Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Living in Tampa, Florida, I fully expected to lose power for some period of time following a direct hit by Hurricane Irma. We have just shy of 1 million devices that require charging. Two hand-held amateur radios, two Apple iPads, three cell phones, etc, etc. Florida started to experience fuel shortages almost a week before the storm hit, so I knew that I didn't want to fool with a portable generator. In addition to the generator itself, you need to source the fuel itself and gas cans. All three of those things are in ridiculous demand in the days before a storm. I ordered the Renogy Phoenix and was miraculously about to have it shipped for same day delivery. I also ordered an additional Renogy solar panel. Frankly, my expectations were low. The features and specifications seemed almost too good to be true, but I figured it would allow me to at least keep my phones going if necessary. Bottom Line: This thing is amazing; Renogy delivered. It just works. The build quality is high, and it includes a number of adapters/cables to facilitate both the charging and consumption. Pro Tip: Get a 100 watt monocrystalline solar panel as well. When you set this thing up, you are going to be everyone's best friend in your neighborhood, and you will need the extra juice! I made the mistake of getting a smaller wattage panel - don't do it. You will want the speed of charging, and the extra "bandwidth" to deal with shade from trees or the cloudy day you will have immediately after the storm. I highly recommend this model: RENOGY Foldable Solar Suitcase Kit 100W Mono Without Charge Controller. No matter which additional panel you get, you do NOT need to purchase a charge controller. This wasn't initially clear, and I had to do a bit of searching. The Renogy Phoenix includes an internal charge controller. Pro Tip #2: After the storm, when the power is out and everyone is working with daylight, you are going to lay in bed at night and notice the silence. It is *quiet* without every air conditioner in your neighborhood running. Exception: the one guy who is holed up in his house, not offering to help any of his neighbors, while running a 6000 watt generator that sounds like a freaking lawn mower attached to a leaf blower without a muffler. If you are that guy, your neighbors are going to HATE. YOU. Don't be that guy. Theoretical con: The plastic latches are... plastic. I question their durability over time. However, this doesn't affect the usability of the product, and wouldn't have changed my purchasing decision.