Portable Power Station Glossary: Wh, LFP, MPPT, UPS Mode and More

This guide is based on manufacturer specifications, published information and buyer feedback. We do not claim hands-on testing. Always follow the instructions that come with your own equipment.

Power station spec sheets use many terms. Here is a plain-English guide.

Energy and power

Watt (W)

A unit of power: how much energy a device uses at a moment.

Watt-hour (Wh)

A unit of energy: watts multiplied by hours. Battery capacity is rated in Wh.

Kilowatt-hour (kWh)

1,000 Wh.

Continuous output

The power the unit can supply steadily.

Surge (peak) output

The higher power the unit can supply for a moment, for starting motors.

Battery terms

LiFePO4 / LFP

Lithium iron phosphate battery chemistry known for long cycle life. See LiFePO4 vs lithium-ion.

Cycle

One full discharge and recharge.

State of charge (SOC)

The battery level as a percentage.

BMS

Battery management system that protects the battery.

Charging and features

MPPT

Maximum power point tracking, a way solar charge controllers get the most power from panels.

Pass-through charging

Using the unit while it is being charged.

UPS mode

Switches to battery quickly if wall power fails, to keep devices running. Check the switch-over time for sensitive equipment.

Pure sine wave

Clean AC output suitable for most electronics.

MC4 / XT60

Common solar connector types.

Expandable battery

Extra battery packs that connect to extend capacity.

Learn more

See what size power station do I need and our runtime calculator.

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