The brand-new Pecron F3000LFP (not to be confused with the Anker F3000) is a surprisingly modern-looking 3,072Wh power station with a 3,600W inverter and a launch price under $1,000. The price alone turned our heads, but the real question is: can a sub-$1,000 unit from a bargain brand compete with similar units from brands like Anker, Jackery, EcoFlow, and DJI?
We spent a few days hands-on testing this new Pecron power station, assessing its performance, build quality, and overall value. To put things bluntly, for the money, we think you really need to take this unit seriously. Honestly, it blew us away.
With that said, we still want to help you decide if the F3000LFP is right for you, so we’re going to cover the specs, our real-world test results, and take a deep dive into what we liked and didn’t like about it. We'll also make a few comparisons to competing models. Let's dive in!
Before we get into the testing and cover everything we liked and disliked about the brand-new Pecron F3000LFP Power Station, let’s take a moment to review the specifications:
{{review-summary}}
We ran the F3000 through our usual gauntlet of tests, checking everything from the surge and start rates to the efficiency and idle draw. Here’s what we found:
As advertised, it was able to support a full 3,600W load for extended periods. Even when we were pushing it to full capacity, we didn’t run into any sort of trips or hiccups, and it pretty much ran perfectly the entire time. It was even pretty quiet when we were pushing the inverter to its maximum capacity.
This is where the Pecron F3000 started to surprise us. Pecron claims a 4,500W surge capacity for this unit, which seemed really high to us. But to our complete surprise, it actually was able to surge really well.
We were able to run a 4,500W load, which lasted for about 10 seconds before the unit tripped and needed to be restarted. For a sub-$1,000 power station, that’s very impressive. Not only does it actually do what the manufacturer claims, it means it’s a practical unit for starting up really demanding appliances.
The AC charging ran at the 1,800W input that Pecron advertised. This allowed us to fully charge the unit in just over two hours. After draining the battery, we then used a fairly large 2,000W solar panel array to test the solar input. Keep in mind we ran this test on a sunny day, so actual charge rates may vary, but we were able to hit a 1,600W solar input really easily.
We were able to solar charge this power station in just over two hours with solar panels alone. For those planning on taking it camping, or even just topping it up with solar during a power outage, that high solar input is really going to come in handy.
For comparison, the similarly priced Jackery Explorer 2000 V2 only has a maximum solar input of 400W. It's worth keeping in mind that Pecron is typically seen as a budget solar generator brand, so beating power stations from more established and premium brands, like Jackery and Anker, is a huge accomplishment.
Running a sustained 3,600W output from full to empty, the system averaged 83% efficiency. Again, this is really respectable for a budget LiFePO₄ power station. If you have watched our videos before, you have probably heard us say that any efficiency rating over 80% gets a thumbs up from us, so it's safe to say that we’re really happy with how the F3000LFP performed in this regard.
When we then charged the battery to 100% and let it fully drain with only the inverter switched on, we calculated a 37 Watt idle draw. Not terrible, but higher than some modern units that only pull single-digit watts when they're sitting in standby.
If you plan on leaving it powered on for long periods without any sort of load, expect a faster baseline drain than the F3000LFP's most efficient rivals. This includes the similarly named and sized Anker SOLIX F3000, which has an idle draw of just 20.5W.
In addition to running it through a variety of tests, we also spent a few days using the F3000 here at The Solar Lab. Pretty much the first thing we noticed is that this unit has a different look than previous Pecron releases, such as the E3600LFP. In short, it has a sleeker and more modern appearance, but it turns out the changes aren’t just superficial.
For starters, Pecron positioned all of the input and output ports right on the front of the unit. Not only is this convenient for tight spaces, like when you have it sitting in the back of a trunk, it also just gives it a really streamlined appearance. We’ve joked that Pecron power stations looked a bit like something you’d see in footage from World War II, but this unit looks just as modern and attractive as a DJI Power 1000 or an EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus.
The display screen and app both worked well, and the fact Pecron added a true 30A port to this unit was amazing to see. We were also surprised by a few of the more premium features, like the removable fan dust covers, which we’ve never actually seen on any power station. Stuff like this shows that Pecron isn’t just satisfied being seen as a budget-friendly power station brand, even if this unit is still dirt-cheap.
Now that we’ve covered the results of our testing and our real-world experience using it, let’s dive into the main things we liked about this unit:
At the launch price of just $999, the F3000 gives you a 3,072Wh LiFePO₄ battery and a 3,600W inverter, which is an amazing bargain. Pecron and Shop Solar also offer free shipping and return shipping on the F3000. When combined with the low price point, it just offers crazy value.
You also get some really practical extra features with the F3000LFP, like a 30A plug, high solar input, and backwards expandability with previous Pecron expansion batteries. Compared to models that have similar specs from brands like Anker, Jackery, or EcoFlow, the F3000 delivers amazing value.
With that said, it isn’t just about the specs—it also just looks like a really high-end power station. We keep saying it, but we’ve come to view Pecron as a budget brand that tends to deliver power stations that offer good value, but look very entry-level. The Pecron F3000 totally breaks that mold.
Many brands advertise surge ratings that don’t hold up during testing. The Pecron F3000LFP actually handles its 4,500W surge capacity for meaningful periods of time. This would be really helpful when starting a vacuum, compressor, or any appliances that have high start power requirements.
While there was a lot to love about this power station, actually delivering on that high surge rating they advertised is where we thought it truly punched above its weight.
A 1,800W AC input and 1,600W solar input give you the ability to top up the battery really quickly. In the real world, that means shorter downtimes between charges. It also means it’s a practical power station for job sites, power outages, or even weekend overlanding trips.
Whether you just want to fast-charge the battery with a standard wall outlet prior to heading out on a trip, or you pick up a few portable solar panels to charge it on the go and during camping trips, it’s just a really practical power station. In fact, we would have added it to our Best Power Stations for Camping Guide if it was around at the time.
The ability to stack expansion batteries (two to reach over 9kWh) will make this unit an attractive long-term option for a lot of buyers. You could buy the F3000LFP now, then add one or two expansion batteries later.
Another nice touch is the fact that you can use the same expansion batteries that were designed for the Pecron E3600LFP. Not only are they inexpensive, you'll be able to use your old batteries on the F3000 if you're already running an E3600LFP setup.
We’ve always been big fans of any power stations that can be upgraded in the future, as it allows the unit to grow with you as your budget and power needs increase. It may seem like an insignifcant feature at first glance, but expandabilty is a really noteworthy feature in any affordable power sation.
The five AC outlets on the front and the addition of an RV-ready 30A port are features that would be really practical during real-world use. With the exception of the expansion battery port, which is on the side of the unit, all of the ports are also right there on the front of the F3000. This makes it much easier to shove the unit against a wall or put it in the back of a vehicle without losing access to any of those ports.
We also loved the removable fan dust covers, which would be really useful for sandy beach and camping trips or using the power station to run power tools at dusty job sites. Even the display screen is very easy to navigate, and the app allows you to monitor and control the unit remotely. From top to bottom, this is just a really user-friendly power station that delivers a bunch of practical features.
We mentioned it above, but the Pecron F3000 looks less “military surplus” than older Pecron units and actually feels like a high-quality piece of equipment, especially for the price. Even the buttons are nicer and more tactile than what we saw on previous Pecron models.
The entire unit has a similar design and layout to a DJI power station, which is really saying something. Keep in mind that the DJI brand has a strong focus on making sure that all of their products look and feel premium, so it’s a high bar for a budget-friendly brand like Pecron to step up to.
A 37 Watt idle draw is higher than what we would have wanted to see. If you plan to keep the inverter running for intermittent loads, like running a sump pump or accounting for fridge cycles, expect a steady drain. If it had a lower idle draw, we would have been looking at a power station that could sustain multi-day standby durations. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it is one of the few things we noticed that could be improved.
Equipping this thing with five AC outlets is really generous, but the sockets are too close together. Bulky plugs, like camera batteries, big laptop bricks, and portable AC plugs, can block adjacent outlets. You’ll probably need a short power strip in some scenarios.
Given that this is a 63 lb unit that you’re not going to be able to carry one-handed (unless you’re Tiny Baby), a simple LED light on the front panel would be a practical addition. We realize that we sound a bit like a broken record at this point, but a built-in light is always useful during power outages and off-grid camping trips.
Stop making us ask for a light on your power stations, Mr. Pecky!
Compared to the Anker SOLIX F3000 (we know, confusing name), Pecron’s price is dramatically lower and their version of the F3000 delivers a much higher inverter output and a similarly sized battery. Now, the Anker F3000 has some great features, like the fact it can be expanded up to 24kWh, but it’s also heavier and significantly more expensive. If you’re on a budget, we think you just cannot go wrong with the Pecron F3000LFP
Basically, if you want the lowest upfront cost with expandable storage and strong surge tolerance, the Pecron F3000 is an excellent option. On the other hand, if cost isn’t a factor and you prefer a more polished app and better idle performance, you might want to look at the Anker F3000, or even something like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3.
The Pecron F3000LFP represents a bold new direction for Pecron, and we’d class it as a breakout budget performer. You get a relatively big battery, a high output and impressive surge capacity, fast charging inputs, expandability, and a really premium design. All of this is available for right around $999. In other words, if you want the most kWh per dollar and a system you can grow into, the F3000 is hard to beat.
The F3000 is not perfect, and we would have liked it if the idle draw was a little lower, but Pecron has once again shown us that you don’t have to spend big to get solid performance and reliability. Like the Pecron E3600LFP before it, the Pecron F3000LFP is a really good buy that delivers outstanding value.
We test solar products so you don’t have to. Check out our opinions and which units we think are worth your money and which ones aren't.
More Reviews >
