These days, emergency preparedness isn’t just for hardcore “preppers,” it’s important for many homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts as well. With our reliance on our energy grid, backup power in the event of outages tops the list of concerns for most people working on an emergency preparedness strategy. Survival brand 4Patriots sells generators, emergency food, and more for these situations, and their Patriot Power Generator 2000X is a portable generator designed for various emergency, and recreational uses. Our review will explore the features, specifications, and performance of this popular generator, and will explore how it stacks up against the competition.
Highlights |
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Patriot Power Generator 2000X |
Easy to use solar generator safe for indoor and outdoor use |
Capacity to power larger appliances like refrigerators or dishwashers |
Simple, built-in LED readout |
Multiple output port types |
Expandable via additional panels and an expansion pack |
One-year satisfaction guarantee |
Features and Specifications
With just-right amounts of power storage, solar charging and high wattage output, the Patriot Power Generator 2000X targets homeowners, outdoor enthusiasts, and the emergency preparedness crowd. With your purchase, you get a Patriot Power Generator 2000X, a commercial-grade 100-Watt Folding Solar Panel, all the cords you need to operate the unit, and a helpful user manual. Here’s a more detailed look at what you can expect from this popular pick:
Features
- Power output: 2000W (surge to 4000W)
- Battery capacity: 1612 Wh
- Charging inputs: Solar, 120V AC
- Output ports: 12V, 4 USB outlets, 2 AC outlets
Specifications
- Dimensions: 18″ x 12″ x 15″
- Weight: 40 pounds
- Battery type: Lithium-iron-phosphate
Pros | Cons |
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Power larger appliances such as microwaves or refrigerators | Slower charging if using one solar panel only |
Quiet, safe & powerful enough to run medical devices like CPAP machines | Underpowered for home HVAC backup |
More than a six-year battery life even with daily use | |
Easy-to-read display with charge info | |
Included solar panel for solar recharging | |
Fast recharging via included AC power supply | |
Expandable capacity with add-on expansion pack | |
Lots of output ports in USB, AC, 12V and more | |
One-Year Money Back Satisfaction Guarantee | |
U.S.-based customer service available seven days a week |
Putting It to the Test: Performance and Best Uses
The Patriot Power Generator 2000X offers efficient power output suitable for most small to medium applications. Its ease of setup, simple-to-understand display and “whisper quiet” noise level makes it a great option for non-technical users.
With a constant power output of 2,000 watts (surge up to 4,000 to avoid overloading), the 2000X is a great option for powering all but the most power-hungry devices. Common appliances such as dishwashers, microwaves, small space heaters or refrigerators can be kept running in case of a power outage at home or while on the road.
Where this level of power can fall short is for bigger appliances such as hot water heaters, air conditioning units, and home heating systems, which can require much greater wattages for normal operation. This means that the 2000X should be thought of not as a replacement for a home grid backup generator, but as a portable means to keep personal devices and some appliances running in the short-term.
4Patriots lists some expected runtimes for common devices on the 2000X with a full charge to give you a more practical idea of the capacity of the battery generator:
- Full-sized fridge: 40 hours
- Microwave: 2 hours
- Dishwasher: 54 minutes
- Laptop: 35 hours
- Chest freezer: 32 hours
Patriot Power Generator 2000X Price
Priced around $2,999, this generator is on the higher end of what you might pay for a battery generator in its class, but the slightly higher power and capacity as well as the included solar panel make it a good value. (Many companies only offer a solar panel as an add-on for additional cost.) The company offers an expansion pack battery that connects with the 2000X, which expands the amount of stored power for an additional $1594.
The basic package includes a single 100-watt solar panel that folds down for easy storage and portability while opening up for maximum energy capture, and includes adjustable legs to orient the panel optimally. The included 523-watt AC power supply can recharge the emptied 2000X to full in as little as six hours. The free solar panel will be significantly slower but is a great option when you’re away from the grid or in the event of a power grid outage.
Patriot Power Generator Customer Service and Warranty
One of the unique ways that 4Patriots makes it easy to make the investment in their battery generator is with their one-year satisfaction guarantee. If you aren’t satisfied with the 2000X package for any reason within this one-year testing period, you can return it for a full refund minus the cost of shipping.
For any problems or questions, 4Patriots has U.S.-based customer service that’s available via email, phone or live chat seven days a week. They also have a blog and plenty of helpful videos regarding setup operation both on their website and on YouTube. For contact options, consult their Contact Us page.
Before You Buy: Things to Know and Consider
Before purchasing and when comparing to other options, consider the suitability of a battery generator for your specific needs, such as emergency backup at home, camping, or RV power.
How the Patriot Power Solar Generator Stacks Up
Compared to leading gas generator brands like Honda or Generac, the Patriot Power Generator 2000X offers a unique blend of quiet operation with solar charging, albeit at a slightly higher price point. Its performance is reliable, the warranty is longer than most competitors and the value for money is reasonable considering the innovative features.
Patriot Power Generator 2000X vs. Honda EU2200i
The Patriot Power Generator 2000X and the Honda EU2200i offer similar power output around 2,000 watts, but the biggest difference is that the 4Patriots model is a battery generator, which stores power in a battery while the Honda unit generates power on-demand by burning gas in a 121 cc engine. The cost of the EU2200i is much lower at about $1,300 compared to about $3,000 for the Patriot Power Generator 2000X package. Running a battery generator such as the 2000X creates very little noise, while a gas generator sounds more like a small gas tool such as a weed whacker, so it’s more intrusive to run. You also have carbon monoxide concerns that need to be managed with a gas generator that are not present with a battery generator. The main reason to choose the Honda is the much lower price point. The 4Patriots generator has the additional benefit of the included solar panel, which can recharge the unit without gasoline or power grid access.
Patriot Power Generator 2000X vs. Generac GP3000i
The Generac GP3000i is another gas generator option that offers more power and, like the Honda and most gas generators, is much cheaper than the Patriot Power Generator 2000X. The same concerns about noise and exhaust apply to the Generac model, but it may be attractive to people who want a higher power output and are on a tighter budget. The downsides are the reliance on fossil fuels and the significant noise generated by this unit.
Bottom Line: Why We Love It
The Patriot Power Generator 2000X stands as a versatile and flexible option for those looking for a powerful portable generator with solar charging capabilities. While the price may be a barrier for some, the higher power output, medium capacity, expansion opportunities, free solar panel, and satisfaction guarantee make it a worthwhile investment for the right user.
FAQ
Does the Patriot Power Generator 2000X really work?
Yes, the Patriot Power Generator 2000X is a battery generator that can power medium-sized appliances for long periods of time. The generator is portable and offers up to 2,000 continuous watts of renewable power. It’s praised for its portability, being relatively lightweight and outfitted with convenient carry handles, and its ability to hold a charge for months. Compared to cheaper gas generators, it’s quiet, fume-free, discrete and safe to use.
How much does the Patriot Power Generator 2000X cost?
The Patriot Power Generator 2000X typically costs around $3,000. Although it is priced higher than most gas generators, it comes with a solar panel and features unique to battery generators that might justify the cost for certain users. It’s compact and lightweight, and can be paired with additional solar panels to increase its solar charging speed.
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