Looking for recommendations for an all-in-one solar generator for a variety of uses

[Tony S]

Looking for recommendations - PLEASE

Unfortunately, I've come to the conclusion that I will have to buy more than one kind of solar generator setup for everything I'm wanting to do.
(I had hoped that would not have been the case.)

The reason for this post - I've been looking for a while & watching videos too. But I'm overwhelmed and finding it too hard to keep it all straight.

Currently I'm in need of mid-size unit with an inverter and battery in one package.
(EXAMPLE: Bluetti AC200MAX is the right size but if I recall correctly it does not offer everything I'm after.)
I understand I might have to compromise with what's on the market now.
ONE USE - I want to use it OVER NIGHT in my RV like, sleeper box. (I want to run a TV, Fan, Cell Phone and Refrigerator/Freeze cooler all night and charge during the day.)
SECOND USE - MRS's CPAP over night, when I'm home.
THRID USE - On Job Sites around the farm - When needed and only during the day.
I would like at least 2,000Wh. (That will provide me with 1,600Wh at 80%.)
I would prefer it to have UPS. However, EPS will do.
Pass through charging is a must.
I would like to be able to turn it on and off with my phone - IF needed.
I'd rather NOT have to go to the unit to turn it back on should the battery get low and it have to charge.

Will the kind of unit you have work for my needs and is there anything you don't like about it, since you started using it?

Thank you for your time and help.

Sincerely,
Tony

BTW - This is my Toy Hauler and the sleeper box I need a solar generator for ASAP. (I don't want to drain the cab batteries needed to start the diesel.)
(The next time I use it I would really like to be able to project what's on my phone to the TV, to watch stuff on a larger screen and have a fan to keep me cool.)
Last year I spent 41 days in this and learned a lot about things I need to change and stuff I want in it. Grin & LOL

 

[watchdoc]

Anker 767 is the most portable and is very quiet. TT30 plug for RV use. Bluetooth app gives control within 50ft. Excellent customer service. Excellent warranty.

The AC200MAX is very loud when charging via the charging brick. Bluetooth app works within 50ft. Poor customer service.

The new Ecoflow Delta 2 Max is a serious contender but doesn't have wheels. Comes with Wifi and Bluetooth. Excellent warranty, Excellent software. Excellent customer service. Has EPS function but only 30ms so probably not good for sensitive electronics like computers.

 

[Techman Solar]

There are a number of power stations available in the 2000-3000Wh category. My advice would be to stick to brands with a reputation of good build quality and customer service. I would happily pay a bit more for the added peace of mind of a reputable manufacturer with a track record of standing behind their products.

I would recommend the Jackery 2000 Pro, but it's drawback is that is has lithium NMC cells rather than the more stable and long-lasting LiFePo4 chemistry cells. Solar setup can be tedious depending on how much sun you get in your geographical location. They have released a 3000 Pro, which isn't yet available in the UK, and as a rule of thumb I don't recommend a product I personally haven't used and/or evaluated.

There are other options available from the likes of Bluetti and EcoFlow amongst others. I can't comment on them based on the rule above. I have contacted both manufacturers re evaluating their products on my YouTube channel, but getting a response from them is another matter altogether.

 

[HarryN]

So let's discuss your location first.

Since you are in Ontario, Canada - the unit will likely be exposed to cold conditions.

None of the conventional units that are sold in stores will work properly if it goes all that much below freezing for very long unless you keep your cab warm 24 / 7. Not only that, there are plenty of reports of them dying in the conditions that you need them to work in.

So if that cold weather use is a requirement, then you don't want to hear this, but an AGM based setup would be much better for you.

There are some systems that can use either AGMs or Li as external battery packs and then the electronics just plug into them if that is interesting.

They are roughly suitcase size.

What do EPS and UPS mean?

 

[Tony S]

So let's discuss your location first.

Since you are in Ontario, Canada - the unit will likely be exposed to cold conditions.

None of the conventional units that are sold in stores will work properly if it goes all that much below freezing for very long unless you keep your cab warm 24 / 7. Not only that, there are plenty of reports of them dying in the conditions that you need them to work in.

So if that cold weather use is a requirement, then you don't want to hear this, but an AGM based setup would be much better for you.

There are some systems that can use either AGMs or Li as external battery packs and then the electronics just plug into them if that is interesting.

They are roughly suitcase size.

What do EPS and UPS mean?

Thank you.

I never use it during winter. I don't want the salt roads to destroy it.
98 to 99 percent of the time it will be used in summer, some occasions early fall. And only when I'm with it to know the outside temps. Plus I have a small diesel heater to keep the inside warm.

As for EPS and UPS
EPS = Emergency Power Supply
UPS = Uninterruptible Power Supply
And if they switch over on their own or you have to manually turn them on.

 

[HarryN]

Thank you.

I never use it during winter. I don't want the salt roads to destroy it.
98 to 99 percent of the time it will be used in summer, some occasions early fall. And only when I'm with it to know the outside temps. Plus I have a small diesel heater to keep the inside warm.

As for EPS and UPS
EPS = Emergency Power Supply
UPS = Uninterruptible Power Supply
And if they switch over on their own or you have to manually turn them on.

Thanks - I didn't realize that was a limitation in portable power systems.

I can't imagine building one for a customer that is limited like that, but the more that I read about the high volume commercial versions, they do have some weird behaviors.

The portable power systems that I build for people just convert all incoming power ( solar or 120 vac ) into DC charging power so as long as there is power on the bus bar, they will run.

I moved away from "pass through charging to output 120 vac" because honestly it was less reliable. (more efficient, but less reliable )

It is fine when connected to the grid at home, but a lot of generators and camp sites have less control of the frequency and voltage than you might imagine so having a dedicated 120 vac charger solves a LOT of problems. There are some pretty massive power surges when a bunch of big class A RVs connect / disconnect from an RV park.

Generator behavior is not completely straightforward.

If you have an AGM based system, then it is easy to make one that is 4 season, but obviously heavier.

If you want lower weight, then Li is lighter and the more lively the chemistry, the lower the weight.

____

As far as what happens if the state of charge goes to low, I think that is going to be a universal challenge.

If you are using AGMs, then it still takes an on / off to re-set the inverter functions.

If you are using Li chemistries, then the BMS needs an on / off to re-set to work again.

AFAIK that is always going to be true.

_____


Monitoring via WiFi is straightforward.


Making changes via over the air - my suggestion is to not go down this path, especially if you have Li batteries. Ever see what happens if someone hacks in / goes in and changes the charge settings on a Li battery?

 

[Tony S]

Thank you everyone for your time and input.