Homeowners urged to pick suitable backup power as outages rise

Battery banks, portable generators and whole‑house systems each offer different levels of power, cost and convenience for keeping homes running during storms, heat waves or prolonged outages. Portable battery banks can recharge phones and small devices for under $100, while larger units with sockets run a few hundred dollars. Traditional generators, fueled by diesel, propane or gasoline, can power larger appliances but require outdoor use and cost several hundred to over $1,000. Whole‑house systems, hard‑wired to a home’s electrical panel and often tied to natural gas or propane tanks, can supply an entire residence but start at $5,000 and may need weeks for installation.

Experts advise matching the solution to the expected outage duration and personal needs. “If you’re deciding between different backup power options for what you need, different conditions are going to require different elements, like a heat wave versus a hurricane,” said Noah Kittner, associate professor at the University of North Carolina’s Gillings School of Global Public Health. Mark Dyson of the energy nonprofit RMI added, “The standard designs for fuel tank capacity are no longer sufficient to deal with multiday outages, which we’re increasingly seeing due to extreme weather.” Those with medical devices should consider whole‑house or larger battery systems that may qualify for tax deductions, while portable solar‑charged power stations are gaining popularity as clean‑energy alternatives.