When the UK finally gets a spell of sunshine, most of us have the same idea: spend as much time outdoors as possible.
The problem? Power.
Whether you're hosting a BBQ, working in the garden, camping for the weekend or tackling a landscaping project, it doesn't take long before someone needs to charge a phone, power a fan or keep equipment running.
Instead of talking about technical specifications, outputs and battery capacities, we wanted to look at something more useful:
What can a portable power station actually do in real-world summer conditions?
Over the past few weeks, we've put our GenZero portable power stations to work during everything from garden BBQs to full-scale landscaping projects. The results genuinely surprised us.
A BBQ, Music, Drones and Phones – No Problem
On one particularly hot afternoon, we decided to put a GenZero unit through its paces during a typical summer gathering.
Our setup included:
- An electric BBQ grill
- A Bluetooth speaker
- Two smartphones
- Multiple drone batteries
- A connected solar panel
Rather than simply charging a phone or powering a single device, we wanted to see what would happen when several gadgets were running throughout the afternoon.
After around two hours of use, the battery level had only dropped by approximately 10%.
Even better, the solar panel was helping to top the battery back up throughout the day thanks to the sunny conditions.
What impressed us most wasn't the capacity. It was the convenience.
No extension reels stretched across the garden.
No fighting over plug sockets.
No carrying devices back inside to charge.
Everything stayed powered from a single portable unit while we simply got on with enjoying the day.
Real-World Test: Landscaping Through a Heatwave
The second test was much tougher.
Billy from Design & Build was working on a complete garden transformation during one of the hottest spells of weather we've seen this summer.
The challenge?
The site had no electrical hook-ups.
For many contractors, this would normally mean relying on noisy generators, running cables from neighbouring properties or constantly travelling back and forth to charge batteries.
Instead, Billy used the GenZero 2400 alongside a solar panel.
Throughout the project, the unit was used to:
- Charge power tool batteries
- Charge two mobile phones
- Power levelling lasers
- Run a fan during the hottest part of the day
- Operate a cement mixer
And this wasn't for an hour or two.
This was all-day use on a live project.
Despite running essential equipment throughout the day, battery usage remained surprisingly low, with less than 20% typically being used each day thanks to the support of the solar panel.
When we asked Billy for his thoughts, his response was simple:
"It's a fantastic bit of kit."
For tradespeople and contractors working away from mains power, that's exactly the kind of feedback we like to hear.
Why Portable Power Makes More Sense in Summer
When people think about portable power stations, they often picture camping trips or emergency backup power.
But summer is arguably where they become most useful.
Think about how many devices we rely on each day:
- Phones
- Tablets
- Speakers
- Cooling fans
- Power tools
- Portable fridges
- Drones
- Cameras
- Lighting
The moment you move away from a convenient wall socket, keeping everything powered becomes a challenge.
A portable power station solves that problem without the noise, fuel costs or maintenance associated with traditional generators.
Five Great Uses for Portable Power This Summer
1. Garden Parties and BBQs
Keep phones charged, music playing and outdoor lighting powered without trailing cables through the house.
2. DIY and Landscaping Projects
Perfect for charging batteries, powering equipment and running essential tools where mains power isn't available.
3. Camping and Caravan Holidays
Maintain the comforts of home while enjoying the outdoors.
4. Outdoor Working
Whether you're working in the garden or from a remote location, portable power allows you to keep devices and fans running throughout the day.
5. Outdoor Adventures
From drone photography to fishing trips and beach days, portable power keeps your equipment ready when you need it.
Don't Let a Lack of Power Ruin Your Summer
One thing became very clear during our summer testing.
Portable power stations aren't just for emergencies.
They're everyday convenience products.
Whether it's keeping drinks cold at a BBQ, charging drone batteries, running power tools on a remote site or simply keeping a fan running during a heatwave, having reliable power wherever you need it can make a huge difference.
And when paired with solar panels, the results can be even more impressive.
If you're planning to make the most of the summer months, a GenZero portable power station could quickly become the most useful piece of equipment you own.
Explore the GenZero range and discover how portable power can transform your next project, adventure or outdoor gathering.
GenZero 2400 →
GenZero 2000 →
GenZero 300 →
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