Today, we’re super excited to publish the Suaoki portable solar generator review.
We’re particularly excited about the publication of this review because, though the Suaoki unit is quite small and seemingly unimpressive, it remains one of the most reliable and trusted portable solar unit in recent times.
This review, in our usual manner, will be:
- Very thorough and detailed, covering EVERYTHING you need to know about this generator: the good, the bad and the ugly.
- Completely honest – and devoid of any false representation of product detail, features, ability or raw capacity.
- All that you need to decide whether or not this generator will be an ideal fit for you, your family or your work/business. It is thus our personal guarantee that after reading through this review, you’ll have no need to take a look at another page, purportedly running a review of the same product.
If the preceding paragraphs capture what you’re looking for, then, we’re on the same page. Kindly scroll down let’s begin the business of the day in earnest.
First, the executive summary…
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Suaoki Portable Solar Generator Powerhouse Review: An Executive Summary
Powered with US friendly AC sockets, DC outlets and USB connectivity, the Suaoki Powerhouse is a perfect fit for laptops, cell phone and tablets. In extreme conditions, it can also power small fridges and provide power enough to watch your favorite TV show or a short movie.
The most impressive thing to note about this solar generator however is that, it possesses the rather rare ability (in the world of solar generators) to also emit the DC variant of power, side by side with its AC variant. DC fridges, radios and televisions are thus covered in a most brilliant fashion.
The last notorious feature of this generator that has really endeared it to users is its pure sine wave output. It is important to remember that, this variant of AC output is the ‘cleanest’ in terms of output. It is also the safest when it comes to tolerating the various household appliances that are powereable by the Suaoki Powerhouse Generator.
Specs of the Suaoki 220Wh/20,000mAh Portable Solar Generator
Before starting the review process of this generator proper, it is quite instructive and very important to mention out its specs at a glance. These specs will help you, the prospective buyer; know beforehand what you’re dealing with and whether or not this device is worth your time/money.
Here:
- 200W pure sine wave inverter.
- 2 AC power sockets.
- 2 DC power sockets.
- 2 USB ports.
- Lithium-ion 20,000mAh inbuilt battery.
- Aluminum alloy shell.
- Intelligent Battery Management System (BMS) that ensures power is properly utilized and managed.
- 2 principal recharging options: via the dedicated solar panels and via a traditional AC wall socket.
These are the hard features of the Suaoki Powerhouse. Let’s now take a look at its features and see what they hold for the rest for you – and the rest of us.
Features of the Suaoki Powerhouse Portable Generator
There are many features of the Suaoki Powerhouse that are both noteworthy and utterly interesting. These features, for your benefit, are also listed here (and explained where the need arises).
They are:
- Ability to power both AC and DC inspired devices.
- A super portable design that ensures easy mobility.
- A powerful battery that lasts well and serves it purpose brilliantly.
- USB connectivity for devices that are powered by USB.
- Pure Sine Wave AC output.
- 2 methods of recharging the system’s battery: AC and Solar.
These are the features of the Powerhouse under review. Let’s now take a look at what this portable solar generator is meant to power.
What is the Suaoki Portable Unit Meant to Power?
The Suaoki 220Wh, 20,000mAh solar power generator is meant to power a plethora of light devices, devices that are well within the 200Watt range of its Pure Sine Wave inverter.
To make your task easier as a researcher and prospective owner of this solar generator, we’ve listed the most popular loads that this unit can power without any challenges.
They are:
1. Laptops
Laptops are the very first on this list for a very good and important purpose: they are one of the most used devices with a solar generator.
Laptops here are meant to work with the AC power of this unit, transmittable via either of the two dedicated AC power outlets. All laptop brands and types are supported, as far as their AC power cables fit into the traditional slot of the solar generator.
Usually, a fully charged Suaoki will power a dead laptop between 3-6 times, depending on the internal battery capacity of the laptop and importantly, whether or not the power generator is working simultaneously with the laptop whilst it is charging.
2. Tablets
Tablets are also supported by this unit and can be recharged either via the dedicated AC sockets or the special USB connectivity ports that come standard with the generator.
Usually, tablets require very low power to charge up and will not drain the battery of the generator in a significant fashion even when the tablet is plugged in and actively used.
Many users of tablets have found out that charging their tablets (3-5 at a time) works awesomely with this portable solar unit (by using an extension cord).
If you’re however charging up only 1 tablet, expect to see an appreciable charge time – with 10 or more times appearing completely normal and expected on a single charge of the solar unit.
3. Cell Phones
Of all the gadgets that this pretty generator powers, cell phones are the lightest and most power efficient of the lot.
Typically with very tiny and comparably insignificant batteries that are often rated 3,000mAh or less, this power station can handle a plethora of phones easily and without any challenge.
Like tablets, more than 10 cellphones can be charged simultaneously with the help of this Powerhouse without recording any incident. However, if you’re using it with 1 cell phone and exclusively for only that cell phone, it is not unusual to record 20 or more charge cycles, depending on the phone brand and its raw battery capacity.
4. Power Banks
Power banks have become very important in today’s world, with the majority of gadget users actually depending on them to power their devices and get their various businesses done.
This Powerhouse unit works in a brilliant fashion to recharge power banks of various types and functions. Depending on the capacity of the power bank in question, this portable power generator will be able to charge them up to 10 or more times.
However, it is important to note that, power banks meant for laptops (or other bigger gadgets) are much more likely to draw power in a manner that will deplete the stored juice of the generator faster than it is ordinarily expected.
5. Fans
Both AC and DC fans are supported by the unit under review.
The run time of the fan is dependent on many factors, the most important being the size of its motor and its stated watts. This means that, the larger the motor, the shorter the overall run time.
To thus get the best run time out of this unit for a fan, it is advisable to make certain that an energy efficient fan is deployed and if possible, the solar panel connected to the device for onward charging whilst it powers the fan.
Depending on the configuration of the fan in question, run time may run between 2 and 12 hours.
However, when plugged in to the supplied panel and exposed to the sun, it is easy to run the connected fan the whole day without experiencing any down time.
6. Fridges
Fridges can also be brilliantly powered by this solar generator, irrespective of the fact that they’re AC or DC inspired, subject to the fact that the fridge is rated 200Watts or below.
The run-time of the fridge will however be dependent on the particular model and its inherent capacity. Run-time of the generator on the other hand will also be dependent on the fact of whether or not the generator’s battery is fully charged and whether or not the solar panel is plugged in (at the time of use).
However, overall, to maximize use and enjoy cool drinks/water better, it is advised that, once contents in the fridge reach a certain point of ‘coolness’, the fridge should be disconnected from the generator and the unit allowed to recoup its lost power.
In this manner, it is easy to see that, the solar generator will not only power the fridge for an indefinite amount of time, it will do so with absolute easy and still have enough juice to power other devices that users may need powered.
7. Desktop Computers
A desktop computer can also be brilliantly powered by this solar powerhouse.
However, it is to be understood that like the other gadgets that can be powered by this unit, the run time of the desktop computer is dependent on its power and importantly, the accessories that are connected to it and the manner it is used.
Accordingly thus, a PC paired up with an ancient monitor and running a DVD program is much more likely to sap the power of the gen faster than a PC that is connected to a smart, energy efficient monitor that is used for some light work, say typing or some other tasks that require less energy overall.
On the whole, while this generator can serve a PC brilliantly, it should be noted that the overall run-time will not be as impressive as when a bigger and more robust model is used.
If you’re thus looking to power a traditional desktop with a solar generator, it is suggested that you opt in for the Goal Zero Yeti 1250 or Be Prepared’s 2500 Watts solar generator.
8. Any Other (Light) Gadget
The first 7 devices that are detailed above are the express gadgets/electronics that the Suaoki portable solar generator can easily power, without much challenge or incident.
However, the list above is not exclusive. This means that, many other gadgets and electronics can work brilliantly with the generator under review, irrespective of the fact that they deploy either AC or DC power.
The most important thing to note and take special care of is that the load that is mounted on the unit should not at any time, exceed the rated wattage of the pure sine wave inverter of the generator, 200W. For best use and to ensure both durability and longevity of the unit, it is advised that, the loads that are mounted on the unit should not exceed half of its stated capacity, 100W.
MORE: Goal Zero Yeti 1400 Lithium Portable Power Station Review
How to Charge the Suaoki Solar Generator
As stated earlier in this review, the internal battery of the Suaoki solar generator can be charged primarily via 2 methods:
- AC wall socket &
- Dedicated solar panels.
Charging the Suaoki via an AC Wall Socket
Charging the Suaoki unit via an AC wall outlet is as simple as removing the charger (contained in the box), plugging same into an AC wall socket and powering your device in the most efficient and smartest manner possible.
Here, a traditional socket that is connected to the main grid will do and work the magic of recharging brilliantly. Depending on how depleted the battery is at the time of recharging, charging the internal battery of this unit will typically take between 5 and 10 hours via AC.
It is also worthy of note that not only the main grid can charge this generator. A traditional gasoline generator can also be brilliantly powered on and connected to this device by means of a regular socket and the recharging task will be effected, brilliantly.
Charging the Suaoki via the Dedicated Solar Panel
This solar unit, aside being capable of charging by a traditional wall outlet can also be brilliantly charged by its dedicated solar charger, the Suaoki 60W Portable Sunpower Mono-Crystalline Folding Solar Panel.
This solar unit can easily recharge the 20,000mAh battery within the Suaoki portable generator when it is completely flat to a full 100% charge in under 8 hours; assuming the sun is very bright and its intensity is not under question.
However, this is under the assumption that the solar generator is not bearing any load when it is plugged in to charge.
If the generator bears load during the solar charging process, the standard 8 hours are likely to be extended – the time of the extension of charge being directly proportional to the load that the generator is under during the charging process.
The folding solar panel, unlike the AC power cord, is sold separately – and is not part of the original package as sold on Amazon or elsewhere.
The Suaoki Solar Kit
Ordinarily, the Suaoki unit under review here does not come standard with a solar panel. What is contained in the box that you’ll receive (if you decide to order this product from Amazon or elsewhere) is:
- The solar generator.
- A power charger adapter.
- An AC cable &
- A user manual
This means that, the generator, as it is offered, can easily be used and recharged by means of a traditional gasoline generator or the power that flows in from the national grid.
This reality means that, if you’re to use your latest power source off-grid or in places where power supply is unsteady, you’ll unavoidably run into challenges; challenges that will prove tricky and make using the unit completely impossible.
ENTER the Suaoki Solar Kit.
The solar kit simply means buying:
- The generator &
- The Suaoki 60W portable Sunpower Mono-Crystalline folding solar panel.
The two units, paired together, is what makes the Suaoki unit a ‘kit’; a solar kit that is powered and equipped to ensure that you actually use your generator as a portable solar unit without any challenges/hindrances – irrespective of where you may find yourself.
Compatible Solar Panels for the Suaoki Solar Unit: Suaoki 60W Portable Folding Solar Panel
Not all solar panels in the market are compatible with this solar generator.
To clear the air and make certain that you get the very best – and recommended option that will charge your device safely and in record time, we have taken pain to also include the compatible solar panel for this unit here.
It is the Suaoki 60W Portable Sunpower Mono-Crystalline Folding Solar Panel.
This solar panel is completely foldable – meaning it can fold well into a backpack, ensuring that it is completely mobile and portable.
It is also rated 60W – meaning that it has enough wattage to charge the inbuilt battery of the unit in record time, hence the reality that it charges relatively faster than other generators of the same size and configuration.
Finally, the type of solar panels used here are of the mono variant. If it to be remembered and understood that monocrystalline solar panels are the best when it comes to both efficiency and long life – both during laboratory tests and actual use conditions.
This reality means that, you’re certain to:
- Enjoy the fast efficiency of your panels &
- Enjoy the long and impressive life they are undeniable going to live.
This, if you ask us, is something special worth thinking long and hard about.
Warranty of the Suaoki All-in-One Power Station
An awesome warranty for any product has a special effect on you, the buyer of the product or service: it calms down your nerves and importantly, assures you that you’re dealing with the real deal, a product that is well manufactured; one that will not bulge under pressure.
The Suaoki generator is not any different and to buy and enjoy it completely, its warranty should be an issue that should be made clear to you before any form of commitment, hence this sub-section.
This generator comes with an awesome warranty of 18 months. This is translates to a whole year and 6 months.
Now, if the company is not so sure of this product, it is very difficult to see that they’ll have the guts to offer this amazing and super impressive warranty.
Wouldn’t you agree?
What we Love about the Suaoki Portable Solar Generator
There are many things to love about this portable solar generator. However, the greatest and most impressive ones that we love the most are outlined and shared below:
- Pure sine wave output…this makes it super easy for a wide array of gadgets to work with the generator with the least problems.
- DC output. This is a very rare feature in similar units. Accordingly, many competitors today do not sport the feature. For users who may have DC inspired products, this is a serious win.
- Multiple power outlets, both for USB and AC. This ensures that more than 1 gadget is charged at a time.
- Super portable size and weight which allows the generator to be easily moved from one place to another in a truly mobile fashion.
- Impressive battery: at an impressive 20Ah, this battery can power most common electronics without any challenge.
- 2 charging options: solar and AC that ensure ease of recharging the unit when it runs out of juice.
- A foldable solar panel that is paired with the unit as a ‘kit’. Coupled with the small sized unit, the kit is an extremely portable and travel friendly unit that is sure to serve the upwardly mobile in a brilliant fashion.
- An aluminum alloy shell that is super tolerant of falls, accidents and often, abuses. This is the hallmark of a great product that is manufactured to last as long as possible.
Let’s now take a look at what we do not like about this generator:
What we Dislike about the Suaoki Portable Solar Generator
Despite the fact that the Suaoki portable generator is a unit to behold and we love it for various reasons, there are some things about this unit that we clearly do not like or outrightly, hate.
They are:
- You’ll have to buy the solar panel separately…the unit does not expressly come with one.
- The absence of a dedicated LCD screen to show live, how power is gained or used is also a feature that we would really love to see in this unit.
- Finally, as a super portable unit, this generator cannot act as a stand-alone battery jump starter for your car, when you’re in need of such services. This feature is missed.
Having mentioned the 3 cons that we are not comfortable with, let’s now take a long and interested look at the possible alternatives of this solar powerhouse.
Alternatives to the Suaoki Mobile Powerhouse
Depending on your needs, the alternatives to the Suaoki mobile powerhouse are many and varied.
For instance, if you’re looking for a more powerful (yet portable and mobile unit), the Yeti 400 is advised – and will, certainly, serve as a far better alternative to this unit.
If you’re however looking to get a unit that will also act as a jump starter for your battery when it goes flat and help isn’t close, you should be looking closely at the Suaoki 400Wh Portable Solar Generator.
However, if you’ll love to take a look at all the alternatives to this generator, weighing their pros and cons to enable you decide on your own, take a look at this detailed and comprehensive list featuring the best solar generators plus their strengths and weaknesses.
Suaoki 220Wh/20,000mAh Solar Generator Review: Our Personal Take, Bottom-line & Verdict
All good things must come to an end…so must our review of this Suaoki brand. Accordingly, it is time to round up and summarize what we feel and have come to think of this mini solar unit.
Personal Take
This mini portable solar generator is smart – and portable. The fact that it is very light (it weighs only 2.52kg) means that, it can easily be carried to camps, hikes and anywhere else in-between. Luckily, its solar panel is also foldable – making its portability complete.
If you’re the upwardly mobile type who is always on the road or would not be bothered with heavy accessories when you go hiking, this unit (and its accompanying solar panel) is something that needs to be in your backpack – always.
Bottom-line
Minus the challenges we identified as cons of this generator earlier in our review, this unit is worth giving a trial – especially if the primary consideration of a solar generator is light-weightiness.
Verdict
Buying this solar power station is a smart choice, especially if you’re on a budget and don’t need to power things much. However, if you need to power things much – or would appreciate a unit that the whole family will rely on, take a look at these alternatives.