Review – I’ve reviewed some portable (and semi-portable) power station Over the years, I am now looking for a few things in a good power station: a good battery-to-price ratio ($1 per watt-hour of battery capacity is the average price over several years), an information display indicating the time remaining for the current usage level ( or time to fully charge), and enough output ports to run my various gadgets at campsites or remote locations or in the event of a power outage. For all of these cases, the ability to hook up to a decent solar panel array for charging during the day creates a nice off-grid experience, although the solar panels I’ve tested before can’t produce enough power during the day to keep me going for a day everything overnight. The PECRON E1000 portable power station would probably meet all my needs, at least on paper.
What is it?
The PECRON E1000 Portable Power Supply is basically a portable battery capable of powering multiple devices via AC and DC power standards such as 120V AC outlet and USB or DC 12V outlet. It can be charged from a regular wall socket or via a connected solar panel. Speaking of which, PECRON included their AURORA200 portable solar panel system for my testing, which can generate up to 200 watts of power in ideal sunlight conditions.
What’s in the box?
- PECRON E1000 Portable Power Station
- Kits
- AC power supply for charging
- DC power supply for charging
- 4 core aviation connector to MC4 solar connector
- “4 in 1” cable
Hardware Specifications
- Charging time: 5-6 hours with wall AC adapter or 400W solar charge (eg, two Aurora200 systems with Y-combiners)
- PV input: 29.4-40V, 20A max
- Charging type: AC charging (DC29.4V9A); solar charging (voltage 36V); car charging
- AC output: AC220V/50Hz or AC110V/60Hz (pure sine wave)
- Output power: rated power 1500W; peak power 3000W
- DC output: DC12V10A (two-core aviation connector); QC3.0
- Battery capacity: (25.2V40.8Ah)
- Battery: Li-Ion (70%@1000 Cycles)
- Product size: L13.5” x W7” x H9.75” (L340×W175×H250mm)
- Net Weight: 24.4 lbs
- Aurora200 Portable Solar Panel: Produces up to 200 Watts at 36V
Design and Features
The front of the PECRON E1000 portable power station features a monochrome LCD screen that is easy to read even in bright sunlight. Two USB-A ports, an on/off switch (for all front-end ports), a DC-in, and a DC-out port are provided here.
There are four AC ports on the back, as well as a physical AC On/Off switch. There are two 3-pin (grounded) and two 2-pin (ungrounded) sockets. Pecron rates the total AC output at 1000 watts continuous/2000 watts peak pure sine wave power.
The handle seems sturdy and I don’t worry about breaking it when transporting the device. Large, thick plastic bumpers at each corner also impart a solid feel.
The Aurora200 portable solar panel (not included with the E1000 power station) is about the size I can comfortably carry, and I’m a pretty big guy. PECRON has several solar panel options, and the E1000 power station can accept different solar panels (although you may need to purchase an adapter as this is the first 4-pin aero style connection I’ve come across).
An accessory pouch is also included with the Aurora200 to provide access to the output connections.
An adapter is included to convert these plugs to a single 4-pin aviation input and screw into the E1000 power station.
It unfolds to reveal 4 light-absorbing panels capable of outputting 200 watts of electricity to the power station. The slats on the back allow the unit to be placed at an angle.
Statistics are printed on the Aurora200’s flip cover, including operating temperatures from sub-zero to Death Valley heat levels.
Performance
My favorite thing to test with a power station first is my office space heater. The unit spikes to nearly 1500 watts at startup, then settles to around 740 watts consistently, which the PECRON E1000 can handle with ease. As you can see above, pushing that much power will use up the entire unit in just over an hour. By comparison, a 100-watt projector can run for about 10 hours, or a small refrigerator/freezer can run for more than 20 hours.
Then I took the E1000 Portable Power Station and the Aurora200 Portable Solar Panel outside, and as you can see, the accessory bag’s handles and shoulder straps allow one person to carry the entire system. I don’t want to hike very far with everything, but it’s convenient for short walks to different places.
Connecting the Aurora200 Portable Solar Panel to the E1000 Portable Power Station is quick and easy.
Even on cloudy days in early spring, the Aurora200 provided more than 90 watts of power to the E1000 power station. On all but the shortest and most cloudy days, this combo should provide a decent nighttime power source, perfect for an RV/cabin/outage.
When plugged into a wall (or if the weather conditions are better), the PECRON E1000 can accept up to 400 watts of power input, fully charging it in 4-6 hours depending on the input.
what do I like
- Large capacity that is still portable
- Easy-to-read and informative LCD screen including full/empty time
- Excellent solar panel performance on Aurora200
what would i change
- Quieter cooling fan
- LED light function
- USB-C powered
final thoughts
The Pecron E1000 Portable Power Station earns a permanent spot to power my basic network equipment and a backup fridge/freezer in case of a power outage (unlike some of the others I’ve reviewed, it can charge and charge at the same time). If we experience a constant power outage or decide to take it on an outdoor adventure, I love that the Aurora200 solar panel is able to charge it on all but the cloudiest of days. This 1000 watt hour sized power station is perfect for our needs and is now an important part 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: Samples for this review are provided by pechron
