All guides
Practical sizing guides for portable power stations and solar panels: what they run, how long they last and which is worth the money, new or refurbished.
11 guides
Buying guides
Best Solar Generators (Portable Power Stations) for Home and Camping
Compare solar generators (portable power stations) by capacity, output, battery chemistry and warranty, with sourced specs from EcoFlow, Jackery and Bluetti.
How Much Does a Solar Generator Cost? What Drives the Price
What sets solar generator prices: capacity, output, battery chemistry, panels, expansion, home wiring and refurbished options, plus how to compare cost per Wh.
Solar Generator for Home Backup: What It Can and Can't Run
Can a solar generator run a house? Critical loads, EIA home energy use, expandable batteries and transfer switch options for home backup, with the math shown.
Refurbished Solar Generators: Are They Worth It? Warranties Compared
When a refurbished solar generator (portable power station) is a good buy: warranty terms from EcoFlow, Jackery and BLUETTI, and eBay condition labels.
Sizing
What Size Solar Generator Do I Need? A Worked Sizing Method
Size a solar generator (portable power station) in watt-hours: list your loads, multiply watts by hours, allow for inverter losses, then check output and surge.
What Size Solar Generator Runs a Refrigerator and Freezer?
Size a solar generator for a fridge and freezer using ENERGY STAR data: daily watt-hours, startup surge, run times and how many solar panels it takes.
What Will a 3000 Watt Solar Generator Run? 3000W to 5000W Sizing
What a 3000W, 4000W or 5000W solar generator can run and for how long: watts vs watt-hours, fridge run times from ENERGY STAR data, and the Jackery 3000.
What Can a 1000Wh Solar Generator Run? Runtimes for Common Appliances
Runtimes on a 1000Wh solar generator (portable power station) for a fridge, CPAP, router, LED lights, space heater and microwave, with the math shown.
Comparisons
EcoFlow vs Jackery vs Bluetti vs Anker Solar Generators Compared
EcoFlow vs Jackery vs Bluetti solar generators, plus Anker SOLIX, compared on capacity, output, surge, cycle life, weight, charging and warranty.
4Patriots Solar Generator: Patriot Power Specs and Alternatives
4Patriots Patriot Power Generator models compared on the maker's published specs and warranty against EcoFlow, Jackery, BLUETTI and Anker units of similar size.
LiFePO4 vs NMC Solar Generators: Cycle Life, Safety and Weight
LiFePO4 vs NMC batteries in solar generators (portable power stations): cycle life, how long they last, thermal runaway research, weight and battery care.