Portable power stations are the must-have solution for anyone who lives off-grid, enjoys the great outdoors or experiences regular power outages. Practical, versatile and environmentally friendly, they come with plenty of output options. You can even often power them up using solar panels.
The range of available portable energy solutions can be bewildering, so we’ve done a power station comparison for you. Read on for the checklist you need when choosing your backup power solutions.
Portable Power Stations vs Generators
A dependable power source helps us to keep our creature comforts and stay safe in even the remotest of locations. Portable power stations offer reliability and certainty when there’s an emergency.
They can support you with all the energy you need for lighting, smartphones and laptops, for example. You may also need to use medical equipment, especially if you’re in the throes of a natural disaster or unexpected power failure.
Generators and portable power stations have unique characteristics. Generators make power, typically from fuel or solar panels. They act as an alternative to the grid.
Portable power stations, on the other hand, store rather than generate energy. Think of them as a bigger version of the portable power pack you might carry in your pocket to charge your smartphone when you’re on holiday.
Power Capacity
Generators tend to boast higher power capacities, ranging up to around 10,000W. That makes them an excellent option if you need to power large appliances. Portable power stations can typically offer up to 1000W, enough to charge smaller appliances.
Running Time
Depending on the source that feeds them, generators can run up to around sixteen hours. Many portable power stations will give you an average of about ten hours, but it will depend on the device.
Emissions and Noise
Portable power stations are emission-free and make very little sound. Generators can be noisy and they also produce gases as byproducts. This may make them less than ideal in certain settings.
Portability and Maintenance
Portable power stations are lightweight and require less maintenance when compared to generators. Generators can be bulky. Although they need regular servicing, they have become indispensable on construction sites and for big events.
Price
Although generators tend to cost less, they may need fuel for you to operate them. You need to factor this in when considering what will work best for you. Portable power stations incur minimal ongoing expense, especially if you use solar panels to charge them.
What to Check When Choosing A Portable Power Station
There are several factors that can play into the type of portable power station you purchase. Here’s a handy checklist of the key considerations:
- Power Output: check the continuous and peak wattage your portable power station can deliver. You’ll then be able to determine how many devices you can power at the same time.
- Capacity: find out how many watt-hours (Wh) your power station can store. This will help you determine how long you can power your devices before you have to recharge them.
- Input Charging Options: you need to know how you can charge your portable power station, e.g. from solar panels, the grid or a car. Solar compatibility is vital if you plan to use the power station off-grid.
- Portability: check how easy it’s going to be to carry and transport your portable power station, particularly for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.
- Kinds of Ports: make sure the portable power station has different types of ports, e.g. USB or regular AC, that are suitable for all your devices.
- The lifespan of the battery: find out how many charge cycles can undergo before its capacity begins to diminish.
- Safety: make sure the portable power station has features such as overcharge protection and temperature control.
- Environmental Care: if sustainability is one of your priorities, you must ensure you can use renewable energy sources like solar panels to charge the portable power station.
- Reputable Brands: go for a trusted brand like Maxwatt that has built a reputation for quality and excellent customer service.
- Your Investment: consider the long-term savings you will make from your portable power station.
What Size of Portable Power Station Do I Need?
How you intend to use your portable power station will be key to determining the right size. You’ll need to do a few calculations.
Begin by finding out the wattage required for your devices. If your devices list amps, multiply that figure by the voltage to get the number of watts. If you’re uncertain, carry out a quick online search.
Decide how long you’ll want to use all your devices. Multiply the number of hours by the device’s wattage to find out the total watt-hours you’ll need.
Most people wouldn’t buy a power station for one specific device. Instead, they’ll be looking for a versatile source that provides them with the appropriate portable energy solutions for their situation.
Make sure your chosen portable power station is a good match for your power needs whether for the home or your business. Here are some examples of situations where you may be looking for backup power solutions:
- Hiking, fishing and camping trips
- Long road tours or boating excursions
- Working remotely where there’s no on-grid power source
- Home emergencies or on a construction site
Portable power stations are the ideal choice for emergency situations when there’s a power outage or when your generator has run out of fuel.
Trust Maxwatt Portable Power Stations
Maxwatt offers a range of portable power stations for all kinds of uses. To make a power station comparison, you can read about the capacities of each in this article. You’ll also find the full range of options available from Maxwatt, including a choice of portable solar panels.
Maxwatt portable power stations offer backup power solutions that are second to none. Make Maxwatt your one-stop shop for all your portable energy power solutions.
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