PORTABLE POWER a DifferenT TaKe on PoWer

Indoors or on the road, rechargeable portable power stations provide safe and reliable off-grid power.

Keeping your lights on during outage situations has a new solution. Gas generators have long been used, but these gasoline-fueled devices may no longer be the best option. Whether you’re heading on a camping trip or preparing for a power outage, a portable power station could be just the thing you need to keep the electric flowing when you’re off the grid.

What is a portable power station?

Basically, it’s a rechargeable battery-powered generator that’s typically about the size of an average microwave and lightweight enough to be easily transported. They make little to no noise, and because they don’t generate any site emissions, they’re safe to run inside. Many have AC outlets, DC carports, and USB charging ports so you can keep any device — from a smartphone to CPAP machine — charged and powered.

A portable power station is essentially an oversized rechargeable battery. All you’ll need to do is plug it into a typical 110-volt outlet to charge and top off. The run time can vary widely, depending on factors like the battery capacity and what you plug into it.

What are my options?

Before choosing a portable power station, determine what you want in terms of output power, capacity, weight and size, available charging ports, and durability.

Portable power stations come with built-in lithium-ion batteries, which store electrical energy for later use. The battery capacity is measured in watt-hours (Wh) or amperehours (Ah), indicating the total amount of energy the battery can store. Higher capacity means more power available for longer durations.

Many portable power stations offer compatibility with solar panels, allowing you to harness the sun’s energy to recharge the battery. The charging time via solar panels depends on the panel’s wattage, sunlight intensity, and the power station’s capacity.

How much do they cost?

Though most average-sized models can run you between $1,500 and $3,500, the price increases/decreases substantially with size and battery capacity. A model meant to power your home can cost $15,000, while small to medium devices go for about $800, and power banks meant for much smaller electronic devices — like phones and laptops — can cost less than $200

Feel free to explore the great outdoors or simply know you’re prepared for the next power outage with a portable power station.

Safety counts

Always operate generators safely, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Never attempt to connect your generator to the electrical system. The electricity you generate can back-feed to utility lines, where it can endanger lineworkers.