If you are looking for a suitable power plant, you cannot ignore big names such as Bluetti or EcoFlow. But if you are a bargain hunter who does not care too much about the brand, you can save a lot. After all, many underdogs have recently established themselves in the mobile energy storage sector, offering high performance at a relatively low price. In the SolarPlay Q2501 test we want to examine such a power plant. It offers, among other things, an output power of 2400 W (at its peak even 4800 W), modern LiFePO4 cells, numerous connection options and a battery capacity of no less than 2160 Wh for a price of well under 900 euros.
Technical data
| Model | Solar Play Q2501 |
| Dimensions | 39.1cm x 28.5cm x 31.9cm |
| weight | 21.5kg |
| 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 energy: max. 500 W – Vehicle: max. 120 W – Adjustable input power (300 W, 500 W, 700 W, 1100 W) |
| Exits | – 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) |
| Lifespan | 3500 charging cycles |
| price | €829.00 * |
€829.00
€942.89
N/A
Scope of delivery
- Q2501 Power station
- 0.6 m solar cable
- 1.5 m AC charging cable
- Instructions for use
SolarPlay Q2501 review: design and finish
At first glance, the SolarPlay Q2501 can be identified as a classic power station. After all, the manufacturer does not reinvent anything in terms of design. The color combination of black and gray 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 checking out the Litheli Eclair BS1000 (review, €899.99) *).
With a weight of 21.7 kg, the SolarPlay is obviously not a lightweight. However, to enable transport, the manufacturer uses two practical handles embedded in the housing. This reminded me of models like the Dabbson DBS2300 (review € 1,977.74) *) or Bluetti AC70 (review, €699.00 *). Another trick on the top is the lid, under which the supplied cables can be stored. Unfortunately this is a bit rickety.
The Q2501’s numerous outputs 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, in addition to the on/off button for switching the power station on and off, there is another button for regulating the input power.
Above the display there is a practical LED, which quickly turns the power station into emergency lighting at the campsite. This design decision reminded me of the FOSSiBOT F2400 (review, €889.00 *) On the right side there are two more outputs with the two AC connections. The entrances to the power station 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. All in all, the power station convinces with its solid build quality. While 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 power of 2400 W, peak power of 4800 W), 2x DC (12 V / 3 A), 1x XT60 (12 V / 25 A), 1x car socket (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 many faults with the connectivity itself. I especially like the number of USB ports. However, I would have liked more Schuko sockets. The competition shows how it should be done. For example, an Allpowers S2000 (review, € 1,199.99 *) or an Allpowers R1500 (review, € 999.99 *) provide four sockets of similar size.
The latter even has two Qi charging surfaces on the top, with which you can easily charge smartphones or other devices wirelessly. Since the Q2501 also has a flat top, there would at least have been the necessary space available. Most customers would certainly be happy to do without the top compartment.
SolarPlay Q2501 test: Inputs
When the battery charge comes to an end, the outputs play only a minor role. The user should then focus their attention on the right side of the device. This is where the inputs used to charge the power plant’s battery are located. 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 then only takes an hour and a half to fully charge the battery of the control panel. If there is no socket or panel available, the car can also be used. The Q2501 can be charged with a maximum of 120 W via the car plug.
SolarPlay Q2501 test: LiFePO4 for long life
Despite the 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 much more robust against impacts.
However, the most important thing is its longevity. According to the manufacturer, the Q2501’s 2160 Wh battery lasts up to 3500 charging cycles. This means that the average user should enjoy mobile energy storage for about ten years. If you want to get the most out of the power station in terms of lifespan, you can easily adjust the input power with the button on the front.
You can choose between the settings 300 W, 500 W, 700 W, 900 W and 1100 W. So if you are 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 overload protection, temperature protection and short-circuit protection.
SolarPlay Q2501 test: Practical test
I put the power station to the test in the practical test. Naturally, I focused mainly 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 a power of 2000 W.
It started up smoothly and always received sufficient power from the Q2501. To push the Powerstation to the pain threshold, I connected several devices at the same time. Because there are only two sockets available, I opted for two power guzzlers in the form of a kettle and a toaster. Here the output power of the Powerstation was now even more than 2400 W.
However, because the energy storage offers a temporary peak power 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.
Not only the power plant itself, but also the connected devices can suffer in the long term. Speaking of connected devices. Thanks to the UPS (uninterruptible power supply), the Q2501 can also be used as a mini emergency power supply. All you have to do is connect the power station to the socket and the desired electrical appliance.
The refrigerator, for example, is a good place for this, because there is a risk that much food will become inedible in the event of a power outage. In the event of a power failure, the Powerstation acts as a power supplier within just 8 ms. It worked very well in the test. I connected the Powerstation between the PC and the refrigerator and then removed the fuse for my study. While my lights and other electronic devices were turned off, the computer continued to work perfectly.
Conclusion
As a power station with an output power of 2400 W and a battery capacity of 2160 Wh, the SolarPlay Q2501 offers very good value for money. Bargain hunters in particular, who are not dependent on well-known brands, should definitely take a look at this model. With modern LiFePO4 cells that guarantee a long service life and safety, it scores with its long service life of up to 3500 charging cycles. The finish is solid, but not quite comparable to premium brands like Bluetti or EcoFlow. At 21.7 kg it is not lightweight, but it is easy to transport thanks to two practical handles.
The variety of connections is impressive with two AC connections, several USB and DC connections and an XT60 port. However, additional power outlets, as offered by comparable models, would be desirable. In the practical test, the power station demonstrated its efficiency by also supplying energy-intensive appliances such as kettles and angle grinders without any problems. Thanks to the possibility of simultaneous charging via solar panels and the mains, the Q2501 is 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.
Design & processing
Hardware
Equipment
Performance
Price-performance ratio
90/100
The SolarPlay Q2501 is a well-equipped power station that mainly impresses with its good price.
€829.00
€942.89
N/A
