Welcome to our overview of the BLUETTI AC500, one of BLUETTI’s most popular home backup solutions, designed to offer both emergency support and daily power independence.
Here, we will walk you through the AC500’s specifications, features, and purchase options, alongside a detailed examination of user experiences and a look at some potential alternatives. Whether you’re wanting to prepare for extended power outages or if you’re just keen to lessen your reliance on the grid, our guide will provide the insights needed for you to assess whether the AC500 aligns with your home energy needs.
A complete home backup system provides a dependable way to keep your house operational during electricity outages and grid disruptions. Such systems play a vital role in keeping critical appliances like fridges, AC units, and heaters running, reducing interruptions to everyday activities. They are particularly beneficial in regions susceptible to extreme weather or where power stability is an issue.
No, the AC500 only works when it is paired with at least one B300 or B300S battery unit. These battery units and product bundle options are discussed at depth in this article.
The term “rated power” refers to the maximum continuous power output a device like a solar generator or an inverter can produce over an extended period of time, without overheating or experiencing degradation. Essentially, it’s the device’s ability to deliver a steady stream of power under normal conditions. This is different from “peak power” or “surge capacity,” which is the maximum power the device can produce in a short burst, usually to start up appliances with high initial power demands, such as refrigerators or air conditioners.
“Output”, on the other hand, is a broader term that can refer to the actual power being produced and delivered by a device at any given moment. For example, a solar generator with a rated power of 5,000W can continuously supply up to 5,000 watts of power. However, the actual output might vary depending on what is connected to it and the demands of those appliances. The rated power tells you the device’s capacity for sustained output, while the actual output is what the device is currently delivering.
In addition to the AC500, BLUETTI’s home backup solutions also include the EP800, EP900, B500, EP500 Pro, EP760, AC200P, AC200MAX, AC70, AC180, and AC300.
AC500 + B300S
Price (USD): $4,799
Output (W): 5,000
Capacity (Wh): 3,072
Includes:
1x AC500
1x B300S battery unit
AC500 + 2x B300S
Price (USD): $4,199 ($7,197)
Output (W): 5,000
Capacity (Wh): 6,144
Includes:
1x AC500
2x B300S battery units
1x fold trolley (usually worth $299)
AC500 + 2x B300
Price (USD): $3,999 ($6,597)
Output (W): 5,000
Capacity (Wh): 6,144
Includes:
1x AC500
2x B300 battery units
2x P150D to P090d cables (required for connection)
2x AC500 + 4x B300S
Price (USD): $14,196
Output (W): 10,000
Capacity (Wh): 12,288
Includes:
2x AC500
4x B300S battery units
1x P030A fusion box
2x AC500 + 4x B300
Price (USD): $11,594 ($13,670)
Output (W): 10,000
Capacity (Wh): 12,288
Includes:
2x AC500
4x B300 battery units
1x P030A fusion box
4x P150D to P090D (required for connection)
AC500
Price (USD): $2,599
Output (W): 5,000
Capacity (Wh): n/a
Includes:
1x AC500 inverter unit only (needs to be paired with a B300/B300S battery to work)
Overview of BLUETTI AC500
The BLUETTI AC500 is a powerful backup system for entire homes, designed to keep your household running during power outages or to simply reduce reliance on the grid. It starts with a significant battery capacity of 3,072Wh, which can be expanded up to 18,432Wh by adding more battery units. This feature makes the AC500 adaptable to various energy needs, from daily use to emergency backup.
It has a 5,000W rated power with the ability to surge up to 10,000W, ensuring it can handle a wide array of home appliances. The system is modular, meaning you can connect it with up to six B300S battery packs for extended capacity. For those looking to integrate solar power, the AC500 can be charged in several ways, including with solar panels.
The AC500 comes with a smart app, connecting via WiFi and Bluetooth for control and monitoring of the backup system. This allows for easy management of the system’s features and performance. With 16 different outlets, the AC500 can power nearly any essential device you might need during an outage. Finally, it comes with a respectable 4-year warranty.
Key Features at a Glance
Before we get into any more detail, here’s a brief overview of the BLUETTI AC500’s specifications and features:
- Rated power: Delivers 5,000W of continuous power with a surge capacity of 10,000W.
- Capacity expansion: Starts with a base capacity of 3,072Wh, which is expandable up to 18,432Wh with additional B300S battery modules, making the system even more suitable for extended power outages.
- Life cycles: Features a LiFePO4 battery chemistry known for its longevity as well as safety, providing 3,500+ life cycles to 80% of its original capacity.
- Smart control: Comes with smart app control capabilities, allowing you to manage settings on your phone via WiFi and Bluetooth.
- 240V system: Capable of forming a 240V/10KW split phase system when paired with 2x AC500 & 2x B300S, maxing out at 36.8KWh with additional battery units.
- Charging versatility: Offers different recharging methods including AC, solar, car, generator, and lead-acid battery, as well as dual charging (AC + solar).
- Multiple outlets: Has 16 outlets, catering to 99% of home devices.
- 24/7 UPS: Provides uninterruptible power supply (“UPS”) for continuous home backup.
- Warranty: Comes with a 4-year warranty.
Power Capacity and Output
In its base configuration, the BLUETTI AC500 comes paired with either a single B300 or B300S battery pack, giving it a base capacity of 3,072Wh. Note that the AC500 itself has no battery – it is modular and can only work whilst paired with either the B300 or B300S, which both have the same capacity of 3,072Wh. The AC500’s capacity is therefore expandable to up to 18,432Wh when additional battery units are integrated – using up to 6x B300S packs (for up to 18,432Wh capacity), or 4x B300 packs (for up to 12,288Wh).
This flexibility means that users can scale their power storage according to their specific needs, whether it’s for daily use, or as a precaution against extended power outages.
In terms of output, the AC500 delivers a rated power of 5,000W, with the ability to handle surges of up to 10,000W. This powerful output can support a range of household devices and appliances.
The system also features a 240V/10kW ‘split phase bonding’ option – a feature that allows two separate electrical phases to work together, doubling the available power supply for heavy-duty appliances. Essentially, it enables 2x BLUETTI AC500 (with 2x B300S battery modules) to join together and double not only their potential output to 10,000W, but also voltage supply to 240V, making it possible to power 240V appliances. This feature is particularly useful for homes that have larger electrical demands.
Charging Options
The BLUETTI AC500 has 6 different options for recharging: AC (4500W max with 1x B300S, 5000W max with 2x B300S), generator (5000W max), solar (3000W max), car cigarette lighter, 12V/24V lead-acid battery, and dual-charging of AC + solar when using two or more B300S batteries (8000W max).
In terms of solar input capabilities, the AC500’s high maximum solar input capacity of 3000W allows for efficient and rapid charging, particular when combined with AC for dual-charging. The AC500 is compatible with BLUETTI’s 400W solar panels, among others, supporting a VOC range of 12-150 VDC at 15A, which ensures flexibility in your solar array configurations.
(Note: VOC stands for ‘open-circuit voltage’ – the maximum voltage that a solar panel can produce when not connected to an electrical circuit or system and there is no current flow.)
Battery Expansion Options
The BLUETTI AC500 allows for significant battery expansion. At its base level, the AC500 must either be paired with a B300 or B300S battery, starting at a capacity of 3,072Wh. (Note that batteries from other brands are NOT compatible with the AC500 – it must either be paired with B300 or B300S.)
For those requiring more substantial power backup, the AC500’s capacity can be extended up to a maximum of 18,432Wh. This expansion is possible by connecting up to 6x B300S expansion battery packs, each contributing an additional 3,072Wh, or 4x B300 expansion battery packs for a maximum capacity of 12,288Wh.
However, the AC500 also supports a mix of B300 and B300S batteries, allowing for up to 4 packs to be connected in total, offering users the option to tailor their setup.
What are the differences between the B300 and B300S?
- Current capacity: The B300S offers a higher current capacity at 130A, compared to the B300’s 75A.
- Automatic heating: The B300S includes an automatic heating function for cold environments, which means that when temperatures drop below 32°F, it automatically activates heating when connected to AC or PV charging (with input power exceeding 400W). The B300 does not include this feature.
- Solar input: The B300S supports a greater solar input of 500W, while the B300 is limited to 200W.
- Expansion capability: Up to 6x B300S battery packs can be used with the AC500 for an expansion up to 18,432Wh, whilst a maximum of only 4x B300 packs can be used, reaching a total expansion capacity of 12,288Wh.
Home Appliance Compatibility
The BLUETTI AC500 is compatible with a wide range of home appliances. Its 5kW rated power output (and surge output of 10kW) ensures that it can support energy-intensive household devices. This includes, but is not limited to, central air conditioning units, large refrigerators, and electric ranges. This output is doubled when two AC500 units are connected with its split phase bonding feature.
The AC500 also has 16 varied outlets, designed to accommodate “99%” of household devices, according to BLUETTI. This includes multiple AC outlets of varying amperages, USB ports for smaller devices, a dedicated RV outlet, and a car outlet, among others.
This compatibility extends to emergency situations as well, thanks to its 24/7 UPS (“uninterruptible power supply”) feature, ensuring that critical appliances stay running seamlessly, even in the event of a power outage.
Design and Installation
Design
As discussed earlier, the BLUETTI AC500 has both an expandable battery system (with B300S and B300 units, which can also be used in combination), as well as 240V split phase bonding for higher power and voltage needs.
It also offers smart app control via WiFi and Bluetooth, which allows users to manage and monitor the AC500 system remotely.
The AC500 weighs 66.2 lbs (30kg) and has dimensions of 20.5 x 12.8 x 14.1 inches (52 x 32.5 x 35.8 cm), making it relatively portable for its capacity, but still a pretty sizable unit. Note that this weight and size is just for the AC500 alone – the B300S and B300 are slightly bigger still. See the table below for a full comparison of the AC500, B300S and B300.
BLUETTI AC500, B300S, B300 comparison
| AC500 | B300S | B300 | |
| Weight (lbs) | 66.2 | 83.8 | 79.6 |
| Dimensions (in) | 20.5 x 12.8 x 14.1 | 20.5 x 12.5 x 10.5 | 20.5 x 12.5 x 10.5 |
| Operating & storage temp (°F) | -4 to 104 | -4 to 104 | -4 to 104 |
| Certification | UL2743, UKCA, TELEC, RCM, FCC ID, CE | UL2743, UKCA, RCM, PSE, FCC, CE | UL2743, UKCA, RCM, PSE, FCC, CE |
The AC500 has efficient operation within a temperature range of -4 to 104°F (-20 to 40°C), and it’s built for both use and storage within these temperature limits. The B300S also has an automatic heating feature (which kicks in when the temperature reaches 32°F, or 0°C).
It’s important to note that the AC500 does not have an IP65 certification, meaning that while it’s designed for durability, it may not be inherently dust or splash-proof. Users should therefore take care to position it in a way that minimizes exposure to such elements. The AC500 also comes with a decent 4-year warranty.
Installation
The BLUETTI AC500 has a straightforward ‘plug and play’ setup, unlike some home backup solutions which require extensive integration with the home’s power supply. BLUETTI provides a user manual and lots of helpful ‘how to’ videos on their website.
If users want a more specialized integration for their home backup solution, they can add on a BLUETTI AC500 ‘Home Integration Kit’, which connects the AC500 power system to the home main panel.
Purchase Options and Add-Ons
Bundle Options
The AC500 can be purchased as 6 distinct bundles:
- AC500 + B300S: The AC500 paired with a single B300S battery module, resulting in a total of 5,000W and 3,072Wh capacity.
- AC500 + 2x B300S: The AC500 with two B300S battery modules, which comes with a free foldable trolley (usually $299 in value), resulting in a total of 5,000W and 6,144Wh capacity.
- AC500 + 2x B300: The AC500 with two B300 battery modules, which include 2x P150D to P090D cables (essential for pairing the AC500 with the B300 battery), resulting in a total of 5,000W and 6,144Wh capacity.
- 2x AC500 + 4x B300S Mega Bundle: An expansive setup consisting of two AC500 units and four B300S battery modules, including a free P030A cable, resulting in a total of 10,000W and 12,288Wh capacity.
- 2x AC500 + 4x B300 Mega Bundle: Similar to the mega bundle above but with four B300 battery modules, including 4x P150D to P090D to P030A cables, resulting in a total of 10,000W and 12,288Wh capacity.
- AC500 Inverter Only: Just the AC500 unit on its own – targeted at users who already possess B300 or B300S battery modules, thereby offering the flexibility to customize your own setup. Note that the AC500 only works when paired with either a B300 or B300S battery module.
Optional Add-Ons
Outside of the above bundle options, the following items can also be added on to your purchase:
User Feedback: Pros and Cons
Key Comments and Takeaways
- The AC500 + B300S setup is valued for its simple setup and operation, offering reliable power for homes, especially in areas prone to extreme winter storms.
- Users appreciate the modular design for the potential to expand the system as needed and the portability for relocation in case of disasters.
- Adding B300/B300S expansion batteries easily increases output and backup time.
- Users appreciate the system’s portability, expandability, and reliability.
- The system’s ability to support heavy-duty equipment like RV air conditioners and whole-house essentials during outages is highly valued.
- Customers are using the extra capacity to run circuits at night, thereby lowering electric bills.
- The product is celebrated for its use in off-grid setups, emergency power backups, and homesteading, ensuring power for essential appliances.
Pros
- Expandable capacity: Many users expanded their systems with additional B300 batteries, significantly increasing their power storage capacity.
- Versatile use: Effective for RV camping, homesteading, emergency backups, and reducing electricity costs by running off-grid.
- Reliable performance: Systems have proven dependable over years of use, even in challenging environments like Hurricane Alley.
- Fast recharging: Systems can be quickly recharged via solar panels, AC, or car, making them ready for use efficiently.
- Silent operation: Notably quiet, especially compared to gas generators, making them suitable for use in various settings without the risk of noise pollution.
- Portability: Despite their significant power capacity, systems are portable enough for camping trips and other mobile uses.
- Thorough packaging: Many users mention the high-quality packaging that BLUETTI provide when shipping their products.
Cons
- High cost: Several users mentioned the high cost of the AC500 and its battery units, though many feel the cost is justified by the system’s versatility and reliability.
- Complexity for new users: Some found the system complex to set up, and wished for more straightforward instructions or customer support.
- App usability: While the app provides valuable functionality, some users found it less intuitive for monitoring solar generation and managing the system.
- Size and weight: The B300 batteries are described as heavy, which could impact portability for some users.
- Limited direct 240V support: Some users expressed a desire for a single unit that provides 240V without needing multiple units.
- Customer service challenges: A few users experienced difficulties with customer service, specifically with reaching support and resolving issues promptly. Some claimed they could never get through to customer service.
- Solar panel performance: One user noted the decline in performance of BLUETTI solar panels over time, despite excellent customer support for replacements.
Comparing the BLUETTI AC500 Against Competitors
BLUETTI offer several different options for home backup solutions, but how do they compare to other competitor brands’ products? Here, we will take EcoFlow’s DELTA Pro Ultra as a comparison (for our full breakdown of the DELTA Pro Ultra, click here).
Capacity and scalability
- Bluetti AC500: Starts with a base capacity of 3,072Wh, expandable up to 18,432Wh with B300/B300S battery units. This makes it suitable for daily use and backup during shorter outages.
- EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra: Offers a more extensive range, from 6kWh up to 90kWh, thanks to additional stackable battery units, catering to long-term outages and high-demand applications.
Power output and versatility
- Both systems deliver a high power output, with the AC500 offering a 5,000W rated power (10,000W surge) and the DELTA Pro Ultra providing an expandable range of 7,200W to 21,600W. The DELTA Pro Ultra’s higher output might be more appealing for large households with energy-intensive appliances.
Solar integration
- Both systems have very impressive solar input capabilities, with the AC500 supporting up to 8,000W combined AC and solar input, and the DELTA Pro Ultra accommodating 5,600W to 16,800W of solar input.
User feedback and practical application
- Users of both systems report high satisfaction with the backup capabilities, especially in areas prone to power outages. The AC500’s modular design is particularly praised for its scalability, while the DELTA Pro Ultra’s integration with the Smart Home Panel 2 is frequently praised by customers for its advanced energy management solutions. Some users mentioned being overwhelmed by the installation and software complexity of the DELTA Pro Ultra, while AC500 users appreciated its straightforward app control.
Investment and value
- Initial costs are significant for both systems, with potential for high returns in energy savings and emergency preparedness. The DELTA Pro Ultra’s extensive customization and advanced features might justify its higher price for users seeking comprehensive home energy solutions.
Conclusion
The choice between the Bluetti AC500 and EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra depends on specific user needs – such as capacity requirements, budget, and desired level of energy independence. Both systems offer reliable backup solutions, but the DELTA Pro Ultra stands out for users requiring higher power output and advanced home integration, while the AC500 offers versatility and ease of expansion for diverse applications.
Summary: Is the BLUETTI AC500 Right for You?
Deciding if the BLUETTI AC500 is suitable for your energy backup needs involves considering your energy usage, budget, frequency of power outages, and your interest in renewable energy integration.
This system caters to those looking for a reliable backup power source capable of supporting essential household devices during outages. With its expandable battery capacity ranging from 3,072Wh to 18,432Wh, it’s adaptable for small to larger homes. The versatility in charging options, including solar, makes it an attractive option for individuals aiming for a sustainable energy solution.
The consistently positive user feedback in particular is notable – as is the case with most of BLUETTI’s products. Time and time again, BLUETTI customers are very satisfied with their purchases.
What are the drawbacks?
As for most home backup systems, we would have to say the main drawback to the AC500 is the cost. This is particularly the case when you consider the need for multiple battery packs to meet higher energy demands. Also, the system’s effectiveness in a full home backup scenario may require careful planning and additional investment in compatible battery units.
Final notes
Overall, the BLUETTI AC500 stands out as a great choice for a home backup solution, with the added benefit of solar integration. The positive customer feedback really speaks for itself in this respect. The optional add-ons and modular expansion capabilities make it a robust and versatile choice for pretty much anyone seeking a comprehensive backup system.
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