How to Pick The RIGHT Portable Power Station (For Beginners)

[@TheSolarLab]

🛒 Popular Power Station Bundles (With Solar Panels) • Shop Solar: shopsolarkits.com/collections... • Use Code: THESOLARLAB for $101 Off Your Order Over $2,000 ☀ Calculate Solar Panel Cost for your House: www.solar-estimate.org/solar-... 🛒 Some of our Favourite Brands: • Jackery: shrsl.com/4fudr • EcoFlow: shrsl.com/4fudt • Anker: shrsl.com/4fudy 🔔 Subscribe to our KZbin Channel: @TheSolarLab 0:00 - Intro 1:05 - 60 Second Electricity Lesson 2:53 - Step 1: Battery & Inverter Size 4:38 - Step 2: How are you Powering it? 6:15 - Step 3: Choosing Features 7:24 - Step 4: How to Save Money 8:56 - Step 5: Don't F**k Up! 10:57 - Take the Quiz! When it comes to purchasing your first, or even second Portable Power Station, there is a lot to consider. What are Volts, Amps, and Watts? How Many of them do you need? & How do you make sure that you spend your hard earned money, on a Portable Power Station / Solar Generator - that will actually fit your needs? Well, today we put together 5 quick and easy steps for beginners to follow as a "Quick Beginners Guide" to help you determine how to properly size, and find the correct unit for you! We maintain an affiliate relationship with some of the products reviewed, which means we get a small percentage of a sale if you click our links, at no cost to our viewers.

[@williammahr2160]

I get power outages 1in 3 months can I keep these units plugged in 24/7

[@ingridgale4799]

Finally! Thank you for explaining what seems complicated to digestible information for the regular person.

[@TheSolarLab]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@rickmaff]

@@TheSolarLab Curious why you chose volts as flow and amps as size, when amps is literally known as current in electric.

[@saucyl3477]

"Don't buy based on the numbers they give you. Buy based on the math" Best advice that crosses multiple aspects of life!

[@tomroach6275]

Thank you for making basic electricty understandable. Well thoughtout and produced. Great job!

[@katrinagarland5219]

OMG - thank you for explaining watts so perfectly. I'm in my 60's and never really understood electricity UNTIL NOW!

[@mymuses4336]

I SECOND THAT! ^..^

[@Alison-ye3sv]

​@@mymuses4336 Me too 👍

[@eclectic.elements11]

This just changed my life. So many videos, which fridge uses how much, what battery for this fridge, what solar and how much? THERES SO MUCH TO KNOW!! lol thank you!!!

[@eclectic.elements11]

I just confidently bought a power station and solar panel because of this video. If I wouldn’t have seen this I would have got a power station and solar panel that was too small for my needs. Thanks again!!

[@boatraft]

So in the hose analogy *water pressure = volts *hose inner diameter = amps *gallons per minute = watts. Dude. I took Physics 102, I studied electricity at the college level for most of a semester. And if I actually learned anything, I must have forgotten it immediately. But THIS will stick with me. THIS makes sense. Thanks!!!

[@marcisdon]

yes, *water pressure = volts, no *hose inner diameter cannot be amps since the inner diameter would be what creates the pressure, no *gallons per minute are not watts, it would be watts x minutes (more commonly Wh, kWh etc.), watt on its own would be the instantaneous amount of *gallons I suppose. That being said, the water and hose analogy is the easiest way to explain electricity so I don't know why your college professor wouldn't have used it, unless it was used in physics 101 or another course before.

[@biancamadeiro7399]

Are you a teacher? I finally understand it! Thank you so much!

[@rccosplay3249]

First! The video covered all the major points of what to look for in a portable power station. I would not want anything less than 3.6-5Kwh of battery storage, a Delta pro would be the minimum for a weekend off grid activity.

[@HomerJ202]

I rarely comment on videos I watch, but I have learned soooo much from this. GREAT job explaining how to figure the right generator for our use. I have watched so many videos from so many good resources, but this is just awesome! I enjoy your honest recommendations and simple explanations. I have some homework to do, but as least I know how to start the process correctly. THANK YOU!

[@garyhutsell1355]

Well it would appear that your buyers guide is spot on, or least for me. Thought it would be interesting to see what would be suggested even though I had recently just purchased two F2600's. I was pleased to see that the buyers guide suggested that exact model....yay Enjoy your reviews, good job!

[@TheSolarLab]

Glad to hear that our quiz validated your decision! The F2600 is an awesome unit! Enjoy ⚡️

[@sarahmcarthur9107]

Thanks so much for this video--I land smack dab in the middle of your target audience and I will follow your suggestions for sure! I'm missing the quiz though (I'm probably just not seeing it). We have a lot of potential uses for a power station (we live in the country, travel a lot in a trailer, have a greenhouse, drive distances in hot weather for groceries, so many possibilities) and just need to narrow down what the priority would be. Thanks again--I'm really glad you guys are there!

[@elliev3593]

This video is a great start to understanding portable power stations. Now I need to figure out how much power my fridge uses. I only want the power station for my fridge and charging my cell phone in case of an emergency. Thank you for this video. A great start.

[@terrystrife4198]

Great information video! Great presentation and thorough with the products.

[@Catman_z]

You are the man! Thanks for being the first honest reviewer/educator! From the electric utility and I can’t believe how many scams sales people pitch to go solar! Y’all rock

[@sandiatsdmb1736]

Very quality video! Impressive all around. Well presented and full of information. Presenter is a great speaker. Will recommend this channel!

[@teeb9969]

Your analogies helped me. Spoon fed folks who don’t speak electricity language. The bike analogy was spot on

[@nedbones6004]

This is an absolutely great video. I'm in the electricity business, and this dude really knows how to describe the basics. I'm going to do some winter car camping, and considering buying a portable electric power station. This was the only source that made sense. Thank you Solar Lab!

[@michaelbray3468]

Thank you ! Finally, someone that can articulate , & make it easy for the ignorant to understand . Well done ! Thank you for addressing the fundamentals ...we older folks need a little basics to catch up . Much appreciated .

[@OfftoShambala]

I took notes and studied for an hour… did some calculations.,, I’ve gonee from a D grade to at least a C … in my understanding of electricity … today… I’ll need to review daily for at least a week… lol… but, hey, progress is good… so thanks

[@Tykoon]

Great content. Subscribed! Please review the UGreen PowerRoam 2400.

[@zalllon]

A 100 W panel actually produces less than 100 W 99% of the time, and it’s probably closer to 80 W depending on the panel quality and efficiency. Then there is the angle of the sun, clouds, and any potential shade from trees, light post what not. So realistically the rating on a solar panel when used with these mobile stations will never reach its potential, and probably realistically will sit at 60% of its potential. Folks should know that so they’re not underestimating how much battery they need.

[@croked]

this. my three 100w often peak at 150w combined in a fairly sunny day

[@bdogdaprince]

⁠damn. Is that disappointing?

[@reynightblood1517]

I’m in Arizona…. So I’m good 😂

[@NoThankYouToo]

Dude!! This is the single best explanation of electricity I’ve ever seen. Excellent work. Thank you!! 🙏🏽

[@darylwalker256]

This was the BEST info by far concerning electricity flow and necessities in a generator AND two reviews of good generators. I definitely subscribed. Thank you very much

[@kawkid]

Nice video. Very informative. I took note of the important and simple calculations you mentioned. I am just getting into this kind of power. Needed a unit for camping. Weight and enough power to run me 2 days were my requirements. I can see having several of these at various sizes to meet different needs. I would rather have one of these with enough solar to use as a home backup rather than a gas powered generator. They are too noisy and need to have gas.

[@HarveyBear-j8b]

Great presentation. Love the flow… One thing you said concerning Volts not mattering, I am looking at an Anker F3800 and there is a limit of 60 V on the Solar input. Looking at the specs on the Anker, it is saying you could damage the unit if you hooked it up to more that 60 V. I have just started learning about Solar, so still learning. I have seen where one video sighted that a pair of 400 W Solar panels actually would surpass the 60 V if configured in a particular fashion. I am still figuring out the Series vs Parallel. Been too long ago when I was looking at that. So any comments on how that works in setting up an Array, would be gladly appreciated. Great job. Keeping them coming please.

[@10trucks3]

Great overview. I have vaguely understood electricity my whole life but now since your explanations it makes sense. Really well done.

[@resurrectionsunday4164]

Absolutely fantastic video! Im saving it and writing ✍️ down the math for when Im out and about. Im learning challenged and the way you have explained this is something I can basically understand. Do you have something like this on how to connect everything? There are so many videos talking about how to set up but some say you need breakers and fuses and busses and my brain just fries and quits. Personally I’m piecing together cheap 100 watt panels and 200 watt generators as i can acquire them and I might have different plugs 🔌 to deal with when I’m ready to put them together. I’m interested in being able to power a 40” tv 📺 and maybe a corded shaver for my husband simultaneously. I’m also interested in portable power for running a lamp plus crafting appliances like a glue gun , heat gun, sewing machine or an iron . I don’t have the resources to do this any other way than piece meal. Any tips? Maybe an adapter kit?

[@CaptainDave2010]

great video - I am 70yo senior - live up in the mountains 1 mile high - want unit for EMERGENCY only - avg-size newer FURNACE to stay warm - microwave for hot food - basic wifi/comp/cell/dsl communication a few lights .. will 3600w be enough for a few days - thanks ;) CaptDave- retired 92352

[@lionelborges8094]

Lionel here in central California. Great explanation and advise! It’s simple to understand once it’s explained properly. Thanks and stay charged…

[@viz8746]

Thanks for this, especially the "go backward" advice.

[@karenkemp3190]

Thanks so much, is the quiz available somewhere?

[@fcecile]

You are an outstanding teacher!

[@johnnyle1707]

What would be recommended to power a home, I’m still hella new at this so it’s fair to say I’m still learning and still very confused

[@JK13A]

Thank you for making this video. Enjoy all the learning here and going to be watching more videos to learn about the products I'm leaning towards.

[@DerekRhoads]

Volts are very important. Using water as an example, it would be how much pressure is in the line. No pressure, no flow. More pressure, more flow.

[@rileyhance318]

I would also add that you probably want a battery using LFP chemistry. Older lithium ion packs dont last nearly as long

[@Kat-go9mt]

Thank you for an execellent description of all the what when and wheres of these products! I purchased a Jackery Explorer 2000 plus today and I am still trying to find out from somebody if it is safe to plug it in my normal living room or bedroom outlet without a dedicated one? I had previously purchased a Duracell power bank and it blew a curcuit and had no power in those areas of my home! Thank you for any help!

[@terrylong8465]

Very well presented indeed. Packed with plenty of information I needed. Thanks.

[@zhompi]

How good is the "Anker SOLIX C1000" it's on a super discount right now, just looking for something to go camping and power small appliances...

[@princesscassiopeia]

We are moving to Philippines, everything is 220V, which one should I buy?

[@javedwazir2369]

I want using 3 kWh induction cooker and 6 kWh induction fryer and 3 kWh and 3 kWh grill . Tell me what is suitable for 8 hours

[@fd4340]

My jackery died after 3 years and only using it 3 times. Got no help from then, just bought a vtoman, hopefully I will have better luck.

[@Maineuser]

The Anker 767 on wheels seems attractive for a senior. But it has those shorter-life and more volatile batteries?

[@larrywong7834]

Would Love for you to Expand Your Impressions for us Beginners on the Goal Zero Yeti Pro 4000. Solar 13-150v 40A. 3000w cap.___ Interesting the Pro's RainProof design. I guess THAT implies Camping. Your Research would be an Impeling Video to peruse. Granted many of us wants to Grow from our Investment without having fearing remorse too soon later.

[@larrywong7834]

US based Support. Going there for Self Support would ba a great EXCUSE to enjoy Utah Visit/Vacation time.

[@johnstride5761]

Great information and explanations.

[@Electronzap]

Good tips, there's a lot of situations out there, and a lot of options.

[@ANGEL-nc5lx]

Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@CaptCanuck4444]

Really good information and well explained, thanks!

[@cmoorejack]

Great video and thanks for the honesty..that goes a long way with a company 🤘

[@vmobile890]

I have 3 faucets outside 8 inside .Pressure all the same . Water amount exiting all different . I’ll check another site for information .

[@krisorendorff]

I'm a first time, new Jeep Wrangler owner. I need help finding the right: portable powered refrigerator, and portable power unit, for my Jeep. (I may, or may not run a fan as well). I don't, have a huge budget (I'm disabled, on disability). I'm a Para Archer, and want to head south, for archery training, and camp out. Thank you ahead of time. (Jackery is a name I have heard of)

[@fi0nagd]

Is the quiz available yet?

[@areallyraggednotion]

wow-----a good video that gives actual information----thanks

[@RaulAlvarez2678]

i have Bluetti but i've been thinking of getting an Amazon/Ebay brand 1000+WH power station as a cheap alternative of buying a expansion battery to daisy chain it to the Bluetti for longer run times. I can get two 1000WH PS for less than the cost of the B80 expansion battery. what are your thoughts on that?

[@mkayradcliff]

I want to buy a power station for outages. I'm working now on calculating the wattage I may need. Mostly, what the station would power during an outage is a refrigerator, a small cooking appliance, and a couple of fans or a portable heater, depending on the weather. I also have a large upright freezer, but it can stay cold for hours as long as the door remains closed. After 6 or 7 hours, I figure I could alternate between powering the fridge and the freezer. Unless it's well below freezing outside, then I could temporarily store frozen stuff outside. I would like any advice you can give. Like, what type of portable heater pairs best with a power station? At the moment, I have a radiator type. I don't remember the wattage because I don't use it often. Are refurbished power stations a good idea? I noticed that EcoFlow offers them sometimes. All of the items I mentioned would need powdered by battery. I live in an apartment, so kerosene and propane heaters are not allowed under any circumstances. Gas generators are not allowed either. I did consider solar panels for recharging when the power is out for a long time. But our power outages usually occur during thunderstorms and snowstorms when there's not much sunlight. There's only been once that I can remember where the power was out for days during nice weather. So unless power stations can be charged in a car, we're out of luck, I guess.

[@ricardor.lushington594]

What are your thoughts on the 4Patriots Portable Power Generators 1800 and 2000X?

[@Maineuser]

Okay, so a 750 (lo)/1500 (hi) watt space heater is 750 (half) x 12 hrs. (daytime awake) = 9000 watts??? 😮 Something’s wrong. Seems impossible… 😂 I started, thinking my phone and tablet and, maybe a lamp were enough. But considering ‘wishes,’ it’d sure be nice not to freeze if it’s winter. So, I never even got to stage 2, where’s I’d choose solar - if it’s be ample and done fast. My issue with power blocks is they’re so SLOW! And I imagine in and out (speed) on these units matter, too! Trying to cover my bases before biting the bullet (on Amazon Prime). Thanks! Senior Linda

[@Kakapozzz]

Finally I understand! Thank you so much.

[@toddshook1765]

Thank you for breaking it down. I understand the v*a=w formula. So 24 volts use less amps to get same watts. Can you get into the construction of these power units? Most use 18650 cells but do they wire in 24 volts? To get a small power box to put out 15-1800 watts on 12 volts cabled must be large. Thanks.

[@BurimPrroi]

Hi, do you know what is the difference between Anker C1000 and C1000X ?

[@patrickcleburneuczjsxpmp9558]

Can you (or anyone reading this) recommend a solar generator with a high surge capacity (suitable for running at least one or two large, old chest freezers) but with a very minimal size battery (basically suitable just for using during the day while hooked up to solar panels on mostly sunny days)?

[@gregyates7383]

Very educational video.

[@stevecoscia]

Informative video.

[@Mind_ConTroll]

Do the units get heavier when they are full of electricity?

[@robertsalata7828]

LOL... That was REALLY good ! 😊😊

[@David-hy9ni]

Outstanding information.

[@williammahr2160]

Can these units be plugged in 24/7

[@evanpennock1301]

So I know back up batteries/solar generators are able to run things and charge at the same time. I have a snake enclosure that I'd like to run from a battery like this, and just keep plugged into the wall 24/7 so if the power goes out, it will just continue to run. I know that it's possible but will that eventually ruin the quality of the battery or is that something that these things can handle no problem?

[@virnan]

You never covered power stations that run at extremely low temperatures.i need one that can run at -30 celsius, if that is possible

[@lilyshevchenko7048]

Where's that quiz guys? Awesome vid!

[@Alison-ye3sv]

7.37 - the trolley - does anyone know the brand of that trolley please?

[@elainedesantana1993]

wow first time it made sense to me , subscribing

[@michaelmartin5942]

Very informative, but be careful with Solar Generators especially in cold climates. They have operating temperature limitations. I found out the hard way that my Bluetti AC200 would not charge below freezing temperatures. It was essentially useless at that point, no better than a boat anchor.

[@tanishazoa138]

I came here to fill my jeep as well. haha. Nice jeep bro! If you toss any of those other units out, let me know haha

[@michaellindquist31]

My '21 Ford Explorer has a 150W AC power plug in the rear console for small items that run on AC. Can I use this outlet to charge the Jackery 600 Plus? I plan to purchase for power outages when they happen here in Florida and don't want to keep the car running for the time it takes to charge with a 12V adapter socket. Thanks!

[@stevenjohn350]

the simple answer is no. Because its too small and likely not clean power output. So the Jackery will not like it. And the 12v adaptor socket is 100 to 120 Watt anyway. Hope that helps.

[@michaellindquist31]

@@stevenjohn350 Thanks, Steven. I realized that when I plugged in my scanner. It seems to be useless for charging anything more powerful than a laptop. I ended up sending the 600 back for a 1000v2 with the 200w solar panel.

[@amxnetwork]

Dude all of your videos are AMAZING. Great work!!

[@karolisnoreika3703]

I'd like to see you riding a bike and producing 3-6 thousand watts :D

[@lanceford9667]

Wow dude thank you so much😊

[@Deborah-di3my]

Awesome video. Presented very well.

[@GoBrand0n]

What do you think of IDEAPLAY SN2200 Portable Power Station? Tyvm

[@MaryOGorman-e6r]

Superb explanation 👌👍😎

[@tomdellinger3710]

Wow! Great video.

[@coreyhead4553]

Great info...thank you.

[@dianeibsen5994]

I get overwhelmed learning about electricity.. it was too fast for me 😞 How can I get a visual of all this?

[@yecatsme]

You can read the transcript

[@dianeibsen5994]

​@@yecatsmeok. I'll try this. Thank you.

[@johncontreras9225]

looking for a Solar power Station to give me 3 days powering a full size refrigerator, to lights 60 watts, phone charge about 33 watts fast charge. anyone that could help me.

[@anthonynasai1718]

Thank you so much.

[@DindoRollinas]

Hello, can you help me , buy a ac200max+B230 battery

[@leisuresolarltd1005]

Big difference between power and energy. The battery is rated in energy (Wh) not watts.

[@waynetodd3620]

If you plan on having an Eco Flow Delta Pro 3 Power station( indoors ) where there are humans - the unit ( In Canada not sure about the US) must have a UL 2540A rating for fire protection during a Battery runaway. I JUST BOUGHT THE Eco Flow Delta Pro 3 Power station AND THE EXTRA SMART Battery 4000 Watts each - total 8000 Watts, and the Electrical Inspector during the install Inspection indoors - at first couldn't find the UL 2540A Certification, so I had to go through (10) E mails (so far to get the needed info - an expect very late at night replies you are talking to China) to get the certification documents - or I would have to build a fire safe room for the Batteries as per the Alberta Electrical code 64-1100 which use the NBC Canadian National Building codes for any ESS system (Energy Supply System) - (Batteries). The video here appears to be about an inside system where there are humans, but this applies to even an attached garage, or undeveloped basement it will still need a UL2540A certification...if you don't want to build a fire safe room as per NBC( Canada not sure about US rules) Just a heads up.

[@anonymousbosch9265]

Well explained

[@DaveChurchill]

"Watts is a per hour measurement" is incorrect. Watt usage is an instantaneous measurement - how much power your device is drawing at any given time. Watt-hours is a time-based measurement which tells you how much total power has been consumed over time. "If you have a 100 watt lightbulb that means it's going to take 100 watts per hour" is incorrect. The bulb is drawing 100 watts of power at any given time. Over the course of an hour its total energy consumption is 100 watt hours, not 100 watts. "If you're gonna power a 100 watt lightbulb and you get a 1000 watt battery bank you can power that lightbulb for 10 hours" is the most incorrect of all. The battery bank listing 1000W is how much power it can output at any given time, meaning it can power a device that draws up to 1000 watts. What you probably meant to say was that if you get a 1000 watt-hour battery bank you can power it for 10 hours. Battery bank max output power is measured in watts, while total energy available is measured in watt-hours. Sometimes batteries get even more confusing and list their total power availability in amp-hours, in which case you need to multiply that by the voltage it outputs to get the watt-hour total available power. I'm normally not that nit-picky but if your video is trying to explain this to people you should be consistent and use watts and watt hours correctly.

[@pinkfloydhomer]

Right. Watt = Joule/second. Watt is power = energy per time. If you then multiply it by time, you get energy. Watthour = energy

[@SimplyEatHealthy]

Thank you!

[@feline-n6b]

How long will the Jackery run a dometic 25 liter cooler for a 4 day camping trip

[@larrywong7834]

CONGRATS

[@TheSolarLab]

Thanks Larry!

[@whip_it]

good vid thanks

[@TyeRainford]

Thanks!

[@pattiepepper6217]

It's only gonna take 50W that HALF hour.

[@KekeKenned]

If you wanna donate one of the generators, I’ll be glad to get one.

[@marshallz4]

thanks