EcoFlow Power Stations: Backup Power for Kenyan Homes and Work

Power outages are a fact of life in many parts of Kenya. A portable power station is a large rechargeable battery with normal AC sockets. It is quiet, produces no fumes and can run indoors, unlike a generator.

Two numbers that matter

Watt-hours (Wh) tell you how much energy is stored. Watts (W) tell you how much power it can supply at one time.

If a device uses 50W and you have a 500Wh battery, it would run for around 10 hours in theory. In practice, allow for conversion losses of 10 to 15% or so.

The output rating must exceed the load of what you plug in. Devices with motors can have much higher start-up demands.

The EcoFlow range

• River 3 (245Wh) and River 3 Plus (286Wh): small units for laptops, routers, phones and lights.
• Delta 3 and Delta 3 Plus (1024Wh): for home backup of several devices, TVs and small appliances.
• Delta 3 2000 Air (1920Wh): more capacity for longer outages.
• Delta Pro 3 (4096Wh): a large system for heavy home or business backup.

What can they run?

• Wi-Fi router: usually 10 to 20W, and can run for a long time.
• Laptop: 30 to 100W.
• LED TV: 50 to 150W.
• Fridge: varies, with a high start-up current.
• Kettle or iron: very high power and a bad use of battery capacity.

Check the rating plate on every device you plan to connect.

Solar charging

Power stations can be recharged with compatible solar panels. In Kenya's sunny climate, this is very attractive. Output depends on weather, panel angle and panel size, so real results are lower than the panel's rated power. Check that panels are compatible with the unit's input voltage and connector.

Protecting your devices

A power station can act as an uninterruptible supply for routers and PCs when set up properly, but not every device switches fast enough for all equipment. Check the unit's specifications.

Care and safety

Do not cover vents during use. Keep it away from heat and water. Store it partly charged if unused for long periods, and top it up regularly.

Compared with a power bank

A power bank charges phones and some laptops through USB. A power station provides AC sockets for larger devices.

Business use

Shops, M-Pesa agents and home offices often use small power stations to keep POS systems and internet running. Compare the cost with the income you lose during an outage. Video producers can also read the gimbal guide for shoots in remote areas.