Starting with solar can feel like a lot of numbers and decisions, but two simple checklists can turn confusion into a clear plan. The first checklist helps you understand what you want to power. The second checklist helps you choose a portable power station and panel setup that matches your needs without overspending or missing important safety details. Both checklists are designed for complete beginners who are looking at small, plug-and-play solar gear such as portable panels, power banks, and power stations, not rooftop installations.

Short version: List every device you plan to run, note its wattage from the label, estimate daily hours, and calculate watt-hours. Then, when shopping, check that the battery capacity covers your daily total, the solar input limit matches your panel wattage, a charge controller is built in, and you have a plan for safe charging and any travel rules. Ignore high-pressure sales and treat runtime claims as estimates that depend on how you use the gear.

Checklist 1: Your device list

Before you buy anything, you need a realistic picture of how much energy you will use. According to Virginia Cooperative Extension, you can estimate an appliance’s energy consumption by multiplying its wattage by the hours used per day. The wattage is usually stamped on the bottom or back of the appliance, or on its nameplate. If only amperes are listed, you can multiply that by the voltage (typically 120 volts in the United States) to get watts. This device list becomes the foundation for sizing a portable power station or battery bank.

The table below is a simple way to organize your information. Fill in one row per device. The “Watts” column should come from the device label, not from a guess. The “Wh per Day” column is just Watts multiplied by Hours per Day. The “Notes” column is where you can mark if a device has a motor that draws extra current at startup, or if it has a phantom load that draws power even when switched off. Virginia Cooperative Extension notes that many appliances continue to draw a small amount of power when turned off, and these phantom loads can be avoided by unplugging the device or using a power strip with a switch.

Device Watts (from label) Hours per Day Wh per Day Notes
Example: LED camp light 10 4 40 Steady load
Example: laptop 50 3 150 Check label; may vary with use
… … … … …

Add up the Wh per Day column to get your total daily energy need. This number is the minimum battery capacity you should look for in a power station, measured in watt-hours (Wh). If you plan to run several devices at once, also note the total watts running at the same time, because the power station’s inverter or output rating must handle that peak load. For a deeper walk-through of watt-hours and runtime calculations, see our solar calculators for beginners page. You can also brush up on key terms like watt, watt-hour, and inverter on the solar terms explained page.

Checklist 2: Your first purchase

Once you know your daily watt-hour total, you are ready to shop. This checklist covers the most important points a beginner should verify before buying a portable solar setup. Each item includes a one-line reason so you understand why it matters.

  • Battery capacity (Wh) matches your daily need. The power station’s capacity should at least equal the total Wh per day you calculated. As a simple example, if your list adds up to 300 Wh per day, look for usable capacity above that rather than exactly equal to it. Anker’s solar charging guide explains that charging time depends on battery capacity and usable solar input, so a larger battery takes longer to charge but provides more runtime.
  • Solar input limit is not exceeded by panel wattage. Anker’s guide states that usable solar input is whichever value is lower: the combined rated wattage of your panels or the power station’s maximum solar input limit. Connecting 800 watts of panels to a unit with a 600-watt input limit still only delivers 600 watts of charging power. Check the power station’s solar input specification and match your panel wattage accordingly.
  • A built-in charge controller is present. Victron Energy’s Wiring Unlimited book clearly states that solar panels are not allowed to be directly connected to a battery; a solar charger must be placed between the panels and the battery to convert the higher panel voltage into a voltage suitable for charging. Portable power stations have this charger built in, but if you are assembling a DIY system with separate components, you must include a charge controller. Without it, the battery can be damaged.
  • You have a plan for safe charging habits. Utah State University Extension warns that lithium-ion batteries can overheat and cause fires if they are damaged, overcharged, exposed to extreme temperatures, or paired with a mismatched charger. They recommend charging devices on a flat, dry, uncluttered surface away from exit routes, never under a pillow or blanket, and only when you can monitor them. Use only the charger designed for your device, and look for proper UL certification when purchasing batteries. Avoid charging overnight or while away from home, and store spare batteries in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
  • Air travel limits are checked if you plan to fly. The FAA’s PackSafe rules require that spare lithium-ion batteries, including power banks and portable rechargers, must be carried in carry-on baggage only and are prohibited in checked bags. Each battery is limited to a rating of 100 watt-hours (Wh) unless you have airline approval for up to two larger batteries between 101 and 160 Wh. Battery terminals must be protected from short circuit by leaving them in retail packaging, taping the terminals, or using a protective case. Damaged or recalled batteries must not be carried aboard an aircraft. If you intend to travel with your solar gear, verify the Wh rating and airline-specific restrictions before you buy.
  • Seller claims and pressure tactics are recognized. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) cautions that scammers may promise free solar panels, huge rebates, or immediate savings, and may pressure you into a contract or demand up-front payment. Legitimate businesses and government agencies do not pressure you to act immediately and will not ask for payment via cash, gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. The FTC advises taking your time, protecting your personal information, and knowing that “free” or “no cost” solar panel offers are scams. If a deal sounds too good to be true, walk away.
  • EnergyGuide-style thinking is applied to runtime claims. The FTC explains that the EnergyGuide label on home appliances provides an estimated yearly operating cost based on typical use and a national average energy price, and your actual cost will depend on how you use the appliance and your local energy price. The same principle applies to portable solar gear: any runtime or savings estimate a seller provides is based on assumptions about usage and sunlight. Treat those numbers as rough guides, not promises. Your real-world results will vary with weather, device settings, and charging habits.

Working through this checklist before you buy helps you avoid common beginner mistakes. For more guidance on planning a small first project, visit our planning a first project page. If you want to explore how portable panels and power stations fit together, the portable solar basics article walks through the essentials.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a separate charge controller for a portable power station?

No. Portable power stations have a built-in solar charge controller that converts the panel’s voltage to a level safe for the internal battery. Victron Energy’s guidance makes clear that a solar charger must sit between panels and a battery; in an all-in-one power station, that charger is already inside the unit. If you are building a DIY system with separate components, you must add a charge controller.

Can I take my solar power station on a plane?

It depends on the battery’s watt-hour rating. The FAA limits spare lithium-ion batteries to 100 Wh per battery in carry-on luggage, with airline approval possible for up to two batteries between 101 and 160 Wh. Batteries must be protected from short circuit and cannot go in checked bags. Always check the Wh rating printed on the unit and confirm your airline’s specific rules before traveling.

How do I know if a solar seller is legitimate?

The FTC recommends watching for high-pressure tactics, demands for immediate payment, and promises of free equipment or huge rebates. It says legitimate businesses do not pressure you to act immediately and will not ask you to pay with cash, gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps or cryptocurrency. Verify any claims about rebates or incentives through official sources.

For more checklists and planning tools, visit our Checklists and Worksheets page.

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