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Our verdict · Anker SOLIX
A 5 kWh, 4,500 W home station with 120 V and 240 V and a long cycle rating
The S5000 matches the Explorer 5000 Plus on capacity, with less output but a higher cycle rating and lighter weight. It suits backing up home circuits, including 240 V ones, through a transfer switch.
- Capacity
- 5,024 Wh
- AC output
- 4,500 W
- Wall charge
- Not stated
- Weight
- 97 lb
Best for
Whole-home circuit backup through a transfer switch, with strong solar input and room to grow to about 30 kWh.
Skip it if
You want something you can carry, or need more than 4,500 W at once.
- 5,024 Wh LiFePO4, 6,000 cycles to 80%
- 4,500 W at 120 V and 240 V, 8,000 W peak
- 10 ms switchover
- 3,000 W solar input
- 5-year warranty
- 97 lb
- 1,800 W charging on a standard 120 V outlet
- Anker doesn't list the outlet types
Rating breakdown (whole-home (3.5 kwh and up) class)
| Criterion | Weight | Score | Based on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall charging speed | 20% | 2.6 | 1,800 W input |
| AC output | 20% | 5.0 | 4,500 W |
| Solar input | 10% | 6.6 | 3,000 W |
| Backup switchover | 15% | 10.0 | 10 ms |
| Portability | 10% | 10.0 | 52 Wh/lb |
| Expandability | 10% | 10.0 | to 30,000 Wh |
| Battery life & warranty | 15% | 10.0 | 5-year warranty, 6,000+ cycles |
| Capacity (Wh) | 5024 |
|---|---|
| Battery chemistry | LiFePO4 |
| Rated cycle life | 6,000 cycles to 80% |
| AC output, continuous (W) | 4500 |
| AC output, surge (W) | 8000 |
| AC charge time | Not stated (1,800 W at 120 V; up to 4,500 W at 240 V) |
| Max AC charging input (W) | 1800 |
| Max solar input (W) | 3000 |
| Solar input voltage range | — |
| UPS switchover (ms) | 10 |
| Weight (lb) | 97 |
| Expandable to (Wh) | 30000 |
| Warranty (years) | 5 |
Key specs at a glance
What the numbers mean in practice
- 5,024 Wh capacity: more than two days of a fridge and router.
- 4,500 W rated, 8,000 W peak, 120 V and 240 V: runs large appliances and 240 V loads, within that total.
- LiFePO4, 6,000 cycles to 80%: among the highest cycle ratings we've seen. See LiFePO4 vs lithium-ion.
- 97 lb: built to stay in one place.
- 8.8 W idle draw: low for its size.
- Expandable to about 30 kWh with up to five batteries.
- Warranty: 5 years.
Spec sheets are easy to misread; watts vs watt-hours explains which number answers which question.
Charging speed
Faster on 240 V
From a standard 120 V outlet it charges at up to 1,800 W, so a full charge takes several hours. On a compatible 240 V connection, input rises to 4,500 W.
It takes up to 3,000 W of solar across two inputs, one rated at 1,000 W and one at 2,000 W. See solar panel sizing.
Capacity and real runtime
More than two days of essentials
Estimated runtimes on the S5000
- CPAP, no humidifier, DC cord5.5 days
- CPAP with humidifier, AC2.3 days
- Fridge + Wi-Fi router2.3 days
A fridge and router run for more than two days. Large loads such as central air drain it much faster. Try the runtime calculator, and see how long a power station runs a refrigerator.
Output: what it can and can't run
4,500 W at 120 V and 240 V
It supplies 120 V and 240 V, up to 4,500 W combined, with 8,000 W peak for motor startups. That covers a fridge, freezer, lights and 240 V loads, as long as the total stays under 4,500 W.
It won't run several large appliances at once. Anker doesn't list the outlet types, so check the listing for the plugs you need.
Backup (UPS) and app
10 ms switchover
Plugged into the grid, it switches to battery in 10 ms, fast enough for most computers. With a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician, it can take over selected home circuits. See using a power station as a UPS.
How it compares
Against other 5 kWh-class home stations
| Spec | Anker SOLIX S5000 | Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus | Anker SOLIX F3800 Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity (Wh) | 5024 | 5040 | 3840 |
| AC output, continuous (W) | 4500 | 7200 | 6000 |
| AC charge time | Not stated (1,800 W at 120 V; up to 4,500 W at 240 V) | 1.7 hr (fastest mode, per Jackery) | — |
| Max solar input (W) | 3000 | 4000 | 3200 |
| Weight (lb) | 97 | 134.5 | 136.7 |
| Warranty (years) | 5 | 5 + 2 optional | 5 |
| Price | Check price | Check price | Check price |
- Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus: similar capacity (5,040 Wh) with more output (7,200 W) and 0 ms switchover, but about 134.5 lb and 4,000 cycles to 70%.
- Anker SOLIX F3800 Plus: less capacity (3,840 Wh) but 6,000 W and expansion to 53.8 kWh.
- EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3: 4,096 Wh and 4,000 W, with 2,600 W solar input.
- Bluetti Apex 300: 2,764.8 Wh and 3,840 W at 120/240 V in 83.8 lb, with expansion batteries for more capacity.
Who should buy it
And who should look elsewhere
Good fit: homeowners who want 5 kWh of 120/240 V backup with a long cycle rating, strong solar input and a lower weight than rivals of the same size.
Look elsewhere if: you need more than 4,500 W at once, where the Explorer 5000 Plus suits better, or only need a fridge and router. See the best whole-home battery backup (portable).
FAQ
How long will the S5000 run a fridge?
About 54 hours for a fridge and router together.
Can the S5000 run 240 V appliances?
Yes, up to 4,500 W combined across 120 V and 240 V.
How fast does the S5000 charge?
Up to 1,800 W from a 120 V outlet, or up to 4,500 W on a compatible 240 V connection.
How far can it expand?
To about 30 kWh with up to five expansion batteries.
Does the S5000 work as a UPS?
Yes. It switches over in 10 ms.
