Electricity powers nearly everything in modern homes: lights, refrigeration, communication, medical equipment, heating and cooling systems, and countless conveniences. When the grid fails, these systems stop. Backup power provides continuity for critical functions and comfort during outages.

The right backup power solution depends on your needs, budget, and situation. Someone needing to keep medical equipment running has different requirements than someone wanting to preserve refrigerated food. Apartment dwellers have different options than rural homeowners. Understanding the range of solutions helps you choose appropriately.

This guide covers portable power stations, generators, solar systems, and battery backups. We address sizing for your needs, safe operation, fuel considerations, and maintenance. By the end, you will understand your options and how to implement effective backup power.

Assessing Your Power Needs

Before choosing a backup power solution, determine what you need to power and for how long. This assessment drives all subsequent decisions.

Critical loads are things you must power: medical equipment, essential lighting, communication devices, and refrigeration to preserve food and medications. These are non-negotiable during any outage.

Important loads are things you strongly want: heating or cooling (depending on season), well pumps, sump pumps, and additional lighting. These matter for comfort and may be critical in extreme conditions.

Convenience loads are things that are nice to have: television, computers for non-essential use, multiple lights, and comfort appliances. These can usually wait for grid restoration.

Calculate wattage for each device. Check device labels or manuals for power consumption. Running watts indicate continuous power draw. Starting watts (for motors) indicate the surge needed at startup, often 2 to 3 times running watts.

Add up critical loads to determine minimum backup capacity. Add important loads for fuller capability. Match your power solution to at least critical loads, preferably critical plus important.

Consider runtime. How long must you maintain power? Hours, days, or weeks? Runtime requirements affect both capacity and fuel storage needs. Brief outages need less capability than extended grid failures.

Portable Power Stations

Portable power stations (battery generators) store electricity in lithium batteries and output through standard outlets. They are silent, emission-free, and safe for indoor use.

Capacity is measured in watt-hours (Wh). A 1000Wh unit can theoretically power a 100-watt device for 10 hours. Real-world efficiency means slightly less. Units range from a few hundred Wh for basic needs to several thousand for significant capability.

Output matters as much as capacity. Check maximum continuous watts and surge watts. A unit with 2000Wh capacity but only 500W output cannot run a device requiring 600W. Match output to your highest-draw critical device.

Recharging typically happens through wall outlet, car adapter, or solar panels. Recharge time varies significantly between models. Solar recharging provides indefinite capability but depends on sun availability.

Best for: Apartment dwellers (no generator option), keeping phones and devices charged, powering lights and small appliances, medical devices with modest power needs, quiet operation requirements.

Limitations: Cannot power high-draw appliances (air conditioning, large heaters, well pumps). Capacity depletes and must be recharged. Higher cost per watt-hour than fuel generators.

Fuel Generators

Fuel generators convert gasoline, propane, or diesel into electricity. They provide substantial power output and can run as long as fuel is available.

Portable generators range from 1,000 to 12,000+ watts. They are movable, relatively affordable, and versatile. Must operate outdoors due to carbon monoxide exhaust. Connected to devices via extension cords or transfer switch.

Inverter generators produce cleaner power suitable for sensitive electronics. Quieter and more fuel-efficient than conventional generators. Higher cost but better for modern devices.

Standby generators are permanently installed and automatically start when power fails. Whole-house capability. Run on natural gas or propane. Expensive but provide seamless backup. Professional installation required.

Sizing: Add wattage of devices you want to run simultaneously, accounting for starting watts of motor-driven appliances. A 3,500-watt generator handles most essential household needs. Larger generators provide more flexibility.

Fuel considerations: Gasoline is readily available but has limited shelf life (3 to 6 months without stabilizer). Propane stores indefinitely and burns cleaner. Diesel stores longer than gasoline. Dual-fuel generators offer flexibility.

Safety critical: NEVER operate fuel generators indoors or in enclosed spaces. Carbon monoxide is odorless and deadly. Operate at least 20 feet from any structure with exhaust pointing away from all openings.

Solar Power Systems

Solar systems convert sunlight directly to electricity. Combined with battery storage, they provide renewable backup power independent of fuel supply.

Portable solar panels charge power stations and devices directly. Foldable designs are easy to store and deploy. Output depends on panel wattage and sun conditions. A 100-watt panel in good sun produces roughly 100 watts; in cloudy conditions much less.

Roof-mounted solar with battery provides substantial capability. Systems sized for the home can provide significant or complete backup during outages. Requires substantial investment but provides ongoing energy benefits beyond emergencies.

Solar generators combine panels and battery into integrated systems. Convenient but may have limitations in either component. Evaluate panel wattage, battery capacity, and output separately.

Advantages: No fuel required (renewable). Silent operation. No emissions. Indefinite capability if sun is available. Ongoing utility benefits when grid is functioning.

Limitations: Depends on sunlight (weather, season, location affect output). Higher upfront cost. Cannot provide power at night without battery storage. May not match peak demand of large appliances.

Battery Backup Systems

Dedicated battery systems store grid power or solar-generated power for use during outages. These range from small UPS units to whole-house battery walls.

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) provides brief backup for computers and electronics. Bridges the gap during brief outages or until generator starts. Runtime measured in minutes, not hours. Essential for computers and medical devices that cannot tolerate any interruption.

Whole-house batteries (like Tesla Powerwall and similar) store significant energy. Can power essential loads for hours to days depending on usage. Typically paired with solar for recharging. Expensive but provide seamless, automatic backup.

Advantages: Silent, emission-free, automatic operation. No fuel storage needed. Can be recharged from multiple sources.

Limitations: Limited capacity (eventually depletes if not recharged). High cost per stored kilowatt-hour. Some cannot power high-surge devices.

Fuel Storage and Management

Generator effectiveness depends on fuel availability. Proper fuel storage extends runtime and ensures your generator works when needed.

How much fuel to store: Calculate generator fuel consumption (gallons per hour at expected load, usually listed in specifications). Multiply by hours of runtime you want. A generator consuming 0.5 gallons per hour needs 12 gallons for 24 hours of operation.

Gasoline storage: Use approved containers. Store in well-ventilated areas away from living spaces. Add fuel stabilizer for storage beyond one month. Rotate stock by using in vehicles and replacing fresh. Do not store excessive quantities (fire hazard and regulation concerns).

Propane storage: Standard BBQ tanks hold about 4.5 gallons. Larger tanks up to 100+ gallons are available. Propane stores indefinitely without degradation. Professional installation for larger tanks.

Natural gas (for standby generators): Uses existing utility connection. No storage needed but depends on gas system functioning, which usually continues during power outages but may not during major infrastructure events.

Safe Operation

Improper generator use kills people every year, primarily through carbon monoxide poisoning. Follow all safety requirements without exception.

Carbon monoxide safety: Operate generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet from any structure, with exhaust pointing away from all windows and doors. Never in garages even with doors open. Have CO detectors in your home with battery backup.

Electrical safety: Do not connect generators directly to home wiring without a transfer switch. Backfeeding power into utility lines is illegal, dangerous to line workers, and can damage equipment. Use heavy-duty extension cords rated for the load.

Fire safety: Let generators cool before refueling. Store fuel away from the generator. Keep generators away from combustible materials. Have fire extinguisher accessible.

Theft prevention: Generators are valuable and may be stolen during widespread outages. Secure with chain and lock. Consider noise and visibility when placing.

Maintenance and Testing

Backup power equipment must work when needed. Regular maintenance and testing ensures reliability.

Generator maintenance: Change oil as specified (often every 100 hours of use or annually). Check air filter. Maintain spark plugs. Keep clean. Store with fuel system prepared (either drained or with stabilized fuel, per manufacturer).

Test regularly: Run generators monthly for 15 to 30 minutes under load. This keeps components lubricated, confirms functionality, and reveals problems before emergencies.

Battery maintenance: Portable power stations and batteries generally need less maintenance. Keep charged (recharge every 3 to 6 months if not in use). Store in moderate temperatures. Check capacity periodically.

Fuel rotation: Use and replace stored gasoline regularly. Replace fuel stabilizer-treated gas annually. Check propane tanks for damage.

Emergency Power Checklist

  • Critical loads identified and wattage calculated
  • Backup power solution sized appropriately
  • Fuel or battery capacity for desired runtime
  • Heavy-duty extension cords (if using portable generator)
  • Transfer switch installed (if connecting to house wiring)
  • CO detectors with battery backup
  • Safe outdoor location identified for generator
  • Fuel stored properly with stabilizer if needed
  • Monthly testing scheduled
  • Maintenance supplies on hand (oil, filters)
  • Operation manual accessible
  • Family members know safe operation procedures

Recommended Gear

Frequently Asked Questions

What size generator do I need?
Add up the wattage of devices you want to run simultaneously. Include starting watts for motor-driven appliances. A 3,500 to 5,000-watt generator handles most essential household needs. Larger provides more flexibility.

Can I run my generator inside during rain?
Never. Carbon monoxide poisoning is deadly. Operate outdoors only, under a canopy if needed, with exhaust well away from any structure. Rain will not damage most generators.

How long will a portable power station last?
Divide watt-hours by the watts of your load. A 1000Wh station powers a 50-watt device for about 20 hours (accounting for efficiency losses). Higher draws deplete faster.

Are portable power stations worth the cost?
For apartment dwellers without generator options, absolutely. For anyone wanting quiet, indoor-safe, portable power, yes. For powering a whole house, fuel generators provide more capability per dollar.

How long can I store gasoline?
Without treatment: 3 to 6 months before significant degradation. With fuel stabilizer: 1 to 2 years. Rotate by using in vehicles and replacing. Treat all stored gas with stabilizer.

Do I need a transfer switch?
If connecting a generator to your home's wiring, yes. This is both legally required and critical for safety. Direct connection without a transfer switch can kill utility workers and damage equipment.

What about solar during winter or cloudy days?
Solar output drops significantly with clouds and shorter winter days. Have realistic expectations. Solar works best as supplement or with substantial battery storage. It may not fully replace grid power in all conditions.

Can a portable power station run a refrigerator?
Many can. Refrigerators typically draw 100 to 400 watts running but surge higher when the compressor starts. Check your refrigerator's specifications and ensure the power station can handle both running and starting watts.

Is propane better than gasoline for generators?
Propane stores indefinitely and burns cleaner. Gasoline provides slightly more power per gallon but degrades over time. Dual-fuel generators offer flexibility to use either.

How often should I test my generator?
Monthly for 15 to 30 minutes under load. This keeps it ready and reveals problems before emergencies. Note: Exercise only outdoors following all safety rules.

What is the difference between watts and watt-hours?
Watts measure power draw at a moment. Watt-hours measure energy over time. A 100-watt device running for 10 hours uses 1000 watt-hours. Power stations are rated in watt-hours (capacity); generators are rated in watts (output).

Can I power my furnace with a generator?
Most gas furnaces need only electricity for controls and blower (typically 300 to 500 watts). Electric furnaces require much more. Check your furnace's electrical requirements. A transfer switch is needed for safe connection.

About the Author

Mike The Rock writes practical emergency preparedness guides for Ready Atlas. His focus is on calm, actionable information that helps ordinary people handle extraordinary situations.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general educational information. Generator use involves serious safety considerations. Follow all manufacturer instructions. Carbon monoxide kills: never operate fuel generators indoors. Electrical connections should be made by qualified professionals.