EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator DELTA 3 Classic with 220W Solar Panel 1024Wh LiFePO4 Battery Portable Power Station 1800W

I'll preface this review by saying I already own an EcoFlow Delta 3 (not Classic) and have posted a detailed review of that product, so I am quite familiar with the features the Delta 3 series provides. I specifically wanted the more basic Delta 3 Classic for travel use, because the other one is semi-permanently running some critical items at my house as a UPS. I needed a smaller set of outputs for camping/travel use and didn't require external battery expansion. This review will focus on both the Delta 3 Classic and the EcoFlow 220W solar panels. *** Delta 3 Classic *** The Delta 3 Classic is a premium grade 1024Wh portable power pack with a more basic set of features. The build quality is excellent all around, including a very durable case, bright display, built-in carrying handles, and multiple charging options, including AC charging at up to 1400W (configurable through the app - see later in my review), solar panel charging at up to 500W via XT60 port (11-60vDC, 15 Amp maximum), or both concurrently (with solar priority). It has three pure AC output ports (2x 120v 3-prong 15A/20A connector, 1x 120v 2-prong connector) which can support up to 1800W continuous pure sine wave power, a can support select high-current devices - inductive loads like kettles, hair dryers, heated blankets -via "X-boost" technology at up to 2600W. AC surge output up to 3000W for temporary high loads typical of some devices when you power them on initially. Note the high output modes might be limited to using a single outlet at a time. On the DC output side, you get a basic set of ports, with one USB-A up to 18W, one USB-C 30W port, and one USB-C 100W (USB-C PD) port, which can simultaneously be used for their full rated output levels. The built-in LED display is very detailed and bright, with adjustable brightness using the app. Speaking of the app, I finally took time to dig into using the Ecoflow app with this unit, since I had time on my hands over the weekend. The app is very professional, and leverages the capabilities of EcoFlow's larger portable power units with Bluetooth connectivity. I learned that the Delta 3 series support WiFi, which gives some cool capabilities and enhancements if you want to use the unit as a UPS, for which it provides 10ms switching from grid power to battery power. There is a lot of functionality around the UPS use case and other home use cases, so go to EcoFlow's website or check out some YouTube reviews to learn more about this if you are considering that use case. Even for non-UPS use cases, the app gives a ton of information, lets you update firmware, see the unit specifications, adjust the AC charging rate to maximize the battery life by reducing the cell temperature during charging, see output per port, and so much more! I confess that I initially thought the app was a gimmick, but it is a real value add. On the camping trip I used it to remotely power off the UPS when I woke up before the rest of the family since I knew all our devices had finished charging, and was able to determine that I would want to hook it up to solar to charge it that afternoon. I didn't notice the noise of the unit when I charged it at home after using the app to adjust the AC charge rate to the 500W level which prolongs the battery life, but I am sure if you run it at 1400W maximum charge rate it's going to run the fans to dissipate the heat and protect the batteries. It's awesome to have the choice about noise vs speed. Unit comes with 3 year warranty, plus 2 additional years for registration, for a total of 5 years warranty. I recommend using the App to register for the warranty since it makes the process so easy, just screenshot your order information and answer a couple of questions. EcoFlow has been around a long time and I expect they will fully back their warranty for the 5 years. *** NextGen 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panels *** I had previously purchased solar panels for another charger, and can tell you that not all portable power stations are created equally when it comes to solar charging. The best units have a wide range of input voltages, and support high maximum current to allow you to chain pairs of panels. With the 15A input current limit, you will find that panel arrays which produce under 33vDC output will be current limited below the 500W maximum. The supplied 220W panel set I purchased with the Delta 3 Classic provided nice adjustability in terms of setup angle to ensure they are directly facing the sun for highest output. My camp site didn't have any space large enough to get 100% sun, but even with a little shade and less than directly overhead sun, I was getting 190-200W charging reported on the EcoFlow unit's display. I am confident I could fully recharge this in a full day of sun any time of year in Southern California where I leave, as long as the sky was clear. These panels are "bifacial" which means they can charge on both sides. If you set them up strategically, with sometime reflective behind them, they can potentially put out over 220W, since the front side can generate 220W and back side can generate 175W. I didn't get to play with this a lot but the smaller size and potential for higher output seem like big positives compared to older designs and materials. The panels fold up easily and come with a nice carrying bag to keep them clean and protect the cables, and the cables allow them to be connected in series if you want to get closer to the 500W maximum charging rate. They included the adapter cable to connect them to the XT60 port on the Delta 3 Classic or other power station. They are light-weight, waterproof, and didn't get hot in the direct sun. I really appreciated the combination of the solar angle indicator (simple, durable, easy to read) and the angle adjustment mechanism on the back. My one complaint was how "stiff" the row of panels was on initial use, but I think once they warm up in the sun and get used some more it will be easier to line the up and optimize their output. *** Final thoughts *** The items both came well packed, in excellent condition, and were very easy to use and to use together. Highly recommend using the app from the very start with the unit and taking the time to learn the app features as well as the Delta 3 Classic and Solar Panel features. Here's the scale I'm using for my ratings: ⭐️ 1 star= Nope! I not recommended. It’s poorly made, or not what it’s listed to be. ⭐️⭐️ 2 stars = Has some redeeming qualities, would not buy again. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 stars = Meh. It's passable. Might not be worth the price. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars = Good, but there’s something off ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars = Yes! Exactly what it should be. Read more

Plugged this in to a remote home to use as a USB for the WiFi and Fiber modem. When the power is on, the batteries are bypassed and not involved (except to stay charged at 100%), so it works like a USB if you set it up that way. Drawing 25 watts, the unit says it could power my WiFi/Modems for a couple of days. The iPhone app is free (no subscription or enrollment charges) and will send you a message when the power goes out and it switches to battery. You can log in remotely to see how much power is being drawn (and how much is charging) at any time so you can see what is happening during a remote power outage. Excellent remote control software. I haven't plugged in the backup solar panels yet, but they can be wired into the system to lengthen the power available during an outage. Read more

Excellent set up for hurricanes. I purchased this for my mother. Will run her refrigerator and a couple led lights along with a fan during the next hurricane. I own an older version that does not allow access from phone or extra battery. I ran it with 4-100 watt solar panels during the last hurricane Ian in 2022. I'd did a great job. I would charge up within an hour on generator 1st thing in the morning while making coffee. Run unit all day on solar powering refrigerator, fans, TV, Modem and router. At night I would give it another one hour charge and that ran a temporary AC window unit. I did this for 14 days and worked fantastic. I also did not turn the 7 gallons of gas every 8 hours with generator. Or have to listen to a noisy generator. Most of the gas stations had no power so running a generator 24-7 for 14 days was not possible. Who has that kinda od storage for fuel. Lol. Great company and one day I will get a larger unit with back up battery. Hurricanes are only going to be more frequent. Read more

I purchased the EcoFlow system with a solar panel, and it has exceeded my expectations. The power station charges very quickly, even when using the solar panel. You can also connect multiple devices simultaneously (including small appliances). It is ideal for home emergencies and camping trips. One thing to keep in mind is that the solar panel's performance drops on cloudy days; it works best on sunny days. It is a somewhat significant investment, but the quality makes it well worth the cost. It has definitely been a sound investment for my home. Read more

If I can give this item no stars I would. If you use anything I mean anything with high wattage it dies super fast, it only can hold a charge with a fan or something like that. A small heater is too much a portable ac is too much even a plug in grill and or microwave this thing sucks I suggest not getting if your camping or trucking Read more

I find myself using this mostly to recharge small electronics, but I tried running the fridge and my PC (not at the same time). It had no trouble powering either. The readout is clear and easy to understand. The app is a bit too simple, but you don't actually need it to use or recharge the unit. I've found that it can recharge from near zero to full on grid power in around an hour, drawing 900 watts on average, and it really can keep an ordinary 18 cf fridge operating all day. The solar panels, however, have been a disappointment. I'm in the desert - the sun is pretty bright even in winter. These are rated for 220 watts output (under ideal conditions, I would assume), but I've yet to get any more than half that out of them, which takes the Delta's charge time up to 7-10 hours. Not really practical. I strongly suggest augmenting this or any other solar "generator" with a real, dual fuel portable generator that produces clean AC with output matched to your battery bank - that will be my next purchase. When paired up this way, it drastically reduces the gas generator's fuel consumption, as you only need to run it for short periods to charge up the battery bank. Oddly enough, Ecoflow makes one, and it integrates with their other products. Read more