Power kits for home (Ecoflow?)

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MikeAqua

7785 posts

Uber Geek

#3036235 14-Feb-2023 07:07

When I lived somewhere prone to power outages, I simply bought a big-ass diesel generator. A diesel generator typically uses an old school diesel engine and they will run forever.

Places that need 100% up-time (hospitals, pumping stations etc) seem to regularly replace perfectly good generators. I presume they do this at x-hours.

Point is, from time to time these generators come up for sale.

Mike

shk292

2857 posts

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Lifetime subscriber

#3036293 14-Feb-2023 10:21

eonsim:

An alternative cheaper but less clean option would be something like a DIY off-grid kit:

https://gridfree.store/products/the-weekend-warrior-kit

2.4kWh, 2kW inverter and ~800W of panels for ~$4200

It's not a all in one system, but it provides considerably more power at a cheaper price than an EcoFlow but you have to set up or build the system when you need it. Alternatively you can combine standard panels like the ones in that kit with a Ecoflow unit and a set of adapters to connect those solar panels to the EcoFlow unit. Normal roof top panels are noticeably cheaper than the 'portable panels' from EcoFlow and the other all in one groups.

Those kits look great if you're planning to be off grid for an extended period. But surely, if the requirement is just to be ready for an occasional power outage, then a petrol or diesel generator is the best solution? The amount of FF you're actually going to use is completely trivial for a couple of days running per year

heavenlywild

5063 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#3036295 14-Feb-2023 10:25

Yeah as a person who lives in the burbs it would be for thr occasional power cut due to storms so ease of use and storage would be priorities, hence the battery option.

tim0001

264 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3036340 14-Feb-2023 12:59

I wonder if a car can be used to power the EcoFlow for extended use? The manual seems to say it can:

"14. Solar Charge/Car Charge Input Port
Support a maximum of two 110W solar panels to be connected in parallel. RIVER 600 has a limit input of 200W
which supports 12V/24V car charge up to 10A (remember to start the engine, otherwise, the car battery may be
drained)"

Has anyone tried connecting their EcoFlow to their cars battery?

Wellingtondave

159 posts

Master Geek

#3036667 14-Feb-2023 20:13

tim0001:

I wonder if a car can be used to power the EcoFlow for extended use? The manual seems to say it can:

"14. Solar Charge/Car Charge Input Port
Support a maximum of two 110W solar panels to be connected in parallel. RIVER 600 has a limit input of 200W
which supports 12V/24V car charge up to 10A (remember to start the engine, otherwise, the car battery may be
drained)"

Has anyone tried connecting their EcoFlow to their cars battery?

Personally no, everyone who reviews these products on Youtube. Yes.

https://youtu.be/5Dw16oE6duc?t=130

Hatch

797 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3037984 17-Feb-2023 03:45

Goal Zero and now Ecoflow have massive, expensive battery banks which may meet your needs.

Something like these :

Ecoflow Delta Pro Portable Power Station 3600Wh | HB21 | NZ

Yeti LI 3000X Portable Power Station – Goal Zero New Zealand

Early in 2022 I bought one of these:

EcoFlow River 600 Max + 135W Solar Panel Combo | HB21 | NZ

Have only used it once for camping, and it worked well, HOWEVER, when prepping it for the recent cyclone, long story short I had all sorts of issues with it resulting in sending it back for repair/warranty as I couldn't even charge it.

Goal Zero technology is now heavily outdated, but perhaps more reliable.

I also own a Honda 2000w inverter generator and these while not exactly quiet are very very reliable and one of the 3000w or 5000w versions would be perfect for a full household emergency power solution, although they are of course petrol engine generators.

I think a combination of electrical, solar with a petrol backup is really the best solution. If a storm is howling for days no one is going to notice a petrol generator running, and when the sun is out you can switch to solar.

I would never put all of my trust in a purely electric solution such as Ecoflow.

Silvrav

469 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

#3038005 17-Feb-2023 08:26

shk292:

eonsim:

An alternative cheaper but less clean option would be something like a DIY off-grid kit:

https://gridfree.store/products/the-weekend-warrior-kit

2.4kWh, 2kW inverter and ~800W of panels for ~$4200

It's not a all in one system, but it provides considerably more power at a cheaper price than an EcoFlow but you have to set up or build the system when you need it. Alternatively you can combine standard panels like the ones in that kit with a Ecoflow unit and a set of adapters to connect those solar panels to the EcoFlow unit. Normal roof top panels are noticeably cheaper than the 'portable panels' from EcoFlow and the other all in one groups.

Those kits look great if you're planning to be off grid for an extended period. But surely, if the requirement is just to be ready for an occasional power outage, then a petrol or diesel generator is the best solution? The amount of FF you're actually going to use is completely trivial for a couple of days running per year

Thing is, a solar option will repay itself now if you incorporate it with daily use and be there to use in outages, where a generator will stand there until its needed and not really paying for itself.

As a must-have backup, yes great for hospitals, emergency services etc but for a house i would really consider solar and a bank of batteries.

Sharesies

Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Sharesies (affiliate link).

antoniosk

2358 posts

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Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3038018 17-Feb-2023 09:02

MikeAqua:

When I lived somewhere prone to power outages, I simply bought a big-ass diesel generator. A diesel generator typically uses an old school diesel engine and they will run forever.

Places that need 100% up-time (hospitals, pumping stations etc) seem to regularly replace perfectly good generators. I presume they do this at x-hours.

Point is, from time to time these generators come up for sale.

mike

Diesel is a nasty substance and no doubt the particulates etc will clog pipes etc. what does your maintenance routine look like and cost? And how about storing that diesel ?

im not on a farm as you can tell 😁

________

Antoniosk

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