Best Portable Power Stations for Cuba 2025: Blackout Guide
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When the Lights Go Out (Again)
Look, we both know why you're here. Another apagón hit, your family group chat exploded with voice notes, and now you're frantically Googling "best power station for Cuba" at 2am. Been there. The grid situation isn't getting better anytime soon, and sending cash for candles isn't cutting it anymore. These portable power stations can keep phones charged, fans running, and that precious mini fridge humming through 8-12 hour blackouts. The catch? Not every "camping generator" survives Cuban humidity, customs scrutiny, or the reality of being the only power source for an entire household. Let's find one that actually works.
Here's what nobody tells you about power stations for Cuba: wattage matters less than you think, and battery chemistry matters way more. Those cheap lithium-ion units from random Amazon sellers? They'll puff up like a tostón in Havana's humidity within 18 months. LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) batteries handle heat and humidity dramatically better—we're talking 3,000+ charge cycles versus maybe 500 for standard lithium.
Weight is your other enemy. Anything over 25 pounds starts triggering extra shipping fees and suspicious customs looks. And forget solar panels for now unless you're sending separately—they add bulk, fragility, and complications. Focus on the station itself; solar can come later.
The real question isn't "how many watts?" It's "what actually needs to stay on?" A fan, phone chargers, LED lights, maybe a small TV—that's 200-400 watts. A full-size refrigerator? You're looking at 800W+ surge power. Know the household before you buy.
The Short Version
For most Cuban households dealing with regular apagones, the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 hits the sweet spot—LiFePO4 battery that won't die in humidity, enough juice for 8+ hours of essentials, and a brand with actual warranty support. It's expensive ($$$$$), but it's the one you won't regret in two years.
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Jackery Explorer 1000 v2
This is the one your family will still be using in 2030. The LiFePO4 battery chemistry is specifically built for hot, humid environments—exactly what destroys cheaper units. 1070Wh means running a fan, charging phones, and keeping LED lights on for a solid 10-12 hours. The 1500W output handles mini fridges during startup surge (something smaller units choke on). One-hour fast charging means they can top it up during those brief windows when power returns.
VERDICT: The "buy once, cry once" option. Worth every penny for households with daily apagones.
View on Amazon →"The grid situation isn't getting better. This isn't an emergency purchase—it's infrastructure."
Budget-Friendly LiFePO4 Options
Not everyone can swing $$$$$ for a Jackery. These mid-range units use the same humidity-resistant LiFePO4 chemistry in a smaller, lighter package. Perfect for keeping phones charged and a fan running—just don't expect to power a fridge.
GRECELL 240W LiFePO4
Built-in stand, LiFePO4 battery, dual-direction USB-C charging. Light enough to carry around the house during blackouts. Won't run a fridge, but keeps phones, tablets, and small fans going for 6-8 hours.
VERDICT: Best balance of durability and affordability.
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240W LiFePO4 Station (Generic)
Nearly identical specs to the GRECELL at the same price tier. Seven output ports means charging multiple devices simultaneously. The LED light is actually useful during apagones. Note: wall charger not included—send one separately.
VERDICT: Solid backup if GRECELL is out of stock.
Check Price →How Long Will It Actually Last?
This depends entirely on what your family plugs into it. Use this calculator to estimate runtime based on typical Cuban household needs during an apagón.
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| Solar Panels (3x 400W) | $750 |
| Batteries (3x 100Ah) | $1200 |
| Inverter (1000W) | $300 |
| Wiring & Accessories | $150 |
| Installation (DIY savings) | $200 |
Pro Tips: Start with essentials (lights, fan, fridge, phones) and expand later. LiFePO4 batteries cost more but last 10+ years vs 3-5 years for lead-acid. In Cuba's climate, expect 5-6 peak sun hours daily.
charge cycles on LiFePO4 batteries vs ~500 on standard lithium
That's roughly 8 years of daily use versus 18 months
Need More Power? The 300W Class
These units step up to 300W continuous output—enough for small appliances, CPAP machines, or running multiple fans simultaneously. Heavier and pricier, but significantly more versatile.
EnginStar 300W (296Wh)
Specifically marketed for CPAP users—and that pure sine wave output matters. Cheap "modified sine wave" units can damage sensitive medical equipment. If someone in the household uses a CPAP, nebulizer, or oxygen concentrator, this is the one. 296Wh runs a CPAP for 2-3 full nights.
VERDICT: The medical-grade option. Non-negotiable if health equipment is involved.
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GRECELL 300W
230Wh with 60W USB-C. Pure sine wave. Lighter than the EnginStar but standard lithium battery—less humidity-resistant.
VERDICT: Good middle ground, but watch that battery chemistry.
Check Price →The Ultra-Budget Option
Sometimes you just need something—anything—that works. This is the "better than candles" tier.
HOWEASY 120W (88Wh)
Let's be honest: 88Wh won't power much. You're looking at maybe 4-5 phone charges or running a small USB fan for a few hours. But it's light, it's cheap, and it has a built-in LED flashlight. For someone living alone who just needs phone power and light during blackouts, this gets the job done. Just don't expect miracles—and that standard lithium battery won't love Cuban humidity long-term.
VERDICT: Emergency backup only. Better than nothing, but plan to replace it in 2 years.
View on Amazon →Side-by-Side Comparison
Still deciding? Here's how they stack up on the specs that actually matter for Cuba.
Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station,1070Wh LiFePO4 Battery,1500W AC/100W USB-C Output, 1 Hr Fast Charge, Solar Generator for Camping,Emergency, RV, Off-Grid Living(Solar Panel Optional)Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station,1070Wh LiFePO4 Battery,1500W AC/100W USB-C Output, 1 Hr Fast Charge, Solar Generator for Camping,Emergency, RV, Off-Grid Living(Solar Panel Optional)
GRECELL 240W Portable Power Station LiFePO4 Battery, 154Wh Dual Way 100W USB-C PD, Portable Power Bank with Integrated Stand, Solar Generator for Outdoors, Camping, Travel (Wall Charger Not Included)
EnginStar Portable Power Station 300W 296Wh Battery Bank with 110V Pure Sine Wave AC Outlet for Outdoors Camping Hunting and Emergency, 80000mAh Backup Battery Power Supply for CPAP
What Will Shipping Actually Cost?
Weight is the killer here. The Jackery is worth it, but shipping a 25-pound unit to Havana isn't cheap. Run the numbers before you commit.
| Carrier | Shipping | Customs | Total | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mula (Informal) Cheapest but least reliable. Ask for references. | $20.00 | $20.00 | $40.00 | 7-30 days |
Cubamax Popular choice. Pickup points in Cuba. | $35.00 | $20.00 | $55.00 | 14-21 days |
Caribbean Air Mail Good balance of price and speed. | $40.00 | $20.00 | $60.00 | 10-18 days |
DHL Express Most reliable but expensive. Door-to-door delivery. | $75.00 | $20.00 | $95.00 | 5-10 days |
* Estimates based on 2024 rates. Actual costs may vary. Customs fees depend on Cuba regulations which change frequently.
Before You Ship: Quick Tips
- ✓ Include a wall charger — Some units don't include one. Send a quality 65W+ USB-C charger separately.
- ✓ Label it clearly — "Emergency Power Supply" on the customs form. Avoid "generator" language.
- ✓ Send instructions in Spanish — Print out basic operation steps. YouTube tutorials won't load during blackouts.
- ⚠ Skip the solar panels — Ship separately if needed. Combined packages get flagged and delayed.
- ⚠ Charge it first — Ship at 50-60% charge. Fully depleted or fully charged batteries can be damaged in transit.
The Bottom Line
If you can afford it, send the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2. The LiFePO4 battery will outlast everything else on this list in Cuban conditions, and 1070Wh actually keeps a household functional during those 8-12 hour apagones. It's an investment, not an expense.
On a tighter budget? The GRECELL 240W LiFePO4 ($$$) gives you the humidity-resistant battery chemistry in a package that won't break the bank or your shipping budget. It won't run a fridge, but it'll keep phones charged and fans spinning—which is what most people actually need.
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Featured Products
Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station,1070Wh LiFePO4 Battery,1500W AC/100W USB-C Output, 1 Hr Fast Charge, Solar Generator for Camping,Emergency, RV, Off-Grid Living(Solar Panel Optional)Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station,1070Wh LiFePO4 Battery,1500W AC/100W USB-C Output, 1 Hr Fast Charge, Solar Generator for Camping,Emergency, RV, Off-Grid Living(Solar Panel Optional)
240W Portable Power Station 154Wh/48000mAh, 100W USB-C PD(Dual Way) LiFePO4 Battery Power Bank Station, 7 ports Solar Generator with LED and Stand for Camping, Home, Travel(Wall Charger Not Included)
GRECELL 240W Portable Power Station LiFePO4 Battery, 154Wh Dual Way 100W USB-C PD, Portable Power Bank with Integrated Stand, Solar Generator for Outdoors, Camping, Travel (Wall Charger Not Included)
EnginStar Portable Power Station 300W 296Wh Battery Bank with 110V Pure Sine Wave AC Outlet for Outdoors Camping Hunting and Emergency, 80000mAh Backup Battery Power Supply for CPAP
Portable Power Station 300W, GRECELL 230.88Wh Solar Generator with 60W USB-C PD Output, 110V Pure Sine Wave AC Outlet Backup Lithium Battery for Outdoors Camping Travel Home Blackout