Portable Power Solutions for Your Off-Grid Adventures
Whether you're setting up at a campground on holiday, cruising on your boat, or traversing the country in your motorhome, having reliable, portable power makes life off the grid not just possible, but downright comfortable. With modern technology, staying powered up no longer means noisy generators and rationing power. Instead, brands like EcoFlow, Brass Monkey, and Joolca offer game-changing solutions to keep your devices, appliances, and even luxuries like hot showers going. Let’s dive into how you can combine power stations, solar panels, and portable fridge/freezers to make your off-grid adventures as smooth as a freshly paved highway.
Power Stations: The Core of Your Setup
At the heart of any good off-grid system is a solid power station. These battery-powered units store energy and give you the freedom to run your essentials when you’re miles from the nearest power outlet. Unlike traditional fuel generators, power stations from brands like EcoFlow are clean, quiet, and require near zero maintenance. Simply charge them up before you hit the road or connect them to a solar panel system, and you’ve got a portable energy bank ready to go.
EcoFlow power stations are particularly popular for their super-fast recharge times and versatility. Models like the EcoFlow Delta 2 can go from zero to 80% in under an hour when plugged into the mains, meaning a quick pit stop can get you back to full power. And with multiple outputs (USB, AC, DC), these units are great for charging everything from smartphones to laptops, running LED lights, and even powering heavier appliances like fridges, electric cookers and believe it or not, coffee machines.
For those on a budget or looking for something more basic where only a few devices need charging, the EcoFlow River 2 range of power stations provide great performance at a lower price point, the main difference being their power storage capacity. There are 3 models available in the River 2 range, these being the River 2 with a capacity of 256Wh, the River 2 Max with a capacity of 512Wh and finally the River 2 Pro, which has a massive 768Wh capacity. While the units may not have the capacity of the Delta units, they still have up to 10 output ports depending on the model and they still pack a punch in terms of keeping your gear running, especially when paired with solar panels.
Solar Power: Harnessing the sun
If you’re planning an extended off-grid adventure, solar panels are a must-have. Portable solar panels from EcoFlow, Brass Monkey and Burnsco make it easy to recharge your power stations during the day, providing a sustainable, renewable energy source that doesn’t rely on fuel or constant recharges from a mains outlet. As long as the sun’s out, you’ve got power.
Solar panels come in all shapes and sizes. For RV or motorhome travellers, fixed solar panels mounted on the roof are a great option to continuously recharge your power station while you’re on the move or parked up. For campers or boaters, portable solar panels that fold up or come in suitcase-style designs are perfect. Simply set them up when you’re parked or anchored and let them soak up the sun.
Want another reason why using a Solar panel with your power station is so good? You don’t need a bunch of regulators, additional batteries and full wiring system, simply connect the solar panel with the correct cable to your power station and it is charging. This is a much easier and simpler solution than a typical solar setup making it perfect for people doing shorter trips or are limited in space – i.e those doing a van conversion.
Pairing your power station with solar creates a fully self-sufficient system. With the right wattage, you can keep your power station topped up and run essential appliances like fridges, lights, and fans without ever needing to plug into the grid.
Portable Fridges: Keeping it Cool
Nothing ruins a great adventure faster than spoiled food or warm drinks. That’s where a portable fridge comes in handy. Brands like Brass Monkey and Dometic offer a range of fridges designed for off-grid living. They’re compact, energy-efficient, and can run for days on a single charge when paired with a good power station. Portable fridges are perfect for campers, fishers, and motorhomers alike. Whether you need to keep your catch fresh, your drinks cold, or your food safe from the summer heat, these fridges make sure you’re sorted.
Brass Monkey fridges are built tough, their compressors are excellent and can be operated indefinitely at up to a 5 degree angle or, between a 6 and 45 degree angle for up to 30 minutes. They have a range of different sizes to suit individuals or large families and groups, and even have models supplied with rugged wheels and an extendable handle for when you need to transport them.
The best part? If you’ve got a solar setup powering your power station, you can keep a portable fridge running almost indefinitely. No more dealing with melting ice or soggy food—just cold drinks and fresh snacks whenever you need them. Some fridges even come with dual zones, meaning you can have a freezer and a fridge in one unit, perfect for those long road trips.
Showers and Hot Water: The Ultimate Off-Grid Luxury
While we’re talking about off-grid luxuries, let’s not forget about the joy of a hot shower after a long day. Brands like Joolca is all about bringing the luxury of hot showers and running water to off-grid living, with portable systems designed to be easy to set up and use in any location. Their HOTTAP system, for example, provides instant hot water which can be easily powered by your portable power station, making it perfect for camping, motorhome trips, and even fishing excursions. Built tough for the outdoors, Joolca products are compact yet durable, offering a reliable solution for fresh water access and a touch of comfort wherever your adventures take you. Whether you’re washing off the salt after a day fishing, freshening up at the end of a dusty hike, or even just filling up the tub to wash your dishes, having hot water available is a real game changer for comfort while you’re off-grid.
The Ultimate Off-Grid Combo
When you combine power stations, solar panels, portable fridges and a hot water system, you’ve got an unbeatable setup for off-grid living. Here’s how it all fits together:
- Power Station: Acts as your energy storage, powering everything from your phone and lights to larger appliances like fridges and electric cookers.
- Solar Panels: Recharges your power station during the day, making your setup fully sustainable without ever needing to find a power outlet.
- Portable Fridge: Plugs directly into your power station keeping your food and drinks chilled and fresh.
- Hot Water System: Plugs directly into your power station and when you put the pump into a bucket of water, or even a nearby stream, gives you an instant flow of hot water.
This combination lets you enjoy the comforts of home - whether you’re out on an off-grid campsite, drifting on the water, or parked in the middle of nowhere in your motorhome.
With brands like EcoFlow, Brass Monkey, and Joolca leading the way in portable power solutions, there’s no reason to leave comfort behind on your next adventure. Whether you’re heading off for a weekend getaway or a month-long trip this gear will keep you powered, fed, and fresh, wherever your journey takes you.
Do you have any questions?
Please, contact our friendly team on 0800 102041 or email: website@burnsco.co.nz
We provide general information on products, not personal advice. Always seek the help of a relevant tradesperson if you have a technical query.
