The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The Anker SOLIX Solarbank 4 Pro combines a 5.02 kWh LiFePO4 battery with four solar inputs and a rated output of up to 2,500 W. In Notebookcheck’s hands-on test, it delivered about 4.25 kWh to the home from a full charge down to a 5% reserve, but installation rules, the 50 kg weight and the limits of its backup output matter as much as the headline capacity. It is a substantial option for a small PV system—not a plug-in, whole-home battery in every market.
What the Solarbank 4 Pro is—and what its headline numbers mean
Anker’s manufacturer model name is Solarbank 4 E5000 Pro. The UK product page specifies a 5,024 Wh rated capacity, or about 5.02 kWh, in a LiFePO4 battery system. It lists four MPPT trackers, up to 5,000 W of PV input, 2,500 W rated output for the single device, IP66 protection, a 50 kg net weight and dimensions of 460 × 305 × 355 mm. The stated operating range is -20°C to 55°C. These are manufacturer specifications, not independently verified durability findings. Anker also lists a 10-year warranty and a 15-year product lifespan; the latter is a manufacturer claim, not a tested service-life result. Anker SOLIX UK product page.
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Notebookcheck’s comparison with the previous Solarbank 3 Pro shows the scale of the change: capacity rises from 2,688 Wh to 5,024 Wh, maximum PV input from 3,600 W to 5,000 W, rated AC output from 1,200 W to 2,500 W, and listed maximum expanded capacity from 16 kWh to 30 kWh. Protection changes from IP65 to IP66. The Solarbank 4 also weighs considerably more: 50 kg versus 29.2 kg for the earlier model. Notebookcheck’s review and comparison.
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In its 2026 hands-on test, Notebookcheck measured about 4,250 Wh delivered to the home as the battery discharged from 100% to a configured 5% lower limit. The calculated energy between those state-of-charge limits is 4,773 Wh (5,024 Wh × 95%), making the observed delivery about 89% of that calculated amount in this test. This is a result from one setup and operating condition, not a guaranteed usable-capacity figure for every home or load.
#1 Best Overall
- 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿: It's portable power that moves as freely as you. Give your devices 300W (600W Surge) and 288Wh. Fast charge with 140W two-way USB-C ports.
- 𝟴 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀: Power all your tech with versatile ports, including 3× AC (300W), 1× car socket (120W), 2× USB-C (140W), 1× USB-C (15W), and 1× USB-A (12W).
- 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹-𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻: Attach the strap (sold separately) or simply carry this power station. It's 15% smaller than similar designs and perfect for spontaneous adventures.
- 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿-𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲𝘀: When your journey needs endless charging, do so seamlessly and sustainably with a 60W solar panel. This power station is not compatible with Anker SOLIX PS30 (or other 5V~3A USB-C panels), PS200, PS400.
- 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴: Recharge to 80% in just 50 minutes with a wall outlet, or use solar panels, your car, or the PD 3.1 USB-C port. Stay charged, no matter where you are.
For a separate grid-charging test, the outlet meter recorded about 5,400 Wh entering the device, with roughly 13% of the supplied energy not ending up in the battery. Notebookcheck cautioned that its meter was uncalibrated and that results vary with charging and discharging power. It also observed that the system maintained 2,500 W charging at the Wieland outlet only for a while before dropping below 2 kW. These figures should not be treated as standardized round-trip efficiency or a promise of performance in another installation. Notebookcheck’s test details.
How many solar panels can it use?
Anker specifies four independent MPPT inputs, up to 1,250 W per input and a maximum PV input voltage of 60 V. Its listed panel arrangements depend on the cabling: one panel per input for four panels, two panels in parallel per input for eight, or three in parallel per input for 12. Anker prohibits series connections. Panel count alone is not enough to confirm compatibility; each panel string and connection must stay within the system’s electrical limits. Use the official installation documentation and ask a qualified professional to check uncertain panel combinations. Anker SOLIX UK product page.
Notebookcheck’s test used seven panels with a combined rating of about 3.2 kWp. The reviewer reported that on sunny summer days, near-total self-sufficiency was possible with enough panels. In that particular setup, the unit could have started earlier and continued later in low-light conditions than it did during the test, so the observation does not establish a universal start-up or generation threshold. The reviewer described smart-meter response as quick, generally leaving only a few watts of excess or shortfall. Notebookcheck’s test setup and observations.
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What output and backup can you expect?
The product’s output figures refer to different situations and should not be conflated. Anker lists 2,500 W as the device’s rated output. Its UK page describes a separate off-grid appliance port with a maximum of up to 2,990 W under certain conditions when the grid is present, including grid contribution above a 2,500 W device contribution. During a power outage, Anker describes up to 2,500 W of backup from the internal battery. Anker SOLIX UK product page.
Anker lists a built-in UPS function and a 10 ms changeover time. However, it says the system does not provide whole-house three-phase backup, backup through the on-grid port, or whole-house supply through a Wieland socket during an outage. Treat it as backup for loads connected to the off-grid port and within its specified power limits, not as a whole-home backup system.
Rank #2
- 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗼: Take portable power anywhere and deliver 300W and 288Wh to your devices. Fast charge with two 140W two-way USB-C ports.
- 𝟳 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀: Power all your tech with versatile ports, including 1× car socket (120W), 2× USB-C (140W), 1× USB-C (100W), 1× USB-C (15W), and 2× USB-A (12W).
- 𝗚𝗼 𝗔𝗻𝘆𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻: Embrace full portability with a 30% smaller design than similar power stations. Attach the strap (sold separately) for more convenience.
- 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿-𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲𝘀: When your journey needs endless charging, do so seamlessly and sustainably with a 60W solar panel. This power station is not compatible with Anker SOLIX PS30 (or other 5V~3A USB-C panels), PS200, PS400.
- 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴: Recharge to 80% in just 50 minutes with a wall outlet, or in about 4 hours with a 60W solar panel. You can also charge via your car or the PD 3.1 USB-C port — stay charged, no matter where you are.
Does it need an electrician?
UK installation
Anker’s UK guidance says the Solarbank 4 must be installed by a Part P-registered electrician on a dedicated hardwired circuit. The electrician must notify the local distribution network operator under G98 within 28 days. To enable the UK 2,500 W grid-output mode, the system also requires hardwiring, notification and Anker’s verification and unlock process after installation evidence is submitted. Anker’s current product guidance says plug-in installation is not permitted, even though the hardware was designed to support it. Anker SOLIX UK installation guidance.
TechRadar reported on 27 August 2026 that plug-in solar panels had become legal in the UK that day, while plug-in batteries discharging into a home circuit could not yet connect directly to an ordinary wall socket; it said the Solarbank 4 then required hardwiring by a Part P-registered electrician. Rules can change and may differ by UK jurisdiction, so check current local requirements before installation. This dated UK reporting does not establish the rules in Germany, elsewhere in Europe or other markets. TechRadar’s UK report, 27 August 2026.
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Notebookcheck tested grid feed-in at 800 W, then at 2,500 W through a Wieland connection after registering the unit as a PV system. Those are details of the review’s German test configuration, not instructions or a statement of what is allowed in another location. Check the applicable connection, registration and output rules where the system will be installed.
Can you expand the battery later?
Anker’s current UK compatibility list names the BP5000 expansion battery. It lists each BP5000 at 5 kWh and permits up to five modules, adding up to 25 kWh to the base unit for a listed maximum system capacity of 30 kWh. Each expansion battery weighs 42 kg, so the expanded system requires substantial space and a plan for moving and placing the equipment. Anker SOLIX UK product page.
Notebookcheck also mentions compatibility with an older BP2700, but that battery does not appear on Anker’s current UK compatibility list. Verify compatibility for the specific market and firmware with Anker before relying on an older expansion battery. Notebookcheck’s review.
Rank #3
- Massive Power Anywhere: This 192Wh battery delivers 200W and includes one 140W two-way USB-C fast charging port.
- 5 Device Charging Ports: Power all your tech with versatile ports, including 1× USB-C (100W), 1× USB-C (140W), 1× USB-C (15W), and 2× USB-A (12W).
- Travel-Friendly Design: 39% smaller than similar power stations, attach the strap to easily carry your power.
- Reduce Shoulder Strain: A unique shoulder pad design increases your comfort and reduces shoulder strain, even when you're carrying for an extended journey.
- What is in the Box: Anker SOLIX C200 DC Portable Power Station, Adjustable Strap, USB-C to C Charging Cable, Safety Manual, and Warranty Info
What do the smart meter and energy modes add?
For UK installations, Anker lists Smart Meter A17X7 and Smart Meter Gen 2 as compatible. Its product guidance says that without a compatible smart meter, household load monitoring and advanced management are restricted: only Custom Mode remains available, and anti-backflow functionality is unavailable. With a compatible meter, Anker lists Smart, Self-Consumption, TOU and Dynamic Tariff modes, as well as anti-backflow support. Anker SOLIX UK product page.
Notebookcheck could test AI mode only to a limited extent because the reviewer did not have a dynamic electricity tariff. Its review therefore does not verify savings from AI or tariff automation. The feature list is not evidence of a particular bill reduction; results depend on the household’s tariff, usage and system setup.
What the review’s disclosure and price context tell you
Notebookcheck said its test sample was loaned by the manufacturer or retailer, and that the lender had no influence on the review and received neither a pre-publication copy nor a publication veto. The review, published 27 August 2026 and updated 5 October 2026, listed a €1,999 manufacturer’s suggested retail price and noted availability through Anker and Amazon.de, sometimes discounted or bundled. That is Germany-specific review-era pricing, not a live offer or a price for another country. Notebookcheck’s review.
Anker’s UK page quotes an ENA statement that the device “has been assessed by ENA’s engineers and has been deemed acceptable for use by Distribution Network Operators.” The same page gives type-test reference ANKER/19908/V1 for the UK 2.5 kW model. This is the statement and reference as presented on Anker’s page, not an independent check of the ENA register. Anker SOLIX UK product page.
Who should consider the Solarbank 4 Pro?
It suits a buyer who needs more storage and PV input than a smaller balcony battery can provide, has a compatible panel layout, and can meet the installation requirements in their location. The 5.02 kWh base capacity and option to expand to a listed 30 kWh are substantial, but the 50 kg base unit, additional weight of expansion batteries and hardwired UK installation make it a serious home-energy installation rather than a lightweight plug-in accessory.
Before choosing it, compare the usable capacity and expansion cost, MPPT input and current limits, permitted grid output and installation requirements in your location, backup outlets and transfer behavior, efficiency measured at similar loads, meter and PV compatibility, total installed cost, and space and weight requirements. Notebookcheck’s review provides a comparison with the Solarbank 3 Pro, but not a broad, controlled comparison against competing products.
Quick Recap
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