Power Outage

Home Backup Power Options Compared

There are several ways to back up your home's power. Here's how they compare in cost, capability, and practicality.

Home with solar panels and backup battery storage

Whole-home backup power runs from a few hundred dollars (portable generator) to tens of thousands (solar plus whole-home battery). The right answer depends on your needs, budget, and how often you experience outages.

Most households don't need a whole-home solution — they need to keep phones, lights, and a few critical appliances running. That's a much more affordable problem to solve.

Next StepsUse the related guides and free checklists below to keep building your household preparedness.

Generator Safety
Generator Safety
Power Station
Power Stations