Anker has been aggressively expanding its product line around emergency power accessories for a few years now. The new SOLIX brand has included larger power stations on wheels, full home solutions, and solar. Now, to continue this expansion, the company has one of its most compact but powerful additions with the C300 power stations.
We’ve been testing these new SOLIX power stations along with the PS100 100 Watt solar panels. This can easily level up anyone’s set up that includes either regular camping travel or those that want an emergency power solution that doesn’t take up much space.
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Anker SOLIX C300DC
First, let’s cover the smallest of the options listed here. The DC variant of the SOLIX C300 offers a more “mobile accessory” philosophy. As the name implies, the C300 DC is focused on full travel solution or even roadside emergency power solutions. You’ll find the inputs and outputs are much more in tuned with smaller devices or battery powered chargers.
The 90,000mAh battery bank of the C300 DC allows for a peak output of up to 300 Watts of total power. This makes it ideal for recharging pretty much any accessory using the seven ports available on the station. This includes two USB-A (12W), one USB-C (15W), one USB-C (100W), and two two-way USB-C ports capable of input/output of 140W.
These final two can also be daisy-chained for quick simultaneously charging the C300 DC at a max of 280 Watts. The final two ports are the two-way car charger and a single solar input. This is a rounded selection that performs fantastic in my testing and allows for versatile power for both inputs and outputs using the C300 DC station from Anker.
Rounded out the features is the now common Anker LED display that allows you to constantly be aware of the status of recharging the station or how much output is being used. It also gives you a running estimate of the remaining battery in the internal banks. Syncing similar stats and controls are capable using the companion Anker smartphone app as well.
Finally, you may notice the nice integrated carrying strap and the interesting option at the top of the SOLIX C300 DC. The carrying strap installed out of the box is a small hand strap that works great, but if you need to make it more portable, there’s also a shoulder strap that can be swapped, and it even has a bottle opener built in!
But what about that weird top portion? Oh, that’s a collapsible lantern light. This new design is great that it didn’t take up as much space as a dedicated light bar usually found on these Anker stations, and it just looks cool!
The Anker SOLIX C300 DC is only $200, which makes it one of the most cost-effective stations in Anker’s lineup as well. Hit the link below to get yours now.
Purchase the Anker SOLIX C300 DC from Anker
Purchase the Anker SOLIX C300 DC from Amazon
Anker SOLIX C300
Next, let’s cover the sibling of the C300 DC. The “standard” C300 shares a ton of DNA internally, with the same max of 300 Watts of output from a 90,000mAh battery bank. Using Anker PowerIQ tech, the AC focused model is larger it accommodates more traditional wall outlet outputs for appliances and more power hungry options like coffee makers, projectors, or laptops.
The overall dimensions are larger on all fronts, but the SOLIX is still very portable with the handle built into the chassis. Just below the top houses a light bar for use as a lantern or emergency beacon. Under this bar, is the classic status LED display.
Next, the ports are where the C300 sets itself apart from the DC version. It has the same dual 140W USB-C ports for simultaneous quick charge. Additionally, it houses three AC outlets(300W), one car socket (120W), one USB-C (15W), and one USB-A (12W). Lastly, there’s an Anker SOLIX solar input capable of a maximum 28V input.
The extended output options of the SOLIX C300, perfect for those that need more options while camping or power outages. The AC outlets let you use it on traditional household appliances using the same exact cord you would in your home. Add the USB-C quick charge dual ports and the full AC power adapter and the C300 is ready for any travel challenge away from your home power grid.
The Anker SOLIX C300 costs $250 making the debate between the two C300 series really about preferences of output rather than cost. The additional $50 makes it worth the extra investment if you need the AC outputs.
Purchase the Anker SOLIX C300 DC from Anker
Purchase the Anker SOLIX C300 DC from Amazon
Anker SOLIX PS100 100 Watt Panels
Lastly, we need to talk about the final piece in the Anker puzzle that allows for true off-grid power solutions. The SOLIX PS100 solar panels offer a maximum of 100 Watts of output to help make sure neither one of the C300 models requires a true home outlet again.
The efficiency and outputs pretty much speak for themselves, but I love the design of these panels. The foldable design with integrated handles makes it easily portable through any terrain. At under 10lbs, anyone should be able to fold these and just go.
The smart design continues with the kickstand and back cover. This denim covering has two kickstands with a strap and snap button system that allows you to get the perfect angle with the sun to maximum your solar absorption. You unsnap the bottom of each kickstand and then the nylon bands also have snaps that allow for the angle position. It’s a fantastic low-tech solution to a high-tech problem.
The $300 price tag being more than either C300 power station may be jarring at first, but the fast that it offers a full 100 Watts of output from the SOLIX PS100 makes it worth it. That should more than keep each station powered at a campsite while you’re having fun with activities. Even under cloudy conditions, we never saw less than around 40 Watts during our testing.
Purchase the Anker SOLIX PS100 Solar Panel from Anker
Purchase the Anker SOLIX PS100 Solar Panel from Amazon
