Bluetti Power Pack

I'm prompted to post this after contributing to @PhilDK 's post about portable solar panels when I told him about the Falcon Technology one, I bought last year.

I've just bought a Bluetti power pack - AC180 - which is essentially a LifePO4 battery and PSW inverter with the option to charge from 240v, 12v or solar. It can deliver up to 1800w - and 2700w on boost for short periods.

I have to say, we don't go totally off grid that often but am more interested in minimising use of metered electricity on sites that have that facility - and I suspect these will only increase in the future. Plus, I haven't done it to save money - I will be long gone before I recoup the investment I have already made! I do, however, enjoy technical challenges and since I had a load of Amazon vouchers to spend, I thought I would put them to good use on yet another 'toy' (according to Ros)!!

My plan is to plug the power pack into the normal 16A EHU socket on the van and thereby energise the normal 240v ring main in the van from which we could run selected 240v appliances. The power pack would be charged by solar, although I would have the option of sticking it in the car if going out and charging it from a 12v socket although I suspect this wouldn't be that effective.

Heating and hot water would run from gas (Safefill) and I'm undecided as yet as to what to do about the fridge / freezer. I would probably continue with the mains battery charger - but if that didn't work out, I still have the option of transferring the solar panel to charging the battery directly.

I admit it isn't the most energy efficient way of doing things - but it's the easiest - because, in effect, I've installed a lithium battery and inverter without having to do anything to the van.

I haven't tried any of this in anger yet and am interested to know if anyone else has, and what their experiences have been. Plus if anyone can see anything daft or dangerous in what I'm proposing - please shout out😀

Thanks - Richard