A portable power station could literally be a lifesaver, whether you’re out of power at home or stranded in the wilderness. You should consider adding one of these devices to your supplies even if you already have a fuel-based generator. There are many other creative uses for power stations that you may not have thought of before. Here are 10 of them.
1. Emergency Backup Power
One of the most popular uses of a portable power station is for emergency backup power. Regardless of where you live, power outages are a possibility. All households should have an emergency power supply to charge their phones and power any other critical devices. You should calculate how much energy your important devices use to know which portable power station to buy. A higher capacity emergency power supply is needed to meet the demands of more devices or higher-energy-drawing appliances.
- Power. Anything. Anywhere. With 3,032 Watt Hours, power your life at home, at work, and on the road. Run everything from power tools and refrigerators to e-bikes and electric grills; includes 1 power station, 1 wall charger, and 1 user guide
- 7 Versatile Ports, 3,032 Wh Capacity: Power phones, CPAP machines, WiFi routers, power tools and more with the Yeti 3000X, which keeps devices running efficiently with a variety of USB ports and a pure sine 2000 W (3500 W surge) AC inverter; note the Yeti 3000X integrates directly into home circuits with the Yeti Home Integration Kit (not included)
- Durable Construction, Safe Electric & Solar Power: With a heavy-duty anodized aluminum enclosure and tier 1 lithium battery cell, this electric power station will provide reliable, safe power for years to come — with super quiet operation and no gas or toxic fumes
- Recharge with Solar & Unlock Indefinite Power: Turn your Yeti 3000X into a solar generator when you combine it with a Goal Zero solar panel; our power stations feature a 600 Watt MPPT charge controller (Maximum Power Point Tracking), which increases solar input by up to 30 percent
- This Is Goal Zero: Inspired by passion for adventure, respect for the planet, and a humanitarian heart, we’re presenting a new way forward in portable power use, as well as ensuring all communities have the necessary resources to reach their full potential
If you are only looking to charge phones and maybe use one or two lights, then a 150Wh power station will suffice. These are available for under $100. To power large appliances, you’re going to be looking in the 4,000Wh+ range. Some power stations deliver as many as 25,000Wh. When you’re choosing a portable power station for backup power, you should select one with more watts than you need for your devices to account for a longer period of use. Power outages could last for several weeks, sometimes even months. You never know if serious damage will occur to the equipment in your area, resulting in a long power outage. Thus, it’s important to be prepared.
2. Strain on the Power Grids
As you’ve probably heard, the increasing strain on the power grid is causing more power outages to occur. The power grid is aging, and the demand for power has increased. You could help reduce the strain on the power grid by using a portable power station for electricity during the day. Demand on the power grid is usually highest from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Consider using a solar power station to further save on electricity and reduce your reliance on the power grid. Some power companies charge higher rates for energy use during peak hours, which is another reason you may want to use a portable power station until nightfall.
3. Renewable Energy
Solar power stations are a form of renewable energy. You could help the world begin transitioning to renewable energy by choosing this type of power station. The problem with electricity is it releases greenhouse gases and other air pollutants. Some of the pollution gets into the earth’s water, where it does additional damage to the environment.
- LONG LASTING ENDURANCE: The Explorer 500 portable power station is built with the lithium-ion battery pack, in a safely designed frame structure to maximize, and long last the power for every single use of outdoor adventures and home use.
- SUPPORT PASS-THROUGH CHARGING: This power station features 1* AC outlet (110V 500W 1000W Peak), 3*USB-A ports, 2* DC ports, and 1*car port. Its Battery Management System governs each individual cell, improving the battery life cycle while being pass-through charged.
- DESIGNED FOR PORTABILITY: Same size as a basketball, this Explorer 500 is easy to carry with its solid handle, making it a compact and reliable choice for scenarios of camping, road-trip, RV, and home backup.
- WHAT YOU GET: 1* Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station (518Wh Power Station), 1*AC adapter, 1* car charger cable, 1* user manual.
- Important: Please provide a physical address for orders - products cannot be delivered to just a PO Box address.
4. Road Trips
Passengers will want to use smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices to keep themselves entertained on road trips. You can keep a portable power station in your car to keep dying batteries from spoiling the fun. Talking with passengers is a form of distracted driving, and distracted driving increases your risk of car accidents. You want to make sure that your passengers will be entertained during the long drive, especially if you have children in the car.
Another reason why it’s a good idea to have a portable power station on road trips is to use it as an emergency phone charger. You wouldn’t want to be lost with a dying smartphone. Having access to power ensures that you’d be able to call for help in the event of an emergency. Not all portable power stations are the size of a generator. You can find smaller options that you may find more suitable for your road trip. Another benefit of using a portable power station in the car is that it provides passengers with more outlets for their electronics. If you want the ability to charge the station in your car, verify that it comes with a 12-volt DC adapter.
- 【296Wh Capacity, 300W Output】Solar Generator 300W pure sine wave supports most laptops, tablets, phones, lights, fans, projectors, TV, mini-refrigerator, camera. 296Wh huge capacity，7.94lb light weight makes it compact and perfect for camping, car trips and other family outings.
- 【Multiple output mode】1*AC pure sine wave 300W output (600W Peak),1* vehicle interface output, 2*DC interface 2*USB-A, 1*USB-C fast charging PD60W. Battery generators provide power for drones, tablets, smartphones, iPads, laptops, cameras, CPAPs and more.
- 【Three charging modes】Solar power generator supports solar charging, car charging and wall plug charging, so you don't have to worry about running out of power even when you are outdoors.
- 【BMS System】Portable Power Station provides comprehensive protection for your devices with BMS against short circuit, overcurrent, overvoltage, undervoltage, overload and overheating to ensure safer and more efficient devices. Advanced lithium-ion battery supports over 3000 charging cycles.Dual built-in silent cooling fans help keep the station temperature safe.
- 【Convenient to carry】Solar power bank weigh only 3.6kg/7.94lb and are easy to carry; Used for outdoor exploration, camping, travel, etc.
5. Survival Gear
Some portable power stations have the capability to flash an SOS signal and emit an LED light. This is a good addition to your vehicle’s survival gear in case you become stranded somewhere. Certain models can also serve as portable battery jump starters. They won’t start your car as fast as having someone with another vehicle jump-start your battery, but they will eventually restore enough power to get your car running again.
- Fit type: Universal Fit
- Reverse polarity alarm alerts when there is an improper connection; Connect the clamps to the battery, turn on the switch and start your vehicle; Onboard cable and clamp storage keeps clamps safely stored
- Built-in USB port provides portable power for electronic devices
- Patented Alternator Check function
6. RVs
Having too many appliances plugged into your RV could blow a fuse. Keeping a portable power station on hand allows you to use more appliances without concerns over blowing a fuse. These devices also let you give your RV’s battery routine breaks. Some campgrounds and RV parking areas ban the use of generators or only allow generator use during certain hours. Portable power stations are quiet sources of energy that you can use while camping in these areas. Even if a campground allows generators, you would probably prefer the peace of a much quieter power station.
Before buying a portable power station for your RV, you might want to check if you’ll be able to charge it in your RV. Most models can be charged via a 12-volt DC port in your RV. Solar power stations are also good options if you want to rely on the sun to charge them. Just keep in mind that if you’re not in a sunny area, it may make more sense to charge the power station from your RV.
7. Camping
A portable power station is great to bring with you while camping, too. With a portable power station for camping, you can charge your smartphones or other devices that you want to bring with you. It could help you enjoy longer stays in the great outdoors. Aside from charging your smartphone, the power station could power curling irons, shavers, and hairdryers; brew coffee; and run a CPAP machine. Choose a model that’s water resistant if you plan on using it for camping. An IP63 rating is a good feature to look for because it means that the power station resists dust and spraying water. Other possible uses for your camping power station are hooking up a projector to enjoy movies in the wilderness or powering a fan to stay cool during hot weather.
- 4 USB Ports.Recommended Ambient Temperature Range for Operation : 41°F - 104°F (5°C - 40°C)
- Bright LED Display Shows Run Time
- Robust Steel Handles
- Battery Powered Alternative to Gas Generators
- Quiet Clean Power for Indoor and Outdoor Use
8. Outdoor Office
Working outdoors can literally provide a refreshing change of scenery. You might not even want to go back to working indoors once you give it a try. There are many places where you could set up an outdoor office, including a park, the beach, a meadow, and other peaceful, scenic locations. You could even set up a space in your backyard when you don’t want to travel far. The right model can allow you to use a laptop, smartphone, monitor, Wi-Fi extender, and tablet all day.
9. Uninterrupted Workflow
For those who regularly work outside, such as photographers, landscapers, and maintenance workers, portable power stations come in handy. You can enjoy an uninterrupted workflow when you keep one of these devices with you. It could reduce your stress and improve the quality of your work when you’re not worried in the back of your mind about the batteries in your devices dying.
10. Replace Gas Generators
Some people decide to replace their gas generators with portable power stations because they are quieter and better for the environment. Portable power stations also don’t emit carbon monoxide as gas generators do. Fuel-based generators usually need to be set up at least 20 feet away from your home to protect your household from carbon monoxide. If you don’t have a large yard, then this isn’t easy to do.
Those who live in apartments and townhomes wouldn’t be able to use a gas generator either. Portable power stations allow these residents to have access to safe emergency backup power. You don’t need to set up a portable power station outside like you would with a gas generator. Rather than entirely replacing their gas generator, some people buy a portable power station as a backup to their main generator. This is another option to consider if you’re uncertain about relying solely on a portable power station.
What To Know Before Buying a Portable Power Station
Power stations that can use solar panels to charge should never be used completely out of energy when you have a power outage. Once they’re out of power, they can’t charge via the solar panels. They do need some juice in them to begin charging from solar power.
If you plan on using the portable power station for anything that’s hardwired in your house, then you need a transfer switch. Fuel-based generators are the same way. Examples of appliances and fixtures that are hardwired are furnaces and light fixtures.
Portable power stations aren’t as efficient in their use of power as fuel-based generators. According to Consumer Reports, for a runtime of eight to 13 hours on gas, a portable power station would have a runtime of three to nine hours. You’ll likely have to pay more for a more powerful portable power station to meet the needs of what you’d like to power.
Most models take several hours to recharge. You may have to let them charge overnight. As for those that can use solar panels to charge, when it’s cloudy outside, it’s going to take longer for the station to charge.
Don’t be fooled by the term portable, either. These devices tend to be heavy and could be the size of a large microwave. Many models weigh 80 pounds, and some weigh even more. Some models come with wheels, but that still doesn’t solve the problem if you want to place one in the trunk of your car and you are struggling to lift it on your own. If its wheels are small, then you may have more difficulty rolling it across a lawn.
With all this said, remember that technology is always evolving. Today’s portable power stations are better than those of the past, and they continue to become more powerful, more efficient, and less expensive. You’ll want to keep an eye out for upgraded models over time.
How Do You Charge a Portable Power Station?
You can charge it from the outlet in your home just as you would from an outlet in your RV. Car chargers are also possible to use for charging the power station.
How Do You Set Up a Portable Power Station?
Using an extension cord, connect the power station to the bottom port of the transfer switch of your electric panel. Some electric panels don’t have a transfer switch, but you can pay an electrician to install one. This typically takes about an hour. Once your power station is connected, you need to flip the necessary switches on your panel to gen mode. You should know which circuit breakers you need to feed the power to. Also, make sure that you first unplug any appliances that you don’t intend to power to avoid damaging your power station. Overloading can damage it.
Portable power stations are a clean, quiet option in generators that you can safely use indoors. They don’t necessarily have to replace your fuel-based generator. They can be a good complement to your emergency energy backup system. If you’re environmentally conscious, they can even help you take more demand off your city’s power grid.
