Power cuts happen, but this clever portable power station is designed to keep your essentials running for longer

Power cuts often happen at the worst possible moment, when you're halfway through an important video call or settling down to watch something on TV, and everything suddenly goes dark.

While you can't do much about the electricity supply, you can prepare for the inevitable (or, to put it another way, expect the unexpected). Portable power stations have become increasingly popular in recent years since they offer a convenient way to keep essential devices running without relying on a permanently installed home battery.

The new Anker SOLIX S2000 takes this idea a step further by making better use of the energy already stored inside. With a 2 kWh battery, intelligent power management, and enough outputs to run several devices at once, it's designed to keep everyday essentials running longer.

Despite its substantial capacity, the SOLIX S2000 has a compact footprint that makes it easy to tuck into a corner, while its integrated handles make it easy to move around or take on trips.

When comparing portable power stations, people, understandably, look at battery capacity first. Measured in watt-hours (Wh), it tells you how much energy a battery can theoretically store. The Anker SOLIX S2000 has a capacity of 2,000 Wh (2 kWh), a substantial amount of energy for a portable device.

However, capacity alone tells only half the story, as power stations consume some of the stored energy just by operating. Worse still, the unit also loses some power when it converts battery power into electricity household appliances can use.

These losses become particularly noticeable when you're running relatively low-powered equipment, such as a Wi-Fi router, LED lighting or a laptop. Anker's OptiSave™ 2.0 technology adapts the power station's output to real-time demand by cutting unnecessary energy use, especially when connected devices aren't drawing much power.

According to Anker's internal testing, the SOLIX S2000 consumes only 10 W when its AC output is enabled, but no power is being drawn. That drops to just 2 W in standby mode with the outputs switched off.

At a 100 W load, Anker says the SOLIX S2000 achieves over 86% efficiency, compared with the 76% average measured across several competing 2 kWh power stations in its internal tests. In practical terms, that means more of the energy stored in the battery powers your equipment rather than being lost along the way.

What can you actually power with 2 kWh?

The real benefit of a portable power station becomes clear when you think about the devices you rely on every day. During a power cut, keeping your Wi-Fi router running could mean the difference between continuing to work and losing your internet connection altogether (as long as your broadband service stays operational).

The SOLIX S2000 offers a rated AC output of 1,500 W and a peak output of 3,000 W, enough power to support a wide range of everyday electronics within its operating limits. It has seven outlets, so you can connect multiple compatible devices at once.

Anker estimates that the SOLIX S2000 can provide up to 24 hours of essential home backup. The company’s numbers are based on an estimated runtime when powering a TV (105W), a Wi-Fi router (14W), and a speaker (10W). Actual runtime may vary depending on device models, usage patterns, and environmental conditions.

The SOLIX S2000 can also support compatible medical equipment, such as certain CPAP machines, although users should check individual power requirements and follow the manufacturer's backup-power guidance.

Ready for emergencies, useful every day

The same features that make the SOLIX S2000 a practical home backup solution also make it appealing for camping trips, motorhome adventures and other situations where access to mains electricity is limited.

At 16.2 kg, it might be too heavy to lug around on a hiking trip, but the SOLIX S2000 is compact enough to store relatively easily in a cupboard, garage, or vehicle between uses.

Anker quotes a noise level of 30 dB when operating below a 600 W load, which is ideal for home office setups and motorhomes. Who wants to listen to the constant whirr of a station when trying to work or enjoy their well-deserved rest?

It just keeps on going

The SOLIX S2000 supports six charging methods, and the battery uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology, known for its longevity. Anker estimates a lifespan of up to 15 years under specified usage conditions, with the battery rated for 10,000 charge cycles before its capacity falls to 60% of the original figure.

The SOLIX S2000 also comes with a five-year warranty.

The appeal of the Anker SOLIX S2000 isn't just that it stores 2 kWh of energy, but how efficiently it uses it. By reducing standby consumption and improving performance at lower loads, Anker has created a portable power station designed around the devices people actually need to keep running.

The SOLIX S2000 is available in the UK for £849 at Anker.