Batteries, Power Stations, Solar Panels, Power Hubs, Meters & Cables
Below are my preferred options for power sources (batteries, power stations, powerbanks) solar panels and other power accessories. The ones marked with anasterisk are the ones I have used and highly recommend. The others are what I believe to be excellent alternatives to consider. If you click on the link in the highlighted name it will take you directly to the supplier. Links are affiliate links which means that I can earn a small commission which helps defray the cost of this web site. If you have questions on these or other products email me at [email protected].
These are the power solutions I use most often depending upon how much power and in what form I need it:
Here are all of the power solutions I have tested and used, along with additional capacity versions from the same manufacturers. If it is listed below, it is one I think is worth considering.
For a lightweight and compact battery and modest power needs, say 24W or 2A over 3 hours you might consider a TalentCell power bank. These can be easily attached to the telescope or mount. Some people use one for the mount and a second one for everything else: *TalentCell 83.2Wh LiFePO4 - 83.2Wh / 6.5Ah at 12V This is currently the only TalentCell power bank that I recommend since it is the only true 12V battery keeping the voltage above 12V for ~95% of capacity. See my discussion and review in the Blog section Nov 2023
For larger power requirements and/or longer run times you should choose either a portable power station if you need both DC and AC or USB power, or a stand alone LiFePO4 battery for DC alone at the best capacity to price ratio :
Lithium Ion Portable Power Stations EBL 2097Wh - For multiple nights without the need to recharge. LiFePO4 cells EBL 1843Wh - For multiple nights without the need to recharge. LiFePO4 cells *EBL 1000Wh - See my complete field test and review in the Blog sectionOct 2022. EBL 519Wh EBL 300Wh * Jackery - Complete line of Solar generators from 160Wh (13.9Ah) to 2060Wh (158.5Ah). Watch my video review and full testing of the Jackery 1000 and 500 on my YouTube channel www.youtube.com/watch?v=WizbSG3N79w LiFePO4 Batteries * Li Time See their full line of LiFePO4 batteries in capacities from 50Ah to 460Ah hereamzn.to/48HFafR See my YouTube review of their 100Ah battery here www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIJPRiEm0VU *BattleBorn - 100Ah, 1280 Wh LiFePO4 battery with 3000 to 5000 Discharge Cycles & built in BMS See my YouTube review of their 100Ah battery here www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yu4Ei1-2jA *Bioenno Power - 50Ah, 640Wh LiFePO4 battery with 2000+ Discharge Cycles & built in BMS See my YouTube review of their 50Ah battery here www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUhW4n5MHcE You can find my complete field and bench test results for each battery along with estimated run times with various astronomy equipment setups in the YouTube links provided When it comes time to re-charge your power station or battery, a solar panel will be needed when there is no AC power available. If you have a stand alone battery you will also need a solar charge controller and cables. Portable Solar Panels * Jackery Solar Saga- 100W See my review and test results in the Blog section June 2023. Jackery Solar Saga 200 - 200W Jackery Solar Saga 80 - 80W * EBL Apollo - 100W See my complete review and summary in the Blog section June 2023. EBL 200W- 200W Watch my field test results on my YouTube channel www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CB4bHclbHg
LiFePO4 AC-DC Chargers Ampere Time - 10A Intelligent Lithium battery charger Ampere Time - 20A Intelligent Lithium battery charger *Bioenno Power - 10A Lithium battery charger with Anderson Power Pole Connectors