If you’re looking for a suitable power station, you can’t avoid big names like Bluetti or EcoFlow. But if you’re a bargain hunter who doesn’t attach too much importance to the brand, you can save a lot. After all, many underdogs have recently established themselves in the mobile energy storage sector, offering high performance for a comparatively low price. In the SolarPlay Q2501 test, we want to take a closer look at just such a power station. Among other things, it offers an output power of 2400 W (even 4800 W at its peak), modern LiFePO4 cells, numerous connection options and a battery capacity of a whopping 2160 Wh at a price of well under 900 euros.
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Technical data
| Model | SolarPlay Q2501 |
| Dimensions | 39.1 cm x 28.5 cm x 31.9 cm |
| weight | 21.5 kg |
| Battery capacity | 2160 Wh |
| Cell technology | LiFePO4 battery cells |
| Output power | – constant output power: 2400 W – temporary peak power: 4800 W |
| Input power | – AC: max. 1100 W – Solar: max. 500 W – Vehicle: max. 120 W – Adjustable input power (300 W, 500 W, 700 W, 1100 W) |
| Outputs | – 2 x AC (2400 W constant, 4800 W peak) – 2 x DC (12 V / 3 A) – 1 x XT60 (12 V / 25 A) – 1 x car connection (12 V / 10 A) – 2x USB-A QC 3.0 with 18W – 3x USB-C PD 20W – 1x USB-C PD 100W) |
| Service life | 3500 charging cycles |
| price | Price not available * |
Scope of delivery
- Q2501 Powerstation
- 0.6 m solar cable
- 1.5 m AC charging cable
- Operating instructions
SolarPlay Q2501 test: design and workmanship
At first glance, the SolarPlay Q2501 can be identified as a classic power station. After all, the manufacturer is not reinventing anything in terms of design. The color combination of black and grey reminds me of an Oukitel BP2000 (review, € 1,099.00 *) or an EcoFlow Delta 2 Max (review, € 1,799.00 *). If you fancy a visually extravagant power station, we recommend you take a look at the Litheli Eclair BS1000 (review, € 60.00 *).
With a weight of 21.7 kg, the SolarPlay is of course no lightweight. However, to make transportation possible, the manufacturer uses two practical handles that are embedded in the housing. This reminded me of models such as the Dabbson DBS2300 (review, € 1,299.00 *) or Bluetti AC70 (review, € 499.00 *). Another trick on the top is the lid, under which the supplied cables can be stored. Unfortunately, this is a little rickety.
The numerous outputs of the Q2501 are located on the front of the power station. The manufacturer has also placed a practical display here, which shows the most important parameters such as input and output power and battery status. To the right of the display, next to the power button for switching the power station on and off, there is another button that can be used to regulate the input power.
Above the display is a practical LED, which quickly turns the power station into emergency lighting on the campsite. This design decision reminded me of the FOSSiBOT F2400 (review, € 1,099.00 *) There are two more outputs on the right-hand side with the two AC sockets. The power station inputs are also located here.
The integrated LiFePO4 battery can be charged via these connections. On the left are two powerful fans that regulate the temperature of the mobile energy storage unit. All in all, the power station impresses with its solid build quality. Although flagship models from EcoFlow or Bluetti are even better made, they are also significantly more expensive.
SolarPlay Q2501 test: Solid variety of connections
In terms of connectivity, the Q2501 has nothing to hide. We find 2x AC (Schuko sockets with a constant output of 2400 W, peak output of 4800 W), 2x DC (12 V / 3 A), 1x XT60 (12 V / 25 A), 1x car connection (12 V / 10 A), 2x USB-A (18 W) and 4x USB-C (1x PD with 100 W + 3x PD with 20 W). The individual connection groups can be switched on and off via separate switches, just like the light.
I can’t find much fault with the connectivity itself. I particularly like the number of USB ports. However, I would have liked more Schuko sockets. The competition shows how it’s done. For example, an Allpowers S2000 (review, € 1,199.99 *) or an Allpowers R1500 (review, € 799.99 *) offer four sockets in a similar size.
The latter even has two Qi charging surfaces on the top, which can be used to conveniently charge smartphones or other devices wirelessly. As the Q2501 also has a flat top, the necessary space would have been available in any case. Most customers would certainly be happy to do without the compartment on the top in return.
SolarPlay Q2501 test: Inputs
When the battery charge is coming to an end, the outputs only play a subordinate role. The user should then turn their attention to the right-hand side of the device. This is where the inputs are located, which are used to charge the power station’s battery. The Q2501 offers three charging options. A maximum of 1100 W is possible via the AC input. If you want to charge via a solar panel, you can do so via the MPPT input with a maximum of 500 W.
The fastest way is to charge via both AC and solar energy. The Q2501 supports combined charging with a correspondingly higher input power. It should then take just one and a half hours to fully charge the power station’s battery. If neither a socket nor a panel is available, the car can also be used. The Q2501 can be charged with up to 120 W via the car plug.
SolarPlay Q2501 test: LiFePO4 for longevity
Despite its low budget price, the SolarPlay with LiFePO4 cell technology offers the most modern battery technology currently used in power stations. The advantages over outdated lithium-ion batteries are obvious. LiFePO4 batteries not only offer significantly more protection against fire or even explosion. They are also far more robust in the event of shocks.
Most importantly, however, is the longevity. According to the manufacturer, the Q2501’s 2160 Wh battery lasts up to 3500 charging cycles. This means that the average user should be able to enjoy the mobile energy storage unit for around ten years. If you want to get the most out of the power station in terms of service life, you can easily regulate the input power using the button on the front.
You can choose between 300 W, 500 W, 700 W, 900 W and 1100 W settings. So if you’re not in a hurry, you can simply keep the power in the lower range. The manufacturer also relies on a comprehensive battery management system (BMS) and special features such as overcharge protection, temperature protection and short-circuit protection.
SolarPlay Q2501 test: Practical test
In the practical test, I put the power station through its paces. Naturally, I focused primarily on the promised power. According to the manufacturer, the Q2501 offers an impressive 2400 W. And the mobile energy storage unit really delivers on this promise. On the one hand, I saw this with my Makita angle grinder, which has an output of 2000 W.
It started up smoothly and always received sufficient power from the Q2501. To push the Powerstation to its pain threshold, I connected several devices at once. As there are only two sockets available, I chose two power guzzlers in the form of a kettle and toaster. Here, the output power of the Powerstation was even over 2400 W in the meantime.
However, as the energy storage unit offers a temporary peak output of up to 4800 W, this was also possible without any problems. You don’t have to worry about damage thanks to mechanisms such as overvoltage and short-circuit protection, but I wouldn’t use the temporary maximum too often.
After all, not only the power station itself but also the connected devices could suffer in the long term. Speaking of connected devices. Thanks to the UPS (uninterruptible power supply), the Q2501 can also be conveniently used as a mini emergency power supply. All you have to do is connect the power station between the socket and the desired electrical appliance.
The refrigerator, for example, is a good place to do this, as there is a risk that many foods will become inedible in the event of a power failure. In the event of a power failure, the Powerstation steps in as a power supplier within just 8 ms. It worked really well in the test. I connected the Powerstation between the PC and fridge and then removed the fuse for my study. While my lamps and other electronic devices were switched off, the computer continued to run perfectly.
Conclusion
The SolarPlay Q2501 offers really good value for money as a power station with 2400 W output power and 2160 Wh battery capacity. Bargain hunters in particular, who are not reliant on well-known brands, should definitely take a look at this model. With modern LiFePO4 cells that ensure longevity and safety, it scores with its long service life of up to 3500 charging cycles. The workmanship is solid, although not quite on a par with premium brands such as Bluetti or EcoFlow. At 21.7 kg, it is not a lightweight, but is easy to transport thanks to two practical handles.
The variety of connections is impressive with two AC sockets, several USB and DC connections and an XT60 port. However, additional sockets, as offered by comparable models, would be desirable. In the practical test, the power station demonstrated its efficiency by also supplying power-intensive devices such as kettles and angle grinders without any problems. Thanks to the ability to charge simultaneously via solar panels and the mains, the Q2501 can be fully charged in just 1.5 hours. Overall, the SolarPlay Q2501 offers a reliable, powerful and cost-effective alternative to established models – ideal for users looking for a high level of functionality at a fair price.
SolarPlay Q2501
Design & processing
Hardware
Equipment
Performance
Price-performance ratio
90/100
The SolarPlay Q2501 is a solidly equipped power station that impresses above all with its good price.
