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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 ⚡️

[@terrystrife4198]

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

[@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 👍

[@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

[@diytoptricks]

The point about avoiding untested brands with questionable warranties is so helpful. It's easy to get tempted by cheap options, but your advice to stick with reliable companies makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the guidance!

[@johncaruana6406]

I have the Jackery - glad to see it finished well.

[@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!!

[@teeb9969]

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

[@PIONEX2699]

The absolute best video about generator seen thus far, thank you for educating us with simple and easy analogy. I truly can really go buy one based on this video . 👏👏👏👏👏

[@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!!!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@vincesh9336]

About the most simple explanation of electrical power I have come across. Really helps!

[@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

[@michealgabriel1437]

Thank you, this is the best video I've watched so far 🙏

[@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.

[@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 .

[@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!

[@traceycrawford9938]

Thank you so much for this great information! My mind switches off as soon as electricity terms are mentioned (I just do not understand it) but your hose analogy was much easier to understand!

[@doityourselfwithsal-z4m]

I'm currently shopping around and the Jackery was one I was looking at prior :)

[@sandiatsdmb1736]

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

[@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?

[@buttercatz99]

Thanks!

[@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 😂

[@imusiccollection]

A general rule is have twice the power rating of what you need

[@bloodredowl8709]

Bro he literally say a 100w panel might give you 100ws depending on light and other things. lol you didn't have to quickly write something because you thought he was wrong right there and then

[@biancamadeiro7399]

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

[@tro8191]

Excellent video and explanations! I’m too lazy to figure it out haha. How bout I just tell u what I need and u tell me the good options to buy.

[@galenhisler396]

Great video, finally someone who makes it understandable. This really helped.

[@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.

[@jaredhighlands4604]

Got my first staion on amazon a lil bit ago. A ecoflow river 2 combo with a 45 wat solar panel for 180$. Will see how it goes

[@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.

[@lawrencekin02]

Thank you for posting this video about these portable powerstations and how to correctly choose one that fits me. What you presented in this video was informative and clear for a guy like me that has no prior background on powerstations.

[@TyeRainford]

Thanks!

[@viz8746]

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

[@AGamerPS3]

The math formula for Watts was invaluable, thank you.

[@NoThankYouToo]

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

[@10trucks3]

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

[@BlahblahFL]

You need to add 15-20% onto the power requirements for internal loss for battery management and the inverter. You should also take that multiplied by 1.2 to allow for loss over time.

[@Annie44-20]

So incredibly helpful! Thanks loads.

[@midiprog2266]

Watt (W) is not a Volt per hour measurement, Watthour (Wh) is. You can buy a powerstation with a capacity of 300 Wh that is capable of producing 600 W.

[@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.

[@ANGEL-nc5lx]

Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@mpignone1713]

I'm very interested in a power station that can be used for a hot plate and tv can you recommend one?

[@lionelborges8094]

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

[@Here2Enjoy-b8z]

In your quiz, please add do you have solar panels on the roof already. I have 8.8kW fixed panel system already. I'm on 1:1 net metering with an option to go ToU. I'm from SC: 1. My state gives 25% credit for batteries as well. I have to make sure if I need to pair it with a solar panel or just battery backup system alone can fetch me the 25%. I heard federal - I can get 30% and do not need to link to a panel purchase (if this correct?). 2. I have two electric cars, but they have scheduling option if I go ToU rate and don't want to burden the batteries for it for now at the least. My past 12 month usage was 5739 with monthly average of 478 kWh (after 1:1) or 900 average for last year. Which one do you suggest?

[@bkjan4282]

Thank you so much, the terminology was too much to understand, now I know.

[@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.

[@ricardor.lushington594]

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

[@fcecile]

You are an outstanding teacher!

[@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.

[@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)

[@partsman6815]

I'm not too good with electricity so here goes. My monthly KWH is about 500 KWH'S With this information, can we estimate how large of a unit I would need? for a day ?

[@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

[@Maineuser]

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

[@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...

[@atman5230]

You made some good points.A helpful video.

[@scotttousey227]

Where is the patriot power generator 1800 from food 4 patriots they gave alot of good products i have 3 100 watt panels it ran my fridge 23 cubit ft and charged my phone and ran a box fan during hurricane milton it never lost power it was sunny mostly after the storm passed it stayed fully charged in the daytime and ran my fridge overnite 8 hours just wondering why you pucked those other stations

[@troykiff6837]

Thank you from Hertfordshire, England.

[@markduderstadt9618]

Great information. Thank you!

[@ravanlp]

What should I use to mobile charge my tesla? I saw a video of a guy using a Westinghouse brand generator, but idk the specs, please help

[@rileyhance318]

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

[@karenkemp3190]

Thanks so much, is the quiz available somewhere?

[@cmoorejack]

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

[@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

[@booshwilson8814]

Gooloo has a really good car jump starter so I hope that little power station is at least decent lol

[@Mind_ConTroll]

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

[@robertsalata7828]

LOL... That was REALLY good ! 😊😊

[@Electronzap]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@Gingiesnap85]

I took your quiz 3 times and changed my answer to the question and it gave me the same answer all 3 times... Either it's a hoax or it's a sign 😂. Still doing research before I go all in on a 4000$ set up lol

[@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

[@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.

[@LWoodard-v1p]

What's an inverter?

[@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.

[@Patrick_Gray]

VOLTS - AMPS - Ohms - POWER: ============================ ** Volts (V) is the pressure that pushes the electrons through a circuit. Some times they refer to Volts as the "Electrical Potential" (E). ** Amps (I) is the amount of electrons flowing in the circuit. ** Resistance (R) in Ohms is how easy it is for a conductor or semi-conductor to allow the flow of electrons. Resistance (R) is measured in Ohms. ** Ohms Law: V = I x R; I = V/R; R = V/I ** You can relate water pressure to volts, the amount of water to amps and the size of pipe to the resistance. A small 1/16" tube would give a lot of resistance to water flow, vs a 1/2" or 3/4" pipe would flow more water. ** You can also Google any of these terms! Try it! ** Next is Power using the unit of Watts (W). The Voltage times the Amperage is equal to the Watts. Volts (V) x Amperage (A) = Watts (W). ** The Watts are the rate of Power being used or moved, and if you multiply by the hours of usage you get Watt-hours (Wh). ** Watts = Volts x Amps ** W = V x A ** Watt-Hours = Volts x Amps x Hours ** Wh = V x A x hrs ** kilo = 1,000 ** The power company charges you for the kilo-Watt-hours (kWh) you use. I think my local Power Company charges $0.13 (13 cents) per kWh. ** The next thing to understand is there is different kinds of electricity: (1.) Direct Current (DC) is where the electrons flow from one post of the battery through the circuit to the other post. Like in flash light batteries and in the car 12 Volt battery. (2.) Alternating Current (AC) is where the Voltage and Amperage of the electricity follow the graph of a Sine Wave. So from zero the Voltage and Amperage are increasing to a peak and returning to zero and then reversing in direction and following the lower half of the sine wave. Sometimes the Voltage and Amperage are not in sync. (3.) Three Phase Elecrical power is where there are 3 wires each with a Voltage that has a Sine Wave graph that is 120 degrees apart. Note: 3 x 120 = 360 degrees. ** I started working on the electrical system of cars in 1962 when my father opened an automotive electrical repair shop. With 12 Volts you do not get shocked if you touch the post of the battery. But do not short out from negative to positive! 12 Volt circuits have quite a bit of current. ** Power in Watts is equal to V x A, so 12V x 10A = 120W. ** The power in our homes is single phase 120/240 Volts with 60 cycles per second. The power comes from 3 wires and an equipment grounding wire that does not flow electricity. That is except if there is a short. ** The 3 wires are called Line 1, Line 2 and Common. From L1 to L2 = 240 Volts. From L1 to Common = 120 Volts and from L2 to Common = 120 Volts . =============================================================================== end

[@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.

[@CaptCanuck4444]

Really good information and well explained, thanks!

[@areallyraggednotion]

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

[@GodSaidisEnuffSaid]

Great video , learned something’s .

[@davidk.3133]

Or....you want a programmable power supply that will time-shift power for time of use rates. Which one of those units can do that?

[@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?

[@princesscassiopeia]

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

[@johnstride5761]

Great information and explanations.

[@maedilein6802]

Great video. Thanks.

[@fi0nagd]

Is the quiz available yet?

[@vmobile890]

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

[@Alison-ye3sv]

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

[@billiejam]

Finally I understand! Thank you so much.

[@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

[@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

[@lilyshevchenko7048]

Where's that quiz guys? Awesome vid!

[@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)?