So I’ve been digging deep into this whole solar generator thing for the past few weeks. Seriously I searched everywhere blogs, youtube, reddit reviews, even random comments on forums. Almost every time I end up seeing BLUETTI pop up again and again. Their name just keeps showing up and most of the reviews are actually pretty solid.
BLUETTI Generator AC200L 200W Separately
Now I’m kinda stuck because on I found 2 models that look really good. Both seem powerful, both have good ratings, and people are saying they last long in real use. But I honestly can’t decide which one is the better buy for me.
I’m mainly looking for something reliable for backup during power outages and maybe for some camping trips too. Price wise they are not cheap so I just want to make sure I pick the right one.
Has anyone here used BLUETTI solar generators? Between these 2 which one would you go for?
@Solace5 You need to work out what you use in power (W) and for how long (kWh) during a grid out.
I have and don’t use Aircon, electric Oven, washing machine etc during a grid out. Running the home fridge, a TV, a few LED lights, phone charging etc, is less than 500W for my home. I use 2 x AC180’s in tandem i.e. one charging the other and it powering my home power outlets via a transfer switch and indoor generator socket. When the one charging is empty, I have others to replace it and can take it outside to charge via solar, the car from the Charger 1, or a petrol generator. This gives me extended capacity in battery kWh and the 1,800W inverter handles the loads. As I have several power stations an AC180 or the new Elite 100v2 will also run my microwave.
You’re doing it exactly right working out your actual loads in watts and then thinking in terms of kWh over time. Since you’re keeping it lean during an outage (no aircon, oven, or washer), your running load of <500 W for fridge, TV, LED lights, and phone charging is very manageable.
The AC180 gives you about 1,152 Wh (≈1.15 kWh) of usable energy, with a 1,800 W pure sine inverter that easily handles your household loads. Two in tandem with your swap-and-charge method means you’ve effectively built yourself a modular battery bank: one runs the house through your transfer switch, while the other recharges outside via solar, the car, or a generator. That’s clever because it gives you continuous extended runtime.
Your fridge is likely the biggest draw, but even with cycling it only averages 100–150 W, so the <500 W total sounds realistic. At that rate, a single AC180 can run about 2–3 hours per kWh, so you’re looking at 2–3 hours per unit before swapping. Having several on rotation covers you for as long as you have a way to keep charging.
The 1,800 W inverter also means you can safely run a microwave (most are 1,000–1,200 W), and the newer Elite 100 V2 gives you more capacity with the same UPS-style backup.
Overall, you’ve put together a very resilient, flexible system—low loads, smart swap-and-charge rotation, and enough inverter capacity to cover essentials and even short high-draw tasks like cooking. That’s a great setup for extended grid-out situations
My home fridge is a 540lt, inverter fridge, it’s normal run power use is around 110W. (in Wh less, due to arpprox 35% cycle time) My home TV (55"), DVD-R and from the same outlets, Laptop LED desk light, Tablet and phone charging add to around 140W.
I have posted this elsewhere, but I have an AC200P, 3 x AC180, 2 x AC70 and the Elite 100v2 for a total of 8kWh of battery. One AC70 is permanently connected to my home WiFi router, fibre optic box and Security system, total load around 25W in UPS mode. When the grid goes down, WiFi and mobiles still work from it until I connect the other Bluetti’s to the transfer switch and the AC70 then continues to charge in UPS mode.
I also have LPG gas instant hotwater and cooktop, so can shower n cook in a grid out to my hearts content, lol. The 8kWh should last much longer than 0.5kW for 16hrs, as once in bed the only load of consequence is the fridge and its intermittent cycle. I guestimate well over 24hrs. With 8 power stations to use, all of which could run the house, even the 1,000W AC70 inverter and several methods of charging, I have spent less than half what a home battery system would cost. Here in Australia, the power networks can control solar and home batteries, even taking power from a home battery to firm supply. They can’t do that with mine as they are totally independent of the grid.
The only annoyance to my neighbours, would be, I have lights and am watching Netflix, while they sit in the dark bored stiff, unable to shower or even read a book, going hingry lol. (The H/Water systems need power to ignite and remain on due to logic controller inbuilt for safety.)
I’ve set up my home with Bluetti power stations instead of going for a traditional home battery system. Altogether, I have around 8kWh of backup power with different models (AC200P, AC180s, AC70s, and Elite 100v2). My fridge, entertainment devices, lighting, and even internet/security systems run smoothly during a grid outage. Since my hot water and cooking are on LPG, I don’t have to worry about essential needs either.
The system easily covers over 24 hours of normal use, and I can extend that by managing loads at night. The best part is that, unlike fixed home batteries in Australia, the power companies can’t control or draw from these units since they’re completely independent of the grid. I’ve spent less than half of what a regular home battery system would cost, yet I still have reliable, flexible backup power whenever I need it.
BLUETTI Alternator Cigarette Compatible Generator
BLUETTI Generator AC200L 200W Separately