Portable power stations (PPS) are a relatively cheap and flexible way to provide power to a few critical medical devices or appliances. Because they store their power in an emission-free battery, they can be used indoors as well as outdoors—unlike gasoline powered generators. However, compared to rooftop solar + battery systems, they are less convenient and cannot power built-in appliances like ceiling lights, furnaces, and electric ranges. Portable power stations need to be recharged, either by plugging them into a wall outlet, or, during a PG&E outage, by plugging a portable solar panel into the station.
This guide aims to answer all the questions you might have about buying and using a portable power station to survive PG&E power outages here at Rossmoor:
- How to use a portable power station
- How long can a PPS power my critical devices?
- Recommended portable power stations
- Using solar to recharge a PPS
- How do I set up a portable power station?
If you have a question that’s not answered here, please ask …
Adrian Byram, Residential Solar & Renewable Energy Committee Chair
solar@sustainablerossmoor.org
415-465-2189