The Peppermint Energy Forty2 Max portable solar power generator is a convenient and powerful all-in-one power station.
Unlike most power generators that require separate solar panels, this one comes with solar panels built in.
The whole package is designed into an easily portable briefcase that you can use at home or carry with you when going camping or extended fieldwork assignments.
Quick Summary
Generator Applications | |
---|---|
Off-grid living | + |
Whole-house backup | - |
Large appliances | - |
Small appliances | + |
Camping/outdoors | + |
RV/boating | + |
Cell phones | + |
Features | |
---|---|
Battery Capacity: | 2000Wh |
Power Output: | USB(2 ports), AC (2 outlets), 24V DC Out port |
Weight: | 68 lbs (31 kg) |
Best Features of The Preppermint Energy Forty2 Max Portable Solar Power Generator
All-In-One Briefcase Design
Most of solar generators on the market are not really solar generators.
They are actually battery power stations that don’t come with integrated solar panels. To turn one into a solar generator, you have to buy solar panels separately.
The Preppermint Energy Forty2 Max, on the other hand, is a bonafide solar generator. It has built-in solar panels that are fully integrated & tested with the power supply.
This provide several advantages.
For one, there is no need to budget for accessories (the generator is pricey enough on its own). With some ‘solar generators,’ you have to buy an adaptor to use with third-party solar panels.
Second, it makes the generator much easier to travel with and store. There are no bulky panels to take up extra space.
It’s also convenient. You don’t have to spend time setting up the panels and connecting them to the generator.
With the Peppermint Energy, you just open up the briefcase to expose the solar panels.
High-Capacity Battery
At 2,000 Wh of energy storage, the Preppermint is one of the most powerful portable generator batteries in the market.
The lithium-ion battery can power almost any device and small appliances, as long as its power rating is below 1800W. Compatible devices include smartphones, tablets, laptops, CPAP machines, mini fridges, televisions and power tools.
On average, the battery will power small devices like tablets and GoPros for 144 hours; video game consoles for 48 hours; laptops and fans for 24 hours; and a mini fridge for about 15 hours.
If the weather is good, the battery will charge itself as it powers your devices. So you can power your electronics continuously as you also save some power for night time use.
The lithium-ion battery pack has a full recharge cycle lifespan of 1,000, meaning it will last for several years.
When it comes to the end of its life, simply swap it with a new one.
3 Output Options + 2 Charging Options
The Forty2 Max offers two ways to power your appliances and devices.
There the two standard AC outlets with a maximum power rating of 1800W which you can use to power a mini fridge, coffee maker, power tool, medical device or desktop computer.
There are also two USB ports for charging smartphones, tablets and other USB devices.
There is also a 24V power out port that comes in handy when you want to connect several generators (see below).
When the battery runs out, there are two ways to recharge it.
The easiest and most convenient is using free solar power. Just open the briefcase lay the panels in the sun. At no load on the system, the power pack will recharge in about 9 hours.
If it’s cloudy or at night, you can plug the generator into a wall socket to recharge it, although it takes longer than 9 hours to fully charge this way.
Modular Design
On its own, this 2,000 watt solar generator is not enough to power your entire home or a large institution.
But you can string several of them together for higher power output.
The Peppermint Energy 2000 watt solar generator kit comes with an extra 24V DC port with which you can connect another generator. You can connect as many as ten solar generators in a row to power your home or office.
This modular design allows you to scale up quickly if you want enough power for entire home backup or to power things like air conditioners and large refrigerators.
Compact and Portable
One of the unique features of the Peppermint 2000 watt portable solar generator is the design. It looks like a briefcase and opens like one.
This compact design makes it more portable and easier to store when it’s not in use.
Limitations
It’s a Bit Heavy
Despite the compact design, the Peppermint Energy Max generator weighs 75 lbs.
It’s Expensive
You may not need to budget extra money for solar panels, but the generator itself has a high price tag.
This unit currently sells for $3,000, the same price as the more powerful Yeti 3000 generator.
If you want something a bit lower-priced, see our complete list of the best home solar generators selling today.
Fewer Outlets
The Peppermint Energy Forty2 Max has fewer outlets than comparable solar generators from Yeti & Anker.
Most generators with this power rating size have at least 2 AC outlets and 4 USB ports. But the Forty2 Max has 2 AC outlets and just 2 USB ports. This can be limiting when you need to charge or power a family’s worth of USB devices.
Conclusion
The best part about the Peppermint Energy Forty2 Max portable solar power generators is its fully integrated, portable convenience.
You don’t have to bother looking for compatible solar panels and connecting them every time you want to charge the generator.
We also love the high-capacity battery. It will power most of w3hat you need in your life through outages, disasters, and outdoor adventures. The integrated solar panels recharge the unit quickly. And the ability to string units together adds the ability to handle larger home backups.