Portable Generator with Rechargeable Battery

[Ed Weingarden]

I recently bought a pop-up booth for doing outdoor craft shows. The inner walls of the booth are a silver/gray color, which makes for a somewhat dim appearance. I have a light setup for indoor shows, so I'm considering using it inside the booth. I would have to power the lights with a portable generator with a rechargeable battery (gas generators can't be used). My question is...has anyone used this type of generator? If so, how useful/effective are they? What are the specs that I would need for the generator to supply power all day (about 8 hrs)? My light setup has 8 lights which draw 10 watts each. TIA.

 

[Mark Hepburn]

You might consider a battery power pack.

I don’t do fairs anymore but I did and used one for a fan. Lasted all day. Here’s a link;

https://www.amazon.com/EF-ECOFLOW-Portable-Generator-Optional/dp/B0FQVC4RF5/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=2Q2MUI830GQZZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.p19wqg488iMWs9K78ZpeFotWTQZelF5zNpPUyaBRKmjt0sEqNpRMVaAgtv8Kr1ImKWRhvztdyXz0JBLFFSAh-bZ4_uPheOrF_VTqkEcVnsq-3MMfWJzuVm_bXIuRfoJvu2AJFEjS6SO0jnqlJ-x5_y_fZ25pbH00LBMirWv53lNEZbVrISDddhWzYioIxsCv5GYCLpfFc4jWbIxL0YonkA.rygFSbGac4tJ_lD01xxFP2v3lWPEpfYRp8SFBO7epS4&dib_tag=se&keywords=ecoflow&qid=1761399721&sprefix=eco%2Caps%2C137&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1

 

[Ed Weingarden]

@Mark Hepburn - thanks for the link. It looks like it would provide what I need, although it's a bit pricey.

 

[Tim Hunter]

It’s a simple energy balance. I don’t agree with them being referred to to as generators.

 

[Dave Sabo]

@Mark Hepburn - thanks for the link. It looks like it would provide what I need, although it's a bit pricey.

Curious what your budget for this projects is/was ?

The unit Mark linked is $410 and has enough capacity to meet your 700 watt hours of need. It has relatively fast recharging capability and solar panel input. What kind of decent gas powered generator can you get for that sum? Not a quiet one for sure.

You could get a cheaper ($200-$300) battery power station , but you will sacrifice run time and quick charging capability and often the ability to charge via solar panels. That may or may not concern you , but it’s a handy option for many people /uses.

In answer to your orig. question - these battery power satiations are very effective and most importantly - silent & no fumes. So, same power as a gas genny without the smell. The drawback is that they have a finite run time before you experience significant downtime for recharging.

With gas , you just keep filling the tank with fuel that can be quickly replaced.

 

[Richard Coers]

If light is all you want, why not just buy some rechargeable light fixtures? Cheap and last 10 hours. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQP53VJ...9wX3NlYXJjaF9wZXJjb2xhdGVfaW5saW5lX2J0Zg&th=1

 

[Ed Weingarden]

@Dave Sabo - thank you for your insights; very helpful. It's not so much that I have a fixed budget, it's a matter of investment vs usage. I do 3-4 weekend/outdoor shows per year. Thus, I would be using it 6-8 days/year; the rest of the time it will sit idle. But in the end analysis, I may need to invest $400 to have something that will fit my needs.

@Richard Coers - I already have a track light setup, which I mount onto an adjustable backdrop stand. I'm not sure that I would achieve the brightness that I want with your suggestion. Thanks for your input.