It’s always during a power outage when you truly realize how many electronic devices we use in a day. The backup solution is investing in portable power stations & solar generators. If going without power for a long period of time is simply not an option, you’re in luck. There are a wide variety of options available, depending on your power needs. But what if you want or need the most powerful portable power you can get? Well, you’ve come to the right place.
I’m reviewing the Anker Solix F2600 portable power station. I first saw this award wining product at CES 2024. It’s a top of the line portable power station with 2560Wh capacity and 2400W of output. It also features a 1000W solar input so I’ll be testing it alongside the Anker PS400 foldable solar panel. Together is this the ultimate backup power solution you can get? Let’s find out.
Design of the SOLIX F2600 portable power station
The Anker SOLIX F2600 portable power station is a beast. It’s so big and heavy, it comes in a suitcase design with wheels and a retracting handle. It weighs a whopping 69.7 lbs. With a compact rectangular design, it measures approximately 21”x16”x10”. There are numerous ports to charge virtually every device out there including RVs. There are four standard AC outlets, and one NEMA TT-30 outlet. This is the connection typically used for RVs that require 30 amps. Two 120W cigarette lighter outputs are also available. The SOLIX F2600 has two USB-A ports at 12W and three 100W USB-C ports.
Use cases for the SOLIX F2600
For people who get frequent power outages, the SOLIX F2600 is a godsend. With a 2400W output, it can power virtually every home appliance out there. This includes washing machines, air conditioners, microwaves, and CPAP machines for people with sleeping issues. In fact, it can power a full size refrigerator for 12.5 hours.
Another great use case is for off the grid construction with power tools. The SOLIX F2600 can power a tablesaw continuously for 1.4 hours or an electric chainsaw for 1.6 hours. It’s even a good solution for workers with battery powered tools. Charge your batteries on site or use a combination of corded and cordless tools.
Design of the PS400 foldable solar panel
The PS400 foldable solar panel features a rugged design for long-lasting use with 400W of rated power. It uses a scratch-resistant polyester and a durable monocrystaline silicon. Folded, it measures approximately 36”x26”x2” (HWD). Unfolded it measures approximately 102”x36”x1”.
The PS400 has an IP67 certification, which means it is waterproof and dustproof. It can work equally well on a beach or riverside camping. A kickstand on the back adjusts the panels to 40, 50, or 60 degrees to capture the most sunlight. Positioned correctly, with the 400W max input, it can charge the SOLIX F2600 in 5.7 hours.
Using the Anker SOLIX F2600
I took the F2600 outside and connected a variety of devices to it. The suitcase design makes it super easy to move around. I connected an electric grill, a vintage blender, and an electric grill. Unfortunately, I don’t own an RV, so I couldn’t use that connection. I did however, charge my smartphone, tablet, and Bluetooth speaker with the F2600.
I downloaded the Anker SOLIX app and connected the F2600. Then, I turned on the various devices to see how much power they were consuming. As expected, the electric grill, blender, and hair dryer worked independently. However, things got interesting when I powered two devices at the same time. Both the electric grill and hair dryer could operate simultaneously. That means you can cook bacon and blow dry your hair at the same time on a camping site. This isn’t glamping, I call it “smart camping”.
Using the PS400 solar panel
Once I drained some of the battery, I connected the PS400 solar panel to the SOLIX F2600. It was a wet, cloudy day, so I wasn’t expecting much. Despite its size, I was able to position the solar panel by myself. The kickstand design works very well. I like how they have predefined angles. This makes it easy to adjust to get the most sun.
I used the SOLIX app to see the DC input level coming from the PS400 solar panel. It also tells me how much output is going to all my devices. I was getting a DC input level of 0W. The PS400 is supposed to charge on cloudy days, but without sun, I don’t think it charges much at all. There was no sun in the forecast so I was unable to test it in sunny conditions. Hopefully I can review this again in the summer.
Who is the SOLIX F2600 for?
A lot of different types of people would benefit from having the SOLIX F2600 portable power station. Campers and those with RVs will want this for long trips. Combined with the PS400 solar panel, users have endless power potential. Bring all your electric appliances camping. Hang string lights, bring your hair dryer, and grill bacon on an electric grill. This is camping during the age of portable power stations.
This is also a great alternative to a gas-powered generator. During a power outage, I could connect my freezer, washing machine, and other appliances to keep them running. It also acts as a UPS, an uninterruptible power supply. I can connect my modem and router to it. If the power goes out, the Wi-Fi stays on. Basically, you’re always using it but keep it on standby to power home appliances during a power outage.
Construction workers will love to have this on a jobsite. Power all your power tools where you’re working. If you have battery-powered tools, charge the batteries with the SOLIX F2600. Combined with the Anker PS400 solar panel, you can really live off the grid. Position the panels to the sun to charge up the SOLIX F2600. That’s cabin-living, with all the benefits of continuous electric power off the grid. But if it’s cloudy outside, don’t expect to get much power from it.
Make the investment in a portable power station
Everyone can benefit from owning a portable power station. I’ve reviewed other models from Anker. The SOLIX 522 is made for the average everyday person who needs to keep their digital devices charged. If you go one step up with the SOLIX C1000X, you get power and app connectivity. It can also power devices like electric grills and hair dryers. The SOLIX F2600 is for someone who needs serious power. This could be for a RV, power tools, or even musical equipment for live shows. If you need the best portable power station out there with solar charging, then I highly recommend you check out the SOLIX F2600 and Anker PS400 solar panel.
