Guides
Practical answers about power stations, generators, solar and getting through outages, with the numbers explained.
Best Portable Power Stations for Home Backup: How to Choose by Size
How to choose a portable power station for home backup, from 1 kWh units for the fridge and internet to 3.6 kWh+ systems that can power circuits through a transfer switch.
Can a Power Station Run a Space Heater? (Why It's Usually a Bad Idea)
A 1,500 W space heater drains a 1,000 Wh power station in about 35 minutes. The math, and better ways to stay warm when the power is out.
Best Power Station for CPAP: How to Choose (and How Many Nights You'll Get)
How to pick a power station for your CPAP machine: how many watt-hours you need, why DC power doubles runtime, and which battery sizes cover 1, 2 or 3 nights.
Can a Power Station Run a Window Air Conditioner? (And for How Long?)
Yes, a 1,800 W+ power station can run a small window AC, but only for 1–4 hours on a 1–2 kWh battery. The math, and how to stretch runtime in a summer outage.
Can a Power Station Run a Sump Pump During a Storm?
Yes. A 1/3 or 1/2 HP sump pump needs about 800–1,050 W running and up to 2,200 W to start. See how long a power station keeps your basement dry.
Generator Safety: How to Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Portable generators cause dozens of carbon monoxide deaths every year. Learn the safe distance, where to place a generator, CO alarm tips and warning signs.
How Long Does It Take to Charge a Power Station With Solar Panels?
A 1,000 Wh power station takes about 7 hours of good sun with a 200 W panel, or about 3.5 hours with 400 W. The formula, plus what slows charging down.
How Long Will a Power Station Run a Refrigerator? (Real Numbers)
A 1,000 Wh power station runs a typical fridge for about 12–20 hours. How to work it out for your fridge, and how to make the battery last longer.
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for My Power Station?
To replace 1 kWh of daily use you need roughly 300 W of panels in most of the U.S. Learn how to size portable solar for your power station and your location.
How Many Watts Does a Refrigerator Use? (Running, Starting and Per Day)
A typical refrigerator uses 150–200 W while running, about 1,200 W to start, and 1–2 kWh per day. How to find your fridge's exact numbers and what it costs to run.
How to Keep Food Cold During a Power Outage (and When to Throw It Out)
A closed fridge keeps food safe for about 4 hours and a full freezer for 48. Learn how to stretch those times, power your fridge, and know what to toss afterward.
LiFePO4 vs. Lithium-Ion (NMC) Power Stations: Which Battery Is Better?
LiFePO4 power stations last 3,000+ cycles and are more thermally stable, while NMC units are lighter. What the chemistry means if you're buying for backup power.
Power Outage Checklist: How to Prepare Your Home (Printable)
A practical power outage checklist covering backup power, food, water, light, communication, medical needs and safety, plus what to do before, during and after.
Power Station vs. Generator: Which Is Better for Home Backup?
Portable power station or gas generator? We compare cost, runtime, noise, safety and maintenance to help you choose the right backup power for your home.
How to Prepare for a Winter Power Outage
Ice storms and blizzards can knock out power for days in freezing weather. How to stay warm, protect your pipes and pick backup power for winter.
Transfer Switches Explained: Connecting a Generator or Power Station to Your House
A transfer switch lets you safely power home circuits like the furnace, well pump and lights from a generator or power station. How they work and roughly what they cost.
Watts vs. Watt-Hours: The Simple Explanation
Watts measure power right now; watt-hours measure energy over time. Knowing the difference makes choosing a power station, battery or generator much easier.
What Size Generator Do I Need to Run a House?
Most homes need a 5,000–7,500 W generator for essentials and 10,000 W+ for well pumps or central AC. Learn how to calculate your exact size in 4 steps.
What Size Power Station Do I Need? A Simple 3-Step Method
Learn how to size a portable power station for a power outage, RV or camping in three steps: list your appliances, add up watt-hours, and check output and surge.