The poweroak AC50S is a compact solar generator with an integrated battery with a capacity of 500 Wh and two 230 V sockets with an output of 300 W. We tested the mobile solar power plant in practice.
Power stations with solar generators enable the use of electrical devices far away from the power grid. In combination with a solar panel, the devices promise a self-sufficient and mobile power supply using only the sun and are therefore ideal for emergency power supply or for hobbies and camping.
This test is part of the Outdoor and Camping theme worlds . Here we show, for example , high-tech gadgets for hiking , binoculars with a range finder or explain what to look out for when buying a flashlight .
In this individual test, the editors took on the power station Poweroak AC50S from the manufacturer bluetti, which was made available to us by Banggood, where the model is listed together with the 120 W panel for 1041 euros.
This solar generator is the smaller successor version of the Bluetti Poweroak EB70 (test report) tested in March, or the smallest sister model of the huge XL power station Poweroak AC200 Max (test report). In addition to a decent capacity and a chic design, the device attracts with good features such as a wireless charging pad.
Equipment and scope of delivery
With dimensions of 26 x 19 x 20 cm, the Poweroak AC50S is slightly smaller and at 6.2 kg also almost 4 kg lighter than the Poweroak EB70 (test report) , with which we started our solar generators theme world at the time. This is partly due to the lower capacity of 500 Wh. The EB70 also uses a modern and more durable, but also heavier LiFePo4 battery.
The two-tone plastic case is well made and leaves a high-quality impression. Rubberized feet ensure a stable stand. While the side parts with the ventilation slots and the actual control and connection panel are dark gray, the rest of the power station shines in a bright sky blue. These housing parts are also rubberized and thus additionally protected.
The AC50S has a two-part folding handle on the top for easy transport. Terrific! The device is as compact as possible and can be stacked. A wireless charging area is also integrated on the top. Appropriately equipped smartphones or headphones can be charged with up to 10 W.
The power input and the emergency lamp with power button are located on the back. All other connections, function keys and the colored status display are on the front. On the top left are the on/off button and the buttons for activating the DC and AC outputs. Next to it are the display and the three 12 V outputs (2x 12 V 3 A round plugs, 1x 12 V cigarette lighter 10 A).
A total of five USB ports are located at the bottom left. In addition to four times 5 V with 3 A, a USB-C PD port with 45 W is also available. Smaller notebooks, tablets and other gadgets can usually be charged without an additional power supply. Very pleasant. The two 230 V connections, each with 300 W pure sine wave, are placed on the bottom right. It’s a shame that Bluetti only gave the cigarette lighter a protective cap on the small AC50S. The remaining cans are unprotected and therefore susceptible to dirt. We would wish for something different, especially for outdoor use. Unfortunately, this point of criticism applies to practically all devices tested so far – with the exception of the large Poweroak AC200 Max.
Unlike Ecoflow or Jackery, for example, Bluetti unfortunately uses an external power supply again for the AC50S. This is not as big a chunk as the AC200 Max, for example, but the additional device still needs space. In addition to instructions, power station and power supply unit, a solar plug to 8 mm adapter, a charging cable for the cigarette lighter and a USB-C to USB-C cable are also included.
A solar module is not included. The Bluetti Poweroak SP120 with 120 W was made available to us for the test. Alternatively, the panels from Jackery or Ecoflow also work without any additional accessories. The inexpensive panels from Xmund or Flashfish, for example, also worked with the appropriate adapters. Solar modules with 12 to 40 V are compatible. The maximum usable power is 120 W.
practice test
The operation of the power station is self-explanatory thanks to the proper labeling and works without any problems. If you want to know how many watts are currently being charged or output, briefly press one of the buttons on the lamp, 230 V sockets or DC outputs. The display then shows the current status of the power station for around 20 seconds. If you want to switch the LED or the outputs for direct and alternating current on and off, you have to press and hold the respective switch for about 2 seconds. A small LED in the respective power button and an indicator on the display show whether the outputs are active.
