Capacity (Wh)
How much energy is stored. This sets how long you can run things.
hours ≈ Wh × 0.85 ÷ watts used
Home backup power stations · Updated November 2026
Keep the fridge running when the grid goes down.
Pick what has to stay on during an outage. We match it against the published specs of ten whole-home and essentials battery systems, and show which ones can carry the load and for how long.
What must stay on?
Tick everything you'd run at the same time. Figures are typical; check the label on your own appliance.
Running load0 W
Biggest startup surge0 W
Average draw0 W
Needs 240VNo
Which stations can carry it
Runtime uses 85% of rated capacity to allow for inverter losses. Ranked by hours of backup.
Top picks
Our shortlist by use case, based on manufacturer specs and published independent reviews. Prices are list prices at the time of writing and change often, especially around holiday sales.
All models
Every station in the directory. Tap a column heading to sort.
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Guides and reviews
In-depth reviews, head-to-head comparisons and answers to common outage questions.
Buying guide
Four numbers decide whether a power station will get you through an outage.
Output (W)
How much power it can deliver at once. Add up the running watts of everything that's on together; the total must stay below this.
Surge
Motors in fridges, pumps and AC units pull two to three times their running watts for a second at startup. The surge rating has to cover your biggest motor plus everything else running.
240V and transfer switch
Well pumps, central AC and electric dryers need 240V. To power those circuits directly from your panel, you need a 240V unit plus the brand's transfer switch or home panel, installed by a licensed electrician.
Battery chemistry
Every model here uses LiFePO4 cells, which last thousands of charge cycles and are more stable than older lithium-ion packs. Bluetti also sells a sodium-ion unit aimed at freezing climates.
Expandability
Whole-home systems take extra battery packs. Buy the base unit now and add capacity later instead of paying for it all up front.
Questions
Can a power station replace a gas generator?
For most outages, yes. Battery stations run silently, need no fuel and are safe indoors. A gas generator still wins for multi-day outages without sun, unless you add solar panels or enough battery packs.
Can I run central air conditioning?
Only on the large 240V systems, and often only with a soft-start kit fitted to the AC unit to cut its startup surge. Runtime will be a few hours, not overnight.
How do I charge it during a long outage?
Solar panels are the usual answer. Most models here accept 1,000–4,000 W of solar input. Many can also charge from a gas generator or a car outlet.
Are there tax credits?
Some battery systems qualify for incentives when they are charged by solar and installed as part of a home energy system. Rules change, so check current federal and state programs or ask your installer.