Testing Best-Effort Solar: Inverter Powers Anker Batteries During Grid Outage
A 1,000W outlet from solar panels charges a power station in an hour off-grid.
Deep Dive
A homeowner tested their solar inverter's Secure Power Supply (SPS) during a simulated grid outage. The inverter delivered 1,031W, charging an Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen2 at 1,004W in about an hour. A Gen1 unit charged at 512W. The setup works only in strong sunlight and lacks load ramping, but the power stations can also charge directly from rooftop panels via MC4-to-XT60 cable (up to 60V).
Key Points
- Inverter's Secure Power Supply delivered 1,031W, charging Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen2 at 1,004W in ~1 hour.
- Older Gen1 unit charged at 512W; both require above 50% charge for max draw.
- Portable stations can bypass inverter and charge directly from roof panels via MC4-to-XT60 cable (up to 60V).
Why It Matters
Demonstrates practical off-grid solar backup, but regulatory bans make such setups unavailable for new installations.