If power is the main thing you care about when shopping for a portable solar generator, this new model from PowerOak should more than satisfy you.
Quick Summary
Generator Applications | |
|---|---|
Off-grid living | + |
Whole-house backup | - |
Large appliances | + |
Small appliances | + |
Camping/outdoors | + |
RV/boating | + |
Cell phones | - |
Features | |
|---|---|
Battery Capacity: | 1600Wh |
Power Output: | AC (2x) |
Weight: | 24.8 lbs. |
Advantages of the PowerOak Portable 110v 1600Wh Inverter Generator
The advantages of this unit reside in its power and size. If you like to bring your appliances with you on camping or boating trips, then this generator has you covered.
500 Watts of Portable Power
This generator delivers up 500 watts of clean, pure sine wave power.
500 watts is far more than most other generators this size can supply. It gives you enough to power everything from tea kettles and coffee pots to power tools and large televisions.
Compact Size
Despite the power, this generator weighs just 24.8 lbs and measures a compact 15.9 x 10.3 x 8.5 inches.
Carrying, transport, and storage aren’t an issue with this unit.
Lithium Battery
Lithium batteries provide several advantages over standard lead-acid-based batteries, and this generator makes full use of them.
The battery in this unit will last thousands of recharge cycles, and it weighs much less than lead-acid based equivalents. It can also hold a charge longer.
Simple Design
There isn’t much to figure out with this PowerOak generator.
The charging sources connect to the ports in the back end, while the outputs are located in the front. Outputs include a 12v and AC port, each with its own on/off button.
Battery capacity, discharge, charge amount, and failure status are all displayed by LED lights just under the outlets.
Limitations
Although simple, light and powerful, this generator could use a few more things.
Lack of Outlets
Despite the high amount of wattage available, the unit only has two outlets and no USB ports.
This puts it at a major disadvantage when compared with other generators.
That said, to use more than one device, all you need is a $15 power strip.
No Power Monitor / Display
Digital displays on generators are preferred because they show right down to the decimal how much charge remains and/or how much power the unit is receiving from a solar panel.
The simple LED lights on this unit get the job done but are imprecise.
Conclusion
The PowerOak Portable 110v 1600Wh Inverter Generator has some limitations, but the outstanding power and portability of the unit make it superior in many ways.
The additional wattage opens up a whole new world of possibilities as far as devices and appliances go. It is powerful enough to consider it for backup power in your home.
