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REVIEW – I’ve reviewed a handful of portable (and semi-portable) power stations over the years, and there are a couple of things I look for in a good power station now: good battery-to-price ratio ($1 per watt-hour of battery capacity has been the average going rate for a few years now), an informative display that indicates the time remaining at current usage levels (or time until fully charged), and enough output ports to run my various gadgets at a campsite or remote location or in case of a power outage. For all of these scenarios, the ability to attach a decent solar panel array to recharge during the day creates a nice off-the-grid experience, though previously the solar panels I’ve tested haven’t been able to generate enough power during the day to keep everything I’d want going overnight. The PECRON E1000 Portable Power Station might just tick off all my wants, at least on paper.
What is it?
The PECRON E1000 Portable Power Station is basically a portable battery, capable of providing power to multiple devices through both AC and DC power standards (like 120V AC outlets and USB or DC 12 volt sockets). It can be charged from a regular wall outlet or via connected solar panels. Read also : Town Board discusses code changes to address battery energy storage systems. Speaking of, PECRON included their AURORA200 Portable solar panel system for me to test for this review, which can generate up to 200 watts of electricity in ideal sunlight conditions.
What’s in the box?
PECRON E1000 Portable Power StationAccessory bagAC power supply for chargingDC power supply for charging4 core aviation connector to MC4 solar connector“4 in 1” cable See the article : Why we need to tackle renewable energy’s storage problem – Physics World.
Hardware specs
Charging time: 5-6 hours from wall AC adaptor or 400 watts of solar power (two of the Aurora200 systems with a Y combiner for example)PV input: 29.4-40V, 20A maximumCharging Type:AC Charging(DC29.4V9A)；Solar Charging(Voltage 36V); Car ChargingAC Output: AC220V/50Hz or AC110V/60Hz(Pure sine wave)Output Power: Rated Power 1500W; Peak Power 3000WDC Output: DC12V10A(Two Core Aviation Connector); QC3.0Battery Capacity: (25.2V40.8Ah)Battery: Li-ion(70%@1000 Cycles)Product Dimension: L13.5” x W7” x H9.75”(L340×W175×H250mm)Net Weight: 24.4lbsAurora200 Portable Solar Panel: up to 200 Watts generated at 36V
Design and features
The front of the PECRON E1000 Portable Power Station sports a monochrome LCD screen that is easily readable even in bright sunlight. Two USB-A ports, an On/Off switch (for all of the front ports), a DC input and a DC output port are available here.
The four AC ports are on the back, along with the physical AC On/Off switch. There are two 3-prong (grounded) and two 2-prong (ungrounded) style outlets. Pecron rates the total AC output at 1000 watts sustained / 2000 watts peak pure sine wave power.
The handle seems quite sturdy, I had no fears of this breaking when transporting the unit around. Large thick plastic bumpers on every corner also lend to a sturdy-feeling build.
The Aurora200 portable solar panel (not included with the E1000 power station) is about as large as I can comfortably carry, and I’m a fairly big guy. PECRON has a couple of solar panel options, and the E1000 power station can accept different solar panels (though you’ll likely need to source adaptors since this is the first I’ve run across with a 4-pin aviation style connection).
An included accessory pouch also gives on the Aurora200 gives access to the output connections.
An adaptor was included that converts these plugs to a single 4-pin aviation input that screws into the E1000 power station.
It unfolds to expose 4 light-gulping panels capable of putting out 200 watts of power to the power station. Slats on the back allow for the unit to rest at an angle.
Stats are printed right on the flap of the Aurora200, including operating temperatures from below freezing to Death Valley heat levels.
Performance
My favorite thing to test first with power stations is my office space heater. This unit spikes to near 1500 watts when starting, then stabilizes to ~740 watts sustained, which the PECRON E1000 handled easily. As you can see above, pushing this much power would drain the entire unit in just over an hour. By comparison, a 100-watt projector could run for about 10 hours, or a small fridge/freezer for 20+.
I then took the E1000 Portable Power station and Aurora200 Portable Solar panel outside, and as you can see the handles and shoulder sling for the accessories bag allows for one-person carry of the entire system. I wouldn’t want to hike very far with everything, but it’s convenient enough for short walks to different locations.
Connecting the Aurora200 Portable Solar panel to the E1000 Portable Power station was quick and easy.
Even in early spring on a partly cloudy day, the Aurora200 was pushing 90+ watts of power to the E1000 power station. On anything but the shortest and cloudiest days, this combo should provide a nice overnight power supply, great for RVs/small cabins/power-outages.
When plugged into the wall (or if weather conditions were better), the PECRON E1000 can accept up to 400 watts of power input, charging it up to full in 4-6 hours depending on input.
What I like
Large capacity in a still-portable sizeEasy to read and informative LCD screen, including time-to-full/emptyExcellent solar panel performance on the Aurora200
What I’d change
Quieter cooling fansLED lantern featureUSB-C Power Delivery
Final thoughts
The Pecron E1000 Portable Power Station has earned a permanent spot powering my essential networking gear and a backup fridge/freezer in case of power outages (unlike some other units I’ve reviewed, it can both charge and be charged simultaneously). If we ever have a sustained outage or decide to bring it on outdoor adventures, I love that the Aurora200 solar panels will be able to recharge it on all but the cloudiest days. This 1000 watt-hour size power station is perfect for our needs, and is now an essential piece of our disaster preparedness plans and future camping adventures.
Price: $699 (Power Station) and $449 (Solar Panel)
Where to buy: Pecron E1000 Portable Power Station and Pecron Aurora200 Portable Solar panel and Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Pecron