SOLIX C800 X Portable Power Station, 1200W (Peak 1600W) Solar Generator with Camping Lights, 768Wh LiFePO4 Battery for Outdoor Camping, RVs, Road Trip, Power Outages (Optional Solar Panel)

I run a computer and some networking equipment that I need to remain on even in the event of a power outage. For a long time, I have relied on traditional uninterrupted power supplies alone, but a couple of recent power outages extended well beyond the batteries of those. I considered a traditional gasoline or LP generator, but decided to go the Anker SOLIX route instead for a couple reasons. Primarily, the necessity of running a generator outside and running heavy-duty power cords into the house. Then, of course, the costs of fuel, the necessity of having said fuel on-hand in the event of a power outage, etc. With this unit, I intend to keep it generally charged up and disconnected for the unplanned outages, but I will run the batteries down occasionally, then recharge it either by solar, AC, or the included car adapter.I have had this solar generator for about a month now, give or take. I am really happy with it so far. With its SurgePad feature, it claims to be able to push out a peak of 1600W. I wanted to see if the overload feature worked, so I plugged in a small space heater, thinking it may well just top the 1600... Sure enough, watching in the Anker sidekick app on my phone, that heater cranked this generator OVER the 1600W. I believe it had peaked in the 1800 range before I got a bit nervous and just killed it. So, the generator certainly can crank out the 1200 it is rated for on a continuous basis and spike even higher.One thing I was VERY pleased with is the fact that the LEFT USB-C port on this generator charges my Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra at "Super Fast Charging 2.0" — the fastest charging rate on this phone — meaning the generator's port supports PPS. I cannot confirm if it also supports PD. The right side USB-C port charges at a maximum of 25W, and will achieve just "Super Fast Charging" on my phone, as expected.The only ports I have not tested so far are the car adapter output and the car adapter input. Everything works well. I have charged this unit with both the included standard AC wall adapter and Anker PS100 solar panels. You can easily control the charging rate from around 2-or-300W up to the Ultra Fast rate of 1000W within the app, once connected to AC power. I have only ever pushed it as high as 500W as I believe that's easier on the battery life (the user guide indeed mentions not using Ultra Fast unless necessary for that exact reason — so I assume the lower the wattage, the safer for the battery lifespan, but I'm no electrician!).As to the title, I don't think it is worth dropping this generator to a 4-star review, but I wish it allowed closer monitoring and statistics monitoring. The app shows ONLY the total output wattage of all the AC plugs on the front combined, the output of the USB ports separately, and then the output of the car adapter. On the input, it also only shows the input wattage. All of this is shown in real-time ONLY, so there is absolutely no way to, say, put up your solar panel for awhile and then look back to see if it has been charging steadily or if you're getting big unexpected dips or anything. You have to do your best to monitor these things in real-time if you care about them, or I've actually used a power draw meter connected between my devices and this generator to get a better idea. I sincerely wish Anker would improve the app to record some stats in the background or something like that. Then I could even tell when the free solar energy has paid off the costs of the equipment (something I had sincerely hoped to do, going into this purchase)!!!Bottom line: If the 1200 continuous watts of output power is enough for you, I highly recommend this. It is fairly portable and easy enough to carry in one hand for most folks.I do NOT recommend the Anker PS100 solar panels, however. I will, of course, be writing a separate review for them, which I'm thinking is likely to be a 3-4 star review. Ignoring the quality/build concerns I intend to mention, I do suggest a 200 or 300W set of panels. 100W is too little input most days, and I wish I had started out at the 200W level. I believe the user guide for this particular model states it will charge from solar at a maximum of 300W (even though they "recommend" their own 400W panels.

I've only had this C800 for a few weeks. So far it has been working very well. It seems sturdy as a brick, so I expect it will survive being hauled around. Good power and charge life.It is a little confusing to use the USB ports and the documentation and online help is poor. For reference, the unit times-out after a period of non-use - that's documented. What isn't documented is that the USB ports only turn on when you plug a CABLE into the C800. If you unplug your phone from the far end of the cable but leave the cable plugged-in to the C800 it will time-out but it will NOT turn back on when you plug your phone in. You have to remove the USB cable from the C800. When you plug the cable back into the C800 USB port it recognizes it and the unit turns on.Two key requirements this unit delivers on: 1) It can be charged by a portable solar panel. 2) It will work in power-fail mode. When plugged into AC (and devices are plugged into it) it will quickly change from feed-through mode to operating off the battery.Would buy again.

I don’t write a lot of reviews, but I feel compelled to rate this portable solar generator.I’ve always liked Anker products. I have purchased many of their smaller portable USB chargers in the past. They always work well. Now they have gotten into solar generators.They did a number of things correctly on this box. They used a XT-60 charge input. This is fantastic, as the durability, longevity, and quality of this connector beats many of the “coaxial” connectors hands down. It’s polarized, so it can’t be plugged in backwards. Provides a snug fit that won’t come unplugged with vibration or movement. Has very low connector resistance, even after several hundred make/break cycles. Kudos Anker.Now for the box itself… it performs extremely well. It can output over 1000 watts of pure sine wave without breaking a sweat. The inverter is slightly more efficient than most of the boxes on the market. This means more of your battery power goes into supplying your loads, instead of making heat and causing the fans to run.The charging is also very efficient. The fans don’t even run when charging from 200 watt solar input, or from an external battery. Charging speed is acceptable at 12 volts in, but fantastic at 48 VDC input.It has a durable case, with handles on both sides molded into the case. Easy to carry, and lightweight for the features.2 USB C PD and 2 USB A outputs make it very friendly for charging multiple devices at one time. The 12 volt output is nice for cigarette lighter products. I use a powered cooler when traveling or camping. The cigarette socket just plugs right in from the cooler. seamless and painless.I also like that when I’m stopped for the night in a hotel with AC, the box can be charged up with just a standard cord (which can be stored in the top of the unit with other charge cords, etc…).Anker did a great job on this portable supply, and in common Anker fashion, the box just works.