I’ve been looking for portable power options for my new vanlife pursuits. If you need juice for camping, RVing or being outdoors for fun or work, you’ll want to learn more about the Renogy Phoenix 300 portable power centre. I’ll tell you what it can do, what you can connect to it, how long it lasts and whether it might come in handy for your off-grid hobbies.
Renogy Phoenix 300 portable power centre review
The Renogy Phoenix 300 is a medium sized power centre. About the size of a lunchbox, you can use it to power any number of gadgets using USB or AC plugs. It weighs about 6.5 pounds. The Phoenix 300 (so named because it has a 300 watt max output) is styled almost like a vintage radio. It’s got 2 AC plugs so you can plug in electrical devices light lights. (These are 110V/60Hz or 220V/50Hz, 200W Rated) There are three USB plugs including a high speed port and one USB-C port for all your gadgets. Photographers and YouTubers, there’s even a D-Tap port at the ready for your photography and videography equipment.
There’s a power level indicator on the left side and an input selector on the right, showing which source you have it switched to power.
When it comes to recharging this gadget you’ve got multiple options: you can recharge it using a cigarette lighter, solar panels or AC power.
There’s also a built in emergency light and a handle.
Renogy Phoenix 300 portable power centre: small, light, powerful!
Boasting a 337Wh capacity, Renogy PHOENIX 300 Power Station is one of the smallest and lightest rechargeable AC power supplies in its class. Renogy says that’s thanks to the high energy high density battery cells.
Renogy Phoenix 300: What’s in the box?
With the Phoenix itself, you get a USB-A to USB-C Cable, MC4 to 5.5mm DC Adapter Cord, and AC/DC Adapter.
All about Renogy Phoenix 300
This power box is a Pure Sine Wave device, meaning you can produce clean, silent, and stable AC power up to 200W which will power delicate electronic devices efficiently and safely. The battery management system (BMS) commands voltage control, temperature control, short circuit protection, and overcurrent protection to keep both the power station and your devices safe from damage.
Battery specs:
- 4V 18650 Lithium-ion Battery
- 23400mAh/337Wh
Testing Renogy Phoenix 300
I tested the Renogy Phoenix 300 out by plugging in a variety of gadgets. My smartphone, a tablet, laptop, my camera batteries. I also tried a light—my TV light and a portable AC lamp—and it worked great. Mindful of not overdrawing power, you probably can’t plug in a toaster or coffee maker. It can even power a small heater.
How long does full unit last?
How long does full unit last?Want to know how long this unit will last, based on what you’re using it to power? If you want to calculate how long it will power a AC appliance, you can simply use the formula: (337Wh * 0.85 (inverter efficiency)) / the rated wattage of the AC appliance = work hours)
How long does recharging Phoenix 300 take?
It takes 8 hours to fully recharge the unit through the DC input port using the included AC adapter or using solar panels that are rated more than 50W, and takes 6 hours to fully recharge the unit through the Type-C port using a Type-C PD wall charger that is rated more than 60W. The unit also accepts dual input. That means you can recharge the unit through the DC input port and Type-C port at the same time, which takes 3.5 hours when the total input power is 110W.
As I noted earlier, when it comes to recharging this gadget you’ve got multiple options: you can recharge it using a cigarette lighter, solar panels or AC power. Let’s dig in to the solar option.
You can use any solar panel to charge the unit as long as the operating voltage of the panel falls within 12-25V. Even though the unit can only accept 50W input from the DC input port, it does not mean that the rated power of the solar panel has to be under 50W. The input port will limit the input current automatically, so you can use 100W, or even 200W panel to charge the unit.
Renogy Solar Suitcase portable folding solar panels
For the ultimate in off-grid operations, you can pair your Phoenix 300 or the Renogy Lycan Powerbox with a folding Solar Suitcase. These portable solar panels are perfect for the RVers, vanlife enthusiasts or car campers. They are a bit big to backpack with!
The Renogy 200W Eclipse Solar Suitcase comes with two 100W Monocrystalline Solar Panels, one 15” set of wires with MC4 connectors, and a protective soft case for safe portability. This suitcase weighs about 27 lbs. So you don’t want to have to take it too far away. The panels have an adjustable aluminum stand with latches, and heavy duty handle so you can get it securely set up wherever you need to to catch some rays.
A few things I’ve learned about Renogy Solar panels… We installed them on our first campervan and they’ve been excellent. They’re also going onto our second van which we’re building now. Renogy solar panels are excellent in low-light environments. They have corrosion resistant aluminum stands with a heavy duty handle and latches for durability.
This set up is also expandable, meaning you can add panels to the system based on your available space or power needs.
Renogy Coupon/ Discount Code
The Phoenix 300 sells for about $499 USD, and The Renogy 200W Eclipse Solar Suitcase sells for about $599 US . You can get these gadgets from Renogy’s website and if you want to save some money, you can use the promo or discount code TECHGADGETSCANADA for a nice discount!
You can also get one from Amazon.
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