When the power goes out in your neighborhood — or you simply want a little modern convenience on a family camping trip — a portable power station might be the answer to your needs. Powered by lithium batteries, the units have a lot of advantages over the traditional gas- or diesel-powered generators.

The lithium batteries in today’s portable power stations are rechargeable by a variety of means. Solar panels are available, though sold separately. They can be recharged at a home wall plug-in or using a twelve-volt plug for a car charger.