Power station: all-in-one
- Battery, inverter, charger and BMS in one box.
- Plug and play, nothing to wire.
- Higher cost per usable watt hour.
- Capacity is fixed unless you buy expansion batteries.
DIY battery box: build your own
- Lower cost per usable watt hour.
- Choose your own battery size, outlets and charger.
- Easy to repair and upgrade.
- Needs basic electrical skills and time to build.
The verdict
DIY wins on cost, capacity and flexibility. A power station wins on convenience. If you're handy with a crimper and want the most power for your money, build a box. If you want it to just work out of the box, buy a power station.
Gear picks
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