The last major storm in your area probably reminded you why backup power matters. When the grid fails, you’re looking at $150-500 per day in costs—spoiled food, missed work, hotel stays, and the stress of uncertainty. For families relying on medical devices or home-based businesses, the stakes climb even higher.
Power outages hit harder now than ever before. Over 70 million Americans experienced significant outages in 2024, with average durations stretching to 8 hours. Climate change, aging infrastructure, and increased demand mean these numbers keep climbing. Traditional generators offer a solution, but they’re loud, require fuel storage, need regular maintenance, and produce emissions you’d rather avoid.
Modern battery-based home backup systems changed this equation. Today’s portable power stations with whole-home capability deliver silent, maintenance-free backup that integrates with solar panels and transfer switches. You can power essential circuits—refrigerators, freezers, furnaces, well pumps, lighting, and electronics—for hours or days depending on your setup.
💰 Featured System:
Anker SOLIX F3800 now $3,999 on Anker SOLIX
(was $4,799) — 3,840Wh | 6,000W split-phase
This guide walks you through everything you need to plan a complete whole home backup battery system. We’ll cover how to calculate your home’s actual power requirements, what features separate basic units from true whole-home systems, and how leading options like the Anker SOLIX F3800 compare against alternatives from EcoFlow, Jackery, and Bluetti. You’ll also learn about transfer switch installation, solar integration, costs, and what qualifies for the 30% federal tax credit.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which system fits your home, how much capacity you actually need, and what your total investment looks like.
Why Whole Home Backup Systems Matter in 2025
Weather-related power disruptions increased 67% over the past decade. NOAA reports on power outages show an average of 8 major power events per state annually, ranging from brief afternoon outages to multi-day blackouts following severe storms. Your location determines specific risks—hurricanes in coastal regions, ice storms across the Midwest and Northeast, wildfires forcing preventive shutoffs in the West, or grid overload during summer heat waves.
The financial impact adds up quickly. A typical family loses $200-400 in spoiled refrigerated food during a 24-hour outage. If you work from home, each day without power costs $150-300 in lost productivity. Medical considerations become priceless—CPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, refrigerated medications, and powered wheelchairs require reliable electricity.
💸 The True Cost of Power Outages
Home systems face additional risks during extended outages. Frozen pipes from disabled heating systems can cause $5,000-15,000 in damage during winter. Sump pumps failing during storms lead to flooded basements. Security systems go dark, leaving homes vulnerable.
Traditional backup solutions carry their own problems. Portable generators require gasoline storage (fire hazard), produce carbon monoxide (safety risk), and wake the neighborhood with 70+ decibel noise. Permanent standby generators cost $5,000-15,000 installed, run on natural gas or propane, and need annual maintenance contracts.
Modern battery systems solve these issues while offering new advantages. LiFePO4 chemistry provides 10-year lifespans with minimal degradation—vastly superior to older lead-acid batteries that lasted 3-5 years. Solar integration means you can recharge during extended grid failures, turning a 1-2 day backup into week-long self-sufficiency. Smart monitoring apps let you track consumption and adjust usage remotely.
The 30% federal tax credit through 2032 significantly offsets costs. A $6,000 system nets you $1,800 back at tax time, dropping your real investment to $4,200. Combined with potential insurance discounts and avoided generator fuel costs, many homeowners recover their investment within 5-7 years.
But here’s the critical distinction: not all portable power stations qualify as “whole home” systems. The difference lies in specific capabilities we’ll explore next.
Understanding Your Home’s Power Requirements
Sizing a home battery backup system starts with understanding what you actually need to power. Most homeowners overestimate requirements because they imagine running everything simultaneously. Reality looks different—you prioritize essential loads and manage high-draw appliances strategically.
Want to calculate your exact power needs? Our detailed load management guide walks you through the complete process.
Essential vs Non-Essential Loads
Essential loads keep your home functional and safe during outages. These typically include refrigerators, freezers, well pumps, furnace blowers, a few lighting circuits, WiFi routers, phones, laptops, and any medical devices. The average 2-3 bedroom home needs 2,000-3,000W of continuous power for essentials.
⚡ Typical Home Power Consumption by System
Non-essential loads include central air conditioning (3,000-5,000W), electric ranges (3,000-5,000W), clothes dryers (3,000-5,000W), electric water heaters (4,000-5,500W), and power tools. You can survive without these during short outages, though longer disruptions might require strategic use.
The key decision: Do you want to power everything, or manage loads intelligently? Most homeowners choose the latter, saving thousands on system costs while maintaining comfort and safety.
Peak vs Sustained Power Draw
Understanding the difference between startup surge and running watts prevents undersizing your system. Electric motors—found in refrigerators, freezers, well pumps, and furnace blowers—draw 2-3x their running wattage for 1-3 seconds during startup.
A refrigerator might draw 800W starting but only 200W running. Your well pump could surge to 3,000W starting while running at 1,200W. Furnace blowers typically surge to 1,800W before settling at 600W.
This matters because your power station must handle these simultaneous surges. If your refrigerator and well pump start within seconds of each other, you need capacity for both surge loads at once—potentially 4,000-5,000W combined, even though their sustained draw totals only 1,400W.
Analysis of real-world installations shows systems sized for 1.5x calculated essential loads handle surge demands reliably. If your essential circuits draw 2,500W sustained, target 3,500-4,000W minimum output capacity. This buffer prevents overload shutdowns when multiple devices cycle on.
120V vs 240V Requirements
Your home’s electrical panel distributes two types of power—standard 120V circuits for most outlets and lights, plus 240V circuits for high-draw appliances. Understanding which devices need 240V determines whether you need split-phase capability.
Standard 120V circuits power wall outlets, lighting fixtures, TVs, computers, small appliances, refrigerators, freezers, and garage door openers.
High-power 240V circuits typically serve well pumps (critical for rural homes), central air conditioning, electric ranges and ovens, clothes dryers, EV chargers, some hot water heaters, and large workshop tools.
Here’s where it gets important: basic portable power stations only provide 120V output through standard AC outlets. To power 240V appliances, you’d need two units connected through a special combiner box, adding complexity and cost.
True whole-home systems offer split-phase 240V output natively. They generate proper 120V/240V split-phase power matching your home’s electrical panel—no adapters, no workarounds, no limitations. This single feature determines whether you have genuine whole-home capability or just a large portable power station.
For homeowners with well pumps, this becomes non-negotiable. Your well pump won’t run without 240V power, meaning you’ll lose water within hours during outages. City water customers have more flexibility, but split-phase capability still provides future-proofing and full-home compatibility.
Critical Features of Whole Home Backup Systems
Not all high-capacity power stations qualify as true whole-home systems. Four specific features separate convenient backup options from genuine home-powering capability. Understanding these distinctions helps you avoid expensive mistakes and ensures your system actually delivers when the grid fails.
Split-Phase 240V Output (Deal-Breaker Feature)
This single capability separates real whole-home systems from oversized camping batteries. Your home’s electrical panel delivers split-phase power—two 120V “legs” that combine to create 240V for high-draw appliances. True whole-home backup must replicate this exact configuration.
Systems without native split-phase force you into workarounds. You might chain two units together through special combiners, adding $300-600 in equipment plus complexity. Or you install separate 120V and 240V systems, effectively doubling your investment. Neither approach matches the elegance and reliability of built-in split-phase output.
Analysis of installation data shows systems without split-phase capability struggle with modern homes. Well pumps won’t run. Central HVAC systems stay offline. EV chargers sit idle. You end up with expensive equipment that can’t power the circuits you need most during emergencies.
Current market leaders offering native split-phase include the Anker SOLIX F3800 with 6,000W output, EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra at 7,200W, and Jackery’s 5000 Plus delivering 7,200W. Bluetti’s AC500 requires an external fusion box adapter, adding complexity and potential failure points.
Expandable Capacity
The beauty of modern systems lies in scalability. You start with a base unit sized for immediate needs, then add battery packs as budget allows or requirements grow. This flexibility transforms a $4,000 initial investment into a $10,000-15,000 system over time without replacing core components.
The mathematics work in your favor. The Anker F3800 starts at 3,840Wh capacity, enough for 12-24 hours of essential loads. Add one BP3800 expansion battery and you double to 7,680Wh—now you’re looking at 1-2 days. Six expansion batteries bring you to 26,880Wh total, providing 3-5 days of runtime with solar recharge capability.
This matters financially because few homeowners can invest $12,000-15,000 upfront. Starting with a $4,000 base unit plus one expansion battery ($6,500 total) gets you operational. Add batteries annually as budget permits. The 30% federal tax credit applies to each purchase, softening the blow.
Transfer Switch Compatibility
The transfer switch solves a critical safety problem: how do you connect your backup power to your home’s electrical panel without killing utility workers or frying your equipment? This device physically isolates your home from the grid during outages, then safely switches between grid and backup power.
Two types dominate the residential market: Manual transfer switches ($500-1,200 installed) require you to physically flip switches when power fails. Automatic transfer switches (ATS, $1,500-2,500 installed) detect outages and switch automatically within seconds.
The Anker solution integrates this functionality into their Smart Home Power Kit. Instead of hiring electricians for separate transfer switch installation, you get a complete backup panel with built-in switching, sub-panel for essential circuits, and professional installation support. Learn more about transfer switch installation guide for detailed instructions.
⚠️ Important: Attempting to backfeed your home through a standard outlet is illegal and deadly. A proper transfer switch installation by a licensed electrician is non-negotiable for whole home backup. Field reports from electricians emphasize this as the only legal, safe method. Follow National Electrical Code standards for all installations.
Solar Charging Capability
Extended outages reveal the limitation of battery-only systems—once depleted, you’re back to darkness. Solar integration transforms finite backup into indefinite self-sufficiency. As long as the sun shines, you can recharge and continue operations.
Practical solar charging requires adequate input capacity. Systems accepting only 400-600W solar struggle with the math—a 4,000Wh battery needs 6-10 hours of optimal sunlight for full recharge. Reality involves clouds, suboptimal angles, seasonal variations, and shade. Real-world recharge times often double theoretical calculations.
Look for 1,200W minimum solar input for practical whole-home systems. The F3800’s 2,400W capability means optimal conditions deliver 0-80% charge in 1.5 hours. Even with 50% efficiency losses due to weather, you still achieve full daily recharge with 3-4 panels.
Our complete solar charging guide for home backup covers panel sizing, positioning, and integration strategies in depth.
Top Whole Home Backup Systems Compared (2025)
Four manufacturers currently dominate the whole-home backup market, each targeting slightly different priorities. Understanding their strengths and trade-offs helps you match systems to your specific situation—home size, budget, desired features, and expansion plans.
Anker SOLIX F3800 — Best Overall Modern System ⭐
The F3800 represents the current generation of whole-home thinking. Anker entered the power station market recently but brought expertise from charging technology and battery management. The result combines cutting-edge features with the longest warranty in the category.
At its core sits 3,840Wh of LiFePO4 battery capacity delivering 6,000W continuous output through true split-phase 120V/240V. This configuration handles typical 2-3 bedroom homes running all essential circuits—refrigerators, freezers, furnace, well pump, lighting, electronics, and medical devices.
Key technical advantages set the F3800 apart. The 2,400W solar input through dual 60V MPPT controllers means you can connect up to eight 300W panels for optimal charging speed—0-80% in just 1.5 hours under good conditions. Performance data from similar installations indicates the F3800 handles sustained 4,500W loads without thermal throttling, important during hot summer days when multiple systems run simultaneously.
Expandability scales to 26,880Wh through six BP3800 expansion batteries. Each battery adds 3,840Wh for $2,499, letting you grow the system as needs or budget evolve. The math works: base unit plus two batteries delivers 11,520Wh for approximately $8,000 total, enough to power a full home for 2-3 days.
The InfiniPower™ technology backing the system promises 3,000 cycles to 80% capacity, translating to a 10-year functional lifespan under typical use patterns. Anker backs this with a 5-year warranty—longest in class and double most competitors.
⚡ Anker SOLIX F3800 – Current Best Price
$3,999
$4,799
-17% OFF
- ✅ 3,840Wh expandable to 26,880Wh with 6x batteries
- ✅ 6,000W split-phase (120V/240V) for whole home backup
- ✅ 2,400W solar input — 0-80% charge in 1.5 hours
- ✅ InfiniPower™ 10-year lifespan guarantee + 5-year warranty
Check Current Price on Anker →
💡 Price checked November 9, 2025 | Free shipping on orders $50+ | 30% Federal Tax Credit eligible
Real-world application for a 2-3 bedroom home shows 12-24 hours runtime on essential loads from the base 3,840Wh capacity. Add solar panels and that extends to 3-5 days of indefinite operation as long as weather cooperates. For homeowners in areas with 1-2 day typical outages, the base unit alone provides sufficient coverage.
Price positioning sits at $3,999 for the base F3800 unit, $2,499 per BP3800 expansion battery. A typical starter system (F3800 + one battery) runs $6,498 before tax credits. Factor in the 30% federal credit and you’re looking at $4,549 out of pocket.
This system fits homeowners who want premium features, longest warranty protection, future expansion capability, and bleeding-edge technology. The higher upfront cost compared to budget alternatives delivers value through longevity, expandability, and performance.
🔋 Expand Your System: BP3800 Expansion Battery
$1,799 $2,499 — Double your capacity to 7,680Wh
3,840Wh LFP battery | 3,000 cycles | Seamless F3800 integration
EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra — Maximum Capacity
EcoFlow’s flagship targets serious whole-home requirements where capacity trumps other considerations. The Delta Pro Ultra starts at 6,000Wh base capacity—already 50% larger than F3800—and expands to an industry-leading 90,000Wh through multiple battery units.
The 7,200W continuous output (9,000W surge) provides the highest single-unit power in this comparison. This matters for homes running central air conditioning, electric ranges, or other high-draw appliances simultaneously. The dual voltage input accepting both 120V and 240V wall charging enables 3,600W maximum charge rate from the grid.
Trade-offs appear in other areas. At $5,999 for the base unit, it costs 50% more than F3800 for only 56% more capacity. The 99-pound weight makes positioning and transport more challenging. Most significantly, the 3-year warranty falls short of Anker’s 5-year coverage—concerning for a $6,000+ investment.
This system makes sense for larger homes (2,500+ sq ft), extended off-grid applications, or homeowners prioritizing maximum capacity and output over price efficiency.
Jackery 5000 Plus — Modular Flexibility
Jackery pioneered the portable power station category and maintains market leadership through brand recognition, retail availability, and established reliability. The 5000 Plus represents their whole-home offering, balancing proven technology with modern features.
The 5,000Wh base capacity sits between F3800 and Delta Pro Ultra, offering solid middle-ground positioning. The 7,200W continuous output (14,400W surge with dual units) handles most residential loads comfortably.
Modular expansion accepts up to two additional battery packs, bringing total capacity to 12,000Wh. While less than competitors’ maximum expansion, 12kWh covers typical residential backup needs for 2-4 days without solar assistance. The 4,000W solar input provides excellent charging capability—full recharge in 1.7 hours under optimal conditions.
Where Jackery excels: customer service reputation, extensive retail presence (available at Costco, Home Depot, Best Buy), and established track record. You’re buying proven technology with known reliability, not bleeding-edge features that might reveal issues over time. However, at around $3,999-4,500 for the base unit, you pay a premium relative to specifications.
Bluetti AC500 — Budget-Conscious Expansion
Bluetti approaches whole-home backup differently—a modular inverter unit paired with separate battery modules. The AC500 inverter provides 5,000W continuous output (10,000W surge) but contains no battery. You purchase B300 or B300S battery modules separately, mixing and matching capacity to needs and budget.
A typical starter configuration combines the AC500 with two B300 batteries (3,072Wh each), delivering 6,144Wh total capacity for approximately $3,999. This represents the lowest entry price for true whole-home capability—roughly $0.65 per watt-hour versus $1.04 for F3800.
Trade-offs appear in several areas. The 1,400W solar input limits charging speed—full recharge takes 4-5 hours with optimal panel arrays. More critically, the AC500 lacks native split-phase 240V output. Bluetti sells a fusion box adapter that combines two AC units for split-phase power, but this doubles your investment and adds complexity.
Real-world fit works best for DIY enthusiasts comfortable with modular systems, gradual expansion planners, and budget-conscious buyers willing to trade convenience for cost savings. For homeowners on city water without 240V requirements, the AC500 delivers excellent value.
| Feature | Anker F3800 | EcoFlow DPU | Jackery 5000 | Bluetti AC500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Capacity | 3,840Wh | 6,000Wh | 5,000Wh | 3,072Wh |
| Max Expansion | 26,880Wh | 90,000Wh | 12,000Wh | 18,432Wh |
| AC Output | 6,000W | 7,200W | 7,200W | 5,000W |
| Split-Phase 240V | ✅ Native | ✅ Native | ✅ Native | ❌ Adapter req |
| Solar Input | 2,400W | 5,600W | 4,000W | 1,400W |
| Charge Time (0-80%) | 1.5 hrs | 1.8 hrs | 1.7 hrs | 3.0 hrs |
| Warranty | 5 years | 3 years | 3 years | 4 years |
| Base Price | $3,999 | $5,999 | $3,999 | $3,999 |
The comparison reveals no universal winner. Your home size, power requirements, budget constraints, and feature priorities determine the best fit. For a deeper comparison between two popular brands, see our Jackery vs Anker for home backup analysis.
System Costs and Budget Planning
Understanding total home battery backup system cost requires looking beyond the power station’s price tag. A complete whole-home backup installation includes multiple components, each adding to your investment. Breaking down costs helps you budget accurately and identify areas for phased implementation.
💰 Complete System Investment Breakdown
Entry Level System
- Bluetti AC500 + 2x B300
- Manual 6-circuit switch
- 2x portable solar panels
- 1-2 day backup
Mid-Range System ⭐
- Anker F3800 + 1x BP3800
- Manual 10-circuit switch
- 4x portable solar panels
- 2-3 day backup
Premium System
- Anker F3800 + 2x BP3800
- Smart Home Power Kit
- 6x roof-mounted panels
- 3-5+ day backup
Few homeowners can invest $10,000-15,000 upfront. Smart approach involves phasing: Year 1 covers core system ($4,000-7,000), Year 2 adds solar expansion ($1,500-3,000), Year 3 increases capacity ($2,500-5,000). This spreads investment across three years with separate 30% tax credits for each purchase.
Understanding the 30% Federal Tax Credit
The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) significantly reduces whole-home backup costs, but understanding what qualifies prevents surprises at tax time. The credit applies to energy storage systems paired with renewable energy, with specific documentation requirements.
Energy storage systems qualify for the 30% residential clean energy credit through 2032 when charged by renewable energy sources. You claim the credit using IRS Form 5695 attached to your standard Form 1040 tax return.
💡 Pro Tip: The credit is non-refundable but carries forward. If you owe $4,000 in taxes but have a $6,000 credit, you owe $0 this year and carry the remaining $2,000 credit to next year’s taxes. Tax situations vary significantly, so consider consulting tax professionals familiar with renewable energy credits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a portable power station really power my whole house?
Yes, but with important caveats. “Whole home” means your essential circuits, not running everything simultaneously. Modern split-phase systems like the Anker F3800 (6,000W) can power refrigerators, freezers, furnaces, well pumps, lighting, and electronics—covering 80-90% of needs during outages. You’ll manage high-draw appliances like central AC strategically rather than running continuously.
How long will a whole home backup system actually run my house?
Runtime depends on battery capacity, consumption rate, and solar recharge capability. A base F3800 (3,840Wh) running 2,000W of essential loads provides roughly 12-24 hours managed intelligently. Add expansion batteries and that extends to 2-3 days. With solar panels actively recharging during daylight, you can operate indefinitely with careful load management.
Do I need an electrician to install a whole home backup system?
Yes, for proper transfer switch installation connecting your backup system to your home’s electrical panel. While the power station itself requires no installation (plug and play), safely integrating with house circuits demands licensed electrical work. Attempting DIY transfer switch connections violates electrical codes, voids warranties, and creates deadly backfeeding risks. Professional installation typically costs $500-1,500 depending on transfer switch complexity.
Will these systems work during winter or in cold weather?
LiFePO4 batteries perform well in cold weather, though available capacity temporarily decreases below freezing. At 32°F, expect 80-90% of rated capacity. At 0°F, capacity drops to 60-70%. Performance returns fully when temperatures rise—cold causes no permanent damage. The more significant challenge involves solar panel output during winter. Plan battery capacity generously for winter outage scenarios in cold climates.
How does this compare to a traditional generator?
Battery systems offer silent operation, zero emissions, no fuel storage, and zero maintenance compared to generators’ noise, fumes, regular maintenance, and fuel management. Generators provide unlimited runtime as long as fuel lasts and typically cost less upfront ($3,000-6,000). Battery systems cost more initially but eliminate ongoing fuel costs ($50-100 per outage), maintenance expenses ($200-400 annually), and qualify for 30% federal tax credits.
Can I run my central air conditioning on a backup power station?
Technically yes, but practically challenging. Central AC units draw 3,000-5,000W continuously, quickly depleting even large battery banks. A 4,000W central AC running on an F3800 (3,840Wh) would drain the battery in under an hour—impractical for extended outages. Realistic expectation: battery systems excel at essential loads, struggle with sustained high-draw appliances like AC without very large (20kWh+) battery banks.
What maintenance do these systems require?
Minimal compared to generators. Battery-based systems need no oil changes, no spark plugs, no fuel system maintenance. Recommended maintenance includes: quarterly functionality testing, annual comprehensive discharge/recharge cycle, periodic firmware updates through companion apps, occasional solar panel cleaning (every 2-3 months), and annual inspection by electricians verifying transfer switch integrity ($100-200).
Will this save money on my electricity bills?
Potentially, depending on your utility rate structure and solar integration. If your utility charges time-of-use rates, you can charge batteries during cheap off-peak hours and discharge during expensive peak hours—saving $20-60 monthly. With solar panels, you reduce grid consumption, lowering bills by $50-150 monthly. However, these savings typically take 8-12 years to offset the system’s cost. Most homeowners purchase primarily for backup security, viewing bill savings as a bonus.
What happens if the system runs out of power during an outage?
The power station shuts down automatically when batteries reach minimum safe voltage (typically 10-15% remaining capacity) to protect batteries from damage. You’ll lose power to connected circuits until you can recharge—either when grid power returns or through solar panels the next day. Modern systems provide low-battery warnings through companion apps and audible alarms, giving you 1-2 hours notice to reduce consumption or prepare for shutdown.
Can I install this system myself or do I need professionals?
The power station itself requires no installation—unbox, charge, and use. However, whole-home integration demands professional electrical work. You can legally use your power station with extension cords during outages, manually connecting essential devices. But proper whole-home backup through your electrical panel requires transfer switch installation by licensed electricians. Some homeowners DIY the power station purchase and solar panel setup, then hire electricians specifically for transfer switch work.
Final Verdict: Choosing Your System
After examining capabilities, costs, and trade-offs, the decision comes down to matching systems to your specific situation. No universal “best” exists—only best home battery backup system for your home, budget, and priorities.
For most homeowners seeking comprehensive modern backup, the Anker SOLIX F3800 delivers optimal balance. The 6,000W split-phase output handles genuine whole-home loads including well pumps and 240V circuits. The 2,400W solar input provides fastest recharge times, critical during multi-day outages with intermittent sun. InfiniPower™ technology and 5-year warranty offer peace of mind for what becomes a decade-long investment.
The expandability from 3,840Wh to 26,880Wh means you start at a comfortable price point ($3,999 base, $6,498 with one expansion battery) and grow capacity as needs or budget evolve. After 30% federal tax credits, a starter system costs $6,370 out of pocket—reasonable for the capability delivered.
🎯 Which System Is Right for You?
- You want longest warranty (5 years) and proven 10-year lifespan
- Fast solar charging (2,400W) is priority
- Budget allows $3,999-6,500 for starter system
- You value expandability to 26,880Wh
- Native split-phase 240V is essential (well pumps, etc)
- Maximum capacity (90kWh expansion) is priority
- Your home exceeds 2,500 sq ft with higher demands
- Budget permits $5,999 base price
- Highest output (7,200W) needed for large loads
- Brand recognition and retail availability matter
- You value proven reliability over newest features
- Customer service reputation influences decisions
- Comfortable paying premium for established track record
- Budget constraints limit to $3,999-4,500
- You’re comfortable with DIY and modular assembly
- City water means no native split-phase needed
- Gradual expansion appeals over upfront capacity
Power outages will continue increasing as infrastructure ages and weather events intensify. The question isn’t whether you’ll experience outages, but whether you’ll be prepared when they happen. A properly sized whole home backup battery system transforms outages from crisis events into minor inconveniences—your home stays powered, your family stays comfortable, and your food stays fresh while you wait for utility crews to restore service.
Start by calculating your essential load requirements using our Home Backup Power Stations guide. Identify which circuits must stay powered. Select a power station sized for 1.5x that load. Plan transfer switch installation with licensed electricians. Add solar panels matching your battery capacity for extended outage capability.
Ready to Secure Your Home’s Power?
The Anker SOLIX F3800 is currently $800 off — our top-rated whole home backup system
✓ Free shipping | ✓ 5-year warranty | ✓ 30% tax credit eligible
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. As an Anker SOLIX affiliate, we earn commissions from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. We only recommend products we believe provide value for whole-home backup applications. All opinions reflect our analysis of specifications, features, and real-world applicability.
Prices accurate as of November 9, 2025 and subject to change. Consult licensed electricians and tax professionals for your specific situation. The 30% federal tax credit requires documentation of renewable energy integration—verify eligibility with qualified tax advisors.
