Inverters and power stations convert battery or solar energy into mains electricity, for use at home, on a campsite, in a vehicle or during load shedding. Our range of over 250 models covers portable power stations, DC-to-AC inverters and solar or hybrid inverters from brands such as EcoFlow, Qoltec, Green Cell, Huawei and Deye.
How to choose an inverter or power station
Product type. A portable power station has a battery built in and works as a plug-and-play backup. A plain inverter only converts power from a separate battery or a vehicle, while a solar hybrid inverter manages panels, batteries and the grid in a fixed installation.
Output power in watts. Add up the rated power of everything you want to run at the same time, then leave some headroom. Fridges, pumps and power tools draw a much higher surge when they start, so check the peak rating as well as the continuous one.
Battery capacity in watt-hours. Capacity decides how long the unit runs. Divide the watt-hours by the load in watts for a rough runtime, and expect somewhat less in practice because of conversion losses. Many current power stations use LiFePO4 cells, which generally handle more charge cycles than other common lithium chemistries.
Waveform. Pure sine wave output suits laptops, audio equipment, medical devices and appliances with motors. Modified sine wave inverters can run simple loads such as lamps and chargers, but they may cause noise or extra heat in sensitive electronics.
Charging and expansion. Check whether the unit charges from the mains, a car socket and solar panels, and what its maximum solar input is. Some systems accept extra battery packs, which helps if your needs grow. For a solar inverter, match single-phase or three-phase to your property's supply.
Brands we carry in inverters and power stations
- EcoFlow: best known for portable power stations with fast mains charging and optional expansion batteries.
- Jackery and Bluetti: both focus on portable power stations for camping and home backup, with solar panel bundles and, in Bluetti's case, a strong emphasis on LiFePO4 batteries.
- DJI: a drone manufacturer that also makes portable power stations under its Power series.
- Huawei: known for SUN2000 solar inverters and LUNA2000 battery storage for home energy systems.
- Deye and Sungrow: Deye is widely used for hybrid solar inverters that combine panels, batteries and grid supply, while Sungrow is a large manufacturer of photovoltaic inverters and energy storage.
- Green Cell and Qoltec: both offer a mix of vehicle DC-to-AC inverters and power stations, from small units for a laptop to higher-wattage models.
Also in our range: Kemot, LogiLink and Vtoman.
Inverters and power stations: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an inverter and a power station?
An inverter only converts DC power into 230 V AC and needs an external battery or power source. A power station combines the inverter, a battery and a charger in one case, so you can plug devices in straight away. Choose an inverter if you already have a battery system, and a power station if you want a self-contained unit.
How many watts do I need to run a fridge during load shedding?
Most household fridges need a power station or inverter with a continuous rating comfortably above the fridge's running power and a surge rating that covers its start-up peak. Check the label on the fridge for its wattage. A pure sine wave output is recommended, and capacity in watt-hours decides how many hours it will keep running.
Can I charge a power station with solar panels?
Yes, most power stations have a solar input, but each model limits the voltage and wattage of the panels it accepts. Compare the panel specifications with the unit's maximum solar input before buying. Charging from solar is slower than from the mains, so allow a full day of good sunlight for larger batteries.
Do I need a pure sine wave inverter?
A pure sine wave inverter is the safer choice for laptops, TVs, medical equipment and anything with a motor. It produces power close to what the grid supplies, so devices run cooler and quieter. A modified sine wave model can work for basic resistive loads such as heaters or incandescent lights, but it is not suited to sensitive electronics.
