Power stations
Portable Power Station Sizing for Outages
A portable power station is easiest to compare by two numbers: watt-hours and inverter output. Watt-hours estimate how long it can run gear. Inverter output estimates what it can run at the same time.
Always check the manufacturer manual for exact limits, battery chemistry, operating temperature, and surge rating before relying on a power station for essential equipment.
Quick sizing approach
- Phone and lights: a small 250-500Wh unit can be enough for basic overnight comfort.
- Laptop, modem, fan, and lights: look closer to 500-1,000Wh.
- Mini fridge or longer outage use: compare 1,000Wh and up, then verify starting surge needs.
Do not ignore inverter output
A battery can have plenty of capacity and still fail to run a device if the inverter output is too low. Motor loads, compressors, and some tools can need a higher starting surge than their running watts suggest.
Solar charging reality
A 200W panel does not produce 200W all day. Heat, shade, angle, clouds, and controller limits reduce real charging. Budget buyers should compare solar input limits before assuming a panel will refill a unit quickly.