Skip to content
Tech News
← Back to articles

These backyard solar panels saved me $20/mo on my power bill - here's my setup

read original get Portable Solar Panel Kit → more articles
Why This Matters

This article highlights the growing accessibility and practicality of backyard solar setups, demonstrating how consumers can reduce energy costs and increase resilience with expandable portable batteries like the Anker Solix F3800 Plus. Such solutions offer a flexible, scalable alternative to traditional power systems, empowering homeowners to offset rising energy costs and enhance energy independence.

Key Takeaways

Anker Solix F3800 Plus + 410W Solar Panels 4 / 5 Very good pros and cons Pros Works well as an expandable, small-scale solar setup.

Helps you save between $12-$25 a month, depending on local rates.

Flexible scalability means a smaller initial investment. Cons Savings depend on your location, panel angle, and rates.

The F3800 Plus isn't as portable as other batteries.

While cheaper than whole-home backup systems, it's still expensive. View now at Ankersolix

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.

With the increase of daily temperatures, power bills tend to follow. I've been experimenting with offsetting my own power bill with solar, and found a sustainable solution. The Anker Solix F3800 Plus is an expandable battery with a 3.84kWh capacity, working like a cross between a traditional gas generator, a permanent home battery backup system, and a portable battery.

Also: Switch to plug-in solar? My advice after testing the DIY energy tech at home

Don't let its wheels fool you, though. The F3800 Plus isn't designed for tent camping (though you technically could if you can easily lug around all 136 pounds). It's a portable battery turned into a legitimate whole-home backup system, capable of running refrigerators, portable ACs, pumps, power tools, and even some central AC systems.

I set up the Anker Solix F3800 Plus with two solar panels, which you can buy as a set from Anker. I've had success testing EcoFlow and Anker Solix portable solar panels in my backyard, so I was looking forward to giving these two 410W rigid panels a try.

... continue reading