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Recently updated on February 26, 2024 at 04:19 am
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In our current test, the photovoltaic power station Bluetti AC200Max was carefully examined. It impresses with numerous advantages that campers and outdoor enthusiasts, but also everyone else who wants to protect themselves from an unexpected power failure, should like. The power station is easy to use and very powerful. The big advantage is the high charging capacity, which makes you independent of the stationary power supply.
Bluetti AC200Max review
Many other advantages of modern technology are combined in the Bluetti AC200Max photovoltaic power station. With Bluetti, customers also enjoy the reliability of a manufacturer with an excellent reputation in the market. The power station can be charged via solar energy and a mains adapter (also for the car), so it can be used very flexibly. Look forward to wireless charging, a clear touchscreen and an expandable battery, which makes it possible to use numerous electrical devices with a traditional 230-volt plug without a stationary power supply. Of course, you can also charge your USB devices here. Even if there is no normal power connection nearby, the power station makes mobile and self-sufficient power supply possible in connection with one (or more) solar panel(s).
Appearance and equipment of the solar generator
The solar generator photovoltaic power station Bluetti AC200Max is a real powerhouse, but due to its own weight of 28 kg it is not exactly easy to move. We therefore see the weight as a point of criticism! The model still falls into the mobile generator category, but if you want to carry the power station from the trunk of the car to the campsite, a tool like a trolley (or a second person) would certainly be useful.
The external power supply with 400 watts is not lightweight either. Overall, the power station is a bit too big, but it shines with a successful design. It has a dark, stable and perfectly crafted plastic housing that doesn't take it amiss if it's put down roughly. Carrying handles are also integrated on both sides, so that the solar generator can easily be transported by two people.
But the Bluetti AC200Max power station has even more to offer: For example, it has two integrated wireless charging pads of 15 W each. Incidentally, all power outlets are clearly visible and easily accessible on the front around the display. The controls are of high quality, also visually well designed and easy to use. The AC200Max has four 222 volt sockets (max. 2.200 W continuous output), four USB-A outputs, one USB-C output and two 12V sockets. There is also a 12 V Super DC socket with up to 30 A and a cigarette lighter socket, like those found in cars (10 A).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmT6Lxt_Inc
On the left side of the housing are the inputs for the solar panel and the power pack, as well as an optional connection for up to two additional batteries. The internal battery storage has a capacity of 2.048 watt hours. The scope of delivery includes an adapter for the optional solar panel and a car charger. The fact that the inputs and outputs of the solar generator are well protected is very positive. This is by no means the case with all models in this price range. The protective elements keep dirt, moisture, dust and bugs away from the generator so that it can be used outdoors without any problems.
Also in the test: the Bluetti PV200 photovoltaic module
At the same time, the 200 kg Bluetti PV 7,3 module, in which the manufacturer used classic solar plugs, was tested with the AC200Max photovoltaic generator. It consists of four connected individual panels that can be folded to a practical size of 59 × 60 cm. When unfolded, the module measures 246,5 × 59 cm.
Incidentally, the quiet fan, which only gets audibly louder from 300 W, is particularly pleasant. There are two round plugs on the side, to which you can connect extension batteries if required (Bluetti B230 and B300 with 284/372 Wh additional USB and 12V outputs). And another power pack can be connected, so that the charging time is significantly reduced. As a tester, the module is operated via the touchscreen on the device, but it can also be controlled via the app via Bluetooth. The app makes sense above all when several power stations with additional batteries are used. Thanks to the app, all important data can then be read directly on the smartphone.
To determine capacity, we used a home office with a PC, three 27-inch monitors, a telephone and a large Lexmark laser printer. However, the setup only drew an average of 240 to 300 W from the line. With a capacity of over 2 kWh, we are talking about a calculated runtime of over 9 hours. So at least a full working day. That's why we connected several power supplies from other power stations for the AC200 Max. So, with a load in excess of 1600W, we drew power from the AC200 Max. The result was more than satisfactory: The mobile power plant coped with the load easily and without dropouts.
It was even possible to use a powerful table saw. Although the starting current was 2.200 W, the model still managed short-term peaks of up to 4.800 W. If necessary, a starting current limiter ensures that the starting current is throttled. The protective circuit only kicked in with a very powerful 2200 W microwave – so safety is always guaranteed. Incidentally, the integrated battery can be charged silently in about five and a half hours using the power supply unit. Dual charging is also possible, but this was not tested as only one charger was available. The manufacturer specifies the charging time for this case as less than three hours.
How about the capacity?
In the test, the power consumption was between 1.650 and 1.810 Wh. The manufacturer states a capacity of 2048 Wh, so that one can speak of a yield of around 85%. This value corresponds to the norm. Most power stations tested perform with a conversion loss of around 15%. How high the actual energy loss is, of course, always depends on the connected device. We found the lowest losses when using 12V end devices, the highest with weaker 230 volt devices such as a waffle iron.
Although the weather conditions during the tests were not really good, it was still possible to test the photovoltaic panel 200 including the AC200 Max for a short moment. Once the panel was in its assigned location, it provided reliable power even under overcast skies. Theoretically, a 100 W panel can deliver around 500 Wh per day. It can be assumed that the PV200 module will charge the battery up to around 1.000 Wh on sunny days. Then the Powerstation AC200 Max is not yet fully charged, but if you connect several panels, you are definitely well supplied with power.
That's what the AC200Max photovoltaic generator and additional battery cost!
The list price of the Bluetti Poweroak AC200Max at the time of testing was €2.050. The additional battery B230 (2048 Wh) is available for just under €1.450. The price for the B300 model (3072 Wh) is €2.100, that of the PV200 solar panel is around €540. Depending on your needs, you can purchase the devices individually or in bundles. Bluetti's high-quality products don't come cheap, but we believe the quality, capacity and performance justify the prices.
In summary it can be said:
- The AC200Max solar generator is one of the most attractive and well-equipped models on the market today. It inspires with a huge continuous output and a very high capacity, which can also be expanded. This makes the power station an extremely reliable companion for holidays, camping and for do-it-yourselfers. If the device is connected to several photovoltaic modules, you can also supply yourself with electricity independently for a longer period of time. The only negative is the impractical size and the weight. Yet when it comes to capacity and performance, the Bluetti AC200Max is quasi unbeatable. However, you have to decide for yourself whether you actually need them. For average needs, smaller and cheaper power stations are often sufficient.
