PATRIOT FINANCIAL BULLETIN
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY A PORTABLE POWER SOURCE
If you’re serious about being prepared for when the lights go out (and may never come back on), off-grid living, or even just weathering a local short-term weather related power outage, then securing a reliable portable power source is no longer optional—it’s foundational.
But in a market flooded with generators, solar panels, lithium batteries, and marketing jargon, most people don’t know what they’re really buying, what they truly need, or what mistakes to avoid.
This guide will walk you through everything—from choosing the right type of power system to understanding real-world wattage needs, hidden limitations, and what to look for if you’re preparing for short-term outages or long-term collapse scenarios.
Remember: Why You Need a Portable Power Source
Before we dive into the specs, let’s establish the “why.” Because until you’ve experienced a prolonged blackout, most people underestimate just how vulnerable they are.
When the grid fails, you lose:
Refrigeration (medications and food spoilage start within hours)
Communication (dead phones, no internet, radio silence)
Security (smart locks, alarms, and cameras go down)
Medical Equipment (CPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, etc.)
Lighting and Heating (risk of injury, looting, and exposure increases)
A portable power system isn’t just about comfort. It’s about continuity, control, and safety. In many emergencies, it’s your only defense against cascading failures that follow the initial disaster.
Step 1: Understand the Types of Portable Power Sources
There are three primary types of portable power systems:
1. Gas-Powered Generators
Pros: High wattage output; powers large appliances easily; fast recharge via fuel.
Cons: Noisy, requires gasoline or propane (which can be scarce), produces toxic fumes, not safe for indoor use, and not sustainable long-term.
2. Solar-Powered Generators (Power Stations)
Pros: Silent, clean energy, no fumes, no fuel dependency, indoor-safe, scalable, and sustainable long-term.
Cons: Dependent on sunlight for recharge, limited wattage (unless you invest in larger systems), slower recharge if heavily used.
3. Battery Banks (With or Without Solar Integration)
Pros: Lightweight, charge from home, car, or solar; ideal for charging phones, radios, laptops.
Cons: Limited storage; typically not powerful enough to run large appliances.
Verdict: For survivalists and preppers, solar generators/power stations are the most reliable long-term choice. You can pair them with gas or diesel options for short-term crises, but for sustainable independence, solar is king.
Step 2: Know Your Real Power Needs (Not Just What Looks Cool)
One of the biggest mistakes people make is buying based on marketing, not math.
Let’s break this down into wattage vs. watt-hours:
Wattage (W) = How much power the unit can output at once.
Watt-hours (Wh) = How much total energy the unit can store and provide over time.
Common Appliances and Their Approximate Wattage Needs:
Appliance | Running Watts | Surge Watts |
|---|---|---|
Phone (charging) | 5–10 W | — |
Laptop | 50–100 W | — |
LED Lightbulb | 10 W | — |
Refrigerator | 120–200 W | 800–1200 W |
CPAP Machine | 30–60 W | 100–150 W |
Microwave | 600–1000 W | 1200+ W |
Coffee Maker | 800–1500 W | 1500+ W |
Electric Heater | 1000–1500 W | — |
Now do the math: how many hours per day will you need each item?
If your unit is 1,000Wh, that means:
You can run a 100W device for 10 hours.
Or a 500W appliance for 2 hours.
Bonus Tip: Always leave 20% headroom in wattage capacity to avoid overloads or battery degradation.
Step 3: What to Look For When Buying
Here’s what matters beyond the sales pitch:
Battery Type
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries last longer (up to 3,000–5,000 cycles) and are safer than lithium-ion.
Lithium-ion batteries are lighter but degrade faster.
Inverter Type
Pure Sine Wave Inverter = clean, reliable power for sensitive electronics.
Modified Sine Wave = cheaper, but can damage electronics over time.
Expandability
Can you connect more solar panels?
Can you daisy chain battery packs to increase storage?
Portability
Weight matters. If it’s over 50 lbs, can you realistically lift and move it?
Noise Level
Solar and battery systems = silent.
Gas generators = loud, attention-drawing, and not neighborhood-friendly.
Solar Input Speed
Some systems only trickle-charge. Look for fast solar input (ideally 400–600W+ capacity) to fully recharge in 4–6 hours of sunlight.
Output Ports
Must include a mix of AC outlets, USB-A and USB-C ports, 12V DC carports, and ideally Anderson connectors.
Step 4: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Buying too small. People often underestimate their power needs.
Ignoring solar panel compatibility. Not all panels work with every system.
Thinking “more expensive” means “better.” Pay for performance, not brand hype.
Failing to test before emergencies. Set up your gear, test loads, and practice cycles now—not when it’s too late.
Step 5: Planning for Use Cases
Here’s how to size and organize your power setup based on intent:
Short-Term Blackout (2–3 Days)
500–1000Wh unit
LED lights, phones, radio, laptop
Solar panel for topping off
Bug-Out Vehicle or Travel Rig
Compact 300–600Wh unit + foldable solar
Focus on comms, navigation, and lighting
Home Backup Power (Grid Down, 1–2 Weeks)
1000–3000Wh unit minimum
Paired with multiple 100W+ solar panels
Can run fridge, fans, comms, and recharge tools
Full Off-Grid System
Modular 3000Wh+ system with battery expansions
Permanent solar array
Redundant gear (solar + gas + crank/hand power)
Don’t Wait for the Lights to Go Out
A portable power source isn’t just about having electricity.
It’s about freedom.
It’s about health.
It’s about keeping your family safe when the world fails to show up.
Whether you’re prepping for hurricanes, EMPs, civil unrest, or long-term economic collapse, a portable solar power system gives you control in a powerless world.
Don’t buy blind. And don’t wait until the grid goes dark.
George
- Survivalist Team
P.S. Want help choosing the right system? Check out this one > It’s one of the highest rated for the price. Or watch this video.
Until next time… STAY PREPARED
Remember: The best time to prepare was yesterday. The second best time is now.
Forward this newsletter to fellow patriots who value self-reliance and preparation.
Stay vigilant, stay prepared, stay alive.
