Work out the watt-hours you need for your router, lights, phones and fridge, with a worked example.
- Watt-hours = watts x hours, divided by 0.85 for losses.
- A router, lights and phones for a night need roughly 500 Wh.
- Never plan to heat a home with a power station.
Step 1: list what you will run
| Device | Typical draw |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi router + modem | 10 to 25 W |
| LED light | 5 to 10 W |
| Phone charge (full) | about 15 Wh |
| Laptop | 40 to 65 W |
| Fridge (average over a day) | roughly 40 to 80 W, check the label |
| CPAP (without heated humidifier) | often 30 to 60 W, check your device |
| Electric space heater | up to 1,500 W |
Step 2: do the arithmetic
Watt-hours (Wh) = watts x hours. Example for one evening and night (12 hours):
- Router: 15 W x 12 h = 180 Wh
- Two lights: 10 W x 5 h = 50 Wh
- Phones, 3 charges: 45 Wh
- Laptop, 3 hours: 150 Wh
Total: about 425 Wh. Divide by 0.85 and you need roughly 500 Wh of battery. Add a fridge for 12 hours (about 600 Wh) and the total goes to about 1,200 Wh.
Step 3: check the peak watts
Every power station has a maximum output in watts. Devices with motors or heating elements draw more at start-up. Make sure the station's rated output exceeds the combined draw, and check surge ratings if you plan to run a fridge.
Size bands
| Capacity | Good for |
|---|---|
| 300 to 700 Wh | Phones, lights, router, laptop for a night |
| 1,000 to 2,000 Wh | Above plus a fridge for part of a day |
| 2,000 Wh and up | Longer fridge runtime, CPAP, small tools; pair with solar |
Brands to compare
Several makers sell units across these sizes. Compare capacity, rated output, battery chemistry, warranty and whether solar panels are supported. Confirm each spec on the maker's page.
Quick comparison
| Brand | Best for |
|---|---|
| JJackery | Wide range, compact to home backup sizes |
| EEcoFlow | Fast charging and expandable systems |
| BBLUETTI | Large lineup, expandable home systems |
| AALLPOWERS | Capacity for the price, plus solar kits |
Well known range from small to large capacities, solar bundles available.
- Has a Canadian store
- Small, mid and large models
- Compare capacity, output and warranty on the maker page
Fast recharge focus and expandable larger systems.
- Markets fast charging, so compare charge times
- Expandable systems in larger sizes
- Check solar input specs
Broad range including larger home backup systems.
- Broad capacity range
- Expandable home-backup options
- Compare battery chemistry and stated cycle life
Value-focused portable power stations and solar kits.
- Value-focused lineup
- Solar kits available
- Confirm shipping, duties and warranty at checkout
Quick answers
Why divide by 0.85?
Converting battery power to AC outlets loses some energy. 0.85 is a common planning allowance.
Do I need solar panels?
Only if you expect outages longer than the battery lasts. They help for multi-day events.