Charging, 15A Max;
• Ultra-Quiet Cooling; Real-Time Power Consumption Stats
• 3072Wh Large Capacity; Expandable 2*EP3000-48V Up to 9,216Wh
• 13 Versatile Output; PD 100W USB-C; UPS; APP Control-Wifi/Bluetooth;
• LiFePo4 Battery with 3,500+ Life Cycles to 80%

E3600LFP:

PECRON E3600LFP Portable Power Station 3600W 3072Wh

E3600LFP 2+3 Years Warranty! 2*E3600LFP+ 240V series connection kit=7200W 240V outputLiFePo4 Battery with 3,500+ Life Cycles to 80%3600W Bidirectional PSW Inverter(Surge 7000W); AC 30A Output;3072Wh Large Capacity; Expandable 4*EP3000-48V Up to 15,360WhUPS; Wifi Control; XT60 30A(12V) Output...

www.pecron.com

• 2+3 years warranty
• 2*E3600LFP+ 240V box =7200W 240V output
• Customizable charging rate
• 2400W Solar Charging Max (2*1200W XT60 port 32V-150V/20A Max) ;
• 3200W AC Charging with 30A cable; 1.3 Hours Super Fast Charging;
• 1800W AC Charging with 15A cable; 1.8 Hours Super Fast Charging
• LiFePo4 Battery with 3,500+ Life Cycles to 80%
• 3600W Bidirectional PSW Inverter(Surge 7000W); AC 30A Output;
• 3072Wh Large Capacity; Expandable 4*EP3000-48V Up to 15,360Wh
• UPS; Wifi Control; XT60 30A(12V) Output; APP Control;
• 16 Versatile Output; 15W Wireless Charger; PD 100W USB-C

 

[RzrProR]

....haters beware as this might be the lowest price from a fast upcoming decent-sized company in this category at the moment. Crazy that we're talking almost as much for the battery itself (although a very capable stand-alone unit) as for the inverter with battery included.
Can one DIY build this for $1K delivered today even without the nice small/portable (enclosed) package?
Didn't think so.

 

[RzrProR]

...also found it interesting that the F3000 apparently(?) can't handle the faster 3200W charging rate from the optional 30A cord nor the 4th extra battery that gives you a 15,360Wh capability which the ELF3600LFP currently boasts

 

[42OhmsPA]

Where do you see $1k delivered?
You could get an SRNE HYP and 5kWh EcoWorthy server rack. You'd have more power available for a bit more money...

 

[RzrProR]

Where do you see $1k delivered?
You could get an SRNE HYP and 5kWh EcoWorthy server rack. You'd have more power available for a bit more money...
View attachment 298578

I'll do you a favor and link it again (no charge). https://www.pecron.com/products/pecron-f3000lfp-portable-power-station-3600w-3072wh
As for the above unit that you just linked (supposedly) comparing (feature for feature) this new F3000 unit at...wait for it...literally 50%(+) more...
Yeah, that's but "...a 'bit'..." as defined somewhere at least...somewhat similar to this "$4 Trillion extra" that we're about to spend here in America to become "big and beautiful" ....

 

[42OhmsPA]

I'll do you a favor and link it again (no charge). https://www.pecron.com/products/pecron-f3000lfp-portable-power-station-3600w-3072wh
As for the above unit that you just linked (supposedly) comparing (feature for feature) this new F3000 unit at...wait for it...literally 50%(+) more...
Yeah, that's but "...a 'bit'..." as defined somewhere at least...somewhat similar to this "$4 Trillion extra" that we're about to spend here in America to become "big and beautiful" ....

Thanks for the free link. Clearly my caffeine didn't hit earlier and I clicked the wrong link.

That f3000 price is somewhat impressive but the low VOC on the MPPT is laughable in today's age. Other than that I can't find any major critiques besides cramming all of that in a tiny box doesn't seem like a great idea for long term durability.

 

[RzrProR]

Thanks for the free link. Clearly my caffeine didn't hit earlier and I clicked the wrong link.

That f3000 price is somewhat impressive but the low VOC on the MPPT is laughable in today's age. Other than that I can't find any major critiques besides cramming all of that in a tiny box doesn't seem like a great idea for long term durability.

I am totally dependent on that caffeine relationship and often miss much more than that myself each day (or that's what I blame it on).
In terms of the low VOC/MPPT relationship, I suppose that is dependent on what you use the system for and how far you ultimately expand it. If I'm hearing you right, the add-on batteries due to their unique construction help with this quite a bit. I also like the fact that solar charging is anything but the only option and about as easy alternatively as it can get.
Long term durability is anybody's guess given the amount of time that these units in general have been out; especially any one of them at launch. Pecron apparently did not do so well regarding some models in years past. As for recently released, I have heard pretty much nothing but praise for the price point and newer designs of late.
One of my biggest attractions to a good share of these smaller units from various manufacturers is this:
I don't like putting all of my power requirement needs in one basket to begin with...so if something that I pay a grand for (more or less) turns out to be defective or gets stolen...yet it accomplishes all that this thing does long before either of those happen (if ever.)..I'm all in until the delivered price becomes higher than what makes sense 'DIY(able)' or otherwise.
Some will also take a chance on these for pure portability which really has no well defined value proposition if we're all really honest with ourselves.

I think that Pecron somewhat (and possibly necessarily) missed the mark on this one given the 3600's current price which was likely unsustainable anyways. When it goes to full price(?) after launch and with the 3600 having been on sale like this since last fall and likely to be discontinued soon(?)...who knows.

 

[Mirlen]

I ordered one this evening. Handy having moveable powerstations for outages. I have a 5kwh server rack battery and 3kw inverter on a hand cart Inuse to power our two fridges and its done well but its not terribly wife-friendly and its pretty heavy. This new model from Pecron is a slightly stripped down version of the 3600. No wireless charging pads, no 240v pairing capability, reduced solar inputs, less battery expansion etc but I think if you only need 120v it hits a nice price point and I like how their batteries have DC output capabilities as well as solar charging inputs directly to them.

 

[Mirlen]

Received mine today. FedEx guy asked if it was a power station and said he's delivering a bunch of them so they must be selling well! I haven't really tested it a lot, just charged it up and powering my PC with it as well as recharging my BougeRV power bank I am using the power my Dometic 12v fridge next to my desk for drinks....Initial impressions:

• Formfactor and feel is very similar to an upsized Anker C1000 (I have two of those).
• iOS app is meh, has several language issues, might be binding the BSSID instead of SSID so not connecting to my other AP upstairs...that or I somehow turned off WiFi...Connecting again after re-binding. App shows power factor (PF) in details page which is kinda nice.
• Uses XT-120 (Not MJ32) for extra battery connection but doesn't include cable. EP3000-48V is supposed to be the battery they use, have not received it yet, supposed to get here by end of month (?). I assume they're just tossing in the XT-120 to MJ32 cable with these orders Wondering if they include the MJ32-MJ32 cascade cable... I like that their batteries can be used standalone and have their own MPPT input
• Punchout above XT120 with "1" and "2" labels, not sure what this was supposed to be, could be, or will be...EU option? Future change? May eventually tear apart to see what's behind there circuitboard-wise.
• Charges to 55.2 and then indicates 100%, 56.8v as 'FULL'. Charges constant current to 56.8 and switches to constant voltage ramping down current.
• Fan noise a little loud but not whiny or too obnoxious, more like a decent volume of air moving noise with a mild tinge of medium-high pitch tone, pretty quiet at 1000W and below.
• Screen updates at about 2-3 second intervals, screen will remain on, will dim if set to dim, tap power button to turn off display.
• Size is about the largest I'd be willing to haul around, will likely keep it on a particular floor vs. taking it up/down stairs.
• Too much rain to do any more than a few watts of solar right now so no input on....input. Although the AC input I was only seeing about 1400-1450W for the majority of the charge, never saw it hit 1800W
• Has 4 threaded inserts in a rectangle pattern on the side with the label/serial #, not sure what bolts here. No mention of anything in the manual, could be for this car charger? Unsure.
• AC inverter takes a while to turn on, like it's testing the fan and/or other things...about 15 seconds.
• Was able to run at 4400-4500w for about 4 seconds charging my car at 24A on TT-30 and a 1.7hp compressor. Cut it short to not trigger an over current fault.

AC output under ~1kw load:

 

[Cyrix_6x86]

OK, one thing about the (soon to be released again?) Percron F3000LFP isn't entirely clear to me:

How many solar inputs does it have?

Here's an image of Google AI's response which quotes diysolarforum, but I don't see that clearly stated here, and I can't find it on the percron website either:


Google AI's information seems to conflict with RzrProR's original post.

​

 

[JonMez]

The New Kid on the block currently (on sale) priced at $999 as compared to the old still priced at $1399.
Found the surge and solar capacity differences interesting including the weight (63# vs 79#). The fact that they ditched the battery heater concept after promising it on the soon to be released F5000 and delivering previously with the much smaller E1000LFP is a mystery. Too bad that they ditched the 3600's phone charger as well. Bonus that they kept the same 3000W add-on batteries as standard.
Interested also to see where the 240V compatible F5000 comes in at during launch as priced right(?) it could be attractive. I have the 3600 and love it for the price/included-available accessories.

F3000: https://www.pecron.com/products/pecron-f3000lfp-portable-power-station-3600w-3072wh

• 2+3 Years Warranty!
• 3600W Bidirectional PSW Inverter(Surge 4500W in 5s!)); AC 30A Output;
• Customizable charging rate; Main On/Off Button
• 2800W Max AC+Solar Input in 1.5 Hours Super Fast Charging;
• 1600W Solar Charging Max (XT60: 25Vdc~120Vdc, 25A Max) ;
• 1800W AC Charging- 2 Hours Fast Charging, 15A Max;
• Ultra-Quiet Cooling; Real-Time Power Consumption Stats
• 3072Wh Large Capacity; Expandable 2*EP3000-48V Up to 9,216Wh
• 13 Versatile Output; PD 100W USB-C; UPS; APP Control-Wifi/Bluetooth;
• LiFePo4 Battery with 3,500+ Life Cycles to 80%

E3600LFP:

PECRON E3600LFP Portable Power Station 3600W 3072Wh

E3600LFP 2+3 Years Warranty! 2*E3600LFP+ 240V series connection kit=7200W 240V outputLiFePo4 Battery with 3,500+ Life Cycles to 80%3600W Bidirectional PSW Inverter(Surge 7000W); AC 30A Output;3072Wh Large Capacity; Expandable 4*EP3000-48V Up to 15,360WhUPS; Wifi Control; XT60 30A(12V) Output...

www.pecron.com

• 2+3 years warranty
• 2*E3600LFP+ 240V box =7200W 240V output
• Customizable charging rate
• 2400W Solar Charging Max (2*1200W XT60 port 32V-150V/20A Max) ;
• 3200W AC Charging with 30A cable; 1.3 Hours Super Fast Charging;
• 1800W AC Charging with 15A cable; 1.8 Hours Super Fast Charging
• LiFePo4 Battery with 3,500+ Life Cycles to 80%
• 3600W Bidirectional PSW Inverter(Surge 7000W); AC 30A Output;
• 3072Wh Large Capacity; Expandable 4*EP3000-48V Up to 15,360Wh
• UPS; Wifi Control; XT60 30A(12V) Output; APP Control;
• 16 Versatile Output; 15W Wireless Charger; PD 100W USB-C

Decent. $1600 for extra 6kwh ehh. Can someone add generic expansion 48v batteries ?

 

[Mirlen]

OK, one thing about the (soon to be released again?) Percron F3000LFP isn't entirely clear to me:

How many solar inputs does it have?

Here's an image of Google AI's response which quotes diysolarforum, but I don't see that clearly stated here, and I can't find it on the percron website either:

View attachment 307352
Google AI's information seems to conflict with RzrProR's original post.

​

1 XT60 25-120v 25a max, 1600w max.

 

[Cyrix_6x86]

TNX Mirlen. I also just now found the F3000 user manual online.
https://tinyurl.com/23fkhw8g

 

[Mirlen]

Some people have reported issues with the MPPT not charging or stopping. Haven't had an issue with mine, I've seen where it charged to about 95% (from 93 that I left it at overnight?) but I think that's just something like float voltage thing as once I put some load on it and I had sun it was charging up past 95% to 100%. (Have 450w and 200w portable panels in series on it for 650W, have seen a little over 600W coming in on that setup (ZOUPW 450W suitcase panels and Renogy 200w blanket panels). Trying to track down some place I can pickup 4x ~400-425W 108 cell panels locally....we have a GreenTech nearby but they seem to be wholesale only which is a shame....we need a DIY solar superstore :-(

 

[werepuppy]

I looked at it, $800 for the expansion battery seemed like a bit much. I had the impression it had two solar inputs, one for low voltage panels and one for higher voltage. They have another model (E2000FP?) with three separate MPPT's which I thought was a cool feature. As a step upwards, I also like this ($1500 with early bird discount with 5120Wh of batteries, 3500W output, expandable):

Eco-worthy SL3500 stackable power station

Eco-Worthy offers off grid solar solutions which includes LiFePO4 lithium battery, solar panel and solar panel kits, mounting brackets and other accessories. We aim to provide high-quality off grid solar power solutions at an affordable price.

www.eco-worthy.com

It uses more standardized stuff.

 

[_-phx-_]

Some people have reported issues with the MPPT not charging or stopping. Haven't had an issue with mine, I've seen where it charged to about 95% (from 93 that I left it at overnight?) but I think that's just something like float voltage thing as once I put some load on it and I had sun it was charging up past 95% to 100%. (Have 450w and 200w portable panels in series on it for 650W, have seen a little over 600W coming in on that setup (ZOUPW 450W suitcase panels and Renogy 200w blanket panels). Trying to track down some place I can pickup 4x ~400-425W 108 cell panels locally....we have a GreenTech nearby but they seem to be wholesale only which is a shame....we need a DIY solar superstore :-(

I recently received mine and have had an issue with the solar input coming in for about 5 seconds before dropping off to 0 for 10 to 20 seconds. Just started yesterday and a reset fixed it but it's happening again today. I'm thinking it may be panel voltage because I have 2 200 watt bifacials in series but it was working fine for a few days. The unit also references a voltage as low as 25v being enough to get it going. Early in the morning I was able to steadily pull 10 to 25w previously. Reaching out to pecron to see what they say.

 

[_-phx-_]

Sorry, duplicate post.

 

[_-phx-_]

Received mine today. FedEx guy asked if it was a power station and said he's delivering a bunch of them so they must be selling well! I haven't really tested it a lot, just charged it up and powering my PC with it as well as recharging my BougeRV power bank I am using the power my Dometic 12v fridge next to my desk for drinks....Initial impressions:

• Formfactor and feel is very similar to an upsized Anker C1000 (I have two of those).
• iOS app is meh, has several language issues, might be binding the BSSID instead of SSID so not connecting to my other AP upstairs...that or I somehow turned off WiFi...Connecting again after re-binding. App shows power factor (PF) in details page which is kinda nice.
• Uses XT-120 (Not MJ32) for extra battery connection but doesn't include cable. EP3000-48V is supposed to be the battery they use, have not received it yet, supposed to get here by end of month (?). I assume they're just tossing in the XT-120 to MJ32 cable with these orders Wondering if they include the MJ32-MJ32 cascade cable... I like that their batteries can be used standalone and have their own MPPT input
• Punchout above XT120 with "1" and "2" labels, not sure what this was supposed to be, could be, or will be...EU option? Future change? May eventually tear apart to see what's behind there circuitboard-wise.
• Charges to 55.2 and then indicates 100%, 56.8v as 'FULL'. Charges constant current to 56.8 and switches to constant voltage ramping down current.
• Fan noise a little loud but not whiny or too obnoxious, more like a decent volume of air moving noise with a mild tinge of medium-high pitch tone, pretty quiet at 1000W and below.
• Screen updates at about 2-3 second intervals, screen will remain on, will dim if set to dim, tap power button to turn off display.
• Size is about the largest I'd be willing to haul around, will likely keep it on a particular floor vs. taking it up/down stairs.
• Too much rain to do any more than a few watts of solar right now so no input on....input. Although the AC input I was only seeing about 1400-1450W for the majority of the charge, never saw it hit 1800W
• Has 4 threaded inserts in a rectangle pattern on the side with the label/serial #, not sure what bolts here. No mention of anything in the manual, could be for this car charger? Unsure.
• AC inverter takes a while to turn on, like it's testing the fan and/or other things...about 15 seconds.
• Was able to run at 4400-4500w for about 4 seconds charging my car at 24A on TT-30 and a 1.7hp compressor. Cut it short to not trigger an over current fault.

View attachment 305586
View attachment 305440
AC output under ~1kw load:
View attachment 306729

That yellow receptacle with the four threaded inserts is for an expansion battery. It looks like it will hook up differently than previous Pecron models based on what I've seen. However, mine is on the opposite side of the serial number and I don't have that weird knockout tab that you do. Very curious why the first couple of batches have big differences like that.

 

[Mirlen]

That yellow receptacle with the four threaded inserts is for an expansion battery. It looks like it will hook up differently than previous Pecron models based on what I've seen. However, mine is on the opposite side of the serial number and I don't have that weird knockout tab that you do. Very curious why the first couple of batches have big differences like that.

Pecron wasn't very clear about what exactly it was but referenced something for high voltage models, so that's a question for those in other markets. They probably didn't have the injection mold for the US ones ready yet and shipped the first batch with the knockout until they got the US injection molds blocking it.

 

[werepuppy]

That yellow receptacle with the four threaded inserts is for an expansion battery. It looks like it will hook up differently than previous Pecron models based on what I've seen

There are two versions of the expansion battery, a 24V one for some models and a 48V one for others. It wouldn't surprise me if the connectors are different. Both cost more than I'd want to pay compared to alternatives, so if someoone figures out how to hook up a generic battery please post here.

 

[oldnavy]

Can the AC and DC sections be turned off via the App using bluetooth? I'd like to tuck one in my RV pass-through (outside) storage along with an extra battery. It would be nice to be able to turn it off at night, then not have to go outside to turn it on for my first cup of coffee.

The MPPT failures/issues are a worry. I have been leaning toward a Victron system, but this portable is tempting due to simplicity, price and portability. The E3600LFP is also an option, and its extra MPPTs and more robust 12v output are a plus.

Edit: just noticed the EP3000-48 add on battery has its own 12v 30A output, same as the E3600.

 

[_-phx-_]

Can the AC and DC sections be turned off via the App using bluetooth? I'd like to tuck one in my RV pass-through (outside) storage along with an extra battery. It would be nice to be able to turn it off at night, then not have to go outside to turn it on for my first cup of coffee.

The MPPT failures/issues are a worry. I have been leaning toward a Victron system, but this portable is tempting due to simplicity, price and portability. The E3600LFP is also an option, and its extra MPPTs and more robust 12v output are a plus.

Not sure about Bluetooth but it appears to be an option if scanned in the app. I connected mine to WiFi and am able to control AC and DC output. However, I'm still having charging issues with solar and the website states they only allow returns in 30 days on anything not used. If portability is a concern I'd go with Anker at this point. The e3600lfp seems to be more refined and gets good feedback but just beware, you may get stuck with a dudd. If this ends up being a bust I may consider victron due to the low idle consumption and longevity of their products. But I'm still just waiting around for pecron. Got an email this morning that they sent my concern to "the engineer." Worst case scenario, you can buy an expansion battery and hope the xt120 connector comes with. That may allow you to use the expansion batteries mppt to charge if the primary one in the unit goes out.

If you really want this unit to work like me I'll do my best to update you with my progress with their customer service and how they go about helping me figure out if this is fixable or not and what they're willing to do if it's not.

 

[_-phx-_]

There are two versions of the expansion battery, a 24V one for some models and a 48V one for others. It wouldn't surprise me if the connectors are different. Both cost more than I'd want to pay compared to alternatives, so if someoone figures out how to hook up a generic battery please post here.

If you look at the pictures on their website you can see they connect with some sort of barrel connector. The new power station uses an xt120, as stated in the manual. Based on the manual and website, you'll need the 48v expansion battery.

I am not very knowledgeable but I'd assume you'd want the cells to be similar. You'd want to find out how many cells are in there and what their capacity is. Then I guess you can use an xt120 to connect them. However, please keep in mind I've never done anything like that and really suggest you bounce the idea off of some of the other forum members.

 

[oldnavy]

the website states they only allow returns in 30 days on anything not used. If portability is a concern I'd go with Anker at this point. The e3600lfp seems to be more refined and gets good feedback but just beware, you may get stuck with a dudd.

Requiring the unit to be unused seems unreasonable in the case of a defect/failure within the first 30 days. I really hope they take care of you.

I also read that you have to turn off the DC output to charge from AC. Having to turn off your 12V system every time you want to charge from generator would be pretty inconvenient in an RV that uses 12V for lighting, water pump, refrigerator, etc. It's not clear if this limitation applies to the add on battery's 12V output.

 

[Mirlen]

Requiring the unit to be unused seems unreasonable in the case of a defect/failure within the first 30 days. I really hope they take care of you.

I also read that you have to turn off the DC output to charge from AC. Having to turn off your 12V system every time you want to charge from generator would be pretty inconvenient in an RV that uses 12V for lighting, water pump, refrigerator, etc. It's not clear if this limitation applies to the add on battery's 12V output.

DC output works fine when AC charging.

Regarding the warranty, this is what Pecron Support told me:

--
If a quality issue occurs within 3 months of receiving the product, we provide a free replacement.

From 3 months to 1 year, we offer a prepaid return label and cover both return shipping and repair costs.

From 1 to 2 years, if you subscribe to our three social media channels, we’ll still provide a prepaid return label and free repair.

From 2 to 5 years, you’ll need to cover the return shipping to our warehouse, but we will repair it for free and bear the return costs. If you prefer not to send it back, we can provide free replacement parts for self-repair.
--