Portable Generator Power when off grid or emergencies

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ROCKPALS 300W Portable Power Station 2021 Updated Review

A silent portable power unit with enough energy to recharge your laptop 5-times over. A lithium-ion battery is lightweight with plenty of capacity. These types of batteries offer a reliable and smooth source of power, the safest way to power your delicate smart products.

There are many brands on the market we suggest you take a look at like the Goal Yeti 400 and the awesome Ankr 200 but the Rockpal 300 by far has one of the best reputations and reviews from online sales.

What you get with the Rockpal 300

There is a single standard 120-volt socket on the main panel, rated to 300 watts, suitable to power a wand-blender or a small fan. A 1-amp and a 2.1-amp USB socket for direct charging of small electronics, and two 3.0 USB socket for more demanding smartphones and some laptops.

Other sockets include a 12-volt car-adaptor and a 24-volt socket rated to 8 amps. The front panel has a large LCD screen where you can see the rate of charge from a solar panel, the sockets drawing energy and power consumption.

Two spotlights with separate switches, help you to see what you are doing at night. And a retractable handle makes this unit that much easier to carry. On the back, there are charging ports for the battery that will take 12 volts from a solar panel or car, and a 110-240-volt socket for direct mains charging.

ROCKPALS 300W Portable Power Station, 280Wh CPAP...
  • UPGRADED ROCKPALS 300-WATT PORTABLE POWER STATION: Comparing to most similar power stations, Rockpals 300W has...
  • HIGHER CAPACITY CAMPING/HOME BACKUP BATTERY: 280WH(3.7V 75Ah/12V 18.7Ah) lithium batteries and weights 7.3lb....
  • EASILY THREE WAY RECHARGEABLE: 1. Rockpals portable power station can be recharged from the sun with any...
  • PURE SINE WAVE OUTLET: Better than modified sine wave and clean power like utility supplied electricity. And...
  • WHAT YOU GET: Rockpals portable generator (280Wh Portable Generator), AC adapter, car charger cable, MC4...

Last update on 2024-03-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Contents

✅ What we liked

  • Silent. You could use it as a pillow and not hear it (not recommended).
  • Excellent choice of sockets for smaller electronics.
  • Modern lithium-ion battery with a lot of power.

❌ What could be better

  • You would want a bag or some way to cover the sockets when taking it camping.
  • The shape makes it a little bulky.

How Does it compare?

Best Value
ROCKPALS 300W Portable Power Station, 280Wh CPAP...
Editors Choice
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240, 240Wh...
Make & Model
ROCKPALS 300W Portable Generator
Jackery Power Station Explorer 240
Prime
-
Capacity & Displacement
75000mAh, 3.7V/280Wh
240Wh (16.8Ah, 14.4V)
Watts
300 Watts
240 Watts
Surge Watts
600 Watts
400 Watts
Run Time
4-5 Hours
3.5 Hours
DC 12V Ports
4x12V, 1X24V
1X (Pure Sine Wave)
USB 2.0 Ports
2 USB Ports
2 x USB A Ports
Weight
7.3lb
6.6 lbs
Size
6.5 x 3.15 x 6.89 in
5.19 x 9.05 x 7.67 in
Charging Time
6 Hours
7 Hours
Our Own Star Rating
9.4 out of 10
9.6 out of 10
Warranty
18 Months
12 Months
Best Value
ROCKPALS 300W Portable Power Station, 280Wh CPAP...
Make & Model
ROCKPALS 300W Portable Generator
Prime
-
Capacity & Displacement
75000mAh, 3.7V/280Wh
Watts
300 Watts
Surge Watts
600 Watts
Run Time
4-5 Hours
DC 12V Ports
4x12V, 1X24V
USB 2.0 Ports
2 USB Ports
Weight
7.3lb
Size
6.5 x 3.15 x 6.89 in
Charging Time
6 Hours
Our Own Star Rating
9.4 out of 10
Warranty
18 Months
Editors Choice
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240, 240Wh...
Make & Model
Jackery Power Station Explorer 240
Prime
Capacity & Displacement
240Wh (16.8Ah, 14.4V)
Watts
240 Watts
Surge Watts
400 Watts
Run Time
3.5 Hours
DC 12V Ports
1X (Pure Sine Wave)
USB 2.0 Ports
2 x USB A Ports
Weight
6.6 lbs
Size
5.19 x 9.05 x 7.67 in
Charging Time
7 Hours
Our Own Star Rating
9.6 out of 10
Warranty
12 Months

Last update on 2024-03-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Quick Facts:

  • Starting 600W — Continuous 300W.
  • Fuel Type: Lithium-ion battery.
  • Capacity: 75-amp hrs@3.7 volts, 280 Wh.
  • Tank Run-Time @ 25% Load: 3.75 hrs. 75 watts.
  • Noise Level @ 25% Load: Silent.
  • Weight: 7.3 lb. (3.31 kg).
  • Warranty: 1.5-Year.

Run time

Among the reasons you’d want to bring this generator to your outdoor activity is its runtime. After charging it to full capacity, it can run for up to 8 hours, depending on the appliances connected. For example, if you used the Rockpals 300W to light a lamp, you can get the 8 hours run time. Other machines, such as phones and laptops, can be charged to full capacity up to 4 or 5 times.

Seeing as you are taking a mild-powered generator for camping or any outdoor experience, you likely won’t be taking any bulky devices. In this case, a heavy device is anything that surpasses that 300w sweet spot. That means no blow driers or air fryers.

Also, the generator automatically powers off if it is not in use for 9 hours. However, even when it is not in use, and it is still on, it draws very little energy.

Charge time

As with most generators in its class, this generator can be charged in any of three ways. It can connect it to the AC unit of a house. You can charge it through the carport outlet. Or you can use the 100w solar panel that Rockpals suggests.

The quickest way to get the generator juiced up is by using the AC wall outlet. It will take about 4 to 5 hours. On the other hand, the carport might take you up to 7 hours to charge.

The cleanest method would be solar charging. Solar charging, though, comes with plenty of caveats. Optimum conditions would be when the sun is out and bright. It also depends on panel placement. The panel option would take anything between 5 to 7 hours.

Solar Charging

Solar charging is an excellent Eco-forward way to charge your generator. If you are heading for the great outdoors, this is one of the methods that you can rely on to keep your devices up and running.

The package comes with an MC4 cable that will help you charge your generator by solar. However, the solar panel is sold separately. The 18-volt 100W solar panel will charge your generator in 5 to 7 hours. Partial sunlight might delay charging and take up to 10 hours.

Outputs & Features

The Rockpals 300w generator has a variety of output options. They are all grouped into categories and placed in a manner that lets you know what section is currently in use. You can switch off an output section using the buttons above the outlets. It has two DC outlets; the DC 1 section has a 12V 8A outlet and a 24V 3A outlet. The DC 2 section has 12V 4A outlets.

The 4 USB outlets include 2 USB 3.0 outlets. That speeds up your charging time for smartphones and other USB-compatible devices. Finally, you have one 110V AC outlet.

Despite its size, this generator is a feature-rich power station.

The LED screen is one of the best features of this generator. It displays all the essential information, including battery status, output status, and the voltage levels of any appliance drawing power from the generators. On the extreme ends of the LED screen, 2 LED lights will improve your vision, especially at night. They are bright, but they are low-draw. They will not drain your generator too fast.

The handle is also a noticeable feature. The flat handle gives the machine its signature cube look. It retracts, giving the generator a box shape and makes it even easier to store away neatly.

Most new-age generators use inverters. Inverters are safer for your devices since they have a pure sine wave energy output. This helps in regulating the amount of power going into your devices. It also makes the generator noiseless.

Where to buy?

ROCKPALS 300W Portable Power Station, 280Wh CPAP...
  • UPGRADED ROCKPALS 300-WATT PORTABLE POWER STATION: Comparing to most similar power stations, Rockpals 300W has...
  • HIGHER CAPACITY CAMPING/HOME BACKUP BATTERY: 280WH(3.7V 75Ah/12V 18.7Ah) lithium batteries and weights 7.3lb....
  • EASILY THREE WAY RECHARGEABLE: 1. Rockpals portable power station can be recharged from the sun with any...
  • PURE SINE WAVE OUTLET: Better than modified sine wave and clean power like utility supplied electricity. And...
  • WHAT YOU GET: Rockpals portable generator (280Wh Portable Generator), AC adapter, car charger cable, MC4...

Last update on 2024-03-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Editors Final Thoughts

The Rockpals 300W Portable Power Station is one of the top-rated portable generators in its wattage category. Not only does it charge multiple devices simultaneously, but it is also quiet. It is ideal for night illumination as well as day use. This is a handy power accessory that will save you the trouble of having to look for alternative sources of power where the options are scarce.

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All the article on Oofgrid offer help and practical advice for using and purchasing a portable generator. However, We are enthusiasts and not qualified electricians. Always seek professional advice when working with electrical or Petrol appliances.