Q. What is a Portable Power Station?
A Portable Power Station is essentially a battery that you can plug your electrical tools and appliances directly into. For example, instead of plugging your corded hairdryer/drill into the mains electricity in the wall you can use your Portable Power Station. They are extremely useful when you do not have access to mains electricity but want to use everyday electrical tools and appliances. As they are portable, you can use them in all sorts of settings where mains electricity is not typically available.
Q. How Do They Work?
Once your Portable Power Station is charged, you can plug your tool or appliance in and use it as normal. There are always outputs for a standard plug (AC) but usually one for USB-A and USB-C as well. Most models have a car port (cigarette lighter plug). Other outputs are also available depending on the model. You can check the outputs of each product [here](/all). Of course, as the Portable Power Station is a battery, it will need to be charged in-between uses.
Q. How Do You Charge Them?
You can easily charge your Portable Power Station from the mains AC electricity. Alternatively, you can charge it with a solar panel (purchased separately from the manufacturer). Most stations can be charged in your car using a cigarette lighter plug. It’s worth noting that different stations charge at different rates. Therefore, if you wish to charge your station particularly quickly, you may need to take this into account before purchasing. All of this information can be quickly found on our product comparison page.
Q. Are They Generators?
A Portable Power Station is not a power generator. A generator usually converts fuel, such as diesel, into electricity, whereas a Power Station just stores electricity. Portable Power Stations are far easier to use, quieter and cleaner. You will need to charge them, but a generator needs to be topped up with fuel, so the preparation time is about the same.
Q. What Are Their Uses?
Dependant on your Portable Power Station’s power storage capability, you can pretty much use it for anything. Most stations have multiple outputs so you can use various tools and appliances at once, but of course the power will be drained more quickly.
Q. Which One Do I need?
Portable Power Stations are roughly categorised dependent on their power storage capability and then priced accordingly. So, the more power they hold, the more expensive they are. You can use our comprehensive comparison page to assist your decision.
Q. What Is a Watt Hour?
Most Portable Power Station manufacturers display power capabilities as Watts Per Hour or Wh. A Wh is a measurement of 1 watt of power over 1 hour. For example, if a station has a power storage of 60 Wh, then it could power one 60w lightbulb for an hour. Of course, most stations store far more power than this.
Q. How Much Do They Cost?
In general, it depends on how much power you need. Portable power stations start at around £150 and go to about £3500. Some of the higher end models can have their power capabilities extended through extra batteries, so the price can increase accordingly. You can of course purchase other accessories such as solar panels which also come at an extra cost. We suggest you use our [comparison table](/all) to find the perfect model at the right price for you.