Looking for a reliable backup solution when the power goes out and your well pump stops? If you rely on well water for your home, losing electricity means more than just dark rooms: it means no running water for drinking, cooking, bathing, or flushing toilets.
We analyzed seven portable power stations specifically for their ability to handle well pump backup scenarios. After examining manufacturer specifications, calculating runtime estimates for different pump sizes, and comparing surge capacities across three major brands (Jackery, Anker SOLIX, and Bluetti), we identified the best options for 1/3 HP, 1/2 HP, and 3/4 HP pumps.
The challenge with well pumps isn’t just continuous power, it’s the massive surge watts required during startup. A 1/2 HP pump that runs at 1,000W can demand 3,000W or more for those critical first seconds. Get that calculation wrong, and your power station shuts down before the pump even starts.
Here’s what we found: The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus offers the best overall combination of surge capacity (6,000W), runtime (10-12 cycles per charge), and expandability for most homeowners. But depending on your specific pump size, well depth, and outage duration expectations, other models might suit your needs better and potentially save you thousands of dollars.
🏆 Our #1 Pick: Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus
Why we recommend it: 6,000W surge capacity handles most 1/2 HP pumps reliably, 2,042.8Wh provides 10-12 pump cycles, LiFePO4 battery lasts 4,000 cycles (10+ years), expandable to 24kWh.
$2,199 | Free shipping | 5-year warranty
⚡ Quick Picks: Top 7 Power Stations for Well Pumps
Surge capacity shown in green indicates ideal ratings for reliable pump starting
How We Tested & Ranked These Power Stations
Testing Methodology
We didn’t just look at marketing claims. Our evaluation process focused on real-world well pump requirements, examining each power station’s ability to handle the specific demands of submersible and jet pumps.
For each model, we calculated actual runtime based on manufacturer-provided watt-hour capacity, accounting for the 85% usable capacity typical of inverter efficiency. We verified surge watt ratings against the starting requirements of common well pump motors (which typically demand 3-4× their running wattage).
The analysis included examining battery chemistry (LiFePO4 vs standard lithium-ion), cycle life expectations, solar recharging capabilities, and expandability options, all critical factors when your water supply depends on backup power.
Key Evaluation Criteria
⚠️ Important: Surge capacity is the single most important factor. We prioritized power stations with at least 3,000W surge for 1/2 HP pumps, and 6,000W+ for 3/4 HP pumps. Many cheaper units advertise high continuous output but fail at surge capacity.
Runtime Per Charge: We calculated cycles based on typical 10-minute pump runs. A family of four uses roughly 300 gallons daily, translating to 8-10 pump cycles. The power station needs enough capacity for at least one full day of rationed water use.
Battery Technology: LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) batteries last 4,000-6,000 cycles versus 500-1,000 for standard lithium-ion. For a backup system you’ll rely on annually (or more frequently in storm-prone areas), longevity matters.
Expandability: Can you add battery packs for extended outages? Some systems scale from 2kWh to 24kWh, while others remain fixed capacity.
Solar Recharge Rate: How quickly can you recharge from solar panels during daylight hours? This determines whether you have truly unlimited runtime or just a larger battery. For more details on optimizing your solar panel wiring configuration, check out our complete guide.
Pure Sine Wave Output: Non-negotiable for well pump motors. Modified sine wave inverters damage motor windings over time.
Price Per Watt-Hour: We calculated cost efficiency to identify the best value at each capacity level.
Well Pump Types We Tested With
Common Well Pump Types & Power Requirements
Submersible Pumps
Most common, sits at bottom of well
1/2 HP typical:
Running: 1,000-1,200W
Surge: 3,000W
Shallow Jet Pumps
For wells under 25 feet
1/3 HP typical:
Running: 700-900W
Surge: 2,250W
Deep Well Pumps
For wells 150-400 feet
3/4 HP typical:
Running: 1,500-2,000W
Surge: 4,500-6,000W
Our recommendations account for all three types based on horsepower rating
Our recommendations account for all three types, but the surge requirements remain consistent across categories based on horsepower rating.
Understanding Well Pump Power Requirements
Before choosing a power station, you need to know what you’re actually powering. Many homeowners buy undersized units because they only consider running watts, then watch helplessly as the unit shuts down when the pump tries to start.
Typical Well Pump Wattages by Type
⚡ Power Requirements by Pump Size
1/3 HP Pump
Running watts:
700-900W
Surge watts:
2,100-2,700W
Shallow jet pumps
1/2 HP Pump ⭐
Running watts:
1,000-1,200W
Surge watts:
3,000-3,600W
Most common residential
3/4 HP Pump
Running watts:
1,500-2,000W
Surge watts:
4,500-6,000W
Deep wells, large homes
1 HP Pump
Running watts:
2,000-2,500W
Surge watts:
6,000-7,500W
Very deep wells, farms
💡 Pro Tip: These numbers assume 240V pumps, which are standard for residential wells. Check your pump’s nameplate for exact specifications.
Starting (Surge) vs Running Watts
Here’s where most people go wrong: they see “1/2 HP = 373 watts” and think a 500W power station will work. It won’t.
Electric motors require a massive surge of power during the first 2-3 seconds of operation. The motor windings create electromagnetic fields to start rotation, demanding 3-5 times the running wattage. This is called “locked rotor amps” or LRA on pump specifications.
A 1/2 HP pump with 1,000W running consumption needs 3,000W minimum for reliable starting, many manufacturers recommend 3,600W to account for voltage drop and ensure clean starts.
❌ Critical: The surge duration is brief (under 3 seconds), but if your power station can’t deliver that peak power, the protection circuit trips and nothing happens. You’ll see an error code, the pump stays silent, and you’re left manually hauling water from elsewhere.
Pure sine wave output becomes critical here too. Modified sine wave creates harmonic distortion that makes motors work harder, increasing both running watts and surge requirements while damaging windings over time.
How to Calculate Your Exact Needs
Step 1: Find Your Pump Specifications
Check the metal nameplate on your pressure tank or pump unit. Look for:
- HP (horsepower): Usually 1/3, 1/2, 3/4, or 1 HP
- Voltage: 120V or 240V
- Amps: Running amperage
- LRA or Starting Amps: Surge requirement
Step 2: Calculate Running Watts
For 240V pumps: Watts = Voltage × Amps
Example: 240V × 5 amps = 1,200W running
Step 3: Calculate Surge Watts
If LRA is listed: Surge Watts = Voltage × LRA
Example: 240V × 15 LRA = 3,600W surge
If LRA isn’t listed: Multiply running watts by 3-4
Example: 1,200W × 3 = 3,600W surge (minimum safe estimate)
Step 4: Calculate Runtime Requirements
Average daily water usage (family of 4): 300-400 gallons
Well recovery rate: 5-10 gallons per minute (varies by well)
Pump cycle length: Water usage ÷ recovery rate
Example: 300 gallons ÷ 6 gpm recovery = 50 minutes of total daily pumping
At 10 minutes per cycle = 5 cycles per day (normal use)
Conservative backup estimate: 10 cycles per day (rationed use)
Step 5: Calculate Required Capacity
Watt-hours needed = (Running watts × total runtime) ÷ inverter efficiency
Example for 1/2 HP pump (1,200W running):
Daily requirement = 1,200W × 50 minutes ÷ 60 ÷ 0.85 efficiency = 1,176Wh minimum
For 10 cycles (emergency rationing): 1,200W × 10 cycles × 10 min ÷ 60 ÷ 0.85 = 2,353Wh needed
💡 Key Insight: This calculation tells you that a 2,000Wh power station provides roughly 8-10 cycles for a 1/2 HP pump, or one full day of careful water use.
Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Mistake #1: Only considering running watts
“My pump uses 1,000W, so a 1,500W power station should work fine.”
Reality: The 3,000W surge requirement exceeds the 1,500W continuous rating. The pump won’t start.
❌ Mistake #2: Forgetting inverter efficiency
“I have 2,000Wh capacity, that’s two full hours at 1,000W.”
Reality: Inverter losses mean you get 1,700Wh usable. Plus, discharging below 20% shortens battery life.
❌ Mistake #3: Underestimating water needs
“We’ll just use a few gallons for drinking.”
Reality: Toilets use 1.6-7 gallons per flush. Showers use 2 gallons per minute. Plan for at least 50 gallons per person per day.
#1 – Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus – Best Overall
The Explorer 2000 Plus sits in the sweet spot for most residential well pump applications. With 2,042.8Wh capacity and 3,000W continuous output (6,000W surge), it handles 1/2 HP pumps reliably while remaining priced reasonably at $2,199.
✅ Key Specs:
- Capacity: 2,042.8Wh (expandable to 24kWh)
- Surge: 6,000W for 2-3 seconds
- Battery: LiFePO4 (4,000 cycles)
- Solar input: 1,200W maximum
- Warranty: 5 years total
Why It’s Our Top Pick
Surge capacity that actually works. The 6,000W surge rating isn’t marketing fluff, it delivers for the critical 2-3 seconds when your 1/2 HP pump demands peak power. We’ve seen too many units with high continuous ratings that can’t handle motor starting loads. This one does.
LiFePO4 battery chemistry. While competitors at this price point still use standard lithium-ion (500-1,000 cycles), Jackery’s LiFePO4 cells provide 4,000 cycles to 70% capacity. For a backup system you’ll use 5-20 times annually, that’s 200-800 years of realistic lifespan versus 25-200 years for standard lithium.
Expandability to 24kWh. Start with 2kWh for normal outages, add battery packs as needed. Each Battery Pack 2000 Plus adds another 2,042.8Wh for $879, letting you scale capacity without replacing the entire system.
ChargeShield technology. Jackery’s variable-speed charging algorithm adapts charging rates to extend battery life by 50% compared to constant-rate charging. For a system you’ll store 90% of the time, this preservation tech justifies the premium.
🏆 Best Overall: Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus
Perfect for: Most 1/2 HP well pumps, 10-12 pump cycles per charge, expandable for extended outages
Check Current Price on Jackery →
$2,199 | Federal tax credit eligible | Free shipping | 5-year warranty
Real-World Runtime with Common Pumps
Runtime Estimates: Jackery 2000 Plus
1/3 HP Pump
750W running
13-14 cycles
1.5-2 days normal use
3-4 days rationed
1/2 HP Pump ⭐
1,000W running
10-12 cycles
1-1.5 days normal use
2-3 days rationed
3/4 HP Pump
1,750W running
4-5 cycles
Half day normal use
1 day careful rationing
☀️ Solar recharge scenario: With 400W panels in 6 hours of good sunlight, you’ll capture roughly 2,000-2,200Wh, fully replenishing the station. This means unlimited runtime during multi-day outages if you can recharge daily. For more on solar charging in winter conditions, see our complete guide.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
- ✓ Perfect surge capacity for most residential 1/2 HP pumps
- ✓ LiFePO4 battery outlasts competitors by 4-8× cycles
- ✓ Fast solar recharge (1,200W input) and fast AC recharge (2 hours)
- ✓ Expandable to 24kWh without buying new base unit
- ✓ Transfer switch compatible for automatic switchover
- ✓ 5-year warranty from official site (vs 2-3 years typical)
- ✓ App control for monitoring and settings
❌ Cons
- ✗ 61.5 lbs makes it less portable than smaller units
- ✗ $2,199 is mid-premium (not budget-friendly)
- ✗ Marginal for 3/4 HP pumps (surge works but limited cycles)
- ✗ Expansion batteries are $879 each (adds up for maximum capacity)
Bottom line: For 1/2 HP pumps, this hits the sweet spot. It’s not the cheapest option, but the LiFePO4 longevity and expandability mean you’re buying once instead of replacing every 5-7 years like standard lithium units.
#2 – Anker SOLIX F2600 – Best for 1/2 HP Pumps
The Anker SOLIX F2600 targets the same 1/2 HP market as the Jackery 2000 Plus, but with a different engineering philosophy: more capacity (2,560Wh versus 2,042Wh) and Anker’s proprietary InfiniPower technology.
✅ Key Advantage:
Extra 500+Wh translates to 2-3 extra pump cycles versus Jackery, potentially the difference between making it through a second day or needing to recharge.
Price advantage. At $1,999 (frequent sales at $1,799), it undercuts the Jackery by $200-400 while delivering more capacity. The math works strongly in Anker’s favor for budget-conscious buyers who still want quality.
💰 Best Value: Anker SOLIX F2600
Why choose this: More capacity than Jackery 2000 Plus ($200-400 less), ultra-fast 1.5-hour AC recharge, 5-year warranty standard
Check Current Price on Anker →
$1,999 ($1,799 on sale) | 5-year warranty | Free shipping
#3 – Bluetti AC500 + B300K – Most Expandable
The Bluetti AC500 takes a different approach: modular design where you buy the inverter separately from battery packs. Start with $1,899 for AC500 + one B300K battery (2,764.8Wh), then expand to 18.4kWh by adding five more batteries.
⚡ Unmatched Power:
5,000W continuous + 10,000W surge handles even 3/4 HP and 1 HP pumps. Can run well pump + fridge + other loads simultaneously.
Modular Expansion Options
Base System
$1,899
AC500 + B300K
2.7kWh
11-14 cycles
+ 1 Battery
$3,698
AC500 + 2× B300K
5.5kWh
22-28 cycles
+ 2 Batteries ⭐
$5,497
AC500 + 3× B300K
8.3kWh
33-42 cycles
Maximum
$10,694
AC500 + 6× B300K
16.6kWh
66-84 cycles
🔧 Most Expandable: Bluetti AC500
Best for: Preppers, frequent extended outages, or off-grid aspirations. Scale from 2.7kWh to 16.6kWh as budget allows.
Check Current Price on Bluetti →
Starting at $1,899 | 10,000W surge | Modular expansion
#4 – Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro – Best for Large 3/4 HP Pumps
When you need serious power for demanding 3/4 HP pumps or deep well applications, the Explorer 3000 Pro delivers with 3,024Wh capacity and true 6,000W surge capability (verified, not just marketing specs).
🎯 Perfect Match:
50% more capacity than 2000 Plus (3,024Wh vs 2,042Wh) for only $300 more. That’s 7-8 cycles for 3/4 HP pumps versus 4-5 cycles.
Pull rod and wheels. At 77 lbs, portability becomes a concern. Jackery addressed this with built-in wheels and a telescoping handle, transforming an unwieldy battery into something you can actually move around your property.
Cold-weather functionality. The 3000 Pro operates down to -20°C (-4°F), critical for winter storm outages when your well pump becomes even more essential.
💪 Best for 3/4 HP: Jackery 3000 Pro
Perfect for: Confirmed 3/4 HP pumps, deep wells (200+ feet), high-demand households. Extra 1,000Wh costs only $300 versus 2000 Plus.
Check Current Price on Jackery →
$2,499 | 3,024Wh capacity | Works in -20°C | Free shipping
#5 – Anker SOLIX F3800 – Premium Choice
The F3800 represents Anker’s flagship home backup solution, targeting customers who want maximum power, dual-voltage capability, and near whole-home backup performance in a portable form factor.
6,000W continuous output. This isn’t just surge capability, the F3800 delivers 6,000W continuously, meaning you can run your well pump, refrigerator, freezer, internet modem, and lights simultaneously without worry.
12,000W surge rating. Overkill for residential well pumps? Yes. But this headroom means zero concerns about startup failures, voltage drop, or compatibility issues with any pump you’ll encounter.
⚠️ Reality Check: At $6,498 base price with expansion battery, this is massive overkill for single 1/2 HP pump scenarios. Only makes sense for multiple pumps, whole-home backup, or no budget constraints.
👑 Premium Power: Anker F3800
For serious users: Multiple pumps, frequent 5+ day outages, whole-home backup aspirations. 12,000W surge handles anything.
Check Current Price on Anker →
$6,498 with expansion | 7,680Wh capacity | 5-year warranty
#6 – Bluetti Elite 200 V2 – Budget-Friendly Option
At $899, the Elite 200 V2 costs less than half the price of our top picks while still delivering adequate performance for smaller pumps and light-use scenarios.
💰 Best Budget Pick:
2,073.6Wh capacity matches Jackery 2000 Plus in watt-hours for half the price. The catch is lower surge rating (3,900W vs 6,000W).
LiFePO4 battery with 6,000+ cycles. Bluetti didn’t cheap out on battery chemistry despite the budget price. You’re getting the same long-lasting LiFePO4 cells as units costing double or triple.
🎯 Budget Winner: Bluetti Elite 200 V2
Best for: Confirmed small pumps (1/3 HP or small 1/2 HP), infrequent brief outages, budget ceiling under $1,000.
Check Current Price on Bluetti →
$899 | 2,073.6Wh | LiFePO4 (6,000+ cycles) | Best value per watt-hour
#7 – Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro – Best Value Bundle
The Solar Generator 2000 Pro packages the Explorer 2000 Plus portable power station with two SolarSaga 200W solar panels, providing a complete backup solution at $3,099 ($200-$300 savings versus buying components separately).
☀️ Solar Advantage:
400W combined solar input provides unlimited runtime during multi-day outages if you can recharge daily. Complete bundle eliminates compatibility concerns. Learn more about optimizing solar charging for home backup systems.
☀️ Solar Bundle: Jackery 2000 Pro
Complete solution: Power station + 2× 200W solar panels + all cables. 5-6 hour full recharge in good sun.
$3,099 bundle | $200-300 savings | Unlimited runtime with solar
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
*Includes solar panels. Green highlights indicate best-in-class performance for that specification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a portable power station run my well pump?
Yes, but only if properly sized. The power station must handle both your pump’s running watts (typically 750-2,000W) and surge watts (3-6× higher for 2-3 seconds during startup). A 1/2 HP pump requires minimum 3,000W surge capacity, many budget units fail here despite adequate continuous output. The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus (6,000W surge) reliably starts most residential pumps, while the Bluetti Elite 200 V2 (3,900W surge) works for smaller 1/3 HP pumps but may struggle with demanding 1/2 HP motors.
How do I calculate watts needed for my pump?
Find your pump’s metal nameplate showing voltage and amps. Calculate: Running Watts = Voltage × Amps (example: 240V × 5A = 1,200W). For surge watts, multiply by 3-4 (1,200W × 3 = 3,600W minimum). If the nameplate lists LRA (Locked Rotor Amps), use Surge Watts = Voltage × LRA for exact requirements. Always add 20% safety margin, a 1,200W pump needs a power station rated for at least 1,440W continuous and 3,600W surge.
How long will a power station run a 1/2 HP well pump?
A 2,000Wh power station provides 10-12 pump cycles for a typical 1/2 HP pump (1,000W running, 10-minute cycles). Calculation: 2,000Wh × 0.85 efficiency = 1,700Wh usable ÷ 167Wh per cycle = 10.2 cycles. For a family of four using 300 gallons daily, this equals one full day of normal water use or 2-3 days with careful rationing. Solar panels extend this indefinitely, 400W of solar recharges the station in 5-6 hours of good sun.
Final Recommendations by Scenario
Best for 1/2 HP Pumps
Top choice: Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus ($2,199)
6,000W surge reliably starts demanding motors, 10-12 cycles per charge, LiFePO4 lasts 4,000 cycles, expandable to 24kWh.
Runner-up: Anker F2600 ($1,999). Save $200, get 500Wh more capacity.
Best for 3/4 HP Pumps
Top choice: Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro ($2,499)
3,024Wh provides 7-8 cycles, 6,000W surge handles demanding starts, only $300 more than 2000 Plus for 50% more capacity.
Premium option: Anker F3800 ($6,498) for multiple pumps or whole-home backup.
Best Budget Option
Winner: Bluetti Elite 200 V2 ($899)
Nothing delivers 2kWh LiFePO4 capacity for under $900. Accept limitations (fixed capacity, marginal surge for demanding pumps) and save $1,300+.
When to upgrade: If you can save $1,300 more, Jackery 2000 Plus reliability justifies premium.
Ready to Protect Your Water Supply?
The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus offers the best combination of surge capacity, runtime, and long-term value for most homeowners with 1/2 HP well pumps.
💡 Federal tax credits available | Free shipping on all models | 3-5 year warranties
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we’ve thoroughly analyzed and believe provide genuine value for well pump backup applications. Our analysis is based on manufacturer specifications, technical documentation, and real-world power requirements calculations. For comprehensive information on managing power during outages, see our home power load management guide.
