Powerclub has recently emerged in the Australian energy retail market, offering a plan model unlike what you may be used to. The company has just opened up shop in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and the ACT and has business energy offerings also available. Powerclub follows a slew of retailers advertising a ‘what you see is what you get’ approach to energy, removing hidden fees and confusing discounts. Below we’ll explore how simplified this power model really is, and take a look at how Powerclub’s plans work.
We outline the Powerclub electricity plans in detail below, but what about the prices you can actually expect to pay? These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances.
As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances.
As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances.
As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision What this means is you’ll be paying rates according to published wholesale electricity costs, which are updated every 30 minutes. Naturally, as your electricity prices depend on real-time data, you’ll be best off with a smart meter installed to measure how much power you’ve consumed – and when, but that’s not to say having one is necessary.
According to Powerclub, wholesale energy prices will normally vary between minus 1c-10c per kWh, but on occasion reach as high as $15/kWh.
To put that into perspective, an average three-person household in NSW uses about 15kWh per day, so regular price spikes – especially in a particularly volatile market such as South Australia – could have a serious impact on your energy bill. But Powerclub claims to be preventing bill shock by implementing what it calls the ‘Powerbank’. You’re expected to pay a deposit, which ranges from $40 per 1,000kWh of your estimated annual usage, to $80, which you will receive back if you choose to leave the provider. The retailer claims that the Powerbank will then cover the difference when wholesale prices get high, and ‘replenish’ when rates are low. And to avoid any surprises on your energy bill, the retailer alerts you to any unusual spikes through its app. Powerclub’s solar feed-in tariff is based on an annual estimate of the wholesale market price. You’re expected to pay a fee of $45 per year to access wholesale energy rates, plus an additional amount to support operational costs, which is 28.6c+GST per day and 0.836c+GST per kWh. For people who are keen on the idea of monitoring their electricity usage – or prefer a hands-on approach to saving on their power bill – Powerclub could be a perfect fit.
With access to wholesale prices, customers can switch up their routine to only use large amounts of power when rates bottom out. This page was written and is regularly updated by Canstar Blue’s Energy Editor, Jared Mullane.
He’s an expert in all things utilities, including electricity, gas and water, helping to make complicated subjects easier to understand for consumers. A trained journalist, Jared is usually one of the first to break energy-related news, whether it’s the latest changes in the industry, price movements, or the next best deal you need to know about.
Powerclub
(The previous monthly bill was $107.00) Three emails and a 45 minute phone conversation with a Powerclub complaints officer, resulted in three poorly worded, almost identical cut and pasted responses and zero notes left on the system, (and i have yet to receive a return reply in regards the original email complaint, I sent them almost 20 days ago) plus (yes wait there is more) when i did finally get to go through all the backdated paid invoices, i found serious anomalies with several of the bills, which concern meter readings being a mix of actual and estimated (all in one read and on the same dates) which I don’t even think is legal? My end thought, PowerClub might be okay in Victoria, or if you have a programmed Smart Meter (this is not available in South Australia) but my experiences of this provider, have been less than positive, which is unfortunate, because like i said, there rates are okay (Not brilliant) but certainly not the worst out there.
Best Power Bank 2021: Top Portable Chargers
We want multiple ports for charging additional gadgets, and more efficient use of power outlets to free up sockets. Aside from those from big names such as Anker, power banks also tend to go on- and offsale pretty quickly. There was a time when power banks with LCDs were rather expensive, and as prices started to come down they began to flood the market.
When you’re dealing with relatively large amounts of power, it’s significantly more useful than trying to guess whether one or two lit LEDs worth of juice is going to get you through the day. There are two full-size USBs, plus a USB-C PD port that can act as both input and output, and all three support 18W Quick Charge – although only one at a time. Charmast supplies a soft mesh carry case and a short USB-A to USB-C cable in the box, a nice touch.
While it’s something of a throwback to power banks from a couple of years back, with its built-in LED flash (certainly useful for camping trips) and durable but plasticky design, it also takes us back to the days where you didn’t have to sacrifice ports for portability. The JIGA has USB-C, Micro-USB and Lightning inputs, allowing you to fill its battery using whatever cable you have to hand. Hailing from Anker, a respected brand in the power bank market, this 20,000mAh portable charger represents very good value at this capacity. We’re pleased to find support for Power Delivery, but do note that it’s only up to 18W, and therefore not likely to be sufficient to charge a USB-C laptop. On top is a power button with four integrated LEDs that reveal remaining capacity, and you can use this to enter a trickle-charging mode suitable for smartwatches and earbuds. You can use it at home or work plugged in, and carry it around with you for wired or wireless charging when you are away from a power socket.
As the name suggests, the PowerCore III 10K has a decent sized 10,000mAh battery, which should offer at least three charges from the power bank before it needs recharging itself. The power bank is nicely designed, with a rectangular body and rounded corners, plus a soft-touch black casing.
Not that it’s going to take an age to recharge, thanks to a 10W Micro-USB input, but note that the power bank itself does not charge wirelessly.
It’s lacking, for example, Quick Charge support, USB-C and an LCD display (none of which is yet standard in the power bank market).
These days that is a single charge for most phones, but with older iPhones and budget Androids you should expect to find a small amount of juice left over for emergencies. Almost identical in design to the IonGo 5K before it, but here with both USB-C and Lightning cables built-in (hence the name Duo), the Moshi is an undeniably cool-looking power bank that comes tucked away inside a vegan-friendly soft leather case with a magnetic clasp and an anodised aluminium faceplate.
The additional cable means it’s now suited to Android as well as iPhone users, although as before this is Made For iPhone-certified. Use Lightning and USB-C together and you’ll see slightly slower charging speeds, with a max total output of 3.4A (17W).
You don’t need to understand what mAh means, only that if your phone spec says it has a 4,000mAh battery you are going to need at least a 4,000mAh bank in order to get a full charge.
As a rule of thumb, 5,000mAh is a single-use power bank that will be easily portable; 10,000mAh hits the sweet spot, both portable and offering around two charges; 20,000mAh is high-capacity, most useful for those who are going to be away from mains power for extended periods or will be charging multiple gadgets.
Do note that if you’re travelling on a plane your portable charger must be in your hand luggage, and anything over 27,000mAh (100Wh) needs approval from the airline (over 43,000mAh/160Wh, forget it). Second, with most devices offering a row of four LEDs to denote how much power remains inside the bank, working out how much you’ve actually got left can be impossible.
An LCD screen will give you an exact readout of remaining capacity, though these are rarely found on low-capacity and cheap banks. These days even 10W, though marketed as ‘fast charging’, barely scratches the surface of what recent smartphones are capable of. That seems pretty straightforward, although power manufacturers rarely provide the speed of their outputs measured in watts. We’ve put together a range of articles to help you choose the best charging tech for the mobile devices you carry everywhere.
The Best Portable Chargers and Power Banks for 2021
Watching your phone or tablet steadily run out of juice when you’re nowhere near a power outlet is stressful. Regardless of your budget, you can find a portable charger that will keep your device going when your battery icon starts to dip in the red.
Power banks that fit comfortably in your pocket are typically good for a full phone charge or two, while anything designed to keep you going all day is going to require a bag or a purse. On the pocket-friendly front, most smaller batteries that maximize portability have a capacity of 5,000mAh and under, which gives you just enough charge to top up most phones once.
Once you get above 5,000mAh, battery size increases to the point where it’s less likely to fit into your skinny jeans but can still be stowed in a jacket pocket. To make a device charge faster (by increasing the total wattage), most manufacturers either vary the voltage (more common) or boost the amperage.
Power Delivery (PD) is a newer protocol in which two compatible devices negotiate on the fastest charging option available. This standard allows you to charge supported phones to 50 percent capacity in 30 minutes, which is especially helpful when you need power in a pinch. Wireless charging has also become very popular, as it allows you to power up compatible devices without the need for a cable, by simply resting them on top of the battery.
Qi is the dominant standard for compatible Apple and Samsung phones, and some battery packs support that technology.
It combines the portability and protection of a case with a built-in power cell to keep your phone topped off at all times. Belkin Boost Up Charge Power Bank 5K + Stand Play Series $34.99 at Amazon See It Works With: Phones and Tablets Belkin’s latest Boost Up Power Bank is a strong pick for smartphone gamers.
This handy 5,000mAh battery pack features a built-in smartphone stand that holds your phone in portrait or landscape position while it charges. An additional Lightning port lets you quickly recharge the power bank using your regular iPhone charger or dock. This playful battery pack sports a tempered glass build, but is small and durable enough to slide into your carry-on bag.
If so, the Nimble Champ Lite Portable Charger is a perfect match; it uses recycled plastic material and ships in plastic-free packaging.
The Best Portable Chargers and Power Banks for Phones and Tablets
Whether you’re a glued-to-your-screen smartphone owner who can never make it through a day on a full charge, or you just need an occasional battery boost, USB power banks are a panacea for low-battery anxiety. The Anker PowerCore 10000 PD Redux lacks the built-in cables that set the TravelCard models apart, but its capacity (10,000 mAh, or enough to fully charge most smartphones three times) is a lot higher. The Anker PowerCore III Fusion 5K is handy if you want a single, reliable charger that you can plug in the wall to charge your devices overnight and then pack up and carry with you during the day.
70+ In-depth Power Bank Reviews
You can browse through the reviews one by one, or you can use our custom filtering feature to narrow the results down according to your specifications. Going back to the top filter is actually a very powerful tool that’s unlike anything you can find on other sites. We put quite a lot of thought and effort behind it for you to easily find the best power bank for your needs. Hence we created a selection slider for each of them: Capacity as mAh Basically THE most famous power bank feature.
6 Best Solar Power Banks: Solar Charger Power Bank (Reviews)
World travelers, wilderness campers and worried moms alike all love solar power banks. That is because they give peace of mind in an era where we are all so dependent on access to charging the devices that we use in our daily lives. That is a key consideration to keep in mind when choosing a solar power bank.
So finding the middle ground between durable, weatherproof and charging capability will be key. That is because laying it out just once or twice during a short vacation for a few hours can give the bank enough juice to keep you going one more day. Whether you’re preparing for an impending natural disaster or the zombie apocalypse, a solar charger is an essential part of any emergency kit.
It might sound a little over the top to buy a solar power bank for these kinds of situations. So in order to develop a list of the best solar power banks, we needed to consider quite a few different factors for choosing the best devices. Amount of Time Needed to Fully Charge using Solar Power Solar power banks in optimal sun conditions will charge way faster than if you leave your solar power bank outside to charge on a cloudy day.
The problem is that to put any meaning to this number, you need to know how much current the device that the battery is powering is drawing. In very general terms, though, the higher the mAh, the more charges you can expect the battery to produce.
We looked at water- and dust-proof ratings, as well as included covers and the materials used to make the power banks in order to determine their durability and resistance to weather. Cloudy days mean less direct solar energy, so it will be a slower charge.
The truth is that it depends a bit on which solar power bank you choose. All of the banks listed should charge any cell phone or tablet, or similar devices.
The average weight of the solar power banks on our list is just over 1 pound, which is pretty normal for the capacity of this charger. There are some small power banks out there that are much smaller, but the tiniest, lightest ones tend to only produce 1-3 charges, rather than 5-6+.
The highest ones on our list combine the factors: amount of time it can charge an average device; amount of time needed to fully charge using solar power; battery capacity; size and weight; and durability and resistance to weather. We’ll start off each review by highlighting some features of the device and a quick list of positives and negatives to give a summary of the highs and the lows of that solar power bank.
The case is made of plastic and a synthetic leather that is both durable and aesthetically pleasing, combining both functionality and pleasant design. The case also has two USB ports (to charge two devices at the same time) which both have covers to further protect from dust and water damage. Out of many choices, this one is combines efficiency with functionality, with thoughtful features that make it useful for every kind of user – from the hiker without electricity because it is the quickest solar charging device to the just people looking for a portable charger with some extra features because it is so practical. It has three settings, Steady, “SOS†and Strobe, which, while just an extra feature, is a useful addition to the power bank.
It lasted 4 days for one reviewer, charging his phone multiple times along with his vape pen. Other reviewers that were just looking for a high-quality charger for daily use appreciated that it charges fast and is an attractive color. Basically, reviewers looking for many different uses of a solar power bank were all pleased with its performance, durability and design. Features & Considerations The one consistent concern with this charger was that the device is a bit heavier than the size suggests.
Even people with those concerns, though, admitted that for the number of features that the small device brings, the weight was well worth it. Its shortcomings are small in comparison with where it performs well and people looking for the best overall solar power bank would do well to choose this one. The Next Best: ADDTOP Solar Charger Power Bank Top Feature #1: Great solar charging ability (approximately 30 hours to reach full charge in ideal conditions) In ideal conditions this device can be fully recharged in 30 hours of direct sunlight, and that full charge can charge most cell phones about 10 times and tablet-sized devices 3 times.
It’s not quite waterproof enough to go diving with, but it will survive an accidental dunk, which for most backpackers and campers as well as everyday users is more than enough. It also comes in a high-quality, plastic and synthetic leather case, which folds the device together to also roughly the size of a smartphone. The USB ports are covered by a small panel to prevent dust and water from entering when not in use. In addition to the charging features and the case, this solar power bank also comes with a LED flashlight, with three modes (normal, SOS and strobe).
The thoughtful design and solid capability are what bring this solar power bank into second place on our list. Reviewers highlighted the material quality, battery life and durability of this solar power bank as being the best parts about it, repeatedly expressing their contentedness with the charging capability and the battery’s ability to hold its charge.
One reviewer noted that for daily life, the weight is perfectly fine, but a bit heavy for backpacking.
Features & Considerations This solar power bank has some features that make it favorable for outdoor usage, such as being waterproof and the relatively strong solar capability, but its weight discouraged some users from committing to it as their choice for backpacking. While it still has excellent solar charging capability, it is not the absolute best one, so if that is your number on priority, other devices may be a better choice. If sacrificing some solar charging capability for other pros is acceptable, then this device is probably perfect.
Our Next Favorite: Hiluckey Portable Solar Charger Top Feature #1: Completely waterproof Completely waterproof Top Feature #2: Can charge the average device 8+ times
completely waterproof (IPX7), relatively quick solar charging (35-50 hours), strap for easy carrying and attaching to the outside of a backpack The low points: not the most efficient device, wall charging can be slow Similar to the other devices thus far in the list, this charger still has a relatively good battery capacity in comparison to its solar charging ability. The case for the solar charger also has a strap to hang the device from a place where it can sit in the sun.
That is because he device should be easy to mount in order to maximize the amount of time that it spends in the sun. That adds to the convenience to this solar power charger if you plan to use it in an emergency situation.
Reviewers rated the ease of use, battery life and durability as the three best features. Others mention the great dual use – for outdoors purposes and in day-to-day life, highlighting the devices conveniences.
Overall, reviewers were pleased with the performance and convenience of the device, although a few wished for some more color options. The critical reviews all noted that the charger worked well enough, they just were hoping for something faster or more powerful.
Features & Considerations You will not be disappointed with the performance of this product, between excellent customer service and great functionality, it is a good choice. Somebody that is looking for a durable, reliable solar power bank would do well with this choice.
The responsiveness of the company via Amazon, in terms of explaining compatibility and a one-year warranty make it a safe choice, even if it’s not the most efficient. RavPower Solar Charger Top Feature #1: Simple but extremely durable Simple but extremely durable Top Feature #2: Can charge the average device 7+ times The RavPower Solar Charger will charge the average smart phone 7 times. It includes caps to protect the USB ports, both of which support USB-C and iSmart quick charge. Those included the flashlight, the clip to hang the power bank or the built-in case as features that they were glad to have.
According to many reviews, the best part about the solar power bank is its high-capacity battery. The size is a concern especially because it is a single solar panel power bank, so the battery is much thicker than others.
The dimensions of the power bank, including the case are 7.1″ x 3.5″ x 1.2″ and it weighs 1.25 lbs., making it the largest one in our list.
It is a good choice if the size isn’t important, but if a large battery is a deal breaker, then this isn’t the solar power bank for you.
If you’re okay with the solar charging being a backup or a way to fill up the battery, then this is a great power bank for you. durability, two carabiners attached for hanging, quick charging, flashlight The low points: relatively low battery capacity and long charging time, heavy, some have trouble with one of the USB ports OUTEX stands for Outdoor Xtreme Energy, and OUTEX’s rugged solar charger promises to fulfill the need for energy while doing extreme things outdoors.
So if you accidentally drop it in a puddle or a shallow pond, there should not be any damage to the power bank. A durable case completely encloses the solar power bank.
As part of the mentality of making it best for outdoor use, the power bank has two carabiners on it. The ability to leave it out like that ideally helps to make up for the long charging time in the sun.
You can use the battery to power the built-in three-mode flashlight (bright, dim and strobe). Features & Considerations When making this device as durable and rugged as they could, the designers ended up also creating a lot of extra bulk to the solar power bank.
Instead of the absolute functionality, this power bank considers the environmental factors to build a device that is rugged and charges okay. BEARTWO Portable Solar Charger Top Feature #1: Extremely light but still durable Extremely light but still durable Top Feature #2: Can charge the average device 4-5 times light, durable, comes with a carabiner to hang on, fast wall charging The low points: relatively slow solar panel charge and low battery capacity, covers for USB ports are not very reliable BEARTWO saw the need for a lighter solar power bank, and they decided to fill that need.
Weighing in at less than half a pound, this solar power bank is by far lighter than any of the other options and is among the lightest out there. It is still fully waterproof up to 3 feet and 30 minutes of submersion, protecting it from any accidents and comes in a silicon case that should be enough to survive mild bumps and falls.
The device also has the LED flashlight that is standard to solar power banks, complete with three modes: normal, strobe and SOS. You could even just use it as a convenient light to see when you’re trying to plug in your device to the power bank at night. The reviewers that expected the solar charging to be a backup feature tended to be happy with the product. Features & Considerations Although this solar power banks advertises as being waterproof, part of the way that it gets this rating is by having small rubber covers for the USB ports to make sure that water can’t get into them.
The problem with this is if the USB covers don’t stay on very well, because it can compromise the waterproof quality of this device. Some users reported that the small rubber covers on their solar power bank didn’t stay on very well, so it is important to keep in mind that this device might not be completely waterproof.
The other consideration to have with this device is that it is not the most efficient in terms of solar charging or battery capacity.
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Not bad!My family of 2 adults / 2 teenagers live in Inner North Melbourne and I installed in Septemeber 2019 a 7.36 kWh Solar System with 23 x 320 Watt SunPower Corporation Solar Panels (SPR-P19-320-BLK) and a SolarEdge (SE5000H) Series Single Phase Inverter. I couldn’t find any other Electricity Supplier with a significantly lower Daily Supply Charge. The $39 Annual Powerclub Membership Fee effectively increases this Daily Supply Charge to 89.40c/day ($326.33 a year). 2) The ability to purchase electricity at Spot Price values can be absolute gold.
The other 11.28c kWh is made up of network fees, state/federal electricity levies and Powerclub costs. During my first Bill Period the Spot Price never went above the 8c kWh threshold so when I was consuming grid electricity I was very slowly increasing my PowerBank.
3) I enjoy seeing my Power Bills being slaughtered by my Solar Panels FIT and my ability to consume electricity when Spot Prices are low. You can log on and easily see your historical Usage and Solar FIT as well as the Daily Spot Price levels.
Your PowerBank gains over a year could possibly be wiped out in a 5 hour high Spot Price ‘window’. Installing a great 7.36 kWh Solar system and reaping the benefits of the Powerclub Pricing Structure has been a fantastic ‘bill busting’ experience for me.
Anyone familiar with Member-Owned Power Company – Power Club?
Since it is based on spot wholesale prices, the customer’s cost can be highly volatile as the Canstar overview describes. A single hot afternoon with the A/C running full on for the day when wholesale prices are peaking might be a litmus test for whether it suits any individual customer.
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