What are solar powered portable power stations?

These solar-powered portable power stations keep your batteries full during power outages and off-grid campouts. These days, gas-powered generators aren’t the only option for charging on the go. Solar-powered generators—also called portable power stations—are a growing sector of the power market.

How do you charge a portable solar power system?

Other people use them to power speakers while tailgating, or integrate them into van build projects. Most portable solar power systems — aka solar generators, power stations, portable power banks or battery boxes — can be charged via solar panels, a wall plug or a 12-volt car outlet.

Do solar panels need a power station?

Solar panels without a power station are not particularly useful, so the term “solar generator” typically refers to both the panels and the station used in conjunction. What Size and How Much Capacity Do You Need? One of the main differences in these models is how much charging “juice” they can store, referenced in watt-hours.

What makes a good solar power station?

One of the most important aspects of any solar power station is how well it can interface and charge from various types of solar panels. In some cases, a solar power station might not be able to accept different types of solar panels or may be locked to its own brand’s solar panels through a proprietary connection.

Should you buy a portable power station?

Larger units can also provide peace of mind in areas where power outages are a concern. Depending on output, many of these portable power stations can sustain household appliances the way a gas generator would. Run out of juice? Attach a few solar panels and you’ll start recharging the power station immediately— no emergency fuel run necessary.

How do portable power stations work?

Portable power stations that recharge via solar panels have changed the game for working and playing in off-grid locations. We use ours to power our computers, electric cooler, coffeemaker and shower while camping and traveling. We also run tools and recharge drill batteries anywhere it’s inconvenient to reach an outlet.