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Living in Florida, backup power is a serious consideration. Hurricanes and severe storms can knock out electricity for hours or days, and I wanted a system that could keep my home running without relying entirely on stored battery power or sunshine.
That led me to the Anker Solix Smart Generator 5500, a tri-fuel generator designed to work both as a standalone portable generator and as part of Anker’s Solix home-energy ecosystem. I’ve spent over a month testing it with gasoline and propane, both on its own and connected directly to my Anker Solix E10 whole-home battery system.
The biggest surprise was how easy Anker made practically everything about using a gas-powered generator. Setup took around 20 minutes, the app controls are excellent, moving the 110-pound unit is surprisingly manageable, and when paired with my E10 system, the generator can essentially take care of itself.
There are some caveats, particularly the noise and the considerable cost of building out the complete Anker home-backup ecosystem. But as someone who wanted a generator that could complement solar and battery storage during an extended outage, this is an exceptionally well-thought-out setup.
PAUL RANKIN FOR FAMILY HANDYMANAnker Solix Smart Generator 5500
A tri-fuel inverter generator that delivers up to 3,600W of AC power and 4,500W of DC power, with smart app controls and seamless integration with Anker’s home-energy systems.
What Is the Anker Solix Tri-Fuel Generator?
The Anker Solix Smart Generator 5500 is a 224cc, four-stroke portable generator that can run on gasoline, propane or natural gas. It produces up to 4,500 watts of DC output on gasoline or propane and 4,000 watts on natural gas. For conventional AC use, all three fuels provide up to 3,600 rated watts through one NEMA TT-30R and one NEMA 5-20R outlet.
That DC output is particularly important if you own compatible Anker equipment. Rather than converting the generator’s output to AC and then back to DC to charge the batteries, the generator can feed up to 4,500 watts directly into an E10 system. The E10 itself is designed to accept that full 4,500-watt DC generator input.
You don’t need an E10 to use the generator, but after testing the two together, I think that integration is the strongest argument for buying this particular model.
How I Tested It
I’ve been testing the Anker Solix Smart Generator 5500 for just over one month at my Florida home. I tested gasoline and propane operation, manual and app-based starting, Eco and higher-output operating modes, portability, noise, controls and its integration with my whole-home Solix battery system.
My longest continuous test lasted about two hours. I also tracked generator output through the Anker system while my home was actively drawing power.
I have not yet tested the generator on natural gas. That requires a professionally installed connection to my home’s gas supply, which I plan to add in the future.
My Home Backup Setup
My house already has rooftop solar and an Anker Solix E10 whole-home battery system. The system includes two E10 power modules and three battery expansion modules, along with the equipment necessary to manage backup power for the home.
Electricians Arcenio Garcia of Firstline Electric & Energy and Oswin Fernandez of Future Electric Solutions performed the installation. The battery equipment itself cost me around $14,000, with the pro installation adding approximately $4,500.
That makes my complete setup much more expensive than the generator alone, and it’s an important distinction for anyone considering the same configuration.
During an outage, the batteries are responsible for powering my house. My rooftop solar can replenish those batteries during sunny daytime hours, while the generator serves as another charging source when solar isn’t sufficient, including at night.
This distinction matters because when I say the generator supported my entire house during testing, the generator wasn’t directly supplying every appliance. It was providing up to roughly 4.5 kW of DC charging power to the E10 system while the batteries handled the home’s actual electrical loads.
Testing Process
Getting the generator ready for its first run was super simple. It arrived in pristine condition inside a thick, sturdy box with dense packing foam protecting the unit.
There’s almost no assembly. I removed a side panel to connect the generator’s startup battery, added engine oil and was ready to go. The entire process took me about 20 minutes (not including the trip to Home Depot for the oil).
Starting it is just as straightforward. After selecting the desired fuel with the physical selector, I could hold the start button for three seconds and let the electric starter do the rest. I also started it remotely through the Anker app. Both methods worked flawlessly throughout testing. There’s also a traditional manual pull start on the side of the generator, which is a great backup in case there’s any issue with the app or the electric start.
For fuel, I alternated between gasoline and propane, and switching between them required little more than selecting the appropriate fuel setting and connecting the fuel source. I had no starting problems, overloads, connection failures or app glitches during my month of use.
Under DC charging, I saw output reach around 4.5 kW, which is right in line with Anker’s advertised maximum. That’s often more electricity than my home happens to be consuming at a given moment, allowing the system to run household loads from the batteries while putting excess generator power toward replenishing them.
Pros
- Exceptionally easy setup and operation
- Gasoline, propane and natural-gas compatibility
- Up to 4,500W direct DC charging for compatible Anker batteries
- Excellent app and remote controls
- Automatic operation when paired with the Solix E10
- Very thoughtful cable, fuel and connection design
- Heavy-duty construction
- Large handle and wheels make the 110-pound unit surprisingly easy to move around
- Physical controls are simple and clearly labeled
- Useful Eco and Quiet operating modes
- Can still function as a conventional 120V generator outside the Solix ecosystem
Cons
- Much louder than I expected at higher output
- Expensive compared with many conventional portable generators
- Its most compelling capabilities are tied to Anker’s battery ecosystem
- Complete whole-home Solix systems can become very expensive
- Natural-gas connection requires additional professional work
- Only 3,600W of rated AC output, despite its higher 4,500W DC capability
Features
- Tri-fuel operation: The Smart Generator 5500 runs on gasoline, propane and natural gas. I tested gasoline and propane with equally trouble-free results. Natural gas interests me most for long-term home backup because a permanent connection could eliminate much of the fuel-management headache during a prolonged outage.
- 4,500W DC output: On gasoline and propane, Anker rates the generator for up to 4,500W of DC output. Natural gas reduces that figure to 4,000W. In my testing with the E10, I saw the generator reach essentially that advertised 4.5kW ceiling.
- 3,600W AC output: If you’re not using compatible Anker batteries, the generator provides 120V AC power through a TT-30R outlet and a standard NEMA 5-20R outlet. Rated AC output is 3,600W regardless of fuel type.
- Remote app controls: This is one of my favorite features. The Anker app lets me start and stop the generator remotely and monitor what’s happening without walking outside. Anker also provides Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, runtime and charging information, maintenance alerts and scheduling. I found the interface unusually clean and free from unnecessary options.
- Automatic operation with Solix: When integrated with my E10, I can configure the generator to start when the battery reaches a chosen state of charge and stop again after it has replenished the system. This means the batteries can quietly run my home and call on the generator only when they actually need it.
- Three operating modes: The generator offers Turbo, Eco and Quiet operating modes. It gets loud at higher output. During my own close-range measurements I saw readings around 90 to 100 dB, while Eco operation was closer to roughly 70 to 80 dB. Those numbers shouldn’t be compared directly with laboratory ratings because distance and load make a major difference. Anker rates Eco mode at 69 dB(A) from 23 feet. From my driveway, however, I couldn’t comfortably hear the generator from inside my house.
- Excellent physical design: Some of my favorite details are tiny ones. Covers open to provide access to the large DC cable and then close around it neatly. The heavy power connector uses a locking lever that clicks securely into place. The propane connection feels similarly robust. Even the gasoline filler has a surrounding runoff channel that should help contain small spills.
- Weather protection: Anker rates the generator NEMA 3R and includes waterproof covers, along with a water sensor designed to shut the unit down if standing water reaches 1.6 inches. That’s particularly relevant to me in Florida, although I would still always position a running generator according to the manufacturer’s safety requirements and away from flood risk.
- Portability: At 110 pounds, this isn’t something you’re picking up and carrying around. Fortunately, you don’t need to. The oversized swing-out handle provides plenty of leverage, and the two wheels make it super easy to roll around a driveway.
Product Comparison
The closest alternative I’ve found is the EcoFlow Smart Generator 4000. Like the Anker, it’s designed not just to operate as a conventional generator but to communicate with and directly charge compatible battery systems.
EcoFlow’s model is less expensive at a current starting price of $1,259, compared with $1,999 for the Anker. It is also lighter at 83 pounds versus Anker’s 110 pounds.
But there are meaningful differences. The EcoFlow is dual-fuel, supporting gasoline and propane, whereas the Anker adds natural gas. EcoFlow provides up to 3,200W of DC charging output, while Anker reaches 4,500W on gasoline or propane.
If I were shopping primarily for an inexpensive standalone generator, I wouldn’t automatically spend $1,999 on the Anker. There are plenty of generators that produce considerably more AC wattage for less money.
This changes if you’re shopping for a hybrid battery-and-generator backup system. That’s where the Anker makes considerably more sense to me. The fast DC charging, automatic E10 integration, app controls and third fuel option are exactly the features I’m paying for.
A Closer Look at the Anker Solix Battery System
The generator is the focus of this review, but my experience with it is inseparable from the Solix E10 because that’s how I expect to use the generator during a real outage.
And the combination is much more interesting than either component on its own.
What My Anker Battery Setup Includes
My setup includes two E10 power modules and three expansion batteries, along with Anker’s whole-home power-management equipment. Arcenio Garcia of Firstline Electric & Energy and Oswin Fernandez of Future Electric Solutions installed the system.
The E10 is a modular platform. Anker says systems can scale from 6kWh up to 90kWh of battery capacity, while output can also be expanded by adding E10 units.
My own configuration cost around $14,000 for the equipment, plus another $4,500 for professional electrical installation. Add the $1,999 generator and you’re talking about approximately $20,500 for my particular setup. That’s clearly not cheap.
Still, one of the electricians working on my installation told me that he considers Anker one of the strongest brands he’s currently seeing in the home-energy space. I didn’t treat that as a substitute for testing, but it was reassuring to hear from someone who installs electrical equipment professionally. After living with the finished system, I understand where that enthusiasm comes from. The hardware feels extremely polished, and the individual components work together really well.
How the Battery and Generator Work Together
This is where the Smart Generator 5500 went from being a nice generator to one of my favorite parts of the system. The generator plugs into the E10 using a dedicated DC charging cable. Once connected, the E10 can monitor its battery level and automatically call on the generator when additional power is needed.
I can configure when I want the generator to start and when I want it to stop charging. That means I don’t necessarily need to keep a fuel-burning generator running continuously through an outage.
My batteries can quietly power the house. Solar panels replenish them when conditions allow. Then, if battery capacity falls too far, the generator can start automatically, feed as much as 4.5kW back into the batteries and shut itself down once the desired charge level is reached.
During testing, watching this work was a thing of beauty.
It’s also why I want to eventually connect the generator to my home’s natural-gas supply. In that configuration, the system could theoretically have access to three layers of backup: stored battery energy, rooftop solar and a generator connected to the home’s gas supply.
Is the Battery Worth Adding to the Generator?
If you’re considering spending roughly $2,000 specifically on this generator, I think the E10 compatibility is one of the biggest reasons to choose it over another portable model. But I wouldn’t suggest that everyone buying the generator should immediately go spend tens of thousands of dollars on batteries.
The E10 makes sense for someone who wants a much broader home-energy system, particularly if you already have or plan to install solar. It gives you silent battery backup, automatic switching and the ability to use generator power much more strategically.
The downside is obvious: cost. The generator itself feels reasonably priced to me for its feature set. The complete Solix ecosystem is a major home investment.
What an Electrician Says About Using a Generator for Home Backup
I also spoke with Matt Kovalik, a licensed electrician and founder of NailThePrice, who maintains 24 commercial Generac and Cummins generators as part of his day job.
Kovalik hasn’t personally worked with the Anker Smart Generator 5500, so I didn’t ask him to evaluate this particular model. Instead, I asked him about the broader considerations involved in using portable and tri-fuel generators for home backup.
The natural-gas option immediately stood out to him. “The most intriguing part to me is the natural gas hookup,” Kovalik says. Being able to connect a generator to an existing home gas supply means you aren’t solely dependent on stored gasoline or propane during a long outage. You need a pro to install it, though. “Just like an interlock kit on a panel, tapping into your home’s gas line is not a DIY job,” Kovalik says.
That’s something I’ll have to factor into my own setup when I add natural gas. A qualified professional will need to determine whether my existing gas supply is adequate and install the appropriate connection.
Kovalik also stressed that homeowners shouldn’t treat connecting a portable generator to household wiring as a DIY shortcut. “Back feeding power onto the grid can kill a lineman working your street and it’s a code violation,” he says.
If you’re planning to power household circuits from a portable generator rather than simply plugging equipment into its onboard outlets, Kovalik recommends having the proper interlock or transfer equipment professionally installed.
He also emphasizes sizing. A bigger generator isn’t automatically better. Homeowners who haven’t calculated their actual loads can end up paying for capacity they don’t need or buying a generator that can’t handle the loads they expect it to run.
That’s another reason I like my battery-based configuration. In my setup, the generator doesn’t have to independently handle every load or the startup surge of my central air conditioner. The E10 handles those household demands while the generator concentrates on charging up the battery.
Final Verdict
After a month of testing, the Anker Solix Smart Generator 5500 has turned out to be one of those products where the mundane details have impressed me as much as the headline features.
Yes, tri-fuel operation is useful. And yes, reaching the advertised 4.5kW DC output during my testing matters. But what I appreciate most is how little effort the generator requires from me.
Setup took about 20 minutes. Gasoline and propane both worked without drama. The electric start has been flawless. The app is excellent. The controls make sense. Moving a 110-pound generator is surprisingly easy. The cables and connectors feel unusually well designed. And when I connect it to the E10, I can automate much of the process that would normally require someone to go outside and babysit a generator.
My biggest complaint is noise. For a relatively compact machine, it makes itself heard when it’s working hard. Fortunately, Eco mode helps, and I couldn’t hear it running on my driveway from inside the house.
I also think buyers should consider the $1,999 price in context. If you simply want maximum AC wattage per dollar, this wouldn’t be my first recommendation.
If you want a generator that can run gasoline, propane or natural gas while also serving as an intelligent range extender for an Anker battery system, that’s an entirely different story. That combination is what makes the Smart Generator 5500 special.
Where To Buy
PAULRANKIN FOR FAMILY HANDYMANAnker Solix Smart Generator 5500
A tri-fuel inverter generator that delivers up to 3,600W of AC power and 4,500W of DC power, with smart app controls and seamless integration with Anker’s home-energy systems.
At the time of writing, the Anker Solix Smart Generator 5500 is available directly from Anker or Amazon. Anker also sells the generator bundled with various E10 configurations for buyers building a larger home-backup system.
FAQ
Can I run my house on a 5500 watt generator?
Probably not the entire home. A 5,500-watt generator can keep many of your home’s essentials running during an outage, but it usually won’t be able to power everything at once. The Anker Solix Smart Generator 5500 provides 3,600 watts of continuous AC power, which is enough for necessities such as a refrigerator, lights, electronics and select small appliances, provided their combined demand stays within that limit.
Is Anker Solix a good generator?
Based on my testing, the Anker Solix Smart Generator 5500 is a very capable generator, particularly if you already own or plan to purchase an Anker Solix backup battery system. I liked its gasoline, propane and natural gas compatibility, along with electric and app-based starting, remote monitoring and automatic operation when paired with the E10.
What can I plug into a 5500 watt generator?
A generator in this class can typically handle several household essentials at once, including refrigerators, freezers, lights, TVs, computers, fans, battery chargers and some microwaves or small air conditioners. You’ll need to add up the running watts of everything you plan to use and account for the higher starting wattage of appliances with motors or compressors.
The Anker Solix Smart Generator 5500 has one standard NEMA 5-20R outlet and one 30-amp TT-30R outlet. Its AC output is rated at 3,600 continuous watts, so don’t assume the “5500” in the name means you can continuously plug in 5,500 watts worth of appliances.
How many hours will a 5500 watt generator run?
Generator runtime depends heavily on the load, fuel type and operating mode, so there isn’t one runtime that applies to every 5,500-watt generator. Anker says the Smart Generator 5500 can produce up to 17 kilowatt-hours of energy from its 10-liter (2.64-gallon) gasoline tank.
What should you not plug into a generator?
Don’t connect appliances that push the generator beyond its continuous or starting-watt limits. With the Anker Solix Smart Generator 5500 specifically, you should also remember that its AC outlets supply 120-volt power, so it isn’t intended to directly run 240-volt appliances like many central air conditioners, electric dryers and electric water heaters.
You should also never plug a portable generator directly into a household wall outlet to power the home (which is called backfeeding and is very dangerous). Whole-home connections should use the appropriate transfer equipment and be professionally installed. Follow the manufacturer’s requirements for sensitive or critical equipment and always operate a fuel-burning generator outdoors, well away from doors, windows and other openings.
Why You Should Trust Us
I’ve spent several years testing and reviewing home improvement, power equipment and smart-home products for publications including Family Handyman and BobVila. For this review, I spent more than a month testing the Anker Solix Smart Generator 5500 at my Florida home, where backup power is an important consideration during hurricane season. I tested it with both gasoline and propane, ran it as a standalone generator and connected it directly to my existing Anker Solix E10 whole-home battery system. I evaluated setup, portability, controls, app connectivity, noise, power output and how well the generator integrates with solar and battery backup.
I also drew on the expertise of licensed electricians throughout the project. Arcenio Garcia of Firstline Electric & Energy and Oswin Fernandez of Future Electric Solutions professionally installed my Solix home-backup system and provided firsthand perspective on the equipment and installation. For additional generator-safety and home-backup guidance, I spoke with Matt Kovalik, a licensed electrician and founder of NailThePrice who maintains 24 commercial Generac and Cummins generators as part of his day job. His input helped inform our guidance on natural-gas connections, proper transfer equipment, generator sizing and the dangers of backfeeding a home.
The post I Tried the Anker Solix Smart Tri-Fuel Generator and I’ll Never Lose Power Again appeared first on Family Handyman.
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