Fundamentals
Wh vs W: Watts, Watt-Hours & Battery Runtime
Watts describe output; watt-hours describe energy. Learn the runtime formula and output checks.
6 min read
Power stationsSections
Power station guides
Answers to common questions about battery capacity, appliance runtime, solar charging and backup power.
Power bank guides19 guides to explore
Battery basics
Understand capacity, charging and battery life.
Chemistry
LFP vs NMC
Compare chemistry tradeoffs, cycle-rating details and whole-station weight.
4 min read
Chemistry
Battery cycles & lifespan: how long will it last?
What cycle ratings say about repeated use, and why they cannot promise a calendar lifespan.
4 min read
Fundamentals
mAh to Wh: Battery Energy Converter
Convert a battery label to watt-hours using its rated voltage, and check what the result means.
6 min read
Size and runtime
Work out how much power your devices and trips need.
Runtime
How long will a power station run a fridge?
A sourced fridge preset shows how compressor cycling changes average draw. Replace it with your own reading in the fridge runtime calculator.
5 min read
Wattage
Can a power station run an AC, space heater, or microwave?
Read running input, compressor startup and the energy budget for demanding household appliances.
4 min read
Camping
What Size Power Station Do I Need for Camping?
Three sourced campsite energy budgets, plus weight and Wh/lb comparisons for real models.
7 min read
Sizing
500Wh vs 1000Wh power station: which size?
Compare the runtime, carry-size, and upgrade tradeoffs between 500Wh and 1,000Wh.
4 min read
Sizing
1000Wh vs 2000Wh power station: which size?
Compare the runtime, carry-size, and upgrade tradeoffs between 1,000Wh and 2,000Wh.
4 min read
Solar charging
Check panel compatibility and plan your recharge.
Solar
Solar Panels in Series vs Parallel
Compare series and parallel solar wiring by voltage, current and the power station’s input limits.
4 min read
Solar
200W vs 400W Portable Solar Panels
Compare portable solar panel size, carry weight and station compatibility before choosing a 200W or 400W setup.
4 min read
Solar
Pairing solar panels with a power station
Estimate seasonal solar harvest, then check voltage, current, connector, polarity, and wiring limits before pairing.
8 min read
Home and office setup
Connect your backup and check how it behaves.
Outage planning
Prioritize essentials and prepare before the lights go out.
Outages
Power outage checklist: what to run first
Check your connections, measure essential loads, and plan refrigeration before an outage.
7 min read
Safety
Why Batteries Catch Fire: Thermal Runaway Explained
Understand battery fire warning signs, damage, chemistry and the safety evidence to check before buying.
10 min read
Buying advice
Choose the right type of power and check device compatibility.
Buying
Power station vs gas generator
Compare exhaust, noise, stored energy and fuel—and how to keep essentials powered through a longer outage.
4 min read
Buying
What is a solar generator?
Check the battery, panel and kit contents before comparing solar-generator bundles.
5 min read
Travel
Can You Bring a Power Bank on a Plane?
Check carry-on limits, watt-hour thresholds, airline policies and onboard-use rules before you fly.
7 min read
Medical backup
Plan around your device’s exact setup and supported power path.
Complete kits: everything the setup needs, not just the station
Use a kit page to check the station, cables and adapters for a complete setup. Match its example to your own devices before buying.
- CPAP overnight
- Refrigerator outage
- Weekend camping
- RV starter
- Starlink remote work
- Apartment outage
- Photography + drone
Where to start
Pick the guide that matches the question you have now. Each includes examples and links to the next useful calculation or comparison.
Understanding the capacity label
Start with Wh vs W if you are comparing capacity with output. Watt-hours help estimate how long a load runs; watts tell you whether the station can supply it. The mAh guide explains the voltage needed to compare another common battery label.
Planning for years of use
Read the chemistry and cycle-life guides together. Compare the cycle count with its remaining-capacity threshold, then check storage instructions and warranty coverage. A large cycle count does not promise a calendar lifespan. A station stored for occasional outages still ages between uses. Look for support and repair information alongside the battery specification.
Planning an outage or trip
Use the fridge, CPAP, camping or outage guide for a worked example close to your needs. Replace the example’s devices and use times with your own. Keep startup requirements, connection checks and recharge access in the plan. For refrigeration, keep food-temperature checks separate from the energy calculation.
Putting numbers to your plan
Once you have a load list, use the linked sizing or runtime tool with your own inputs. Keep a reserve and note any missing information. Then compare models that meet the required energy, output and connection limits before comparing current prices.