We compare battery power stations, solar panels, and the gas generators they compete with, using usable capacity and full system prices, never sticker numbers. No invented ratings. No hands-on claims we have not earned. Just the arithmetic, shown.
A blackout from above: the whole street is dark except the one house that was ready. That contrast is the entire idea of backup power.
The three big home backup power stations compared on usable capacity, solar input, and the full system price with panels and tax included.
Checked November 7, 2026
Sump pumps are sized by starting watts, not running watts. Here is the surge math, by pump size, and the safe rule for each.
Checked November 7, 2026
The companion to our runtime calculator: duty cycles, the 85 percent usable rule, and worked examples for a fridge, a freezer, a sump pump, and a TV setup.
Checked November 7, 2026
The 30 percent federal homeowner credit ended on December 31, 2025. What that means for buying a power station, and where help still exists.
Checked November 7, 2026The full catalog holds every power station and gas generator on the site, each with its verified stats and checked price on the card. Filter by fuel, battery electric, gasoline, propane, dual fuel, tri-fuel, tick the compare box on any cards, and line the finalists up side by side with the best figure in every row highlighted.
Critical circuits, 240V, transfer switches, and the big stations that feed them.
7 guides
Sizing, rigid vs folding, and the compatibility math that decides everything.
3 guidesEvery station on this site is planned at 85 percent of its rated capacity, because that is what an inverter actually delivers. Every system price includes the panels the station can use, the cables they need, and sales tax where our research applied it, labeled with the rate and place. When a number cannot be verified against a manufacturer or retailer page, it does not appear. Our full method, and how this site is funded, are on the about page and the disclosure page.
New here and not sure what a watt hour is? The start here page defines the five words that unlock the whole category, then walks you to the right guide for your house.
Not sure where to start? Answer three quick questions and we point you at the right gear.
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