What size power station do I need?

Want the answer without the math? The power station size calculator does every step below and lists the models that fit.

Step 1: List what you need, not everything you own

Start with the essentials for an outage: refrigerator, internet, phones, a few lights, maybe a CPAP or a sump pump. Leave out heat-producing appliances (space heaters, kettles, hair dryers, ovens) unless you have a large system: each uses as much power in an hour as a fridge does in a day.

Step 2: Add up daily watt-hours

For each item, multiply its average watts by the hours you'll use it per day:

Divide by 0.85 to allow for inverter losses: 2,115 ÷ 0.85 ≈ 2,490 Wh of rated capacity for one full day. A 2,000 Wh station gets you most of the way, and running the fridge in shifts closes the gap. The power station size calculator does this for you, including multiple days, and lists the models that fit.

Step 3: Check output and surge

Add the running watts of everything that might be on at the same moment. The station's continuous output must be higher. Then check the startup surge of the biggest motor (fridge, pump, AC): it adds hundreds to thousands of watts for a split second. Our inverter size calculator totals both.

• Phones, lights, router, laptop, CPAP: 300–600 W output is enough.
• Add a refrigerator: 1,000 W or more.
• Microwave, sump pump, small AC or kettle: 1,800 W or more.

Step 4: Plan how you'll recharge

For outages longer than a day, capacity alone isn't practical: a station that lasts a week would be huge. Recharging is the answer. Solar panels are the most common: 400 W of panels can put back roughly 1,000–1,500 Wh on a sunny day. Check your setup with the solar recharge time calculator. Many stations also charge from a car or a generator.

Quick size guide