An Evaluation of the UGREEN PowerRoam 1200 1024Wh Outdoor Power Station with Solar Panel.Ugreen is a household brand known for its cables, chargers, and USB hubs. I previously reviewed their 65W fast charger and was pleasantly surprised to learn that they have developed a portable power station that can operate off-grid thanks to foldable solar panels.If you’re looking for a portable solution for your off-grid power needs, check out our review of the Ugreen PowerRoam 1200 Power Station and 200W Solar Panel to see if this is the right option for you.
UGREEN PowerRoam 1200 1024 Wh Portable power station and solar panel: first impressions and characteristics
The PowerRoam 1200 from Ugreen is a great mid-sized portable battery pack. It can continuously power up to 1200W AC devices (or some higher power devices in UTurbo mode), including powerful USB ports and a built-in emergency lighting system. You can control it using an app via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, which adds to its value.My previous experience with power stations was limited to huge powerful beasts like the Anker 757 and 767. And while having 2048 Wh of power is great, both stations are huge and won’t suit you if you need to move the power station up and down. stairs more than once. I was looking for portability and the PowerRoam 1200 fits the bill.
By the way, to avoid confusion, it should first be stated that 1200 refers to the total possible power output, that is, 1200 Watts, not 1200 Wh of battery capacity. The actual power that the PowerRoam 1200 stores is 1024Wh, which is still a lot, but it’s best to have this understanding from the start to avoid disappointment.Even though Ugreen is not as well known in the power station market as Anker, EcoFlow or Jackery, I was surprised by the quality of the station and portable solar panel.Up to two 200 W portable solar panels can be connected to the Ugreen 1200 station. Together they will charge the station from empty to full power in about four to eight hours, depending on conditions.Before we dive into the portable power station review, here is the complete list of features of the Ugreen PowerRoam 1200:Size: 13.4 x 8.7 x 10.6 inches (340 x 220 x 270 mm)Maximum discharge: continuous 1200W, pulsed 3000W (can power some high-power devices up to 2500W in UTurbo mode)Input: Solar 400W (XT60), AC 500WLife cycle: from 3000 to 80%Battery type: LiFePO4 batteries.Solar charging: 400W maximum, 12-48V at 15A.AC Outlets: Two AC OutletsUSB outputs: two USB-C 100 W, two USB-A 22.5 W.Other outputs: 12V carport and two DC.Price: Starts at $749.25 on Ugreen (with discount coupon) and $999 on Amazon. The 200 W solar panel is sold separately ($499.99 on the official website) or as a kit with a power station.
Design and unpacking
The Ugreen PowerRoam 1200 has many features beyond the basics typically found in power plants, making it stand out in its category. Let’s take a closer look at the design of this versatile powerhouse and the unboxing experience.
What’s in the box
Here’s everything you’ll find when you unbox the Ugreen Power Station:
- Ugreen PowerRoam 1200 Power Station
- AC Power Cable
- Car Charging Cable
- Solar charging cable
- Accessory storage bag
- User manual and warranty card
- 200W solar panel cable XT60 – XT60/XT60 – MC4 (solar panel sold separately)).
In terms of size and weight, the PowerRoam 1200 has a compact design, measuring 13.4 x 8.7 x 10.6 inches and weighing just 25.4 pounds. The PowerRoam 1200’s power is both portable and lightweight. You can compare it to the Jackery Explorer Pro 1000, which is similar in weight but slightly larger in size, demonstrating the PowerRoam’s efficient use of space. 
In terms of design, the PowerRoam 1200 is simple and practical. No bright colors; the station is dark-light gray. If you are a fan of minimalist design, you will love this option. The massive handle is the only thing that bothered me about the appearance of the station. 
On the one hand, the handle is durable and convenient for lifting and carrying the station. On the other hand, I often use the top of the power station – mainly to turn on gadgets while hiking. The handle gets in the way and limits the available space at the top of the station.Ugreen thoughtfully included a handy zippered pouch for all your cables, as if to balance it out. It easily holds AC cable, XT60 Y-splitter, DC cables, and even a few other cables if you want. The case is pleasant to the touch and ensures that you won’t lose anything. 
Most of the charging ports are located on the front of the station, such as two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports. You will then find the AC ports on the right side and the input ports on the left. The front interface has four buttons, each serving a different purpose. One button activates the built-in light, another turns the device on and off, a third activates the DC ports, and a fourth enables the Internet of Things feature. 
Next to the buttons you’ll find tiny LED indicators that provide visual signals such as the IoT activation status.The device’s LCD screen displays 16 different data points. The central indicator is the remaining battery percentage. Then there is information about the current input and output levels and the estimated time remaining for charging and discharging. All this is adjusted depending on the charging conditions, especially when using solar energy. Unfortunately, screen visibility is somewhat impaired in bright sunlight. 
The PowerRoam also comes with a flashlight, a useful feature for illuminating camping areas or tents. One button allows you to switch between lighting modes, including low, high, flashing and SOS modes.One of the problem areas in the design of the station is that when connecting several devices, the wires of the power station stick out on three sides. This arrangement makes it difficult to place the device in a confined space, such as a car, since wires will stick out from all sides. Unit. 
Lastly, the solar panel is well designed and has proven to be effective at charging the station. If you are a beginner and have never used a solar panel, you will get the hang of it quickly as the Ugreen solar panel comes with clear instructions on how to use it with your power plant. Moreover, there is a cool angle guide for better results. 
In the corner of the panel you will find a clear piece of plastic with a dot in the middle. Below the dot there is a small space where the dot glows. In the center there is a circle with an inscription. The idea is simple: align a point with the center of the circle to get the best results. This occurs when the sun is at a 90 degree angle. By using this guide to tilt your panels correctly, you can add 10-20 watts to your panel’s total power output.
Performance and features
This powerhouse recharges impressively quickly. On paper, it reaches 80% charge in just 50 minutes using AC charging thanks to PowerZip fast charging technology. My tests have shown that it may be even faster.The batteries inside, called LiFePO4, have a longer lifespan and deliver better energy than other lithium-ion batteries. They are also lighter, which helps keep the power plant’s weight manageable. When connected to a regular outlet, the station is fully charged in less than an hour.A pleasant surprise was how quiet it was. You will only hear the fans making noise when a lot of power is being used, such as when boiling water or charging an e-bike. When charging a smartphone or laptop, it is absolutely silent. 
Another useful feature is emergency mode when the battery is 0%. Even when it shows 0% charge, PowerRoam can still provide up to seven hours of light and enough power to charge your phone in an emergency. I’ve used this feature once before and I have to say that knowing you won’t be left in the dark with no connection even when the station is at 0% is reassuring.The Ugreen PowerRoam also comes with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). If the power goes out in your home, this power plant will kick in, allowing your essential appliances to continue running.I also tried charging the station using the Ugreen 200W solar panel. Of course, the results will depend on how sunny it is outside. However, you are guaranteed great results if the weather is similar to the summer of 2023. If you position the solar panel correctly (you can easily do this by checking the guide for the angles), you can get a maximum of 200W on a bright sunny day. . 
The good news is that the PowerRoam 1200 can be paired with two of these panels. You can double the power to 400W and quickly charge your station and supplies using solely solar power.
Software
Setting up the power plant is intuitive; You can do this without referring to the user manual. However, it is best to download the Ugreen app to fully realize its capabilities. It is available for both Apple iPhone and Android devices.The Ugreen app is both simple and informative. You can use it to update your device’s firmware and control its features.When you open the app and connect it to the power plant, you will see the amount of energy going in and out of it. You can also see how much time is left until the battery is completely drained or completely drained. 
Other things you can do in the app include turning different power plugs on and off, adjusting screen brightness, and turning on special sounds. You can also perform other actions, such as using a security lock, quiet mode for fans, or putting the station into standby mode. 
The information in the app changes very quickly when something changes at the power plant. For example, if the % number changes on the power plant screen, then the application number will also change, and almost immediately, in less than a second.
Battery life
I’ve touched on the topic of battery life before, but the Ugreen PowerRoam charges quickly. During testing, I fully charged the battery in about an hour, which is more than impressive.Once charged, this power station can keep your devices running for a long time. On average, it will provide power for about 8 hours if you use up to 300W of power. If you’re careful and only use about 100W, it should last about 25 hours. It’s like having a large and reliable power bank.And if you’re on the go with Ugreen solar panels, you can charge this power station in about 7-8 hours with a single 200W panel if it’s a sunny day. Just make sure you place the panels where the sun shines best. On a not-so-sunny day, this might take longer, but it’s still a pretty cool way to get free energy from the sun.
Is the UGREEN 1200 portable power station worth buying?
If you love camping or are worried about what will happen if the lights go out due to a power outage, the Ugreen PowerRoam 1200 Portable Power Station could be your savior. It’s like having a backup power supply to keep your main devices running even when the main power goes out. With a long-lasting battery and multiple outputs, you can charge your phones, turn on your lights, power small appliances, and stay connected.If you prefer to use renewable energy, the Ugreen 1200 can charge it using solar panels, making it a sort of solar generator. While it may not be the lightest power station, it’s compact and durable, and the optional solar charging capability makes it a versatile choice for outdoor adventures, backpacking trips, and even as a reliable backup option for unexpected emergencies.
An Evaluation of the UGREEN PowerRoam 1200 1024Wh Outdoor Power Station with Solar Panel
An Evaluation of the UGREEN PowerRoam 1200 1024Wh Outdoor Power Station with Solar Panel