When you are deciding which size of solar generator to buy, you should consider how much power that the portablesolar generator can provide so it can provide enough electricity for running your devices. A portable power station size is usually referred to in watt-hours (Wh) and tells you how much energy it can store and discharge within a time period. With this mentioned power station, a 50-watt device could theoretically be powered for 10 hours (500Wh ÷ 50W = 10 hours). Knowing how this is calculated can help you determine a power station that can be reliable and not fall short in crucial times.
If it is for minimal use to charge smartphones or small devices, then a portable power station with the capacity of about 300Wh would be enough. Which can recharge your smartphone about 25 times or keep a laptop running for 6-8 hours based on the actual power draw of what you're using. Nonetheless, if you are planning to run larger appliances like mini fridges or electric grills then youre going to need a very large station. For example, you can get 15 hours of service for a mini-fridge or even in case you are using it during an emergency power outage, if used with a 1000Wh portable power station.
There is another aspect of consideration that which comes under the influence of efficiency. Although up to 85% efficiency with most portable power stations is a decent percentage, they will lose a bit of power due to heat and internal energy conversions. Take for example say the rating of a 1000Wh power station, but it only serves up 85% efficiency. A realistic number then you can roughly use would be around 850Wh Choosing a station based on these parameters ensures you are not stranded in cases where power may be low when you need it most.
But equally important is the power output of the station, which is measured in watts (W). The smaller power stations with lower wattage like 300W are for small devices, and they will not take care of appliances that consume a lot of power such as microwaves and some laborsaving tools. With a 100W panel, you may struggle to power these loads (you can recharge when you have good sun) or maybe not be able to run them at all, while just as easily a 1000W+ portable power station would eat this up. Construction workers and campers who might be using power tools or a portable electric stove are better off opting for an inverter generator with at least 1 kilowatt in its wattage rating, for example.
Prices depend on size and features. Cheaper units are available for small models, which can have prices range from $200 to $400 but advanced stations like lets say a 1000Wh unit can cost upwards of $1,000 While more costly, bigger stations are helpful for longer outdoor adventures or as a failsafe emergency power supply.
But, as Jackery CEO Z. Sun says: “A quality power station can be the difference between convenience and safety of that investment.” And it does so for the simple reason that, in an emergency power failure or during a survival situation shutting down your portable power station is the worst thing you can do while others have also qualified as looking good on paper so not worth linking to here if they are iffy and after making sure this model does.
What size should you get ultimately depends on what devices you want to power, as well as the station's own conversion efficiency and most importantly your budget. But at the same time, it is more powerful and useful than other small portable options which makes it ideal for not only casual users but also professionals.