Portable power stations
Battery power stations: what they can run and for how long.
Best portable power station for camping: how to choose, plus 4 picksPick a camping power station by Wh, solar input and weight. Four picks from makers' specs for phones, a 12 V fridge or a CPAP, with the math.
Best solar generator: how to match a power station and panels, plus picksA solar generator is a power station plus panels. How to size both for camping or home backup, with picks from makers' specs and the solar math.
What size power station do I need to run a CPAP all night?How many Wh a CPAP uses in a night, with the humidifier on or off, and why a DC adapter stretches your battery. Simple math plus a calculator.
How long does it take to charge a portable power station?Charge time = Wh ÷ charging watts, plus losses. Makers' wall, solar and car charge times for 500 Wh to 5 kWh stations, with worked examples.
What size power station do I need for home backup?How many Wh a power station needs to back up your home's essentials for a day, what it can and can't run, and when you need 240 V.
Can a power station run a space heater? What size you need and how long it lastsA space heater draws up to 1,500 W, so only larger power stations apply. Sizes, run time math for 1, 2 and 4 kWh models, and low-watt heat that lasts longer.
What size power station do I need for Starlink?Starlink lists 75–100 W average for Standard and 25–40 W for Mini. How long 500, 1,000 and 2,000 Wh stations run each, with the math.
Can a portable power station run a sump pump, and for how long?A 1/2 HP sump pump needs up to 2,150 W to start, so pick a station with enough surge. How long 1 and 2 kWh stations last, with the math.
Best power station for a refrigerator: picks, sizes and how long it runs oneThe best power station for a refrigerator depends on Wh and surge. Picks from 500 to 4,000 Wh from makers' specs, run times for a fridge, 12 V fridge tips and the math.