TV: Be prepared with a portable power station for your home

Choosing a portable power station for home use involves evaluating several key factors to ensure it meets your specific needs. Here’s a practical guide to help you make the best choice:

🔌 1. Determine Your Power Needs

List the essential devices you want to power during an outage or while off-grid:

• Phone (5–10W)

• Laptop (30–90W)

• Wi-Fi router (10–20W)

• CPAP machine (30–60W)

• Refrigerator (100–800W)

• Microwave (600–1000W)

✅ Add up their wattage and multiply by estimated usage hours to find the total watt-hours (Wh) needed.

⚡ 2. Battery Capacity (Wh)

This determines how long the power station will last.

🔋 3. Output Power (Wattage)

The inverter’s output should match the most power-hungry device you’ll run:

• Look for Pure Sine Wave Inverters if you’re powering sensitive electronics.

• Continuous output and surge capacity both matter.

🔌 4. Port Selection

Look for a variety of ports:

• AC Outlets (standard plugs)

• USB-A and USB-C (for phones/laptops)

• 12V DC (for car appliances)

• Anderson/Solar input (for recharging via solar panels)

🔄 5. Charging Options & Speed

• AC wall charging

• Car charging

• Solar panel input (important for long outages or off-grid use)

• Fast-charging models are ideal if downtime is a concern.

📦 6. Portability & Weight

Larger capacity = heavier. If you’ll move it around often, check:

• Weight (under 15 lbs for light use; 30–50 lbs for heavy)

• Built-in handle or wheels

🔧 7. Build Quality & Safety Features

Ensure it has:

• Overload protection

• Temperature control

• Certified battery chemistry (LiFePO₄ is safest and most durable)

🧰 8. Extra Features to Consider

• App connectivity (monitor usage via phone)

• Expandable batteries

• Wireless charging

• Integrated lights

💸 9. Budget

• Entry-level (200–500 Wh): $150–$400

• Mid-range (500–1000 Wh): $400–$800

• High-capacity (1000+ Wh): $800–$2000+

As seen on FOX 7 Austin: