As someone who’s been involved in the world of distributed energy, especially in the realm of solar batteries, for over 10 years I’ve seen firsthand the transformation in how we source and use power. Portable power stations, a relatively new entrant in the energy game, have been gaining traction, and for good reason. But are they truly worth the investment? Discover exactly what you’re paying for and the real cost of portable power verus fuel generators. Let’s dive in.

Are Portable Power Stations Worth It? 9 Key takeaways

Yes, portable power stations are ‘worth it’ for backup power, RVs, campers, remote work sites and outdoor enthusiasts. Here’s what makes them worthwhile:

1. Eco-Friendly: Unlike the smoky emissions from my neighbour’s old diesel generator, these devices are clean and green.
2. Versatility: Whether it’s for a backyard party or a power outage, they’ve got you covered.
3. Silent Operation: Gone are the days of being “that noisy neighbor” with a roaring diesel genset.
4. Low Maintenance: no more spending weekends maintaining your generator; these require far less attention.
5. Safety: No more storing hazardous fuels in the garage. And LifeP04 batteries are known for their fire safety.
6. Reliability: Consistent power, every time with fewer moving parts and new lithium battery cell techology.
7. Expandability: Need more power? Just add on. All the way up to running a home off grid.
8. Convenience: With smart controls via an App, monitoring power use and battery charge directly from your phone is a breeze.
9. Economic Value: With the right battery, you get cheaper energy than with a diesel generator.

We’re going to assume you know what a portable power station is in this 5 minute read. To read about it, check this article out ‘What is a Portable Power Station? The Completely LIt 2023 buyers guide‘.

If you want to know more on how these devices work, here’s a simple run down: ‘How do portable power stations work? Discover the simple truth about backup power’.

Now lets get into why you should consider a portable power station, for your mobile or backup power needs.

What are portable power stations used for?

To know whether portable power stations is ‘worth it’, we think about what they’re commonly used for. And then consider what having power at your fingertips in these situations would mean to you. Y

From my personal experiences and those of fellow renewable power enthusiasts, here are some popular uses:

Emergency Power Backup

When wild winds knocked out our power recently, our portable power station was a lifesaver, keeping our crtical load running. This is probably the number once use of portable power stations and their most valuable contribution to your lifestyle.

What would you pay to have power in a blackout, to run your kids’ devices, your WiFi, your Smart TV, and keep everything in your fridge and freezer cold?

This is why most people invest in a portable power station. Everything else, is just gravy.

From camping to ‘glamping’

Picture this – you’re in the woods, and instead of the loud hum of a generator, all you hear are the sounds of nature, while your power station quietly charges your devices.

Portable power stations can power camp appliances like toasters or cooking elements, speakers, or even projectors for an outdoor movie night.

Caravans, RVs and Tiny Homes

Portable power stations have become increasingly popular for use in RVs (Recreational Vehicles) and caravans due to their versatility, convenience, and eco-friendly nature. They’re used:

1. To power Appliances. lights, fans and devices: With DC output for 12 volt power systems, they can run devices commonly found in RVs and caravans, such as refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, kighting, as well as your iPhone, laptop and even air conditioners for shorter durations. This ensures comfort and convenience when parked in remote locations without access to grid power.
2. With Solar Charging: Portable power stations are compatible with solar panel charging. RV and caravan enthusiasts often mount solar panels on the roofs of their vehicles, allowing them to harness solar energy during the day and store it in their power station to use at night.
3. To reduce fuel generator Use: With a portable power station, RV and caravan users can reduce their reliance on noisy, fuel-consuming generators. This not only offers a quieter camping experience but also reduces emissions and the need to carry extra fuel.
4. To run heating and cooling: While they might not power large air conditioning units for extended periods, portable power stations can run fans, portable heaters, or electric blankets, providing comfort in varying weather conditions.
5. To popwer Water Pumps: In RVs and caravans with onboard water storage, portable power stations can operate electric water pumps, ensuring a steady supply of water for showers, cooking, and cleaning.

These magic blackboxes of energy have changed the way RV and caravan enthusiasts experience the outdoors. They offer a blend of convenience and independence, allowing for a more comfortable and sustainable journey.

Powering Tools

For DIY projects away from a power source, these are invaluable. Some have power boosting technology that supports the start up of power hungry tools like welders or compressor based equipment.

Outdoor Events and Parties

For gatherings where there’s no access to wall outlets or the power grid, these come in handy. Think outdoor events, festivals and even your kids’ school activities.

The thing to remember is, portable power stations can fullfil ALL of these uses. Because they’re portable, you can use them at home for emergency backup, take them to the beach to run the speakers at your next bonfire, AND throw them in the back of your ATV and run your powertools on site.

Portable power station or traditional generator?

Before the rise of portable power stations, most of us relied on traditional fuel-based generators. Diesel, gas and petrol generators still sell occupy the lions share of the generator market.

But we’re here to challenge that.

Traditional generators, while effective, come with their own set of challenges – noise, pollution, and the constant need for fuel. They’re also maintenance heavy, hard to get started and complicated to run.

If you’re not convinced, chcek out this full comparison of portable power stations versus fuel generators: ‘Solar or Generator? What to know before you buy (costs, benefits and features)’.

You see, I’ve learned about the hassles of traditional generators the hard way.

Two years ago our power was knocked out for over 24 hours. I watched my neighbour make a late-night dash to the gas station 30 minutes away, just to keep his generator running during the outage.

With portable power stations, those days are behind us.

I’ve also seen him struggle to get his diesel generator up and running, not knowing if it was the spark plugs, the carburetor, the fuel valve – or even where to start!

Now, I’m a distributed energy specialist. But I didn’t take any more convincing to know that those hassles were not for me.

What features are you paying for?

To judge whether these magic energy blackboxes are worth it, you need to know what you’re getting for your money.

Here are the features, that set these devices apart compared to their fuel guzzling predecessors.

A Green Machine

Portable power stations are designed to have no emissions, making them a cleaner choice for the environment. In contrast, gasoline generators release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere every time they run. This not only contributes to air pollution but also exacerbates global warming. Choosing a portable power station means you’re taking a step towards a greener planet.

As someone passionate about green energy, this is a huge plus for me.

Expandability

Some portable power stations have the option to connect additional units or batteries, allowing users to scale up their power capacity as needed.

For example, the Ecoflow Delta Pro can scale up from 2000Wh to 10,000Wh with extra batteries connected. Add the backup Ecoflow Smart Generator and you get up to 20,000Wh of extra storage capacity.

The Bluetti AC200MAX expands from 2000Wh to 8000Wh.

This is in contrast to traditional generators, where scaling up usually means buying a larger, more expensive unit.

Versatility

One of the standout features of portable power stations is their versatility. We’ve already run through a tonne of scenarios where these devices come in handy. They’re lightweight or come with wheels. They’re expandable with extra battery units. And with the portable solar panels, they can generate power just about anywhere.

Fuel-based generators, while powerful, are often bulky and not as easy to transport, making them less suitable for diverse applications like outdoor events or spontaneous adventures. And don’t forget the extra fuel drum!

Silent Operation

Anyone who’s been near a running petrol or diesel generator knows they can be incredibly noisy. It’s a major disturbance, especially in quiet settings like campgrounds or a suburban backyard.

Fire one of those up in a blackout and your friendly neighbours will be banging your front door down before you know it.

Portable power stations, on the other hand, operate quietly. This means you can enjoy the tranquility of nature on your camping trips or have a conversation at an outdoor event without the constant hum of a generator in the background.

On a recent camping trip, while friends grumbled about their noisy generators in nearby tents, we enjoyed a peaceful night, all thanks to our super quiet power station. Silence really is golden.

Simple to use

Traditional generators have multiple moving parts and require regular maintenance to ensure they run efficiently. This can include tasks like changing the oil, replacing spark plugs, and cleaning air filters. Portable power stations, being primarily battery-operated, have fewer parts that wear out, resulting in significantly lower maintenance needs and costs.

Safety

Gasoline generators require combustible fuel to operate. Storing and handling these fuels come with risks, including fire hazards.

Portable power stations reduce this risk as they don’t rely on combustible fuels. LifeP04 batteries in particular are known for their fire safety attributes. This makes them a safer option, especially in densely populated areas or during dry seasons or hot summers, when fire risks are heightened.

Dependable power

Portable power stations offer a consistent and dependable source of power thanks to advancements in battery cell technology.

Unlike fuel-based generators, which might face issues like fuel contamination or engine malfunctions, portable power stations have fewer points of failure. This ensures that when you need power, your device is ready to deliver.

I’ve been through multiple power outages, and my Ecoflow portable power station has never let me down.

Low Ongoing Costs

After the initial purchase, portable power stations have minimal operational expenses. There’s no need to constantly buy fuel, as is the case with gasoline generators. Over time, this can result in significant savings, especially if you use the power station frequently.

We share the costs per watt of portable power stations compared with diesel, down below.

Convenience

Modern portable power stations often come equipped with smart app controls. This allows you to monitor battery levels, input/output rates, and even control certain features directly from your smartphones. I

n comparison, traditional generators lack this level of user-friendly interface, often requiring manual checks and adjustments.

The Solar Advantage

Harnessing the power of the sun makes these devices more sustainable and cost-effective in the long run. With solar panels, you can recharge your power station during the day and use it at night. It’s a cycle of endless energy.

Market leading warranties

I get a 5 year warranty on my Ecoflow River 2 Pro. It’s just peace of mind that the manufacturer is willing to stand behind their product and technology.

Understanding these features in context, its clear why portable power stations are becoming a preferred choice for many over their fuel-based counterparts. But what about the actual dollar cost of power from these units?

Lets have a look how that compares with traditional diesel generators.

Economics of Portable Power Stations – $ Per Kilowatt Costs

From an economic standpoint, while the initial investment of solar panels plus the battery might seem steep, the long-term benefits are substantial. If you get the right battery type.

More on that below.

First, let’s break down the cost of using a portable power station compared to other generators. We’ll use the Ecoflow River 2 Pro portable power station as an example to make things clearer.

Ecoflow River 2 Pro Portable Power Station

We bought the Ecoflow River 2 Pro solar generator for $1988 AUD. In the US, you can buy it for $1121. What do we get for that price?

• It can store up to 768 watt-hours of energy.
• It can give out 1.8 kilowatt-hours of power in a single day if we charge it with solar.
• It comes with a cool 220-watt solar panel kit that can collect energy from both sides.

How Long Does the Battery Last?

Ecoflow tells us that after using and charging the battery 3000 times, it can still hold 80% of the energy it could when it was new. Usually, when a battery can only hold 60% of its original energy, it’s considered to have reached the end of its life. So, if we do some math, we can guess that the battery will be good for 5000 to 6000 times of using and charging.

Also, Ecoflow says the battery should last about 10 years. So, either we get to use and charge it 5000 6000 times over 10 years, which is twice a day.

H3: How Much Power Do We Really Get?

Every time we charge and use the battery, we lose a little bit of energy. For this type of battery, we get about 90% of the energy we put in. So, if we fully charge the River 2 Pro, which is 768 watt-hours, we can use about 691 watt-hours of that energy.

If we use and charge the battery 6000 times over 10 years, we’ll get a total of 4147 kilwatt-hours (kWh) of energy. Even if we get 5000 cycles, that’s a total of 3455kWh.

Breaking Down the Cost

So, how much does each watt-hour of energy from our Ecoflow River 2 Pro cost us? If we divide the price ($1988) by the total energy (4147 kilowatt-hours), it’s about 47.9 cents for each kilowatt-hour. If we divide by 3455kWh, it comes to 57.5c/kWh.

This is a simple way to look at it, and there are other things like the battery getting older and losing charge over time that can change the cost per watt.

Compared to Diesel

Now, let’s think about diesel.

One litre of diesel can give us 3.3 kilowatt-hours of power. If diesel costs $2 per litre, then it’s 60 cents for each kilowatt-hour of energy from diesel. But, that doesn’t even consider the cost of the generator itself, which is around $500.

So, when we look at everything, the solar generator is cheaper than using diesel. Who would’ve thought? Solar power is not only good for the planet but also for our wallets!

When you factor in the savings from not purchasing fuel and the low maintenance costs, it becomes an even better investment. With the cost per watt-hour being competitive, it’s a no-brainer for many.

Potential Limitations

No product is without its limitations.

While portable power stations are fantastic, they are not all suitable for running larger appliances for extended periods. You need to get the right size battery for your power use.

Also, if you’re relying solely on solar charging, cloudy days can be a challenge.

If you rely on one of these devices to power your home, any more than 3 days without sunshine or grid power and it’s commmon to have a fuel backup for your solar generator.

Considerations Before Purchasing

Before you jump on the bandwagon, it’s essential to assess your needs. Ask yourself:

How much power do you require? How often will you use the device? What’s your budget? Do you prefer solar charging or a wall outlet? Do you need it specifically for a 12 volt electrical system, like an RV?

These are crucial questions to answer to make sure you get the right size power station, with the right type of battery and output ports, and the best value for your money.

If you want to know how to choose a portable power station, check out this article ‘What is a Portable Power Station? The Completely Lit 2023 Buyers Guide’

In a Nutshell

In the world of energy solutions, portable power stations are a breath of fresh air. They offer a blend of convenience, efficiency, and eco-friendliness that’s hard to beat. As a specialist in distributed energy systems with a penchant for solar technology, I can confidently say mine have been worth every penny. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or someone looking for a reliable backup power, portable power stations are now the superior choice for versatile power needs.