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Rating: 4.8/5
In the event of a power outage, a portable power station can keep vital electronics and appliances up and running for hours, or even days, until the grid comes back online. I recently had the opportunity to try out the new IQ PowerPack 1500 from Enphase. California-based Enphase is an established energy technology company that might be best known for developing the microinverter, which dramatically improved solar panel performance. But hardware is not the only thing that matters. This new portable energy system proved to be surprisingly innovative in a different way.
Enphase
IQ PowerPack 1500
Enphase IQ PowerPack 1500: At a Glance
For the test, I got a complete Enphase Portable Energy System, which included the IQ PowerPack 1500-watt portable power station, IQ 200-watt foldable solar panel, and IQ 2-wheel extendable handle cart. After assembling the cart and power station, this kit was one of the most easily portable setups I’ve tried. Enphase’s hand truck style cart was much easier to deploy than other systems with wheels and handles built into the body of the power station. Similarly, the Enphase portable panel does not fold and then go into a zipper case—it simply folds, with strong hook and loop closures, a storage pouch for cables, fold-out legs (with stake grommets), and a transport handle built in.
Key Specifications and Features
The PowerPack 1500 is equipped with lithium iron phosphate battery cells with a service life of 2,500 charge cycles and 1,500 watt hours (Wh) capacity. Output ports include four AC 120-volt outlets, four USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, and a DC 12-volt port. It delivers up to 1,500 watts of continuous power and up to 3,000 surge watts. The 7-inch LCD touchscreen displays input/output and charge status, while the Enphase mobile app offers remote monitoring and control. The unit can be charged from the AC grid with the included 15-amp wall adaptor, via solar panel, or through a 12-volt automobile outlet. The PowerPack 1500 measures 16.5 inches long, 9.3 inches wide, 13.6 inches high, and weighs 46 pounds.
Charging Performance
The power station arrived with a partial charge, so I plugged in my refrigerator for a few hours to deplete it before testing charge times. The next day was bright and sunny, so I charged it on the IQ solar panel, which took 10 hours (10 percent to 100 percent charge). A second solar panel could be added to charge in as little as 4 hours in ideal conditions. After depleting the charge again, I charged the unit on a wall outlet in just over 1 hour. Another charging option is the 12-volt DC port, which should take about 14 hours. That would only be efficient if I were going on a 1,000 mile road trip, so I didn’t test it.
Display and App Experience
I liked the display screen and mobile app layouts, although I didn’t find them to be better than those from other brands. They clearly display the input/output status, charge status, and other helpful information, and also have a place to adjust different settings.
Is the Enphase IQ PowerPack 1500 Worth It?
Overall, I was super impressed with this unit’s portability, and would buy it for that reason alone. It would also be good to pair with a small portable generator, boosting the efficiency of both. It does not have 20-amp or 30-amp outlets, so those who need to power an RV or high-draw tools should consider a different product. But the Enphase IQ PowerPack 1500 is ideal for home emergencies, tailgating, camping, and similar use cases, especially if you need to roll it out to charge in the sunshine.
Where to Buy the Enphase IQ PowerPack 1500
Get the Enphase IQ PowerPack 1500 at:
