Portable Power Stations vs. Permanent Solar Systems
Choosing the Right Solution for Your Cabin
- Introduction
- Different Solar Visions
- Great For RV and Camping
- Limitations of Portable Solar Panels for Cabins
- Expandable and Regular
- Conclusion
Introduction
A customer recently asked me to install a bypass switch in their cabin so they could easily connect a portable power station, such as a Bluetti or Anker SOLIX. The idea was simple, they wanted the flexibility to use one of these units instead of installing a permanent solar system. Since their cabin appliances run on propane, their AC power needs were minimal, mainly for lighting, computers, and charging phones.
The bypass switch was installed to ensure that either the generator or the portable power unit could power the main house panel, but never both at the same time. This setup provides a safe and convenient way to switch between power sources as needed.
I personally use one of these portable units when installing permanent solar systems to power my lights so I can see what I’m doing, and I find them quite convenient. However, as a solar installer, I wouldn’t choose one as a long-term solution for a cabin. That said, my job isn’t to upsell customers or persuade them to buy something else, I simply provide them with my insights and let them decide what works best for their needs. Portable power stations are improving, and I’ve done some research to compare a few of the top brands.
Different Solar Visions
Everyone has different needs when it comes to off-grid power. I generally see two types of customers: those who want the same (or nearly the same) conveniences as they have in the city, and those who just want the basics.
Many off-grid appliances, such as furnaces (for those who have them), dishwashers, washers, dryers, and refrigerators, often run on propane. However, more people are switching to electric refrigerators as they are more affordable and solar systems can easily handle them. On the other hand, some customers only need power for lighting, a TV, and charging their phones and computers. For them, a portable power station might be a good fit.
That said, I constantly get upgrade requests, whether it’s moving from 12V to 24V or 48V, upgrading to the latest 500W or 600W+ panels, or increasing battery capacity for new appliances. While portable power stations can be expanded with extra batteries, they are expensive, and their warranties are shorter. Most come with a 5-year battery warranty, compared to 10 or 11 years for a dedicated lithium battery. Their solar panels also have a much shorter lifespan, with warranties around 10 years, compared to 25 years for standard panels. When you factor in long-term durability and cost, a permanent system often makes more sense.
ANKER SOLIX F3800
Great For RV and Camping
Portable power stations are ideal for camping and RVing because of their convenience and portability. These activities are temporary by nature, often lasting only a few days or weeks, and power needs are usually minimal. A portable power station allows campers and RVers to easily bring energy along without needing a permanent setup.
The compact design and lightweight nature of these units make them easy to carry and store. They can be quickly set up to power essential items like lights, small appliances, or charging devices while on the go. Once the trip is over, everything can be packed away without hassle. Since camping and RVing are short-term experiences, the portability of these power stations makes them a perfect solution for those looking to stay powered without the complexity of permanent installations.
Limitations of Portable Solar Panels for Cabins
The limitations of small portable solar panels make less and less sense once you reach the point of setting up a cabin. They work well for camping, RVs, motorhomes, and even boats, where mobility and temporary power are the priority. However, when it comes to a cabin, having to set up multiple panels every time you arrive, and then pack them up again when you leave, quickly becomes impractical.
I’d much rather have a permanent system in place, where I can simply turn on my inverter and know that my batteries are fully charged, even after being away for months. With a properly installed solar setup, the system continues to generate and store power while you’re gone, eliminating the need for constant setup and teardown.
Expandable and Regular
Here’s an example comparing a standard Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) battery, like the LiTime brand, to an expandable battery from Bluetti. I’m not highlighting these brands for any specific reason, there are plenty of options in both categories, but rather to illustrate the key differences.
A standard LiFePO₄ battery doesn’t come with the extra built-in features of an expandable power station, but it offers far more flexibility. You can pair it with your choice of solar charge controllers and any size solar panels, whereas expandable power stations are typically limited to around 1,000 watts of solar input.
As your power needs grow, adding expansion batteries to a portable setup starts to defeat the purpose of portability. Eventually, you’re left with a collection of heavy units that aren’t so portable anymore, and worse, they can’t be powered by standard solar panels. This is where a permanent system starts to make much more sense in the long run. These are my thoughts and my thoughts only, everyone will have their own opinions.
Conclusion
I feel that I haven’t given these portable power stations the depth of coverage they deserve. Some of these units warrant a more detailed review than what I’ve written here. Perhaps over time, I’ll dedicate individual articles to specific models, as they are truly great little units with their own unique advantages.
As a solar designer, seller, and installer, I’ve found that once you reach a certain price point, the cost of these portable units no longer justifies the power output. They are excellent for RVs and camping, where power needs are temporary, and the solar panels can be set up as needed. However, in a cabin setting, relying on a portable power station means setting it up every time you visit or depending on a generator when the battery runs low, which doesn’t make much sense to me. This could change over time as technology continues to advance. Portable power stations are improving in efficiency, capacity, and solar input capabilities, making them an increasingly viable option for off-grid setups. As batteries become more energy-dense and solar panels more efficient, we may see these units evolve into an even more practical alternative to permanent systems for some users.
At this point in time, looking at the cost differences, I believe that once you start adding expansion batteries to increase capacity, a permanent solar system offers significantly more power for the same or even less money. Not to mention, these portable battery packs get heavier and more cumbersome to move.
At that point, if you’re considering multiple add-on batteries or even EcoFlow’s wall-mounted option, why not invest in a hybrid inverter instead? It would provide a more efficient, long-term solution at a much lower cost. I believe portable power stations are reaching their peak in terms of practicality, while permanent systems continue to offer better long-term outcomes.
The appeal of portable units lies in their ease of use, lightweight design, and simple setup and storage. However, once they become difficult to carry, cumbersome to set up, and inconvenient to store, especially with the addition of expansion batteries, their advantages start to fade.
At a certain price point, you can get twice the battery capacity and significantly more solar panel power with a permanent system for the same investment. That’s where I draw the line. Don’t get me wrong, I really like my small portable unit, but that’s exactly what it is: small and portable.
For individuals seeking consultation, education, or assistance in system designs related to grid-tie or off-grid solar applications, IOTG Solar stands ready to help. Our team is available to address questions, provide valuable insights, and offer support at every stage of the solar energy journey. Feel free to reach out to IOTG Solar anytime for expert assistance and comprehensive solutions tailored to your specific needs.
IOTG Solar…
Keeping you powered through education.