Anker is back at CES in 2025, debuting two new solar-focused devices that will surely be getting put through the tests this coming summer, most likely in conjunction with one another. The first of these models is the Solix Solar Beach Umbrella that has been fitted with a new generation of perovskite solar cells. Coming hand-in-hand with the umbrella is the new Solix EverFrost 2 Electric Coolers that will come in three sizes just as its predecessors did. Information is limited, but we do have some pricing and release dates for you down below.
Anker Solix Solar Beach Umbrella sports new solar cells
Anker is bringing more practicality into its designs with each new backup and/or solar device that it releases, and I can’t think of a better idea than extending the functionality to its new Solix Solar Beach Umbrella, which boasts the newest generation of perovskite solar cells.
So what is Perovskite exactly? Well, its a new type of solar cell that has been shown to outperform the silicon-based cells that reside within most solar panels on the market. Normally, the silicon-based cells max out at around 24% efficiency, with things closer to 30% when discussing theoretical efficiency.
However, solar panels that layer perovskite film on top of a silicon base are able to absorb much more light – namely up to 43% – as these cells are optimized at the blue end of the light spectrum in contrast to silicon cells that collect energy from the red end. That marks a significant step up in just how much we can harvest from the sun – plus, perovskite can be made from low-cost materials that are widely available, making this an obvious win-win for solar fans.
Anker hasn’t provided any details on how it developed its perovskite solar cells or reached these new efficiency rates, instead keeping cards close to the chest with many unknowns such as conversion efficiencies and life expectancy, the latter of which being a historical problem with these new cells.
We also don’t have any information yet as to what the weight of the umbrella will come in at, but we do have some key specs that seem to promise some solid backup power support. First off, the umbrella can produce up to 100W of output power from its XT-60 and USB-C ports, which will likely be a nice pairing for the new Solix EverFrost 2 coolers (more on them below). We also know that the umbrella will stand over seven feet tall with a six-foot, two-inch diameter. There’s also an IP67 rating here that will protect it from blowing sand and rain.
While we don’t have much on pricing and the like, Anker has stated that the Solar Beach Umbrella won’t be shipping out anytime before summer 2025.
Anker’s EverFrost 2 Electric Coolers expand upon predecessors
Unlike the above umbrella, we have much more information on Anker’s new Solix EverFrost 2 Electric Coolers, which are coming in three sizes: 23L, 40L, and 58L. Like the previous models, its the largest one here (58L) that provides two independent compartments for dual-zone fridge and freezer duties, where as the others must switch their one compartment between the two functions.
Speaking of the 58L model, Anker claims that it’s the first from this class of coolers that use air-cooled refrigeration instead of the previous direct cooling systems, which will improve temperature uniformity, with faster cooldown and no need for manual defrosting. On the flip side, this also means that it’ll likely be noisier and less power-efficient than other models.
The new EverFrost 2 coolers deliver up to 104 hours of cooling from a pair of removable 288Wh LiFePO4 batteries, with a single-battery setup providing half that runtime. When disconnected from the cooler, you’ll also be able to use the batteries as power banks, with each offering a 60W USB-C and 12W USB-A ports to recharge your devices and personal gadgets. There will be four ways to recharge, either with a maximum 100W solar input, a standard AC wall outlet, a USB-C connection, or via the 12V car port.
They carry an IPX3 rating, with larger 6-inch wheels that lets them more effortlessly roll across semi-rough terrain that includes small stones, rough gravel, and so on. It’s also been given a fold-down tray that doubles as a handle.
Prices have been set at $699 shipped for the 23L model, $749 shipped for the 40L model, and $999 shipped for the 58L model. Preorders are slated to open on the 40L and 58L coolers on February 21, 2025, with shipping beginning only a few weeks after. The smaller 23L model will launch later in Q2.
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