Portable power stations 300–1000 W
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Portable Power Stations 300–1000 W : LiFePO4, 300–700 Wh, AC 230 V Pure Sine Wave , USB-C PD 60–100 W, MPPT Solar & UPS - the complete 2025 guide
Do you want a portable energy station (also called a power station or “solar generator”) for home/emergency , camping/van , light construction , photo/video or CPAP ? This 2025 guide shows you how to choose the right capacity (Wh) , the right inverter power (W continuous & peak) , the right chemistry (LiFePO4 vs Li-ion), the right ports (AC 230 V pure sine, USB-C PD 60–100 W, 12 V), MPPT solar input , UPS/pass-through , noise , weight , safety and accessories (60–200 W panels, cables). We finish with choice tables , ready scenarios and the LymobileShop selection ready for purchase.
1) Basics: Wh (autonomy) vs W (power)
- Capacity (Wh) = “tank size”. Example: 512 Wh can deliver ~512 W for ~1 h (excluding losses) or ~100 W for ~5 h.
- Inverter power (W) = “flow”. A 600 W station powers devices totaling up to 600 W continuously (with a higher peak at motor start-up).
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Useful formula :
Autonomie (h) ≈ Capacité(Wh) × Rendement / Charge(W). Take 0.85 as realistic efficiency (AC, screen on, fans). - Priority : first choose the power (W) required by your devices, then the capacity (Wh) to cover the desired duration.
2) Inverter: continuous W , peak & pure sine
- Continuous : stable power that the station supports (e.g. 300, 500, 700, 1000 W).
- Peak : starting peak (motors, refrigerator, vacuum cleaner). Depending on the model, the peak is often 1.5–2× the continuous.
- Pure sine : essential for sensitive electronics (PC, audio, CPAP). Avoids “pseudo-sine” inverters.
- Eco/Boost : some modes allow transient overloads on resistive devices (kettle, radiator) but be careful of heat.
3) Chemistry: LiFePO4 vs Li-ion (NCM/NCA)
- LiFePO4 : very long life (up to several thousand cycles), increased thermal stability, very good for regular/long-term use.
- Li-ion NCM/NCA : slightly higher energy density (slightly lower weight/volume at equivalent capacity), fewer cycles; ok for occasional use and tight budget.
- BMS : The Battery Management System manages overcharge, overdischarge, short circuit, and temperature. Choose models that clearly communicate these protections.
4) Ports & outputs: AC 230 V, USB-C PD 60–100 W, 12 V, cigarette lighter
- AC 230 V (pure sine) : for laptops, monitors, A++ fridge (on models ≥600–700 W), small tools, microwave not recommended on 300–500 W.
- USB-C Power Delivery : Targets 60–100W for charging laptop/iPad Pro, hub/dock. Connect the C1 priority for maximum power.
- USB-A : 12–18W outputs for gadgets/accessories (watches, 5V routers, etc.).
- DC 12V (barrel/cigarette lighter): 12V refrigerators, inflators, walkie-talkies, car equipment.
- Wireless (depending on model): Qi/Qi2 tray is practical on the table, but less efficient than USB-C.
5) Solar & MPPT : 60–200 W panels, series/parallel & weather
- Built-in MPPT controller : maximizes solar harvest in the face of varying sunlight/temperature.
- 60–120 W panels : hiking/light van, daily maintenance of a 300–500 Wh.
- 160–200W panels : basecamp/light home, faster charging than a 500–700Wh.
- Series vs. parallel : Respect the input voltage/amperage range. Unsure? Stick with a single compatible folding panel .
- Weather : ~4–6 hours of good sunshine to approach the announced output; clouds/shade = reduced output.
6) AC/solar/car charging: real times & tips
- AC Mains : 200–600 W input depending on model. Example: 512 Wh at 300 W ≈ ~2 h .
- Solar : 100 W actual → ~70–85 W net in full sun → 512 Wh ≈ ~6–7 h of useful production (excluding weather).
- 12V cigarette lighter : helps but slow (~60–120W). Best for long driving.
- Tips : dedicated AC cable, avoid spaghetti extension cords, ventilate the station while charging, clean the glass panels.
7) UPS / pass-through : PC/box backup & limits
- UPS : some stations automatically switch to battery if the mains power goes out (short transfer time). Perfect for box/router , PC and CPAP (check compatibility).
- Pass-through : Allows you to power devices while charging the station. Useful in offices/hotels/vans. Avoids 24/7 charging if unnecessary.
- Limitations : Actual UPS autonomy depends on the current load and efficiency . Calculate your needs (see tables).
8) Noise, heat & efficiency: fans, placement, summer
- Fans : Activate under high charge/discharge or heat conditions. Place the station on a hard, ventilated surface .
- Temperature : Power drops during heat waves (protection). Avoid keeping the trunk closed in summer; shade/airflow = better performance.
- Winterization : Store ~50–70% and recharge every 3–6 months.
9) Weight, handle & mobility
- 300–500 Wh : ~3–7 kg (depending on chemistry). Easy to carry with handle.
- 600–700 Wh : ~6–10 kg. Transportable, consider a folding panel if you are on the move.
- 1000 W / >700 Wh : heavier; prefers a fixed position (home/workshop/van).
10) Safety & BMS: protections, certifications, cables
- Protections : OVP/OCP/OTP/UVP, short circuit, cell balancing, fire-retardant on the chassis depending on the model.
- Certifications : CE, RoHS, 230 V socket voltage compliance.
- Cables : For 100W PD, use e-marker 5A USB-C cables. For 12V/AC, avoid undersized extension cords.
11) Ready scenarios (home, camping, CPAP, photo, construction site)
11.1 House & breakdowns (box/PC/lighting)
- Station : 500–700 Wh, 600–1000 W.
- Powers : box (8–12 W), laptop (30–65 W), 2–3 LED bulbs (5–10 W each).
- Typical autonomy : 512 Wh × 0.85 / (12+45+20) ≈ ~6 h .
11.2 CPAP (health)
- Station : 300–500 Wh, pure sine wave AC; turn off humidification if possible to extend runtime.
- Typical autonomy : CPAP 35 W → 512 Wh × 0.85 / 35 ≈ ~12.5 h .
11.3 Camping/van
- Station : 500–700 Wh + 100–200 W panel.
- Powers : 12V fridge, lights, smartphones, iPad, inflator.
- Tip : solar charging during the day, AC/USB use in the evening.
11.4 Photo/video & nomadic teleworking
- Station : 300–500 Wh, USB-C 100 W + AC 300–600 W.
- Powers : laptop + screens/charges camera batteries, SSD/hub.
- Tip : Use USB-C PD for computing (better performance than AC).
11.5 Light construction & tools
- Station : 600–1000 W (high peak).
- Powers : drill, work light, light vacuum cleaner (check the starting peak).
- Safety : dry/ventilated environment, sturdy cables.
12) Choice tables (power, capacity, panels)
12.1 Profile × inverter power
| Profile | Continuous power | Recommended ridge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| House/box/PC | 600 W | 900–1200 W | Useful UPS |
| Camping/van | 500–700 W | 800–1200 W | 12V fridge + lights |
| CPAP | 300–500 W | 600–800 W | Pure imperative sine |
| Light construction site | 700–1000 W | 1200–2000 W | Temperature monitoring |
12.2 Capacity (Wh) × autonomy (e.g. 100 W load)
| Ability | Autonomy ≈ | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 300 Wh | ~2.5 h | CPAP, short laptop sessions |
| 512 Wh | ~4.3 h | Mobile office, small TV |
| 700 Wh | ~6 h | Van + 12V light fridge |
12.3 Panels × charging speed (ideal sunlight)
| Sign | Actual power ~ | 512 Wh | 700 Wh |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 W | 70–85 W | ~6–7 h | ~8–10 h |
| 160 W | 110–135 W | ~4–5 h | ~6–7 h |
| 200 W | 140–170 W | ~3–4 h | ~4–5 h |
13) Express shopping checklist
- Power (W) : sum of devices + peak margin (motors/compressors).
- Capacity (Wh) : target duration × load (W) × ~0.85 (efficiency).
- Chemistry : LiFePO4 for long term; Li-ion if weight/price priority.
- Ports : Pure sine AC, USB-C PD 60–100 W , 12 V.
- Solar : Integrated MPPT + 100–200 W panel compatible.
- UPS/pass-through : useful for box/PC; check transfer time.
- Noise/weight : moderate fans, sturdy handle.
- Safety : Complete BMS, suitable cables, CE certifications.
- Accessories : panels, 100W USB-C cables , quality AC extension cords.
14) LymobileShop Selection (300–1000 W)
Mini stations 200–300 W / 150–300 Wh — ultra compact
- For : CPAP, router/box, laptop, light photo/video.
- Advantages : lightweight, 60W USB-C PD, sometimes wireless platform.
500–700 W / 500–700 Wh stations — versatility
- For : camping/van, home (box/PC/LED), filming.
- Benefits : Pure sine wave AC, 100W USB-C, efficient solar MPPT.
1000 W / >700 Wh stations — light construction site & home base
- For : light tools, A++ fridge (controlled start-up), multi-appliances.
- Advantages : high peak, more AC outlets, better load capacity.