Tests: Inverter Max Load Test: 5:46 Solar Panel Charge Rate Test: 8:47 Car Charge Test: 9:45 Capacity Test: 14:55 Highlights: Conclusion: 15:26 Manufacturing Defect: 20:37 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Does off-grid solar confuse you? Check out my DIY friendly website for solar system packages and product recommendations, and so much more! www.mobile-solarpower.com Join our DIY solar community! #1 largest solar forum on the internet for beginners and professionals alike: www.diysolarforum.com Check out my best-selling, beginner-friendly 12V off-grid solar book (affiliate link): amzn.to/2Aj4dX4 If DIY is not for you, but you love solar and need an offgrid system, check out Tesla Solar. Low prices and great warranty, and they can take your entire house offgrid with their new Powerwalls: ts.la/william57509 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My solar equipment recommendations (Constantly updated! Check here first): 12V/48V Lithium Batteries: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-batteries.html Solar System Component Directory: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solarcomponents.html Plug-N-Play Systems: www.mobile-solarpower.com/full-size-systems.html Complete 48V System Kits: www.mobile-solarpower.com/complete-48v-solar-kits.html DIY Friendly Air Conditioner/ Heat Pumps: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-friendly-air-conditioners.html Complete 48V System Blueprint: www.mobile-solarpower.com/48v-complete-system-blueprint.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My Favorite Online Stores for DIY Solar and Coupon Codes: -Current Connected: SOK, Victron and High Quality Components. Best prices and warranty around: currentconnected.com/?ref=wp -Signature Solar: Cheap Server Rack Batteries and Large Solar Panels: www.signaturesolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek -Ecoflow Delta Official Site: My favorite plug-n-play solar generator: us.ecoflow.com/?aff=7 -AmpereTime: Cheapest 12V batteries around: amperetime.com/products/ampere-time-12v-100ah-lithium-lifepo4-battery?ref=h-cvbzfahsek -Rich Solar: Mega site and cheaper prices than renogy! Check them out: richsolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek -Shop Solar Kits: Huge site with every solar kit you can imagine! Check it out: shopsolarkits.com/?ref=will-p -Battery Hookup: Cheap cell deals bit.ly/2mIxSqt 10% off code: diysolar -Watts 24/7: Best deals on all-in-one solar power systems, with customer support and distribution here in the USA: watts247.com/?wpam_id=3 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Contact Information: I am NOT available for personal solar system consult! If you wish to contact me, this is my direct email: williamprowsediysolar@gmail.com Join the forum at diysolarforum.com/ if you wish to hang out with myself and others and talk about solar FTC Disclosure Statement and Disclaimers: Every video includes some form of paid promotion or sponsorship. Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. My videos are for educational purposes only. Information is subject to change/update at any time. Electricity is DANGEROUS and can kill. Be smart and use common sense :) DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, An affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Hey brother glad to see you doing well in your new home. Hope you didnt forget about us vanlifers... Renogy has this new 50A mppt / DC to DC charger which is so perfect for us who drive around in their rv/van. I think its a pretty new product. Your the only one we'd trust to review it. Im sure youd get a ton of views. Cheers from Florida.
@@WillProwse I would been interested to see if you could have used both the charging inputs simultaneously, and if it favours the solar over the wall charge
Late post because I've kept this same unit for emergency purposes and didn't test it out too much. Since I use a CPAP machine, I used some remaining medical flex spending account funds to get this unit (came with the fast charger, slow charger, solar panels, and some camping lights). The way the buttons have worked for me is you need to hold them in when turning on/off the power and outputs. I was able to test the unit in a real-world scenario lately when we had electrical issues in our house and I had to kill the circuit breaker with 9 bedroom outlets on it. So, I used the unit for my CPAP machine for over a week until the wiring was fixed. Not realizing I had a fast charger with everything else in a box, and thinking I had only one charger (the slow one), I was connecting the slow charger every day to recharge the unit during daytime hours. It would take up to 9 hours to charge! From now on, I'll use the fast charger (3 hours will be much better than 9)! Really, I wanted to have this in case the power is completely out and the fact that it can quickly charge via the solar panels, which I also purchased. It will be a nice backup to my propane/gas generator (used for heavier loads).
Will, it's good that you review these products for us dummies.. This product is useless to me if the 12 volt is not regulated. You're 100% right. All manufactures should regulate them. I purchased the Bluetti because of your favorable review on it. Look forward to your next video. Thanks a bunch!! 👍
I love listening to you Will, you are like no one else I have ever listened to speak. Your catch phrases and mannerism always seem to cheer me up. And watching you with a new toy reminds me 3 year olds at Christmas time, you just light up. Never loose that kid in you man, we get boring when that happens.
Will, manufactures need to contact you before they even think about making anything. I love your hones reports & how you don't pull any punches. You are saving people thousands of dollars. Thanks.
Love going back thru your older videos now that I found you channel. Some of your stuff is over my head, but the more I watch, the more I understand. A saying from my business "the things you learn when you think you know it all... that's the best!" Thanks Will, keep up the good work. And please be safe.
Often times engineers/companies will take criticism personal. They probably wont be giving you anything else to review. I like your content/channel. Subbed.
It’s amazing to me that a company somewhere out there cannot create, invent and produce a solar generator with everything that’s required to be a all in one system that meets the demands of serious users. One would think they would be watching Wills videos and create the unit he would recommend. It would be a super seller to this community. I for one would be willing to pay slightly more for that system. But not so ridiculously over priced.
I need one for the Caribbean .we use 220v DC.i need one to power my 220v blender,220v small deep freezer and I need like 1000-1500w.can someone help me PLEASE.
Checkout the EcoFlow Delta 1300. It just recently funded from Kickstarter (they asked for $50,000 and received $2.8 million!!). A certain someone with a TH-cam channel has ordered one for testing. It looks interesting!
What I see; solar reviews pays! You have turned your passion into wealth. From homeless and sick to owning a home and a Tesla and hopefully a healthy Will! Since most of your solar focus on smaller mobile systems, RV or cabin will you be going larger now that you have a home! Please no grid teathered! I am anti big corporate leaches. Good for you turning knowledge into power!
Thanks for the video. Note to the manufacturer, and all other manufacturers... You better listen to this guy's recommendations. What Lion Energy did by shipping this unit to Mr. Prowse was they "Crowd Sourced their Chief Technology Officer."
Great video as always. I am going to assume that a manufacturer who sends you a product for your review would have some knowledge of your expertise and depth of scrutiny during your equipment reviews. The fact that Lion Energy sent you this unit for your unbiased review reveals that their Q/C is sub-par. If I was a manufacturer and was sending you a product for review, I would go over it with "A Fine Tooth Comb" prior to sending it out. It is so cool that you found the connection defect.
Product Manager for Lion Energy, Things to do, make sure resume is ready to go tomorrow. Product Manager for Lion, thoughts, WTF was I thinking sending this unit to Will Prowse.
Another fantastic review Will, If it’s in your wheelhouse, you should design and build the ultimate solar generator. I know I would buy one from you. As a side note, love your book. Keep up the great work
Very interesting review! Thank you. I am subscribed to lots of channels. I just turned on notifications for your channel. The ONLY channel I get notifications for! Keep the reviews coming. You are my source for all things solar etc.
Great catch Will; I just found and watched your Lion Energy LT review. I’ve yet to use the 25’ Solar Extension Cable with our Safari ME; bought this unit a year ago for use with our RV. Hopefully Safari fixed the defect, But in any event; I will follow your advice and put some Heat Shrink Tubing around the Anderson Power pole connection to the cable. Overall, I’m very pleased by the Lion Energy ME and the EP. Thank you for that catch, as I’d never even imagine, like many others, pulling off the connectors insulating cover to inspect it.
I have a Suaoki G500 with a 450wh battery and it charges at 150 watts max from solar and thru my car with a 24v boost converter. 12v output is regulated as well. Inverter is only 300 watts continous tho. Worth reviewing for this class of generator.
Wow , just steered me away! If the company addresses these issues I'll definitely buy from them I love their company!. So glad I watched this I hope they appreciate your knowledge! Thanks!
Another one bites the dust. I sure hope you find a good one soon Christmas is coming up and I need a good 12v regulated source with a fast charger to run my camping equipment I am using. Thanks and I will keep watching, you are still doing a great job!
I'm glad I went with the Jackery 500. I figured out a way to almost double the DC car charge rate by splicing a 8mm DC connector on the output of a 12V to 24V 3.5A charger that cost about $32. I still haven't been able to get a solar panel to charge it faster, but the DC charger was a game changer. I got the DC input watts up from 42 watts to 78 watts, which is almost as fast as the AC wall wart charges.
Good job with the closeups so we can see the numbers. Still in search of a solar generator that will pass the Will Prowse test. Can you do a project where you make your own? It will be fun and a good idea of about how much a really good unit costs to make. Put it up on auction when you are done... maybe.
Was thinking about buying a Lion Safari NE (Elite) but there are no "reviews" on it yet. Decided to watch your review of one of their smaller units. The wire crimp problem you discovered is a HUGE problem for me. It speaks loudly of their lack of quality control. Having said that, the cable is not part of the unit and may have been produced by a different company. Thanks for your thoroughness.
Will, Try precharging the capacitors in the inverter from a proper 12V source before connecting it to the Lions unregulated output. I bet a safety device was tripping up the output due to the inrush current of the inverters caps exceeding the 120W of the 12V receptacle.
Very true, but my 240wh jackery can even power this inverter until it's dead. Still surprising. Actually I powered it with a 120wh micro battery the other day! Have never had this happen before.
Yes they should regulate the cigarette lighter or 12 v source to actually be at 13.8 v because most small draw things like my handheld cb require 13.8 to operate properly or it will click. They could definitely add another 20v option with lifepo4. Thanks for how thorough your information is packed in the video wow! Super! My experience...Lifepo4’s max out @ 200 amps and easily start a truck.
A lot of the modern cheap 12v fridges will have an option to set the low power cutoff to 10.1v, which is a nice option if you want to run it on the unregulated power systems.
These units are super cool for what they are, super portable power with all the components right there. I still always come back to dang for 400 bucks more thats another Battleborn :D for camping and beach trips day trips totally awesome though!
Wow 😯 after your review it’s a not $buy. Company’s are not ready for a “Will” tested review. I’m looking at this 12 August 2022 as I speed through your reviews staring from the beginning. And I’m thinking 🤔 after the work will company’s fix or update they’re product. Thanks again for your work. In your work through time I’m looking for a comment’s about product that are showing that have done the work to finish the product to “Will” standards and Be a good $buy. Thanks 😊.
You could do with taking the tree down otherwise winter isn’t going to be very productive for your solar charging requirements. What are your plans for your back yard? Are you going to build a taller frame for your solar arrays? Maybe a solar tracker for some of your arrays?
I'm guessing that you're referring to 12 volt refrigerators that use a compressor. I've always used thermoelectric units because they don't seem to have as narrow a voltage input range. You can actually get some really good ones if you look around. I am actually considering getting one of the compressor based units to see how well they work.
Do you mind responding with which specific solar generators have regulated 12V output and, based on what's on the market today, which of these you feel is the best investment?
You amaze me.please keep testing and pushing manufacturers for us and let us know when it’s time to buy. I have a Rockpals with 200 w solar and it’s just too whimpy I need to power electric heat in my van ‘cuz I travel with a parrot and parrots must have warmth and zero gases.
One of my priorities is fast charging from the wall. I don't need 12v since this will just be for per outages Then all the other stuff you look for in a device like mppt and higher wattage so it can charge faster.
I'm wondering if those power buttons are designed to be pushed and held in for a few secs. just in case you happen to pick it up and accidentally press the button.
The button for the "unregulated" output is a "soft" button... so there is some kind of switching electronics, very likely the reason it would not turn on with the inverter is because it registered the capacitors in the inverter as a short circuit and so it refuses to turn on, hence the flashing. I have a similar issue with a large solar controller that won't turn the output on when connected to loads with large input caps... it needs some kind of soft start.
I wonder what the manufacturing cost saving is using non-regulated 12v output over a regulated 12v output? Is the cost-saving justified with the resulting loss in functionality?
Well if they can"t get the ends of the extension cable RIGHT how did the make the rest of the Safari LT? They can keep this unit! Plenty of others others to buy.
Hi Will! I can’t believe you moved here! I love your videos, very helpful. Do you do paid consulting? I have bought an ambulance that I’ve got about 80% converted, having some electrical issues.
@@MarkSpohr You can get exactly this with a SEPIC power supply (convertor). There is a unit on ebay called PM-6009 that will run at up to quoted 5a so surely it must be possible to make them bigger. There were (possibly still are) boost-buck convertors that take the input, boost then buck down to required voltage but they are less efficient as 2 conversions are happening. In fact, if you are only running small loads, the above SEPIC unit completely solves the output problem, you just need to......... oh. back to DIY........
Very useful. I just can’t figure out if manufacturers are really smart to have you review , or are complete idiots. What I do know is I always learn something and appreciate what and how you do your vids Thank you very much and look forward to your next posting BYW I purchased the Bluetti based on your review Thx
Great info; thanks, Will! One of these days the right combination will show up and they will be the market winner. Maybe it will be Lion Energy, if they act fast. I'm hoping to get my act on the road spring of 2020. What exactly I will buy for power depends on whether I'm in my 6 cyl. SUV only, or can afford another SUV with 8 cyl and pull a cargo van/tiny home. Meanwhile, I'm following your reports/updates on the latest power units or battery & solar arrays. Always grateful for your info, Will!
Hi Will, im guessing this 500W Lion generator won't be able to handle a rice cooker, correct? I want to buy a solar generator for camping but not sure which one to get. Please help confirm. Appreciate it 🙏
Will can you do a review on the goal zero Yeti Tank Expansion battery? It just came out and it would be great to see how well it works with the Yeti 1400 lithium power station or others. Love the vids!!
Will, FYI I use 12v DC5521 outputs on my DIY set up. My traditional battery chargers (AA/AAA/9v/18650) have DC 5521 12v inputs. Same for other gadgets which have 12v DC 5521 inputs. I didn’t bother installing an AC inverter in my setup as most gadgets I use are DC devices hence can be charged via DC inputs including laptops, DAB radio, Makita cordless batteries etc. I don’t get why people who have DC power supplies use AC to charge DC devices. Just charge DC to DC.
Great videos! So without watching every single video, which one do you recommend a guy to purchase? Running a portable fridge/cooler and charging phones . 500wh I’d assume.
With all the gadgets you have, I would have thought you have a DC to DC voltage booster on a shelf somewhere? Looks like you can add a few of those to your next shopping list. It’s useful to make your own DC bench supply for projects and experiments.
Say, I got a $50 off coupon on Amazon for a small solar generator. It brought the price down to $69. I believe it has 35 ah of battery but feels like more. It claims a pure sine wave inverter. I had to buy a solar adapter seperate but came with ac and car charger a a separate 12 volt port. The old one I had did not have a cooling fan, this one does. I'm very impressed. They actually dropped the price to $79. For that price why not?? It's awesome. I use it instead of running my Salex 1500 watt inverter for everything. I think it's 159 watts. I'm almost tempted to buy another to give to someone that has no power. I'd love for you to let me know what you think. My old portable lasted 3 years and everything but the 12 volt output for DC or a 12 volt port adapter. Maybe it blew because it had no cooling fan. This $70 one has a cooling fan.
Tests:
Inverter Max Load Test: 5:46
Solar Panel Charge Rate Test: 8:47
Car Charge Test: 9:45
Capacity Test: 14:55
Highlights:
Conclusion: 15:26
Manufacturing Defect: 20:37
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Does off-grid solar confuse you? Check out my DIY friendly website for solar system packages and product recommendations, and so much more! www.mobile-solarpower.com
Join our DIY solar community! #1 largest solar forum on the internet for beginners and professionals alike: www.diysolarforum.com
Check out my best-selling, beginner-friendly 12V off-grid solar book (affiliate link):
amzn.to/2Aj4dX4
If DIY is not for you, but you love solar and need an offgrid system, check out Tesla Solar. Low prices and great warranty, and they can take your entire house offgrid with their new Powerwalls: ts.la/william57509
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My solar equipment recommendations (Constantly updated! Check here first):
12V/48V Lithium Batteries: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-batteries.html
Solar System Component Directory: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solarcomponents.html
Plug-N-Play Systems: www.mobile-solarpower.com/full-size-systems.html
Complete 48V System Kits: www.mobile-solarpower.com/complete-48v-solar-kits.html
DIY Friendly Air Conditioner/ Heat Pumps: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-friendly-air-conditioners.html
Complete 48V System Blueprint: www.mobile-solarpower.com/48v-complete-system-blueprint.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My Favorite Online Stores for DIY Solar and Coupon Codes:
-Current Connected: SOK, Victron and High Quality Components. Best prices and warranty around: currentconnected.com/?ref=wp
-Signature Solar: Cheap Server Rack Batteries and Large Solar Panels:
www.signaturesolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek
-Ecoflow Delta Official Site: My favorite plug-n-play solar generator:
us.ecoflow.com/?aff=7
-AmpereTime: Cheapest 12V batteries around:
amperetime.com/products/ampere-time-12v-100ah-lithium-lifepo4-battery?ref=h-cvbzfahsek
-Rich Solar: Mega site and cheaper prices than renogy! Check them out:
richsolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek
-Shop Solar Kits: Huge site with every solar kit you can imagine! Check it out:
shopsolarkits.com/?ref=will-p
-Battery Hookup: Cheap cell deals
bit.ly/2mIxSqt
10% off code: diysolar
-Watts 24/7: Best deals on all-in-one solar power systems, with customer support and distribution here in the USA:
watts247.com/?wpam_id=3
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Contact Information:
I am NOT available for personal solar system consult! If you wish to contact me, this is my direct email: williamprowsediysolar@gmail.com
Join the forum at diysolarforum.com/ if you wish to hang out with myself and others and talk about solar
FTC Disclosure Statement and Disclaimers:
Every video includes some form of paid promotion or sponsorship. Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. My videos are for educational purposes only. Information is subject to change/update at any time. Electricity is DANGEROUS and can kill. Be smart and use common sense :)
DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program,
An affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Hey brother glad to see you doing well in your new home. Hope you didnt forget about us vanlifers... Renogy has this new 50A mppt / DC to DC charger which is so perfect for us who drive around in their rv/van. I think its a pretty new product. Your the only one we'd trust to review it. Im sure youd get a ton of views. Cheers from Florida.
Yes! I have it and it's on my to do list. I was going to build an alternator test stand but that didn't work out. Will review it soon!
What is your opinion on the red case centech invertors?
@@WillProwse I would been interested to see if you could have used both the charging inputs simultaneously, and if it favours the solar over the wall charge
Really cheap way to get into solar and they look like they would be fun to test
I appreciate your honesty. I will never buy a solar generator until I have heard your reviews first. TY
Me too! Seriously if i had not heard what Will said about some solar generators I almost wasted my money! He is the best!
Late post because I've kept this same unit for emergency purposes and didn't test it out too much. Since I use a CPAP machine, I used some remaining medical flex spending account funds to get this unit (came with the fast charger, slow charger, solar panels, and some camping lights). The way the buttons have worked for me is you need to hold them in when turning on/off the power and outputs. I was able to test the unit in a real-world scenario lately when we had electrical issues in our house and I had to kill the circuit breaker with 9 bedroom outlets on it. So, I used the unit for my CPAP machine for over a week until the wiring was fixed. Not realizing I had a fast charger with everything else in a box, and thinking I had only one charger (the slow one), I was connecting the slow charger every day to recharge the unit during daytime hours. It would take up to 9 hours to charge! From now on, I'll use the fast charger (3 hours will be much better than 9)! Really, I wanted to have this in case the power is completely out and the fact that it can quickly charge via the solar panels, which I also purchased. It will be a nice backup to my propane/gas generator (used for heavier loads).
dude I knew nothing about solar, and now you make me feel like a geek.. thank you so much for making all this info relatable to the average Joe
Will, it's good that you review these products for us dummies.. This product is useless to me if the 12 volt is not regulated. You're 100% right. All manufactures should regulate them. I purchased the Bluetti because of your favorable review on it. Look forward to your next video. Thanks a bunch!! 👍
I love listening to you Will, you are like no one else I have ever listened to speak. Your catch phrases and mannerism always seem to cheer me up. And watching you with a new toy reminds me 3 year olds at Christmas time, you just light up. Never loose that kid in you man, we get boring when that happens.
Ya Yes it's Rejuvenated His Joyous Attitudes@ Testings@ The Good Products
From what I learned watching your videos.. I can't see myself buying anything until they are the real deal so to say. When they are on point.
I’m buying the first one you recommend. Hopefully they listen to what everyone is looking for .
Will, manufactures need to contact you before they even think about making anything. I love your hones reports & how you don't pull any punches. You are saving people thousands of dollars. Thanks.
Love going back thru your older videos now that I found you channel. Some of your stuff is over my head, but the more I watch, the more I understand. A saying from my business "the things you learn when you think you know it all... that's the best!"
Thanks Will, keep up the good work. And please be safe.
You make things so clear and your honesty is why I come, I hope this company does the right thing and tells us here they will
With your experience you start your own design and manufacturing company. Your videos are great.
Often times engineers/companies will take criticism personal. They probably wont be giving you anything else to review. I like your content/channel. Subbed.
Sounds like you need to come out with your own!
No cap 🧢
It’s amazing to me that a company somewhere out there cannot create, invent and produce a solar generator with everything that’s required to be a all in one system that meets the demands of serious users. One would think they would be watching Wills videos and create the unit he would recommend. It would be a super seller to this community. I for one would be willing to pay slightly more for that system. But not so ridiculously over priced.
The titan solar generator seems to do that but it is really expensive
We seem left to build it ourselves.
I think the product lifecycle is like 18 months so just wait a little bit ;)
I need one for the Caribbean .we use 220v DC.i need one to power my 220v blender,220v small deep freezer and I need like 1000-1500w.can someone help me PLEASE.
Checkout the EcoFlow Delta 1300. It just recently funded from Kickstarter (they asked for $50,000 and received $2.8 million!!). A certain someone with a TH-cam channel has ordered one for testing. It looks interesting!
What I see; solar reviews pays! You have turned your passion into wealth. From homeless and sick to owning a home and a Tesla and hopefully a healthy Will! Since most of your solar focus on smaller mobile systems, RV or cabin will you be going larger now that you have a home! Please no grid teathered! I am anti big corporate leaches. Good for you turning knowledge into power!
Thanks for the video. Note to the manufacturer, and all other manufacturers... You better listen to this guy's recommendations. What Lion Energy did by shipping this unit to Mr. Prowse was they "Crowd Sourced their Chief Technology Officer."
Dude, your channel kicks ass! I am learning so much. I love how thorough you are.
I don't mean this in a bad way and with all do respect, Sheldon Cooper comes to mind when I watch your very informative video's.
"due"
I think we can all take that as a compliment.
I think he ran for the democratic nomination for President.....aka Pete Buttigieg.
I thought the same thing! Not meant to be an insult! I just love how thorough and informative these reviews are. Thanks for the vid man! Good work!
Agreed! I never could really place it before, until I heard 10:19 and thought the same thing immediately.
Great video as always. I am going to assume that a manufacturer who sends you a product for your review would have some knowledge of your expertise and depth of scrutiny during your equipment reviews. The fact that Lion Energy sent you this unit for your unbiased review reveals that their Q/C is sub-par. If I was a manufacturer and was sending you a product for review, I would go over it with "A Fine Tooth Comb" prior to sending it out. It is so cool that you found the connection defect.
I have no interest in these toys, but had to watch just for the entertainment value you bring Will. Thanks for not disappointing!
Aaron
Once the economy goes way down and the electricity is super high, you will be super glad you have a solar inverter charger and solar panels.
Product Manager for Lion Energy, Things to do, make sure resume is ready to go tomorrow. Product Manager for Lion, thoughts, WTF was I thinking sending this unit to Will Prowse.
You should make your own company and build your own generators. You know what people need and where to set priorities. Great job!
Your highly intelligent comprehensive reviews
Are the very best !👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Another fantastic review Will, If it’s in your wheelhouse, you should design and build the ultimate solar generator. I know I would buy one from you.
As a side note, love your book.
Keep up the great work
Very interesting review! Thank you. I am subscribed to lots of channels. I just turned on notifications for your channel. The ONLY channel I get notifications for! Keep the reviews coming.
You are my source for all things solar etc.
Great catch Will; I just found and watched your Lion Energy LT review. I’ve yet to use the 25’ Solar Extension Cable with our Safari ME; bought this unit a year ago for use with our RV. Hopefully Safari fixed the defect, But in any event; I will follow your advice and put some Heat Shrink Tubing around the Anderson Power pole connection to the cable. Overall, I’m very pleased by the Lion Energy ME and the EP. Thank you for that catch, as I’d never even imagine, like many others, pulling off the connectors insulating cover to inspect it.
Sucked into watching another WP video. 🤓 I'm not a techno-geek, but I'm fascinated with your videos! (And I get to learn something!)
I really enjoy and appreciate your thorough informative product reviews. Keep up the good work.
I have a Suaoki G500 with a 450wh battery and it charges at 150 watts max from solar and thru my car with a 24v boost converter. 12v output is regulated as well. Inverter is only 300 watts continous tho. Worth reviewing for this class of generator.
@@Curb71 55 watts unfortunately. I mainly charge with solar or car 12v port that I boost to 24v to get 150 watts
Wow , just steered me away! If the company addresses these issues I'll definitely buy from them I love their company!. So glad I watched this I hope they appreciate your knowledge! Thanks!
I was going to buy this at Costco to run my iceco cooler. Glad I found out the 12v is unregulated from you. Thanks
Another one bites the dust. I sure hope you find a good one soon Christmas is coming up and I need a good 12v regulated source with a fast charger to run my camping equipment I am using. Thanks and I will keep watching, you are still doing a great job!
I got one yesterday. The Power crisis in Puerto Rico is terrible. And this really help me .plus was the only unit in the city 😳 available 🤣
Finally a power generator that will run all my appliances and keep me 100% off the grid. Will your the greatest.
But it won't do a 11.2 amp frig correct?!
I love how you try to test a certain way, show us that it's not working if it does, explain why as much as you can and move on.
*doesn't
You are a genius as far as I'm concerned. Your parents must be proud.
These reviews are exceptionally helpful. Thank you.
I'm glad I went with the Jackery 500. I figured out a way to almost double the DC car charge rate by splicing a 8mm DC connector on the output of a 12V to 24V 3.5A charger that cost about $32. I still haven't been able to get a solar panel to charge it faster, but the DC charger was a game changer. I got the DC input watts up from 42 watts to 78 watts, which is almost as fast as the AC wall wart charges.
Can you provide a link to the two parts you used? The charger and the 8mm DC connector?
Will What would you recomend for sole use of 32l dometic fridge, charged with 200 watt of solar?
Good job with the closeups so we can see the numbers. Still in search of a solar generator that will pass the Will Prowse test. Can you do a project where you make your own? It will be fun and a good idea of about how much a really good unit costs to make. Put it up on auction when you are done... maybe.
Klein tools and Milwaukee just came out with portable power stations. They don't look like they have 12 volt though. I'd love to see you test them.
Was thinking about buying a Lion Safari NE (Elite) but there are no "reviews" on it yet. Decided to watch your review of one of their smaller units. The wire crimp problem you discovered is a HUGE problem for me. It speaks loudly of their lack of quality control. Having said that, the cable is not part of the unit and may have been produced by a different company. Thanks for your thoroughness.
Will, Try precharging the capacitors in the inverter from a proper 12V source before connecting it to the Lions unregulated output. I bet a safety device was tripping up the output due to the inrush current of the inverters caps exceeding the 120W of the 12V receptacle.
Very true, but my 240wh jackery can even power this inverter until it's dead. Still surprising. Actually I powered it with a 120wh micro battery the other day! Have never had this happen before.
Nice job, so far you have me tuned in to the Eco FLow for when the grid goes down. I will first try out there Customer Service Line first.
this generator is on sale at Costco this month! need to send this review to all Costco members!
Thank you for a great review Will. As always, you are the best! I'll only buy what you recommend.
Thanks so much for telling us when these units don't have 12V regulated output. 12V Regulators, mount up!
I think they came out with a bigger solar generator. I believe Safari ME. Would love a review.
Yes they should regulate the cigarette lighter or 12 v source to actually be at 13.8 v because most small draw things like my handheld cb require 13.8 to operate properly or it will click. They could definitely add another 20v option with lifepo4. Thanks for how thorough your information is packed in the video wow! Super! My experience...Lifepo4’s max out @ 200 amps and easily start a truck.
A lot of the modern cheap 12v fridges will have an option to set the low power cutoff to 10.1v, which is a nice option if you want to run it on the unregulated power systems.
Great job. I really appreciate your tuff standards and demanding tests.
Can you do a review on the Lion Energy SUMMIT model?
I appreciate your solar passion and your testing integrity. Great work, videos, and resources. Thanks
These units are super cool for what they are, super portable power with all the components right there. I still always come back to dang for 400 bucks more thats another Battleborn :D for camping and beach trips day trips totally awesome though!
Wow 😯 after your review it’s a not $buy. Company’s are not ready for a “Will” tested review. I’m looking at this 12 August 2022 as I speed through your reviews staring from the beginning. And I’m thinking 🤔 after the work will company’s fix or update they’re product. Thanks again for your work. In your work through time I’m looking for a comment’s about product that are showing that have done the work to finish the product to “Will” standards and Be a good $buy. Thanks 😊.
You could do with taking the tree down otherwise winter isn’t going to be very productive for your solar charging requirements.
What are your plans for your back yard? Are you going to build a taller frame for your solar arrays? Maybe a solar tracker for some of your arrays?
Great review. You said what I thought! Jackery blows it away.
I value your reviews! This one is outstanding, too!
I see this video is 3years back I hope they fix all the con's!!!
I'm guessing that you're referring to 12 volt refrigerators that use a compressor. I've always used thermoelectric units because they don't seem to have as narrow a voltage input range. You can actually get some really good ones if you look around. I am actually considering getting one of the compressor based units to see how well they work.
Will, great review. Even better if the companies you review fix their problems. Using the right crimper would eliminate those power pole defects.
Hi! I jusy wanted to tell you that i appreciate your work!!! You are awesome!
I have a solar generator rated for 80w 12v input for solar charging. My panels are 200w 12v. Is it ok to use my panels to charge my generator? Thanks
Based on what I learned from Will. The volt limit is what matters on your SG. Watch his SG comparison video of a bunch of small SGs
I had been considering the Lion brand for Solar Batteries; Even spoke to their reps. NOT NOW!
Excellent video. Very interesting, informative and worthwhile video.
I have enjoyed ur reviews from day one and this is no different. Great vid.
Do you mind responding with which specific solar generators have regulated 12V output and, based on what's on the market today, which of these you feel is the best investment?
can its solar panels be paralleled with a regular 100W MC3 panel? Is there a connecter for the Anderson plugs to the MC3 ?
You amaze me.please keep testing and pushing manufacturers for us and let us know when it’s time to buy. I have a Rockpals with 200 w solar and it’s just too whimpy I need to power electric heat in my van ‘cuz I travel with a parrot and parrots must have warmth and zero gases.
One of my priorities is fast charging from the wall. I don't need 12v since this will just be for per outages
Then all the other stuff you look for in a device like mppt and higher wattage so it can charge faster.
I'm wondering if those power buttons are designed to be pushed and held in for a few secs. just in case you happen to pick it up and accidentally press the button.
The button for the "unregulated" output is a "soft" button... so there is some kind of switching electronics, very likely the reason it would not turn on with the inverter is because it registered the capacitors in the inverter as a short circuit and so it refuses to turn on, hence the flashing. I have a similar issue with a large solar controller that won't turn the output on when connected to loads with large input caps... it needs some kind of soft start.
Great review....u have inspired me to learn more about electricity
Your reviews are amazingly thorough and explained so well. Thanks much!
Just looking into this item. How long would it run a CPAP machine?
At 13:00 it seems that their is overload protection and the inverter capacitor charge up is tripping the overload protection.
Usually true, but any other generator can handle it. I might make a video on this if enough people ask
I wonder what the manufacturing cost saving is using non-regulated 12v output over a regulated 12v output? Is the cost-saving justified with the resulting loss in functionality?
Well if they can"t get the ends of the extension cable RIGHT how did the make the rest of the Safari LT? They can keep this unit! Plenty of others others to buy.
So if i wanted could i add a power outlet bar to the AC side?
Hi Will! I can’t believe you moved here! I love your videos, very helpful. Do you do paid consulting? I have bought an ambulance that I’ve got about 80% converted, having some electrical issues.
Hey Will! Can you explain the cost difference between regulated and unregulated 12v receptacle from the builder side? It's so annoying!
@@MarkSpohr You can get exactly this with a SEPIC power supply (convertor). There is a unit on ebay called PM-6009 that will run at up to quoted 5a so surely it must be possible to make them bigger. There were (possibly still are) boost-buck convertors that take the input, boost then buck down to required voltage but they are less efficient as 2 conversions are happening.
In fact, if you are only running small loads, the above SEPIC unit completely solves the output problem, you just need to......... oh. back to DIY........
another well done review. no fake reviews here.
Does the larger Lion Safari ME have regulated DC output?
Very useful. I just can’t figure out if manufacturers are really smart to have you review , or are complete idiots.
What I do know is I always learn something and appreciate what and how you do your vids
Thank you very much and look forward to your next posting
BYW I purchased the Bluetti based on your review
Thx
Great info; thanks, Will! One of these days the right combination will show up and they will be the market winner. Maybe it will be Lion Energy, if they act fast. I'm hoping to get my act on the road spring of 2020. What exactly I will buy for power depends on whether I'm in my 6 cyl. SUV only, or can afford another SUV with 8 cyl and pull a cargo van/tiny home. Meanwhile, I'm following your reports/updates on the latest power units or battery & solar arrays. Always grateful for your info, Will!
Hey: you didn’t explain what regulated means. Does it mean that it will not be allowed to pass less than 12 volts?
Great work.. Thanks for all you do.
Hi Will, im guessing this 500W Lion generator won't be able to handle a rice cooker, correct? I want to buy a solar generator for camping but not sure which one to get. Please help confirm. Appreciate it 🙏
Will can you do a review on the goal zero Yeti Tank Expansion battery? It just came out and it would be great to see how well it works with the Yeti 1400 lithium power station or others. Love the vids!!
Why are there no videos for CROWN 6V 225AH for solar battery banks ?
I own the Wagan 1500 , also the Briggs & Stratton P4500.
Inergy has rapid chargers at 189w now. Im thinking about getting one and hear its charges the Apex pretty fast
Will, FYI I use 12v DC5521 outputs on my DIY set up. My traditional battery chargers (AA/AAA/9v/18650) have DC 5521 12v inputs. Same for other gadgets which have 12v DC 5521 inputs.
I didn’t bother installing an AC inverter in my setup as most gadgets I use are DC devices hence can be charged via DC inputs including laptops, DAB radio, Makita cordless batteries etc. I don’t get why people who have DC power supplies use AC to charge DC devices. Just charge DC to DC.
Great videos! So without watching every single video, which one do you recommend a guy to purchase? Running a portable fridge/cooler and charging phones . 500wh I’d assume.
With all the gadgets you have, I would have thought you have a DC to DC voltage booster on a shelf somewhere? Looks like you can add a few of those to your next shopping list. It’s useful to make your own DC bench supply for projects and experiments.
Yeah I have a few and my past videos cover how to use them
Say, I got a $50 off coupon on Amazon for a small solar generator. It brought the price down to $69. I believe it has 35 ah of battery but feels like more. It claims a pure sine wave inverter. I had to buy a solar adapter seperate but came with ac and car charger a a separate 12 volt port. The old one I had did not have a cooling fan, this one does. I'm very impressed. They actually dropped the price to $79. For that price why not?? It's awesome. I use it instead of running my Salex 1500 watt inverter for everything. I think it's 159 watts. I'm almost tempted to buy another to give to someone that has no power. I'd love for you to let me know what you think. My old portable lasted 3 years and everything but the 12 volt output for DC or a 12 volt port adapter. Maybe it blew because it had no cooling fan. This $70 one has a cooling fan.
Interesting
Does it have a name or is it an ESP nonsense thing?
Really hoping you have some larger units to review soon like a big brother to the bluetti.
For something within that size which one would you recommend?
I keep hearing "If I was the manufacturer..." so, when will that be happening?? :)
Just havent been sold on the type units. Rather have individual components that I can select and repair or swap when needed