A power outage during a storm isn't just an inconvenience — it stops your sump pump, spoils your food, disables medical equipment, and leaves you without heat or AC. The right backup power system changes all of that. Here's every option, clearly compared.
Comparing Your Options
| Option | Cost | Power Output | Fuel | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Bank | $30–$150 | Phones & small devices | Pre-charged | Short outages, go-bags |
| Power Station | $300–$3,000 | 1,000–3,600Wh | Pre-charged / solar | Apartments, quiet neighborhoods |
| Portable Generator | $400–$1,500 | 2,000–7,500W | Gas / propane | Most homeowners — best value |
| Inverter Generator | $700–$2,000 | 1,000–4,500W | Gas | Electronics, quiet operation |
| Dual Fuel Generator | $600–$1,500 | 3,500–9,500W | Gas or propane | Hurricane-prone areas |
| Standby Generator | $5,000–$15,000 | 7,500–20,000W | Natural gas / propane | Whole-home, automatic, medical |
| Solar + Battery | $10,000–$30,000 | 5,000–30,000Wh | Sun | Long-term, no fuel dependency |
Top Picks by Category
1. Portable Generators
The best choice for most homeowners. Runs on gasoline, requires manual setup outdoors, and provides enough power to run essential circuits during an extended outage. See our complete generator guide for a full breakdown.
Champion 7,500W Dual Fuel Generator
The best all-around portable generator for most homes. 7,500W on gas, 6,750W on propane. Electric start, runs 8 hrs at 50% load.
Generac GP6500 6,500W Generator
6,500W handles refrigerator, AC, sump pump, and essential circuits. PowerRush technology provides extra motor-starting power.
WEN 56200i 2,000W Inverter Generator
Quiet, lightweight, and fuel-efficient. Great for essential charging and small appliances. Ideal for apartments or as a backup unit.
2. Standby Generators
Permanently installed, connected to your gas line, and starts automatically within 10 seconds of a power outage. No action required — your lights come back on while you're asleep. Requires professional installation.
Generac 7172 11kW Standby Generator
Right-sized for homes up to 2,500 sq ft. Quieter than larger units, includes automatic transfer switch. Most popular residential standby generator.
Generac 7043 22kW Standby Generator
22kW powers large homes completely. WiFi monitoring via Generac Mobile Link app. Runs on natural gas or LP. Professional installation required.
3. Solar + Battery Systems
A home solar + battery system (like Tesla Powerwall or Enphase IQ Battery) stores energy from solar panels and provides backup power during outages — silently, automatically, and without fuel. The highest upfront cost but lowest long-term operating cost.
How It Works
Solar panels charge a battery bank during the day. When the grid goes down, the system automatically switches to battery power. Modern systems can power an average home for 12–24 hours on a full charge — longer with continued solar generation.
What It Costs
A Tesla Powerwall 3 with installation runs $12,000–$15,000. A full solar + storage system runs $20,000–$40,000 before the 30% federal tax credit. For homes in sun-heavy regions with frequent outages, the economics can make sense over a 10-year horizon.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Power Station
6kWh expandable to 90kWh. Smart home panel integration, solar charging, and whole-home backup capability. No installation required for basic setup.
Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro
2,160Wh capacity, charges to 80% in 2 hours via AC. Solar chainable up to 6 panels. Runs refrigerator for 40+ hours. No CO emissions — safe indoors.
4. Portable Power Stations
Portable power stations are large battery packs that power devices and small appliances silently and without emissions — safe for indoor use. No fuel, no CO risk, no noise. The right choice for apartments, HOA communities, or anyone who can't run a generator.
EcoFlow DELTA 2 (1,024Wh)
1,024Wh powers a refrigerator for 12+ hours. Charges to 80% in 50 minutes. Expandable with extra battery. Solar charging compatible.
Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro
1,002Wh with 1,000W output. Charges from 0–80% in 1.8 hours. Handles refrigerator, TV, lights, and phone charging simultaneously.
Anker 737 Power Bank (24,000mAh)
Charges an iPhone 6+ times. Two USB-A, one USB-C. The minimum every household should own — keep it charged year-round.
5. Generator Safety
- Never run a generator inside — including garage, basement, or carport with door open
- Position at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents
- Install battery-operated CO detectors on every level
- Never refuel while running — let it cool 15 minutes first
- Use a transfer switch — never backfeed into your panel
- Point exhaust away from your home and neighbors
Kidde Nighthawk CO Detector
Install on every level when running a generator. Battery backup means it works even during a power outage. Plug-in with battery backup.
Reliance Controls 31410CRK Transfer Switch Kit
Safe, code-compliant way to connect your generator to your home's circuits. Much safer than running extension cords throughout your house.
Free Backup Power Planning Guide
Calculate your wattage needs, compare fuel options, and get a pre-storm power checklist — all in one download.