how-topowereducation

How to Choose a Home Backup Power Station: Watts, Wh, and Solar Explained

rreviewers

2026-02-04

11 min read

Demystify watts, Wh, inverters and solar — size backup power like a pro using Jackery and EcoFlow deals.

Stop guessing — size your backup like a pro

Power outages are unpredictable, and online reviews are noisy. If you've ever stared at a spec sheet and wondered whether that shiny portable power station will actually run your fridge, sump pump, or CPAP through a storm, you're not alone. This guide demystifies the key specs — continuous vs surge wattage, watt-hours (Wh), inverter types, and solar compatibility — and shows how to map them to real household loads and budgets using current 2026 deals from Jackery and EcoFlow as practical examples.

The elevator pitch (most important first)

To choose the right backup power station you need to match three things to your needs: power (watts) for instantaneous demand, energy (Wh) for runtime, and recharge method (AC, solar, or both). Pick a unit whose continuous output comfortably exceeds your largest running load and whose surge rating covers motor starts — then select capacity so Wh × usable fraction covers your required runtime. Add solar if you want multi-day resilience or to recharge during daytime outages.

Why 2026 is a different buying environment

Battery chemistry and design: LFP (lithium iron phosphate) is now common in home backup models for longer cycle life and better thermal stability.
Faster charging and higher PV input: Many 2025–2026 models support higher DC solar input and multi-source charging (AC + solar + car) for rapid replenishment.
Bundles and deals: Brands like Jackery and EcoFlow released competitive bundles (e.g., Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus bundles with 500W panels and EcoFlow flash sales) in early 2026, making higher-capacity systems more affordable.
More grid-interactive features: UPS modes and basic energy management are becoming standard on mid- and high-tier units.

Key specs explained — the practical meaning

1) Watt-hours (Wh): the 'fuel tank' for energy

What it is: Wh measures stored energy: watts × hours. Think of Wh like gallons of fuel in a tank — it determines how long the device will run a set load.

How to use it: Add up the wattage of the devices you want to run, multiply by hours, and add a safety margin. Account for inverter losses (typically 5–15%) and a usable depth of discharge (DoD) — many systems advertise total Wh but recommend not discharging to 0% to preserve battery health.

2) Continuous wattage vs surge wattage

Continuous wattage is the steady power the inverter can supply indefinitely. Surge wattage (or peak wattage) is short-term extra power for motor starts or inrush currents. Appliances with compressors or motors (refrigerators, pumps, AC units) often require 2–3× their running watts at startup.

Practical rule: choose an inverter whose continuous rating exceeds your largest running load by ~20–30%, and whose surge rating covers the startup surge of motorized loads.

3) Inverter type: pure sine vs modified

Pure sine inverters deliver clean AC identical to grid power; they're best for sensitive electronics, modern air conditioners, variable-speed motors, and medical devices. Modified sine inverters are cheaper but can cause buzzing, extra heat, or fail to run some devices.

For home backup, prefer pure sine — most reputable models (Jackery, EcoFlow) use pure sine in their home/portable offerings by 2026.

4) Battery chemistry and longevity

In 2026, LFP batteries (longer cycle life, more stable) are prevalent in higher-end home backup stations. Cheaper models may still use NMC chemistry which delivers higher energy density but fewer cycles. If you plan frequent cycling or long-term ownership, prioritize LFP.

5) Solar input and compatibility

Solar compatibility matters if you want to recharge during outages or go off-grid. Look at:

Maximum solar input (W) — this determines how fast you can recharge via PV.
Supported voltages and panel type — ensure included panels or panels you buy match the input range or the unit supports MPPT controllers.
Expandability — some brands allow chaining batteries or connecting multiple panels for multi-kW input in 2026 models.

Step-by-step: Size your backup in 7 practical steps

List your essentials — label devices as critical (medical equipment, well pump), important (refrigerator, freezer), or comfort (TV, space heater).
Record wattage — use the appliance nameplate or a kill-a-watt meter. For estimated values, use the typical ranges below.
Calculate total running watts — add running wattages for devices you plan to run simultaneously.
Ensure surge capacity — check startup requirements on motors and multiply running watts by 2–3 for those loads.
Decide runtime in hours — how long do you need the system to supply that load? 4 hours, 12 hours, 24+ hours?
Compute Wh required — Wh = running watts × hours. Add 10–15% for inverter losses and margin; divide by usable DoD (e.g., 0.9 for LFP, 0.8 for NMC).
Match specs & budget — pick a unit whose Wh ≥ computed Wh and continuous/surge watt ratings match. Add solar if you want recharge during outage.

Typical appliance wattage ranges (practical reference)

Refrigerator (running): 100–300W; surge 600–1200W
Chest freezer: 100–400W; surge 400–1600W
Sump pump: 500–1500W running; surge 1500–4500W
Well pump: 750–2500W running; surge 2000–6000W
Microwave: 600–1200W running; surge ~same
CPAP machine: 30–60W
Wi‑Fi router + modem: 10–30W
LED lighting (whole house few fixtures): 50–300W
Space heater (resistive): 1000–1500W

Two realistic backup scenarios and calculations

Scenario A — Overnight essentials: CPAP, router, lights, small fridge

Assume running loads: CPAP 50W, router 20W, 4 LED lights 80W total, small fridge 150W average = 300W continuous.

For 12 hours: 300W × 12h = 3600Wh. Add 10% inverter loss → ~3960Wh. If using an LFP battery with 90% usable DoD, recommended battery capacity = 3960Wh / 0.9 ≈ 4400Wh.

Interpretation: a ~4 kWh-class station (or stacked smaller modules totaling ~4 kWh) is a practical target for full-night coverage of these essentials. A 3.6 kWh unit could cover close to 10–11 hours — often acceptable — and pairing with a solar panel will top it up during daytime outages.

Scenario B — Short-term whole-day defense: fridge + lights + router for 24 hours

Running loads: fridge 200W average, lights 100W, router 20W = 320W. For 24 hours: 320 × 24 = 7680Wh. Add 10% inverter loss → ~8450Wh. With 90% usable DoD → recommended battery ≈ 9400Wh (9.4 kWh).

Interpretation: multi-kWh (6–10 kWh) systems are required for day-long coverage of refrigeration; these are the territory of stacked battery systems or higher-capacity home stations.

How to apply this to Jackery and EcoFlow deals (real-world shopping)

In January 2026 a handful of notable deals made higher-capacity, solar-capable systems more accessible. For example, Jackery offered the HomePower 3600 Plus at exclusive low prices — standalone or bundled with a 500W panel — while EcoFlow's DELTA 3 Max was featured in a flash sale. Use these promotional prices as opportunity points, but choose on specs.

How to evaluate those exact offers

Check the model name vs actual spec: a model named “3600” commonly indicates ~3600Wh capacity — which is useful for 8–12 hour essential load coverage. Always confirm the listed Wh.
Use continuous and surge wattage to determine which appliances you can run simultaneously. If the product lists a 3,600W inverter continuous, that's a robust mid- to high-power inverter. If only the Wh is large but inverter output is limited, you may have long runtimes but can’t run high-wattage appliances.
Consider solar bundle value: a 500W panel included in a Jackery bundle can materially extend runtime during daytime outages. Estimate real recharge: 500W rated may produce 2–2.5 kWh per day in 4–5 peak sun hours depending on location and orientation.
Factor weight and placement: a 3–4 kWh class unit can weigh 40–90 lbs; ensure you can safely move it or mount it in a garage or safe indoor location.

Solar math made simple

Rough solar recharge estimate: Panel wattage × peak sun hours × system efficiency (typically 60–80% after losses). Example: a 500W panel × 4.5 peak sun hours × 0.75 efficiency ≈ 1,687Wh (1.7 kWh) per day.

So a 3.6 kWh battery recharged by a single 500W panel will require roughly 2–3 good sun days to fully recharge from empty (or faster if you add parallel panels or get stronger midday sun). Bundles that include 500W+ of panel capacity are especially useful for recharging during ongoing outages.

Buying trade-offs and what to prioritize

Budget-limited: Buy for essentials and shorter runtimes — prioritize inverter power, then capacity. A smaller unit with a higher continuous output beats a larger, low-output unit for running larger appliances briefly.
Longer runtime needs: Prioritize Wh capacity and plan for solar or AC recharge. LFP batteries are better long-term value.
Flexible/expandable: Look for modular systems that let you add battery packs or extra solar input and support UPS functionality.
Medical or sensitive electronics: Choose pure sine inverter and proven UPS mode.
Extreme loads (well pump, central AC): Consider whole-home backup or an inverter with high continuous and very high surge capabilities — often beyond the scope of portable stations and into whole-house inverter territory.

Practical checklist before checkout

Have you listed simultaneous loads and computed Wh for your target runtime?
Does the station’s continuous wattage exceed your largest running appliance by 20–30%?
Does the surge rating cover motor starts for refrigerators, pumps or compressors?
Is the inverter pure sine if you’ll run sensitive electronics or medical devices?
Are charging options (AC, solar W rating, car) fast enough for your needs?
Is the chemistry LFP if you want longevity and deep cycle endurance?
Does the seller offer bundled panels or expansion batteries at a good price (watch current 2026 flash deals)?

Real-world tips & advanced strategies

Stagger startup: When running multiple motorized loads, start them separately to avoid simultaneous surge demands.
Load-shed smartly: Use automatic transfer relays or manual switching to prioritize circuits — fridge and critical outlets first, then convenience loads.
Combine sources: Use AC + solar + car charging where supported for the fastest replenishment during multi-day outages.
Monitor health: Use the unit’s app or display to track battery cycles, temperature, and firmware updates — modern units improve over time with software.
Plan for winter: Batteries and panels perform differently in cold; check manufacturer guidance and keep indoor battery placement if possible. For winter warmth and cold-weather tips, see warm-night strategies.

Quick reality check: A single portable power station will rarely replace a whole-home standby generator for heavy loads (well pumps, central AC). But for essentials — refrigeration, communications, medical devices, and lighting — a properly sized 3–10 kWh system combined with solar can deliver robust backup for most households.

How deals change the calculus — use cases for early-2026 promotions

Promotional pricing on 2026 models like the Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus and EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max lets you stretch your budget. If a 3.6 kWh model drops to a price point where it fits your budget, consider pairing it with a 500W solar panel in a bundle. The panel reduces days-to-recharge and makes the system more viable for prolonged outages. Flash sales on midrange EcoFlow units often mean strong inverter capability and fast AC charge rates at lower cost — ideal if you want to top up quickly between outages.

Final takeaways — what to buy depending on your goals

Minimal essentials (overnight CPAP, modem, lights): 1–2 kWh station with 300–600W continuous output.
All-night essentials + small fridge: 3–5 kWh station with 1000–3000W continuous output (or a 3.6 kWh unit for ~12 hours).
Full-day refrigeration + essentials: 6–10 kWh with strong inverter and solar recharge.
Sump pump or well pump coverage: Ensure high surge rating (often 3000–6000W) — portable stations may not suffice; consider whole-home solutions.

Next steps — a short buying action plan

Make your essentials list and run the Wh math using the formulas above.
Watch current deals (Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus bundles and EcoFlow flash sales were notable in Jan 2026) and compare spec sheets — capacity, continuous & surge output, solar input, inverter type.
Prioritize pure sine inverters and LFP chemistry if you can.
Buy the unit and at least one solar panel if you expect multi-day outages; setup a simple transfer method for essential circuits.

Want a printable checklist and sample calculator?

Grab our downloadable backup power sizing checklist and a simple Excel/CSV calculator that lets you plug in your appliances and hours to get exact Wh and inverter sizing. Use it side-by-side with product pages when evaluating Jackery, EcoFlow, or other brand offers.

Call to action: Ready to size your system? Start with your essentials list now and check current 2026 deals — such as the Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus bundles with 500W solar and EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max flash sales — to find the best match for your needs and budget. Download the checklist and calculator, then compare two models side-by-side before you buy.

reviewers

Contributor

Senior editor and content strategist. Writing about technology, design, and the future of digital media. Follow along for deep dives into the industry's moving parts.