Knowledge

Every article here is written against the same library the compatibility engine runs on, so the figures in the prose are the figures in the verdicts. Where a manufacturer has not published something, the article says so instead of estimating it.

Four sections, in the order the questions usually arrive: what the numbers mean, what solar adds, what a real situation demands, and what to do when something stops working.

Size a machine for your loads →

Power basics

Watts, watt-hours, start-up surge and duty cycle — the four quantities every verdict on this site is computed from.

What do the watts and watt-hours on a power station actually mean? Why does my power station shut off when the pump or fridge starts? How many watts does a refrigerator actually use in a day?

Solar basics

Panel voltage, MPPT windows, real balcony output, and how to find out what your own state and utility allow.

Is balcony solar legal in the US — and how do I check my state? Policy content · checked 2026-08-01 How much power does a balcony solar setup actually produce? Why do my solar panels stop charging on a cold, clear morning? How many solar panels do I need to recharge my power station in a day?

Scenarios

Outage, RV, camping and off-grid: what to keep running, what will not start, and how long it lasts.

What should you actually keep running during a power outage? Can a power station really keep my sump pump running through a storm? will a power station run a sump pump Can a power station run my RV air conditioner, and for how long? How many nights can a power station run my CPAP? how long will a power station run a cpap How do I power an off-grid shed or cabin? off grid solar system for a shed or cabin

Troubleshooting

It will not charge, it dies in the cold, and the airline wants a watt-hour number.

Why won’t my power station charge? why is my power station not charging Why does my power station lose capacity in the cold? Can you bring a portable power station on a plane? Policy content · checked 2026-08-01