UPG 87530 Ecotricity Portable Emergency Backup Power Solar Generator, Plug and Play

• 1800 watt inverter with four 120 volt outlets
• High efficiency solar panel
• 40Ah 3-stage charger
• 4 AC outlets / 2 DC inputs
• This item is not for sale in Catalina Island

Over the last 10 months I had used this as a backup during power outages on maybe 6 occasions, running a lamp and a box fan and had no problems up till now. I plugged in the same lamp and fan and got an "Overload Code" and the unit shut down. I tried this several times, even with nothing plugged in and the same thing happened. The next day I contacted AMAZON and they offered a replacement or refund. The backup had been useful so I opted for the replacement. When I went to move the unit out to the garage, I tried it one more time and the unit popped, and STARTED SMOKING and smelling like it was burning! No thank you! AMAZON is now providing me with a refund.

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I just purchased this 1800 W solar generator and backup power supply and it appears to work well. I primarily purchased it for the latter purpose, in the wake of our nasty multi-day power outage late last year. A friend of mine just installed a 7.5 Kw solar system at his home, and is now able to sell electricity back to the utility company. His system, however, has an important limitation. If there is a blackout, his SOLAR SYSTEM HAS TO SHUT DOWN ALSO AND HE CANNOT USE THE POWER because it could do damage to the unpowered grid. This is a serious drawback not shared by this fully independent UPG unit. I plan to update this review after cycling the batteries a few times to see how it performs. I have only one complaint so far. The unit did not come with the set screw/knob that holds the two panels rigidly together. I was able to fashion one by hacksawing a machine bolt and combining it with a wing nut, but I wish that I had not had to do this. Otherwise this would have been a five star review.

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I like the fact that this has 5 separate outlets for fans , lamps, microwave, etc and an outlet for charger adapters. It takes 5 full days to fully charge from an AC outlet. Have not tried solar charger yet. Be sure and turn off when storing. I did not do this the first time and it actually ran down about halfway while just sitting in the closet. It has all kinds of little indicator lights that drain the charge. Had to re charge fully then turn off unit to store. The generator box while small (about the size of three shoe boxes) is heavy but seems very substantial and heavy duty. Solar panel is too heavy to do by yourself if a women so get help to set up. Also have a large beach towel to cover unit with when taking out of sun to keep it from continuing the charge.

Once you get it all folded down for storage the wheels do roll okay but they should be larger because it is hard to roll by yourself. I am saying all this because from the advertisement it seemed like it would be a quick roll and set up and roll and store, but it does take time and is heavy. Also the shipping box is huge so you will need delivery instructions in a small house or apt. I would recommend this to anyone who may face a power outage. The price was the best for what you are getting.

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Thought this would be great for a "just in case" solar genie but the lack of help/tech support from UPG is nil!!! For a company you'd think is "GREEN" you'd think they'd be very helpful... yet they are more for selling than helping. As for the genie its great to power lights but would be VERY careful to power ANY important electronics!

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Good, reliable and convenience, but battery quite heavy. .... ..... ..... .... ... ... ... ... .... .... .... .