Arthur Goldstuck | CEO | World Wide Worx | @art2gee | mail me |
Innovations kept coming in 2023 and load shedding continues in 2024. This drives my choice of the year’s best load shedding gadgets.
I have selected the best of the year’s gadgets that made life more convenient, enjoyable and manageable to ease the power outages.
EcoFlow Delta 2
The EcoFlow Delta 2 is a portable power station, meaning that it can provide electrical power for various devices and appliances at times and in places where a traditional power source may not be available or is unreliable.
Not only is it portable and can be easily transported and used in a variety of settings, but it is a self-contained device that has a built-in battery, inverter, and charging ports. It can be charged from wall outlets solar panels, wall outlets, or even car adapters. It can then, in turn, provide power for anything from a smartphone and laptop to a small fridge and TV.
The unit has a 1,024Wh capacity and 1,800W output, which translates into charging a laptop computer 16 times, or running a coffee maker for more than three-quarters of an hour, among other. However, it has an additional feature called X-Boost that allows for devices with a rating of 2,400W to be powered.
EcoFlow says that X-Boost features an intelligent voltage control that marginally reduces voltage, allowing one to power devices with a lower-rated power supply. This allows for the use of power-hungry devices, such as microwaves, albeit with a higher rate of battery consumption.
We did not test the solar charging capabilities of the unit, but EcoFlow says that it is able to charge fully within 3-6 hours, depending on one’s solar panel wattage. However, the unit charges quickly when plugged into a wall socket, with the battery charging to 80% within 50 minutes, and to 100% after an additional 30 minutes.
There is a low frequency hum produced when charging, but it is at low volume. The LCD display shows the battery percentage, remaining usage time, and input/output watts.
It has a massive array of ports, including for two traditional 3-prong plugs (type M), two 2-prong plugs that also accommodate the new format of 3-prong plugs (type N) that will soon become an additional standard here. Type C plugs can go into a type N socket. It has four USB-A ports, two of which support fast-charging, and two USB-C ports. It also has two DC5521 ports, which supports connectors that power devices using DC current.
Linking the unit to the EcoFlow app via Bluetooth allows one to control these output ports and view more information about the device, such as the current output. The app includes features like auto timeout settings, toggling on/off for beep sounds, and viewing unit specifications.
Despite having many ports and a modestly sized battery, the unit weighs only 12kg with dimensions of 40×21,1×28,1cm which makes it easy to move around, especially with its well-placed handles.
With over 3,000 full charge and drain cycles, as well as an outstanding 5-year warranty, the unit offers exceptional longevity.
We put it to the test in a setting that was heavily affected by load shedding, where several people in a small business were prevented from remaining productive for long periods every day. A workshop running several lights and a computer, and equipment like an oscilloscope, voltmeter, hot air station and soldering iron, ground to a halt every time Eskom pulled the plug.
The Delta 2 was brought in, and transformed not only productivity, but also work satisfaction. Up to four hours of load shedding was handled seamlessly by the portable power station, but it had one further massive positive impact: when someone was busy with intricate work, and heavily focused on the task at hand, the focus and work remained uninterrupted. It was a transformative experience.
Overall, it was a superb experience.
What does it cost?
The EcoFlow Delta 2 Portable Power Station is available at a recommended retail price of R24,999 on the official EcoFlow website.
Solar subscription
Solar power by subscription sounds strange, since sunshine is free. The problem is that the equipment needed to harness the energy of the sun can be hideously expensive. A typical installation of solar panels, storage batteries and inverter for a medium-sized house can cost well above R200,000.
The concession by government to give a 25% tax concession is almost meaningless: not only is it capped at R15,000, but it only applies to the solar panels themselves. Just in case someone tries to “cheat” by attaching a generator to the other equipment. However, and inevitably, new business models have quickly emerged to fill the massive gaps left by government inaction, regulatory sloth, and high interest rates for financing solar installation.
After much research, we identified the most cost-effective solution as the solar “rental” option. There are various versions of this approach, with different terminology applied to different business models. You may come across Metrowatt’s “rent-to-own” or Sun Exchange’s “micro-leasing”, for example.
We settled on “solar subscription”, from Gosolr, after numerous recommendations. There is a waiting period, which may grow longer as winter sets in and demand increases, but once on site, it took solar installation company Sparki a day to install fully, neatly and efficiently. The next day, the sun was feeding in power.
We had chosen not to link the solar power feed to an electric stove or geyser, as we felt we could time usage of the former around load shedding, and the latter retained heat effectively enough for a few people to have a daily shower regardless of power status.
The entry-level solution, which costs R1,740 a month, comprises eight 455W mono solar panels, a 5.1kWh lithium batteries, and a 5kW hybrid inverter. The panels are photovoltaic, meaning they capture light, even on a cloudy day, and turn it into energy, which is stored in the batteries, The inverter then turns the direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC), which is required by the electrical grid, and feeds it into the property via a standard electricity distribution board.
We opted for an extra storage battery, which adds R690 to the monthly cost, but in retrospect possibly didn’t need it. Of course, that is assuming the country does not descend below stage 6 load-shedding.
A week after installation, the country entered ongoing stage 6 load shedding, and the system was fully put to the test. It passed with flying colours: load shedding went unnoticed. Fridges and freezers operated normally, finally dispelling the ongoing fear of appliances failing due to constant power surges.
Equally significantly, washing machine, computers, TV set, vacuum cleaner, toaster, air-fryer, and lawnmower could be used simultaneously without exhausting the stored power in the batteries.
What does it cost?
The solar subscription option starts at R1,740 a month for a medium offering, ideal for a small house, but can also serve larger homes with fewer people living in them. It goes up to R2,900 for a large option, and R4,400 for extra large. In-between options are also available.
Bluetti EB3A Portable Power Station
Bluetti EB3A Portable Power Station allows one to prepare for power outages in the home and office, or for lack of power outdoors.
First, the specs: it is a 600W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter, meaning it can continually power any device requiring up to 600 Watts of power, including desktop and laptop computers, TVs, smartphones, Wi-Fi access points, drones, gaming consoles and, yes, portable power banks. It allows up to 1,200W surge, meaning it can handle a brief increase in power draw, such as when a device starts up, or is under heavy load, such as a computer powering up, or a mini fridge switching on.
Its 268Wh capacity is enough to power anything from laptops, tablets, and smartphones to cameras and lights. It will cope with a bar-fridge, as long as other devices aren’t connected at the same time.
It allows for charging via the AC electricity mains, solar, car, and generator, as well as combinations of AC+ and solar, and AC and adapter. Its LiFePO4 battery comes with a promise of more than 2,500+ Life Cycles, the number of times it can be charged and discharged, before it loses 80% of its capacity.
Most significantly, it has 8 outputs for charging multiple devices at once. Its array of ports includes two AC outlets (120V, 60Hz), two USB-A ports (5V, 2.4A), one USB-C port (100W), and one 12V DC car outlet.
We kept two laptops and two smartphones charged and running for more than four hours, which drained the unit to just over 50%. That means it would have kept us going got a full working day if needed. That is a major selling point in its own right but, as they say, there’s more.
It’s the most elegant portable power station we’ve used, with a fold-out handle that gives it the look and feel of an old-time portable radio. A digital display provides a clear indicator of charge level, input, and output. A yellow globe alongside the display offers emergency light, with its own power button that allows one to select both constant light and flashing light for emergency situations.
That tells us the device is ideal for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities as well as for powering a small office or the entertainment needs of a family. A mobile app provides a useful dashboard and monitor for the device, which supports Bluetooth connectivity to smartphones.
Need to prepare for winter? The BLUETTI EB3A Portable Power Station is a winner for its compact size, lightweight design, and versatile and dependable performance.
What does it cost?
The gadget costs R5,190 at BLUETTI.
220W Bifacial Solar Panel
EcoFlow has transformed the traditional concept of a solar panel by moving beyond the panel format. Its new 220W Bifacial Solar Panel is a fold-up unit that feels like fabric rather than glass, can be carried around in the back of a car, or on foot, thanks to a useful carry case.
It plugs into most EcoFlow portable power stations, making it a solution for anything from a small flat or apartment to a temporary power outage in an office to a camping trip. It is made from high-quality materials and construction, making it durable and weather resistant. An IP68 rating means it is both rain- and dust-proof, and It can withstand fairly harsh outdoor conditions. It is made of tempered glass, while the solar cells are made of monocrystalline silicon, a photovoltaic, light-absorbing material. All of that brings its weight to 9.5kg. That’s not light, but it is portable.
We paired it with an EcoFlow River 2 Max, a 500W portable power station weighing just 6.2kg, meaning it is as portable as the solar panel. We were able to fully charge the unit’s lithium-ion batteries in less than 2 hours, and then use it to run a mini fridge, computer, WI-FI router and fibre access point for several hours – enough to cope throughout a stage 4 load shedding slot.
The beauty of the panel is that it can then recharge the portable power station regardless of whether the Eskom grid’s power comes back on or not. It was a lifesaver during a recent substation failure when our suburb went without power for three days.
In short, the EcoFlow Solar Panel converts sunlight into energy at a high rate. However, the charging drops substantially when it becomes overcast. It can still charge in low-light conditions, but at a far slower rate. It comes as a one-sided and two-sided unit. In the Bifacial version, the front delivers 220W, and the rear 155W Rear Side.
In normal, everyday use, taking into account wattage limitations, there were no disappointments whatsoever. It was a delight to use.
What does it cost?
The EcoFlow 220W Bifacial Solar Panel costs R10,684 at Geewiz and R11,499 directly from EcoFlow.
PowerHouse 521
Anker, known for its charging devices, has combined both quality and the cool factor into its PPSs. Its PowerHouse 521 and 535 models arrived in South Africa at the end June, just in time to help consumers deal with the absurdity of Eskom announcing the return of Stage 6 load shedding.
The company’s theme, “Every Home Needs a Hero”, could not have been more appropriate. We tried out the PowerHouse 521, and it turned out to be both a hero and a friend. The former, because it could quickly be attached to any needed low-power device in our home, office and mobile environment, The latter, because it felt like a companion rather than a burden, especially when taking it along for a ride in a car.
First, the not-so-good news. It is a 256Wh capacity device with an output of a mere 200W, meaning it cannot charge your heater or kettle – those much-needed appliances taken out by load shedding. But it is good enough for a laptop, a low-power TV like many of the current large-screen OLED units and charging any number of smartphones.
Its biggest plus is its range of charging sockets: aside from a three-pin EU socket, a must for many South African appliances, it also has a fast-charging USB-C and two fast-charging USB-A ports, along with a car-charger socket.
All the ports can be used at once, bringing the wattage down to the following maximum limits:
- Wall outlet: 200W
- Car Outlet: 120W
- USB-C: 60W
- USB-A x 2: 18W shared
All of these are fed by a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, the kind of batteries used in electric vehicles, which are claimed to offer six times more usage than conventional batteries. It is a reliable option that promises 3000 battery cycles – that is full recharges without deterioration – and a 50,000-hour life expectancy, five times more than the market average.
We were unable to use it for long enough to evaluate any deterioration from multiple usage scenarios and constant charging. However, it also comes with a 5 Year Warranty. You don’t see that too often in a charging device.
A unibody drop-proof design makes it solid, and rugged enough for outdoor use. It is made from an automotive-grade aluminium alloy that is both corrosion and temperature-resistant. Think camping and parties.
It is compatible with portable solar charging panels, so the prepared outdoors person can keep appliances going for days out in the wild. It takes less than three hours to charge fully, and automatically cuts power once fully charged, so that one is not constantly feeding it and wasting power.
Its specs for different kinds of charging are:
- 60W USB-C + AC: 2.5 hours
- AC: 4.1 hours
- Car: 4.1 hours
- 60W USB-C: 4.3 hours
- Solar Panel: 4.1 hours +
One of the best features for home use is an LCD screen that displays battery percentage, current input and output status, and estimated recharge time. Outside the home, the winner is a car-charging cable that comes with the unit. A built-in LED light is a winner in the dark, bit in the outdoors and during load shedding indoors.
What does it cost?
The PowerHouse 521 is available for R5,999 at Takealot.
EcoFlow River 2 Max
EcoFlow River 2 Max has come to the rescue. We’ve been using it for two months and, after it left us wondering if it had been an over-investment, it suddenly came into its own this week as load-shedding spiked again.
The River 2 Max is part of the EcoFlow River 2 series of affordable entry-level portable power stations with up to 1kWh in power output. The River 2, River 2 Max and River 2 Pro offer increasing capacity at increasing prices. We opted for the middle ground, based on a combination of price, size, power and recharge time. The River 2 Max weighs just over 6kg, making it easily portable around a home, office or camping site. It delivers 500W from lithium-ion batteries that charge in an hour, using EcoFlow’s X-Stream technology to support up to a 360W AC input. That means it can always be ready for the next round of load-shedding.
We also paired it with EcoFLow’s 220W Bifacial portable solar panel, which recharged it fully in less than 3 hours. It can also be charged from a car or a USB connection. Initially, it was used to run a mini fridge, computer, WI-FI router and fibre access point throughout stage 4 load shedding slots
Another EcoFlow technology, X-Boost, allows the River 2 Max to power higher-wattage devices that require up to 1KW to be powered up initially. It houses an astonishing number of ports for plugging in a variety of devices, from USB-A and -C for smartphones and compatible laptops to car cigarette lighter style outlet to AC/DC outlets. It can be recharged from both a solar panel connector and a kettle cord power point.
Once load shedding subsided – partly thanks to government wanting to put on a good show for the BRICS summit in August – it did not stand completely idle. It joined us for a weekend in the Pilanesberg, where both power and connectivity are in short supply. The result: we did not notice power outages aside from flickering of lights when the source of power shifted from the mains to the Max.
It became an essential item again, as our solar power failed to keep up fully with the new load shedding schedule. That was partly the fault of an electric vehicle we were testing and had plugged in to be recharged via solar power. It provided a good test of the portable power station’s ability to fill the gaps, and we were not left in the lurch.
What does it cost?
Recommended retail price is R12,999, from EcoFlow.
EcoFlow Delta Pro
EcoFlow Delta Pro portable power station, if one wants to pack a very serious punch. With a capacity of 3.6kWh, output of 3,600W and surge output of 7,200W, there is little it cannot power. It runs on a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, and it can be paired with an additional battery to double its capacity.
During a typical bout of load shedding, it readily took on large refrigerators, electric ovens, kettles, and power tools. It turns out that it’s also one of the fastest-charging large portable power stations on the market, charging from 0 to 80% in 60 minutes, meaning it is always ready for the next round of load shedding. That makes it ideal as an all-round load-shedding solution.
Of course, these high-wattage appliances will deplete its power relatively quickly, so it would not be ideal to keep powering them over longer outages. However, if one is keeping to essentials, the Delta Pro can keep going for a week or longer.
It’s hard to tell people what is essential to them, but the outlets on the Delta Pro provide a good sense of what is possible.
It houses the following ports:
- AC x5 – 3,600W total, 7200 W surge
- USB-A x2 – maximum 12W per port, total 24W
- USB-A Fast Charge x2 – maximum 18W per port, total 36W
- USB C x2 – maximum 100W per port, total 200W
- Car charging output – maximum 126W
- DC output x 2 – maximum 38W per port
- Anderson output – maximum 378W, heavy duty outlet, typically connect a car’s power to caravans or trailers.
And then there is a range of input ports, too, providing the kind of versatility demanded by emergencies and unstable power supply:
- AC input – maximum 3,000W
- Solar charging input – maximum 1,600W
- Car charging input
In combination, all these inlets and outlets tell a story, and that is a tale of off-grid living. Add a portable solar panel, and one can almost say goodbye to Eskom or any other power utility.
In fact, the EcoFlow Delta Pro tells many stories, and its users will no doubt have many stories of their own to tell about becoming more self-reliant after a year or two. From emergency preparedness to home backup to going off-grid in the outdoors, there is nothing ordinary about this device. There are, however, two elephants in the room, or in the outdoors, as the case may be.
For one, it is exceptionally heavy, at 45kg. That means that, while it is portable, it would be more accurate to describe it as luggable, much as they did the early laptops that came in large carry cases. But luggable it is and can be moved fairly easily from location to location. It has two wheels on one end and short legs on the other, making it simple to move around a small space.
If it’s going to be moved often, such as between indoor and outdoor use, we recommend a small aluminium foldable trolley, or even a small flatbed trolley, of the kind that costs less than R500, making it a negligible expense compared to the cost of the unit. That brings us to the other elephant in the room, namely that gigantic price tag. That may well be the most expensive appliance you will ever buy. But. And a big but. It is the one that will ensure all your other appliances remain useful, come hell, high water or Eskom. As with solar power, it is an investment in self-reliance, continuity, and peace of mind.
What does it cost?
Retailing originally at a recommended price of R73,999, the cost directly from the EcoFlow store has come down to R59,999.
