The need for electricity is almost unavoidable in this day and age. From camping to cookouts, power outages to picnics, portable power stations have a use in nearly any situation. Where generators are intended to provide power to homes, portable power stations are ideal for charging electronics, keeping small appliances running, or even powering outdoor movie or gaming parties.
As the world turns its eye toward renewable energy, two major types of portable power stations have come to prominence: solar and electric. Both have their pros and cons, but which is the best option for you? Read on for information about electric vs. solar power stations.
Power Supply
![Anker-513-Solar-Panel-21W](https://www.powerstationpros.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/05/Anker-513-Solar-Panel-21W-1024x1024.webp)
Solar power stations rely on solar panels to convert sunlight into electrical energy. Solar panels are made of semiconductor materials, such as silicon, that absorb sunlight to generate an electrical current. If you’ve seen solar panels on the roofs of nearby houses, it’s the same technology, just on a smaller scale.
The Best Solar Power Generator Buying Guide: the Top 5 Best Picks
Where solar stations recharge with sunlight, electric power stations need to be plugged into an electrical outlet in order to fill up their batteries. This means that you can plug them in at home, but it also gives you the opportunity to recharge the power station with a generator as well.
Cost
Because the technology is relatively new, solar power stations are generally more expensive than electric ones. However, keep in mind that electric power stations rely on electricity, as their name indicates, so they can impact your electricity bills. In contrast, solar power stations may be more expensive up front, but there are no costs associated with recharging them.
Environmental Friendliness
![Jackery Explorer 240 Application](https://www.powerstationpros.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/06/Jackery-Explorer-240-Applicatio-1024x1024.webp)
Solar portable home power stations are more environmentally friendly than electric ones. Solar panels convert sunlight into electrical energy, which powers appliances and electronics. Solar panels do not produce emissions, making them a clean energy source.
While countries like the United States are attempting to increase the amount of electricity generated by renewable means, including solar panels and hydroelectric plants, the majority of electricity is still generated using fossil fuels, like coal and natural gas. Though electric power stations don’t necessarily generate harmful emissions on their own, they can contribute to them as a result.
Care
One of the major differences between solar and electric power stations is how you take care of them. The main power station units themselves will be relatively similar, and of course, stations from different brands may vary in how sturdy they are. However, as electric power stations keep their technology inside, there’s less of a chance that something can happen to them, barring water damage or a cut power cord.
With solar power stations, you need to be careful of how you treat the solar panels. Panels need to be gently cleaned regularly to ensure maximum sunlight absorption. Because they’re sensitive pieces of equipment, you need to be mindful of how they’re treated, taking care to avoid impacts that can damage the panels.
A Caveat
Although solar power stations have a variety of differences from electric ones, they’re not mutually exclusive. Some electric power stations are compatible with solar panels, which allows you to convert them instead of needing to buy an entirely new unit. This also makes them more versatile as you can rely on sunlight for charging in areas without electricity and plug the station in when you’re able to.
Conclusion
![A typical generator.](https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2019/11/15/13/22/isolated-4628420_960_720.jpg)
Despite their differences, solar and electric power stations are both viable options. Solar panels add versatility to power stations, but if you run out of charge in the middle of the night, you need to wait until the sun comes up. Electric power stations require access to outside generators whether they’re portable gas generators, home electrical outlets, or even vehicle power converters. Ultimately, it’s important to choose the power station that suits your needs and stays within your budget.
- Power on the Go: Weighing at 5KG only, the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station with a 40W solar panel is lightweight to carry, with total weight equivalent to 2 Macbooks. It’s ideal for camping, road-trips, and more. It is also easy to operate with a one-button start, and convenient to set up and store with the pad-sized foldable solar panel.
- All-round Safety: By adopting advanced lithium technology, the Explorer 300 Plus is highly temperature resistant - cells operate efficiently and safely, even at 45℃. Max safety is achieved, featuring 52 protective mechanisms, 12 BMS algorithms, and 4 types of physical protection.
- Diverse & Fast Charging: Charge from the sun as fast as possible. Only 4 hours is taken for the solar generator to become fully charged via convenient connection to a SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel. Additionally, the dual PD USB-C ports (1*100W input&output and 1*15W output) enable quick charging for your multiple devices simultaneously.
- Long-lasting Lifespan: Thanks to Jackery's innovative ChargeShield technology, the battery life of the Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station is boosted by 50%. Durable LFP (LiFePO4) batteries, coupled with BMS protections ensures up to 10 years of use even when recharged every 3 days, making it an excellent investment for off-grid living.
- Smart App Control: Easily manage your Explorer 300 Plus Solar Generator via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth - you can fully monitor the remaining battery level and more on the App. Also, multiple advanced settings can be customized to meet individual needs, while ensuring round-the-clock energy control.
- [1 Hour AC Recharge] - Power up in just 1 hour! With EcoFlow's X-Stream fast charging technology, recharge your RIVER 2 Max 500 using any standard AC outlet.
- [Power All Your Essentials] - With an output of up to 1000W, run 11 essential appliances simultaneously without worrying about overloading. With a whole host of ports, from 300W AC outlets to USB-C, we've got all your device's plugs covered.
- [LiFePO4 Long-Life Battery] - Enjoy over 10 years of use with our LiFePO4 battery cells. RIVER 2 Max 500 includes advanced BMS protection, monitoring voltage, current, and temperature to keep your LFP battery running for years.
- [Fast Solar Charging] - Embrace clean energy! Recharge your RIVER 2 Max 500 in as fast as 2.3 hours with just 220W of solar input. Perfect for outdoor adventures.
- [Lightweight & Portable] - Take power anywhere! Weighing only 13.3lbs, the RIVER 2 Max 500 is designed for easy transportation. Ideal for camping, RV trips, or home backup.
- SPEED UP YOUR RECHARGEABILITY: It takes only 2 hours to recharge 80% battery of the power station through the wall outlet and 60W PD USB-C port simultaneously. You can also recharge your power station with an AC adapator when at home, through the car outlet during a road trip or simply use a Jackery SolarSaga 100.
- SAFE & STEADY POWER SUPPLY: Armed with a 293Wh lithium-ion battery pack, the Explorer 300 features 2 Pure Sine Wave AC outlets that deliver stable and safe 300W power. The portable power station weighs only 7.1 pounds. You can simply rest assured in outdoor off-grid activities.
- POWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS: Featuring 2* AC outlet, 1* PD 60W USB-C port (input/output supported) , 1* fast charge 3.0 port, 1*USB-A port and 1* DC car port, the power station can recharge itself and charge (up to) 6 devices (e.g.Drones, Macbook, Cameras, etc.) at the same time to satisfy your outdoor needs.
- GREEN POWER SUPPLY: The power station is compatible with the Jackery SolarSaga 100 solar panel. The integrated MPPT controller enables the solar generator set to operate at its max power point, so that it speeds up the battery recharge, making them ideal portable power kits for tent camping, overland journey and etc.
- WHAT YOU GET: 1* Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station , 1*AC adapter, 1* car charger cable, 1* user guide