Section №07 ·The power index

Backup Power

Keep the lights, fridge, and well pump running when the grid goes down. Power stations, solar, and generators for small properties.

9 field guides

Best Portable Power Station for a CPAP
№ 01 ·Backup Power

Best Portable Power Station for a CPAP

The best portable power stations for a CPAP. Pure sine wave units, real runtime per charge, and why turning off the humidifier doubles your nights.

By Tom Bennett · Jun 17 →

Best Solar Generator for a Well Pump
№ 02 ·Backup Power

Best Solar Generator for a Well Pump

The best solar generators for a well pump. The honest 240V rule, which units actually output 240V, and how to size for surge on a deep well.

By Tom Bennett · Jun 17 →

Jackery vs EcoFlow | Which Power Station Should You Buy?
№ 03 ·Backup Power

Jackery vs EcoFlow | Which Power Station Should You Buy?

Jackery vs EcoFlow compared head to head. How they differ on output, recharge speed, and expandability, and which to buy for your actual load.

By Tom Bennett · Jun 17 →

An open refrigerator stocked with fresh vegetables
№ 04 ·Backup Power

Best Portable Power Stations for Home Backup

The best portable power stations compared for home backup. Budget, fridge-ready, high-capacity, and solar bundle picks for small properties.

By Tom Bennett · Jun 2 →

How to Keep Your Fridge Running During a Power Outage
№ 05 ·Backup Power

How to Keep Your Fridge Running During a Power Outage

A practical guide to keeping your fridge cold when the power goes out, covering food safety timelines, real wattage numbers, and how to pick between a battery power station and a generator.

Beginner Moderate to Major

By Tom Bennett · May 30 →

Small Home and Homestead Solar: A Beginner's Guide to Backup and Off-Grid Power
№ 06 ·Backup Power

Small Home and Homestead Solar: A Beginner's Guide to Backup and Off-Grid Power

How small solar works for backup and off-grid power, the three realistic approaches, what each component does, and a starter setup most people should buy first.

Intermediate Moderate to Major

By Tom Bennett · May 30 →

Well Pump Backup Power: Keeping Water Running When the Grid Goes Down
№ 07 ·Backup Power

Well Pump Backup Power: Keeping Water Running When the Grid Goes Down

Most well pumps are 240V, so a 120V power station won't run them. Here are the honest options, from a 240V generator on a transfer switch to a hand pump or just storing water ahead.

Intermediate Moderate to Major

By Tom Bennett · May 30 →

Solar panels mounted on a building under a clear blue sky
№ 08 ·Backup Power

What Size Power Station Do I Need? (Watts, Watt-Hours, and Real Examples)

Pick the right power station size by understanding watts vs watt-hours, with real device numbers and a worked example.

Beginner Moderate to Major

By Tom Bennett · May 30 →

What Can a Portable Power Station Actually Run? Fridge, Furnace, CPAP, Well Pump
№ 09 ·Backup Power

What Can a Portable Power Station Actually Run? Fridge, Furnace, CPAP, Well Pump

Appliance-by-appliance answers with realistic runtimes: fridge, furnace blower, CPAP, well and sump pumps, plus the loads no battery should be asked to carry.

By Tom Bennett · Jun 12 →