Top 10 power stations up to 500 euros: Inexpensive emergency power for the blackout Solar generators with photovoltaic panels enable a self-sufficient power supply in the event of a power failure. TechStage shows the best models from the tests. 8:00 p.m. tech stage
Solar generators with photovoltaic panels enable self-sufficient power supply in the event of a power failure. Voonze shows the ten best power stations from the individual tests.
Power stations, mobile batteries with a 230 V socket, enable mobile power supply for professional purposes, camping, hobbies and crafts. Together with a solar panel, this solution also works independently of the power grid and is therefore also ideal as a convenient emergency power supply in the event of a blackout. While long-term power outages are rare, there are current warnings of a specific risk this winter, so it makes sense to be prepared.
Power stations up to 500 euros
Admittedly, mobile solar generators are not a full-fledged solution to power the entire household, lacking in power, capacity and the possibility of easy integration. At least in price ranges on this side of the 10,000 euros. In the event of a power failure, however, it makes sense to have at least a small power reserve for important consumers and gadgets. And this is where mobile power stations in combination with a mobile photovoltaic panel come in handy. Both are available in different performance and price classes. In addition to small emergency batteries with a capacity of a few hundred Wh, full-fledged solar power plants such as the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro (test report) or the expandable one are also availableBluetti AC200 Max (Review) . With costs of several thousand euros, however, such devices are still quite expensive.
If you have less money available, you basically get a similar configuration, but you have to make compromises in terms of performance and capacity. For example, the power stations up to 500 euros only have a few hundred watts of power instead of over 2000 watts. Instead of several kWh, the capacity is also around 200 to 600 Wh. In practice, electrical hand tools, cool boxes, computers or other moderate consumers can be supplied for a short period of time.
The low capacities can be easily recharged in one day with manageable solar power of 100 to 200 W – at least in good weather. In addition, the solar generators shown are all relatively compact and are therefore also suitable for on the go – this is only possible to a very limited extent with XL power stations with over 30 kg.
In addition to inexpensive no-name devices, well-known brands such as Anker, Bluetti and Ecoflow are also represented in our top 10. When it comes to battery technology, there are currently only Li-Ion batteries here.
1st place: Ecoflow River
The compact Ecoflow River (test report) for just under 370 euros has a relatively low capacity of just 288 Wh, but it makes up for it with performance and the integrated power supply with a 90-minute quick charge function. The standard output of both 230 outputs is a decent 600 W pure sine wave. If you need more power, you can access up to 1800 W from one of the Schuko sockets thanks to the power boost. Equally positive: The USB-C output charges devices with up to 100 W and the battery can optionally be expanded to double the capacity. A convenient remaining time display is also on board.
What we like about this compact power station is the well-functioning control of the fans. The fans kick in when power is delivered, but they are whisper quiet and barely audible when outputting under 100W. Even at higher speeds, the background noise lags behind most other solar generators.
The only real weak point is the insecure WLAN connection. However, the WLAN is only used for a few settings, so the wireless network can usually be deactivated.
2nd place: Bluetti Poweroak AC50S
It continues with the Poweroak AC50S from Bluetti (test report) , which just about makes it into our top 10 with a minimum price of 499.90 euros (according to the price comparison). The power station, available in blue and orange, with a wireless 10 W charging pad, offers a decent capacity of 500 Wh and a maximum output of 300 W (pure sine wave) per socket. It has less power, but a significantly higher capacity than our 1st place.
Thanks to PD, the USB-C output of the AC50S delivers up to 45 W. In the test, the model impressed with its successful form factor, quiet fan and a clear and informative status display.
It’s a shame that the charge level is only shown in 20 percent increments. Otherwise, there is a lot of equipment and a first-class build quality.
3rd place: Anker Powerhouse 521
The third-placed Anker Powerhouse 521 (test report) is neither particularly strong nor unusually persistent with only one Schuko socket with 200 W (pure sine wave) and a capacity of 256 Wh. Here, however, the successful overall package of compact dimensions, low weight, precise status display including remaining time display and the performance values is right. The compact 521 also leaves a positive overall impression in terms of volume, workmanship and handling.
At 370 euros, the small power station is not particularly expensive, but it costs the same as the first-placed and overall more powerful Ecoflow River.
4th place: Blitzwolf BW-PG1
The BW-PG1 from Blitzwolf (test report) was the first mobile solar generator in our editorial office a few years ago and laid the foundation for our theme world. In the meantime, the manufacturer has revised the robust power storage unit and the current version of the BW-PG1 delivers a decent 500 W pure sine wave (previously 300 W) with a capacity of 462 Wh.
