Sizing a Solar Generator for a Home Outage

A portable power station can cover selected outage loads, but it is not automatically a whole-home system. Start by separating critical circuits from convenience devices.

Build a 24-hour load sheet

Record running watts, hours, and compressor or motor surges. Refrigerators cycle; routers and medical devices may run continuously. Add the watt-hours, account for conversion losses, and decide how many hours must be covered before recharging.

Separate capacity from output

Watt-hours determine runtime. Continuous inverter watts determine what can run together. Surge rating matters when compressors start. Confirm all three rather than relying on a single large number.

Be realistic about solar recovery

Panel rating, daylight, orientation, temperature, shade, and the station’s input limit control recharge time. A system that works indefinitely in a sunny advertisement may lose ground during a storm—the exact condition causing many outages.

Operate safely

Never connect a portable power station to household wiring without approved transfer equipment and qualified installation. Keep devices dry, allow ventilation, and follow manufacturer limits.