Need power anywhere you go? The solar-powered generators are a great way to provide some juice while camping, working remotely, or during grid interruptions. They are highly portable, only averaging 10-20kg/22-44lbs in weight. These units come in handy for many YouTube bloggers or video/photo makers as they need to keep their GoPro’s or cameras charged for creating fascinating photo and video content. Moreover, many trades use portable stations to run or recharge power tools on a field. There are many other essential use cases for solar mobile power stations where energy is scarce. Please note, throughout the product review page, we will be referring to the solar portable power stations and solar generators terms interchangeably.
The portable solar generators are all-in-one power units comprised of solar charge controllers, inverters, lithium-ion banks with a battery management system, and various outlets. The LiFePO4 battery pack, similarly used in electric bikes and vehicles, provides a reliable and uninterrupted power supply until it runs out of power. The built-in pure sine wave inverter supplies 120V AC, just like the central grid. In most cases, it has enough power to run some appliances such as TV, electronic chargers, LED lights, small power tools, WiFi router, mini-fridge and CPAP machine. A few models can handle high-power inrush currents to start small motors, pumps, and compressors. Unfortunately, air conditioners and other similar large loads exceed the power capacity of most solar generators. Apart from 120V AC, solar-powered stations have a 12V cigarette lighter outlet and a few USB-A and USB-C charging ports that many use for cell phones, tablets, cameras, etc.
What to consider when buying a solar portable power station
Recharging
In general, the units can be recharged through a standard wall outlet in 4-7 hours on average or get renewable free power directly from solar panels in 5-12 hours (depending on the state of charge and size of a solar panel). Solar panels are usually not included with power stations; therefore, make sure to leave some extra budget for adding them to the system if needed.
Your energy demands
Before selecting or purchasing a solar portable power station, you must consider the devices you want to keep running through the unit. Keeping a 10W LED light ON for an hour consumes far less energy than running a 45W CPAP machine for the same time. Therefore, a list of critical loads/devices will help to select the suitable model. Don’t hesitate to contact us to figure out the loads or for any other recommendations. We know it can be tricky sometimes!
Capacity
After you go through the loads/devices, the most crucial factor is the station capacity. The general rule of thumb is to have the battery capacity lasting 2-3 days off-grid with no recharge. For example, a few phone or tablet chargers, LED lanterns and GoPro’s batteries will consume around 250Wh per day, therefore, the battery capacity should be between 500Wh to 750Wh. Of course, it’s better to have a slightly oversized battery capacity to cover some other loads conveniently.
Our top pick of best solar portable power stations 2022
| Product | Features | Rated AC Power/Capacity | Power outputs | Weight/Dimensions | Solar panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  Energizer Arc5 Check on Amazon | Li-iron phosphate batteries Digital display Built-in LED flashlight 2-year warranty | 500Watt (1000W peak)/550Wh | - AC Output (×2),120VAC 500W total - USB-A Port (×2), 12W per port - USB-A Fast Charge (×1), 18W - USB-C Port (x1), 60W - Cigarette Port (x1) 12.6V, 126W - DC 5.5mm outlet | 11.1lbs / 5kg 10.2 x 6.7 x 8.1in |   120W foldable solar panel Check on Amazon |
  EF ECOFLOW DELTA mini Check on Amazon | Li-ion Cycle Life 800 cycles LCD display LED Light Wi-Fi supported 2-year warranty | 1400Watt (2100W peak)/882Wh | - AC Output (×5), 120VAC 1400W total - USB-A Fast Charge (×1), 18W - USB-A Port (×2), 12W per port - USB-C Port (x1), 100W - Cigarette Port (x1) 12.6V, 126W - DC 5.5mm outlet | 23.6lbs / 10.7kg 14.9 × 7.2 x 9.4in |  160W foldable solar panel Check on Amazon |
  BLUETTI Portable Power Station EB3A Check on Amazon | A 15-watt wireless charging pad LiFePO4 battery with 2500+ life cycles LCD display LED Light 2-year warranty | 600Watt (1200W peak)/268Wh | - AC Output (×2), 120VAC 600W total - USB-A Port (×2),15W per port - USB-C Port (x1), 100W - Wireless Charging Pad (x1),15W - Cigarette Port (x1) 12.6V, 126W - DC 5.5mm outlet | 10.1lb / 4.5 kg 25 x 18.2 x 18.2 in |  200W foldable solar panel Check on Amazon |
  OUPES 1800W Portable Power Station Check on Amazon | Li-ion battery with 500 cycles LCD screen LED Light 5-year warranty | 1800Watt (4000W peak)/1488Wh | - AC Output (×3), 120VAC 1000W total - USB-A Port (×2),12W - USB-A Fast Charge (×1), 20W - USB-C Port (x2), 36W per port - Cigarette Port (x1) 12.6V, 126W | 31 lbs / 14 kg 15.1 x 9.5 x 13.4 in |   2x100W foldable solar panel Check on Amazon |
  Goal Zero Yeti 500X Check on Amazon | Li-ion battery with 500 cycles LCD screen 2-year warranty | 300Watt (1200W peak)/505Wh | AC Output (×2), 120VAC 300W total - USB-A Port (×2),12W per port - USB-A Fast Charge (×1), 20W - USB-C Port (x1), 36W - USB-C PD Port (x1), 60W - Cigarette Port (x1) 12.6V, 126W | 12.9 lbs / 5.85 kg 7.5 x 11.25 x 5.8 in |  100W solar panel Check on Amazon |
  Steelite Portable Power Station Check on Amazon | Li-ion battery LCD screen LED Light 5-year warranty | 1200Watt (2600W peak)/1110Wh | AC Output (×6), 120VAC 1200W total - USB-A Port (×1),12W - USB-A Fast Charge (×1), 20W - USB-C Port (x1), 36W - USB-C PD Port (x1), 60W - Cigarette Port (x1) 12.6V, 96W | 29.9 lbs / 13.6 kg 17 x 15 x 12 in |   120W foldable solar panel Check on Amazon |
What portable power station to select?
Looking for the right solar portable generator in the market can be tricky. Many brands, models and sizes offer various “turn-key” solutions. Essentially, they all have similar features but are wrapped into diverse, uniquely shaped enclosures. The portable power banks are as versatile as you need them to be. Some units are shinier than others by using a stunning palette of colours. One can find a built-in LED light a game changer when others prefer a more extended warranty period. In fact, what matters most are the power and capacity. Considering these two factors in the beginning, may facilitate the selection process by narrowing down to a model that fits the needed use scenario. Of course, considering the built quality and a warranty is important, but it would come secondary.
That said, realizing what appliances and for what period the portable power stations can supply juice is essential. Consequently, a Sunnywell team has created a simple table of our top picks of power banks for different use cases/appliances. We hope it will assist you in finding the best portable power station for your needs.
| Product/Appliances |  Lights |  Phone |  CPAP |  Drone/Camera |  Laptop |  Mini-fridge |  Coffee maker |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Energizer Arc5 | 55 hr | 55 chargers | 9 hr | 13 chargers | 7 chargers | 7 hr |  |
Goal Zero Yeti 500X | 50 hr | 50 chargers | 8 hr | 12 chargers | 6 chargers | 6.5 hr | |
  BLUETTI Portable Power | 45 hr | 45 chargers | 8 hr | 11 chargers | 6 chargers | 5 hr | |
EF ECOFLOW DELTA mini | 80 hr | 80 chargers | 15 hr | 22 chargers | 12 chargers | 11 hr | 52 min |
OUPES 1800W Portable Power | 133 hr | 133 chargers | 23 hr | 33 chargers | 19 chargers | 17 hr | 84 min |
Steelite Portable Power Station | 100 hr | 100 chargers | 18 hr | 27 chargers | 15 chargers | 13 hr | 63 min |
Conclusion
Energy is everywhere, but at the same time, it’s scarce in the way we use it. It plays a critical role in every sphere of human life. The reliable source of electricity has impacted our society by changing how people communicate, live, and spend their leisure time. Nowadays, people use coffee machines in the most remote areas where no electricity is available. Solar portable stations help us bring such “home convenience” to distant regions. It also allows recharging the power banks with renewable solar source if adding one of the mentioned above solar panels.
After going through a few best power banks in a range of models and sizes, we are certain that most people will get the power needs they are looking for with the BLUETTI Power Station EB70S or EF ECOFLOW DELTA mini. If you know that you need some power to run small electronics such as a phone charger, laptop, camera and lights, then the Energizer Arc5 or Goal Zero Yeti 500X are great options. Those looking to get off-grid juice for heavier-duty appliances should purchase OUPES Portable Power Station or Steelite Portable Power Station.