Free Tool
Generator & Backup Power Sizing Tool
Choosing the wrong size generator is one of the most common — and expensive — mistakes in emergency prep. This tool sizes your backup power needs correctly, with safety warnings built in.
Carbon Monoxide Warning
Gas generators produce deadly carbon monoxide. Never run a generator indoors, in a garage, or within 20 feet of windows or doors. Battery-powered stations are always the safest indoor option.
Generator & Backup Power Sizing Tool
Select the appliances you need to run during a power outage. We’ll calculate the wattage and recommend the right backup power solution.
Select appliances to power
Critical (always run these)
Comfort & convenience
Medical equipment
Your Requirements
We recommend
1,000W (1kW) Portable Power Station
A compact 1kW battery station (like the Jackery 1000) covers all your basics.
If you want a battery
That counts everything as running the whole time, so it errs high — a fridge actually cycles on and off. We also add 15% because you never get a battery’s full label in practice.
Roughly a 2,000Wh station. A 200W solar panel in about 5 good sun-hours puts back around 850Wh, if you want to recharge off-grid.
Wattage estimates run close, but home wiring, altitude, and appliance condition can shift the real number — a licensed electrician has the final word for anything permanent.
3 appliances selected
Gas generator vs. battery power station: which is right for you?
Battery Power Station
Pros
- + Safe indoors — no CO risk
- + Silent operation
- + Recharges from solar
- + Low maintenance
Cons
- − Higher upfront cost
- − Limited runtime on heavy loads
- − Must pre-charge before outage
Gas Generator
Pros
- + Lower upfront cost
- + Handles heavy loads (AC, tools)
- + Longer runtime with fuel storage
- + Field-repairable
Cons
- − CO is deadly — outdoors only
- − Loud (65–90 dB)
- − Fuel storage & rotation required
- − Needs regular maintenance