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

An expandable battery system with 3.84kWh capacity can offset power bills by storing solar energy. The Anker Solix F3800 Plus functions like a portable battery that can be configured as a legitimate whole-home backup system. It can run refrigerators, portable air conditioners, pumps, power tools, and some central air conditioning systems. Two 410W rigid solar panels can be used together for 820W total panel capacity, though real output is usually lower than rated. The simplest setup plugs appliances directly into the power station, and a permanent setup can connect solar panels to the station and run an extension cord to a fridge. Solar energy can reduce utility costs, with potential savings up to $20 per month for certain fridges.

"The 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. 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. Together, the panels add up to 820W, though solar panels rarely hit their rated output. Thankfully, there are several ways to set up the F3800 Plus as a home backup system, ranging from simple to advanced."

"The simplest way to use the Anker Solix F3800 Plus as a backup system is to directly plug appliances into it. If you set it up in a permanent spot and want it to power your fridge, you can connect the solar panels to the power station, run an extension cord to the fridge, and plug it in permanently. Depending on the area, powering a full-size side-by-side fridge that uses 25-67kWh monthly with solar energy can save you up to $20 a month on utility costs. That translates to $240 just for the fridge."

Read at ZDNET