Reviews & Recommendations
Our main goal is to find batteries that are: Efficiency, Expandability, Quiet, and Cost Effective based on our real world testing.
The products we recommend are not always the newest products on the market but we’ve found them to be the best option to provide 24/7 power efficiently.
Solar Panel Recommendation
Renogy 220W Lightweight Portable Solar Suitcase Review
This solar panel is perfect for a temporary apartment setup on a roof or the ground. The U shaped legs are sturdy and hold a sand bag or water bag perfectly, helping to secure it. It’s also super lightweight (16lbs) and folds up small.
☀️ Power - 220W
💪 Durability - Aluminum Frame & U shaped legs
⚓️ Anchor-ability -Sand/ Water bad on each leg
My goals for a solar panel are:
Portability
Skip the Permit Process. Because portable solar panels are designed for temporary use, they generally do not fall under the strict regulations governing permanent roof installs. Enjoy the freedom of solar without the paperwork.
Bonus: Easily move your solar setup when you move
Durability
We want this investment to last as long as possible
Consider Fiberglass & Aluminum for durability
Shy away from Glass (ek cracks!) & Laminated panels (ew lamination separation)
Anchorability
Think, How can we secure this? Ideally, easy to install / secure in a temporary way
Sturdy legs that sand bags or water bags can be placed on to secure it
Mounting holes? if you plan to hang it on the side a balcony for example
Battery Recommendations
Ecoflow Delta 2 Review
The best budge battery to get started with is the Ecoflow Delta 2 thanks to its super efficient performance. While it lacks reporting data in the app, its ability to be expanded up to 3kWh will enable you to grow with this for many years.
☀️ This battery can support up to:
2 x 220w Renogy portable solar panels (giving you 440w solar in)
⚡️Inverter - 1,000W
🔋🔋🔋 Battery Storage - 1-3 kWh
⊕ Expandable Battery - Yes, add up to 1 external battery
♺ Efficiency Rating - Great! 23w inverter overhead
☀️ Solar Input - 500W Max., VOC 11-60VDC, 15A
🔌 Solar Priority Mode - Yes, configure between 5-100%
📈 App Experience - Basic controls only, lacks reporting
🔇 Noise Level - Some soft fan noise heard sometimes
◽️ Physical Footprint - Small, fits well almost anywhere
Bluetti AC200L Review
The best all around battery to get started with is the Bluetti AC200L. Its expandable, has detailed reporting (solar production, battery level and power load) helping you to dial in your setup, and it has high solar input. Its solid to start and can grow alot as you need.
☀️ This battery can support up to:
6 x 220w Renogy portable solar panels (giving you 1,000w solar in)
⚡️⚡️Inverter - 2,400W
🔋🔋🔋🔋🔋🔋 Battery Storage - 2-7.6kWh
⊕⊕ Expandable Battery - Yes, add up to 2 external batteries
♺♺♺ Efficiency Rating - Great! 21w inverter overhead
☀️☀️☀️ Solar Input - 1,200W Max., VOC 12-145VDC, 15A
🔌 Solar Priority Mode - Yes, configure between 0-100%
📈📈 App Experience - Advanced w/ detailed Reporting
🔇 Noise Level - Low, I never really notice it there
◽️◽️◽️ Physical Footprint - On the larger side, but looks tidy
Notable Mention: Bluetti Elite 200v Review
A Notable mention is the Bluetti Elite 200v due to its impressive specs, small size, and 17 year battery lifespan. It's a very efficient option, however…
Its not expandable though, so really consider your short and long term needs to ensure this is the right size.
☀️ This battery can support up to:
4 x 220w Renogy portable solar panels (giving you 880w solar in)
⚡️⚡️Inverter - 2,0600W
🔋🔋 Battery Storage - 2kWh
🚫 Expandable Battery - No... 😢
♺♺♺ Efficiency Rating - Great! 21w inverter overhead
☀️☀️ Solar Input - 1,000W Max., VOC 11-60VDC, 20A
🔌🔌 Solar Priority Mode - Yes, configure between 0-100%
📈📈 App Experience - Advanced app with detailed Reporting
🤫 Noise Level - Low, I never really notice it there
◽️◽️ Physical Footprint - Smallish, fits well most places