Capacity
Higher is better | Scale max: 2,048 Wh | DELTA 2 Max leads
AC180 1,152 Wh
DELTA 2 Max 2,048 Wh
DELTA 2 Max: +896 Wh (+77.8%).
AC180 vs DELTA 2 Max
1,800W
Running power
2,400W
1,152 Wh
Battery
2,048 Wh
36.2 lbs
Weight
50.7 lbs
At a Glance
This comparison targets buyers choosing between a mid-capacity portable station and a high-capacity expandable unit for home backup, off-grid use, or heavy-load applications. The DELTA 2 Max nearly doubles the AC180's battery capacity (2,048 Wh vs. 1,152 Wh) and delivers 2,400W of running power with a 4,800W surge, making it capable of handling demanding appliances the AC180 simply cannot run.
In device compatibility testing across 53 products, the DELTA 2 Max powered 45 while the AC180 managed 39. Solar input tells a similar story: the DELTA 2 Max accepts up to 1,000W, twice the AC180's 500W ceiling, and its battery can be expanded further with add-on modules.
The tradeoff is weight and portability. At 36.2 lbs, the AC180 is roughly 14.5 lbs lighter and easier to move between rooms or load into a vehicle.
Overall Winner
DELTA 2 Max
Powers 45 of 53 tested devices vs 39 for AC180
Home backup: DELTA 2 Max RV / mobile: Tie Solar: Tie
Choose AC180 if...
- + Portability matters (36 lbs vs 51)
- + You want faster solar recharging
- + Built-in UPS with 20ms switchover
Choose DELTA 2 Max if...
- + You want future battery expansion
- + You want broader device compatibility
- + You need all-day runtime headroom
Spec Snapshot
Absolute values shown. Bars are scaled within this comparison for readability.
Each metric is independent. Bar lengths are not comparable across different compare pages.
Running Power
Higher is better | Scale max: 2,400 W | DELTA 2 Max leads
AC180 1,800 W
DELTA 2 Max 2,400 W
DELTA 2 Max: +600 W (+33.3%).
Surge Power
Higher is better | Scale max: 4,800 W | DELTA 2 Max leads
AC180 2,700 W
DELTA 2 Max 4,800 W
DELTA 2 Max: +2,100 W (+77.8%).
Weight
Lower is better | Scale best: 36.2 lbs | AC180 leads
AC180 36.2 lbs (16.4 kg)
DELTA 2 Max 50.7 lbs (23.0 kg)
AC180: -14.6 lbs (28.7% lighter).
Battery Life
Higher is better | Scale max: 3,500 cycles | AC180 leads
AC180 3,500 cycles
DELTA 2 Max 3,000 cycles
AC180: +500 cycles (+16.7%).
Where Compatibility Actually Differs
Out of 53 devices tested, 6 show a different result between these two stations.
Both can run: 39 · Differences: 11% (6/53) · Neither can run: 8
Only DELTA 2 Max can run 6
Dehumidifier (70 Pint) AC180: Needs soft-start
Portable AC (12,000 BTU) AC180: Needs soft-start
Corded Drill / Hammer Drill AC180: Surge shortfall
Shop Vac (Wet/Dry, 5-6 HP Peak) AC180: Surge shortfall
Sump Pump (1/2 HP) AC180: Needs soft-start
Microwave Oven (1000W) AC180: Running shortfall
Neither can run · 8 devices
These are 240V or high-voltage devices — neither station supports them.
Central AC (3-Ton)
Circular Saw (Corded)
Electric Chainsaw (14-inch)
Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon)
Electric Water Heater (50 Gal)
Well Pump (1 HP)
Electric Clothes Dryer
RV Rooftop AC (13,500 BTU)
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec | AC180 | DELTA 2 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1,152 Wh | 2,048 Wh ✓ |
| Running Power | 1,800 W | 2,400 W ✓ |
| Surge Power | 2,700 W | 4,800 W ✓ |
| Weight | 36.2 lbs (16.4 kg) ✓ | 50.7 lbs (23.0 kg) |
| Energy Density | 70.2 Wh/kg | 89.0 Wh/kg ✓ |
| Portability Tier | portable | portable |
| Chemistry | LFP | LFP |
| Cycle Life | 3,500 ✓ | 3,000 |
| Expandable | No | Yes |
| UPS | Yes (20 ms) | No |
| AC Voltage | 120V | 120V |
Solar Charging
Best-case charging profile using compatible solar panels.
AC180
Faster Max solar input 500 W
Connector DC7909
Full charge time ~4.1h
Compatible panels 19/20
MPPT: 12-60V
DELTA 2 Max
Max solar input 1,000 W
Connector XT60i
Full charge time ~7.3h
Compatible panels 19/20
MPPT: 11-60V
Charge speed comparison
Longer bar = faster charge (inverted scale)
Device Compatibility
All tested devices grouped by category. Click a category to expand.
AC180DELTA 2 Max
Emergency(2)
1/22/2
1/2
2/2
| Device | AC180 | Runtime | DELTA 2 Max | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Size Freezer (15-17 Cu. Ft.) | Safe | 5h | Safe | 9h |
| Sump Pump (1/2 HP) | Soft Start | 0.7h | Safe | 1.3h |
Entertainment(2)
2/22/2
2/2
2/2
EV & Transportation(2)
2/22/2
2/2
2/2
Heating & Cooling(7)
4/76/7
4/7
6/7
| Device | AC180 | Runtime | DELTA 2 Max | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box Fan (20-inch) | Safe | 9.7h | Safe | 17.3h |
| Central AC (3-Ton) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| Dehumidifier (70 Pint) | Soft Start | 0.9h | Safe | 1.7h |
| Gas Furnace Fan (Blower) | Tight | 0.8h | Safe | 1.4h |
| Portable AC (12,000 BTU) | Soft Start | 0.6h | Tight | 1.1h |
| Space Heater (1,500W) | Safe | 0.5h | Safe | 1h |
| Window AC (8,000 BTU) | Safe | 1.1h | Safe | 2h |
Home Infrastructure(3)
1/31/3
1/3
1/3
| Device | AC180 | Runtime | DELTA 2 Max | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Water Heater (50 Gal) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| Garage Door Opener (Residential) | Safe | 4.5h | Safe | 8h |
| Well Pump (1 HP) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
Kitchen Appliances(11)
10/1111/11
10/11
11/11
| Device | AC180 | Runtime | DELTA 2 Max | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Slice Bread Toaster | Safe | 0.5h | Safe | 1h |
| Coffee Maker | Safe | 0.5h | Safe | 0.9h |
| Digital Air Fryer | Tight | 0.5h | Safe | 0.8h |
| Electric Skillet | Safe | 0.5h | Safe | 1h |
| Electric Stove (Single Burner) | Tight | 0.4h | Safe | 0.8h |
| Electric Water Kettle | Safe | 0.5h | Safe | 1h |
| Instant Pot (6 Qt) | Safe | 0.6h | Safe | 1h |
| Microwave Oven (1000W) | Fail | N/A | Safe | 0.7h |
| Rice Cooker | Safe | 0.9h | Safe | 1.5h |
| Slow Cooker | Safe | 2.7h | Safe | 4.8h |
| Toaster Oven | Tight | 0.4h | Safe | 0.8h |
Large Appliances(4)
3/43/4
3/4
3/4
| Device | AC180 | Runtime | DELTA 2 Max | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher | Tight | 0.4h | Safe | 0.8h |
| Electric Clothes Dryer | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| French Door Refrigerator | Safe | 3.9h | Safe | 6.9h |
| Washing Machine | Safe | 0.6h | Safe | 1.1h |
Medical(4)
4/44/4
4/4
4/4
Outdoor & RV(6)
5/65/6
5/6
5/6
Personal Care(2)
2/22/2
2/2
2/2
Power Tools(5)
0/52/5
0/5
2/5
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The Bottom Line
The AC180 fits buyers who need a lighter, grab-and-go station with built-in UPS capability (20 ms switchover) for keeping network gear or small electronics online during outages. The DELTA 2 Max suits those who prioritize raw capacity, expandability, and the ability to run larger loads like kitchen appliances or power tools. With an overall score of 88.5 versus 73.5 and broader device coverage, the DELTA 2 Max is the stronger pick for most households.
AC180 vs DELTA 2 Max FAQ
Q Which is better for home backup, AC180 or DELTA 2 Max?
DELTA 2 Max is the stronger overall choice in this matchup based on weighted compatibility across 53 tested devices.
Q Which has longer runtime, AC180 or DELTA 2 Max?
DELTA 2 Max has higher battery capacity (2,048 Wh), which generally supports longer runtime on the same load.
Q Which charges faster with solar panels?
AC180 has the faster best-case solar recharge profile in our panel compatibility test set.
Q Which is more portable, AC180 or DELTA 2 Max?
AC180 is lighter at 36.2 lbs vs 50.7 lbs. AC180 is rated portable for portability.
Q How many devices can each power station run?
DELTA 2 Max powers 45 of 53 tested devices, compared to 39 for AC180.
Q Can you expand the battery capacity of AC180 or DELTA 2 Max?
Only DELTA 2 Max supports expansion batteries for additional capacity. AC180 is limited to its built-in 1,152 Wh.
Q Does AC180 or DELTA 2 Max have UPS mode for power outages?
Only AC180 has UPS (uninterruptible power supply) mode with a 20ms switchover time, which keeps connected devices running during a power outage without interruption.