Portable power stations are emerging as a reliable and convenient source of power in place of traditional generators. They’re now widely used by tech savvy consumers, outdoor enthusiasts, van lifers, digital nomads and even plain old home owners – to provide for their essential power needs. From remote and emergency power, to home backup or running RVs and camper vans, there’s a portable power station for every purpose. This 5 minute buyer’s guide explains all you need to know about what these devices are, how they work, and the best features to look for to take your power needs portable.
What is a Portable Power Station?
A portable power station is like a bigger, higher-powered battery pack or power bank, designed in a compact and travel-friendly manner.
Another name for a portable power station is ‘portable solar generator’. Some folks call them solar powered generators. Because to become a ‘power station’ they need to ‘generate’ power. This is usually through accompanying solar panels.
Like any battery, portable power station’s main job is to store power and deliver it – to your device and appliances – on demand.
But portable power stations are different from battery packs or power banks in the role they play. Nowadays, these solar power generators are used to replace traditional diesel or gas generator and provide large amounts of power without access to the power grid. To compare the costs, benefits and features of a solar powered generator with traditional fuel based ones, check out this article:
‘Solar or generator: what to know before you buy’.
Portable power stations are also different from traditional power generators that run on gas tanks full of fuel. Portable power stations store electrical energy.
The most popular brands in Australia and in the US are:
- Ecoflow portable power station
- Bluetti portable power station
- Jackery powerbanks, and
- Black and Decker portable power station
- Anker portable power
With new lithium battery technology, portable power stations can run a large range of devices from smartphones and laptops to large home appliances like fridges, TVs and freezers.
The type of appliance a portable power station can run depends on its power capacity (in watt hours ‘Wh’) and its maximum power output (in watts or kilowatts). We explain these below, along with the other features to look for when buying a portable power station.
How do portable power stations work?
Portable power stations are also more than just batteries. They have additional components and ‘smarts’ that turn a simple battery into a ‘mini mobile power station’. Here are the basics with infographics of how a portable power station works, and how you use one.
Here are the components and how each works:
Battery
The heart of the power station, the battery stores the electrical energy.
Lithium batteries are most common in portable power stations. But you’ll find different manufacturers use different types of lithium battery cells.
The type of battery cell determines how the battery performs, so it’s important to know the basics. Here are the 4 the most common lithium battery types you should know about:
- Lithium-ion (Li-ion): Many gadgets, like phones and laptops, use these. They are also the most popular type of battery for portable power stations. They’re light weight but can hold a lot of energy. They’re also have reasonable lifespans – expect around 2000 cycles. The Jackery portable power station uses Li-ion battery cells.
- LifeP04: These are a special kind of Lithium-ion battery. They’re safe and don’t catch fire easily. They’re also super efficient and can be charged between 3000 and 6000 times. Newer model portable power stations use LifeP04 batteries. Newere Ecoflow batteries are LifeP04. So are Bluetti batteries.
- NMC: These are another type of Lithium-ion battery made with nickel, manganese, and cobalt. They can store a lot of energy, but don’t last as long as LifeP04 batteries. Some of the older Ecoflow batteries are NCM and only have 500 to 800 cycles.
- Lithium-polymer (Li-Po): these don’t hold as much energy as Li-Ion batteries, but they charge more quickly, maintain their charge longer, and usually have a lower risk of catching fire. Typically, you can charge these batteries 2000+ time which is better than NMC batteries but not as good as LifeP04.
I’ve worked in the solar battery industry for 10 years. And I have to say the LifeP04 battery is currently my top choice of lithium battery cell for a good portable power station.
You can read more about why in this article: ‘The LifeP04 Solar Generator – is it worth the hype?’.
Battery Management System
A Battery Management System (BMS) is built in to most good portable power station. It’s the ‘smarts’ inside the system. it carries out a lot of functions so you don’t have to. And a good BMS is really key. It’s what makes the portable power station ‘plug and play’.
The BMS regulates voltage and the current flow to and from the battery, ensuring it’s charged and discharged safely. It protects both the battery and anything plugged into it from electrical damage from things like over-voltage (which can cause fire).
Inverter
A portable power station comes with an in-built inverter too. It’s this component that allows the power station to work with both DC and AC energy types. It converts the DC energy from solar panels that is stored in the battery into AC energy, suitable for most household appliances.
Ports or outlets
A good portable power station has multiple different ports or outlets (USB, AC, DC) where power sources, devices and appliances are plugged in. Commonly, portable power stations have 2 types of ports:
- Input ports – these are for power feeding into the battery to charge it (from solar panels, a wall outlet etc)
- Output ports – this is where you plug in your appliances and devices to run them. Good portable power stations will have AC ports for your home appliances, USB and USC ports for your devices, and DC ports for 12 volt electrical systems found in RVs and caravans.
Display screen or iPhone App
Used to monitor the operation and performance of the battery in real time. Vital stats such as state of charge and watts in or out are found here and help you get the most out of your battery.
Solar panels
Batteries in portable power stations need a power source to charge up. And because they’re designed to be portable, that power source is often from solar panels.
A portable power station with solar panels can take you off grid, to the most remote locations. As long as there is sun, you’ll have power.
A portable solar generator typically comes with a single solar panel of between 100 and 200 watts. If you want to know what a 100 watt solar panel can run, check out this article ‘What will a 100 watt solar panel run (this ultimate list will save you hours)’. You can string solar panels together to produce more power, up to a certain point. So if one panel is not enough, you get a couple.
It’s important to know that most batteries have a limit to how much solar power can come into the battery. This is called ‘solar input’ and is usually a figure given in watts. You can find this number in the battery specifications. If you buy more solar panels than this, you’ve probably wasted your money.
The size of solar panels you need depends on the size of your battery. Keep reading to find out what size battery you need in a portable power station.
What Do Portable Power Stations Do?
Portable power stations serve as a versatile power source.
They are increasing being used in place of traditional fuel generators such as diesel generators or petrol / gas generators.
They can be used:
- During camping trips or outdoor adventures.
- As a power sources in RVs, caravans, tiny homes or campervans.
- To run power tools and equipment on remote work sites.
- As an emergency home backup during power outages.
- To run equipment where there are no power lines – for example farm pumps.
- To provide power for outdoor events and activities.
- For off-grid living or in places where electricity is not readily available.
Is it Worth Getting a Portable Power Station?
If you need power when and where there is no power grid, then a portable power station is worth considering. You may be wondering whether portable power stations are better than traditional generators. Here’s an article that compares the two – their pros, cons, costs and benefits ‘Solar or Generator? What to know before you buy’
- Outdoor Activities: Portable power stations for camping are very popular in Australia and the US. In terms of size, they sit at the small end of the power range. If you frequently go hiking, or engage in any outdoor adventures where electricity is needed, a portable power station is invaluable.
- Emergency Backup: As weather worsens and power outages become more common, having a portable power station ensures you have a backup power source. And some models come big enough to run all of your home backup power needs in extended blackouts. They also have uninterrupted power supply capabilities, so you won’t even notice the power is out.
- Remote worksites: if you’re a trade or builder, you need power to work. And it’s often on sites without power connected. These provide plenty of ‘oomph’ for your power needs, without the noise, the fuel and the constant maintenance of traditional generators.
- Off-grid Living: For those living in remote areas without a stable electricity grid, portable power stations can provide essential power.
- Homesteading: Homesteading is on trend in Australia and in the US. People want space and nature and to create their own businesses and income streams. If you need power to run your homestead business, a portable power station is ideal for flexibility and backup.
- Living in RVs, caravans, campervans, tiny homes: more of us are taking the leap to living smaller and portable power stations help make this possible. They can provide large amounts of power from small packages, making them perfect for small living.
- Environmental Concerns: Portable power stations, especially those charged with solar panels, offer a clean, renewable energy source, making them a more eco-friendly choice than traditional generators that run on petrol, or diesel.
What size portable power station do you need?
Portable power stations come in a range of battery sizes.
‘Battery size’ refers to how much power the battery cells can store (‘power capacity’) not the physical size of the battery. ‘Power capacity’ is often measured in kilowatt hours (Australia) or Amp Hours (USA).
The battery size you buy depends on what appliances and devices you want to run. When picking the right battery size, always start with thinking about what your power needs are.
If you want to know more about what size battery you need, check out this article ‘How long does a solar battery last at night’.
If you want to know about how to size a battery and solar panels, check out ‘Is a whole house solar generator what you really need (3 savy alternatives to save thousands)’.
How to choose a portable power station
So how do you pick a good quality portable power station from a bunch on the market? Here are the top things to look for:
Safety
Lithium chemistry can be volatile causing batteries to ignite or explode. Safety is your number one concern when it comes to portable power stations. Safety starts in the battery cell. LifeP04 lithium battery cells are inherently safer than other lithium chemistries as they are less prone to thermal runaway. This means there is a lower chance the chemicals in a LifeP04 battery will cause a fire or explosions.
Power Capacity
This is how much juice the battery can store. Power capacity is expressed in watt hours (Wh) or kilowatt hours (kWh). It’s the total amount of electricity that a solar generator can store and provide.
A higher power capacity means you can power larger devices or multiple small devices for a longer time. The higher the power capacity, the bigger the battery, the more it costs. So just get what you need.
Expandability
Look for modular portable power stations, where you can add more modules / power capacity as you need it. Portable power stations are all about flexibility. So they often come with the ability to add more battery power. When you need it, or can afford it.
Look for a power expansion port on the power station, that allows you to plug another unit into the first one. Extra batteries and expansion cables are sold separately.
Maximum output
This is the highest measure of power that the battery can deliver at once. It’s usually in watts or kilowatts. Some portable power stations have ‘surge wattage’, which means the battery has a maximum output higher than it’s power capacity.
Sounds weird I know. Because usually when you plug appliances with higher watts into a battery with lower watts, the system will overload and trip off.
Ecoflow portable power stations are an example, with their built in ‘X-boost’ technology.
X-boost is where the battery management system lowers voltage in the system, so that the battery can ‘surge’ up to a higher wattage without tripping.
There are often caveats to using this function, like you can’t use it while simultaneously charging the battery. But in the end it means that you can buy a smaller (cheaper) battery to power larger, power hungry appliances. And who doesn’t love more for their money?
Cycle Life
The number of times you can charge a battery before its ‘fully charged state’ full falls below 80%. More cycles means a longer cycle life, means the battery will last longer.
With more cycles, you get reliable power for a longer time and better cost efficiency.
The number of times a portable power station can cycle often depends on the battery cell chemistry.
Fast Charging Capability
Some portable power stations are designed to charge super quickly. For example, the Ecoflow River Pro can charge 800 watts within 70 minutes from a wall outlet or 2 hours from solar panels.
Fast charging is really handy in power outages, or if you’re a heavy user of the battery. When you need it for essential power, or for work where you can’t afford downtime for your tools and devices.
Multiple Charging Options
Look for solar power generators that can be charged in multiple ways, such as through an AC outlet, a car charger, and of course with solar panels.
New batteries on the market like the Delta Pro Solar Generator can now charge directly from EV charging stations! Convenient if you’re RV boon-docking or working remotely, without a home base to charge up from the power grid.
The more charging flexibility you have, the less chance you’ll run into a situation where you need to charge the battery but can’t.
Maximum flexibility is a handy feature of the best portable power stations.
Multiple Output Ports
Having multiple output ports allows users to power multiple types of devices at the same time. This can include a mix of AC (home appliances), DC (RVs and caravans), and USB and USC devices, making the generator versatile and adaptable to all of your device needs, all at one time.
Portability
Truly portable power stations weigh in at 3 to 7kg for up to 1000 watts of power.
The bigger ones come in at a hefty 45kg for around 3000 to 4000 watts.
You’re looking for something that is compact and lightweight enough to carry around or wheel around. At the same time, it needs to be big enough (in power capacity) to run your equipment.
Portability is what gives the portable power station it’s name. It’s one key point of difference between these solar batteries and others, like the Tesla Powerwall, that hang on garage walls and run your home appliances.
The trick of it is, some solar powered generators can do both. They’re mobile and can be taken on the road, but they’re also expandable to a large enough power capacity to run your home appliances and provide backup power in an outage.
Truly flexible power, the way you want it.
High solar input capacity
A higher solar input capacity means the battery can be charged more quickly with solar power. Since portable solar generators are often used where the power grid is not available, fast solar charging can be a huge asset. It increases how much use you get out of your battery in a day. And hey, who doesn’t want to get more for their money?
Recap
As we electrify our lives, the need for reliable and portable power solutions has never been greater. Portable solar generators have emerged as a game-changer, offering a blend of convenience, efficiency, and eco-friendliness. Whether you’re an adventurer needing power in the wilderness, a digital nomad working from the most remote locations, or a homeowner preparing for unexpected power outages, these devices have got you covered. With advancements in battery technology and design, portable power stations are not just about providing energy; they represent a shift towards sustainable and versatile power solutions. Whether you’re considering investing in one or just curious about their capabilities, portable power stations are simply power: the way you want it.
FAQs
What is a portable power station?
A portable power station is a compact, rechargeable battery system designed to provide electrical power ‘on the go’. Unlike traditional generators that run on fuel, portable power stations store electrical energy and can power a range of devices, from smartphones to household appliances, without the need for a grid connection.
What is the lifespan of a portable power station?
The lifespan of a portable power station typically ranges from 3 to 10 years, depending on the battery cell type, usage frequency, and maintenance.
Most lithium portable power stations have a cycle life of 2000+ charge cycles. Meaning they can be fully charged and discharged that many times before their capacity significantly diminishes.
The longest lifespan you’ll get is with a LifeP04 battery. Ecoflow uses this battery type in their River 2 and Delta 2 portable power stations and they’re rated to 3000+ cycles. That’s one charge a day for 10 years.
How long do portable power stations last?
On a single charge, portable power stations can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the capacity (measured in watt-hours) the battery has and the power demand of the devices connected.
For instance, our 800Wh portable power station will run a pump using 60 watts for several days. But it will only run our 210L fridge using 180 watts for a 4 hours.
Portable power station vs. generator: what’s the difference?
A portable power station is a battery-powered device that stores and provides electrical energy, ideal for clean, quiet, and maintenance-free operation. In contrast, a generator produces electricity by burning fuel (like gasoline or diesel) and is often louder, requires regular maintenance, and emits fumes.
Both types of generators can provide power over extended periods. But portable power stations offer convenience, portability, and are more environmentally friendly.
Can a portable power station run a refrigerator?
Yes a portable power station can run a refrigerator. Our Ecoflow River 2 Pro portable power station runs the 200 litre Hisense fridge in our tiny home very comfortably. For a bigger family fridge you’ll probably need to upsize the portable power station to something like the Ecoflow Delta Solar Generator.
If you want to know what size portable power station will run your fridge, check out this article ‘How long will a solar generator power a refrigerator?.
Can I use a portable power station as a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)?
Yes, some portable power stations can function as a UPS. When connected to a power source and an appliance simultaneously, they can provide continuous power to the appliance during outages, acting as a bridge until the main power is restored. With almost zero downtime, to the millisecond.
But not all have this feature, so look for it in the technical specification and user manual.
What is the difference Between a Portable Power Station and an Inverter?
While both portable power stations and inverters provide AC power, they serve different primary functions. An inverter’s main job is to convert DC power (like from a car battery) to AC power.
On the other hand, a portable power station is a complete power storage and delivery system, which includes an inverter, battery, and multiple ports for device connection.
