Guides
Costs, Sizing Calculators & ROI Guides
The numbers behind backup power: what things really cost, how to size a system correctly, and whether the investment pays off. This category is anchored by our free wattage calculator — every article here either feeds into it or extends it with cost and ROI context.
Cost & sizing guides
Power Station Wattage Calculator: What Appliances Can You Run?
A breakdown of exactly what a 300Wh, 1000Wh, and 3000Wh power station can realistically run — plus the free calculator to check your own list.
Read guide →Are Portable Power Stations Worth the Investment? ROI Breakdown
A clear-eyed look at what you get for the money — and when a power station pays for itself versus when it doesn't.
Read guide →Generator vs Power Station: Cost Comparison Over 5 Years
Purchase price is only the start — here's the real 5-year cost of owning a generator versus a power station, fuel and maintenance included.
Read guide →How Much Does a Home Battery Backup System Cost?
A full cost breakdown across the range of home battery backup options, from a wired-in power station to a whole-home Tesla Powerwall setup.
Read guide →Federal and State Rebates for Home Battery Backup Systems (2026 Guide)
The categories of incentives available for home battery backup — federal, state and utility — and how to check what actually applies to your address.
Read guide →How Much Does It Cost to Run a Generator All Day?
The real fuel cost of running a generator for a full day, broken down by generator size and fuel type.
Read guide →Cost to Charge a Power Station: Electricity Bill Impact Explained
What it actually costs in electricity to fully charge a power station, and why it's a rounding error compared to gas generator fuel.
Read guide →Portable Power Station Cost Guide: What You'll Really Pay in 2026
What actually changes as you move up the price ladder from a $239 power station to a $1,400+ one — with real current prices.
Read guide →Renting vs Buying a Generator: Which Makes Sense for Homeowners?
When renting a generator actually costs less than buying one, and when ownership wins — with real numbers on both sides.
Read guide →Cheapest Way to Get Whole-House Backup Power
The actual cheapest realistic paths to backup power, ranked, with real prices — not the marketing definition of "whole house."
Read guide →Best Financing Options for Whole-House Generators
How homeowners actually finance a $5,000-15,000 whole-house generator installation, and what to compare between options.
Read guide →⚠️ All figures in this category are typical industry averages for planning purposes. Always confirm exact wattage against your own appliance's nameplate rating before sizing backup power.