Solar-powered generators, also called portable power stations, provide on-demand power needs when there’s limited access to grid power. They’re useful in a variety of applications, such as camping, road-tripping and during power outages at home. Unlike gas generators, solar generators are portable, quiet and safe for indoor use.
Solar generators come in a wide variety of different battery capacities that correspond to their physical size. Generally, the more battery storage capacity, the larger and heavier the power station. The best of these generators offer the biggest battery size in the lightest, most compact package.
Within the smallest class of portable power stations (generating between 150 to 250 Wh), the Renogy Phoenix 200 is the lightest, most compact and best value. Per dollar, the Phoenix 200 offers more battery capacity than other leading products of comparable size.
PROS:
- Compact and lightweight for its battery size
- Great value for the price
- High-quality AC power and good reputation
CONS:
- Poor operation in below-freezing temperatures
- 12-volt car plug output is unregulated (the DC output varies with Phoenix’s state of charge from about 11 to 17 volts)
A portable solar generator can charge multiple devices simultaneously while recharging itself. Most products come standard with four ports: One AC, two USB and one 12-volt car auxiliary. Renogy’s Phoenix 200 is a step above the rest with two AC ports, two USB ports, a car auxiliary port and a USB-C port, offering the ability to power up to six devices at the same time.
What sets a solar generator apart from traditional battery banks is its ability to recharge itself. The best products have multiple recharging options, generally via AC, USB-C, solar and car auxiliary. While comparable power stations require an average of three to five hours to fully recharge, the Phoenix 200 can be charged to 80% in under two hours using the AC and USB-C ports simultaneously.
To extend its battery life, the Phoenix 200 includes some nifty features. It automatically turns off the 12-volt car port or AC outlets when they’re not connected — a power saving setting that can be manually enabled or disabled as needed. The intelligent LCD display is dimmable and programmed to go to sleep after five minutes of inactivity.
Over two weeks, we tested this product in a wide range of outdoor and automotive applications. It’s proven capable and reliable of charging electronics in temperatures down to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. As the temperature drops, charging performance begins to slow. Performance in extreme temperatures is its main weakness.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how this product scores in our evaluations:
Is the Renogy Phoenix 200 a Good Value?
The Phoenix 200 has a $210 MSRP with a power capacity of 222 Wh, equating to more than 1.0 Wh per dollar. Comparably sized power stations ranging from 150 Wh to 250 Wh cost $10 to $40 more, giving the Phoenix a high score in the value category.
How Practical is the Renogy Phoenix 200?
The Phoenix 200 weighs 5.3 pounds and comes in a compact 7.48 x 6.10 x 6.99-inch package. Its small size, light weight and built-in carry handle allow for easy transportation and storage. While other leading power stations average 30 Wh per pound, the Phoenix offers 42 Wh per pound, ranking it as the most practical in its class.
How Long Will this Product Last?
Its lithium-ion battery is rated for 500 cycles and includes a suite of built-in safety features to extend its battery life. In addition to an automatic shut-off function, these include protection against over- and under-voltage, short circuiting and reverse polarity damage.
How Long Does it Take to Fully Charge?
Using the AC and USB-C ports simultaneously at maximum power, the Phoenix 200 can be charged to 80% in 1.5 hours. It takes 4.3 to 5.0 hours to charge using only solar power, 4.3 hours using only an AC outlet, 8.0 hours via car charger and 4.1 hours using the USB-C port by itself.
Is it Easy to Store?
For short-term storage, it’s recommended to charge the Phoenix to 50% before switching it off. Long-term storage recommends discharging the battery to 30% and then charging it to 50% every six months. After storage, you should always charge a power station to 100% before use to maintain its battery life.
Our Verdict:
The Renogy Phoenix 200 scored high marks in all categories and ranks as the best value in its class. While it’s not the best choice for use in extreme temperatures, it’s a lightweight and compact choice for everyday automotive and outdoor applications.
Methodology:
Though we’re only evaluating one product here, we evaluate all portable power stations based on these weighted metrics:
- Total output (20%)
- Total and type of ports (20%)
- Weight and size (20%)
- Price (20%)
- Recharging time (10%)
- Recharging options (5%)
- Battery longevity (5%)